⌛ Kiwi/Aussie ex-pats

I have lived and run my business from Makati, then Cebu and now Dumaguete. The challenges for business increased each step of the way. I am glad I started in Makati because I am certain had I started in somewhere like Dumaguete I would have grown immediately discouraged and abandoned it. (Or maybe that would have been best in the long run?...)

The same general issues exist in both Cebu and Dumaguete. However, Cebu does possess much better infrastructure (stable power, availability of multiple high-bandwidth providers, a more progressive business climate and most importantly a MUCH larger labor pool to draw from.) However, don't expect that to guarantee that you will find the skilled individuals you need nor a good, hard-working (even when you aren't there) trust-worthy manager(s). You will still need to invest heavily in recruitment, training, retraining and finding that all-important manager you can rely on.

I chose Dumaguete for quality-of-life issues for my family. Had I been looking at business interests only, I would be in Makati (or maybe even Malaysia) despite the doubling of overhead costs.

 

I have an Aussie partner here in Bohol. My gosh, he is experiencing a culture shock. Those of you who want to try to venture into business, you should try to get to know this country first for at least 2 years. Please don't waste your hard earned money. Try to get to know your Filipina GF or wife first or the Filipinos you deal with or you will be sorry later.

 

I would agree that it is better to start in big cities like Makati where you could find highly skilled individuals, latest technology, better infrastructure and cultured people. It is so difficult when you are in small towns where peoples eyes pop up with a DOLLAR sign every time they see a foreigner.

 

I would think twice and then think again before investing time and money in a business in the Philippines. Many have tried and only a few have succeeded and in those cases I suspect the same investment of effort and money would have paid off better elsewhere.

A Swiss friend told me years ago that for foreigners here the best business is no business. Of course I didn't listen and even though I was in a position to retire I got greedy and made significant contributions to the pit called an economy here. I had to return to the States for 10 years with my tail between my legs so I could come back and retire. I recon the odds are better in Vegas.

Of course some do make it including my Swiss friend who finally was successful in the export rattan business. Good luck.

Kenny

 

Hello there! It would be nice if you push through with your business in Dumaguete. The city really needs investors to help solve employment problems. There are a lot of qualified college graduates but you need to train them to the kind of work you would like them to do. This is not going to be a problem since Filipinos are easy to train and are mostly patient and hardworking. In getting permits, I suggest you ask you local friend to help you with this. I think there wouldn't be much of a problem here. You can start your business while still processing your permit. If you want to advertise for workers, I suggest that you get in touch with this cellphone number: 09152886880. Good luck to you and I hope you do push through with that business.

 

Had a lot of good advice here to keep you from pissing your money down the drain. Wouldn't want to put you off - but the Philippines is a very difficult place for a foreigner to make a decent living. Successful long-term stories are rare...

Frankly if it was me living in Kiwi-land and looking to set up in a nice tropical location I'd head to Tonga. I believe Kiwis can settle there fairly easily? People are wonderful, beautiful islands, and NZ isn't far away.

TongaHoliday.com

If your PA is that good maybe they'd do a visa too....

Just my opinion....