Best Posts in Forum: Dumaguete City

His information is a bit off.

• Silliman was not founded in the 1600's, it was founded in 1901. The first university in Asia was in the Philippines (University of Santo Tomas - 1611)....but it was not in Dumaguete. Maybe that's what he was talking about?
• Dumaguete has far more than 20k30k people. The population is around 120k.

As for the reason for the "old white men" in Dumaguete. I don't think it has anything to do with struggling 18-19 y/o students. Every city in the Philippines has plenty of struggling 18-19 y/o students. I believe the reason Dumaguete is so popular with "old white men" (there are plenty of expats of other races/nationalities here) is because it is a more laid back city than many of the other more urbanized areas. Another reason I believe it might be a bit more popular with the older expats is that it is a more conservative area than many other cities. The beaches (which aren't really spectacular), other outdoor activities and the universities draw in a wider demographic. Overall I think Dumaguete is more popular for expats because it has a wider range of appeal that some of the more "specialized" cities like Angeles (prostitution), Olongapo (prostitution and beach resorts), Manila (no idea what the appeal is there), Boracay (only beaches), Palawan (beaches/outdoor activities). These other towns are a one trick pony. You also see older expats in the Philippines because, well, they are retired. Most people in their 20's and 30's don't have the money to just pack up and move half way across the world. You see more of them because older expats are residents, younger foreigners are tourists and students so they come and go and you are more likely to see them at the resorts and universities. More disposable income with the older expats so you will see them out more often.

As for his call for backing this opinion up with stats/studies from reputable organizations, well, he didn't have any for his opinions. Prostitution does happen in Dumaguete but it is nowhere near as common as other places in the Philippines. I don't think this guy has traveled all that much around the Philippines.....he's also a bit judgmental.

 

To keep the mosquitos away is another reason.

Please don't try to speed up the Westernization/modernization of the Philippines. If you want to live in the West go back to the West. Some of us like the Philippines, with all its faults, the way it is. Also, most foreigners currently living in the Philippines wouldn't be able to afford to live in the Philippines if it developed enough to stop all the foreigner whinging. Most would have to move to another underdeveloped country...and then start complaining about how that country isn't developed enough, so they can start the process of shooting themselves in the other foot. Stupid is as stupid does.

 

I think it is clear that no research into running a business in the Philippines has been made. The OP's naive, vague and/or cryptic responses when asked for more information about this business opportunity he wishes to recruit a partner for shows that this is either a scam or a very poor investment opportunity (insanely high risk/microscopic returns) for anyone to partake in.

Given that the OP has not given any meaningful information, despite being given several opportunities to do so, this thread has been locked. The OP is free to start another thread, however, any talk of business partners will need to have a proper business plan attached to the opening post or it will be removed from the forum. This is not a place to promote scams or ill-advised investments.

 

I would agree with most everything in your post except this part (at least for those of us coming from the US). It is not a better life here for a cheaper price. It is a lower standard of living for a lower cost of living. I find most everything here more expensive and more of a hassle than in the US. Utilities, rent, food, gasoline, dealing with the government, land prices, building supplies, colleges/universities....all more expensive than the US (if you look at the value of what you are getting). The only thing, that I have found, that is truly cheaper here is beer, smokes, women and labor. The main reason I am here is not because it's cheap (it's not), it's because the government isn't always watching over my shoulder to tell me what's safe and what's not and forcing me to buy insurance/products for my own good. I'm willing to lower my standard of living to sustain a life with less government intrusion for a longer period of time. There is a cost - b*llsh*t - freedom balance for me though.....and it seems that the longer I am here the more that balance gets out of whack. There are other countries that are starting to look more appealing than the Philippines.

I know some European countries (aka Liberal Land) are ridiculously expensive because of all the people sucking on the government tit but if an American is coming here to elevate their standard of living for less money they really haven't taken a close look at the actual numbers. Osodelnorte does have a point: many (certainly not all) of the new expats I am seeing/meeting out and around town are dysfunctional Western mental midgets that have some extremely questionable morals. (If this does not apply to whoever is reading this then I'm not talking about you, please don't take offense.....but if the shoe fits go ahead and lace that b*tch up and wear it. )