Cebu Experience
My Cebu Experience
When I picked the name “Cebu Experience” (CEX) for this site, no one was using it. Two years
Location Of Cebu Within The Philippines
later, lots of people are using it. I love that but I wish they’d stop. Odd how so many sites popped up using the term later on. I’m sure they all thought of the term Cebu Experience on their own.
I am a big fan of Animal Planet and other such networks. The Jeff Corwin Experience did come to mind as I decided to go with it. Its an Animal Planet show where this slightly crazy reptile freak explores ther world, mostly in search of cool reptiles. My exploration is limited to the Philippines and that is primarily in Cebu province.
Many of the expat sites like to go after the Living in Cebu or Living in the Philippines but I thought I’d try a new approach. Now it seems others are trying to brand the term for themselves. Smack smack, consider yourselves challenged to a duel.
Your Cebu Experience
Join me on my Cebu Experience! Even better, share you’re Cebu Experience with me and the readers of Cebu Experience. Would you like to write for Cebu Experience? I’d love to have you. If you live in Cebu, you’re hired. 
Well, if you work for free that is. Its a good way to get traffic to your site if you have one. If you have spent time in Cebu, you too might be a great fit for Cebu
Map showing Locaiton of Cebu Island
Experience. Use the contact form under the Admin page tab and let’s talk about it. If you can’t write on a regular basis, then you can be a guest writer. If you can give me one article a week, then you can be a featured expert here on Cebu Experience website.
Tell Me About Your Cebu Experience
I love to hear from you! Please leave a comment about anything and especially about your Cebu Experience. I love to hear from expats and I love to hear from Filipino. You need to bring your sense of humor, it is required and you need to read between the lines as there might be a little sarcasm spread around here and there. You should never assume that just because I say something means I agree with or condone it. Often, I like to just lay a situation out and let the reader decide for themselves what they should think about it.
As one pretty Filipina that produces very nice video says, See You in Cebu! She too uses the term Cebu Experience.
Get
To The Philippines Faster
i have just one question….What about the bugs in Cebu? are there bugs and do they get in your house?
I don’t see any more bugs here than I did in the Southern USA but yes and yes.
I was stationed in Vietnam, 1968-69, in the Infantry of couse, I saw many insects of all types, snakes of all types, heard the roar of tigers, and saw the skeletons of elephants. Nothing faces me anymore, I’m at peace with living things…….lol.
do tell me were in Viet Nam i was there 69-70 An Hoa USMC. fox 2/11. terrygil@yahoo.com
immarried to a filipino lady and we live in binilonan its out in the country lots of rice feilds but its nie and peaceful here but no beach closesc one is a 1hour drive .i have heard about cebu and would lie to know more about it? is the fishing good there
.i too get a disablity check each month $1911.00 ss for parkinsons diasease i spending about $250.00 a month for meds. i was wanting to know if there r good pharmacies there like mercury that is were i get my meds and and also the cot of living there ty jerry
HI Jerry, yes we have a Mercury drugs here. They are all over. There is another national chain, their name escapes me at the moment, they too are all over Cebu. I use them both. Often one or the other will be out of something but usually one of them has what I need. Yeah I spend about the same on meds.
I don’t know much about fishing. In Cebu it would be pretty hard to be an hour away from a beach.
The cost of living in Cebu is generally less than Luzon but since you’re already living in a rural area you’ll probably see less improvement. I wrote an article about the cost of living in the philippines. It is geared to Cebu since this is where I live:
http://cebuexperience.com/living-in-the-philippines/expats-in-the-philippines/expat-finances/how-much-money-do-i-need-to-live-in-cebu/
I don’t know much about fishing. The sun makes lupus worse so it was something I pretty much stopped doing 20 years ago. There is a fishing tour operation out of Cebu. Which caused me to feel there must be some fishing here. I don’t think the foreigner that runs it still lives in the Philippines and the last time I found the site, it had not been updated om a long time. I don’t know if it is still operating.
Fishing is a major source of income for Filipino in the part of the country. Of course they don’t do it with fishing poles I’ve never seen a Filipino with a fishing pole. The use nets or sometimes smack the top of the water with boards and wait for fish to float to the top. It kind of gives one the impression that there must be a lot of fish.
I have no person experience with it. I don’t know but I suspect if you go to Youtube and search for “Fishing in cebu” you’ll find some info.
I didn’t find much on fishing. Here is something.
thanks for the info. it was very helpful.youtube has about everything you can think of.lol after the holidays ill be checking out cebu any nice hotels u could suggest? thanks agian jerry
Not sure what kind of hotel you’re looking for. If you want nice I’d try The Waterfront in Mactan (there are two with similar names, the one in Mactan is right next to the airport. i’d be shocked if their rooms are not sound proof.) There is the Hilton (It may have changed its name) Right in the City is Crown Regency. Those are all fairly expensive and I’ve never stayed at them. I stay at pension homes. A decent and very inexpensive one is Pacific Pension at about P800 a night. Now if you’re not use to Filipino style “hotels” then you may not be happy with it.
thanks rusty oh im use to filipino hotels thats not a problem . yes when we get there i would like to check out some rentals close to the beach or a tme share . she has a place here but it would be nice to have a place there where we could go for 3 or 4 months out of the year.thanks agian u have been a great help jerry
I would take a long hard look at Bantayan Island under those conditions. I wouldn’t get in the water around any cities in the Philippines, not even small ones like Bogo.
Thats good enough for me, I fish a little bit…..lol
thasnks alot rusty i have been checking bantay
out and it sounds like what i want thanks again
Hi Rusty,
I enjoy reading your site and comments. I am considering an exploratory trip to Cebu for a permanent move. However I am a financial trader and my concerns about and the lack of information regarding my needs for a 24/7 high speed internet connections in Cebu. Is there such service in the Cebu area. I am led to believe that if I live in one of the IT business parks (condo) there are 24/7 connection and no black outs. My computers are on 24/7 six days a week. Can you give me some guidance?
Thank you
Jim
Blackouts have not been too bad where I am but they do happen. They happen more here than in the USA. Sometimes they happen a lot but right now Cebu isn’t having a problem. They added several new power plants but they will need to keep building or we will see it again.
I don’t know about the IT park. Makes sense that it will help. I don’t know. I’ve only been to that area once.
If it is critical then you might want to have to Internet connections and a generator. A lot of people have generators both battery and combustion engine type. I’d like to have one myself. You will get adequate speeds here but I had a business class connection in the USA that was equal to a T1. I miss it.
Nothing like that upload speed is slow. Browsing is fine.
Hi Rusty,
Thank you very much for the info. I look forward to my exploratory visit and will inform you about the IT Business Parks when I visit. Once again thanks for your info and a great blog site.
Jim
Phoenix, Az
It is pretty much one area I think. I know of one IT park. Lots of young “jet set” Filipina running around there. I ended up at a gay bar.
Hi Rusty,
It is my understanding, that if one relocates where the new reclamation developments are, specifically the ones backed by govt. funds to assist the development of world class business centers it is in their best interest to provide the infrastructure to garner global business. Nothing I know for sure but that is my understanding.
Also I have heard that because of the efforts to garner this global business these areas are more secured,less corrupt and better infrastructure to present a “new” facial front to increase their import and export business.
What are your thoughts on the subject?
Thanks
Jim
Jim, corruption here isn’t as bad as some would have you believe. Now with that said, I have no business interest in the Philippines. If I did, that might change as I’d be going into some areas I have not been before. I know of fees being paid just to get a DSL line installed in Bogo. T that was about six years ago and there was a long waiting list. I know someone that got it installed about a year ago and it took about 2 days, maybe 1.
To be honest, I think a highly developed area might attract those that into asking for “lunch money” to move projects along. There is corruption here but as just another expat on a tourist visa, I don’t run into that. I’m hoping to eventually get a Special Retirement Visa that will allow me to operate a business here. There are other visa but i don’t qualify for them at this point. I would tend to think there is more corruption in a place like that but that’s more hunch than anything. I don’t know what your plans are but if you’re just planing on running your investments from within your home, that’s not going to be a big deal. You are unlikely to much corruption either.
I hear others talk of being asked for special payments. Not all that often but from time to time. A lot of that is exaggerated to put it in the best light but it does happen. I’d probably see a bit more of it if I frequented the bikini bars in Angeles City or even Cebu but so far, I’ve yet to step foot in one.
They time I went out there to join my girl with her friends, it was far more modern and upscale than what I had encountered before.
Once we were having so many brown outs in Bogo City that i was ready to leave. I talked to someone in Cebu City and she was having them too. But you’re certainly better off in Cebu City than out in the jungle like me. I have to take an 80 mile trip to buy a cigar or see a movie.
Jim, even SM mall has brown outs. It was at one point the fourth largest mall in the world. It has fallen way down now but its large. The new section is large and very modern. Jessie has been in there when there was a power failure and the generators came on. Many large business have them.
Hello again,
Rusty, My concerns are simply to run my investment portfolio out of my residence. My real concern is the ability to execute my financial trading. Hence the concerns of a dependable (fiber optics) if possible or high speed cable. I mention the new developments because I have heard that fiber optics is being installed in some govt. developments. Like I said it is purely hearsay.
I have lived and traveled extensively around the world but not so much in Asia except during the Viet Nam era. But I wouldn’t really call that travel. lol
I have been wanting to live in Asia for some time now and look forward to relocating. The infrastructure in surrounding countries are very good but lack the English speaking ability. The Cebu area is an excellent location for individual investors like myself that are also looking for a place to retire.
As I said before, I am excited about my trip and the possibilities that Cebu and the surrounding area may offer. The Philippines have much to offer the business world if they would just make a legitimate effort to do so. I think there are some efforts in that direction and I would like to be a part of it.
I currently have offices on the Indian reservations here and the infrastructure was poor for a long time. However with persistence and dedication we have developed some impressive infrastructure including fiber optics. I sense the Cebu will be developed the same. They have no choice in order to compete with global markets. I just hope it is done in a professional, honest method to attract business. I am willing to relocate and hopefully be a part of it. It could be an exciting growth, even for someone who is close to retiring.
just a thought,
Jim
Jim, there are some fiber optics around. Lines in Bogo where upgraded to fiber optics about a year ago. You could get a business class line. i don’t think you’re going to have any issues.
I live on the computer. I’m constantly working on the web. There have been times when my Internet connection was down and I went to an Internet cafe. Its very reliable though and I live in a place that takes a three hour bus ride for a cigar.
Perhaps you should visit the area. When you get to Cebu you’ll want to look for the “IT Park.” That is what it is called. It would be better if you had a business or something you wanted to visit with an address. I have no idea how to get to it or where I was when I was there. lol
Thanks for your service, I assume you are ex military. Hope you didn’t have to spend much time out int he jungle being shot at.
Hi Rusty,
I am like you, I live on the computer. Yes I’m an old vet. Did a lot of flying so I avoided the ground action pretty much. I suppose getting shot at on the ground or in the air is about the same result though if one is not careful. lol I was with the 11th Cav. Great group of guys. They told me there was a 11th Cav Association in the Subic area but I don’t know. I intend to find out though.
I am not sure where you are at. Are you located in the far north area of the Island? I think I see it on the map but the map is showing several places by that name. Maybe I need to find another map! lol
Yes I would like to stay in touch with you as I am sure I am going to need your consulting services in my decision making. It is my intention to keep a residence in Phoenix as I can fly almost direct to Manila with one short stop in Oahu. I want to make the relocation this year. The Veterans Administration just opened a new hospital in the Manila area, in fact I believe it is the only VA hospital operating offshore out of US territory. I am waiting to hear from them now about registration procedures and pharmacy. I didn’t know if you knew about. If not it may be good information for your readers. I think you have to be a war veteran to use the facilities but I’m not sure.
Somewhere on your site I think I recall a summary about your consulting fees. I will have to search again for them and contact you later regarding your fees and services. You seem to have quiet the life and a great lady. I wish you both well. A condo in Cebu with a fiber optic connection. As we say on the Rez, “I would be in hog heaven”! BIG LOL
As I accumulate more information I will make sure I share it with you and your readers. What is your opinion of Manila? Just curious.
Thanks
Jim
You were a helicopter pilot? You mentioned calvery so I think that’s it. I wish I had been able to learn to fly a jet but a helicopter would have been nice too. More chance they’d let me fly a helicopter in my youth. I looked into the Navy and Air force but I couldn’t even come close to passing that physical in my prime. Just not in my genes. Flying one of those attack helicopters we have now would be freaking awesome.
We just had our first all day brownout in I think more than a year. I was far enough behind without that.
Started at 7:30 and continued until a little after 5pm. 
I have been told many different things about the VA so I don’t know what is true any more. What I believe is yes there is a hospital in Manila and I do think the only one out of the USA. I’ve heard that before but doesn’t make it true.
There are satellite offices around, I THINK. Someone once told me that was his only choice but then another visitor chimed in and said no that there were office around the Philippines. So sure, let us know.
I need to redo that consultation thing. I hate phones, so I raised the price. lol The time difference is hard too. I’ll do text chat for half that. I’ll have to see what it says again soon. There are many things I hate that I’d for for a million dollars. I wonder what my price would be to french kiss George Bush. LOL I know some prices I’d do it for, but I’m not sure where my starting point is.
I look for more options for direct flights to open up eventually. The Philippines has a less than top rating for safety. I think that blocks US airlines from flying into the Philippines. It also prevents Philippine airlines from expanding their service into the USA. There has been much talk of improving that rating but so far, mostly just talk. PAL did sink some money into doing it themselves but I don’t think it was well received in the USA. US authorities were pretty harsh on the last words I saw from them.
I’m in northern Cebu province.
I’ve not visited Manila other than inside the airport. I’ve picked up a good bit and hope to visit it this year.
Traffic is probably the biggest problem in Manila. It seems to be horrific. Pollution is also very bad but its not that great in Cebu. At times it gets pretty bad in Cebu. Not likely Manila though. The Philippines is addressing it but its going to take a long time to clean the air up. And there seems to be no respect for the water too. The way water has been used through the centuries was fine before the Philippines became so densely populated. This kind of change takes time.
I think I’m going to like Manila more than most because I’m highly interested in what makes people tick. A huge part of that is culture and language. I’ve really got to buckle down and learn Visayan. There are more things to do in Manila, its that simple. Evanescence is about to or has just played there, I forgot the date. Jessie has never been to a big rock concert and I wish I could take her. It is the cultural shows and museums that I’d like to spend some time in. I’ll be going to the US Embassy and to Ocean Park is the plan. Hope I’m there long enough and have enough cash to see more.
I don’t think I’d want to live there. There are some communities I’d like to live in. My cost of living would sky rocket, someday I will make enough online so that it won’t matter.
I don’t believe I’d change my location from Cebu though.
need some advice. Met a nice (so i thought) girl online from Phillipines, thought we are getting alog good. Did not follow advice and send some money to her. We chatted alot and I had plans to go to see her very soon. However, I friended her on Facebook, and she has several american guys. I think I better cut and run. Something sounds fishy. I have confronted her online about this, but of course, they don”t like confrontation.
Hi Scott, online begging and scamming are very common. There are ways and means to confirm your suspicions which you should have done before you got in too deep. But it’s not too late.
Hi Rusty, long time follower, first time poster. Good to see you’re still going despite the health problems.
Thanks Sarah, I appreciate your input and thanks Rusty for a great website I enjoy it immensely
Hi Sarah! Thanks, I’m okay, health problems have been the one near constant for me.
I could make it a little better but I keep failing.
I’m glad you finally spoke up. Are you Filipina. Fil/AM?
Scott, the girl could be a scammer, she could be use to many guys that tell her they will never come. It is unlikely you will be the only one that she is getting money from or talking to and promising the world until you are here. Exceptions to ever rule. She needs money, overseas guys are one of the best paying “jobs” in the Philippines.
Most of the girls really do want someone but many already have someone. It is very rare the guys actually show up. You want know what you have until you’re here and spent some time with them.
Good luck!
THanks Rusty I am going to let this one go, when I come for a visit, I will see if I can meet someone else. I don’t mind helping someone out, but I don’t like being played. Take care of yourself and thanks again, I really enjoy your website. It is “Real” if you know what I mean
My advise is to hang out on the net where you can meet Filipina. Keep it light because no matter what one person here will tell you, they can play you and they are good at it.
Sure, it often goes well but it often doesn’t too. I’ve stopped chatting sine I’m not looking. No point.
I’d say make some contacts, look them up once your here. I’ve been lied to a lot. I think it is worse because they know I am with someone. They ain’t getting nothing from me. haha I just gave up on the chat.
I use to have a video chat room, Filipina showed up there. I enjoyed nearly all of them. I do just mean chatting and laughing and stuff. But groups on the net like that end up fighting over huh is getting the most attention. OH well, that’s another story.
Hope to hear form you again.
Hey sorry to hear about your health dillemas. Don’t know if you back to the states often, but Mayo Clinic in Arizona, or of course the main Mayo Clinic in Minnesota see to be on the cutting edge of managing the syptoms.I say this not as a doctor, but I work in healthcare advertising,so I do know somwehat about what you are going through. Sarah seems to be very knowlegable judging from her posts. Hope you take care of yourself and have a chance to enjoy your experience where you live
No, not Fil-AM. Dual citizen Filipina-Australian. I’m a student Doc doing my residency in rural Australia at the moment. I intend to specialize in tropical medicine in the Philippines in the near future.
And yes Scott, if money is mentioned before you even get to meet your girl, run as fast as you can
Awww. then tell me what’s on my hands. LOL I’m only kidding. I’m on that nasty prednisone again. Yeah, I know its bad, especially long term. Really, I won’t bug you about being a doc. Sometimes I regret not going that way, but my health probably wouldn’t have took it. I also am not sure I would have ever got passed chemistry.
Biology was what I loved and did very well there. I just couldn’t stand the idea of all that school so I became an accountant. lol
Hard to tell what is in your hand without looking at it in person and maybe taking a sample (swab, scrapings). If you did not get it in the US, it is possible humidity or heat or both is interacting with Prednisone and/or some of the drugs that you take. Prednisone is a good drug, but like most drugs, long term use reduces its effectiveness.
Biology is very, very interesting
. But yes, the study is really heavy going. But I’m nearly there. 
I panic when any thing is wrong with me because I have a history of lupus depending on which doctor you ask.
Most rhummies think I have it and they all say I have some kind of “horrible auto immune system disorder but I’m not sure its lupus” if they won’t call it lupus. The ones that were not sure. I think its scleroderma. I know that scleroderma sometimes comes in the middle age years for luppies and its not uncommon, Not common either. Don’t worry, I’ve seen enough doctors over my time to not convince myself. But I have all the symptoms of CREST, sclero without the skin problems basically. I think I will actually die choking on something as it is becoming more of a problem for me. One I’ve had since my 20′s when I first start having GERD and other CREST symptoms. Since I didn’t have the skin problems, I’m a guy, I test positive for anti-dna, anti-ana most of the time but barely positive. I had the lupus rash. Weakness, extreme fatigue, minor vasculitis, Sjorgren’s, enlarged heart bilateral facial weakness (like bells but tested for SOMETHING “centralized” they could never find) Doesn’t matter what it is called. I just live with it. 
My hands and feet are the reason I’m on the stuff. This is the forth round, 60mg 7 days over about 5 months. Each time it clears up. This time it looked like it wouldn’t be get bad and it is no where near as bad as it was:
After the first round of prednisone it looked like this and I could walk without my feet cracking. I know you can’t tell from a picture. It looks like round worm, eczema and about a dozen other things one of which is sclreo. I know my history. I’ve also had several chest infections started about the same time these “rashes” started. The skin turns to plastic, tightens gets hard like a calus and then peels off. The cracking on my hands and feet were pretty dang painful.
Better but when the first place came up three years ago, I told my partner, I have a bad feeling about this. Its still there. Small outside of index finger which is an odd place. Most doctors take one look at my history and kind of shake their head.
I retired early on disability. Too sick to work but well enough to enjoy my life and that’s what I’m doing. Best four years of my life.
Please don’t feel bothered by all this. I suppose you’re early enough into that you’re not sick of it yet. haha Maybe you never will be.
I have not been to the USA in four years. I’ll have to deal with it here. Went to get the test but the doctor ordered all kinds of stuff, including a walking stress test which I can’t do so I gotta talk to him.
I suspect that organic chemistry is a killer. My daughter is a certified rehabilitation therapist and anatomy scared her to death but she sailed through it. With much complaining of course. haha She out now and working in a hospital in the USA. It would have been very cool to do your kind of work, No way to know if I was cut out for it because I wasn’t even willing to go through the trail of med school and residency. i saw how the pre-med students at Millsaps suffered and I think I made the right choice for me.
Yes, that is definitely Scleroderman.
If you have Crest, then what you have isLimited Scleroderma, which mostly affects the skin of the face, neck and distal elbows and knees and late in the disease causes isolated pulmonary hypertension and CREST syndrome.
As you might have realized by now, this is an auto-immune disorder and we can only offer alleviations of symptom as they crop up. Most people with this also suffer from depression, for obvious reasons.
I don’t think I will ever get sick of it. Hopefully not
Hey Sarah, well thanks. Funny, I’ve seen two doctors here and they didn’t come up with that.
Last time I saw my doctor I brought it up. I’m reluctant to do that with docs, I’ve learned it is best to let them tell me. haha Usually though, I end up pointing the doctors in the right direction. I of course need their expertise though to know. I’m only guessing
I need to get treated, I’m noticing problems with my vision that is likely sclreo. I’m 53 now. When I was about 9 years old, I started having times of SEVERE chest pains. They go away for years and come back. It really feels like my heart. However, cardiologist clearly said it was not. He said “maybe its your esophagus.” When I saw that CREST causes esophagus spasms about two years ago, the chronic thirst and dry eyes and gerd, the light bulb when off. Then I saw nearly everything I have going on could be explained by scleroderma. Oh and the leg craps I get too, my lower legs hurt all the time. I remember finding that too is tied into sclreo. I had one of those nodules form once, that was the first thing that presented actually, i forgot what the doctor called it. had to do with circulation.
Nothing new really. Fish oil seems to be helping my skin. Just carry on and do the best I can. I probably need to get back to the states and get treatment there. Three times a year would be good.
Thanks very much.
I’m feeling like a genius. lol I’ll go gloat now. 
haha
You are welcome
You mean the Docs there did not tell you your problem is Limited Scleroderma and Crest??
You did mentioned you have Lupus also, right?
When features of scleroderma are present along with features of polymyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus, the condition is referred to as mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).
They’re just terminology jumbling really. At the end of the day, there is still no cure, management is still the current approach for it. At least, until we have perfected gene therapy
The chest pains you had when you were 9 years old was likely the beginnings of your esophagus troubles, which is part of the CREST syndrome.
Maybe you don’t have to return to the US for treatment? Have you made enquiries in Manila clinics? Funny we call Skin Doctors in Philippines as that – Skin Doctors. Whereas they’re called Dermatologists here in Australia
No they didn’t bring up scleroderma at all. That I have a history of lupus is usually one of the first things out of my mouth so the the doc will know that the situation is complex. Then I pull out the long list of medications and the doctor is likely feeling overwhelmed.
I first say a very kind dermatologist in Bogo City with the “Skin Doctor” sign hanging from his office.
On my third trip to my interest to Cebu and terrified that it might be diabetes related, and thus I was could be in danger of loosing limbs I brought up scleroderma. I’ve seen so many doctors where if I bring something up and have been doing some reading they assume I’m a hypochondriac. Or hyper, I can never keep that straight.
I am not but I can see why I appear to be. When this stuff starting getting bad in my 30′s, I cam to understand that many of the things I thought were normal were not normal at all. I don’t know what normal is. So I try to explain that to my doctors too but I see that look in their eye. 
Its frustrating. I’m not a hypochondriac, I’m confused. LOL
The internist at first expressed his doubts. Then he looked it up on the web. Told me it didn’t involve the hands and feet so I pointed out the word extremities. Then I went over with him again the history of the doctors being unsure of what is wrong with me. How this started when I was 9 years old and that if I was absent the skin problems it would be very easy to miss this diagnosis. At that point, I could see he was becoming a believer. It was also clear, he knows squat about sclero.
I don’t think most doctors see it all that often.
Yes, I told a doctor 20 years ago I thought it was MCTD.
They were calling it poly arthritis or anything else they could at the time to call it anything that wasn’t potentially serious. When I woke up with both sides of my face paralyzed, that is when they started taking me serious. I could also tell they were considerably more worried than what they were trying to let on. The number of doctors I saw over the next three months was staggering. If I remember right, I had 11 doctors at that time. All they while trying to downplay everything. Come on, I’m not an idiot. 
It may not be serious but there was reason for concern. The concern though really doesn’t do me any good. Hard to let go but best if you can. After so many years, I’m better at dealing with that kind of thing. Though I admit sometimes it gets the best of me.
Polymyositis can actually cause the lump on a leg I was speaking of correct? It was long ago, late 20′s or early 30s’. It was painful and raynaud’s showedup soon afterwards. I could tell that alarmed my doctor that had been treating me like a faker up to that point. I could tell something was wrong with me and I went in there on my first visit and gave him vague symptoms. Something wasn’t right. I had also had my first round of Bell’s just before that. My thinking wasn’t clear, I was tired, my sleep was a disaster and I didn’t feel good. I know now could all be part of this but not enough for a doctor to make a decision on. Would have been nice not to be discounted though.
You know this polymyositis is scary looking stuff now that I’ve looked into it. I’ve had times where my liver enzymes or chemicals or whatever they are are high or low, I think high. I’ve seen signs of problems with my pancreas.
You know there is something else that has been going on long term with me. I sometimes breakout into blisters. They look like poison ivy and sometimes they have been. But not always. I get them now. They are usually small. Once at an air show in the southern USA Ms sun, my back just exploded with them. It was some of the worse pain I ever felt. Burning badly. I remember an old man looking at my back, a guy in the crowd with a look of concern and disbelief. I wonder now, if he was a doctor. He didnt’ say anything. I was around 13 to 14. The doctor the next day didn’t know what it was. Now, I’m pretty sure it was a reactio to the sun.
Smoking will make scleroderma much worse right?
By any chance do you have any contacts or recommendations for doctors/clinics in Manila? I have to visit there within the next few months. That would be a good time for a first contact. I’m not a wealthy expat. I need to make my medical travel very productive and that might be a good choice. And I need to keep working hard at my Internet business. Whatever is going up, it is flaring up a bit again. It will likely get better but I need to get treated. Getting off methotrexate was probably not good. I haven’t written some of the words in so long, I forgot how to spell them. )
Thanks for the info!!!
Sarah, I don’t know why your comments are being moderated. There’s no reason for it. Sometimes WP just does that.
It is possible that not many Docs are familiar with Scleroderma because it is not that common, and of course no cure. Do you know how hard it is to say those words? “incurable”. It sounds like a death sentence although it is not really.
Unfortunately, it is probably a weakness in this profession that someone with multiple symptoms that just don’t connect get labelled as hypochondriacs. To be fair though, there are people who are hypochondriacs but in reality are simply lonely and just want that people contact even if it is on professional levels only.
An internist who did not know what “extremeties” mean? hmmm, sounds like he should go back to first year of his medicine course.
I am not aware of Polymyositis causing a lump? Polymyositis is connective tissue disease that triggers inflammation and muscular weakness. In your case, I would say it is part of the MCTD. Symptoms include muscle weakness and fatigue as well as breathlessness. So yes, smoking is not helping for you.
Sorry Rusty, I don’t have any contacts I can recommend you to go to. My hometown was Catmon Daan (old Catmon) although I have not been there for years. You actually need an Immunologist.
Have you actually consulted with one? I honestly don’t know if we even have one in the Philippines. Sorry I can’t be of much help.
Sarah, I understand how confusing someone like me must be.
I also realize these things take time to work out.
I’m hoping the doctor was just not reading closely. I’m leaving it up to that.
If he didn’t that would be the end of our relationship.
Okay, that word sounds close to what a doctor caused the lump on my leg. Yes, my calve muscle heart almost all the time. I know lots of people get cramps in their while they sleep. Mine use to wake me up, sometimes yelling before I realized what was going on. I looked it up and saw it could be the cause of my hip pain too.
Well, I said I wouldn’t bug you with this stuff. So I’ll shut up. But don’t you run off. I think you’re wrong about something. You said that you get enough flirting. I don’t think you do so I want to add to it. lol
Something you said, I don’t remember what, left the door open on another comment. And I resisted pouncing on it.
Catmon huh? That’s my neck of the woods but I suspect you are aware of that. I’ve only stopped while passing through on the bus. They stop there sometimes. Looks like a lovely place but I suppose there’s not a lot to do .
Manila is this: LINK The rest of the country is this: LINK
Jim, what are you trading? Us dollar, stocks, commodities…?
You can trade them with DSL speed, no problem.
New York opens late at night by our time here in Philippines, exactly when the Internet speed increases to almost broadband speed.
This is more to JIm than Bob. Bob lives in Palawan. When I visited there last July, my speeds where horrible there. Horrendous. Cebu has much better speeds than what I experienced in Palawan. Subic is likely good, Manila, probably Davao and Cebu and many more places will be fine.
Rice paddies with Palawan virgin mountains (the monkey country) in the background. LINK
BTW I used to trade stocks for living for ten years, no more, we are at an impenetrable triple top on SP500 now, which is an omen by any standard.
Here is another beauty waiting for those unsuspecting and in the rush at night.
Link
This is my shoe, I almost stepped on this one.
Generally they are harmless unless harassed.
They will bite only if threatened.
We use to catch those all the time in the Southern USA. One did bight me once, I was quite surprised. It wasn’t bad.
Hey Rusty,
I trade forex. I have for the better part of the last decade. I was a Portfolio Manager before that for a hedge fund. Mainly commodities and futures at that time.I have just recently resigned my partnerships and now trade only my own funds. Getting to old for a bunch of partnerships. Perhaps I’m getting to cranky!lol
In reality, I am recuperating from recent heart surgery and sold my partnership interests to concentrate on my own fund management. Simply looking for a place that can provide a nice retirement area and the infrastructure to manage my funds so I can sit back and look out over my private ocean. lol I managed one of the largest Native American Hedge funds at the time. That’s why I had offices on the Rez.
I watched your video on Bogo City, interesting. I will have to visit it. I appreciate the links and will take a look at them.
Thanks
Jim
I can understand why you need to be connected all the time, this stuff changes fast.
You may have seen that I’ve been writing about Forex as a hobbyist. I think I’m getting better at it but feel free to chime and help me out.
Hello again,
I just looked at your links. PRETTY FUNNY!!! BIG LOL
I suppose that just about answers all my questions!
Jim (I’m still lol)
Rusty,
You will be interested in this news flash I just got coming across the forex news.
Greece has just agreed to pay all their debts with a BIG WOODEN HORSE!
To Rusty and Palawanbob,
Sorry for responding to your replies and comments before I looked to see who was asking the questions. I just assumed they were all Rusty’s responses. Bob I will pay more attention next time, but I am sure you guys can figure out who I was replying to. LOL
Jim
Don’t worry about it Jim, yes we know.
’
Haha at wooden horse. I love Greece they’ve been saving the dollar but the good news out of the USA and the interest rate cut in the Philippines seems to be killing it for now.
Rusty,
I am long the dollar against the yen. I bought at 76.06 and I am currently good for about 12 pips as I write. Good for a quick pop but I think I will hang around for more action and see.
I caught a great move when I bought euro against the yen. It was good for almost a 80 pip move in a overnight trade.
I thought I would let you know. Yes I often read your comments on Fx. I enjoy them. I always enjoy reading about Fx even from a hobbyist! lol You must stop being a hobbyist and jump in the pool.
A couple of good moves and you could buy Jessie a private rock concert! LOL
Jim
At this point, I have to think about what a pip is.
I’m not ready yet. I know it basically has something to do with the value out there on the far right. 
Yeah, long on the dollar vs yen, that means your buying yen right? See, I’m not ready yet. Learning what makes it go up and down is one thing. Learning all the special terms of the forex is another.
I had a fantastic finance teacher in college. Not just for what he taught me about investing. I’ve forgotten most those details, but he taught me how to think.
He challenged me, he made it hard and I loved it. He was teaching graduate level stuff in his senior Advanced Finance class. A very small class as he scared most people off in their junior year. LOL
We didn’t cover this at all. We looked more into managing a business but did look at historical a lot. More on stocks and bonds than forex and commodities.
It was all fundamentals and not technical. He didn’t think much of that type of analysis and neither do I. But it seems to be the major tool of more forex traders.
I’ve made some good calls on the dollar, peso and yen though. But it was based on fundamentals. I just am not yet convinced that fundamentals work well with this trade. I’m sure they don’t in the short time.
There is one part of this I just can’t get my head around. The better an economy does, generally the worse the currency does in the short term because investors will put money back into stocks vs bonds, commodities and currency. Thus the dollar tends to fall. Yet if a currency completely tanks it will also fall in value which makes since.
It would seem that a good economy should eventually pull the value of a currency back up. So far, I’ve seen no evidence of that though. Because the dollar is the international currency, I’m wondering if a good economy every brings the dollar back up. If not, then I can throw fundamental out the freaking window.
Your thoughts? Keep it fairly simple.
I’m guessing your praying or crossing your fingers that the Japanese don’t jump into the market and start dumping it in mass again.
Man that’s gotta be rude to investors unless of course their insiders and know its coming.
Short on stocks means you expect it to go down so you sell shares you don’t own. Long there probably means you’re buying on the margin? Am I in the ball park or does just mean that you’re sold dollar to buy yen? Boy, I hope I don’t have it completely backwards. Like I said, trends I can usually figure out but investment terms confuse me.
Awww, okay so you think the yen will fall.
I thought you were long on the yen.
Rusty,
The blackout you have described is what concerns me about setting up a office outside of Manila. I have friends who have trading offices in Manila and have no problem but I didn’t think I wanted to live there. Hell if I wanted to live there I would move to New York City! I simply wanted to use Cebu as a home base and travel from there to other places.
Just for info. I visited some friends in South America (Uruguay)who have moved and married locals. They have a pretty sweet operation down there and immigration is welcomed. The infrastructure is great for trading. You can be in the middle of nowhere on a small farm and get connected to high speed. Great people, great beaches and very, very Euro. I think if their not careful though their neighbor may be getting ready to have a war with England again. Falklands are flaring up again.
Yea, I could picture Jessie in a rock concert if she has never been to one. I don’t know what would be a better show. Watching her reaction to the concert or the concert itself. I hope both of you can experience such a trip.
Jim
Jim, you’re not likely to see a blackout for that long in Cebu. A couple of hours is usually the max there. A generator would be a better option for me than an office in Manila. In fact, it would be a business expense for me.
Hi Rusty,
Wow, my great trade on the yen is now down about 8 pips and moving south. If it keeps going south on me I think I will buy more of it. (That’s funny, things go bad and you want to buy more of it!) What a game!
In response to your question, no I wasn’t a pilot I was simply the NCO for ground surveillance. Simply put: It means instead of being shot at from the front you simply were shot at from the rear. I flew on the OH-58′s. They were like bubble bees, they could turn on a dime. I think I was 19 y/o. I think the pilot was 19 y/o also. lol It was a crazy and a unnecessary time. I went to Europe (Germany) later on. Stayed there for 4 more years before I got out.
One thing that the war taught me though was a respect for life. We seem to have lost our way in the States regarding our fellow human beings. No more smiling. No more good mornings. Yet when a call for action comes, kids run out of the woodwork to enlist. It’s a blend of controlled chaos or something to that effect.
I went to a gathering with some old Army buddies. Some us are dead. Some us are missing. Some wish they were dead. The rest of us are simply getting old. But one thing we maintained were the smiles, the friendship and the respect for each other. Saying good morning, greeting each other with smiles and handshakes.
It takes a lot to smile when some have nothing. I suppose that is why I love the Pacific Rim. Watching them smile, greeting strangers with bows and politely nodding their heads with approval. There is good and bad in all people. But it would go along ways to simply say hello.
Jim
Yeah being shot at is not something one easily forgets regardless of where it happens. I’ve been shot at and one doesn’t forget that. I was quite young. My cousins and I were hunting were we didn’t have permission. LOL That’s okay we ran over the hill and returned fire. He stopped shooting at that point.
He was probably trying to scare us but we could hear the bullets racing by us.
Hi Rusty,
Out of all that I read in what you wrote, the most important thing is the ability to “think”. That’s the key to all of it. It’s funny that you brought up the subject as your favorite as I wrote a book a long time ago called’ Investment Thinking” it was the greatest piece of material I ever published. I think I sold about 2 or 3 copies. I am like your professor, it simply ran ever one off.
The problem with “thinking” is that everybody believes that they think perfectly Ok. But when asked, very few people can describe how they think. That’s what I wrote about in my book. I dissected and described how one must think in order to be a successful investor. It’s rather simple and addictive to the one that takes ownership of the method, but almost all will try to evade and short-cut the process. Even too the extent of their financial destruction. It would be really funny if it weren’t so financially destructive for the non-believers.
I taught a lot of students and some walked away completely flabbergasted that there was a method to all this madness of thought. But it takes effort to implement and most will not contribute to their own well being. The ones that do, dominate their position in whatever they concentrate in. In my case it is trading. But it works the same for any profession you are in.
I am short the yen. That means I am expecting it to go down in value. For example: I said that I sold the Yen at 76.06. As I sat here now it is positioned at 76.23 So I have made 17 pips. Each pip (or point) is worth $10.00. So it’s 17 pips x $10.00 = $170.00 for each contract I bought. I have 10 contracts, so it is now 10 x $170 =$1700.00. That is the amount of profit I have made so far in this trade. So in the position I submitted earlier in that I had a 80 pip movement in an overnight trade when I sold the yen against the euro. Meaning I wanted the Euro to increase in value. It did. To the tune of eighty pips. Or $800.00 per contract I sold. I had 10 contracts x 800 = $8000.00 profit on that overnight trade. That’s why I said you could buy your own private concert with a few correct trades!
You are on the right track. You must keep with the fundamentals. The execution of techs can be developed later. I use a method of about 75% fundamentals and 25% techs. But after learning the process of “Investment Thinking” and you take ownership of it, you can adapt and change and figure out what works best for you. Each person is different but the method of thought is the same procedure. You can just apply it in whatever works best for you.
As you can see, when you are trading correctly and making $8000.00 overnight it doesn’t take long to accumulate a nest egg. It is a wonderful way to make a living. The problem with learning how the mind function is that it changes the person who takes ownership of the procedure. You see things that are very apparent to you but are completely invisible to most everyone else. They may recognize the development after it happens but our job is to recognize it before it happens. That’s where “Investment Thinking” comes into play. The procedure allows you to see or peak into the future before the herd mentality (who by the way are nothing but sheep waiting to be slaughtered) decides to enter. Which by then the pip move has already expired and they end up having bought at the top of the move on the way to financial defeat.
I hope this wasn’t too long as I can get carried away in this discussion as it is the most interesting subject to me and that is the thought process and how it is applied to investing. Perhaps if I can get established in the Philippines I will write an updated version of my book and publish it once again. I never tried an e-book format and you seem to be enjoy the ability to sell your book on line. Perhaps I should try also. You need to get into trading! You need to learn how the thought process works and apply it. Rusty, it will change your life!
Think of fundamentals vs. techs as the following:
When you walk into a Mcdonalds, those kids don’t think. The register tells them what to do. The register takes the order, the kid takes the money and the register tells the kid how much change should be given back. Now take that same kid and turn off the electricity. Not only does he not know how to place an order but he doesn’t even know how to make change because he never had to. That’s the equivalent of tech trading.
I use the software that techs use but the fundamental ability I have is I know how to think and plan without that machine. Which do you want to be? The one that depends on the machine to do all your thinking for you or do you want the ability to think for yourself and use technology to your advantage. That’s why I use a combination of both but my base of operation is grounded by strong fundamental thought process. I will match wits with anyone when the electricity goes off, because the chances they can think without their software is very remote when trading.
Just ask “Long-term Capital Management”!!!
Hope this helps
Jim
It isn’t too long, I read it twice.
I’m glad to see that fundamentals are the way to go. What I see around the web is usually based on charts or technical analysis. For those that are interested, some traders believe they can look at a chart and determine the high and low points and base their investments on these things. Fundamentals are more based on economics when it comes to currency trading. For stocks one looks at the management team and the balance sheet and income statement of a business to make their decisions as well as many other things but not based on current price. Though one does consider price in Fundamental. Many investors look at price of stock divided by earnings over a time period. If the P/E ratio is at a high point, that probably isn’t a good time to buy. Also they consider things like employee relations and public opinion of the company. Everything is looked at with fundamental analysis except for trying to predict falls and rises based on charts alone.
What kind of software do you use? Are you talking about the software out there I see that claims to be able to predict a rise and fall? I purchased a video course on that with resell rights. Meaning I can sell the videos and keep the money. I haven’t watched them as I didn’t think that kind of software was much good. I thought it was a scam to be honest. Perhaps I need to watch them and decide and tell people that if they rely only on this software they could be in major trouble. I don’t want to sell anything that is questionable. Besides, my forex site isn’t getting very much traffic.
Too many forex sites out there selling scamming software. LOL I think the site will get traffic but it will take longer for me to build up on that.
So in the long term, fundamentals are the way to go. That’s exactly what I thought. Most forex trading happens in the short term though from what I can see. These are the points that I’ve not yet quite figured out. If I had any money, I could probably make some money in the forex. The first thing I learned about investing is don’t invest more than you can afford to loose. For me that’s about $250 max. I don’t even know if the companies would accept such a small trade. At my current level of savings, I’d say $100 is a better number.
Hello Rusty,
Yes there are a few firms that will open an account with a small amount of money. Rather than risk even a few dollars, simply use their practice trading systems and get use to their platform. Use their screens, platform, tech systems, news, etc. until you get comfortable with your trading strategies and learning curve. You could open an account with lets say $100-$200 then trade when you are comfortable with it. I read your comments on stock trading. I don’t trade stocks. I position all my stock portfolio for long term and I don’t do much of that. It’s too risky and the game is rigged for the big boys. It’s easier to trade currencies and I can make a lot more money. Plus forex is so large it is hard to manipulate or rig the game. It’s more of an even playing field.
Don’t pay too much attention to the techs. I have traded with techs but it was mainly because of the size of funds I was trading. The bigger the funds and diversification the more you need the software because it’s easier to manage them. I have found that I can manage a $1 million dollar fund rather easily just on fundamentals and without all the tech software. I love to hear all the B.S. when people start out. They believe because a fund manager uses it they must have it.
If I can manage a $1 million dollar fund leveraged as high as 50 times, not only is that a lot of money but I can manage the fund quite well without all the software, whereas friends of mine who manage 50 million dollars spread across many positions and accounts have to have all the tech software just to keep track of their positions. Most of us don’t have that 50 million dollar management problem.
Most tech software is for management of positions and is mistakenly used as a decision maker. Hence the Mcdonald-lized trader I discussed. Like I said people (Traders) will go way out of their way to shortcut their learning curve even at the risk of losing everything. It’s the damndest thing I have ever seen and I have traded for a long time and it never changes. They still lose all their money. But I guess that’s why there are long and short positions. Those fools provide all the liquidity for the rest of us!
Rusty,
Yes stay out of the fx software business. There are only three types of trading systems that work and they are, None, Nada and Zip. Period. Anybody who says different is a liar. It’s just that simple. People want to believe, but there has not been one software in history that is profitable on it’s own merits. The only one who makes money on trading software is the developer who sells it. No one else does!
Jim, I'll have to find the time to put into one of those firms practice software. Most of them only allow you to use it for 30 days.
Not long enough. I'm usually confused if I'm buying or selling dollars. LOL 
The last time I used one, I could never find my transaction but I liked their software. It is still here on the PC some place.
I could spend a year looking for a firm that takes small investors.
Are there more that will go as low as $500? Do you know of any off hand?
Dang it, I'd really like to sell that software.
But I'm not buying into the automatic and it does the thinking for me. Maybe I can find a legit way to sell it. Buy disclosing that promently. I suppose I should watch it. Maybe there is something useful in it. I bought it for the articles in the package. I took those and rewrote a few of them and used them on a website. I had to change some of that too as it was bogus. 
I'm replying using this comment system as I'd like to do away with the other one.
Hi Rusty,
Yes I can give you a name of a company that is legit, will provide you a practice account for unlimited time. There probably will be a couple of services you can’t use without an account on the platform but that would not be a big deal.
I am sure it is browser based so you wouldn’t have to load up on software. When and if you decide to trade for real it would be a simple process of changeover to their real time system by opening up a very small account as I don’t think there is a minimum, so it would be ideal to start with. Just watch your leverage!
I use a major global brokerage house for my fx trading but use a smaller firm in Chicago for futures/options. I have a young guy (broker) I’m guessing about late 20′s that handles my futures/option plays. He is a great technician if you decide to move into that area. I would be glad to make an intro to him although I think he has a minimum but not sure what it is. Probably 10 /20 thou I’m not sure
Just for info. As technology has evolved, I think you will see a lot of introductory brokerage firms allowing the potential starting trader to have longer practice trading accounts. It simply is good business. If they don’t they will become known as simply trying to churn accounts and will end up losing the business anyway. So drop me an e-mail address I will get you the info.
I can tell you this much. I have been trading a long time. Over twenty years! In longevity terms, for a trader, that is equal to when JC was born. It takes a lot of dedication to be successful at trading but if you can manage even a small success, it will change your life for the better and open up opportunities for all aspects of your life. Even living in the jungle/LOL!
But for now give me a private e-mail so I can get you the name of the practice account and I will be glad to help.
Jim
Okay Jim, I'll send you an email. I did find one firm that allows a longer practice account. I just found I didn't have the time to devote to it and that probably is getting worse, not better. haha I will send you an email. I'd also like to know more about the software that you use if it isn't a trade secret.
I forgot I have an expense coming up this month that can't be avoided. So things are going to take a hit. Leverage as in margin? I am not in a position to be borrowing money in any fashion. It probably works a bit different in the FOREX. Any way, I'll be sending you the email soon. Thanks!
Hey Jim,
There are many Forex traders here (local and some foreigners who are now based here). Most of them who are really into it, I mean those who make a living from Forex, they are using VPS (virtual private server) from different hosting provider. They let it run 24/7.
Basically they just login to their VPS 3-5 times per day, I’m not sure if you’re familiar with VPS but it will be more cost-effective than getting a generator and a place somewhere in IT park.
They run their apps on the VPS? Jim you can get one for about $100 a month, maybe a little less at Hostgator. That is where mine is.
Unless they run only on a Windows then you’ll pay about twice that much. I can setup a Windows for you. For free. Probably. haha It is has been a long time since I’ve done that.
If their apps run there the server can run their apps, then I can see a real benefit of that. You’ll still need a generator if you want to connect during a brownout otherwise you’ll have no internet connection.
If the software is Web based, it wont help that much as you still have to connect to the server with your Philippines based IP but it will help. At least your connection from the server tot he site will be fast but your connection to the server will bottle neck sending the info to you. It isn’t a bad idea at all.
Hi Rusty,
My comment to you Rusty is a mimic of what I wrote to Jay. I really appreciate your information and the “boots on the ground” experience in that area. All of you have been of great help with great information and I will follow up on all of it upon arrival. Again thank you,
Thanks
Jim
Hi Jay,
Thank you for your comment. You don’t know how much I appreciate the information. I have trading in Manila in the past and had excellent connection and used wireless when I traveled for back up till I could return to base. But I experienced some difficulty in some places. Although I could plan for such outages, I, like the rest of you cringe at the thought.
It has been my main concern about Cebu and I thought if I kept posting you guys would come out of the woodwork!ha ha! I will certainly look into it. Thanks again and good trading!
Thank you very much
Jim
how do I post here.
Just like that
I just can't get my blog visitors to use the FaceBook comments. haha OH well, I can't really remove all the comments I have from blog users. Then this would be the only way to comment. Maybe I'd loose people too.
Marvelous post! Cebu Expereince seriously tends to make my day a bit brighter
Keep on with the outstanding articles! Thank you, Incredible