Relocation to DUM from another place in the PI

Hi to board members,
Well I have read a few posts here about people relocating from a foreign land to dum but i wonder have any of you guys relocated from a place in the PI already,
I am currently in Luzon pampanga, north of manila,

Have a family wife and 2 kids and am looking for a more paced lifestyle by the ocean,

I know a couple of chaps have moved down from my area and never came back so must like it there!

Anyone down there can compare to where they were last in the PI?

I wonder about the guy who does the curry club(sorry name gone) he said in one of his posts somewhere that he wished he had gone to palawan? Why is that if you read this........

I have visited dum around 5 times, like the place but wonder what it would be like to stay long term,, would i go like wobblybob ???

Well i know different stroke for different folks but i like the less dangerous place, good food, reasonable prices, happy people, ocean and relaxed way of life, decent schools for my kids with hospital in case of emercency
Cheers all may see some of you soon

 

We lived in Manila for almost a year....hated it there.....too much pollution, traffic, everything. We came from a rural area in the U.S., though. We much prefer it here. I think Dumaguete fits what you are looking for, going by your description, however, I would like to mention that hospitals here are not as good as what is available in Manila, however there are 3 here. If you needed serious help, this is not where you want to be!! Just my two centavos........

 

I lived in Cagayan de Oro for almost 2 1/2 years before I moved here. I like it far better myself, however I do miss more shopping. However far less pollution, less traffic, less crime, friendlier people, and just generally better.

 

I lived in Makati and then Fort Bonifacio Global City before I moved here 2 years ago. Obviously it is not the same here and the mini replacements for what I had there require an adjustment: Instead of Ace Hardware and True Value Hardware we have Handyman, City Hardware and Uymatiao; Robinsons Mall instead of Greenbelt, Ayala, Powerplant; Bo's Coffee instead of Starbucks, fewer good restaurants to choose from, as examples. Once you adjust and rise above that and focus on clean air, clean beaches, good diving and snorkeling, identify the restaurants you enjoy, meet some friends, give something back to the community, then you can say life is good (my motto). I am not sure how the schools compare, others may know, but I feel comfortable when the time comes sending my son to either Don Bosco or Silliman.
For me, the lower overall cost of living was and is attractive. Better weather was key and generally speaking foreigners are accepted and the locals are friendly. You can do get aways to Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and other places easily.
What did you think when you came here 5 times? Personally, if I was single, I would not live here but my focus is on my family. There is a large morning crowd at McDonalds and plenty of drinkers along the blvd bars. So depends what rings your chimes. Good luck

 

Thanks for some interesting reading,
As for myself
when i first visited a couple of years ago i think 2009, i was looking at a business for sale but was not to be,,,,,
I also didnt really see myself there at that point,,
now as time goes on i am much more family orientated and think i could live there quite happily, generally cheaper all round then my current location, on the ocean,
My only quarms are boredom? what can i find to occupy my time, but i dont do a hell of a lot here either, but so many things to do if you wanted.....
will be looking around again soon,
cheers for the replys

 

Your point on boredom is a good one. When I was pondering retiring I knew I would have to have ongoing projects to keep me busy and somewhat challenged. After retiring here, I find that was accurate. For example, one could purchase a lot, large or small (in your wife's name). The hassle and paperwork along getting it purchased, titled, etc. is a project in itself. Some guys build a rental, house or apartment, or for their in-laws. I (my wife) grow corn and veggies in my garden. Learning to cook could be another project. There is an outstanding culinary school here, by the way. And of course walking, running, swimming, snorkeling, and a big one in scuba diving.
For me, boredom might be the same wherever I lived, so why not be where the weather is warm, the air is clean, and cost of living is relatively low. Life is good.

One more: teaching the wife to drive a car and ride a motorbike.....

 

Cheers Pato,
I got 2 young children, they for sure keep us occupied somewhat, One of my quarms is the place i am considering moving to is beachfront but around 30 min drive to town, my kids and us would be pretty isolated and that also worries me as my 3 year old will not be able to play with kids outside as the place doesnt have kids close by....
i know there are always compromises to be made ,, but how far i need to work it out!
Ok cheers

 

If you are going to be living near the beach 30 minutes south of Dumaguete, you would be near Atmosphere Resort in Dauin, a very nice 5 star place. They are now promoting an early learning program for kids ages 3-5. My boy is not old enough yet so Haven't checked it out or priced it. They also have what they call a kid's cove area, might only be for guests. If interested, following is their site:
kid

 

Beachfront 30 minutes NORTH of Dumaguete is also possible.

 

Hi firefly, please could you elaborate on what you mean ?
thanks