Best Posts in Forum: Dumaguete City

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.

 

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.

 

Hi BillyBob,
Have you tried other places? I suggest you do some research into Iloilo, which is not far from Dumaguete. From what I can see, it is not so crowded and the streets are quite wide and the town well laid out. Lots of malls etc. and the beaches in some areas are ok, certainly be ok for what you want them for (about the same as me). Living is reasonable and seems to have a bit going for it.
A word on the qualities you are looking for in a woman - are you really that vain, when all you want is a 'pretty woman'. The saying 'beauty is only skin deep' is so true in Asia, whether it be Thailand or Phils or where ever. I found out the hard way here in Thailand, so I sat down and thought what I wanted to find in a woman:
1. Mature woman, no kids
2. Educated (university level)
3. Not a bar girl, or similar
4. Working
5. Caring & considerate, not an ATM

My wife is an average looking person but an absolute stunner from within. She is a teacher and has solely put her children through higher University education with no regard for the loss of personal secrity ie. pension etc in Phils.
She cares for me like I have never experienced in my life, I am very lucky. If you want the right woman, may I suggest you look a bit deeper than 'pretty'. there are other areas outside Visayas that may suit you, start researching for one that attracts your attention. Good luck.

 

Bambulo is one of the prettiest resorts and nice pool area. Hope to try it again soon. Also it is a peaceful place to stay for relaxing away from the noise and no tv forces you to read or get some exercise. I give it a top rating and always nice staff.

 

this is an interesting topic and would be nice to discuss, but not in this thread :-)

funny enough that many filipinos I talked to wish to relocate to germany, maybe because; after many buts, everything there is simply reliable. btw, what do you find too expensive here? prices for local stuff and services are ok for me, if you know what you should pay, no problem here in Duma. I just come from Boracay and there is everything really high priced. import foods and stuff? surely expensive like gold, but as everywhere, the market is regulating the price, so it seems to work here :-) hinay-hinay ug calma, Ares, the best way to live here.

 

I live in bali ,which is like many other developing countries ,with all the usual problems ,corruption ,rubbish ,bad roads etc etc , the trick in my view , is to live in the beautiful areas ,quiet good nature ,good air .
Im sure from reading your forums the Philippines is very much the same as here .
Ya you have to search around for the right area to live in ,then you will find peace .
Some people will never be happy in these types of countries .

 

Hello Glenda, just to go online you can use a 1kw small generator that runs outside with an extension cord. I used to see these “portable” generators at Handyman and ACE at City Mall. I think I may have seen them at Citi Hardware.

Citi hardware and ACE also have intermediate models in the 2.5kw range.

If you wish to power the whole house with an AIRCON or two, you will need a 5-10 Kw generator. I purchased mine at Polaris but have seen them at UyMatio too.

The higher power ones (usually with electric start) are the generators we have been discussing. They are in the 50-100k price range.

My suggestions: Buy a generator made by a Japanese manufacturer, especially if it is manual pull-start. My 2.5 kw Honda gen in Siquijor starts on the first pull or maybe the second (after several years use). American and other country’s models usually require a lot more effort to start after a while.

Or, at least have a Japanese-made engine like the Philippine made Promates at Polaris. Those are very good higher power generators and Polaris backs their warranty.

Change the oil regularly, use synthetic auto oil (the difference is amazing in my experience).

Never try to energize the house by plugging a portable generator into a household receptacle; that can put the 220 Volts onto the outside power lines and endanger utility workers. That could be done safely but most people do not know (or may forget) to shut-off the main power before doing that. The transfer switch we were talking about for larger generators prevents that.

If all you want to do is power a PC and a router for internet, you only need a small generator but in that case you need an extension cord to run it from outside to inside the house.

For any generator make sure it is well ventilated outside so the exhaust fumes do not get into the house.

Very important! The exhaust fumes are deadly.

Gasoline is dangerous and must be handled carefully as well. A spark can set it off while refilling. There are less volatile diesel versions with electric start but those are mostly the larger models.


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