⌛ Working as au-pair

This is perhaps true for some, but I think most are here because they want to live comfortably with young, vivacious filipinas.
I don't think they consider themselves in exile.

 

Hi All;
I'm not familiar with Au Pair program in Canada, the thing I know is the Caregiver program has a great advantage for would be immigrant.The deal was to be a caregiver only for at least 2-years then after that can apply for immigrant status without a need of leaving the country while changing the status. But the requirements to be a caregiver would involved some courses and experience in Child care with standard being set by the Canadian Government. Thanks!

 

I plan on moving to RP in a couple years and if I could not become a part of the community, not a big part, just a part, then I would not live there.

If I wanted to live with a lot of other expats I would stay where I am.

muddyfeet

 

Yes me too, and I have been here three years. Their are two kinds of expats, (for this example), One who lives in a gated subdiviision, goes only to the boulevard or expat hangouts, and has no clue about local life or culture. They treat locals like inferior beings ansd spend their days talking about it.

The other expat, lives in the community, has filipino friends, neighbors, does business with locals, and socializes with them. This does take some effort as the local population will hold you at arms length as a foreigner until you demonstrate you have respect and understanding or at least a desire to do same.
That said, one must indeed keep a low profile, not become to glad handed or presumptuous with filipinos. One must understand how things work here and what pitfalls exist, that can only be done by being careful, it does not mean you have to shut yourself in a closet.

 

I think we are talking about two different things.
I agree with you totally about living near expats. I don't prefer that either.

What I meant was that I was told not to indiscriminately be "buddy buddy" with this or that neighbor or people who have supposed "power". This interaction will eventually bring unwanted attention/problems.

After living in Philippines for quite a while, I found this advice to be very wise.

I have very close relationship with family/relatives and trusted local friends. That has been more than enough for me.

Not close to expats, but I try to be courteous/affable to all expats I meet.

 

That depends on who you think has power and influence and who really possesses it.
It is important to have powerful friends if you live here. Depending on your situation. You have to know when to speak, when to offer your help and when just to shut up or pull back. It isn't as simple as saying don't have powerful friends.

I agree a low profile is wise, we are the aliens and guests here.

 

Powerful.
As in what most people consider "powerful" here in Philippines. Police, gov't officers, attornies, judges.
It's not really YOU offering them help. It's THEY offering YOU help. The advice is to politely refuse it.
I exclude asawas from this list.

 

Need some words from the wise

Hello all,
I am hoping to hear some insight from some individuals who have or know of those who have had experience here with purchasing land/real estate in the Philippines. My Filipina gf here in the states is currently in Mindinao and is considering purchasing a lot adjacent to hers. We have known each other for about one year, both very much in love and have plans for the future ( I hope not a pipe dream). She is a few years older than me.
The lot apparently has great potential, very close to the beach, up and coming marina facility in the process of construction and improvement.
The only real issue for me is ownwership...or lack thereof. Unless we start a corporation, which is a great idea I think, there is no way to even be on the title for land. It boils down to me handing over to her twenty thousand usd on trust and hope and pray everything works out. Sounds a bit crazy to me. It could really pass for a scam but I just don't believe that.
I do love her and believe her to be a strong character, honest, has integrity and think she is sincere in her love and future plans.
Please give me your experiences and suggestions!
Thanks.

Jim

 

It’s your gf for 1 year.Some men (foreighners )here even married for many years, will even make many legal arrangements when it comes to buying properties in PI, that they will not get empty hands when married break etc….Example, foreighner can own the building ,then they let their wife sign that he will rent the lot for many years…So all in all when something wrong happens of married then still he had a big hold of the whole properties (especially if the money invested is all from him).

Its your GF only , all in all one wrong you will be a loser.Dont be blind of we call love be realistic, practical and be wise…that’s a big money.I have a foreighner boyfriend for many years he is very successful but never he will do that ,what you like to do.I bought a land in Dumaguete from my own pocket and it never disturb me if he will not contribute because I know the reasons and I understand his side.

One of the bad examples ,when your gf die, her relatives will all inherit the property (from your money).
:o

I think all single foreighners(except you) here ,will never give 20,000$ to filipina gf to buy a property in Philippines...Its hard to find a guy like you.

 

JIMF

This one is a no-brainer.

!! DON'T DO IT !!

It has nothing to do with the Philippines or your GF. Just

!! DON'T DO IT !!