Is the Forbes article about Dumaguete really making a difference?

As someone who only visits Dumaguete at this time, I don't really have an opinion on the Expat population contribution to the economy. Other than this forum, I haven't really had the opportunity to interact with them. I don't doubt that osodelnorte, Brian and plainspoken are contributing to the economy, each in their own way. The question, I have is are they the exception or the rule? The exception does not break the rule. There will always be exceptions. It could also be that Wyre83's brush is a too wide, I'm have no idea. Our perception of reality is our reality. If a person's experience is always bad than they will paint a bad picture, accurate to them, but not to society. I'd be interested to see how each of you perceive things as a percent of good expat/foreigner and bad expat/foreigner

Brian. good/bad
Osodelnorte. good/bad
Plainspoken. good/bad
Wrye83. good/bad

Plainspoken, I live in the very area you describe, so can you elaborate on this statement.
I know people that talk AND act almost exactly that way in Southern California, San Diego and Garden Grove, Orange County to be exact.

As an aside, here is an interesting table that compares the salary and costs of the USA versus the Philippines.
Philippines vs United States: Cost of living Facts and Stats

 

The ones that act and talk almost( I said), like that are kids. Teenagers. Do you know any "valley girls"? I do. It is just an act, trying to be cool. I didn't mean they are only or especially in San Diego or Garden Grove, I mentioned those areas because that's where I lived. (and still live in GG) It's like being "Gangsta" in New York, where I have also lived.

As far as a judgement about expats contributing to the economy, there is not one to make. Only one thing has to be considered. There are supposedly about 10,000 expats in Dumaguete. Just assume that only two thirds are retired. I think that number is higher because I see young tourist but usually only old geezer permanent residents. A low pension is $1000.00 a month and most are much higher, like double or more, but just stay with the $1000.00. That's 50,000 pesos a month. Five or six times what most of the Filipino families live on. That 50,000 per month is being spent every month by, if you allow my premise, 6,666 expats. Very few expats, if any, send money back home so somewhere, somehow that money is going into the local economy. That means that 333,000,000.00 pesos is being spent in this area for something every month by expats. The figure is much higher I'm sure but these are just guesses so I kept them at what I believe is conservative.

As far as good/bad expat/foreigner, I deal with people as individuals. It is a rare person that I cannot get along with to some degree. Some I do wind up having to avoid, but my attitude about people is no different here than in the States. It does take a "little different" individual to move to a place like this. Some of the attributes required are good, such as courage, resourcefulness, adaptability, and some may be bad, such as narcissistic tendencies. There is too much to say to write it here, but overall I think the people are the same as they are at home, but the problem is that there are so few foreigners here that every trait good or bad is magnified by the extra exposure. It's like living in a small town, everybody's business is public, good or bad. There are a few trailer park rejects but not that many. Also don't forget that often what I say is tongue in cheek, so don't make me be too serious.

 

There is one more thing that might reveal much more. I am leaving as soon as my wife's visa is done. I miss the convenience and quality of life in the US too much. I like the people here and have made a life but I will be going back to the US ASAP. It is not the people or the expats, it is everything else.

 

I found this on Face Book and it's from the Mayor who states 'Dumaguete City, being the top 5 tourist destination in the world.'
If it's on Face Book then it must be a fact, groan.
Also "They are no ordinary people," . So does anyone know the proper protocol ? Do we curtsy, bow, genuflect or avert our eyes?

HEADZ UP Dumaguete
7 hrs ·
HEADZ UP! #headsupnegor

Dumaguete Welcomes Philippine Airlines

Dumaguete city will be the venue of this year’s two- day Philippine Airlines Country managers Team Building activity this weekend.

For the first time, these managers from countries like London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Abu Dhabi, Southern China, Shanghai, Hawaii will be in town for their top level management meeting.

They are no ordinary people, because they are working with an airline company from all over the world Mayor felipe Remollo said.

Remollo added they are Intrigued about Dumaguete that their clients and tourists alike would not even mention the Philippines especially in China, but Dumaguete City, being the top 5 tourist destination in the world.

#DumaGotThem

Courtesy of choy gallarde
Photo credit to fontmeme.com

 

Yes, you must never look directly at them and if your head is ever higher than theirs you will be beheaded. that's the rule.

 

Thanks for your perspective! Actually, other than the 1980's movies, I haven't really run across that persona often, but I didn't arrive in SoCal until the mid 90's and I don't really get to the valley much. I'm more exposed to the surfer culture since I live near the beach...........dude/bro.

Hmm......sounds like I should rent my place for a year or two, just incase I change my mind.

 

I didn't run across it that often either, I just said it was more or less real, because I have seen it.
They tell me that the average stay here is about five years. Mine will be less. You will have to decide once you get here and the honeymoon phase ends. (I mean with the place) There is no way you can read enough or hear enough stories or see enough videos or whatever to prepare you for life in the Philippines. Don't burn any bridges or sell anything you may have to replace upon return. That's me. However, some want to die here. Truthfully, I don't want to die anywhere but hopefully it will be in the US, if I have to do it.