Dumaguete Info Search


Who want's to join the love train?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Forum' started by Mark K, Apr 30, 2020.

  1. Mark K

    Mark K DI Member

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    Only since quarantine have I spent much time on this forum, and I have been astonished how much moaning, whinging, bickering, point-scoring, boasting, and one-upmanship there is here. I am assuming (and hoping) that this is due to the strains of the current situation, but I do find it rather disappointing and depressing.

    Anyway, to balance the scales somewhat, I thought I would start a thread where we can share positive thoughts about why life is great here.

    If you have any negative comments, snarky comments, or want to prove to everyone how intellectual you are, be a good fellow and click on another thread please.

    I have lived more than half my adult life in Asia (many different countries and cities in Philippines), and I think Dumaguete is my favourite. Here's some of the reasons I love it here:
    • Almost every time I am out on my scooter I ride around with a big smile on my face because of the natural beauty, clean air, sunshine, trees and flowers, and general relaxed feel.
    • Almost every time I go shopping for anything or pay for services, no matter what they may be, I think to myself "wow, it's cheap here".
    • I never get the feeling I'm being outrageously ripped-off.
    • The sun seems to be shining almost all the time!
    • The ocean is on our doorstep.
    • Outside downtown there is hardly any traffic or noise.
    • Nobody seems to care how you dress or what labels you have.
    • When I smile, make conversation with a local, make a joke or flirt a little, I ALWAYS get a positive response.
    • It's the most easy going place I have lived in Asia.
    • I can get almost any type of food or drink that I want here at very reasonable prices.
    • Everyone understands at least some English.
    • And perhaps most importantly of all, local people make me feel welcome and happy that I am here!
    Who else wants to join the love train?
     
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  2. Always a Poppy

    Always a Poppy DI Senior Member Restricted Account

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    -My neighbour (72 year old guy) keeps putting his hand on my leg when we go there to eat. At first I thought he was making a pass (to a 62 yr old guy!), but then when he loosened up after a few beers, he said 'I like you...I like your attitude'. This followed a marathon drinking session on our first visit just three weeks after we moved in next door. I've never come across such immediate acceptance. I'm a shy guy and don't make friends easily, but I feel comfortable there already (despite the hand on leg thing). All of their family of eight are equally friendly, helpful and welcoming. They give us food, plants from their garden, fix our electrical equipment as that's the trade of some of them and come around to help water our plants. They even put up with my drumming without complaint. Where else?
     
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  3. okiebound

    okiebound DI Forum Adept Showcase Reviewer

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    When I lived there, I LOVED the smiles everywhere! It didn't matter if they were rich or poor, the Filipinos always had a smile to offer.
    I miss the instant welcome you get from everyone. People you have never even met before treat you like family, with open arms and FOOD!!
    I miss hearing the ocean waves as I would walk along the Boulevard every morning, watching the crabs climb up the rocks, and the old lady who was always there taking her bath.
    I miss my friends that are there. I had so many friends that I do not have here in the US. I think everyone is just too busy with work and life here, we forget to stop to enjoy life and friends.
    There are so many things I love and miss about Dumaguete/Philippines. My husband is buried there, I miss him very much.
     
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  4. Crystalhead

    Crystalhead ADMIN Admin ★ Forum Moderator ★ ★ Global Mod ★ ★ Moderator ★ ★★ Forum Sponsor ★★ ★ No Ads ★ Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer Veteran Army

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    When I am diving on essentially secluded coral reefs by my self that I seek out often, I am in my own World of peace and calm. Filling my dive bag with goodies to take home to the Wife so she can cook is equally as gratifying as managing our own Farm. The homes I built (3) cost far less than a tenth% that they would have in the West. Been here 14 months now and have not even begun to travel to the umpteen resorts with the Wife that we will scratch off our list. The foods in different restaurants we love to seek out and rarely go to the same place twice as selection is vast. I play music (stereo and instruments) and play it loud (even though my music room is partially sound proofed) and the Neighbors love it. (not limited in other words) If in the West or here, money has never been a problem, but here it goes so so much further. Overall the Filipino is warm hearted and I enjoy all the dinner bash's the Wife and I are constantly attending. For us it really is more fun in the Philippines and we are exceptionally happy. At the main root, is my love of the Ocean and Nature and exotic surrounds.
     
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  5. Happy Camper

    Happy Camper DI Senior Member Restricted Account Infamous Showcase Reviewer

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    Mark K, a wonderful thread, thank you for starting it. I too have noticed what you have. Have a wonderful day and enjoy the life.
     
  6. john boy

    john boy DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster

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    Love Train.jpg Any discount for Pensioners?
     
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  7. Edward K

    Edward K DI Senior Member Veteran Navy

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    Hi Okie, with all due respect, and condolences for your loss, why are you back in zoo land ??. The only possible explanation i can imagine is money or family location. Then you have to do a real cost / benefit analysis. A lot depends on age and how important all the factors are.. I can see doing it when you are young, but the costs are high compared to salaries. Lots of factors. I've been here for 5 years, retired out of california at age 70, left before the latest presidential election. No need to reply, just be sure you've made the right decision.
     
  8. okiebound

    okiebound DI Forum Adept Showcase Reviewer

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    Thank you for asking. I was 49 when he passed, I had to come back to the states to go back to work. I will not be eligible for retirement for some time, but the Philippines is on the top of my list of places I would definitely consider moving back to! And, yes, I do have family, another grandbaby due in 2 weeks now. I have many reasons that I had to come back. Our daughter, who was 16 when he passed, has many more opportunities here, than there, also. I had to think of her future. I have a great job here at a bank (I was a surgical nurse for 25 years and wanted a change).
     
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  9. Happy Camper

    Happy Camper DI Senior Member Restricted Account Infamous Showcase Reviewer

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    Just watch carefully what is going on here. The President just put a tariff on petrol of 10% because they don't have money. It is going to get worse, and yes, most of the world's economies are in the same boat. Tax revenues due to business closures and the tourism industry hit is going to be miserable.

    This Administration has made China its best friend. The Philippines could find itself almost like a proxy Province of China. I told the wife, if that happens, we are leaving.

    Plan B, C and D are Malaysia, due to proximity, Uruguay and Portugal as possibilities.
     
  10. danbandanna

    danbandanna DI Forum Patron Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer Veteran Marines

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    Do you have a link to source on this petrol tax ??
     
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