dumaguete a MECCA for Expats?

Once again, great explanation!

 

I think Mecca is just too strong a comparison, I think it is more like a crossroad for Dumaguete is a small but growing transportation hub and the reason you will see so many expats. Most seem to be only passing through or are that curious to visit because many are that impressed by the legend of the "gentle people." I suppose the somewhat cheaper lifestyle is a strong draw for some but unless you have family or work here I really do not see what the major attraction is. Of course I have not spent much time in the other parts of the PI and from what I have heard that is probably a good thing.

 

greetings once again; i spend 2-4 weeks/year there in good ol' DUM...but i'm wondering if i move there permantly--what the hell do you do with yourself. tourist is one thing - denizen another. i can drink beer and tell lies with the best of 'em ( the older i get- the faster i was etc...).also, what is the best avenue to secure a home to rent--island properties, bulletin board or ??? thanks for your replies in advance--JL

 

After visiting this place for many years I decided to move here 6 months ago and I love it. It has it's drawbacks but everyplace does. and for the record I've never had a problem at immigration, they have always been more than helpful.
As for getting a drivers license I walked into their office at 1 o'clock and walked out at 3:30 with a licenses in my hand so no complaint there either.
I think my only complaint is shopping, not a lot of expat goodies but that gives me an excuse to go to Cebu or Manila for a couple of days. As for he rest of it, I'm quite comfortable in my own shoes

 

Mecca ??????????

/thats a good question .. Its a peaceful city and the city government seems to be active in organizing things. A small number of acceptable restaurants
But like every medal it also has another side : the city has a terrible air pollution because of the 3000(?)stinking trycicles that trie to make living here and it has no acceptable beach at all . Resorts outside D have a few beaches but not gorgeous. the traffic is complete peaceful chaos because no signs and no traffic lights at all .
So maybe I have missed something because i myself dont see the reason why it seems to be popular at foreigners .
Maybe someone can enlighten me ???

 

wholesome !

The thoughts that come to my mind about Dumaguete the Mecca for expat ? Sweet...! place for worship, for peace and cleansing from all Sin.

Dumaguete is open to the world. It is welcoming that when you arrived and wander at the boulevard and look at the sea water you feel the freedom to start anew. The city has no back dark alleys to make people uncomfortable.
A reasonable person that grow old and tired of a rat race life maybe, chooce Dumaguete because they feel at home.

To sum up, simple things in life still the life mean core.

Dumaguete is not foreign to the foreigner they are at home.

 

mm... you have clearly seen the light ..congratulations . I will search for it on my motobike

 

Actually I read some melo-dramatic proza here from post-hippies (?) that are disappointed in the modern world, what i can understand, but i would like to read some clear advantages that would place Dumaguete above cities like Dipolog or Ozamiz or Cagayan de Oro or whatever and as such explain the apparent preference of some expats for this city. After being here 4 months now actually i did not see it. So " Mecca " seems to me a little sentimental nonsense .. if so it would be a Mecca that gives you black lungs .
Do not misunderstand me : I am satisfied here but again see no difference with other cities. And don't tell me you live in Valencia where the air is clean ..I know that, but the topic was Dumaguete.

 

Crime Dumaguete

As far as crime you need to open your eyes. Have you ever lived in Dumaguete? We like Dumaguete, but we do not ignore the truth and the facts about the city. Below is a still valid article about Dumaguete.

Dumaguete has utterly changed and more so the coming years .Population has increased but so as the crime rate incidence.Sadly the police authorities seem so slow with their response to this ever worrying conditions of Dumaguete. It seems they are floating in the air and not in touch of realities of the times, the gradual deterioration of our safety and security in Dumaguete .

If we want Dumaguete to be an attractive tourism destination, an attractive retirement haven of thousands of overseas retirees ,more height of developments/ investments coming in,more parents sending their children to this university town, more jobs and better life for Dumagueteneos and negrenses ,then conditions specifically the safety and security of the whole community has to improve from the grassroots.This is one of the responsibilities of those people who were elected into office and the local government ,the PNP and what have you.You hear people ,students get murdered, hold ups outside the PNB (might be an inside job,but seem the authorities not bothered to investigate further on , after a month you never heard of it ); cell phone snatchings,pick pockets,budol budol scams, robberies , gangs in the boulevard ,but of all these overwhelming increase in crimes , people see no clear tangible,visible actions from the police !We don't need empty reassurances ! There is an immediate need to address the problem by strategic improvement of the policing system and service NOW ! We can't wait until one of us or one of our families will be the next unfortunate victim, on the news blah blah sorry shot dead,and since then will be in history .

I feel the local government seem don't give a d*mn either of these crimes, looking like still in limbo .How frustrating it is. This is the time for them to get moving ,get into action linking network with the PNP!

Myself and my family will be in Dumaguete sometime and also hoping to retire there someday, but with safety and security in question , it makes us to feel sometimes hysterical , perhaps to reconsider our future retirement plans in Dumaguete or elsewhere.

DUMAGUETE CITY IS NO LONGER CALLED THE CITY OF GENTLE PEOPLE!!! we can't even trust the person seated beside us when riding a peddycab, even sidewalks, it is now a dangerous place for snatching, and worst even riding your own vehicle, its no longer safe.


Cheers,

Ron

 

When copying an article from another author it may be fair to mention the original source.

lady_bird, monday, june 18, 2007 The Negros Chronicle forum