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DENTAL and MEDICAL SERVICES:

I am providing this list (also tried to add it as a WORD attachment but the .doc extension was not allowed ... any suggestions?) simply to assist anyone looking for information in one of the most crucial areas of life here. It may be especially useful to those new to the Philippines or to the local area. If new information is provided then I will update this and post it again (probably every 6 months but sooner after the first ‘edition’ if major changes follow new information).

Some extra details are provided on the basis that new members may need to know.

The information has been mostly obtained from this forum (with some locations added by myself), using the most recent postings. I am listing health professionals to show those most liked and least liked (if applicable) by those forum members who posted comments. This does not mean anyone's service is negative but just that some did not feel happy using that professional.

Information on Military Hospitals for Veterans has not been added here but will be provided if members wish to give me information.

The names of specialist professionals listed here are mostly those located in Dumaguete City. It has been suggested that for major surgery, Manila and Cebu should be considered (some members actually return to their home countries for some of their healthcare).

Most recommendations are for doctors working at Silliman University Medical Center. (SUMC), located at V. Aldecoa Sr., Daro, Dumaguete City. Landlines 035 225 0841 and 035 420 2000 - http://www.sumcfi.org/doctor lists the doctors by specialism. Holy Child Hospital is sometimes mentioned by members and is located in the centre of the Downtown area of Dumaguete City (not to be confused with Holy Cross, which is a school).

For CEBU: highly recommended is: Chong Hua Hospital, Don Mariano Cui St., Fuente Osmeña, Cebu City, Phone No.: +63 (32) 255-8000, +63 (32) 254-1461. info@chonghua.com.ph; http://www.chonghua.com.ph

For MANILA: A Google search will reveal hundreds of hospitals and I am not aware of any particular hospitals highly recommended by members. So perhaps some members may add to this.

Members have noted that hospitals in the Philippines tend to keep patients for longer than is always necessary but if you are unsure about this then it is best NOT to discharge yourself prematurely. Also, a ‘watcher’ is expected - this is a person (often family member) who stays with you during your stay in the hospital. This person assists you in getting to the CR and also to go out to find items required for your treatment from one or more pharmacies (more than one may be necessary in order to locate everything required and without all of them you may not be treated, including being operated on). A deposit will be required when admitting yourself (more may be required during treatment) and it is important to settle the balance before leaving.

DENTAL:

Dr. Julie Flor Cordeta at Premier Dental, (Tan Alley Building, South Road, Tabuc Tubig, Dumaguete City; Tel: 0917.174.5005 and 0998.957.5397 and (landline) 035.421.05.79. premierdcs@gmail.com. www.premierdent.net) is very widely liked (therefore busy and difficult to obtain appointments with). Sedation is available and the external anaesthesiologist can be of the patient’s own choice if so wished. At the time of the writing the dentist does not do root fillings. For that particular requirement, the dentist recommended Dr. Chua at Holy Child.

Dr. Jane Palma, Portal West Bldg, top floor. Tel: 09175330066 (closed Sat/Sun). “My family has used her for 6 years. A friend had a root canal there. She takes emergencies”.

CARDIOLOGISTS:

Dr. Brian Joseph Calinawagon seems to be well liked. I think he is located at Silliman University Medical Center.

One member recommended Dr. Magbanua at Silliman University Medical Center. “A little older, takes his time with you and he goes by appointments first, walk-ins if he has an opening.”

Dr. Susan Denura has elicited varied opinions from “Without question she is a good doctor but seems to resent questions about her recommendations and so forth.” to another member who is happy with her service.

Two members were not happy using Dr Sayson. They felt she did not listen to them.

ORTHOPAEDICS:

Note: Silliman University Medical centre has a working MRI scanner and this can be very important to see the extent of any soft tissue damage.

Dr Oligario and Dr Lynn Oligario (the latter for physiotherapy) at Silliman University Medical Center are particularly liked. One member commented how surgery was stated as an option but that the doctor wanted to try other treatments first (this is a positive).

Dr Katada also practices at Silliman University Medical Center.

[Cebu City: Dr San Juan, Chung Hua Hospital (details above) was recommended]

COLONOSCOPY:

One member wrote “I had one done at Holy Child a couple of years ago. Can't remember the name of the doctor. The cost was around 8000 pesos. They gave me some IV drip so I slept through the whole thing. “ Then another stated “Holy Child...also several years ago. Doctor Carriaga.”

CHILD BIRTH:

Female gynaecologist Dr Uy at Silliman University Medical Center provided “A very positive experience [for a C-section]”. (Although this recommendation was made very recently, the use was many years ago and I am not aware if this doctor still practices).

“My daughter was born at Holy Child. No problems and Php24,000 all told. Her Ob/Gyn was Dr Tan. Very competent and no long-nose tax.”

“My Mrs gave birth at the DIAGCLINIC birthing clinic opposite Nevas pizza (in Hibbard Avenue), it was clean with aircon. 11k all in for 24hrs. Might be worth checking is it’s a straight forward birth like no suggestion of C- section. “

PEDIATRICIAN:

Dr. Ongkingko at Silliman University Medical Center, “7 years caring for my son, very knowledgeable and positive experience”. (Although this recommendation was made very recently, the use was (possibly) many years ago and I am not aware if this doctor still practices).

NEUROLOGIST:

Dr. Dipatado at Silliman University Medical Center “helped me survive a serious stroke for the last five years, still alive so positive”.

Urologist:

Dr. Ozzoa of Silliman University Medical Center was recommended

 

I have been trialing a DITO SIM in Valencia and Dumaguete and have been very impressed with the service and costs. As a second sim and data service if you live in these areas I highly recommend trying it.

Compared to Globe and Smart in my current location their coverage is far superior
- I get no coverage with my long-term Globe number and data just does not work when you need it. And its much the same in DGT
-Likewise crap service with Smart even when I can see the tower the data is intermittent and often unusable.
- I can send and receive SMS in my basement when Globe hardly works on the second floor fire escape and often cannot send SMS or receive OTP on SMS.
-Speedtest >40MBps Up and Down with <10ms Ping time

Cost
- I was very happy with the first 99PHP for 30 days so I loaded the Advance Pay for 365 days at only 713PHP. 96GB Data, 400min to all networks, Text unlimited to all networks. That is 13USD for a year backup and data SIM.
- This outright smashes Globe for cost savings, ease of use and loading their damned promos every 7 days is a pain in the behind and often does not work for days and just sucks credit while your trying to load a promo. Yes you can do 30 day promos but the costs are not far off DITO for 365 days.
- I hate paying for Data packs with Globe to find they never work when I need them

Network Coverage in Negros Oriental (4G towers)
City of Tanjay
Dumaguete
Mabinay
Sibulan
Valencia (Luzurriaga)

Things to consider
-Still need the Globe phone for out of DGT and Valencia so dual SIM setup with DITO is ideal, I can toggle Data network as required between the two depending where I am.
- I can just load 100PHP onto Globe and use it as required without a Promo, this should massively reduce the monthly costs for a service that hardly works
- Brilliant Data backup for power outages and fixed line internet issues - Data actually works very well
- Network will likely slow when more users get on board but that also depends on their config and build quality
- Globe will claim they need more towers to fix their issues but having worked on 100's of their sites and dozens of Smart sites I know site numbers is not the issue, build quality and site configuration is terrible.
- I passionately hate giving Globe any money for their poor service while the duopoly remains the most profitable cellular providers in South East Asia.

 

Hello DGT Info,
I am Blair, I post here occasional under the pseudonym JWBobbit.

My wife and I have opened a food store in lower Valencia on Jose Romero road. We are about 100m on the left past Gas&Go going towards Valencia.
Google Maps+ Code
77P4+WX Dumaguete, Negros Oriental

We will stock a mix of imported and local products at competitive prices.
Breads and Bagels baked daily from 11AM
Meats - Bacon, Steaks, Salami etc
Cheeses - Arriving Friday 26th on late Cebu Pacific flight
Spices - Full range of unique spices
Italian products- Pasta sauces, pastas and Olive oils
Korean products, Dry Korean goods, Ramen noodles and Frozen dumplings
Wines and Beers (some spirits panning to expand). Good mix of Chilean, Aussie, South Africa, Spanish and French wines. Whites and Sparkling refrigerated. Birdie Num Num and will add others later.

Parking is reasonable and off road, place is airconditioned. We expect to have credit and debit card facilities in the coming weeks (BDO is taking forever with this).

Open from 9am - 7pm Mon - Sat
10am -5pm Sunday

Please pop into the shop. Hopefully we can save you a trip to town.

Cheers
Blair

https://www.facebook.com/blairsproperph/?ref=py

 

Hi all, I don't normally recommend many trade people but this time I must. I've been scammed before, but this time my expected results were exceeded. His name is John Paul Villaflores, I have known him for over 10 years. He speculized In helping foreigners dealing with government agencies and to research land deals including paperwork, plus managing rental properties. He is one of the most honest men I have ever met and there has never been a complaint as far as I know. Anyway he has put together a really good construction crew so I hired him for a difficult job raising the roof on my 2 storey house. When I gave him the first stage payment the needed materials started showing up at my gate within a few hours. He actulally had better ideas than I did! We agreed to a fixed price and he stuck to it. The work was excellent and other than one day the crew was always here and ready to go.

If you want to see his work or his contact info just send me a PM. This is only my account and have nothing to gain

EDIT, Here is his number, 0915 463 9269

 

Since I know all the parties mentioned in this thread I will add my $.02.

Two years ago we engineered and metal-roofed a large South East facing garage area with the intent to then add a grid-tied solar array. We spoke with Bryan Pine( Polaris Perry Loos' partner), then The Solar Guy Jeff Davis, and finally with Ken Scales RIP.

I found all 3 to be professional, likable, and informative. I took the time to tour previous installations performed by all 3. I spoke to some of their previous customers.

Since our roof has a single "all day" unshaded face we decided upon the efficient "string inverters" rather than the slightly more expensive "micro inverters" then offered by Bryan Pine. If we had shady areas, or a multi-angled roof we would likely have used the microinverters and had Bryan do the job. Each type of system has it's advantages and disadvantages.

Once the deal with Jeff was agreed on, the panels, inverters, and associated hardware were here( Dauin) the NEXT DAY. We used 66 Seraphim 260watt Poly panels. That's a total of 17.1 kw which we feed into 3 x 5kw inverters.

I wanted to learn as much as I could so I was up on the roof asking alot of questions. Jeff, and most contractors will likely be using subcontractors to do the actual installation work. Some of the workers are great and some are still learning - I don't have a problem with that. I found errors and sloppy work. No surprises there - it's more fun in the Philippines. But realistically that's the case anywhere. To his credit Jeff promptly corrected the problems to my satisfaction. The installation didn't take long.

Getting the permits went quickly. However dealing w/ Noreco took a while plus some creative lubrication.

Over the last 2 yrs various parts of the system have failed. One of the 3 Zever 5kw inverters blew. Jeff replaced it with a new one for free under warrantee. However it took a few weeks to get the replacement part and the tech contractor back here to Negros. They travel all around the country to do installations as needed. There have been a few other less critical items that he swapped out as well (breakers etc) but that's to be expected I guess. There have been no issues whatsoever over the last 5 months.

All things considered:

I would use Jeff "The Solar Guy" again for an installation for an unshaded single faced roof.

I would not hesitate to use Bryan Pine if I had partial shading, different roof angles, or I wanted to individually monitor the output of every solar panel.

I live abroad and did not know Ken Scales had passed away until reading this thread.

I currently use Polaris Power Engineering for misc electrical work at our property. I have never been unhappy with them over 10 yrs.



Notes:

1. The photo shows the roof w/ a few more panels left to install. 22 panels feed into each of the 3 inverters.

2. The cost of solar panels has fallen quite a bit over the last 2 years. The cost of power purchased from Noreco has remained constant at 11p/kwh here in Dauin.

3. Our Southeast facing roof has a 12 degree pitch as recommended for this lattitude. 66 x 260 watt panels fed into 3 x 5kw inverters offset approx 17,000 pesos/month of Noreco bills. Our monthly bills went from 24,000 p to 7,000 p on average.

 

Hello DGT info.

Self Storage units available now. Located directly behind Blair's Proper Food Store in lower Valencia on Jose Romero Road. Good access for cars and trucks.

Open spaces for cars, motorbikes etc. Short term month to month accepted, price breaks for 6 month contracts.

New warehouse finished in November. No leaks from Typhoon Odette. Dry, clean and secure storage.

We can also provide charging and startup services for long-term vehicles as required.

Various sizes of lock-ups being added over the coming months.

Please call 0927 811 1526 (Globe) for further info or to schedule an inspection.

 

This is my experience of my latest hospitalization.
Spent six hours in SUMC ER then moved to a "Privet Room". I could not believe the condition of this room. Reminded my of a 1966 Vietnamese hospital or a 1880 USA hospital. Paint pealing, door looked like it had been kicked in a couple of times. The CR VENTED into the room, no paper or even a roller to hang it on, no toilet seat and the IV bag hooks are a length of string hanging from the ceiling with a "S" shaped wire hook at the bottom end and it was not long enough to reach the sink with out taking the IV bag in hand. NO emergency call button to get help if needed. The food was COLD like it was just removed from the refrigerator. The TV had the volume restricted so low I could not understand it. After three hours of staring at the walls, I checked myself out and the wife took me to ACE Doctor's. This was not the first time at SUMC and not the first time I had a bad experience with them either. ACE Doctor's will be my choice for a hospital from here on in. That learning experience at SUMC cost me more than 60,000.oo pesos for nine hours of training on which hospital NOT to go to. "Lesson learned." Almost forgot; the window was open and the screen was ripped open to the out side. One foot the other side of the glass was a cement wall. A different wall to stare at.

 

In the beginning.



Finished


I had to junk the sh!t sawdust board (made in China) desk. Was sagging so much in the middle, the middle drawer was really hard to open. I made sure that nothing in the construction of this desk was made in China. The handles are made in Italy. The 3/4 in. plywood is made here in the PI. This desk was made right here in my shop.