gwapofarang

Almost reminds me of the old Washington Square days in Bangkok minus the tricycles, places like Square One, Country Roads, Silver Star the Texxan, then later Bourbon Street. Bar fines in those days 150 or 200.

Funny that sounds like most governments.

Can they please show us how accurate the computer models and predictions turned out to since data has been collected? Ozone depletion? There is need to figure out better questions to ask. The pursuit of which should always be vigilant. One would think something of this magnitude deserves every possible scrutiny. Shouldn't these questions and many more be asked and verified with better journalism? Or are we supposed to just keep quiet and let individuals in the UN and 13 year old girls from Sweden tell the entire planet, how dare we lived our lives the way we did, now it's time to pay. No alarm bells here, trust the science, the UN has always done the right thing. The science has never been wrong it only "changes" when? Believe it or else. Sounds about right, nothing to be alarmed about here. Putting the power over billions into the hands of very few sounds perfect. Forget about history, it's different this time.

Lived in the PI for many years been going for decades. Their food quality is very low par indeed but if you know how to cook this can easily be overcome. Also learn to import your own more obscure items to suit your specific needs. This can be done by having friends bring in items or ordering online. If you are in the food business, learn about freight forwarding and customs imports into the PI.

Bingo see my previous comment.

Thanks for pointing that out. I should have qualified my above information as approximately 6 years old maybe 7 years old in terms of the amounts. They made things a lot easier for foreigners to contribute to their economy since then. This is apparently one of them. Are you not require to invest in property or a business? This used to be part of the equation.

Anybody remember the times before Suvhuvarnabum (Spelling sucks) landing in Don Muang? This "scam" was almost expected back then. Kinda funny how times change but they don't in many ways.

IMHO, those SRRV visas are really only necessary if you wish to do business and that business involves traveling. I did business and traveled a lot but in my case it wasn't necessary. Otherwise, you have to come up with about 2 million pesos (About $80K-90K USD) all in including attorney fees and deposits or property. I agree with your Southern disposition, Davao is quite nice as well, the girls are smoking hot too. As i indicated above, the Philippines is a beautiful country outside of Manila, what a complete SH**HOLE. That said, stay in Makati when you are in Manila as it's very safe and has a lot to offer, just don't walk down a dark street at any time anywhere in Manila.

As noted above a few times the Philippines makes it way easier for expats from an immigration standpoint. Here's an excellent tip not mentioned that you should really know. Before making any long term commitments for a condo be sure you fully investigate the neighborhood and what goes at night. I've known many expats make this mistake and end up either being in a rather dangerous area or have loud obnoxious neighbors whom you really don't want to get into a quarrel with. Also, be wary of some of the foreigners there, they prey on "newbie" individuals. Be as low key as possible in terms of nice watches or gold chains, you are asking for them to five finger discounted. Filipinos are known for being cunning pick pockets, please look that up as there is ample information on their tactics and it normally involves multiple thieves. Avoid Jeepneys (public cheap transportation) as gangs tend to operate on those lines and the driver is sometimes in on it. They steal from their own people. I have been going to the Philippines since 1991 and owned a business there for over a decade. During this time I saw a lot of violent things happen and Filipinas are very cunning and in many cases very manipulative. The society is family oriented much like Thais so keep that in mind if you get into a long term relationship. Again, this road should be traveled with care and by simple tests of loyalty and such. I have seen a lot foreigners get mixed up with the wrong girl. By the same token, I have seen a lot more find a perfect wife. The good ones are keepers mate. Also make sure she's not married to Filipino guy. Believe it or not this is more common than one would think. I have seen scams run as divorce is not possible in the Philippines, annulments are but the process if not easy. The Filiipino husband tries to sponge off the foreigner even police get involved if it's more coordinated. The Philippines is not dangerous to those who keep their wits about them and understand the environment dynamics going in. Along time friend and very successful business owner once told me the following statement which is 100% true "everything in the Philippines is stolen it just hasn't been moved yet". This is why you see security guards at most reputable businesses and banks. At the banks they have automatic weapons for a reason. In any event, I truly wish you the best and if you have the time, take it to investigate everything above for yourself and ask local expats. You will find a helpful community there with various clubs for Americans, Brits and Aussies as well, Germans too. Beware of the coconut grapevine too, it's alive and well in the PI. If you are an individual who needs to communicate clearly with the women than the Philippines is perfect. Be aware Filipinos are very uneducated this does not mean they are stupid. Many expats send their wives to college

You must have bumped into Dave F a few times, good guy. I agree, Barrio Barretto is a nice small area to get in trouble, LOL...

I spent over a decade there myself. Pretty spot on points. I would recommend Cebu as the "vibe" there is like a different country and it's clean unlike most of the rest of the country. Electricity is more expensive in the Philippines and I would have to disagree on the cost of living but that would depend on your lifestyle. The Philippines is a dangerous place to live. Never in my life have I known people to get murdered that I personally knew. Several for various reasons some not so savory. And I'm originally from Los Angeles. The infrastructure is horrible and yes, the food is truly CRAP. A way around that is go to the local wet markets early and learn how to cook. Buying Western food in a supermarket can be very costly, this is from someone in the food industry. Never seen so many types of sardines on many aisles before. The PI is a beautiful place and yes, over 7,000 islands some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Thailand is much more affordable with common sense spending and a little ingenuity IMHO.

Stop with the virtue signaling nonsense. this is sick. and a bunch of men standing around didn't try to stop it. Are you kidding? The only way that can go is wrong.

To the OP and anybody interested in hearing my experiences. I have had serious sleeping issues my entire life. I'm 52, my mind or tiny pee brain (if I may call it that) evidently has a problem shutting down. Lived here in LOS since I was 18 and I used to heavily self medicate myself on the following medications. 10 mg Diazapam (Valuim) or the 5 mgs as they had an additional agent (used to anyway) benzodiazepine 1 mg Larazapam (Xanax) benzodiazepine 2 mg Clamazapam (Very weak benzo) 15 mg Dormicum (Dangerous but effective) 15 mg Rhohypnol (Very strong 10x stronger than Valuim) 2 mg Ativan (benzodiazepine) benzodiazepine (In hindsight I'm lucky to be alive as I was an alcoholic on three separate occasions, haven't had a drop in over 5 years. NEVER TAKE THESE MEDS IF YOU ARE A HEAVY DRINKER, I did I was very lucky not to croke) One quick note on the alcohol, this makes things worse on every level. You do not get proper sleep and it will kill you fast, seen a lot people pass over the years from this. The reason for the above list is simple, these are all highly addictive if taken every day. I would literally have a vitamin case for each day of the week. Not being able to sleep wrecks havoc on ones health and mind, this cannot be understated. I have seen some excellent expensive doctors and no I am not depressed never have been. This was the reason I had to "dose" myself as I had an active lifestyle with high visibility. I'm sure I have met quite of few of you LOS long timers as a matter of fact (anybody remember the old Washington Square or Sukhumvit Soi 22 behind the theatre days) Nobody knew of my condition as I learned to deal with it using medication. This was not and never was the answer, these pills are poison and if you become addicted to any of them, the "come down" is psychologically dangerous. Out of body type experiences, full on hallucinations and physical pains all over your body. Keep in mind I was on them for about 30 years. Yes I have tried melotonin and other herbal type remedies, they sort of work and yes are non addictive. Believe it or not, a glass of warm milk works much better and has been a home remedy for sleep problems for over 100 years. Dealing without sleep medications was a pretty heavy learning curve after about 30 years of self medication. To this day, I am lucky if I get 5 hours, normally 4 or so and I still constantly wake up. I'll crash heavy every month or so for about 10 hours. For me that's like an eternity. I have kept my mind busy over the years reading and working on the computer, very little mind control, I mean television. The best advise I can give anyone is really quite simple and sensible. This used to be considered quite common knowledge. Exercise (Take long walks in the morning, start off with short ones and work your way up, baby steps if necessary). This is #1. Try to work up to hitting the gym or like many do, have sex a lot. For some a gym, is not an option, no problem buy your own and start a regiment. Drink a lot of water, ten 12 ounce bottles a day. Don't eat late at night say past 8 pm I recommend 7 pm Try to feed yourself wholesome homemade food and eat a good breakfast. Take a nice long hot bath before going to bed for those extreme nights Reevaluate yourself and try to be a better person. The mind is most powerful. Use it. Know your own inner feelings better and understand why they are there, read the statement above. If you believe in God, he's always there don't be shy or you will die. It's most helpful to have somebody who cares, loves and understand. I cannot state this enough. If you have nobody in particular, make sure you are prepared for the mental anguish because you are in for some trying times. There are self helping and motivational videos if you need some uplifting words and or direction. To state thing plain and simple, find a real person for your heart, mind and soul. Sorry for the long response and i hope this helps anybody in some small way. I hope my intentions are transparent enough. Peace out

I remember when Chiang Mai was one of the cleaner cities back in the late 80s early 90s. Chiang Rai even better, truly sad state of affairs