⌛ Hello Alll

Ok I have beeen all over the world and this City really looks great. So my question is as a Chicagoan are there many Americans living in this city. I am tired of the freezing weather of the Chicago Region (I am in Indiana actually). Now I have been and lived in Bohol and Cebu but that was 20 years ago so what are the pluses and the minuses of living there or spending 3 months there.Are the Visas for a legthy stay very expensive and I like to make some money so are there oportunities to do so and what would they be? Thanks and here is a last thought it is Dec 21st here and the temperature is -10 F so now you know why I want to leave!!!!!!!!!! urs HJB

 

spook12

First let me welcome you to the DI chat board, seems like the rest here are ether partying or recovering from a party. I got a lot of inside info on Dumaguete and I'm hopping to retire there in the next two years if not sooner.
Just P.M. me or mete me over on yahoo IM @ grandpainak.

 

Welcome on board.

 

In response I am a doer and not a stas Quo person. I can either stay here and die rich and watch the snow come down or I can make a change and get out of the rut I am in. I have worked all my life and explored some fantastic countries and locations and I was told my stories should be put down in Print. I like adventure and enjoy meeting exciting people. I have met a woman that seems grand so life is a gamble so rather then cash in all my investments I will simplly spend the winters there and let my Investments do what they do good and keep producing income. That way if Dumguente doesn't work out I have something to return to. I hope that answers your question. tnx HJB Spook12

 

you will love the Philippines

But it does have it challenges. Welcome to the forum.

 

It seems the Europeans have americans beat in Dumaguete and that may have to do with the fact that much of what americans look for is absent there. I am referring to the average american's ability to survive in a predominately rural society. Police, utilities, commodities, quick transportation are just not what you will be used to or perhaps desire. If you are ready to slow down, live each day by itself and realize that things are not going to change rapidly the way you want them to, you may be ready for Dumaguete. I am sure others will have more to say on this.

Dont be so quick to jump into a business until you learn more about the rules of non-citizens and just how active they can be in the business. If you are happy making a few pesos a day there is not much problem opening a small sari-sari store or food stall but to have something legal and in your name requires much investment and endless regulatory compliance for foreigners. In short business, investment, and just about all laws are written to favor the Philippino everytime. Read some of the older posts here on starting business and land ownership to get an idea of the mountain disquised as a hill you are attempting to climb. Now some of the Europeans here have very successful business and it would be nice to pick there brains to learn how they went about setting up but I am not sure that is something they will share on a public forum so that information waits for more personal contacts and chats with them, perhaps the best way to learn. In short you may want to look more at some of the other cities where their are more americans if having a thriving business is your ultimate goal, otherwise relax and enjoy the views.

 

Thanks for reply

Well being from the Chicago area isn't what it is up to. I am really looking for a simple life like what u have described.The more I learn about Dumagueta the more I am wondering why I haven't booked the next the next flight. Well all the information I obtain will enable me to learn more.I never expected the same life as the US. So any info given is advice very appreciated. And this is one American that enjoys what life is really about. thanks for your replies. urs Jim

 

Since you are from the Chicago area and in the food industry I have to ask if you have ever been to any of Rick Bayless's Mexican restaurants? I really enjoy his cooking show and my goal for my future home is to have an outdoor(dirty in the PI) kitchen hopefully as complete as his is. He has done an excellent job researching Mexican cuisine and keeping his recipes authentic.

 

Pedro --I am sorry but I am not in the food industry

Dear Pedro,
I am not in the food industry and I really live outside of Chicago in Indiana which is about 60 miles East of the city. As for Mexican food well the real trick is the seasoning-peppers, Chillis, tomatoes, celentro etc.So do you own any restaurants in Dumaguente and do you need help obtaing any seasonings etc from here etc for I have several contacts I use when I throw parties here in my house. Any questions feel free to E-amil me @ spook12spook12@yahoo.com urs HJB

 

Don't currently own any restaurants but my wife was a personal chef in Singapore for two years where she learned Chinese cooking to add to her Philippino, and here in the States she has picked up Polish and Italian styles so owning a restaurant in our future is not out of the question. When other Philippinos here want home style cooking, she is the one they turn to.