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you know, this is just another scary story. it appears to me that the culture here does not support open criticism, either constructive or destructive. i conjecture therefore that quality improvement basically does not exist because no one wnats to take the position that something was done wrong and that there is a better way. it seems to be that generally speaking, filipinos are wedded to their traditional ways and to their conventional wisdom. if it was good enough for grandpa, its good enough for me. just thinking and wondering how this issue works within the medical community.

 

I don't care at all how and by whom Duma has been rated.

All I know is I still feel quiet happy here. I am focused on my family and want to live a peaceful life. Avoiding conflicts as much as possible.

There are many issues in Duma. No doubt about it. Accept it, or leave. You will not change it.

 

Update on Gabby's. I spoke to Gabby yesterday and asked him about keeping seniors out. He told me that's most likely an old rule and all ages are welcome.

 

And here is a link to the final word on the outbreak of the trots:

Diarrhea cases in Negros Oriental now under control: DOH

 

People seem to argue with each other about how much a person can live on - but it is such an individual thing that EVERYONE CAN BE RIGHT. As already said, so many variables. It is INTERESTING to know how much other people can live on but it should not be a factor in a different person's life. I pay 15k per month for a 3 bed apartment and that saves me about 38k per month in rent in my home country - with other house-linked costs, I am saving about 52k per month. I know that a few things are more expensive in the Philippines, but they are items we do not use a lot. Food and eating out is cheaper for most people. This means my costs here are much lower and that is what really matters in my situation. The biggest issue is the unknown cost of health problems - this may vary from a small sum for a minor problem up to millions for major surgery - and I worry most about the fact that my wife's family may have health issues that I cannot ignore. So whatever we calculate as the amount a person needs to be 'comfortable' (which is an attitudinal factor in part), a personal or family health issue could send the budget soaring. And, as someone else mentioned, currencies fluctuate and so the 52 pesos to one USD could one day be 30. So the best solution is to live within your means (that is the most anyone can do for themselves and their family), have something set aside for emergencies and then pray.

 

My social solutions are:
#1 To anyone who calls me 'sir' I immediately also respectfully call them 'sir'.
#2 I am on crutches after four back operations but I always initially stand at the back of every line, but are often escorted to the front of the line usually by a nearby guard or sometimes by those in the line. I do have considerable difficulty standing in line for more than a couple of minutes.
#3 If I am offered someone else's seat I humbly accept their generous offer. Young and old often offer me their seat.
#4 Unlike many Americans I never yell or complain in public. I'm in a different culture, and I accept their ways of doing things.
The result for me is zero stress in public places and friendly faces everywhere! That's just my way of doing things. I am 72.

 

basically I agree with your point of view, but at least, it is a moralistic point of view, imported from the western world. here, in south east asia, the rules are a little bit different. more than 50% of the population considers itself as poor, governments are corroded by coruption, that means "money rules" - which is also a common saying here in the philippines. one of the easiest ways to make some cash is dealing with us, the foreigners, searching for luck and love (and property), carrying a big wallet around. I find it not surprising that even your wife/gf tries to get a (secret) benefit from you, specially when you know that her family will always be the nr. 1 in her life and nobody else, even if you look like Brad Pitt and have money like George Soros - and I do not whine about that, I do not critizise that, for me tbis is simply a fact, a reality I have to deal with in a country full of poor people, greedy for money. so I try to take things in my own hand instead of relying on others, specially when it comes to big deals like buying property. be careful, watch closely, that's all I say. and if, like in your example, the foreigner is buying whatever and has no money anymore for the hospital, I would recommend him to be triple careful here or better try his luck in another place.