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My experience, beware of Sub standard materials.......Filipino will save on almost anything.....Termites do exist and eat wood, so minimise wood! Hollow blocks usually made of dust, drop one on your foot at home and you'll be in hospital, not so in Philippines, your foot will be unscathed! Filipino like putting electricals under the concrete.....impossible to fix if problem. Water pipes use green welded plastic never blue PVC. Have all electrical points with earth........Most water fittings in Philippines made from monkey metal, look good but last about 2 years. Have definite HOLD points on all major steps......foundations etc etc............Good Luck, you will need it!

 

What he has done, is driven it underground. Many known drug suppliers were openly talked about in the past. It was easy to ask around and find out who was supplying what. Since Duterte, the people who were 'rumored' to be suppliers are still getting richer but they say: "Oh no, we gave up all that drug stuff and we have nothing to do with it any more". Plus, before Duterte people were quite willing to 'advertise' where you could go get some drugs but since that time people are scared to death (with good reason) to point out who is dealing the drugs. So when you see people getting killed, you have to ask yourself if its the dealers or the squealers getting shot and are they getting shot by Duterte's mob or the dealer's mob?

Bottom line: The dealers are still there. The addicts are still there. The problems are still there. But its not talked about so w'ay problema.

 

Very good analysis. This city has a very inefficient traffic flow pattern, with streets too narrow and minimal parking. It will only get worst as more cars are incorporated into the city. I have not driven a car in this city since I moved here over 4 years ago, and most likely may not in the future. You just can not move quickly through the city in a car most of the time. Motorcycles rule the road here, but not in a benevolent way. A period of time ago this city took a path toward encouraging calls center to locate here. It was an effective program, and brought call centers and gave the English speaking youth very good paying jobs. That brought in a lot of motorcycles with young owners who stayed here. Now Dumaguete is trying to become a tourist and retirement community also, however there is not much of a growth plan... just a lot of "fun" slogans, and denial of reality of the problems that do exist. It is not a bad city, but like most over sized cities it does have growth and particularly transportation problems. Some expats like the trikes and that eliminates a lot of problem for them. So you have choices, but be ready to determine your own destiny with the traffic here... the city does not seem to have the ability, or the power to implement a good traffic program... however they are grasping the concept there is a problem that needs to be fixed.

So why am I still here? Dumaguete really has everything I need, but most likely only one of them in the whole town. It is an adventure to find what you need, but fun as you meet many friendly people. If you see something you like... buy it because tomorrow it may be gone and will not be back in stock" until next month,.... MAYBE" . This is not a first world city or county and probably never will be, so you have to accept what it has. The good part it really has about everything... yes it can be dirty in the city with horrible motorcycle traffic, but it can also be green and calm by moving out of the city in the right direction for a short ride of 10 plus minutes... if you go east in the wrong direction toward Siqulor you will be all wet, as you are in the ocean. Go north, west or south, in that order. Look at Valencia or Bacong, as they are both out of the "urban" sprawl areas. They offer green, Valencia more than Bacong, and a safe area to live if you research out the neighborhood you plan to move into. I can not emphasis enough the need to research the area you chose to live, spending nights, and weekends... discovering where the resto-bars and Karoke bars spring up on the weekend. Locate the Rooster ranches, and try to deter what will influence you stay. Never rent an house or apartment with out spending a weekend night in the area of you intended rental.

I think Dumaguete still has some good years ahead, but not particularly in the City itself. However the close outskirts has a lot of good areas left. Remember most time you can be in the City for the nightlife, or the Boulevard in less than 15 minutes, while living in a green environment during the day. Everything has good points and bad, you just have to decide what issues ring you chimes favorable, and what issues just ring your bell.

 

I am sure Jack they are making money there based on how long they have been there. My point was it could be such a great place (a Dumaguete "must do") instead of a take it or leave it place. There are too few places to go at night here and have an enjoyable, safe environment. Three or four changes and it would be the star attraction at night on the blvd. JMHO

 

My best man just sent me a picture of our reception. 5 years younger and healthier then, wife still looks the same -

 

Filipinas are known for their being good housekeepers---they like having children and keeping a home. They are mostly faithful and loyal to their husband and are good mothers to their children. Of course, there are exceptions but I am talking about the majority. This is what I have noticed. Filipinas are fiercely family-oriented.