Bogo City is a beautiful place. I walk nearly every day and almost always take a camera. Bogo City is a fishing community. No, not everyone fishes but a large part of the city uses the sea to make a living. There is a wharf near my home. I don’t really know the name of it, I call it Bogo City Wharf. There is a larger Bogo City Port to our north but I have not been there. It is to far for me to walk.
Tagged with: Banca • Boat • Bogo City • Features
Filed under: Bogo City Port • Cebu Experience
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Hello there, how are you? My fiancee lives on malapascua island and I have been to Bogo many times with her. I am currently living in Las Vegas but woulf like to move there for a year or so. We would like to stay somewhere near Bogo. Could you please help or give any suggestions as to prices, places to rent, etc..
Thank you
You’ll pretty much need to be here to line up a home to rent. What many people do is stay at a resort or a pension home. A pension home will cost yoyu around $15.00 a night, it should be less than that.. I don’t remember th name of it but I’ll get it for you if I hear back from you. I think lots people post once and then forget how to get back here.
Feel free to use the contact me page, its under questions on the top of the page. I kind of hid it so people will ask their questions here. LOL
I’ll get you my text number so hopefully we can meet up when you get here. Perhaps, my girl and I can join you for a trip to Malapascua. I’ve never been there. Nor have I been to Bantayan Island. I may end up living on Bantayan Island before I’m done. Probably not though, having to take a boat to buy groceries is a little out there.
hi there! my mother is living in bogo city cebu, she was born there!
Hi Galilei, Cool! I take it you are not here? Did you use to live here?
Oh, I forgot, once you’re here and living in the pension house, you’ll be able to find something I think. There is an internet cafe where I’m told the owner can help you find a place. Prices can be as low as $50 a month. I have a huge home, tri-level for less than $300 but it is hard to find somehting as nice as I have. Not impossible though!
I would really like to visit Bogo City. My plan is to fly over to the Philippines and spend a couple of months seeing as much of it as I can. Since my last name is Bogo, I’m naturally very curious about Bogo City, as if I’m drawn to it by some unknown forces
How is the weather there in the April-June months? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and I currently live south of Pittsburgh, PA, USA, hoping airfare from here won’t be too bad.
Ok, I just checked out your pictures of Bogo City. Wow! Great scenery, and those Filipinas are stunning. The one who posed in front of the bike with the sunset in the background is gorgeous. Marites, or maybe Marivez, I can’t remember the spelling of her name. I like the Barbershop photo, too. So tell me, how much would it cost me for a shave and a haircut?
Maritess is very attractive, she has a “partner” though, shame huh?
I intend to invite her and her partner to dinner soon but am a we bit short of money cause I keep going to Cebu city and spending too much. 
I’m not 100% sure either. Most Filipina are very loyal, once you are actually with them. Of course, if your looking for casual encounters, those can be found too but nothings free. 
Haircut will cost you less than a dollar man if you get out of the malls. About a dollar if you go to the malls, three times more. Haircut in Bogo City is about P30 but I usually give them P50 or P40. I’ve only found one barber in Bogo City that I thought knew what he was doing out of three haircuts.
Last guy wasn’t too bad but he was afraid to cut the thinning hair off the top of my head leaving me looking like a rooster.
Its the Philippines, its hot here dude. LOL For the last couple of months its been rather cool and I’ve been loving it but you can’t count on that. Its very cheap to live in Bogo, pension house about P650. Beer, great beer, P30. Lots of expats hang out one restaurant, I’ve never been there, just don’t see the attraction to it.
April through June is what my Filipina GF considers the dry months but she’s from another province. I’ve read dry season is June to October on a weather site but she doesn’t agree.
I came to Pi last Feb. Was pretty hot and mostly dry in those months. But one can never tell about the weather. I think Bogo is a little cooler than Cebu City. They say there is more rain here. I’ve not seen that but I have seen more clouds and for the last three months a good breeze too.
I’m reluctant to say what the weather is like because it doesn’t seem to be following its normal pattern. I am in the east central part of the country.
I like Bogo, we might move in a year though and head to a mountain city where it is suppose to be about 5C cooler which would be closer to 8F. So instead of 77F to 90F most of the time it would be 70 to 82F.
To convert those peso prices I gave you, just dive Peso by 46.5 will give you a close number at the rates now.
PS the best thing about the Philippines is the Filipina but one must proceed with great caution until you know a few of them.
Especially if you meet them on the net.
Thanks for all the info, Rusty. As for what I’m looking for regarding Filipinas, I think I’ve reached a point in my life in which I’m not trying to go there and chase girls/chase girls/get laid. At the same time I’m not in a hurry to get married either. So if I strike up a relationship with a great Filipina who is traditional/conservative/no premarital sex, she wouldn’t have to worry about me constantly pressuring her, so I guess that would be a plus
I do have a question for you, though. Hypothetically speaking, let’s say I fall madly in love with a Filipina who steals my heart, and I go to meet her family for dinner, etc. I quit drinking almost 2 years ago. I had just gotten my 3rd DUI, and I decided to just give it up. No creepy AA or anything, not 1 day at a time, but forever. I never have any trouble being around booze, like in bars/casinos/wedding receptions, etc. So I am not the type to freak out just because the people at the table with me are having wine, beer, whatever. But my question is, would I offend anybody by saying that I don’t drink and just opting for water/tea/pepsi/coffee instead? Because I am curious about whether there are cultural stigmas involed with booze there. Basically, if a Filipina’s father wants me to help him polish off a bottle of jungle juice, would he lose respect for me or be offended because I say “No thanks”? Sorry, I know that was pretty much the longest question ever, but I think it’s a fairly legitimate one.
My girlfriend said you should explain that you were once addicted and they will understand. I suspect they will even admire you.
You might be surprised how appealing no sex on your part can be appealing to even an American woman that is religious in nature. But they might also be a nut case in the US. I suspect it would carry even more weight here.
I know when I went to meet my girls father, he did bring out some very fine Jungle Juice. He asked me if I drink first though. Then when others tried to get me to drink from their bottle he told me only to drink from his. Was good tuba.
I don’t think you’ll have any problem being who you are. I know one Filipina that is in her 30s and had a child but lived with her parents. Her parents grounded her for staying out all night.
Hard for me to comprehend that one. She is in Manlia.
Sounds like you know the only thing you need to be more careful with when dealing with Filipina than your money, is your heart. If not, be very careful. Most likely she’s been lied to a lot so don’t expect anything more from her than telling you what she thanks you want to hear.
Once with them, I believe they are extremely loyal. Well most of them, there are always exceptions.
hi, rusty!!! How are you? I appreciate that you have helped a lot of people here by this site… keep it up…. Thank you for sharing what you have learned here in our place, now it’s your place, too…. I just wanna say WELCOME to the Philippines particularly in Cebu… I think you are more concerned and updated than the Cebuanos are… I salute you for those interests in any field you have been encountered… You know who are we…the characters of the Filipinas.. but do u know me that well enough? LOL
Well, God bless to all your undertakings… always remember that we are here, your friends, or i might say your online friends but i know you know who are those people who are true here, just be careful though.. You are such a smart expat that I have been known here, so far….
I am planning to visit Medellin in my Lola’s place in the first week of MArch to personally greet her a happy birthday…
till then…. be happy….. God loves you and me and everyone…. XOXO (do u know what this means?) well, I just knew it the other day thru internet … it’s for you to find out or search….
God bless!
Take care!
Yes, I know what it means, it means hugs and kisses. They would be more fun in person, I think.
Thank you for the many kind words. Smartest Expat? Now that I like but I think I know some expats that would disagree. All of them I know would disagree.
I have not been to Medellin. I see it referred to a town and as barangay of Bogo City. Perhaps it is both? Are you staying overnight? I would enjoy meeting you. Maybe we can go to the BBQ by the Bay?
Here is my cell phone 0921-300-2265. Text me when you’re here and let me know more about your visit. I may go to Bantayan Island if I don’t know when you are coming.
Thanks for the continued advice, Rusty. A couple more questions: How is the sea water around Bogo? Is it ok for swimming? Also, I am interested in getting SCUBA certified over in the Philippines. Any idea how much that might cost me? My assumption is that, like nearly everything but DSL internet, it’s cheaper there. I’m sure there must be some great diving areas in the Leyte area. And do you have any tips for getting cheap airfare from Pittsburgh, PA USA to the Philippines? I think I will be ok if I can keep roundtrip airfare in the no-more-than-$1200-1300USD-range. Your advice would be greatly appreciated, as usual.
Hi Russ, I must say I was impressed with Cebu Airport staff when I visited last year with my kids. I’m glad I did not take them to Manila. You see when I visited Manila in 1986, the girl who checked my passport asked me for a present! – and I’ve neve clapped eyes on her before! My friends here in Oz says Manila airport staff actually do this, they try their luck. I can understand them though, what with the hard life in the Phil. but they get paid to do a job, and really asking a “balikbayan” (Filipino returning to the country) for a present really disgusts me. Apparently they only do this to fellow Filipinos, so what my friends sometimes do is tell them they are only domestic servants here in Oz. I don’t know how they can pull this off with an Aussie passport? One of my girlfriends went back on her own last year with a young baby, and an airport passport controller tried her best to extract money from my friend. As it happened my friend was on her last few dollar, so she told them throw me into prison because I just can’t give you anymore! They eventually let her go. She said she knew that all her taxes had been paid because that was what the travel agent said. Needless to say, she was disgusted. while going through Cebu last year, I was never hassled for anything. On our way back to Oz, while lining up to check in, we were ushered to the internet counter check-in. I said I did not check in in the internet, I did not have access to internet while in Tabogon. They said it was okay because the counter was empty. All the while I was anticipating being hit with a request for a $$ or a present but this did not happen and we had a smooth flight back to Oz. I am very proud of my fellow Cebuanos. Keep up the good work. Cheers from Oz..Christine
Joe, I too wish to get certified. I don’t know what it cost in the states but it seems that it is far less expensive than I would have expected it to be in the Philippines. There is a beach club a bit north of me, San Remegio Beach Club that provides scuba diving training. I plan to get mine there.
I don’t know about Leyte but Northern Cebu has people come from all over the world, Malapascua Island was featured on National Geographic for their very special diving area where fish come to get cleaned by other fish. There seems to be a truce in these waters as the fish don’t eat each other here. Very odd. I’m pretty close to that Island. I know that Dumaguete also has great diving, I forget the name of the Island though, starts with an A. I’m thinking of relocating there.
I wouldn’t get in the water any where close to a town or city in the Philippines. The water can be clear yet not clean. I saw some kids swimming in muck the other day, I will be posting pictures. Close to some of the crazy stuff I did as a kid. But in my case, it would have been the live things in the water with me, gators and snakes. LOL Swamps but not polluted. Lot of people get sick from the water here.
However, you don’t have to get far out to be okay. I think you’d be diving with guides for a while, that’s cheap.
They’ll get you to the good places. Reef destruction is a problem all over the Islands. The Philippines is starting to educate the people about the treasure they have it. It needs to be more aggressive but at least there is a start. It will take time. Remember when our government did the same thing in the 70s. Remember the crying Indian by the high way? To guilt us into doing better?
I think you can do better than that for your flight. I paid that for one way when I came in but prices were up.
I have a link on my http://heyjoe.ph for a cheap travel site. If you have a discount airline in your city, especially Southwest, use them to get to California for around $100 to $150. Then use that cheap airline ticket link on that site and you can get a trip from California to the RP for under $600 and that’s round trip. Its about half of what I’ve been seeing by just going to airlines and flying out of my Cebu to Jackson, Ms.
I’ll try to get that link on this site today. I plan to use them for a trip to Bangkok in the next few months. All I can comment on is the price as so far, I have not actually use them.
Christine, I value what you’ve said here. You being a Filipino, you can say such things. I don’t think it would be wise for me to comment a lot about it as I could get thrown out of the country.
I actually got threatened with that yesterday. Someone I don’t know said I need to stop hitting on Filipina and that I’m rude to Filipina. There is one Filipina that lied to me and hurt me pretty badly then made fun of me for believing anything she said. I posted about it on a web site two years before I got here. I’m not going to take it down, BI will have to do what it thinks best. The fear of being thrown out is real, making someone angry, justified or not can get me into severe hot water and it scares me. My life is here now.
They guy that threatened me was online, I don’t know him. I told him if you think I’m rude to Filipina you don’t know my sites the way you claim.
As for hitting on them, geesh, they start it.
When that becomes illegal or makes me undesirable, then I’m guilty.
I didn’t get any direct request like that, I’m pretty sure a baggage handler was suggesting a tip and I would have tipped him but I was so unsure of insulting him.
I am aware of the custom in the Philippines where a returning Filipino brings gifts for their family. It might be as simple as fruit. If the Filipino had to do this for everyone, it would make for some very poor Filipino.
If I were you, I’d get a Philippines passport too. If there is not a law that prevents you from having two?
I’ve read and saw hints of Filipina having issues when trying to exit the country. No idea it was anything like this. If you’re going to be coming back a lot, dual passports might help.
Hi Russ, I’m actually amazed someone had accused you of hitting on Filipinas. You should have told him to read your site. I’m actually quite proud that you are kinda protecting and have embraced (as much as you can tolerate) our culture good and bad. I think these days the Aussie gov’t allows Filipinos to be dual citizens. Something that wasn’t available to me when I became naturalized. In my opinion, Phil. is still a very unstable country, economically and socially. For that reason, I would prefer to have the protection of the Aussie government. I’m still a long way off from retirement, so I hope things will be a lot better by then, I hope to spend 1/2 a year in Phil and get re-aquainted with my beloved country. Like most Filipinos who go abroad, I came here in search of a better life, but at what costs? so far away from my roots. Now I sometimes wonder if I’ve done the right thing. My children does not relate to Filipino culture at all, although my daughter fell in love with the Phil. the moment she step on its soil. But then I saw the thousands of OFWs returning home because of the economic meltdown. Some, mainly women domestic servants came home without earning a dollar (and presumably still in debt) because they were abused by thier employers in the middle east including getting raped. How could the Phil. government allow these things to happen to our citizens? You can argue that they don’t really have control of if and when a citizen decide to work abroad, mainly because of poverty. I saw these things in the 70′s during the Marcos regime, and I vowed to myself I would not inflict these on my future children, so I had to “abandon” my country. I still fee homesick a lot, but now I feel happier that I can actually go home, hopefully every year. I’ve read your comments on poverty stricken Filipino children. I will reserve my opinion in that coloum.
I flirt with Filipina almost every day but they always start it.
The biggest issue for me regarding that is why these babies do it. Pre-teens flirt with me. I guess they hear their bigger sisters talk about kano so they pick it up from there. Some are two young to know what they are doing. Some know but don’t understand.
Yesterday I had six very flirty high school girls laying it on pretty heavy. I smiled back at them, I thought it was cute. I wanted to take some pictures of them but decided someone might get the idea I was really pursuing them so I just waved and smiled back at them. Its humorous to me, man crazy teens. They are babies and I have no interest of course. That’s not what this guy was talking about.
Sometimes girls come on to me on the net. I use to play along with it. They would be after money, nearly every time. I enjoyed that they thought they were fooling me. That’s what this guy was talking about. He was talking about some girls on a certain site. I told him he had not seen my sites. And he said that was BS and my days were marked, I would be out soon. “We are investigating you now.”
I’ve made some girls mad because they were trying to rip me off and I didn’t fall for it. What someone says about a foreigner doesn’t have to be true. If they say it, then it could be bad for me. I wrote something less than positive about one of the girls almost three years ago, she fooled me. She was the first one I met. I learn quick. In fact, I stopped looking after that but found someone anyway.
But flirt? Heck yea. If that makes me undesirable, they need to throw every kano in the country out and the pinoy too for that matter. I guess not sending the girls money when they tell me their mother needs oxygen or they will die could be considered rude.
There’s one girl in this town I tried to befriend long before I got here but she and I didn’t get along. When my wife and I split 3 years ago, she thought I was going to come running to her. She was wrong. She felt jilted and then I ended up in the same city as her.
I came to the Philippines for two reasons, the girls and the cost of living. I don’t lie to anyone. I don’t promise them anything and I sure as heck don’t force myself on anyone. I have only one romantic interest here. I’m not married. I do have a girlfriend and I never hide that.
Many Filipina ask me if I have a wife, few ask if I have a girlfriend but I also send them here.
I have only one Filipina but dang they are so wonderful, I think I should have more. HAHA. I just can’t find any to go along with that idea.
As you probably know, Filipina can be crazy insane jealous.
You’re daughters roots are here and she knows it and it felt like home to her. I’ve read and watched videos from girls that have come back here after being raised in another land. They are so excited to be here.
As for my being protective. So many expats like to sit around and complain about how bad this is or how crazy that is. It gets really old to me. I’ve met a few other expats express the same opinion that I have on that. Go home then.
I get really upset when I hear of an American beating their girl(s) here. Its disheartening to hear a girl say but he is generous with his money. I’m thinking of one particularly beautiful girl. I’m renting the house he use to rent. I told my GF that I thought he did that before anyone told me it was common knowledge here.
Its probably a good thing he got out of Bogo. As you know, Filipino have a way of handling such things. The girls didn’t have family here, at least the ones I know of.
I really dislike the guys that beat women. There is never an excuse for that, if a woman is trying to kill you then do what you have too but beating isn’t likely to ever be called for, even in such a situation. Men are just too strong. It really angers me as it gives the rest of us a bad name.
My GF’s brother is a Barangay captain and he told me it is a big problem. I wouldn’t associate with anyone that did that. So many do though, probably so many feel like it is okay.
Probably shouldn’t get me started on this.
There are problems in the Philippines, no about about it. It is a young democracy. These things take time. There is corruption in the US government and its over 200 years old now. But 175 years ago it was very bad there too. Things are getting better. I think getting rid of the military base in Subic Bay was very short sided but that’s what the people wanted. I don’t think the US should stay any where they are not wanted.
Filipino are proud bunch though, gotta give them that.
For me the problems are minor and don’t really effect me much. I just find a way around them. The one area i have a problem and fear is from that person that threatened me. I think that’s why so many expats avoid pinoy, they fear that will happen to them..
I’m not going to do that, I’m going to embrace them all, everyone that I can. I’ll be me. If I get thrown out then I just will. I can’t do much to prevent it other than try to follow the rules and if that doesn’t work, then I guess that’s the way it works out.
Hopefully if it ever happens, BI will check me out rather than just go with what one person tells them.
Thanks for addressing my diving questions, Rusty. I was just searching around the net the other night, and I came across a page that briefly described Apo Reef and Apo Island. Perhaps that’s the place you were thinking of that you said began with an A. If I come across that web page again, I’ll send you the link. (Can I use html to tag links on this message board? I just want to know before I go writing any tags..) From what I read, it’s supposedly great. I think I’ve also read that there is some great diving to be found around Boracay, too.
One reason I think it would be cool to check out Leyte is because I read a fantastic book called “Sea of Thunder” which gave fascinating accounts of the various Pacific naval battles between the US and the Japanese. The battles which took place in Leyte Gulf were legendary, so I’m sure there must be some pretty wild shipwrecks there. But then again, I guess one could argue that there are shipwrecks everywheer
I believe I’ve read comments you regardng digitl camera troubles you’ve encountered during your time in the Phil. I’m in the market for a digital camera, and I am very thorough when it comes to researching things like that. The Olympus Stylus SW series seems to be worth consideration by anyone who lives in a high-humidity, wet/rainy environment. These are built very tough, almost idiot proof when it comes to their resistance to the elements. I think I read that the 1030SW model is actually waterproof to 30 feet, can withstand a drop of 2 or 3 meters, crushproof, dustproof, etc, you get the idea. I don’t know much about focal length and all that, but from the user reviews I’ve read online, the optics seem to be pretty good, too. I know that if I lived in the tropics, I’d certainly consider looking for a good, tough, well-sealed camera like that. Just a thought.
Nothing irritates me more than all the stories in the news about these low-life scumbags who beat on their wives, girlfriends, etc. Honestly, I’ve never been that kind of guy, and I suppose if I were “grateful” about anything, it would be the fact that I’m not one of those jackasses. Guys get in trouble for that here in the US all the time, and they usually don’t get more than a slap on the wrist out of it. Some guy stops by the old watering hole on his way home from his $40/hour union iron-work job, finally rolls into his driveway around 2am, his “baby’s mama” asks him if he remembered to pick up the diapers, he flips out and beats her up, pays a minimal fine, and that’s it. I must admit that I do admire how certain other countries’ judicial systems are much less tolerant of abusive behavior than the good ol’ US of A in which I currently reside.
Apo Island is the one I was talking about.
I’m kind of surprised Leyte had huge navel battles since that’s where MacArthur came ashore.
Figured they’d bring him into a safer area. But I’m sure things had died down. I would think the navel battles would be out at open sea. I have not even had my first lesson yet so wreck diving is a long way out of my range. You a SEAL dude? 
)
Maybe I should look at that camera, I’m willing to bet its a lot cheaper. Getting something waterproof would be a good idea too. I’ve wondered about that. I figured the Cannon would provide an enclosure. Even water proof would requite an enclosure, no? Seems the salt wouldn’t be good for the outside either.
I don’t think most people that beat their women are earning $40 an hour. Most are unable to function well under the rules of others. They are control freaks. Plenty of them are managers and executives or business owners too. most probably don’t do well at holding a job down. I would be surprised if some of them can go back to the home towns at all. They’ve not got into enough trouble to get on a national watch or hunt but the local sheriff might be looking for him. I don’t think most of these cowards are able to hold anything steady, they are to afraid of failure to even try. Not all but most I doubt hold a job at all.
I’m going to look at camera’s. I don’t plan on buying one any time soon.
I think you asked about what html you can use. I don’t know. What you can use is different than I can use. You can always copy and past the URL without any formatting and if it doesn’t come up clickable they can copy and past.
That Camera you mention isn’t in the same class I’m looking at. What I’m looking at will cost around $2000.00 I’m not sure the camera your talking about is still in production? Amazon has only used ones.
I’m looking Cannon 50D or Nikon 90D they are near professional level SLR cameras. I may have to start a collection to get it. LOL
What you mentioned might hold me over. Amazon has some used ones at $149.00
This is what I have in mind:
Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera Body + Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS Lens + Canon EF 75-300mm III Lens + 16GB CF Memory Card + BP-511 Battery + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit
Or this:
Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm AF-S DX VR Nikkor Lens w/ 3pc Photo Essentials Filter Kit + Nikon 70-300mm Lens w/ 3pc Photo Essentials Filter Kit + Transcend 16GB Memory Card + Willoughbys 3-Year Extended Warranty Bonus Kit
I looked at the wrong Olympus to start with, they are around $300 but they are not in the same class I’m looking for. However, I would enjoy having a camera like that as well. I just want something I can really be happy with when I need more camera.
Hi, Rusty!!!My internet for four days had been into trouble… I kept on complaining to my ISP which is a GLOBE.. You know, I’m so updated in paying my monthly bills but I don’t deserve the way they offer their products and services to the customer.
This is the first site that i have opened since only this time that my connection went back..I searched to this sub-topic to check your answer to my last comment… Thank you for your time in entertaining us here…
WOW! I’m so amazed that you were posting your cell number here which I thought a man like would only have his cell number exclusively… Thank you…
Till here….
God bless….
Here is a link to what appears to be a pretty sweet site regarding scuba diving in the Phil : http://www.philstart.com/linkpages/diving.htm
And here’s another one that looks pretty cool : http://www.philstart.com/linkpages/diving.htm
I worked at a Best Buy store a couple of years ago as a home theater professional. The digital cameras area was right across the aisle from where the home theater section was in the back of the store. Because of that, when they got busy at any time that I wasn’t, I would go over and help them sell cameras. Because of that, I learned an awful lot about the products. You couldn’t go wrong with the Nikon D90, but before you bought one I would strongly recommend looking at the D40, which seems to be a serious contender for the “Best D-SLR value” belt. I personally am more of a Canon guy, and if I were making the call I would have a hard time deciding between the Canon Digital Rebel XSI and the Nikon D40. Either way, I strongly recommend that you read the reviews of everything you are considering on cnet.com, because they are great at giving unbiased advice on all things electronic, including cameras.
I have a feeling that, regardless of what D-SLR you end up getting, an Olympus SW or Tough series point-and-shoot digital camera will quickly become your best friend. How nice would it be to be caught in a sudden downpour or monsoon while on your daily walk, but not have to worry at all about protecting your camera from the rain, etc? You could continue snapping photos with no worries. Price of a good, water/weather-proof camera: $200-$300. Price of a decent memory card: $15-20. Well-timed snapshots of soaking-wet Filipinas: Priceless
One thing I previously forgot to comment on is the cold-showers issue. As someone who’s done my share of camping, I must say that one of the greatest cheap camping accessories is the camp shower. I’ve seen them for sale at Walmart for around $10. Just a 5-gallon black plastic bladder with a valve to turn it into an instant warm-water shower. They actually work great. Fill one with cold tap water, hang it outside in the sun all day, and when you’re ready to take a shower, just carry it inside and hang it in your regular shower stall. Presto! 5 gallons of solar-heated water. Of course it might be annoying having to carry the 40-lb beast inside, but I bet it would be worth the hassle. Something tells me that Jessie may like that idea, too
Hey Vivian, I was a little reluctant to put my number here but I was unclear as to when you’d be in town and didn’t want to miss you if you managed to free up some time. Now that you have it, I might delete it.
Sorry about your issues with Globe. I do understand, I’ve had days when I had to go to Cafe’s for the same reason. My net has been slow for the last month but its getting a little better now. They did have a major issue of some kind.
I really dislike DSL, Ii had cable in the US and I had a business class line with super fast speeds that DSL just can’t approach.. I have a faster line than normal here. A 2Mbps line most people have only 512 but I don’t think I’m getting that most of the time.
Glad to have you back.
That Olympus camera does have some nice features and I could buy it now and I do believe it would be a substantial upgrade to my aging camera, even if I did pay $1100 for it. Prices have come way down since then. Was easier to come up with $1000 when I was working than it is now.
I think I’ll be getting the Cannon D50 as it has the fastest processor. I really might get that Olympus first though. Jessie wants a camera too and I could pass it own to her. Those Nikon’s look really good but that’s no reason to buy one. LOL I found this site yesterday: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_eos_50d.html I use to think a lot more of Cnet than I use too. Ziff-Davis bought them, no? PC Magazine. I was so disappointed the last time I bought a PC Magazine, it was nothing but ads. The reviews were ads, usually on products being advertised in the magazine. I use to read every issue but I got out of the habit. I remember when I understood about 50% of it but I kept reading until I understood about 80%. Now it is disappointing. So I’ve lost trust in Cnet too.
I could never find anything negative in PC Magazine. Online their articles have affiliate links in them. 
I mean on ZDnet I don’t know about Cnet. My impression though is that Cnet too is not what it should be.
Now I’m not sure about this page I found, I’ve not seen anything negative yet. I do though value your input, don’t get me wrong. And I will do a lot more research before I plunked down over $1500 for a camera. I’m pretty much an anti-borrower now but if I had $2K open on a CC, I suspect I’d have that Cannon 50D
You’ve about got me talked into get that Olympus though. I noticed the humidity limited for the 50D is 85%.
I almost always bring an umbrella with me when I walk. I probably need to get under it more. When it rains, 90% of the time, I’m near a building but yes, I would freak out if I was out in the jungle and it began to rain with a 50D LOL. I’d have to bring some kind of protection for it. I know one can save a lot of money by doing down on level in the latest technology and I usually do that with PC’s but my camera is different. I really want that camera. I may never be able to get it.
It has cannon’s fourth generation processor in it and is considered a prosumer model.
I do have two Minotla 7000′s film cameras but they are in the states.
I hope to get them here before too much longer but not sure. I may need to bring them back myself. I bought some accessories for them before I left but then ran out of room and couldn’t bring them. I even found a databack for one. Those use to cost as much as the camera.
People talk pretty good about my pictures now, I’ll probably hold off as I would have to put it on a credit card and I’m in a saving/anti debt mode right now.
That Olympus does have its value though! To take it under water would be awesome, not that I’ve been under water any time lately.
I’ll check those links out. I woke up to early, I may fall back to sleep. LOL
Actually, I just remembered something about the Nikon D-SLR cameras. A girl I hung out with a couple of years ago, who was into photography big-time, had a really nice D80 or D90 but couldn’t use it because a speck of dust was in the optics and she had to wait for a pro shop to get it cleaned out for her before she could use it again. I’m pretty sure the Canon Rebel D-SLR cameras have a self-cleaning system, which is great because you wouldn’t have to worry about that happening to you. I don’t think that even the most high-end Nikon models have such a feature, so that’s one more point for Canon.
As for the Olympus cams, I was looking at the 850 and 1030 models on amazon the other day, and I noticed that there seem to be a couple new models, too. I think they are called the Olympus Tough 6000 and Tough 8000, something like that. Whether you go with one of those or one from the Stylus SW line, either way I’m pretty sure you would have a quality, dependable point-and-shooter for a reasonable price, and even if you or Jessie drops it a few feet onto the concrete, it should take the licking and keep on ticking
I’m curious to hear your opinion on my solar camp-shower theory. It might be a winner, and a cheap one at that.
I’m really looking forward to making my way over to the Phils. One thing that frustrates me though is being on probation. I got my 3rd and final DUI in May 2007, quit drinking for good the next day, but now I’m still stuck on probation until April 2010. It should be fun trying to convince the judge to let me go to southeast Asia for a month or two. The only thing that frustrates me more is the fact that I probably only have a few years of eyesight left (Retinitis Pigmentosa is a real pain in the ass), and I’d rather not have to wait for too long to be able to get over there and really enjoy the Phils.
One more question. How did Bogo get its name? I have been poking around on the web trying to find out the history of Bogo and the origin of its name, but I haven’t had any luck. Like I said before, since it’s my last name, it interests me greatly.
I don’t know how Bogo got its name. It can be hard to find Philippine History. We have a museum though and I’ve never gone to it. It doesn’t have aircon and looks like its probably hot and you have to pay. No aircon and payment, not very enticing to me. I want to go though. I’ll try to pick a cool day but most of those are about gone I fear.
Awww, you wrote to me before. I remember the failing eye site issue. Good thing you were not in Tn. I believe the third time would have been a year in jail and a felony and then you couldn’t ge into the Philippines nor probably any place else. Glad you put it down. I know addiction is hard. Good for you for making the change.
The solar camp shower sounds like a good cheap way to go in a pinch! Wish I had one. If you’re going to try to sell them here, not such a good idea. You might be able to sell some to expats though. I saw a high end camping store in SM mall in Cebu, they might have those there. I’d be surprised if they don’t. If it is still open, it didn’t seem to be doing that well.
I’m kind of put off by the weight. I remember picking up five gallon buckets of water when I was a kid and they were massive heavy. Not as heavy when I was all grown up though.
Still, my home is three levels and it would be a decent haul to the bathroom and then left it over my head? I couldn’t do it. At least I don’t think so. 
It wouldn’t be a good idea for me. i don’t know what they cost either. Can get a hot water heater for the shower installed for $200 to $300.
I’ve been wondering about how people over there go about washing their dishes, since hot water is prefferable for that. Since a lot of homes don’t have hot water heaters, I guess you would just heat some water in a kettle, pour it into the sink with some tap water, and just have at it. Whatever works, right?
On an unrelated note, I just read a pretty cool article that my sister recently wrote. You might get a kick out of it. Let me know if you have any trouble with the link, since I’m gonna tag it myself. This is the story.
Oh, I forgot to ask before: What are the mosquitos like over there? How bad are they? Have you found any truly effective counter-measures for combating them?
The worst thing about mosquitoes here is spelling it. LOL They are not real bad, nothing like the Mississippi. Geesh they are bad there. The ones you do run into are more likely to carry dengue which is a form of encephalitis I believe. I don’t think quite as deadly as the outbreak we had in Ms in the 70′s though. But deadly enough. It usually children that die from the illness. It really takes its toll on adults too though, you don’t want it.
I’ve not used any mosquito repellent since I’ve been here. I’ve also not seen any for sale. The best combat is a mosquito net. Those I have seen around.
The only time I have a problem with them is at dusk and then only if I stray from the coast. The don’t like salt water I guess as they are hardly ever around there.
When I try to hang out at the Pizza Pub in the late afternoon on a cooler day, they usually run me inside at dusk, but I can go back once it is dark.
Dish washing…. Jessie doesn’t know anyone that uses anything but water out of the tap. They get by with that but there’s certainly no reason you couldn’t warm some up. Its not a big deal to anyone I know. I never thought about it but then I’m no Mr. Betty Crocker for sure.
When I was on that trip to Bantayan Island and my old camera fighting me to work at times, missed some shots I wanted because one of my batteries will no longer power my Mavica, I was sure wishing I had one of those Olympus. My camera is a 4Mp camera. I’m sure anything in the last year would be an upgrade. I know I’d always love to have the Olympus even once I get my DSLR. I saw a couple out in the water taking pictures of each other. I think they might have been newly weds. I’m having a hard time resisting buying it now and on credit! I need to wait. At least until my VISA run to Thailand is over. I sure would like to take it with me though.
Really glad you pointed that series out to me.
Yeah, I know that since I don’t currently have a digital camera of my own, I should really pick one out before I go over to the phils. I wish Canon would make their own weatherproof compact camera, because their line of existing compact cameras is so highly regarded. One thing I’ve noticed several people complain about are slow shutter speeds and lag though, which seemas to be Canon’s one glaring weak spot. So I think I’ll end up going with an Olympus and not having any remorse about it. One thing I did read from a couple of user comments is that, even though the Olympus models support micro-sd in addition to the less-popular xd card format, I’ve read that certain features are not supported if you are using a micro-sd card. Hopefully though, that’s something that can just be fixed with future firmware updates.
When I went to Aruba for a week about 3 or 4 years ago, one thing I was looking forward to was an absence of mosquitos there, since I had read that they are rare in Aruba. But those little bastards had quite a feast on me, as I ended up completely covered by bites by the end of the trip. I think it may have had to do with the particular deodorant I was using, and also my choice to wear cologne during my trip (which didn’t yield any success, anyhow
. And maybe it’s just my own PH that seems to make me a mosquito magnet, as I’ve read that a person’s PH plays a major role in their attractiveness to Satan’s little flying minions. But one thing I would never do is let something like possible bug-bites or even a fear of dengue fever stop me from seeing what I have read to be a really nice place, like the phils.
I have been talking to several Pinay online over the past week. One of them said her grandfather is from Bogo, so she has been there. It’s definately a place I wanna see during my time over there.
My dad was openly opposed and against my plan to see the phils when I first told him about it, but it seems like he is cool with the idea now, which is nice. His main point is that he’ll feel alot better about me going over there if I already have a network in place before I go, and of course I’ve been working for a while now to establish that.
Applying for Social Security disability benefits has been nothing short of a nightmare so far, and it will be great to finally get that all squared away. I know that whatever I get monthly from that will go way further there than it would here in the good ol’ US of A.
Alright, I’m gonna quit rambling now. You have a good one, man.
Yeah, people like to complain about the IRS. They should try INS or SSA. They’ll love the IRS once they do that.
As you know, I have an order in for one now. I hope it goes through okay. My camera is giving more errors. Got a new one today, said their was a drive error. Rebooted it and it came up okay.
I hate to hear that about thee XD/SD cards. The only thing I saw was movie’s were not available on SD cards over 4gb unless you had a certain firmware upgrade. I hope their are not other issues. That would be a bummer. I hope it goes through though. i’m going to need another camera sooner than later.
You should consider staying at Virgin Beach Resort Cebu. It’s about 10 miles out side of Bogo City. It will be cheaper than a Pension house I think but you can get a room at a Pension home inside Bogo City for less than P750 and not have to worry about getting into the city.
It is kind of amusing, this article is one of the smallest ones I every wrote. It was probabaly just a quickie to get something here. If it isn’t the first post, its close to the first one. Yet it has the most comments.
Hey Joe! My camera shipped or has been approved. Its all your fault you know…. LOL Got it for a great price, half what Amazon was charging for it. had to go with green instead of a more manly black though. LOL
Rusty, good to hear you are getting the new cam. Which model did you go with? As for the xd/micro-sd issues, I think the only annoyances people were having were issues with not being able to shoot long video clips while using micro-sd. So I doubt it’s nothing that would bug you too much.
I am planning on probably going to the Phils in June. I could go as early as May, but my buddy might be able to go along with me if I wait until his year of college is over. And I’m sure he’d be into doing scuba with me, so that would be nice. His dad was a SEAL, so I might have to ask him for diving advice next time I see him. I want to get one of those Luminox watches soon, as a late birthday present to myself. They’re built to really high standards, since they’re the ones that are issued to SEALs and other special ops guys. I won’t mind throwing down around $220 on a watch, as long as I don’t lose the thing, it will be a good investment to hopefully last me the next couple of decades. I like the Luminox watches because they use tritium tubes as tiny light sources around the bezel and on the hands themselves. They supposedly burn continuously for 25 years, and that sounds fair to me
The same friend who might possibly be able to go to the Phils with me has loaned me a spare guitar, and he’s trying to teach me how to play. I think that picking up a hobby like that would help me stretch my budget when if and when I finally move to the Cebu area, since I’ll be able to sit on the porch and strum the guitar instead of having to go out looking for something to do all the time, which of course would cost money
I read somewhere that a pack of Marlboros can be had over there for around 25php, which is way cheaper that it would be here. Of course I should quit smoking anyhow, but it’s nice to know that buying smokes while over there wouldn’t break the bank for me. I’m wondering how much you pay for a good cigar there, since you seem to like your cigars.
One question that just hit me: Are there any must-see natural things near Bogo, like waterfalls or interesting geological sights? Just curious.
Hey Joe!
Sorry I’m slow for getting back to you. Spent most of the day yesterday writing one article and went out for a little socializing too.
I got the 1030SW. I got it for about half what Amazon had it listed for! Oddly the 1050SW is cheaper but good only to about 10 feet of water. That is more than I will need in the near future. I like to think ahead.
The watch sounds nice, especially for diving. I wouldn’t wear it every where I went in the Philippines. You need to learn those areas. It would be okay to wear in Bogo City but in Cebu City, especially on Carbon St or most tourist hot spots, wouldn’t be a good idea. Long sleeves to keep it covered would be a good idea but hot.
The guitar sounds like a wonderful idea. You can also go to a park and hang out, watch the people go by, talk to a few especially a single guy. That also cost nothing. Walking is also a way to spend some time, seeing new places, keeping in shape and taking some pictures.
I’ve been paying P100 for my cigars but I’ve been buying them at an expensive source and buying only three at a time. I found them online for much less. These are premium cigars though. I often see an older lady on my walks with a big of fat cigar in her mouth but when I gave her one of these well made ones, she didn’t even know what it was! WOW Told me she didn’t like it. I think she wanted money instead. Now she gets nothing.
Nearly anything you buy in SM Mall will be more expensive than it would be outside the mall, nothing different from the states there!
I don’t think you can get Marlboro for that price but I think I saw a guy pay P40 for them the other day. He complained because that is all they had at that location and couldn’t get his generic cheap ones. P40 is still less than a dollar and very cheap. I could be wrong about the price.
Bantayan Island is a must see. There may be others but I’m still learning and low on funds. I have no car or motor bike so my ability to move from location to location is limited. Bound to be some falls near here as their are mountains. I wish money didn’t limit me so much.
I’m going to start a tour business one of these days but first I need to learn more for myself.
Nice to hear that you got the 1030SW. That’s the one I would get, and I probably will get it since I need to buy a camera before I go there. One thing I learned about the model #s is that the 1030SW is actually a higher-up model than the 1050SW, since the 1030 is built to the tougher spec and I believe it also has the wide-angle lens, which is always nice. The moral of the story is that the 1050SW is cheaper because it is a lesser camera, so you should never feel any regrets about going with the lower model # because, in this odd case, the lower model # gets you the better camera.
I’ve been reading about scuba in the Philippines lately, and I’m glad I stumbled upon this site: savedra.com I like how informative these guys are about what one might expect if they want to try scuba diving there. I just hope that there isn’t some annoying eye-chart test that I would have to pass in order to get scuba-certified. If there isn’t some eyesight requirement for scuba, then I should be good to go.
That website gives a fair amount of information about Moalboal in southern Cebu, and it sure does sound like a fun place to spend some time. Hopefully I can check it out. I’ve also heard some great things about Bantayan as well, and I’m looking forward to seeing it as well.
Anybody who whines about 40php being too much for a pack of smokes really needs to buy a pack in New York City for $8us
I would be thrilled to get a pack of smokes for a buck. I need to quit at some point anyhow, but it’s still nice to know that I can get cheap smokes over there.
I’m looking forward to getting my new watch. I ordered it yesterday, so I’m sure it will be a week or so before I receive it from UPS. Most online vendors were selling it for around $220, but I shopped around for a couple hours and found a site that had it for $173 + $10 for shipping, so I’m pleased. There are really nice-looking models of that watch with stainless steel bands, etc, nice and shiny, and they go up to around $600. I’m glad I went the “cheapo” route with the black-face model with a black rubber strap, since it will not attract nearly as much attention in poor areas as a shiny steel watch would
I recently read that much of the greater Cebu area is out of the typhoon belt, so they rarely get more during typhoon season than overcast skies with rain showers. I guess the Luzon region gets slammed much harder. What’s your opinion on this?
The cool thing was that I got the 1030 for the 1050 price! Only $239.00. I have a trip planned to Bantayan in less than 10 days so I wont have it yet. I could take under water pictures of Jessie? LOL I saw a couple out in the water with a camera when we were there last month. Looked like an SW. I’ve applied to their affiliate program as soon as they approve me, I’ll post the link. If they turn me down, I’ll send you the link in private.
I’m a bit insulted when someone doesn’t approve me. 
I haven’t had time to spend a lot of time on that site but it looks like a nice place to go. I prefer to get out on the islands but I need to take lessons. I have a beach club near me that gives lessons, I’m going to join there and start when I can.
If there is an eye exam, I’m sure you can get a doctor here to give you clearance. That’s only based on what I’ve been told. I have no personal experience. Things are not as easily bought here as some expats would like for you to believe. You have to verify these things for yourself. I knew a woman with severe arthritis\lupus that went diving.
Typhoons do come here too. We had two last season. One was bad, killed over 700 people but that was because a ship sailed when it shouldn’t have. IloIlo City was hit hard. It was a pretty serious storm. Search for Typhoon Frank on the site. I also have some tags and I think categories that will help.
However, most typhoon do go north so we get fewer of them as long as they do that, I welcome them, they cool things off. LOL Climates do seem to be changing though, all bets are off.
Hong Kong fears that a storm will go through the straight off of Luzon and Taiwan and not make any landfall on the Philippines. If that happens, they could get a very strong storm.
The place to dive in Cebu is Malapascua. It has been featured on National Geographic and is known the world over for its diving with the very rare and reclusive Thresher shark. I need to find that video and get the guides name they used. I’m a long way from doing this but it is on my list of things to do. so is getting a helicopter so I can buzz around wherever I please. LOL
Here is the link for where I bought my camera. Olympus 1030SW for $269.00 which is right at half price and free shipping too!
it may not work the first time, I’m using javascript. Might have to redo it with html…
LOL, that’s t he second time I’ve spammed this thread.
Beach Camera is a good seller, and I know this because when my dad asked me to find the best online price for a new Garmin nav system, they ended up having it and they also shipped it to us fast. Question, though: When you are buying something online and having it shipped to you in the Philippines, how long might you expect to receive your product (on average)? Do some vendors try to stick you with an astronomical shipping fee? I’m just wondering, because it’s something that I’ve been thinking about since I want to go there myself.
Karl at savedra.com quickly answered my email in which I asked about whether my less-than-perfect eyesight would keep me from being able to go diving. He said that as long as I have a doctor fill out and sign a medical form saying that I’m cleared to dive, then I will be fine. That’s great to know, and Karl even attached a medical form to the email for me. It’s good to know that my inability to read tiny letters on an eye chart from across a room will not prevent me from doing scuba diving
You’re right about Malapasqua. I’ve read all kinds of great things about that place. I’m sure I’ll check it out someday.
One thing that I find interesting is that virtually all single Filipinas seem to want a guy who is “God-fearing”. Oh well, I guess that since I don’t fear God and hell and all that other stuff, then I’m doomed to bachelorhood when I go to the Phils. I guess that will just mean that I’ll have a little more money available for when I want to go diving
Filipino are very serious about their religion. I think this God fearing is really code for, wont cheat on me, will be kind and not beat me or force me to have sex when I don’t want too. Being a Christian will be a huge plus for them and even if you’re not, they will likely tell their families your Catholic, even if not. Just go along with it. She has certain expectations off her and they want to know any children will be raised in their traditions.
If the girl is Muslim, unless you convert, you’re not going to marry her.
Yeah, tiny letters wont stop you at all. I think you told me you would eventually loose your site completely? That would probably be an issue. Feeling your way around could be deadly I would think but with limited vision I would think you’d be fine.
I hope we get to do some of this together. I’m not in a financial position were I can get started just yet.
There seems to be a problem with the delivery of my camera!
Not Beach aka Buydig. I just checked tracking and FedEx shows it delivered! My friend in the US says that she doesn’t have it. Alarming. I’m shocked that Buydig sent it no signature required on a $300 purchase. If it doesn’t turn up they will have to eat it.
Most will not ship it to the Philippines period. What you need to do is setup an account with a mail forwarder. I use and recommend:
For $10 bucks they will scan your mail and make it available online. You can download and if you need to have them forward it to the US or The Philippines they will do it.
Then contact Johnny air Cargo. Contact Jesse at 63-917-623-3910 or email her at jessep_johnnyair@yahoo.com. I had massive problems with Customs in the Philippines. Most others say they don’t. But I actually complete the forms accurately and put the value on it as your suppose to do. I have had to pay duties when no duties were due. Johnny air will take care of that and it cost MUCH less than FedEx or UPS. It takes about the same time UPS does, a week or so. I avoid doing this as much as I can but when I need it, it is the only way to go for me. They cost is 7.50USD per pound with a two pound minimum.
You need the fright forwarder because they will combine your packages for you and thus if one package is below the two pounds you don’t end up paying the 2lb minimum.
When I’ve sent things via regular postal mail, they have been received sometimes two or three months later!
If you contact JAC please tell them you got the information from me. I don’t get anything from it but they MIGHT give me a discount on my next shipment.
Also, I was on another thread of yours the other day in which some guy asked you if the $2500 he will be getting from SS will be enough for him there. That was great, because I was having a rough day and needed a good laugh
Joe B. Well some of us are more spoiled than others.
very interesting.
Thanks for the shipping advice, man. It’s always good to just keep learning more and more about everything that I can before I actually get on a plane to go somewhere that far away. As you’ve probably already noticed, I’m like a walking, talking information sponge. And I feel that it’s a good thing, too
I hope everything works out with your camera. It really is bizarre that they would send it without requiring a signature. And Buydig should know better than that, since it’s not exactly like they are just some hick outfit. I mean, they’ve been around for a while and they’ve built themselves a good reputation. Well, hopefully it all works out.
The closest thing I had to an “Already Delivered” scare was when I ordered a whole mess of totally decent coffee beans online and, after waiting a few days and then checking the # in my package tracker Vista gadget, it said it had already been delivered. It turned out that my package had been sitting on the porch that the delivery companies do not drop packages off at. It had been sitting there for almost 2 days and nights before I found it, but then all was well again, because the coffee was outstanding.
How is everything in Bogo lately? I recently found out that Bogo in Cebuano actually means “dull”. So basically, that makes me Joe Dull. Wow, I never saw that one coming
Your welcome.
The camera showed up. It had been delivered after all. will be at least another month before I get my hands on it though.
The bogo you’re speaking of is pronounced different. It also means dumb or stupid which would fit in with dull. I try not to hear the other other version of the word as I will start saying it wrong. It has to do with were the emphasis is.
Once at a bus stop a “dispatcher” asked me where I was going. I told him Bogo but said it wrong. He looked at me in an unhappy way. Then he figured out what I meant and he laughed and said it was okay. I’m glad he figured it out.
Some find Bogo to be quite dull, I don’t, but I don’t need a lot of glam.
Yeah, I don’t think I will be looking for a glamorous place to live, either. And I think that will ultimately work in my favor, since glam ususally brings the higher costs with it
One pinay I was chatting with online a while ago mentioned that Bogo has great fruit, and that if I were able to get there by April, I would be able to enjoy the world’s best mango. Of course I can’t get there that early, but it’s always nice to hear things like that.
As for the God-fearing thing: By your interpretations of that term, I guess I really am quite the God-fearing man. So I have a feeling I might be fairly well-received by the local Filipinas, as long as I don’t say anything too bogo to them
I doubt that I will be much good at guitar by the time I get there for the first time, maybe May or June. But I’m planning to stick with it so I’ll be much better by the time I actually move there next year. I recently came back into contact with an old buddy from my school days, and he typed up a nice tutorial for me. I’ll let you know how that goes..
Karl from savedra.com promptly wrote me back. He’s a dive master there at Panagsama Beach in Moalboal, and he says the eyesight thing should be no big deal. He suggested that I do the eLearning for scuba, since I can read things better on my pc than in print handbooks. So I will be doing that pretty soon. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Asus released their new Eee PC 1000HE Netbook about a month ago, and I’m definately considering it as my one and only pc for when I go there. And yes, I do appreciate the irony of someone with crappy eyesight, thinking about buying a laptop with a 10″ screen
Awww, that’s why the prices are higher than what I remember. A new model. That means the old model will be cheaper! I could not use that as my only PC, just no way. Right now I’m looking at a 19″ widescreen samsung. LOL Bought it this weekend at a great price. It was the display model I think. But it must have been behind glass as it looks pristine.
I’m living in a very nice house myself for P12000 or about $245 at the current rate of exchange. It is hard to find a place here in Bogo City, I know an expat that is looking now. I would probably have to get two apartments at Solid Homes if I were have to move from here for some reason. That would make the price go up.
If you learn to play that thing, maybe you can teach me. I doubt I have the time though, I’m too busy trying to get rich a few pennies at a time. LOL
Oh you meant the area. yeah your right. A Filipina I knowo from Mindanao says it is very expensive here. Others say it is a town with a lot of “Old money” and that makes it more expensive. Its cheaper than Cebu City. Not even close.
My brother is trying to convince me to invest in Mactan. But land there is very pricey. If I build couple of houses in Bogo (western standard of course) do you think it will always be tenanted?
I don’t know Christine. I think so. I have a friend that came up to Bogo City just last week looking for a place to stay. He was looking for something furnished for under P10,000 which is what he is paying in Mactan now. There is a serious shortage of housing here up to what is generally acceptable for expats.
If I had the ability, I would buy land in both places. The Philippines will not always be a developing country and that Island could become the Manhattan of the Philippines.
I know of a home that was built about the time I moved here, it rented immediately for 15,000Php and they are building a second unit.
Rusty, another question for you: How is the internet cafe scene in Bogo? I’m starting to toy with the idea of possibly opening an internet cafe at some point when I am in the phils, and I don’t really know enough about the areas yet, although I’m reading and learning as much as I can. A filipina I was recently chatting with, who lives in Davao, told me that she thinks I would only need about $10k to open a net cafe there. Hmmm, now I’m starting to wonder about things like vending machines and ATMs, too. Wow, I better calm down before I get too carried away too fast
There are quite a few internet cafe’s here but, at times, it can be hard to find a free computer especially in the lowest priced shop. I recently found a couple of new ones though that don’t know much about. They charge P15 to P25 but there are some that have private booths that probably charge a little more. You may not be able to provide private booths if you open a new one. I’m not sure. They made some changes to the laws that govern Internet Cafes. I don’t know if they are country wide changes or not. There is potential to make a lot of money from Internet Cafe’s but the ways of doing so are not acceptable to the government here and some expats have found themselves n a lot of trouble by succumbing to the temptation. There would be a lot of temptation coming your way in such an establishment. I don’t know how much profit there would be. I’ve thought about it too but I wouldn’t be willing to be tied to it 24/7. There are no 24 hour cafe’s in Bogo City that I know of and there probably should be. At least one open till 3am Bogo City time. If you were the only one, there would be a need.
I think you could open a cafe here for less than $10K if you started with five computers, a lot less than 10K. I once had a Filipina tell me she could get me a business license for around P30,000 which is laughable. There are many shops that start with just a few PC’s and expand and that’s what I would do. I think you could but an ongoing operation with 10pcs for $5K or less. Are you sure she meant dollars and not peso? If she meant dollars, I’d do some checking with others first but I’d likely run from that girl. Sounds like too much money. Confirm that though!
Thanks for your opinion. I had been considering Mactan for awhile, but i get the same problems like you guys, once it’s known I’m the potential buyer, the price is doubled. Building a rental place in Bogo is getting more attractive. If I go ahead with it, it’ll certainly have a hot water system.
Christine, that is a totally different situation! I wouldn’t pay double for anything just because they think I can, there goes all the investment and its just wrong. I would in no way do that. I do know some expats though that have been very persistent when it comes to that kind of thing and eventually get the property at very good rates. You might want too make an offer based at what the price should be and stick with it. If they don’t meet it, to heck with them.
I might be interested in renting the Bogo property myself. If large enough, would consider a long term lease. I need a large place. We have a four bedroom now. We pay only P12,000 for it so that might give you price range. I know of a brand new two bedroom going for P15,000 though. To small for me. I could pay the P15,000 but not the small size. Need a room for Ya-ya’s and kids. I think the ya-ya’s should have the option of having ther own space even if they must share it with the other ya-ya. But away from the kids when they need it.
I also need office area. Though we have no furniture in our office so far. LOL That will start changing soon.
Hey buddy, always nice to hear from you. And one thing for Christine to keep in mind: When considering/buying real estate, it’s all about the perception of value. As long as you remember that, you’ll be fine. And I agree with Rusty, if they try and jack it up to kano price on you, just stay with your perception of a fair, hopefully win-win price. One thing I’m not looking forward to when I go there is being viewed as “rich kano #58,374″, and being extorted whenever I’m just trying to buy things. If they only knew that $800/month is an absolute joke back in the good ol’ US of A…
As for the internet cafes, right after I posted that here I did some googling. I read lots of comments by expats and filipinos who own net cafes in the phils. It seems like the worst thing that happens is the price wars, where one cafe gets desperate and chops their hourly price way down to a loss level, then the other cafes follow suit to try and retain the customers, and they all just drive each other out of business. Just a total debacle. I read that certain municipalities try to regulate the prices to keep that from happening, but with mixed results. I could tell that some of the owners are just driving themselves out of business by not doing certain things the way they should, though. One guy was saying that his electric bill is just too high each month. He only has 5 PCs, but he has a 2-kilowatt aircon unit. Ok, isn’t it true that a 2-kilowatt aircon is gonna cost the same to run for a month, whether it’s working in a room with 5 PCs, or with 15-20 PSs? There’s the problem. When that girl I was talking to told me 10,000, i’m pretty sure it was in US $, because I think she shares my “Go big or go home.” mentality
If I were to open one, I would probably start with 10 really good PCs, which I would build myself after buying the cases, motherboards, CPUs, HDDs, power supplies, etc. I think I would just buy Windows in bulk at a discount, so my licenses would be good to go, with no worries about any piracy issues. Although I must say, it would be tempting to just throw down on a bunch of laptops instead of building desktops, since laptops will probably consume the least amount of energy.
I once asked my uncle what kind of business he thinks would be a success in our local area here. He suggested that I open a topless laundromat
If you go with legal, you’re gong to put yourself in a hole to start with.
No, 10 pcs would cost more to cool than five.
I don’t think i would build them, II would buy them used and repair as needed.
What your describing is nice just not sure its the profitable way to go here. The guy that charges the most has the rattiest machines full of virus. LOL
Seems like I saw some cities were regulating the cafes and forcing legal copies of Windows. I use to entertain the idea but I don’t have the kind of cash need to get the right kind of visa but there is a new visa now that I MIGHT be able to get. I have to find out.
When the new place opened here, with lower fees and new machines the older place lost customers but he didn’t lower his price. Jessie doesn’t like crowds so we usually go the higher priced locaton. P10 an hour difference isn’t much for most Expats but it is for many Filipino.
But sounds like you’re the one wth the money.
I would find it very hard to live on $800 in the states. I would find it hard but doable at $2000 in the USA. Lot of people on minimum wage that make less than $2000 so many of them work two full time jobs. That’s just wrong that so many in the US have to live that way.
I think I agree with your uncle, Joe!LOL! you’re certainly a winnner there, between the hot blooded expats and the pinoys, you’ll never go broke. As for the internet cafe, don’t forget you have to provide airconditioning, otherwise customers will go to another shop with airconditioning. So there goes your electric bill. Besides, do you know how to troubleshoot problems? e.g. windows crashing, virus infections. Laptop is a bad idea. You’ll have to chain them, else they’ll walk out with the customers!
I had been offered several highly priced land in Mactan since word spread I was interested. I’ve got a lot of relatives there, distant cousins and such. Kinship doesn’t mean anything to them really. To them, I’m just another “Kano”. So I’ve researched how much a local can expect to pay for land there, I refused to pay more than a local. I’ve just bought a block from a needy family at the right price. Call it mercenary, hey, that’s business.
I’ve never considered Bogo till now really. I thought Bogo is just another “heck town”, nice town but stagnating. Now I’m thinking I could be wrong. If the right land, right place comes along, I would want to look at it, but I’m not rushing. Now, would you like champagne and caviar with that request Rusty?
AU800 is not a lot here either. It’s not even enough to pay for my airfare to PI. Pensioners get about AU$1,000 a month. That’s living below poverty line BTW, especially if you are renting. If you can’t get rent with the govt. (housing commission), you have to compete in the private market. I’m amazed how many landlords want so much money for their dump. But there’s a shortage of housing here too, so they get away with it.
We’ve been told that our Super funds got decimated with this financial crisis, hence I’m doing my own financial planning myself. I figured, income from PI investments will not get taxed in Oz if they know nothing about it. Fair enough I’ll pay PI tax.
Yeah, my uncle is hilarious. Actually, now it makes me wonder if I could just open a laundromat there in Phils, somewhere like Bogo for example. But the potential genius of my laundromat would be that there would be no washing machines, just Filipinas hand washing the customers’ clothes for them. A customer brings in their basket of dirty laundry, darks, whites, socks, whatever, and a Filipina working at the laundromat just hand-washes the whole load for a fee. Hmm, that might actually work…Take THAT, electric bills!
As for the net cafe idea, I would approach it in a more unconventional (or less conventional?) manner. The aircon issue seems to be a paradox that has been bugging net cafe owners since the days of Adam and Eve. One thing I would consider is building new PCs to start, and using fan-filled cases for them. The PC I’m typing on right now is one that I built 2 years ago, and I chose the Antec 900 case, which has 2 120mm intake fans in front, 1 120mm exhaust fan in the rear, and a beastly 200mm “Big Boy” exhaust fan at the top of the case. I’m guessing that the average net cafe desktop PC over there probably uses the cheapest, wimpiest case availble, probably with an 80mm up front and an 80mm in back. Probably a crappy power supply, too, one that claims to be rated to produce 350-450 watts but in reality pushes maybe a max of 250 watts, cranking out all kinds of excess heat while doing so. I would not use a total beast of a PSU, like the Zalman 750-watt unit I have now in my PC. That would just be overkill. But I would definately use a 500-watt PSU that is designed to work 24/7 in a hotter-than-hell type of environment. The case and PSU would cost me a combined $130-160, but over the course of a few years the investment would probably be worth it. I could attach a couple of USB fans to each PC too, to blow directly onto the person using that PC.
I would prefer to bypass the electric grid altogether, if they would allow me to do so. I could build a syngas generator with parts from a local junkyard, and then it would be a matter of just burning up whatever the local municipality wants me to. I would be doing my part to help clean up the local area, and turning the refuse that nobody else wants to touch into free electricity. I could power all the aircon and computers I need for free that way. They might call me the Johnny Appleseed of garbage/refuse
And as for real estate, if & when I finally move there, hopefully next year, I would have to strongly consider using old shipping containers to create a cheap little dream home for myself. I’m glad that more and more people are using them, because it’s a great way to build a house for a fraction of the cost of using conventional materials. I wonder if anybody in the Phils has started doing that, or if it hasn’t made it’s way to that part of the world yet..
So, that brings up a question for you, Rusty; When you go on long walks around town, do you ever see any giant piles of wood chips, corn waste, even palm fronds? Anything that people are already trying to get rid of, can be used as biomass and converted into electricity. Even grass clippings, etc..
No, I suspect the leaves off the corn plants are used to make things. The leaves of palm trees are used for baskets and other things. Wood chips would be sold for cooking if nothing else.
There is some geothermal interest in the country. Valencia has a geothermal plant and the residents there get a credit on their bill each month of P750 I think. Most Filipino around Bogo don’t pay that much!
Nothing much goes to waste here. The Filipino are very good at improvising. The other day I saw a fabric sign/banner that was weight down with empty soda bottles filled with water to prevent it from blowing and twisting around itself.
There is a lot of trash that washes up on the beaches in Bogo though, breaks my heart to see it. Not just Bogo, around all cities in the Philippines. Not so on Bantayan
Yeah, that’s great that they make good use of what many people over here in the states would just discard as garbage. It’s proof-positive that the people there are a very industrious bunch.
I am curious about how much the local utility company where you are charges for electricity. My guess is that it’s cheaper than it is here in Pennsylvanie, the coal capital of the world
It really is sad that you have to see garbage washing up on the beaches. We seem to have our own epedimic here, too, of people just constantly throwing litter out of their car windows. It is really frustrating.
I’m trying to figure out the logistics of a month-long trip to the Phils. I would like to start by flying from Pittsburgh to Singapore, and check it out for 2 or 3 days and nights before hopping a cheap flight from Singapore to the Phils. Maybe Davao, to start, then just take buses and work my way north through Moalboal, where I want to get scuba certified, then around Cebu to eventually end up in Bogo. I’d like to spend at least a few days there, then maybe go over to Leyte, and eventually maybe go through the Luzon region to Baguio. I think I can keep my costs for a trip like that below the levels of insanity if I just stay in cheap places, avoid tourist traps like Boracay, and use buses and ferries to get from area to area. Doing it without a wingman might be a challenge, but I guess we’ll see
I personally would not take a buss through Mindanao without armed escort unless I had to for some reason. Jet into Davao only. Others will disagree with me. You’ll probably be okay but your risk of danger there are higher than in Cebu or Leyte.
Hey Joe, laundromat will probably work, you get your laundrettes to wear white cotton shirts and denim shorts for uniforms. White shirts become see through when wet. You will have the most popular laudromat in the whole of Bogo if not Cebu. You could even start a franchise – LOL!
These days when someone says Hey Joe, I think they are tallking to me. I do tend to hear it often.
Sounds like my kind of laundromat but sounds like a short cut to jail to me.
I got Jessie a pair of denim shorts from playboy… BOY is that HOT! She finally wore them outside the house last week!
Wow Christine, I was just goofing around talking about the laundromat, but now you may have me convinced
How is the real estate search going? I hope you don’t get too much of the kano-price run-around. That doesn’t seem to accomplish much more than just waste the time of potential buyers, and I hope that sellers realize that.
Rusty, Playboy shorts? Nice. She already looks great in that Playboy shirt she wears in some of your pictures. She’s a real beauty, for sure.
Can you tell me a little more about your Bantayan experience? I think I would like to go there, even if only for a couple of days, since you said it’s such a nice place. I would like to check out some of the different beaches in the Phils, but I want to try to avoid the tourist traps. I’ve read that Boracay is great, but it would probably cost too much for me. I’m looking for a poor man’s paradise
I have a Blackberry Bold phone, and I’m glad it’s a quad-band world phone, but of course I don’t want to give AT&T the satisfaction of sticking it to me on roaming charges while I’m over there. So my plan will be to go to a mobile phone shop shortly after flying in, and have them give me a local SIM card with a local Phils phone # to use while I’m there, so I can communicate with anybody there, since I won’t really need to talk to anybody back in the USA, unless it’s an emergency. I suppose I can get a local SIM card and load it with prepaid minutes, but I could use some advice and pointers on how that type of thing has worked for visitors and expats. So, if anyone could advise me on this, I would surely appreciate it.
Joe, sorry slow, I thought this was to Christine….
Yea the ployboy shorts are hot. I will be writing more on Bantayan Island.
Be sure to get your phone unlocked before coming over here or the sim cards wont work. AT&T gave me an unlock code when I was still under contract. I’ve heard of them doing this for others. I hope its still a policy. You can likely find someone here to unlock it though for a fee. don’t leave your phone with anyone to unlock unless you can trust them. If you don’t know them you can’t trust them. No way to know good ones ffrom bad ones. They may keep your phone and give you a reproduction!
SIM cards are P49 or so, no big deal. Get two, one from SMART and one from GLOBE. In Cebu, I’ve had poor connection with Globe and much better with SMART. The you telll the sales lady you want to by 300 or 500 credits and she’ll give you a card with that amount on it. The print is pretty fine, I coudln’t read it without clases and not sure I could read it with glasses. You may need to ask for help on how to use the cards. Just ask the person, probably dia (younger girl) at the country to show you how. They are sold all over the place. In fact, I’m sure I will offer them soon.
Joe, I don’t know why this site keeps putting every one of your post in moderation. I’m not doing it and I see no reason for WordPress to do it but it is doing it all the same.
Sorry
Why would you get thrown in jail for having such gorgeous workers? They would be fully clothed of course, just denim shorts and white T-shirts, just tell them to be careful they don’ splash water around too much -:)! It wouldn’t be your fault if they get themselves soaked while doing their job!
I knew you were kidding Joe B. I’ve bought a block of land in Mactan. I did not get Kano price because I got my brother to buy it for me, then we’ll just transfer ownerships when I get there. But boy didn’t I got messed about by the owners. I don’t know if I’ll have time to look around Bogo this time, see how things go.
Rusty, why didn’t I get the yellow smile? I did everything you say, and Tom’s….
No you didn’t you put other characters in there one before and one after… It needs a space before and after if I do what you did I wont get one either.
! -:) -:)! I’m tying different combinations. I don’t know which ones can be used. 
I want to visit your brothers area. The mountains must be a lot different from the rest of the country and I would like to go see most everything, if it is safe.
My brother is not in the mountains, he’s right next to the sea, well almost. But my Mum has a farm in a few places including some in the mountains. But you can visit his area. It’s really nice, but no facilities, that’s why people go to Bogo for major things such as medicines. We went there to buy food my kids will eat, but I need not have bothered-they ate Filipino food without a fuss, including malunggay, and they picked out the bones from the fish.
see how this smile comes out!
WOW!! I got it! yipeyyyy!
Thanks for the info, Rusty. I’ll call AT&T wireless and see if they will give me an unlock code. They better accomodate me, since I’ve been with them forever
Of course my whole plan of going to the phils is contingent on social security finally getting my disability benefits debacle straightened out. So wish me luck with that.
I got a netbook with a 10″ screen about a week ago. I’m currently visiting my buddy and his wife in North Carolina, and this tiny laptop has been great so far. How ironic that a guy with crappy eyesight would go with such a small screen
Yeah, I have a 19: wide screen and I’m having trouble seeing it. I do wish to get something like you have for being mobile.
Yeah, social security would be more likely if you fake a mental illness. Lot off blind guys work so I’d be worried. It has been years since I had anything to do with SS though, maybe they have changed. I doubt it. Its been really hard to get since the 70′s. I think you said you had an attorney working on it? You need one.
I’ve been super tired and sleepy lately. This time a walk just made it worse. Plan to try again today though, might take my new monkey with me!
Wow, you got a new monkey? Nice. Where did you get it?
SS has already approved me for disability benefits, but I think they are trying to screw me out of a year worth of back benefits. It should get sorted out though, but it’s just annoying that they seem to use the run-around on every applicant as a screening process to weed out the fakers. Because when you’re not a faker, it is really frustrating.
I got a double size hammock made out of parachute material. I used it over the weekend when we camped out in the George Washington national forest. Wow, that thing is awesome. Since it stuffs into a pretty small ball, so it should be easy to pack into a suitcase when I go to the phils. I’m looking forward to giving it a try when I go there
I got her through a Filipino friend that new she was living in pretty miserable conditions. Her story and life with us thus far is being posted on Hey Joe! Living in The Philippines oh HiP.
Its good to hear that you are already approved. Nearly ever government organization operates under fear. The employee making the decision is fearful so they are inclined to say no. If they are wrong, the money can always be provided later when a higher up approves it. They are so afraid of one mistake that could destroy any chance of promotion. Doing nothing is always safer if yoyu’re a government employee and that’s a major problem!
Yeah you’d be nuts not to bring that hammock, though I’m guessing you can get it for a tenth of the cost here. Thought it may not have all the fancy sales gimmicks they do in the USA.
If it is actually made here, it will be cheaper. If it is imported then it will likely cost a little more here.
I’m gonna have to check out that site to see the pics of the new monkey.
When you went to Bantayan island, how much did things cost there? Just wondering, since I would really like to check it out when I am in the area.
Would love to have you visit that site. I limit this site to my experiences in Cebu. Should I move outside of Cebu, I guess it will be a much less active site.
I could do it cheaper if I ate in the market. The first time I went there were two of us and the one night and two days cost me about $100 for two people.
The second time I actually did a little better. There were three of us and we stayed two nights and three days and spent about $200, a little less.
The prices on food are not that bad but i find myself eating more when I’m there. I hope to eventually rent a one room apartment with aircon and kitchenette and that should take the cost way down.
If you have transportation, you can go to the market and eat for next to nothing. But then you loose all the atmosphere.
Joe. Got the camera in my hands today. Very nice. Don’t think it has a manual mode though. Hopefully I’m just over looking it but its not a big deal if not.
One of my Sony camera’s is doing much better, I finally gave up and cleaned the lens. I didn’t want to do that but that’s what it needed. My Mavica though, its about dead. And I can take this one in the water. Too Cool!
Glad to hear you got the camera. I’m looking forward to seeing some snapshots taken with it.
I’m definately looking forward to going there, as soon as social security finally gets things straight for me. Hopefully that will be pretty soon.
I’m now thinking of teaching conversational English if/when I move there, because I think I could make enough doing that on top of my disability benefits to live fine there. Nothing too crazy, just a few extra bucks here and there.
I’m trying to get a good idea on the prices of domestic flights within the phils, like Manila-Cebu, Manila-Davao, Cebu-Davao. Any ideas on how much those might cost these days?
I have a lot of pictures but I’m way behind on getting them online. I’m still learning all the functions it has. Probably ways to manipulate them go do some pretty cool things. It has a fast action mode that takes shows very fast.
You can’t think if man, you gotta think “I’m going to do it.” I don’t think you’ll regret it if you can give up a few creature comforts. I don’t know how much your sight issue will make it harder for you. Medical care in Manila seems pretty advanced though. Cebu City mayor has cancer and he went to the USA.
Usually the in country flights are less than $200 RT. Cebu-Pacific usually has the better rates but not always. Philippine Air Lines seems to be a first class operator and prices are often good. I’m going round trip to Bangkok for $350. Sometimes they have flights for $1.00! When you go to these cites though, go ahead and start the booking price to get the real price. Sometimes they leave out taxes and fees which double the price! You wont see that until you start to book, you don’t have to go through with it.
If you are not in a hurry you can go by Ferry/Fast Craft for next to nothing. $20 to $50.
Can you work on SS? I wouldn’t risk it if not. I can on my disability but its not SS.
I highly recommend you start learning about websites. You can get a free blog at http://www.blogspot.com. Hesitant to tell you that cause I need you here. It would be a good way to get your feet wet.
I don’t know about trying to do any kind of business selling services to Filipino. There are some very wealthy Filipino but they usually speak good English already as they are highly educated. The poor can’t afford you and services here generally don’t pay much. Do you speak Tagalog of Visayan? I”m not sure how one would teach English if they didn’t know the native language.
I’m trying to add to my income so I’ll have fun money. My income pays for what I really need. In fact, it will pay for more but this starting over business is a bit hard.
Look into shipping your things here. That could save you some money and help you not miss your things. I certainly am glad I’m here. The love a good woman is all I really need. If you’re interested in that, you’ll find that too. With caution.
Thanks for the flight tips. The biggest pill to swallow, of course, will be paying for RT flights once or maybe even twice a year to visit family and friends back here in the states. Of course, I suppose that once I move there, my parents may miss me enough to foot the bill for a ticket home to visit, so maybe I won’t have to sweat that
As for the whole if/when thing, I hereby retract the “if” from that statement. I’m definately going to make the plunge, so now it’s just a matter of when. The trick to actually moving there will be waiting out the remainder of my probation, which should end in a year (next April). My PO is actually a really nice guy, and when I mentioned my desire to go see the phils to him, he seemed cool with the idea. He also agreed that there would not be much point in just going for 2 weeks, that a trip of at least a month should be the way to go.
Of course I would have more money in the bank available to me if I just skip the early trip and wait til I’m ready to move there, but I think it will be well worth it to first go see some areas there so I will have a better idea of where to move to when I do make the plunge next year.
I am now learning Tagalog, and a nice pinay I chat with online is helping me with that. She’s a great teacher so far, and as long as I stick with it I think I should learn it well. I’ll wait til I get comfortable with Tagalog before I delve into Bisaya, but I should be able to pick it up ok too, since I have a rudimentary understanding of Spanish.
I keep reading and hearing tha there are lots of mosquitos in many areas of the phils, so it seams like that will be the biggest challenge for me there, just keeping those little beasties at bay. My eyesight is at the point where I can’t read a magazine or newspaper anymore, at least without great eye strain and discomfort. But it’s not Mr. Magoo- calliber, nowhere near that. So it’s not like there’s any chance I’ll get hit by a bus or anything like that. Settling down with a nice Filipina as my girlfriend when I’m there will be key, since I can always have her help me with bills and such, reading anything that I can’t.
I can actually work while on SS, but there’s a limit to what I would be allowed to earn. I could definately teach English for a few extra bucks (literally), but you are correct that the trick would be in finding people who can afford a few lessons. It would be strictly conversational, basically just helping people to not sound like robots. Definately just a possible thing for me, though, since it would just serve as a means to bolster my SS income, nothing more. I could get into blogging, I suppose, but I am very green to that. I really have no idea how I would earn money doing that. Advertising dollars, maybe? Honestly, I have no idea how that stuff works
Probation? A felony? have you checked to see if you can enter the country?
Visayan is spoken in most of the country. Tagalog is spoken in Manila and that makes the number of people that speak Tagalog nearly as many as speak Visayan.
So much of what happens in Manila, including weather patterns is applied to the entire country and to do so is an error. It would be like looking at New York City gun control laws and apply it to the south USA.
The largest part of the country and slight more people speak Visayan.
I hate teaching myself. Filipino talk so fast usually that it is hard for me to een hear it. After a year, I’m picking up a little bit. Unggoy mama-ak is one. Monkey bite. LOL except Jessie tells me I say mama-ak to fast. Grrrrr
Joe B, I would advise learning Visayan now, if you intend to learn that dialect. I started teaching my 15 year old Tagalog, I did not consider or even thought that no one in my Cebu family will speak that. So she was very confused when we got to Cebu last year. Now we are learning Visayan, but she gets confused, she kept thinking Tagalog. She told me Visaya is much harder to learn. I used to speak it, so I did not find it hard, it’s just a refresher for me, but for a total beginner could be confusing.
Hey Joe B, I teach Spanish here in the US, want a lesson in Bisaya…the islands’ name is Visayan…the language is Bisaya or somebody from the Visayan islands …..or could be Cebuano, Boholano, Ilonggo or Hiligaynon, Waray, Caray-a, etc. The best thing to learn the language is to assimilate oneself with the natives…I speak Hiligaynon because I used to work in Bacolod. It took me a longer time because there are terms in Cebuano or Boholano that has different meaning in Ilonggo or Hiligaynon. My daughter knows “samok samokan nimo day uy”. She told people that to speak Cebuano, just add “uy” and “day” to every word, even the English word.
Teaching English in the Philippines is not a good idea. Filipinos are speaking
English and understand the language even at early age. It is taught in the Philippines and there are a lot of teachers in PI. You probably do not know a lot about the Philippines. I don’t even think if you can enter my country if you were incarcerated. Check with the Philippine consulate before you sell your stuff and move to the Phils.
Also be careful, not all Filipinas are nice…you can also meet scammers jsut like anywhere in the world. and do not think all Filipinas are naive…we are a lot smarter than what you think.
Goodluck!
Terri,
Most Filipino do not speak English. When I first got here, I’d try to speak to people and now I don’t even try. I’m trying to learn the language but I’m not working hard enough at it. I wil admit that. It can be a dangerous place to tread.
One night I tried to ask someone if they were angry. I looked up angry and it didn’t exist in my book. So I looked up mad and found the word buang. So I ended up asking her if she was crazy. LOL Not my intention.
If you go to Gaisano or SM most of the people in there can understand some of what you say. If you run into police man or other professional they can understand almost everything but the average person on the street cannot speak to you.
More people can text to you in English but can’t speak it. I found a teacher, use to teach in the college here. Hope I can afford to start with him next month. My budget is in shambles this month. Not going to be a lot better next month.
Oh well, that’s life for nearly everyone.
Even those that do speak english have a real hard time with my southern accent and contractioins. I try to not use the contractions but its hard after using them for the last 40 years.
Talking slow helps.
English is a national language but most people I meet cannot speak it. People that go to college generally can, at least to some extent. Many speak it well.
Rusty, I think Filipinos donot understand you and many other foreigners because of accents. Yours is probably worse being a Southerner. My kids speak really good clear English, well, probably the Aussie equivalent of the Queen’s english, and my Cebu relatives still complain about our accents. I guess Filipinos can understan English spoken amongst each other because they are used to listening English spoken the Filipino way.
I can always tell if there’s a Filipino in a group of Asians because their accent is different from that of a Thai or Indonesian, for example.
Christine, I don’t understand why you would compare children in the Philippines to those that grew up in Australia. The only reason kids here can’t speak English is because they are not constantly exposed to it. Now it does different from family to family. Jason, our nine year old can understand just about everything I say. I’m telling you for a fact that most people here do not speak Enlgish. Most of the people I meet here didn’t finish high school now I’m not talking about the well to do families or even middle income families. Of course Filipino can speak English, they are plenty smart enough, I hope that’s not what you think I was saying.
Heck I use to could speak music, that is I could read it but since I don’t do it on a regular basis, I can’t read music at all now. I was shocked when I discovered that.
Jason learned English from the cartoons! Jessie was a little surprised his English was as good as it is. She thought she could speak English and he wouldn’t understand.
I spoke with a lady the other day, an older Filipina and she understood every word I said. We talked about the Churches in Bogo and Bantayan.
Most every Filipino can speak some English, like good morning but have a converstation? No, they can’t. A few more can if i slow down but I get a lot of blank looks and sometimes even when I think we are communicating it turns out to be so few words that the entire conversation is lost.
Written English, Filipino do much better with. It would be hard to live here without someone that doesn’t speak the language. Jessie says from time to time that “she speaks deep visayan” meaning she didn’t understand what they said.
If people here speak conversational English, I’m not meeting them.
You asked about schools in a message a while back. Bogo has LOTS of schools so people don’t have to go to Cebu for that any more.
its not surprising that your kids speak English, its surprising they speak Bisayan but its great they do. its good they show interest in their culture, or a part of it. I guess they have two cultures.
Lots of people here speak English, resort owners, hotel workers, etc. Most of the people I know don’t have jobs at all, the scrap a living any wya they can. I know this one girl that is constantly looking for a way to make money.
I saw her today, she’s working now. She looked happy. I sure hope it works out for her. she cna understand me if I talk slow. She has three years of college.
I knew a school teacher in Manila that could barely hold a conversation with me and that was in chat. Meaning we were typing.
i talked with another teacher, we use to have long philosophical chats, her English was better than mine. I’m talking about most people right now. I’m not guessing, its what I deal with day to day. I guess your experience is a lot different than mine.
Russ, i think I speak for myself being a Filipino and has Filipino English accent. Christine is right, it has something to do with accent but what I can’t fathom is why filipinos love to watch American English movies. look around in the city and you will see a lot of Filipinos watching English movies. My mother could not speak nor understand Tagalog but she can speak and understand English. Most of the people I socialized back then in the Philippines were mostly has education. Everytime I go back to the Philippines or socialize with my Filipina friends, my husband will tell me I’m back to speaking English in Filipino way.
by the way, one of my friends here is from Bogo…a member of the martinez family who I think is landed in Bogo. i also have a cousin who got married to a guy who is managing the sugar plantation…i do not know if he is still the manager now.
How many kids do you have and how old are they? Do you have a kid/s with Jessie?
No kids with Jessie but we’re getting a little worried about that at the present moment. If that was to change, then it would become a happy thing but its not in the plans for either one of us. Supposedly I wont be having any more kids do to the vasectomy I had. My first wife convinced me having a child is a bad idea. Not becasue of my two wonderful children but how they were used as a weapon to nearly destroy me.
Yeah the Martinez family includes the mayor.
I don’t have to look around, I know what Filipino speak and watch. They had a theater here in Bogo but it closed. The theaters in Cebu are mostly empty too. doubt SM would let them close, I hope not.
I’ve been in many Filipino homes and they are usually watching TV that is all Tagalog or Tagalish.
Jessie is Waray-Waray so it gets really confusing for me. Her accent is far more pointed than Cebuano. Even Jessie wants to watch Cinema One which is all Tagalog movies. I ask that she watch only English stuff, even if I hate it, we can both watch it. The TV in the bedroom.
I like to watch Cinema One for the scenes and culture but I don’t understand much of it at all.
Filipino love the audience participation shows, when they are one most every channel is turned to it. The other day our lights went out and we were not sure if it was just us or everyone. After we went outside she said its every where. She said the audience participation show is on and all the TVs would be blasting it if they had power.
Ok guys, here’s the deal with my legal situation: I am now on probation until April 2010. My probation period began May 2008, so it’s a 23 month term. It is part of the consequences from my 3rd DUI (drunk driving) offense here where I live, in Pennsylvania. I didn’t wreck, and there was no property or personal damage in any of those 3 offenses. It was just me being dumb and driving home from a bar after drinking too much, then getting pulled over by the cops. That last DUI was actually May 11, 2007, and it just takes forever to go through the legal system here. I got my 90 days in county jail out of the way, plus my 90 days on house arrest which began as soon as I completed my jail sentence. So I got all that behind me now, and I’m just currently waiting out the remainder of this annoying probation. No felonies, by the way, so I don’t think there’s any reason I can’t go to the phils for a while. I really hope that this doesn’t ruini my chances of going there, because I am a good person and should be welcomed as a non-criminal, since I don’t drink, do drugs, steal, rape, kill, covet wives, etc etc.
As for what I mentioned about possibly teaching a little English on the side while I’m there: I would be helping a person who maybe has already been learning English in schools for 20 years, by showing them how to talk more naturally. I have talked to countless dozens of people there over the net, and I have not even once heard somebody use the past tense, let alone perfect, progressive or perfect-progressive. I could help with that, even for free, just to be nice and feel like I am contributing to the community. This is why I thought I could maybe help out. If somebody doubtlessly already knows an extensive English vocabulary, the chances seem that they still can’t string together something like “I will have been going there.” Or “I had not been wanting to be getting involved with that.” I just think it would maybe be fun to help somebody get better with the world’s most difficult and complicated language. That’s all. Sorry to start such a heated debate, though
Joe, you’ll get no judgement from me! none of us go through life without major mistakes. None of us go through life or probably even a week without breaking some law, at least a speeding law, well unless you don’t drive, like me.
I think it is only a Felony that will keep you out. In Tn, I’m pretty sure that would have been a felony.
I wish I could remember what is on the form you have to fill out on the airplane. Something you need to check into.
I’m in a funky mood today, I don’t’ feel like writing at all, not sure why. I mostly feel like goofing off. I have been meaning to put something together for Philippine entry requirements. They are on the net, I found them before coming here but I think I’ll go do some research on it.
Joe, I don’t think you’ll have a problem. I did find the list of those excluded from entry to the Philippines.
I must say, number one is not enforced as the place is full of idiot expats
1. Idiots or insane persons and persons who have been insane;
2. Persons afflicted with a loathsome or dangerous and contagious disease, as epilepsy;
3. Persons who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude;
4. Prostitute, or procurers, or persons coming for any immoral purpose;
5. Persons likely to become public charge;
6. Paupers, vagrants, and beggars;
7. Persons who practice polygamy or who believe in or advocate the practice of polygamy;
Drinking laws here are not very well enforced from what the locals tell me so i doubt it will keep you out.
THIS IS NOT THE FULL LIST. Just a partial list.
Common joke here that may not be a joke at all is “when in a traffic accident, the first rule is no matter what, its the white man’s fault.” Truth is, it probably was as I call the driving style here as combat driving.
it seems normal to me now but when I first got here it looked like total insanity to me.
Ii don’t consider drinking moral interpreted myself so when asked, just say no, you haven’t been. well unless you think it is. I couldn’t suggest you every lie to an immigration official.
I agree with you Rus, no.1 does not apply.
no. 2 is a fallacy, epilepsy is not contagious. It can be acquired as in accident or disease. Clinical data is not concrete.
no.3 debatable; the gist here is you
can carry on a moral turpitude as long as you don’t get caught/convicted?
no. 4. no comment
no.5. Public charge as in? public burden?
np.6. Don’t know.
7. Only if you get caught
I was a bit surprised to see epilepsy listed as a loathsome disease. I believe this law was written in 2003, I could be mistake.
Public charge could mean in a hospital can can’t pay your bills. Can’t pay your own way.
On number three you had to be convicted of the breaking the law, Prior involvement in child porn or prostitution would be covered with this and I’m sure is what it is aimed at.
That was only a partial list. The UN and other international watchdogs are putting a lot of pressure on the Philippines over human trafficking issues.
I think number seven would be a mind field. If you had two wives and one got hacked off an left you, I think you might get caught.
Rus, Filipinos learn english in primary school. How well they speak it in adult life onwards much depends on their further exposure to it. In the provinces like Bogo, there’s really not much english for the kids to get exposed to, other than the (mostly) American movies. I think kids won’t practice english because they are scared at getting mocked by their peers because of their Filipino accent. It is an irony that (perhaps) Filipinos like to listen to english, but not if it has a Filipino accentt!
They converse better in writing because they would have had time to think about what they would say, and second, they can’t hear your accent in they are typing!
If you read any tourism ads about the Phil., they always say “and english is widely spoken”. I think what it actually meant is you can always ask anyone if you get lost, one way or another, someone will understand you compared to say, if you get lost in Thailand.
My kids are 10% english speakers. One is trying to learn without much success. The other just likes Filipino foods
Christine and Terry, you are both very right about a person only getting comfortable with a language if they are exposed to it enough. That’s the way I will try and learn: trial by fire, I guess one would call it. My plan is to immerse myself in a provincial area where it will be sink or swim. Wish me luck
I know what people are taught and when they are taught or have classes on English. Actually, it is the kids most likely to know a few words. Hello, my frend is a common thing I hear from the teens.
I will say it one more time, MOST Filipino cannot speak English. I’m not speaking theory here. I’m speaking from having my feet on the ground and dealing with people in only English.
My only concern at this point is I don’t want someone to come heere and espect to be able to communicate in English on a daily basis. Its not going to happen.
Joe,I was not planning to be harsh on you, I was just probably defending my fellow filipinas when you were saying to look for a filipina girlfriend and help with the bills.
There are a lot of foreigners who go to the Philippines who have a very low thinking of Filipino women. I saw that with my own eyes in some nationalities, treating their girlfriends or wives like whores- in front of other people eg. slapping their butts; smashing their breasts; etc. not thinking other filipinos will be offended, I could not say it in front of those people because it is none of my business. I just want foreigners to know that women in general no matter what nationality should be treated good and with respect. I am not saying that you are one of them, just a defense mechanism on my part when I heard you to go to the Philippines to find a girlfriend. sorry if I hurt you feelings. I hope there will be no more negative impressions or stereotyping about filipino women. We are very submissive (in general-not me…ask my husband…LOL),take care of our family with much adoration; great lovers (Russ…are you with me on this..ha..ha..ha)and so many good qualities not only as girlfriends but as wives as well.
Joe, there are also foreigners that will go to the Philippines just for fun and sex (I am totally blunt in here)…how do you call that….sowing their oats? Their mind is set that life is easy in the Philippines..booze,beaches- not bitches,drugs,and women for a very cheap price.
Goodluck with your trip and enjoy easy life in the Philippines. Show other foreigners that you are different from some of them.
Do not expect a lot of people understanding you because of your accent plus they are too embarassed to speak english because they are scared to be heard speaking broken english or carabao English …(carabao is water buffalo in the US).
I don’t know why men marry Filipina they regard as whores or slaves? or both? Maybe no one will even look at them from where they come from?
Joe, take note. It is a common fallacy to believe Filipina women are submissive. A hundred years ago maybe. With all the Filipinas I’ve met/known, I’ve only ever come across one who was nearly submissive. Not 100% mind you. I think Filipinas are quite strong willed (what do you think Terry?). If they want something, they will get it one way or another before you have time to say “Uncle Sam”
I think as long as you speak slowly, you will be understood.
Good luck.
I don’t think Joe said any thing about Filipina women being submissive or that he was looking for anything other than a fine upstanding girl,
Joe, you wont be understood by most Filipina even if it takes a year to say Uncle Sam. Jessie speaks the best English I’ve seen and we’ve had miscues based on language and culture. We still do to some extent.
She reads like an obsessive typewriter. LOL That helps her a lot.
I don’t find Filipino to be submissive at all. Filipina are better at getting their way, silently waiting for the right time. When it comes to strong willed women though, I’ve found that what many like most about me is that I’m even stronger willed. They don’t want a man that isn’t. Awww the games people play…
Healthy or not, we play them.
Joe, sorry, we never inferred that you will carry on any unacceptable behaviours in the Phil. It is not our place to do so. I think Terry was just making a comparison (and I agree with her) as to some of the motives other Kano go to PI for. Blunt may be, but also true.
As I mentioned in one of my blogs earlier. I’ve met someone here, an Aussie, who is a friend of a friend, whose idea of recreation is sex tours. Last year he was in Thailand. This year he will be in PI. I pray he will not pass some sort of disease to someone.
Sex tourism is a fact.
For myself, I think its okay for whatever consenting adults wish to do. There are two key words there, ADULT CONSENT. I guess that’s why people call me liberal, I’m all for letting people make their own choices.
I know most of the world doesn’t agree.
Having the world agree with me though, its never been a top priority. I can’t help it if ya’ll are all wrong.
Joe, you are right about two consenting adults…the problem is, you see foreigners roaming aound the town with girls as young as 15, or probably younger. If that was in the US, someone will be in big trouble. In the Philippines, nobody cares except a few who howls but could not do anything. It should come from the government.
Terri, its been a while since you’ve been here?
A fifty year old man walking around with a 15 year old these days would bring a lot of attention. The age of consent in the Philippines use to be 12. In the very deep parts of the Philippines, it was common for fathers to basically sell their daughters at the age of 12. Ii have been told it does still happen, it was my impression when I read the Anti Human trafficking law that it was left as a possibility unless there is an agent involved, a third party. I’m not 100% sure of that though. The law was confusing. I’m more than willing to accept I misread it. But there was written into the law that they wanted to respect the traditions of the Philippines while protecting the interest of women and children. I suppose I should read it again but I gave myself a head ache.
Even though the age of consent was, maybe still is, 12 there are provisions within the anti-human trafficking law that would prevent a foreigner from joining into sexual relations a native. There is a clause about one having an undo influence over the girl. I believe it would be pretty easy to argue that a 59 year old man with money had undue influence over a 15 year old.
The Philippine government does act on cases where children under 18 are involved. I think they let a lot go as most of people that get busted under these kinds of laws are dealing with children, but not always.
That’s not the same thing as the guy talking to a 15 year old over the net, as long as talking is what they are really doing and only doing.
It would be illegal under American law for a US Citizen to come to the country, any country with that intention. The US HAS prosecuted men for it.
I believe the Philippines immigration laws would also prevent that. I posted the exclusions on my http://www.heyjoe.ph site last night.
I don’t believe there’s any way the Philippine officials at any level would ignore the a child in such a situation that you describe.
Oh I’m sure it happens, I just don’t think it is in public view any more.
I have little girls come on to me all the time and it makes me very uncomfortable. I don’t want to even be around them. Its an extremely touchy subject here and the best way I know of to end up in prison.
I have never seen a white man walking around town with a 15 year old.
Russ, I was back just this January/February and I saw one in downtown cebu. The guy is too old for her…he could be a grandpa. People were just staring at them. anyway, I just hope the Philippine government will do something. And these foreigners are not only Americans… some are from Europe. Remember there are lot of phidophiles roaming the 3rd world countries.
Anyway, have a good day…and thanks for the site you included..
Abour 2-3 years ago, my brother tried to prosecute a 72 year old American married to a Filipina. His crime? he enticed a 13 year old girl to stay with him. The girl was from a poor family, actually her mother was my Lola’s maid. The American bribed her with money, clothes, jewellery. Then she just disapperared. After 2 weeks, and confirmation from other relatives that she’s nowhere to be found, my brother and his team found them in a resthouse in the mountains of Cebu (about halfway to Bogo). But the girl refused to testify against the American. So the parents being very poor demanded P100,000. He paid and got off. But when the Filipina wife found out, she smacked him in the face and got an annulment. Of course she kept everything. Apparently after the pay-out was settled, the America and the girl left Cebu.
The man is obviously a Paedophile. The sad thing is, Paedophiles discard their victims when they get old. So it’s only a matter of time before this girl will head home once she is too old to amuse the Paedophile.
That’s not the same thing as hanging around in public on the streets. It happens a LOT in private.
Taking her to the USA would be the worst thing he could do. Unless he’s got her chained up inside he will be found out. I really hope he doesn’t have her chained up. The girl could also be dead.
The USA should be able to nab him if the PI alerts them. They can put a hold on his passport if they can’t find him any other way.
Also, I thought airlines had some rules now about children flying without their parents, not that it coucldn’t be gotten around some how.
For a US citizen they don’t have to actually engage with improper acts with children, the USA can lock them up for a LONG time for only the intention. And they do it on a regular basis. His return to the US doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
Rusty, are you replying to me or Terry? My brother told me of the incident above. I did not visit PI for 22 years until last year, so this is 2nd hand knowledge. But he sees a lot of these with his job.
Sorry, America was a typo error. I meant to say American. Not sure if he took her to the US. But they left Cebu. They were found in a “compromising” position.
I suppose if he is a “proessional Paedophile” he would be wise not to be see in the streets with her. Alternately, she might even be dead too. Another thing is, apparently Paedophiles liked to “share” their victims around. Not a very nice thought….
Christine, I don’t doubt it happened. i dobut he went back to the states with the girl.
But you don’t know how old the girl is? You also don’t know what is going on. If he’s 90 and she’s 18 its her choice.
It is very hard to tell the age of Filipina, I’m sure it would be less difficult for you than it is I. One of the neighbor’s children has been making eyes at me, she once followed me home. She made me very nervous doing things like this. I thought she was 12 to 14. She’s 17, I was shocked to find out she was that old.
When i said it doesn’t happen, or did I say that, I don’t remember, but if so that was to make a point. So you were her for an extended time and you saw it once? Any maybe she’s of age. It might also be his daughter or his grand daughter.
I’ve only seen one time a guy holding the hand of a young girl in public…. The guy was Filipino. Didn’t look like father and dollar kind of thing to do to me but Jessie said probably was. no way to know.
I know of a lot of white guys and only one I suspect might be involved with something like this, but I think even he is smarter than that and he’s not very bright. If I knew he was, I’d report it myself. It is not wide spread, of course it happens it is not limited to white men either. Older Filipino are often caught “bribing” young and underage girls.
What I objected to was the implication that it was more common than uncommon to see underage girls with old white men. its not my place to decided who is to old for whom if the girls is 18.
LOL I just saw a preview of the Amazing Race. They showed people crying in pain. They were getting a “foot massage” aka reflexology.
Very glad you’re here. I hope to see you here more often and to meet you next time you’re in Cebu.
Rusty, I go home every 2 or 3 years and I have studied and worked in Cebu City for a long time, so it is not only once that I saw it. I was just making a point that it is still happening. Yeah, I am sure there are a lot of girls trying to get your attention and it is very flattering. I have a lot of filipina friends in here that are afraid to stay for good in the Philippines because young women are trying to snatch their husbands and leave their wives. I have several who had experienced this and now are divorced. A lot of Filipino women back home are thinking that having a foreigner whether they are married or not will make their life easier if she becomes his wife or girlfriend. Especially the ones who have low education. But, my friend’s husband was snatched from her by a Filipina in Cebu who is a teacher.
So be careful…she will not be the only one trying to take you away from Jessie. There will be more. I know that there is a big business in the Philippines that girls will meet foreigners in the airport and accompany them wherever they want to go, esp the ones who are by themselves going to the Philippines. I know somebody who just been here telling us what they do in the airport. she is very proud to tell us that once they befriended a foreigner, “by hook or by crook”, he is hers…according to her.
I am sharing this with you because, probably, your experience being an expat is different from mine being a native.
Terry, I could have sworn you were spelling your name with an I.
My experience in the Philippines is quite different from most expats. I don’t hang out at the expat hang outs. That tends to be a huge grip session and I have no use for that.
A lot has changed since you lived here full time. I’ve only been here for a year but its been recently and seeing expats with under-aged girl is not something you’re going to see on a regular basis.
Now I get sneers from older Filipina when they see me with Jessie who is 20 years younger than me. I have a son that she is only six months older than.
I thought that would be a very awkward situation when I met her dad. Then I met her dad’s wife that is at least 20 years younger than him. Jessie’s mother died when she was around 9.
Even Filipino tend to marry, if they remarry, much younger women. It wasn’t an issue at all. I’m very found of her papa and he seemed to like me. Her family is thrilled that she has a guy that will treat her well and take good care of her and her children.
Jessie’s life has improved immensely because she is with me. She is worried about my spoiling her and I don’t have the means to do that really but I’ve improved her life style so much.
She has a couple of years of college in but due to pregnancy never was able to finish. She’s a very smart woman, smarter than any woman that has been my significant other.
Most of the girls that give me “the look” are too young to know what they are doing, or fully understand.
I hear expats talk about how immature Filipina are, well I’ve not seen that. Girls under 25 might be a stretch to have a good relationship with other than on a physical level. Ii think Jessie is very mature.
She doesn’t come from a rich family nor a poor one. A family of book keepers, CPA’s, school teachers and school principles so they do better than most.
Jessie had a job when I met her, but the business closed. She sure worked hard though to earn in a month what I earned in a day when I was working.
So her life has definitely improved and she’s over 25 so its nearly impossible for her to get a job here.
Are their pedophiles here? Of course. Are you going to walk into town at any time and find old men with under age girls. Nope. Are you going to find old men with girls you might consider them to be too old for, oh yea. Easy for me to jump to that snap conclusions too. I know though that, I don’t know what kind of relationship they have and it is none of my business. Saddens me when someone smirks at Jessie and me. I’d expect that in the states, doesn’t seem to fit in with the Filipino way of life to me.
Women have been looking for men that can take care of them since the beginning of time.
I’ve had one really hot 18 year old get made when I picked Jessie over her. I made the right choice, baggage and all.
You know more about the time of the Philippines when you lived here but things shave changed. I’m sure you know more about the Philippines than I do even now. But you cannot walk into town and find under age girls with expats on a regular basis. Can you find it all, I’ve never seen it. Once or twice I thought I had, then the expats wife showed up and it was his daughter he was with.
I also spoke to Jessie about this subject and she agrees, you wont see this kind of thing. The Philippines is very serious about protecting under-aged girls. One would have to be a complete moron, brain damaged and living in a cage to flaunt such a relationship in public.
No, I spell my name with a Y and so is my daugther’s. we did that on purpose because my husband used to do the interviews for engineers and decided who will get the jobs and figured out that without seeing the person and just looking at resumes, our daughter has a big chance of being interviewed for a job because he name does not really tell whether it’s a boy or a girl. obviously though with the spelling matters.
btw, have u heard the swine flu? there are 6 deaths now in the US.
Yeah, I’ve heard about the swine flu. I watched the Filipino news this morning. At least Phil. appears to be doing something about it. They are screening new arrivals by using the heat sensors. Australia is not using those. The Oz spokesperson said there’s no point in using the heat sensors because there is an incubation period between contracting it and showing symptoms. I think I would rather we use the heat sensors as well.
Our flight is booked for June. I’m thinking about buying some masks for us. But you can’t really wear a masks for 8 hours on the plane, can you? Besides, you’ll have to take it off to eat. It’s probably not practical. I’ll have to work something out…
Christine, when I went to the Philippines when SARS was going on, my daughter and I were wearing masks on the plane, when we got off Hongkong airport and the Philippines. It is really cumbersome but we had to do it. I was sick in the Philippines before leaving fo the US and I thought I had SARS even with precautions. My sister in law is an RN and told me if I had SARS I would have been dead by then. It was scary…
Bring tamiflu, masks, hand sanitizer and be extra careful with whom you are meeting or seated with. It is tough in the plane because of a small space and everybody is breathing the same air.
Have a nice trip!!
Thanks Terry. It is really hard to choose who you will be seated with in a public plane. We’ve actually had flu vaccines last month before the Swine influenza broke out. I don’t think that was Tamiflu? Maybe I’ll ask my Doctor. I did hear in the radio this morning that Swine influenza is not likely to survive in the tropics. Which kinda doesn’t make sense to me because Mexico is also tropical? At least I will be able to avoid much of the city. I might even go there once (if I can be bothered) to go shopping for clothes because they are much cheaper than Oz.
Terry, I spoke to my brother last night. He just mentioned they will be going to the funeral of my sister-in-law’s colleague who died of breast cancer. Apparently, the colleague chose not to have treatment because it would have been very expensive. So is medical treatment like Chemo that expensive in PI, people actually chose to die rather than have tretment?
This is the second time I’ve heard about this, that people chose dying rather than leave their families in debt when they die later on. The other one was a friend’s father who needed dialysis. My friend is also a Cinical Nurse, and provided help. Apparently the father refused to sell their house so he can get treatment. His argument was, the proceeds from the sale of the house will only buy him a few months of life, after that, what then? So he chose to die. If this is the medical system in the Phil. this is appalling.
I told you foot massage doesn’t hurt. Not supposed to.
Did you know in Imperial China, the Concubines always wanted to be chosen by the Emperor for the night because part of their “preparation” is a full body massage beginning with the foot? The ancient Chinese had a special way of massaging the foot.
Thought I’d just throw that in. You’re right Joe, this site gets chaotic
It is better to talk to professional Filipina or even matured one. They can always speaks English well. I always see Foreigners walking besides not acceptable Filipina. In Filipino there is a saying tell me your friends are and I tell you who you are.
“As I mentioned in one of my blogs earlier. I’ve met someone here, an Aussie, who is a friend of a friend, whose idea of recreation is sex tours. Last year he was in Thailand. This year he will be in PI.”"”"”
This one should not be allowed to enter Phils. Get the name and send it to BI
I agree with you Outsourcing, but even if I forward his name to BI, he has not done anything wrong – yet! Besides, it doesn’t say in Phil. constitutions that prostitution or consorting with prostitutes is illegal (does it?). It did say above (Rusty’s post) re- “persons coming for any immoral purpose” are excluded from entering PI. But how would they (BI) prove this?
Sorry Joe, it was meant for Rusty…not you… my apologies…I do not know, you’re name is stuck on my head…by the way, the most common name for foreigners in the Philippines is Joe. Filipinos called anybody who looks american Joe, so don’t be surprised when somebody calls you Joe. You might be wondering, “how did he knows my name?”
Again, goodluck and enjoy the Philippines…
Oh gosh, my grammar is off today…it should have been how did he know my name not “knows”. I just woke up…
hahaha, nice!
Hey Joe, I can’t tell what you’re replying too but nice to have you back.
I always like when the conversations get chaotic, because it makes things more fun and interesting. One day it’s just Rusy and I bantering about cameras and such, and then the next thing I know, the conversation has focused onto child molestation theory. You know though, as much as people in the good ol’ US of A like to brag about how much better it is there than other countries, like we are superior or something, I must say that I doubt a country like the Philippines would allow a group as hideous as NAMBLA to organize there. Yep, that’s right, I said it, NAMBLA: North American Man-Boy Love Association. That is an actual organized group that advocates the disgusting act that the name suggests, and they are protected by the US constitution. Of course when some old guy is caught molesting a kid, he might be prosecuted, but the fact that a group like that is allowed to meet and talk about their perversions is just plain wrong.
My point is that there are creeps and degenerates everywhere, and unfortunately they are let off the hook too often. Some creepy pervert is caught with kiddie porn on his computer, but the case gets thrown out of court because the evidence was obtained illegally, maybe in a manner that was deemed to be an invasion of his privacy. It’s like when an axe-murderer is set free because the bloody axe with his fingerprints on it was obtained in an improper way, like maybe they didn’t have a search warrant.
As for my intentions when I go to the Philippines, I can assure you all that I am not looking for a submissive girl. I want to fall in love with a great lady who is an independent thinker, who will challenge me mentally and even put me in my place if I ever act in a disrespectful way. I could care less about “hook-ups” or whatever people call it these days, because I just want to have some nice experiences and see some sights before I get too old to be able to enjoy things the way I want to. I think it will be a worthy challenge for me, since I’m not Catholic and have no interest in any girl who just wants to be a baby-machine. If I can find that one girl who would be ok with never having kids, then I think things will work out quite well for me.
I honestly think that any guy who goes on a “sex tour” is doing nothing but knocking up a bunch of girls, and possibly spreading around some STDs, too. In my opinion, any guy who goes on one of those “sex tours” should be put away for a long time, before he has a chance to do any more damage to society.
Joe, 20 yeara ago the Philippines was open season on under aged girls. Thailand too. You can find ex military that might talk about it.
It still goes on. There are girls off the beaten path that enslaved usually by Filipino but it is the Kano that can most often afford what they offer.
About 20 years ago the US decided to crack down on it. Sixty minutes and other news shows brought it to light in the USA and chances began shortly afterwards.
I personally feel like its not my place to judge what others do as long as they do it with adults.
Joe, good luck. Any idea where you want to settle in Philippines?
Hey Joe, welcome back…more people writing, more opinions…more topics….and more arguments…LOL
Goodluck with your search for a great Filipina lady…there are a lot of them. Salesgirls in the malls/stores are great examples. Some of them are college students working hard to finish their education. There are also a lot of single Filipina teachers. Beware of girls meeting you at the airports.
And by the way, Filipino women love children so it is hard to find somebody not wanting to have kid/kids unless they already have kids of their own. Especially if they are young.
That’s all I can say….
The medical system is just as appalling in the USA, where the insurance provider will simply drop you from coverage while you are still in the hospital.
I’m not going to worry about swine flu. I’m one of those conspiracy theorists who believes that flu shots are just a rip-off, and I figure that if I drop dead from swine flu, it’s basically the same as dropping dead from anything else.
I think it would be fun to wear a full HAZMAT suit to board a long flight sometime, just to see how nervous everybody else on the plane gets when they see me
Question about a retirement visa: Is it true that they will give a person one if they invest at least $10,000us there? Because if that is the case, maybe I could swing that.
Joe, I never heard the retirement visa… I better google that…LOL
I am long ways from retirement but it’s better to be ready. i do not know if I should have dual citizenship or stay as American…albeit, it is easier to travel as american citizen.
what is going on? I could not post…
Christine I wrote you a response…a long one but I could not post it…it was talking about javascript…
Hmmm, I wish you had got the exact message for me.
A long message SHOULD have nothing to do with it.
Did you by any chance save the message on your computer so you can re-enter it. I know how frustrating it is to have that happen. I’ve lost things I worked hours on and had things like that happen. Very sorry you had that problem.
Looks like I need to turn a spam plugin off. Saves me a lot of work but I don’t want it dong that and it is suppose to ask you in your human.
Rusty, I swear one of my long blogs was rejected. The site kept telling me it’s a spam. Of course it wasn’t. Maybe there is a bogeyman in your site – you might have to get some exorcist expert
I have no doubt that you had a message rejected. That it was long may not have been the reason. Shouldn’t have been the reason. If so, its a bug in the anti-spam protection.
Rusty, that was the first time I was not able to post. Then I did send another one..a short one and it was posted. No, I did not save it. I was not expecting it to happen. I always see my postings afterwards. Joe mentioned that one too, how your posting went to a different topic.
K guys, got to go to work.
Hi Christine…I just saw on TV today about masks. The doctor advised to change the mask every 2 hours because it becomes a breeding ground for germs if used longer than 2. Also, bring Tamiflu when you go to the Phils. It’s better to be prepared.
About dying forgoing treatment, this is so true. A lot of Filipinos do not have insurance. Medicare is covered by SSS (private sector) and GSIS (public sector). If you do not belong to any of this group, then you can pay out of you pocket. There is also a new medical insurance that my brother is using, I could not remember the name. My mother was on dialysis and the doctor advised us not to do dialysis because it will break us financially. My mother died 4 years ago at the ripe age of 80. Thankfully there are a lot of us siblings and everybody helped.
Terry, if the message is very long, the website will reject it as spam. That happened to me too when I started blogging here. I gues it’s to prevent spam from cluttering the site.
Re-Filipinos foregoing treatment, that is very sad. I asked my brother how much it would cost to have a mammogram, and he said about Ph100,000. That is a lot of money, especially for a Filipino. And then there’s the treatment, chemotherapy. Here in Oz, the govt sends me a letter every 2 years to remind me to have a mammogram – and it’s free!.
I was thinking, maybe when I’m in PI, I will teach my female relatives breast self-examinations (to detect lumps). I think poor Filipinas would rather have a mastectomy rather than go through an expensive chemo course. I think in PI, survival is far more preferable than body image – What do you think?
When I was working as a community nurse, I found some Aussie women (not a lot) were far more concerned about saving the breasts rather than being concerned about their survival. On the other hand, I’ve met some very brave ones, especially those who seemed to have the genes, (i.e., mum, sisters and aunties) who opt to have double mastectomies, even when the other breast is healthy.
There is a community clinic in my brother’s town, but I don’t know if they teach health promotion. I will find out. I think the town badly needs health education, including family planning!
Christine, that is a good idea with teaching women self examination. About family planning, that is harder to do than saying it. The church will meddle with that. That is why there are a lot of Filipinos because of no form of family planning accepted except the natural way…counting the days of ovulation. My cousin had a mastectomy on one breast and the younger daughter was not able to go to school for one semester to save Mom’s life. Yes, it is very expensive…people would rather buy food than medicine.
I had never experienced mammogram in the Phils…I was a lot younger when I left, so I did not need it.
and so were my co-teachers that were older than me. Even self-exams were unheard of. probably it changed now with the internet and too many cancers developing…
Besides, filipinos are too busy with daily survival… I was amazed when I got to the US how every now and then you need a check up..physical, dental, gynecolgy, optical, etc. I only saw a doctor a few times growing up in the Philippines.
The same thing with dental…dentists in the Philippines pull out a tooth but here in the US, they tried to save a tooth. I am so lucky that I do not need braces…so is my daughter… but I lost some important teeth because these were pulled out instead of saving them. Thank God, these were not the front teeth…LOL
I am pre-diabetic…i am changing my diet hoping not to get insulin and a strip of blood sugar test in our hometown is P50.00 each. Just imagine checking you blood sugar twice a day. I had to send my family a kit and replenish the strips every now and then.
Terry, you are very right, re-family planning in PI. It will be nightmare of a job for any clinician to educate people to do family planning, what with the catholic church meddling.
I asked one of my Filipina friend here why Phil. is so overpopulated. Her answer was “coz we don’t have TV!”
When I left PI in 1982, the population was 70 million. I’ve read reports that it is now around 90 million! – now that’s a lot of Filipinos for a small country that would fit into Queensland 5 times. I would really like to know how much help the Catholic church gives to Filipinos.
I’m not catholic, but I’ve gone to church for friends’s weddings, baptisms, funerals. I was somewhat amused that the church assistants would pass the alms basket attached to a long pole (presumably so they can reach the farthest parishioners) from the left side of the pew, then they would move to the right side to collect those they had missed. My opinion was, they were double dipping!
Christine, i am a catholic…obviously because one of my brothers is a priest. the long pole was suppose to be for the middle part but I do not know how they do it but it was funny when you said double dipping…:)
some churches are doing a basket passing it around. the catholics have no tithing like the mormons where you are required to pay 10% of your income. the catholic church does not require you to give but it is voluntary. you don’t have to give if you don’t have any money. that is one of the sources for income aside from weddings, funerals, and baptism or special masses. it is called KBL – kasal, bunyag and lubong….:)
yeah, my husband told me that too that the reason there are a lot of Flipinos because there is no diversion except drinking for men and gossiping for women. there is nothing to do at night and it will be dark after 6 and there is no electricity esp. in the barrios…or the islands…so nothing to do but make children…Ha…Ha…Ha… there goes family planning.
Oh, and I forgot to add, they come back with the same pole twice, that is, after they’d been on the left side, they go to the right, then back to the left. So I should say triple dipping, he,he
Of course we felt obliged to give again, so I secretly just rummmaged for some coins maybe about 60cents worth of 5,10s and 20′s because they jingled a bit. I gave them $5 before and they came back for seconds!
If you ask me, I think they send some of that money to Rome to maintain the Pope’s palace. I remembered watching Pope Paul II in his last days. Poor fella, I think he was barely there, and they still made him perform. Anyone could see he was even too weak to wave.
we are talking about a beautiful city… Why very opinionated? We don’t need more opnions coz we do already have.
You know, the one thing I am currently “grateful” for is that I was not dragged to a Catholic church every Sunday growing up. I was dragged to a Presbyterian church instead. I whined and moaned about having to go, but I suppose it was a good experience for me. If I was Catholic and some priest ever told me that I was a sinner for [beep], I surely would have punched him right on the nose
I’m 100% sure that we can blame the Catholic church for many overpopulated areas in the world, including the good ol’ US of A. I know plenty of friends who are from huge families, and I’m plenty glad that my parents chose to only have 2 kids, my sister and me, because they were not living in constant fear and implied guilt-trips. I feel sorry for people who live in constant fear of going to hell, but at the same time I also admire their strength. So as much as I malign the Catholic church, I also must acknowledge that it does seem to make many people stronger. Although it does bug me that they dump so much money into the Vatican, instead of doing more with it to help the needy. I mean, does the Pope really need all that crap? There are plenty of over-paid pro athletes here who would be envious of all the cool stuff that the almighty gets..
Terry, I’m going to take a trip to the Phils to see some of the different areas before I pick a place to call home. I keep hearing nice things about Bogo, and I’m more than intrigued about that place because my last name is Bogo
Oh, and one trick I use when typing longer messages to send over the web: After I finish typing, I highlight the body of the message and just right-click copy it before I submit/send the message. I don’t go as far as actually pasting and saving it into notepad/wordpad/etc, but it gives me the peace of mind that, if I get burned by some error, I can always just start over with the blank typing box and simply right-click paste the entire body of the message and then re-send it. It’s a real life-saver, since there’s nothing more annoying than typing a thousand words only to get burned by some lame error message
sorry i had to beep out small part of your message. An advertiser might get ofended and then I would likely have to shut down the site.
Bogo is a peaceful and quiet town then when I was a young kid. Its people are marvelous, friendly and charming. If you are writing a blog, don’t say a lot of words about yourself. Talk about a nice Bogo. Thank you
Joe B. Hello! you’re second name is Bogo? You are going to get a lot of teasing in PI!
Do you know what Bogo translates to, if pronounced the American way?
I think I’m lucky that I got off from going to church as often as the Catholic church would have wanted. I mean in Mactan back in 70′s, they want you there every day, if you could. Luckily, my Grandma refuses to go to church, unless she had a new dress. And she only ever got a new dress on her birthdays, so that was the extent of my church attendance – until I started going to school, and they rammed religion onto our throats! – well not literally. By the time I was grade 3, I stopped going. I think they gave up on me then, coz they didn’t notify my Grandma. She wouldn’t have cared anyway.
Yeah, it does bug me how much money they pour into the Vatican. I mean, how many silky robes does the Pope and his cohorts want?
I do the highlight and copy before sending as well. Prevents you from having to type again if you lose it. Terry, I would have liked to know what you’ve written.
Yeah, what sucks the most about losing a long message to a gay error is the fact that you can never type up the same message again. It might be similar, but just not the same, hehe..
And yeah, I’m looking forward to introducing myself to the lovely Pilipinas as Joe Dull, Joe Dumb, Joe Stupid, I’m sure I will get quite a reaction from them. I really do think that Bogo City might be the perfect place for me, like the mother ship is calling to me to come home
Wow, you got out of church when you were 3? Nice! I kept getting dragged there til I was well into my teens, maybe around 16-18. What a sucker!
My friend and I were just chatting over ym, and I think I came up with a great tongue-twister: Say “The beautiful spider bites the beautiful spider.” in Tagalog..
I got off from Church when I was grade 3, so that’s when I was 9. Somehow, even at that age, I wasn’t really into Catholicism. Here in Oz, whenever my friends invite me to join their Catholic stuff, like Easter prayers, etc. I tell them I can’t join because I’m not Catholic. Over the years they’ve accepted it.
I think you will fit into Bogo landscape nicely.
Don’t know what’s the Tagalog for spider. I forgot. Can you ask your friend? I know the meaning of the rest of the words.
Have to get my sleep now. Have to make a living tonight – and no, not at the club! I’ll be saving lives
I try to remember that, seems the only time I don’t do it is when I should have ad then I’m really angry at myself.
If you use Firefox there is a really nice addon called Lazarus Form Recovery…. If you loose what you type in the form, you just go back to he page and right click and in most cases, the addon will allow you to pick the lost information and put it right back in there, or at least most of it.. I found it a week ago and I’ve used it several times already
Spider is “gagamba” in Tagalog. So it becomes quite the tongue-twister, or at lesat I think so
I would love to go see at least a small piece of Oz someday, using the phils as my home base to travel from. I think I read somewhere that it is maybe a 10 hour flight from the phils to Sydney. I don’t know if that’s correct or even close, but I am curious about how much that flight might cost. Any guesses on that?
Thanks Joe, I knew it was something which ends in “a”, and I kept thinking “palaka”, but also knew it was wrong because “palaka” is frog. Yeah, it could be tongue twister, but probably not as good as this; “ang relo ni Leroy rolex”. A Filipino saying this fast will quickly become tounged-twisted
The word means “Leroy’s watch is rolex” and it is the same word used in Visayan and Tagalog.
Manila to Sydney could be 10 hours. Our flight from Brisbane to Cebu is 14 hours. I think it is about 8 hours flight Brisbane to Cebu. Stopping at Singapore for 3 hours, then direct to Cebu. Last year I paid AU$1350 each for our tickets. About AU$400 of this is govt tax. I think the Aussie govt figured “if you can afford to travel, you can afford to pay tax”. This year I only paid AU$1,124 each. It seems the closer to travel time you buy your tickets, the cheaper it gets. My guess is, they are discounting tickets heavily to fill the plane. I could have got cheaper fares if I’d go via Manila, but with the limited time we have in PI, I’d rather pay more and cut travel time. Some of the flights I’ve looked at via Manila takes 23 hours. So Brisbane-Cebu 14 hours is about the most direct.
Yeah I grew up Catholic, and still is. It is my religion and I love it. It is also part of my heritage. My family is involve with the church’s activities back in PI and nobody is complaining. I also went to catholic schools..both high school and college… worked for a catholic university. I do not minc if people talk bad about the catholic religion…I understand and it is their prerogative.
Anyway, it is not religion that will save you, it is your faith…no matter what religion or no religion you belong to.
Am I too preachy here?
Joe, Christine is right about your last name. Just tell them that Bogo city is where you were born , and you like the place, that’s why you use to be your last name…ha..ha..ha…
Bogo to the chinese means special..
I will be out of the loop for few days here…my daughter has a soccer camp in Erie, Pensylvannia and I have to chaperone. I am not bringing my laptop because nobody is allowed except your Ipod or MP3 and cell phone. Talk to you again guys
I’m glad you’re not offended Terry. We knew you’re a good sport. And no, you are n ot preachy at all. I agree with you, it is not the religion that will save you (the Catholic Priest will probably disagree), but your faith.
Man must really have a compulsion to worship, because even before Christianity, man worhipped nature, the sea, the sky, the stars, animals etc. At least, Christianity, for all its shortcomings does not require human sacrifices, especially baby sacrifices like the Incas used to do.
We look forward for your return Terry….
That has crossed my mind too Christine. its almost like man tends to have a little bit of magical thinking as they say in your profession. I will stop short of being negative toward organized religion though.. Its made up of people and we people are all fouled up. Hard to expect more of the institutions we build.
It doesn’t bother me how much money goes to the Vatican, what bothers me is I don’t actively see the church doing much for the poor here. I know His grace is sufficient but that doesn’t mean the church should not help with the suffering that is going on. The church is lavishly decorated and there are three year old child bedding down on the streets of Cebu City. Can have both, but what is the church doing? Maybe its doing a lot but I can’t see it and I’d like to see it.
Some are turned off by the churches involvement in government here. One Filipina that is close to me says that she doesn’t go to church to hear about politics. She rarely goes for that reason. Yet, she’s pretty stern about Holy Week, especially Good Friday and Black Saturday. She’s not a zealot but she doesn’t like to hear celebratory music blasting during that time. Even I have issues with that. Not that it offends me so much but because I’ve got at least a limited understanding of how important the remembrance is in the Philippines.
Preach on Terry!
Can’t take notebook? Haw, and you’re a volunteer?
I’d stay home.
Terry, I live 3 hours’ drive south of Erie. Are you living up there or just spending some time there?
Rusty, have you had a chance to play around with that camera yet?
Yes, I’ve used it. Its nice. But I still have much to try with it.
I’m way behind on pictures. I haven’t even uploaded march photos!
Hello Christine, Rusty and Joe, I am BACK!!!
Just arrive from Erie, PA, took me 5 hours to drive one way. So tired but it’s worth going and helped out with the team.
Joe, I did not know you live south of Erie. I like Erie but we were just visiting for the weekend for a soccer camp. Where are you located? We have been to Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio to watch the US national soccer team playing against china two years ago. Yeah, we are big on soccer. I hope someday my daughter can play for the Phils. naitional team.
Welcome back Terry
Okay Terry, you’re not allowed to leave again, everything got quite when you did!
Hi Terry, welcome back! yeah everything got quite when you left. I’d just been busy filling up those balikbayan boxes. I would like to put a hex on whoever invented Balikbayan boxes
Sorry guys, after I got back I had to make lesson plans which I was not able to do when I left. It will be quite here for a while on our end, we have 2 Saturdays to ourselves-no travels, so I will be able to post. We will go to the movies and watch X-men and star Trek. yeah my husband is a Trekker, not me. i love the X-men movies though.
So Christine, how long are the balikbayan boxes to arrive in Cebu? I have been sending thru FOREX and it takes 1 1/2 months to Bohol and it cost a lot. Lately, the guy who is in charge here for forex switched to another company and my friend had a bad experience with the switch. they opened her boxes and a lot of broken stuff happened, like coffee, shampoos, lotions, etc. How many boxes you’re sending? I know it is almost June and probably you are excited to go home.
Where is Joe?
Russ, what is new in Cebu? I miss the sutukil-sugba, tula and kilaw. Ask jessie what is this. Also the mangoes in Cebu. There are a lot of these in Carbon market but it is scary to go there now. My former co-teachers told me that snatchers/robbers will not take just your money or jewelry now but the whole pocketbook/purse. I got scared so I did not go to carbon when i went home. There are a lot of treasures—FOOD in there.
it is about time you came back.
I’m now writing about Cebu on another website. Please visit here: Living in Cebu
I’m pretty sure I’ve been to Carbon but I might be getting it mixed up with another C name’d town. I ate fish there. We didn’t go to the public market. The fish was excellent and cheap! I had fish. We stopped there or near there when I was moving to Bogo last year.
I will be sending this particular box through a friend who is sending Balikbayan boxes as a business venture. She charges US$4.15 a kilo airmail, takes only a week to get there, provided I drop it before Saturday. If I drop it at her shop, say Fri. My bro. will get it following Sat. I will send it air-mail because I’ve got other things in it that we will need there. The slow shipping is a flat rate of US$148, but it’s unlimited kilos. Will get there in six months. I imagine it will be a bit dearer from US to PI because of the distance.
I think you might have gone to Colon Rus. And mind your pronunciation on this Rusty. It is not pronounced like that body part!
I knew the dangers of snathcers even in Colon, so I made sure I kept my bag close to my chest, and just put a small amount in it.
Terry, what is sutukil and tula? Are they fish? Just sounds like something edible.
Yeah, where is Joe? maybe he is on his way to PI, luck chap.
Chris, sutukil is a shortened version of sugba, tula and kinilaw. People use the word because it is short. You can tell your brother you want sutukil…that if you like kinilaw…CAUTION…do not eat this on your first few days.
Wow, your box costs a lot…it is only USD99 here for us and it is a lot cheaper in California or any other parts of the US closer to the shipping docks.
Rusty, I have not check your new website but I will do that after posting here. You did not go to Bohol? Everyday of the month in Bohol a place/ town has a fiesta. Ours will be the last Saturday of the month and people just go to houses to eat even if you do not know them. That is a tradition. You will not go hungry. It has been a joke that Bohol sinks a few inches below sea level during May because Boholanos go home for the annual fiesta. I could not go home because I just went last january/February. I am broke
!!!
It’s okay Terry, make your way over when you can. This site is noot going away but until i get where I can handle all three sistes, I will be posting mostly on heyjoe.ph its not a new site but moving my experiences in Cebu over there.
Ii ahve to stay up long enough to post any place. I slept most of the day today. Ihope I don’t stay up all night now. Doesn’t feel like I will.
I understand broke. i would love to go to Bohol but it is not in the near future because of limited funds.
That sounds like a wonderful tradition and truly Filipino! ‘I shy” i probably wouldn’t do that but I would love to visit the floating restaurants.
Joe sometimes disappears for a while, hopefully a hottie belly dancer will keep him coming back for more….
I know its not pronounced like the body part but I still probably don’t have it quite right, the pronunciation that is.
There are several places that do balikbayan boxes for flat rate based on size that do it in six weeks but that is from t he US. I don’t know about Oz at all. Your using something else and the speed that you are getting is nice I might want to talk to your friend on that six month thing though. That is if she does them from the US. I plan, hope to get a container to ship my stuff over.
Hello, all. I’m still here, I just haven’t checked this page lately. I’m still here in the USA, south of Pittsburgh, sweating out this social security debacle. I’m anxiously awaiting a resolution, because I’m planning on going camping on Samal island at the Hagimit Falls. My friend who lives in Davao is gonna take me there. She’s going there in a few days for her birthday, and I wish I could join her then, but oh well
Nice, the Penguins just won in overtime. They were down 2-0 in the series, now they’re up 3-2.
Hot belly dancer?? What?? Really?? Who?? Tell me more
I’m thinking about buying myself a personal, hiker-style water filter. I think it would be nice to have with me in the Phils. REI has a nice sale running now, and I think I’ll go ahead and order one. I’m planning on doing some camping in the Phils, so I’m sure that will come in handy. It’s a hand pump design that filters a liter of water per minute. Even if I’m in town and just don’t trust the bottled water, I think it will be a nice option to have on hand. I want to get a digital camera too, but I’ll keep waiting on that until I am more certain about the outcome of the social security run-around.
I just got done with manually renaming my entire mp3 song collection, one-by-one. It took me a few days and nights, but I’m glad I got it done
Christine does a bit of belly dancing.
The bottled was here seems to be okay.. Some is better than others. Distilled is the best. Sounds like the pump is an osmosis type filter and that’s the only kind of water I’ve been able to get in Bogo.
Will be handy for camping i suppose probably bottled water around though.
A girl in Davao? Was hoping you were Bogo bound, not likely now.
You should check out heyjoe.ph
Christine, nice, I didn’t know you do that. Wow
Do they have belly dancing in the Phils, or is the concept not conservative enough there?
Rusty, I’ve been talking to a few lovely ladies, all of whom are very nice. I’m planning on spending some time in Davao and also in Cebu. I’m definately going to Bogo, no doubts about that. No way is Joe Bogo flying 16,000km to the other side of the world and not going to Bogo
The filter I want seems to be a pretty nice one. It’s the Katadyn Hiker Pro. I’m gonna get it since it’s on sale now, and I’m sure it’ll come in handy when I’m camping in areas where I might not be near bottled water sources. The water at Hagimit Falls looks great, but I’ll feel alot better having a filter on hand if I need to refill water bottles while there
Hi Joe, welcome back! We thought you’ve gone to PI already. I think there are bellydancers in PI. Didn’t see any when I was there. Wondering if it’s confined to clubs there. I would guess it might be considered adult entertainment there. But not here. I only dance for friends these days. Sometimes, I tell them others had to sing for their supper, but I had to dance for mine
Hmm, looks like the thread cooled down again. I think I’ll go check out the new page now…
that is were you need to go.
http://heyjoe.ph
Liked the pictures
show u r hving a great lifestyle there
I to like / hobby photography
so your picture sets were excellent
Given extracts of youe site to my Miami friend who wants to move 2 Pi
lots great tips 4 him
Thanks John, your friend doesn’t have a computer? Send him on over!
hello rusty…yea id like it too…ill be home nxt month..if ill see u at the wharf,japer’s disco or bbq stalls there ill say hi to u…its jst easy to look people there its the famous place where people loves to go to…
Hi Janice,
I sent you an email with my cell phone so you can text me if you like and we’ll make a point of meeting you and your husband if you like.
yeah sure…yep ive seen it already and i save ur number..im jst alone going home my husband will jst follow maybe on dec. he’s pretty mch busy at his work at the moment…im excited to go home now i missed bogo mostly to go to the wharf and sing the videoke there hehehe
Send me a text when you get here and Jessie and I will meet you at the BBQ.
We go to the wharf a lot too, though I’ve not been going much. I’ve probably gained all the weight I lost back because I have not been exercising.
Stay in touch until you get here though. Your coming this month?
nope nxt month…september 6 but ill be at bogo maybe on 10 i will stay at manila for a couple of days i want to go shopping at divisoria and go to baclaran church…
I would like to spend some time in Manila myself.
hi rusty hows bogo??? whats new
by the way its fiesta in cogon try to go there and watch if u like…
Hi Janice,
Bogo is fine except for poor internet stability.
We had another small earthquake on Friday.
I spent the night on Bantayan on Friday and had a great and restful time.
Thanks for the information on the fiesta!
ohhh nice… have u been to the floating bar there in bantayan island? i forgot the name of the resort ive been there last year with my hubby.. nice to go there in holy week…hope everything is fine there in bogo…c u soon huh???…
Yes, I’e been to the floating bar, one of my favorite spots there. Check out http://bantayanislandtours.com its one of my sites.
Yep, let me know when you’re in town!
Rusty,you might already have answered the question I have in mind somewhere else but why did you settle in Bogo? Your girlfriend doesn’t appear to be from there so what was the reason?
I have been in Bogo to take the ferry there but I can’t remember much of the place. On Cebu island the nicest place I remember is Dalaguete though that “Little Baguio” on the nearby mountain there is a dump (in the Philippines they seem to call any somewhat elevated place “Little Baguio”). But they do get some fresh vegetables from there.
At one stage we were planning to settle in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, which attracted us because of the nice seaside boulevard and all the flowers. Also, that American founded university there, Silliman, seems to have had a civilising influence on the place. The main drawback was the infernal din and the pollution caused by the tricycles there. But if these become electrified in the future (they seem to have already some of those in Puerto Princessa)the place will gain a lot in attractiveness.
I had a personal obstacle there. Every time we got there I got sick. Only mildly but enough to give me some trouble. I figured that there was a virus population there to which I had little immunity.
Talking about Negros: in 1993 I travelled around there for the first time and stayed for a few days in San Carlos, the place where you take the ferry to Toledo in Cebu. I came to speak there to a few businessmen who were sitting near to me in a restaurant and they tried to persuade me to invest some money there because, they said, San Carlos was a go ahead place. I had to laugh because back then it was a real backwater where you paid seven peso for a cup of coffee with cake and the local cinema didn’t charge much more (to my surprise the film that was on then was quite pornographic).I was there last year again and these businessmen turned out to have been right. The place has changed quite a lot. There is now a sort of mall there with a Gaysano and a Jollybee, if I remember correctly, as sure signs of “civilisation”. There is a beautiful plaza where you can get some unpolluted air and, lo and behold, they even have a kind of gated subdivision almost in the middle of the city.
Why Bogo?
Why Bogo? Its not polluted at all, in fact, it wins cleanest and greenest often. It did so in the last three years. They’ve been cleaning the place up a lot in the last month or two. Might be time for the people that make that certification to show up.
There is very little crime. I wont say no crime because there are people in the jail. They wave and want me to take their picture just like many other Filipino do. Safety is a primary concern.
Its a very friendly place too. We do have a Gaisano here. I knew the expat that use to live in this home and thought it was very nice and that was the main thing that drew me up this way. Once we got here, we loved the place. When he moved out, we grabbed it right up. Hard to find a place this large which I like. Jessie loved it so that was a big part of it.
We are close to several resorts and Bantayan Island being close by is also a factor. I would like to live on Bantayan. Maybe someday. I need my own car though before I do that. Long trip to Cebu City would be even longer with the 1 to 1.5 hour ferry trip across the Visayan Sea.
It has just about anything I need but we make a trip to Cebu City, usually once a month to get some things we can’t find here in Bogo.
Jessie has two kids, great place for them to grow up. I’m not a party guy, I tend to be a home body so the lack of a rich night life is not a factor for me.
Bogo is growing too but seems to have stalled a little bit. Loosing its city status didn’t help that.
The cost of living is a good deal less than in Cebu City, especially rents.
It does sound attractive.
About Bantayan Island: according to my spouse the time the ferry takes is not the only obstacle. She claims that sometimes (often?) the sea is so rough that the ferry can’t function at all. Is that so?
I belong to the age group that is plagued by strokes and heart attacks. So I fear neither of those places would be a real option for us.
Sometimes the ferries cannot make the trip, that is true. I doubt it is often. In the year and half I’ve lived here, I can recall only three times people are left stranded in ports in this region. Luzon that happens much more because they get more storms. Last year a ferry sank during a typhoon so the government changed the rules. They can’t sail at all now during a typhoon. They use to let really large ones sail during a signal one storm. I’m glad they changed that rule.
I’ve been over there during mild storms and significant winds. No problems. I’m sure there are times the waters are too rough, I can’t say for sure how often that is.
Bantayan Island would likely be a bad idea. However, I’m in pretty bad shape. I’m a stroke waiting to happen I guess. My heart is enlarged and weak. I’m here. They do have a hospital in Bantayan but if they have the drugs needed to fight off a stroke that is needed, I don’t know. Some people warned me about moving here because of my health. I doubt living on Bantayan would be a good idea for either of us. I’ve spent too much of my life thinking I am about to die. I am not going to live that way any more. I like this way a lot better.
You might want to look into Bacolod and Dumaguete or even Davao though I am pretty sure Cebu City or Manila would have the best care in the country. When the Cebu City mayor was diagnosed with cancer, he went to the USA for treatment! On the up side of that, he has vowed to develop a hospital in Cebu that is up to the same capabilities as the one in Houston that may have saved his life. He’s still alive for now.
What has come of that hospital plan?
Some years ago there was talk of an international group wanting to develop a hospital in Cebu which would also be covered by American insurance.
The plan came to nought then because the land chosen for it was claimed by two cities, if I am not mistaken Cebu City and Talisay.
Perhaps you are right in ignoring health hazards. My wife works (as a nurse) and our adopted son goes to school every day. In other words, if I get an incapacitating stroke when both are absent I might be lying there for hours before any action can be taken. This might cause a delay greater than you having to be transported from Bogo to Cebu. In the Philippines one is at any case always surrounded by people.
One tip: if you need serious hospital treatment try to arrange transport by ambulance, if any are available in your environment. When one arrives by ambulance at a Filipino hospital one doesn’t have to wait endlessly before being admitted.
Two days ago we made this arrangement for a little nephew of ours who is suffering from dengue fever. Sure enough, he was taken in straight away. Compared to prices here the ambulance was cheap: 500 peso. But this was all innercity work in Cebu. From Bogo it would be a good deal dearer no doubt.
I don’t totally ignore them. I just limit how they limit me.
There is a new treatment for stroke. I think it is only used for clots but I’m not sure of that. It has to be used in a certain number of hours or it doesn’t work. If it works, many people walk out of the hospital a few hours later with no lasting effects at all.
I know of a woman who had a stroke, couldn’t speak but still totally conscious. They gave her the drug and she walked out that day? Maybe the next day. Completely normal. It is a clot busting agent if I remember correctly but I don’t think its just a blood thinner? I could be mistaken. I take aspirin now due to TIA’s and some bell’s palsy which they thought was a mini stroke but never found evidence of it.
I need to get back to my exercise in a serious way! Just put on a shirt I had made and it is tight.
I don’t know about the hospital plan. It may have died. My insurance will pay for hospital stays, doctors and meds.
Rusty, you talked of drugs for the treatment of stroke – but, as a matter of fact, the only drugs that might be needed in the first instance are aspirin or other blood thinners (such as Plavix). I said ‘might’ because it all depends what kind of stroke one has. As you probably know the two main causes for stroke are thrombosis, a blood clot, in or near the brain or a hemorrhage due to the rupturing of a blood vessel. Only when the stroke is due to a blood clot are blood thinners advisable. In the case of a hemoorrhage they would only aggravate the situation. But since the great majority of strokes (87 % if I remember correctly) is due to a blood clot you can play Russian roulette and take a blood thinner before going to Cebu.
The importance of speedy admission is that scans are needed to determine quickly what kind of stroke you have and whether surgical interference would do any good.
Do you take a 100 mg aspirin every day? I do (and so does my doctor who is only fifty).
Last year, after reading Gary Taubes’ great book “Good calories, Bad Calories” (obtained at the SM National Bookstore in Cebu)I went on a low carbohydrate diet and had three identifiable positive health results after only a few months: my blood pressure went down (last measurement was 110 over 85), my lipid profile improved (lowering of triglycerides and an increase in HDL – the good cholesterol) and I lost a lot of weight. I do not suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes but this type of diet is also strongly recommended against that disease. In addition to the links I gave you I can recommend the blog of Michael Eades, M.D. and all the information on the “Optimum Diet” by the Polish doctor Jan Kwasniewski (who claims that he has cured Diabetes 1 sufferers – or at any case made them non-insulin dependent).Filipino doctors are not well briefed on these matters. A friend of mine in Cebu, who has diabetes 2, was advised not to eat bread but to eat pasta instead. Presumably his doctor was thinking of all the sugar in Filipino bread but pasta too leads to a hefty increase in blood glucose levels and with that to the secretion of an overdose of insulin which deposits fat in the fat cells and increases insulin resistance.
One more tip for that ambulance ride which hopefully never will be needed. Tell your girlfriend that they should not lie you down on your affected site and, that in general, they have to move your position after two hours or so.
The bread here is extremely good but far worse for you than regular bread. Probably worse than thee pasta.
I take an adult dose aspirin a day. I thought it was 125, not sure.
I don’t take it now as I’m taking Norgesic Forte that has more aspirin than that in it. I keep aspirin around though just in case something happens.
My weight is what is going to kill me.
Sorry so short, I’m late for a meeting.
Hi Rusty,
Do they sell good bread in Bogo? Normally, Filipino bread has about 15% sugar as compared to 5 % in “Western” bread (that is at least what a professional European baker working in the Phils wrote on another site).
In Cebu we often used to get bread at Gustavian in Banilad (near Gaysano Country Mall). Gustavian is a select retaurant where they also have very tasty whole wheat bread for sale. It is not cheap (the average price used to be 130 peso per loaf but it is probably a bit more expensive now)but it doesn’t poison you.
Now I have gone off bread altogether because of my low carb diet (that I strongly recommend to you if you really want to lose weight). The Philippines is a good place for a low carb diet because there is plenty of pork belly available for a comparatively low price (the fat of the pork belly is important – the Atkins diet is geared too much to protein).
I loved the sight of your chocolate bread but that stuff is forbidden to me as well. The pure cocoa (unmixed with anything else) one can get in the Phils (but not here in Australia)is , however, extremely healthy. We get it sent to us from the Phils and use the traditional iron pot and “batterole” to prepare it. For some strange reason Filipino medics are wont to warn against it because allegedly it increases your blood pressure.In fact it does the very opposite (check it out online). It is true that Filipinos tend to mix it with a lot of sugar and sugar is of course “the silent killer”, “pure, white and deadly”.
Where did you read or hear of the new treatment against stroke?
yeah, they sell awesome bread that should be illegal.
After feeling like I nearly killed myself by eating that “chocolate bread” I have no problem resisting. Jessie brought some home the other day, I had no desire to eat it.
I don’t really know what is going to become of dieting for me in the nesxt month. I will likely run out of cigars tomorrow and I have not ordered more. I love my coffie tasting cigars but I am spending too much money on them and they are gonna kill me faster than the weight.
I’m not looking forward to the next week. I need to replace my cigars with walking but I’ve got a heat rash that is painful so until that clears up, I’m not going to be walking much.
No cigars here, so I can’t buy more but I’ve been coughing for sometime now and my heart is weak anyway so I really need to quit them. The more I buy the more I want more. LOL
Gonna miss them, if I even pull it off.
Hi Rusty,
Yes exercise is recommendable for a host of things except for this: it doesn’t make one lose weight. Taubes has devoted a chapter to that in his book and recently Michael Eades wrote about it in his blog. To lose the caloric equivalent of one slice of bread, quoted Taubes from somebody who had done the research, you would have to climb 23 flights of stairs.
The whole debate about weight loss has been bedivilled by this mechanical model of calories in – calories out. But it is not as simple as the gas use of a motor car. Taubes made the point that the whole matter of obesity is one of hormonal disturbance. The continuous secretion by an overworked pancreas of insulin, triggered off by carbohydrate consumption, creates all kinds of mischief in the body including weight increase. Ron Rosedale M.D.has written a very instructive essay about that as well. Here is the link:
http://www.biblelife.org/rosedale.htm
Sorry about the cigars. Our son goes through a similar ordeal. He has to give up Coca Cola. Yesterday he made his first visit to an Australian dentist who declared his teeth to be almost a lost cause. He needs 14 complicated fillings and one root canal. The Cebu dentist never told us that. He is only 14, for chrissake
Thanks for the info.
I had a few more of the cigars than I thought I did. So It will be tomorrow when I run out. It wont be pleasant.
Causes one to wonder about the quality of dentistry here.
hi george ive read some messages from christine and she is from oz, do u know from what part of australia she is??? maybe were jst close in
here
opppsss sorry i write george instead of rusty im reading the story of george when he came up to ur life thats why maybe i dnt noticed i write george and i submit it already..
Its okay, sorry for being so late in replying to you. I’ve had a few problems in the last few days and not been on my blogs much at all.
Go to http://wwww.heyjoe.ph and hopefully Christine will show up and tell you herself. It wouldn’t be proper for me to do so. Privacy issues and all that.
hi again…ive talked to my daughter today and i asked here if she see a foreigner in bogo city that has a monkey and she said yeah she saw u w/ ur monkey jst walking hehehehe ur very famous there huh…ur like an actor waaaaaaa
Tell her to say hello and tell me that Janice is her mom. I don’t get out as much as I use too. I have to start walking again. Juliet, my new monkey is wilder so I’m hesitant to take her out.
Hi Rusty, You probably don’t need convincing about the uselessness of exercise for losing weigth but here is an additional piece by Dr.William Archibald Campbell, another proponent of a low-carbohydrate diet:
The failure of exercise
Dear Friend,
If “I told you so” was a muscle, I’d have sprained mine ages ago.
By now, I’m used to the funny looks and eye rolls people give me when I tell them they don’t need to exercise to lose weight. But something even funnier has been happening lately: I don’t get those looks as much anymore.
It seems the cat’s out of the gym bag — more and more research shows that pricey gyms and human-sized hamster wheels do little to help you lose weight. Add that together with all the injuries and even deaths that are caused by exercise, and I can’t help but wonder why people voluntarily put themselves through this self-torture in the first place.
Take a recent report in Time magazine — you don’t get much more mainstream than that. Yet there it is, an article titled “Why Exercise Won’t Make You Thin.”
The author of this piece, John Cloud, admits to being a self-punishing workout fiend. But unlike many of his ilk, he’s started to notice something: Working himself into a sweaty lather hasn’t put a dent in that “fat gut” that’s still hanging over his belt.
Now, I know that’s just one man’s experience — so don’t bother sending in a bunch of emails telling me how wrong I am.
The bottom line is that Cloud’s story just highlights what thousands of others experience every single day — and what more and more research is showing, too. Despite the fact that more people are exercising now than in the past, more people are overweight than even before, too.
Take a look at this study published earlier this year in PLoS ONE. The researchers followed four groups of women who did varying amounts of exercise, from none to nearly three and half hours a week.
After six months, the researchers found no big difference in the four groups. The women who exercised may have lost a touch more off the waistline, but their overall body fat was virtually the same as that of the women who didn’t exercise.
I don’t understand why people still stand around scratching their heads over this issue. Sure, you can burn tons of calories when you exercise. But what happens once you step off the treadmill or get home from the gym? You can’t wait to stuff your face!
Your body is simply crying out for something to replace what it lost, and in the end, most folks end up consuming more calories than they would have if they had skipped the gym and watched Jeopardy instead.
That means the bottom line is right where I left it: food.
Eat better, and lose weight. That’s all there is to it.
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Adrianus, I’ve lost 30 pounds but in a bit of a slump right now. I’ll get back to it.
I’ve had issues keeping me off the blogs over the last few days.
hi rusty …looking forward to meet u im in manila at the moment now having fun here see u after 3 days
I noticed that there are a lot of Bogohanons here. And im happy to know that aside from us, there are some Bogohanons who grouped together.
Well, im inviting you all to join the social network of Bogohanons at BOGO CITY LOVERS SOCIAL NETWORK
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Thank you Dante, it is a nice place to live!
Bogo is about 2-3 hours away from the City. I can personally say that it is a good and peaceful place indeed. Well, most of the provinces here in cebu could be peaceful. But bogo has its own thing=)
This is one beautiful blogsite for City of Bogo. Though I have yet to go over all posted comments…But i’m sure its pretty interesting. This site is a good avenue for discussion about the place and for sharing information. I also came upon bogo’s official website lately… its http://www.cityofbogocebu.com …. it also has a lot of ‘official’ information and other fun stuff about the city. Go try visit the site as well.
do you have any background history regarding the pintos delicacy here?
A popular delicacy made from ground corn and wrapped in corn husk and known as pintos, is the star of a new festival in Bogo town in Cebu. The Pintos Festival, which coincides with the town fiesta during the latter part of May, replaces the Kuyayang Festival, with its roots in a traditional courtship dance.
The shift in focus from the kuyayang dance to the pintos, reflects a positioning more aligned with the city’s strengths: Most of Bogo’s flat lands are devoted to agriculture, with corn among the chief products.
Pintos is made from corn, milk, and butter or margarine.