I have a friend that is living in the philippines that is thinking of starting a pen-pal or introduction service. I told him it was illeagle in the RP and that he could be jailed & deported if he got caught. I read somewhere i think by atty Tess the web site that told of this law, Does anyony know that website I want him to read it before he takes the chance of bieng thrown out of paradice

I plan to move to the Philippines by January. I am still planning on what business to engage in with a capital of say $20,000.00. A friend told me about possible ""franchise"" of an ISP business worth $8,000.00. And he said he can find a business partner to share in the business on a 50% basis meaning I will put up $4,000.00. As a Franchise, you will be on top of two major business operations in my assigned area. (I have the option to select my area of operation provided it is not covered yet and because Metro Manila area is big, I can choose a city in Metro Manila. Quezon City and Pasig City area are still available open but I have to decide quick because these are good areas and somebody else may get the frachise for those areas.)

Do you know anything about Quezon City an Pasig City. These are very large cities, Quezon a massive one extending far into the countryside, with room for many Internet Cafes. There are already thousands, mostly game parlors. Peter, moving quickly in a business deal is not a good idea anywhere. Here is often leads to disaster. You as a foreigner can only own 40 percent of a business. Be careful who your friends and business partners are. I can't speak for Manila, but the Internet Cafe business here in Cebu is only profitable if you do games by a school and that is not legal. Texting has taken over Internet for personal communication, locally. Those who do computers games by school schools do well. They pay bribes to authorities, but make money unless or until they are busted. I wouldn't touch it, personally. With an unknown partner and 40 percent, I would run from it. I deleted the company information, much too commercial. The company mentioned or an agent spammed this list before.

The law is on the list website, John, www.livinginthephilippines.com/style.html . But he will have to listen to a country rendition (is there any other kind?) while he reads it. It is pretty common knowledge that those are illegal over here and that some of those who run them in foreign countries where it is legal, have been put on the Philippines, ""unwanted alien,"" list.

I know many folks are involved in this business here. It is so popular is getting to the point that qualified or almost qualified nurses are being chased down the street. The Philippines can't produce enough qualified nurses or physical therapists to fill the needs of the world, but they are trying. And the recruiters are sitting on their doorsteps as they have for many years.

IN the previous column, we focused on what kind of working and immigrant visas a nurse could be sponsored into the United States, as well as the legal basis for the sponsorship for Filipino nurses. This is the continuation of the guide, which we hope will enable our ""kababayan"" (countrymen) to check out the fine print. How long do I have to work for the sponsoring employer? The length of time stated in your contract (employment agreement, sponsorship agreement, placement agreement, or whatever they call it) is not set by law. It depends on the sponsor/employer and the type of visa petition being filed.

Internet associated businesses in the phils aren't a good investment in my opinion, I've had an internet cafe in pasay for the last 3 years it's break even at best and pays the wages of a few filipino relatives. My personal opinion would be a mercury drugstore franchise, bottled water franchice and food related businesses...I will be movin there in january but my inestments will be limited until I figure thains out, like someonbe said a fool and his money are soon parted...go slow and easy....my two sense

Slow down buddy, you're scaring me! Listen to what Don says, he is correct. The metro areas of the Philippines are flooded with internet cafe's. You might have a chance if you did it in a remote province with less competition, but you will get eaten alive in Metro Manila. Only my opinion.

The law can easily be found by some quick internet searches, but why bother to do the guy's homework for him. Anyone who doesn't listen to advice and sets up shop doing that kind of business (introductions and facilitating, etc.) while living in the RP probably deserves any subsequent legal action for just plain stupidity. There was a time, a few years back, before internet commerce, when relatively clever folks could make some good money by not being too conspicuous and making their clients happy. The political climate, too much competition and bad media coverage, however, has made the success of that kind of business a thing of the past. However, if he wants to move to Moscow, introduction services are wide open there, but he better watch out for local competition.

my advice...no ISP future here as I can see...the giant telco/ISPs are eating up the pie including traditional dial-up service and pre-paid Internet cards with DSL and broadband connections... only the good thing is that costs is really diving... I'm working in one telco/ISP dealing mostly business clients. As a Franchise, you will be on top of two major business operations in my assigned area. (I have the option to select my area of operation provided it is not covered yet and because Metro Manila area is big, I can choose a city in Metro Manila. Quezon City and Pasig City area are still available open but I have to decide quick because these are good areas and somebody else may get the frachise for those areas.) not Metro Manila of all places...i've seen some of our ISP clients fold up due to stiff competition and high costs just recently...been really hard times here but coping Do you know anything about Quezon City an Pasig City. These are very large cities, Quezon a massive one extending far into the countryside, with room for many Internet Cafes. There are already thousands, mostly game parlors. 10 years ago i thought of this when i was still a college student...it would have been a very good idea... but not now...(i guess you can estimate my age...i'm sure most of you here are in their 40's and up) most of them only earn through gaming not Internet access...and I hate to see mostly the youth ""addicted"" to them, cutting classes and spending their money ""killing"" CounterStrike, Warcraft et al and should be studying...there are also rules by the Dept of Education banning said shops a certain distance from schools.... I'm *not* saying those shops are evil... I really don't want to earn money from kids and be part of their ""miseducation""... more responsible business should be more like it...

I assume you will want to use the car so you need to know the 10 rules of the road: 1. The biggest vehicle has right of way, no exceptions 2. Every 15 seconds, change lanes 3. Press the horn for anybody who stops unnecessary for more than 2 seconds 4. Ignore all traffic lights 5. When all lanes are full go to the other side of the road and make incoming traffic move over 6. On the highway always overtake on the hard shoulder 7. Pedestrians have right of way everywhere, assume all pedestrians are blind and cannot see your car 8. If hitting a pedestrian, make sure you kill them it is cheaper than hospital fees 9. In an accident assume it is your fault, if you are a foreigner it definitely is your fault. 10. Get a driver they understand the rules a lot better than a foreigner ever will

It is a good idea to also wear a hat here, a local straw with brim is probably best. The ones with bills, like baseball caps are better than nothing, but not nearly as effective, I understand. Some local straws are very nice and inexpensive. A hat, I often wear, will get you more smiles from the Filipinos, especially if you have a wild band. The foreigners will kid you. But it will not only help protect you from skin cancer, maybe, but will protect your head from Filipino structures that are at about 5'11"", important if you are over that height. A full brimmed straw can be a life saver in more ways than one.

Anyone know if the cell phone systems in the RP are able to do data?? In the states I use my cellphone hooked to my home computer to surf the net with. I have an adapter ($70) and then plug it into my serial port to get online. The service cost's me $6.95 a month extra and is almost as fast (with the compression software) as my dialup that I used to use. I was thinking of using it in Bantayan, I don't think there's any internet on the island any more

I don't know how you guys drive in Alabang, but follow all these rules in Cebu and you won't only get caught by the Traffic Aides, you'll also land yourself in jail for homide thru wreckless impudence.

If I may also add something from personal knowledge and research, even though I am not living (yet) in the Philippines. The ISP and Internet Cafe area of business is _very_ well covered, especially in Metro Manila. It seems every week or so there's someone coming on board here who broaches an idea that is similar in some way to: ""I know something about the internet, so I'm going to use my technical skills to make a business work."" You need to understand that the Philippines, especially in the big cites is _very_ technically savvy. If you'll check listing avaliable online, there are thousands of companies providing services. Because of the general economy and the amount of competition, prices for service (and thus potential profit margins) are razor thin. The telco industry is not not as competitive and de-regulated as in the US, either. Things that make perfectly good sense technically may wind up 'disapproved' by the telephone company, and thus, in effect, by the governement. Just getting phone lines, let alone DSL or dedicated data lines can take months or longer, thus your potential business may have everything it needs, but wither on the vine waiting for connectivity. The Philippines uses texting for example to do many business tasks (security alarm monitoring, vehicle tracking and location reporting, etc.) via SMS (text) that are only beginning to come into their own the internet in the US. There is a certified computer technical school on every other street corner and more MSCE's and other network-certified people per capita than in any US city you cna imagine, except, perhaps, Mountain View California. If you have superior business skils and management capabilites, you may well have a fighting chance, but if you aren't already running a business successfully in the US, it will be much more difficult, not easier, to successfully start an internet business in the Philippines.

My feeling has always been that one should have real business experience in his own country before considering starting something (on the advice of others who are not successful) in the RP. I share your curiosity and wonder at these questions we are hearing from guys about startups of business types in the RP that are already overworked. For someone to be prepared to drop $5,000-$20,000 on a cybercafe or a money-lending business is the height of innocence and a darn good way to lose that money real fast. The ever-reappearing theme of ""cybercafes in the RP"" reminds me of the appeal of video stores as startup businesses in the US about 15 years ago. How many people do we know who made a killing (or even a good return on their investment) with straight video rentals?

If your work is the only thing that makes you happy today, you are in real trouble when it comes to retirement. Better to see work as a necessary evil, especially towards retirement, and have plans that are realistic and enjoyable."" . . . ""Relaxing is a fine art. I have been on the Net enough for a while this morning between visitors and exercise, looking at designs of recumbent bike and the newer stunt kites. That is relaxing to me. But now I am really going to relax, by taking a nap, something I could not do if I were in business here. Then off to the mall for some browsing."" I'm going to add my ""two cents"" here because I believe this thread has opened an issue that merits further discussion. Similar to many others on this list, I too contemplate retirement in the Philippines. For me, retirement is about 5 years in the future, but still close enough to start seriously thinking about. My wife is a Filipina, born in the PI, so retirement in the Philippines is an obvious option. The cost of living is certainly attractive and I view being near relatives as a plus. However, one concern I haven't fully addressed is how would I spend my time? As Don suggests, for some, operating a business may be necessary to retain a sense of ""self"", but for me operating a business would be more along the lines of a hobby or ""something to do."" One of the items of ""baggage"" that most of us carry from our Western culture is the fast-paced nature of our lives. Most of us are always working on a ""to do"" list, whether it be at work, or at home. Slowing down can be a real CHALLENGE. I believe it takes time to learn how to slow down again. The way I look at it, a ""hobby business"" might just provide the transition I need from the faster- paced life I am now accustomed to, to the slower-paced life that the PI affords. Without a business, or some venture to absorb my mind (and time), I fear that I might quickly become bored. I can only do so much strolling through the malls and such. My goal, given time, would be to adjust to the slower pace of the PI. But, in the interim, I believe having a pre-planned ""something to do"" is a prudent course of action for anyone transitioning from a faster-paced life style. It certainly appears that Don H. and others have made that transition successfully, but not everyone adapts to a slower pace gracefully or quickly. As Don H. acknowledges, ""relaxing is a fine are"". As with any ""fine art"" skill requires some effort. Any thoughts?

I have set around with many retirees, talking about business ideas. They usually want to go into business, though they have more than sufficient income. They need the status, I feel, a lot more than the money. They need recognition, a purpose, and helping others does not occur to them, even thought is the best thing going. It is not a cultural norm in the west except for the very rich who have massive incomes and work too, usually. Many people in western countries *are* their jobs or businesses. The more successful they are in them the more the are so. They can't feature themselves being ""barnacles,"" simply eating off the bottom and slowing down the ship, even if it is not going anywhere. And not making money, which has become a measure of personal worth, makes them feel impotent. They feel they have to work to demonstrate value. I talked to a guy in a bar in Angeles once, drunk in the morning, both of up. His friend said to show him respect because formerly he was the leader of the ""teamsters,"" or some such in Australia. I thought to myself, ""So what. Now he is just a drunk in a bar, just like me."" Some cannot forget the past and deal with the future. I talk to many retirees here. One retired US Army general I talked with said ""Life is over for me. I am just waiting to die. I had my day in the sun. I will never be a general again."" One day you are ""Director of Management,"" or ""Chief of Data Processing Operations,"" ""Western Regional Sales Manager,"" or what ever title, regional or international they bestow on you. (When I was with the Department of Agriculture, one of my friends had the title, Head Swine. The USDA had a Swine Division. ) And the day after retirement you are just you. The title evaporates. You can bask in the former glory for a while, but it grows cold quickly. It may be best to put the past behind and see every day is a new beginning. If not, maybe you too, will just be waiting to die. Some of the eastern religions suggest you have value if you sit and do nothing, value as a being. This is hard to accept for westerners. Personally, I buy it though have a hard time subscribing to it sometimes, too. The Internet and the libraries are full of books on how to make money for retirement. But on how to enjoy retirement, there are few resources. And most of it has to come from within. If your work is the only thing that makes you happy today, you are in real trouble when it comes to retirement. Better to see work as a necessary evil, especially towards retirement, and have plans that are realistic and enjoyable. Some have never known anything but work, They feel guilty doing anything else. They must continue to accomplish. And they know they cannot be employees here, so feel they are going to have to go into business to keep occupied or be a person. It is hard to succeed in business in any country. And if you have never done business before, successfully, you face a gargantuan task, especially in a different culture. Some can handle it, emotionally and intellectually. Most can't. Many want bars here, just so they can have a place they can drink, be king and not get thrown out. They don't really care about making money, just the booze and maybe the girls and a little admiration from the guys. And you can run a vanity business pretty cheap, so you don't pay too much for your strokes. Some try to help the local economy. But that is more overstated than fact, from my observations. Most are interested only in themselves and their families, not that there is anything wrong with that. Relaxing is a fine art. I have been on the Net enough for a while this morning between visitors and exercise, looking at designs of recumbent bike and the newer stunt kites. That is relaxing to me. But now I am really going to relax, by taking a nap, something I could not do if I were in business here. Then off to the mall for some browsing

Others may have different viewpoint, but I will give mine. Living in the Philippines is cheaper than many other parts of the world but one still neads some money for food, drink etc. You also need somewhere to live, either rented or bought, assuming one is not 'roughing it'. So there are Electricity, Gas, Water, Telephone bills to pay as well. When I first came to Cebu to live, I was on a 'retainer' of US$3,000 per month. This money stopped on 1st April this year. At least the house I live in is now fully paid so dont have to worry about Rent money. I am too young to retire yet and receive income from my UK Private Pension Funds, and a long way off UK State Pension. So if I want to stay here I have to find some income. Finding a suitable job is proving difficult and extremely slow. My experience is Voice & Data communications - Telecomms. This industry is in big recession at the moment, the Philippines is no exception. I do want to stay in the Philippines (preferably Cebu) and do have my 13A Visa now. So my goal is to find a business, with my wife, that can cover the bills and the cost of living. I calculate all I need is US$200 to US$300 for this (since we now own the house outright). I have many ideas for business and dont really know if they will work out. I have therefore decided to pursue the one with the best chance of succeeding. This is my Summary for Success:- i) One that you have some experience with/in. ii) Proven Market exists for product/service. iii) Business Plan shows it will be profitable at marketable price. iv) Sustainable Growth. I have therefore decided to push ahead with my 'British Bangers - National Competition award winning, Premium Pork Sausages'. I used to help my Dad make these award winning sausages in his own Butchers Shop in the UK. I have already produced test batches of the sausage here in Cebu, to his secret recipe but using local Pork and imported other ingredients. Have 'customers' waiting for production to start. No real competion - closest alternative is Europa Delicattesen, but their product is Php423/Kilo in the Supermarkets. I hope to be able to sell superior product for under Php250/Kilo! Just awaiting final quotes from suppliers (and new batch of seasoning to see if closer to my Dad's original recipe). Being Food product, one can get repeat orders - sustainable market. The meat supplier I am expecting to buy wholesale from, wants to purchase finished Premium British Pork Sausage and sell in his Meat Shops throughout the RP. So Chris I hope this helps answer your question. I for one am being realistic. It is difficult finding a profitable sustainable (legal) business. If it was easy, many would already be doing it. One must set reasonable, aims that are relatively easy to attain, since one is more likely to succeed then. I also intend to have achieved regular, increasing income, before investing in more commercial equiment, bigger premises etc. I want to enjoy the Philippines and my life and wife here and I want to do that whilst I am relatively young. I certainly do not want to wait until I am 65 years old (UK Retirement Age). The alternative (subject to finding the right job) is to go back to the UK (where I dont need any Work Permit) and build up some more savings before retiring to the Philippines. Ideally one should only consider 'LinP' with enough income to 'survive' at a level you will be happy with. Any business should ideally be 'icing on the cake' for lifes luxuries like new clothes, holidays, 'presents' for relatives, etc. Just my viewpoint OK

I have therefore decided to push ahead with my 'British Bangers - National Competition award winning, Premium Pork Sausages'. I used to help my Dad make these award winning sausages in his own Butchers Shop in the UK. I have already produced test batches of the sausage here in Cebu, to his secret recipe but using local Pork and imported other ingredients. Have 'customers' waiting for production to start. No real competion - closest alternative is Europa Delicattesen, but their product is Php423/Kilo in the Supermarkets. I hope to be able to sell superior product for under Php250/Kilo! Just awaiting final quotes from suppliers (and new batch of seasoning to see if closer to my Dad's original recipe). Being Food product, one can get repeat orders - sustainable market. The meat supplier I am expecting to buy wholesale from, wants to purchase finished Premium British Pork Sausage and sell in his Meat Shops throughout the RP. So Chris I hope this helps answer your question. I for one am being realistic. It is difficult finding a profitable sustainable (legal) business. If it was easy, many would already be doing it. One must set reasonable, aims that are relatively easy to attain, since one is more likely to succeed then. I also intend to have achieved regular, increasing income, before investing in more commercial equiment, bigger premises etc. I want to enjoy the Philippines and my life and wife here and I want to do that whilst I am relatively young. I certainly do not want to wait until I am 65 years old (UK Retirement Age). The alternative (subject to finding the right job) is to go back to the UK (where I dont need any Work Permit) and build up some more savings before retiring to the Philippines. Ideally one should only consider 'LinP' with enough income to 'survive' at a level you will be happy with. Any business should ideally be 'icing on the cake' for lifes luxuries like new clothes, holidays, 'presents' for relatives, etc.

The need for your own vehicle really depends on where you live. If for example here in Cebu, if living within the City limits, there is little need for your own car since Taxis are readily available day or night and relatively cheap. Where I have chosen to live (because cost of house & lot is cheaper) in Talisay some 12Km from Cebu City centre, the need for my own vehicle becomes more important. Taxis are few and far between in the Subdivision and whilst Motorcycle 'Trike' are readily available they are not allways practical. I would never buy a new vehicle since the cost is high and depreciate rapidly. I decided on Toyota Tamaraw FX Diesel since it is assembled in the Philippines = lower price new, very popular = ubundant spares. The price new is still more than Php700K which is more than we paid for our House and Lot. Diesel fuel is cheaper than Gasoline and deisel engines have a reputation for lasting much much longer if properly maintained. I bought a 6 year old Tamaraw FX model that had been previously owned by a foreigner. It had alloy wheels, tinted windows and Dual Aircon installed along with Pioneer stereo system. I finally paid Php230K but should have gone lower because of the slight oil leak from the engine. I do not advise buying a car much more than 5 years old? Why - because spares are not carried by main dealer on cars older than 10 years (which limits how many hassle free years you can expect). Also one can not get 'Comprehensive' insurance for vehicles older than 10 years - not even 'Fire & Theft' coverage. Shop around for insurance - I found some on the Internet Crowe Insurance - First Direct. They gave me comprehensive cover for just over Php5,000. It also includes free Windscreen repair and Recovery Service. This was under half the amount using an Insurance Company that my wife's cousin, who works for RDAK, has contact with! I personally would never touch these 'Multicab' type vehicles. They are 'surplus' from Japan and you only get what you pay for. Sure they look good value when you see 4WD and aircon for Php200K or something. Just speak to people who have owned such vehicles for more than 2 years to find out what their true value is. My asawa bought one from RDAK (her cousin) and ran it as Jeepney business - breakdowns, repairs and 'accident' payouts (and unscupulous drivers no doubt) made sure this was a money loss business. If these Multicabs have aircon, it wont work well, or will give low vehicle performance and/or engine overheating. They often break down and spare parts (new) not readily available - have to import from Japan. The steel used on the bodywork is very thin which means they rust through very quickly unless one pays for underseal treatment and maintains well. Resale value is correspondingly low. LinP member Mike Rossiter bought a Suzuki pick up with aircon for Php120K. I believe and sold it when he left 15 months later for Php75k I think (or 38% depreciation!). My Tamaraw FX has been very reliable with one exception - the alternator failed. This was expensive to repair with new rotor and brushes(Php12k). The aircon also failed once but this did not stop the car working. I could probably sell it for about Php190K which is less than 20% depreciation over 20 months (ignoring the alternator repair cost). Another good reason for not buying new, but low mileage 2nd hand, is the bad driving! No matter how defensively one drives, there almost inevitably is going to be a prang at some point! Even if not your fault, getting real money from the other driver is going to be difficult. They probably wont have 'real' insurance, only that required by 'law' which only pays out if they maim or kill you! My insurance requires I pay the first Php2k of any claim. A DIY approach to repairs can get the work done much cheaper and quicker. For example when a Trike 'rammed me' from a side road pulling out blind from wrong side of a side road, the damage to his 'girder' fender mounted 'tank like' attachment was nothing. It made a nice mess to my nearside front wing and Indicator/Side Light lens assembly. Quotes from Insurance afflilated garages ranged from Php4K to Php5K. I unbolted the broken lens assembly and bought 'pattern' replacement for Php450. I unbolted the wing and hammered back the bent damaged areas myself. OK so with no filler and no new paint job you can still see it was in an accident. I could not see the point in paying Php2-3k above the Insurance 'excess' to have it look like new, only for some other idiot do more damage in the same spot a short while later. I will make good the small imperfections and scratches should I ever consider selling it. In the mean time grey metal primer is fine. So Budd sorry for the long reply but hope you find it informative. In short if you have to buy a vehicle because Taxi not convenient, get yourself a low mileage 2nd hand one for about Php300-400K (preferably Diesel) and one rugged enough to cope with the potholes. Biggest and highest rules Ok when it comes to other vehicles giving you right of way also. Thats why you dont 'argue' with the 'buses' or the 'Van Hires' - not only they usually bigger - but they have crazy drivers. Jeepneys and Multicabs you dont have to worry about to much as long as you expect them to stop and/or pull out at any moment. I was taught ""Mirror/Signal/Manouvre"". Here it is more ""Manouver, wait for a horn, if you hear one Mirror and/or brake, if not carry on"". Use of indicators just prompts other vehicles to get past you, or they use 'Hazard lights' (pressumably because they are a moving hazard!). Less than 10% use Indicators correctly I would guess - no make that 5%! If you horn is broken - dont drive! Seriously - too dangerous to drive in Cebu without a working horn!

I wish here in Manila the police were more strict, but while trying to make it humerous there is a lot of truth in this. I drive here sometimes and my biggest concern is hitting a pedestrian they just seem to walk right in front of the car as if they do not see you. I have also been warned if you do hit somebody being a foreigner, be prepared for a big pay out, irrespective of who was at fault. The law apparently restricts your liability to 10,000 pesos if your not at fault, but in reality you will have to pay a lot more. The third party liability covers you for 50,000 pesos and I have topped this up by another 150,000 pesos which was the maximun i was able to get.

I have a quick question for anyone who wishes to answer it. How is the Philippines economy? I am having a hard time finding current information. Is it improving or getting worse? Are there any Americans living in the Philippines now that can briefly compare the Philippine and American living standards? Is it hard to live comfortably in the Philippines without being seen as extravagent? Are there any Pilipinos living in the States that can tell me how living conditions are in the US compared to the Philippines. Are there any Pilipinos living in the Phlippines who can comment on Americans living in the Philippines? Are they looked at as extravagent? And if anyone knows a good, current website in regard to the Philippine economy, please let me know.

Employment? As a foriegner you are not legal to work, unless employed by a foriegn employer. Chances of obtaining this are slim as you will be competing against 95% of every other foriegner who want the same thing. There are VERY FEW jobs available. You cannot legally work at any job that could be filled by a Filipino. Economy? On a scale of one to ten, ten being the american economy, the Philippines would probably rate a two or three. It varies considerably contingent upon area, the cities having a better economy than the remote areas. However, even in the cities a skilled labor position (ie carpenter, electrician, mechanic, etc.) would likely only earn P100 to P200 a day. In american dollars this boils down to less than $4. Foodservice, sales clerks, etc. earn less than that. Takehome pay for these positions range from P2000 to P5000 per month. Roughly translated $40 to $100 a month. It doesn't take a mathematician to figure out this amount of money would not go far. If you are thinking of going to the Philippines to work for a living, you best rethink unless you take employment with you.

I am currently working on a new website regarding the philippines. I intend it to be a very diverse site with info pertaining to many issues, including but not limited to, culture, travel, retirement, legal issues, and the MOB industry to name a few. At present I am working on the links page. I would appreciate anyone sending me their favorite links. Out of respect to this forum and it's owner, please DO NOT post them here. Instead email them to me privately.

The kinds of questions you are asking will get you different answers from everyone you encounter. Have you considered paying a visit to the RP and seeing for yourself what the country is about? The RP economy gets worse by the day, except for those who have the money and property. You can live in the RP just like you live here, in gated communities, insulated from the general population. You can also live as Filipinos live, much cheaper than here, but you need to be prepared for some adjustment in your environment. Generalizations don't answer question in depth. You need to be more specific about what you are after --- are you doing a high school term paper or are you trying to find out how much it costs to live in the RP?

So far my pig farm has cost me P120,000 and lost P9000 due to a spate of deaths that luckily are plagueing everyone in the area, perhaps prices for Xmas will rise as a result. I have just spent P10,000 on screens to the stys to keep out the sparrows that fly from piggery to piggery and spread the disease. (some ""experts"" claim it is the water but then why don't all the pigs and all the humans also suffer as they all drink the same water?) Fortunately, we humans are immune to most animal diseases but when those vermins cross the line like the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE-""Mad Cow Disease"") or the Nipah virus epidemic http://www.pighealth.com/News99/NIPAH.HTM, it could be disastrous. Remember those germs could be transmitted in many forms. The street that you walk could be the same street that your neighbor farmer walks. Have you considered the inexpensive wet doormat they use at airports to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease? A 18"" x 24"" x 1"" deep waterproofed box, a discarded jute sack and a bottle of generic Lysol should do the trick. Won't cost you more than PP100 i guess. Have you tried http://www.pighealth.com ? Also, you might get some free advice from a vet at the Bureau of Animal Industry (if they haven't changed the name of that government office yet). They should have an office in Cebu. My two cents.

THE WEEK before last, I bought a used cellar phone from one of the many vendors in Virra Mall Center in the Greenhills commercial center in San Juan City. Within two days, it broke down but I wasn't too worried. The vendor had given me a receipt and assured me I could exchange a defective product within a week. So off I went one morning, catching the cell-phone dealers around 10 a.m. as they were setting up their booth. Ever so pleasantly, I went over to the booth where I had bought the defective phone and showed the vendor my receipt. I was aghast when she snapped back in Tagalog, ""Come back at 11. We haven't had our buena mano yet."" For those not familiar with the term, ""buena mano"" is Spanish for ""good hand."" Many cultures, not just our own, have this magical belief that a good sale -- a transaction involving the hands -- at the start of the day brings in more customers and more transactions. ""Good"" is defined in many ways. It can be a large transaction, which means more money. Or it can be an early sale, which means you won't have to wait long for succeeding customers. The incident at Virra Mall made me realize there was still another definition of ""good"" and this was an ""easy"" transaction, one done without any acrimony. This was why the dealers generally try to avoid handling complaints. When they asked me to come back, what they meant was that they wanted to make a sale first, the buena mano, rather than deal with a bad mouth. I was slightly irritated and offered to make the buena mano by buying a mobile headset. But no, the woman insisted I come back at 11, explaining that she had to first finish setting up her booth. Again, the anthropologist in me took over and I tried to be understanding. I knew there were all kinds of rituals involved here. It wasn't just a matter of arranging the phones and accessories in the glass cabinets. They had to put money in the shelves as well -- again a magical practice that presumes money, like the buena mano, generates more money. But even as I processed this magical logic, I knew I had to say my piece. I retorted, voice slightly raised, that I had to go to work and couldn't wait around another hour. I told them that as a compromise, I would return in half an hour and they better deal with my case. After all, I pointed out, they had sold me a defective phone and they owed me. I returned half an hour later, and this time it was another vendor who responded. She was there earlier in the morning but had been quiet. This time, all smiles, she apologized for her companion, claiming that she wasn't very diplomatic and that they'd scolded her in the past for that. I nodded and apologized, too, for my ""outburst."" (My friends know a Mike Tan outburst is all too often quite ineffective, sometimes even too friendly.) But I did add, knowing that she and most other vendors in Virra Mall were Muslim, that rudeness and the flaring of tempers weren't right, especially since it was Ramadan, the Islamic month for fasting, prayer and reflection. As we went about picking a replacement phone, I talked about the need to be honest with customers. I've received so many complaints from friends who have been in similar predicaments, ending up with lemons and vendors refusing to exchange the phones. I told my dealer that I knew used cell-phones were always problematic, and that sometimes defects don't emerge until after a few days, which was fine, as long as they honored the agreement, in a written receipt, to exchange the problem phone within seven days. There is a lesson to pick up from all this, one that is not limited to Ramadan and Muslim entrepreneurs, and this is the need to counter buena mano as a magical belief. Unfortunately, many Filipino business people still limit the idea of buena mano to an exchange of money at the beginning of the day, one which they think will automatically bring in more money. It's time we -- Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, whatever -- expanded this notion of buena mano to refer to business ethics. A ""good hand"" is an honest hand. As I explained to the Virra Mall vendor, who has since become my friend, if you offer fair deals and efficient customer support, then you have a buena mano. The buena mano is not in the buying itself, but in the goodwill and trust generated by the vendor's own ethical practices, together with graciousness and a sense of service. All that comes together to keep the cash register ringing, in terms of returning customers and the friends they bring along. So, if you end up with a defective product bought from one of the many ""tiangge"" (bazaars), you might want to go first thing in the morning to settle this. Many Filipino entrepreneurs will avoid having to deal with arguments early in the day and will settle amicably. But don't stop with that. If they respond well, compliment them, and if they don't, stand up for your rights. No matter what you do though, do plug in the need to develop a new buena mano appropriate to our times.

When my wife first arrived in the US, she was cautioned by other Filipinas to subdue her 'confrontational' personality, as she was just a foreigner, and a 'guest' in America. Having already lived 29 years in the RP without kissing any butt, she replied that she was a citizen of this earth, and had a voice to speak no matter where on earth she resided. She had the pleasure, during our 10 years there, of being a participant in our community, and educating the few who assumed that Filipinas are meek victims and could be easily intimidated. It's been said that when your host stops waiting on you, it's the signal that you are no longer a guest. As long as we are paying our own way, navigating the road of life like anyone else here, we'll continue to have an opinion, and a voice.

I would like to move to the Philippines, and I have some very specific questions. Here they are. I have an income of $1400 dollars after taxes. This is U.S. dollars. I want to know if I can survive with my girlfriend in Cebu on this amount. My tastes are moderate. I want a small T.V. with satelite, and internet. I'd like a 2 bedroom dwelling. It doesn't matter if it's an apartment or what. I'd like one maid that does not live with us. Basically we are simple people. We just want to sit on the beach and read alot. On weekends we'd like to take the occasional trip to see more of the islands. Our only real necessity is air conditioning. If we have to give up something else to get it, then we are willing to do so. That is a must have for us. We are not interested in clubs, or nightlife, except the occasional movie and dinner date about once a month. I'm 27 and she's 22. We are not interested in owning a business or working for a living. My income will grow over the years, as I get a cost of living raise of 4% every year. We don't smoke or drink. We like to eat good food, but nothing expensive or exotic. There are thousands of posts on this site about everything you can imagine, but I notice about 80 percent has to do with starting, owning, or running a business. I have no desire to work ever again in my lifetime. I'm only 27, and when I'm 45 I will inherit about 200 thousand amarican dollars. I hope by then to be well established with living in the Philippines, and understanding more about the customs, and language. Specific questions: 1: Based on my profile, do you think I can reasonably survive on $1400 a month with a girlfriend? 2: Are there any areas that are safe and cheap other than Cebu that you could recommend. We would like to live within a few miles of the beach at least. 3: This is the most important. I understand that you can only stay 59 days at a time on a visa extension. How can I get around that? I do not want to be a Philippine citizen. Is it possible to leave the country for a day or so every 59 days and then return and repeat the process? Based on my income and profile, do you think I could qualify for a longer extension? 4: Last question. Does anyone know where people can get a breakdown of the cost of living in the Philippines? Every post I read is vague. They always say it depends on your tastes. I just want to see a general breakdown of an average person. I'm not rich, and not dirt poor.

All of what you said is true, but unlike yourself I have learned to accept it and actually tolerate, if not entirely enjoy, driving here in Cebu myself! Maybe it's just because I've been here a little longer. Filipino drivers are practical as opposed to blindly following the rules, for the most part. Yes, I agree there are the occasional insane, suicidal types, but for the most part everything works somehow, although nothing like in the States, where I come from. Filipino drivers are very forgiving and really don't care if someone cuts in front of them, unlike California where this might provoke a shootout! You will never see a Filipino driver, or myself now for that matter, sitting at a red light at 1:00am with no other car in sight. I will also not hesitate to make a right turn from the middle lane if traffic is very heavy and there is just no way I am going to get into that right lane. Not legal, but I shudder to think what traffic would be like if we followed the rules. It's bad enough as it is. There really is a system here, it works, and once you figure out what it is, driving is just about as stressful as it is anywhere else. Works for me, and a few others here in Cebu City.

Where do you get your information? As a foreigner you can work but when employed by a local company you need a work permit. When employed by a foreign company you do not need the permit. You can not even get one as there is no local legal entity to file the application. A skilled engineer would make between p 25,000.00 and p 40,000.00 a month depending on his position. Our local salaries are between USD 1100 and USD 3500 a month. You would have to be extremely convincing before I would hire a westerner before any Filipino. You can expect the same information from any other employer her in the Philippines so I do agree with that last sentence. If you want to *work* here then get an expat contract before you leave. Since most companies cut back on expenses they tend to cancel all expats first to save money so I wish everyone could luck in trying. If ever you get the opportunity to work here on reasonable conditions then by all means go for the experience and do not pay to much attention to the salary. The experience by itself is worth a lot more and can not me expressed in money.

I have a few years ago a real estate agent in Manila, was telling me about this business they have got into called Gold quest. Basically, its chain buying of selling gold coins at twice their value, which when buying one gives you permission to sell on at a commission to you. They wanted me to look at it and were not happy with my response as it was an obviously a con. They were trying to impress me that this company had flush offices in Central Plaza in Hong Kong, an up market office block. When back in Hong Kong, out of interest I asked out Corporate Security department if they knew of this company. They had and told me it was a total fraud. A few months later, I read in the news paper that this place was raided at the owners arrested.

One of my wife's relatives has a serious problem with Shabu. Does anyone have any knowledge of available treatment programs, preferably in the Manila area. Any thoughts or suggestions on dealing with this kind of problems would be appreciated.

If you say you will marry your filipina girlfriend or is married to a filipina (she must still be a filipino citizen) you can apply for a 13(a) visa. With a 13(a) visa, once you get a permanent residence visa, you can stay in the country indefenitely for as long as your marriage is subsisting. No deposit/monetary requirements, except that you need to show that you have income to support yourself. Your $1400 per month must be enough.