I won't miss...

[Shancloudy]

Oh, this all ratified by my Filipina wife. She was raised way differently than the average. She is very Thai-like. Not judging them, only stating what I don't like for ME. I realize that is their culture, that works for them, Thailand works for me, so I am going back to Thailand.

Oh yeah. I truly respect if you don't like Philippines but saying that Filipino women look like a clown......

( your lucky I can't say bad words )

[Shancloudy]

Excuse me Sir, Next time could you please tell to me if you don't have money to pay the beautiful hotel I am very willing to pay. So next time you'll not say poverty even in the hotel.

Edited January 10, 2014 by Shancloudy

[SailingHome]

I could answer all these comments, but remeber this is a 'in my experience being a year here.' YMMV. And, again, my Pina wife is the one that points these things out to me.

For ofhers who read this, note that clown makeup is the workers and shoppers in malls, Generics pharmacy is nice, but does not sell most of what I need. Other pharmacies have, but 150 peso per pill here in Phils gets me a week supply in Thailand.

As always, YMMV. I don't like Phils. You do. That's ok, isn't it?

[donniereadit]

Lifestyle levels exist in every country. You just need to move and increase lifestyle if your getting irritated like this. You are too far down the trough so to speak.

Same thing would happen in Thailand if I were to move into some of those tin housing shacks on the city perimeter.

[Shancloudy]

I could answer all these comments, but remeber this is a 'in my experience being a year here.' YMMV. And, again, my Pina wife is the one that points these things out to me. For ofhers who read this, note that clown makeup is the workers and shoppers in malls, Generics pharmacy is nice, but does not sell most of what I need. Other pharmacies have, but 150 peso per pill here in Phils gets me a week supply in Thailand. As always, YMMV. I don't like Phils. You do. That's ok, isn't it?

I guess you have a financial problem. Is your wife working? If you're sick, as a wife she has a responsibility to take care of you. She must be working and buy you a medicine.

[Asia2000]

I lived 11 years in LOS, before I traveled to the Philippines. All together nearly 2 years here in PI by now. Travelled back and forth 3 times last 2 years. Both countries seems great 1'st month - after that 'my sun glasses comes off' yet again...in both countries.

The People of the Philippines: Very polite and respectful - did I mention hospitality. One feel Welcome here.

Many times I've got spesial treatment, just because I'm a foreigner. The locals really try their best to help, if they can.

OP, allow me to comment some of your points, from my experience. YMMW as always.

1. Generic medicine is illegal, branded medicine is higher cost than USA cash price

- I agree this is a problem, but take GDP per capita $ 2.792 in consideration, and general unemployment and powerty, so 'who' would afford to buy generic medicine here? Had you asked the local expats forum here before arrival, you would know this, and could had brought your own medicine (with doctors prescription).

2. Internet sucks even at a shop

- Boracay had download 8-9 Mbps / upload 1-2 Mbps - Dumaguete had download 3 Mbps / upload 1 Mbps. Cebu city was crap.

3. Poverty even in hotels.

- Much more expensive accomondation than in Thailand since they don't have any building boom here. Can't be compared with Thailand. Can one afford 70$ a night or more, you get all frills and quality also here. Most international hotels are here too .

4. Food so bad for me that I get sick.

- Interesting you mention that. I get Diarrhea more often in Thailand than in Philippines.

Eat in malls in PI and you get good food, international as well. Many malls have Thai restaurants.

5. Crowds

- Almost 100 Millions here in PI - Only 68 Millions in Thailand. Crowded in both countries. At least in PI you have 7.107 Islands you can escape to.

6. "(wait) awhile” is the National Phrase and is considered customer service

- And in other SEA countries no waiting ?

7. "no stock”.

- Agree and it get's to you over time. That's why expats fill their freezer, whenever they can.

8. Few places to go and most of those you pay to use the facilities which are poverty-like

- Agree, PI is a boring country with nothing to do, I guess know we're spoiled from Thailand.

10. Burping, spitting, loud people that are crass.

- I know a few other SEA countries where they do this way more than in PI, but I'm not gonna be more spesific.

11. Most dress like ditch diggers - pants and old t-shirts - all the time everywhere

- Blame unemployment, GDP per capita, and always changing and corrupt officials - Don't blame the People who only try to do their best.

100000's of nurses here who can't get a job, apply for work overseas, or end up as underpaid cashier in a mall. Reality.

12. NOISE everywhere of “personal” music so loud everyone can hear it 'clearly' on the tinny, cracked speakers - cafe music so loud can't talk

13. NOISE everywhere of racing of engines.

- Yes, and none of this in LOS or other SEA countries ... Much louder in Thailand.

For the Makeup comment ...... Well they buy what they can afford, so I don't blame them.

Philippines is not for everyone. It will never be same Thailand. But you get other qualities here:

Polite friendly helpful people who can communicate with you in English.

Bohol was a very beautiful Island. Dumaguete 'the city of gentle people' was really just that. Even the big police force who was visible 24/7, and their 20 man Swat team, was always smiling and friendly talking to us foreigners. Can't be better than that.

While most things in PI are expensiver than in LOS, cabel TV, sigarettes and Beer are cheaper.

40 % better exchange rate here in Philippines, than in Thailand, also helps.

Brit's HEAD UP - here the Pound gives you more than 70

I will also return to Thailand, but for me the reason is the last Earthquake and Typhoon - Don't want to experience that again.

Edited January 10, 2014 by Asia2000

[SailingHome]

I lived 11 years in LOS, before I traveled to the Philippines. All together nearly 2 years here in PI by now. Travelled back and forth 3 times last 2 years. Both countries seems great 1'st month - after that 'my sun glasses comes off' yet again...in both countries.

The People of the Philippines: Very polite and respectful - did I mention hospitality. One feel Welcome here.

Many times I've got spesial treatment, just because I'm a foreigner. The locals really try their best to help, if they can.

OP, allow me to comment some of your points, from my experience. YMMW as always.

1. Generic medicine is illegal, branded medicine is higher cost than USA cash price

- I agree this is a problem, but take GDP per capita $ 2.792 in consideration, and general unemployment and powerty, so 'who' would afford to buy generic medicine here? Had you asked the local expats forum here before arrival, you would know this, and could had brought your own medicine (with doctors prescription).

2. Internet sucks even at a shop

- Boracay had download 8-9 Mbps / upload 1-2 Mbps - Dumaguete had download 3 Mbps / upload 1 Mbps. Cebu city was crap.

3. Poverty even in hotels.

- Much more expensive accomondation than in Thailand since they don't have any building boom here. Can't be compared with Thailand. Can one afford 70$ a night or more, you get all frills and quality also here. Most international hotels are here too .

4. Food so bad for me that I get sick.

- Interesting you mention that. I get Diarrhea more often in Thailand than in Philippines.

Eat in malls in PI and you get good food, international as well. Many malls have Thai restaurants.

5. Crowds

- Almost 100 Millions here in PI - Only 68 Millions in Thailand. Crowded in both countries. At least in PI you have 7.107 Islands you can escape to.

6. "(wait) awhile” is the National Phrase and is considered customer service

- And in other SEA countries no waiting ?

7. "no stock”.

- Agree and it get's to you over time. That's why expats fill their freezer, whenever they can.

8. Few places to go and most of those you pay to use the facilities which are poverty-like

- Agree, PI is a boring country with nothing to do, I guess know we're spoiled from Thailand.

10. Burping, spitting, loud people that are crass.

- I know a few other SEA countries where they do this way more than in PI, but I'm not gonna be more spesific.

11. Most dress like ditch diggers - pants and old t-shirts - all the time everywhere

- Blame unemployment, GDP per capita, and always changing and corrupt officials - Don't blame the People who only try to do their best.

100000's of nurses here who can't get a job, apply for work overseas, or end up as underpaid cashier in a mall. Reality.

12. NOISE everywhere of “personal” music so loud everyone can hear it 'clearly' on the tinny, cracked speakers - cafe music so loud can't talk

13. NOISE everywhere of racing of engines.

- Yes, and none of this in LOS or other SEA countries ... Much louder in Thailand.

For the Makeup comment ...... Well they buy what they can afford, so I don't blame them.

Philippines is not for everyone. It will never be same Thailand. But you get other qualities here:

Polite friendly helpful people who can communicate with you in English.

Bohol was a very beautiful Island. Dumaguete 'the city of gentle people' was really just that. Even the big police force who was visible 24/7, and their 20 man Swat team, was always smiling and friendly talking to us foreigners. Can't be better than that.

While most things in PI are expensiver than in LOS, cabel TV, sigarettes and Beer are cheaper.

40 % better exchange rate here in Philippines, than in Thailand, also helps.

Brit's HEAD UP - here the Pound gives you more than 70

I will also return to Thailand, but for me the reason is the last Earthquake and Typhoon - Don't want to experience that again.

Damn good post. And, I don't blame the people at all. I simply don't enjoy their situation and am WAY happier in LOS. I feel sad for them about the unemployment, corruption, poverty, and also run a charitable and employment service that helps impoverished Pina college seekers get an English teaching education in Thailand at Thongsook. I won't miss living here, however.

[SailingHome]

I could answer all these comments, but remeber this is a 'in my experience being a year here.' YMMV. And, again, my Pina wife is the one that points these things out to me. For ofhers who read this, note that clown makeup is the workers and shoppers in malls, Generics pharmacy is nice, but does not sell most of what I need. Other pharmacies have, but 150 peso per pill here in Phils gets me a week supply in Thailand. As always, YMMV. I don't like Phils. You do. That's ok, isn't it?

I guess you have a financial problem. Is your wife working? If you're sick, as a wife she has a responsibility to take care of you. She must be working and buy you a medicine.

Must? You seem a very assumptive person. Not even a close guess.

[Shancloudy]

Yes we are noisy sometimes because Filipinos like to talk ( Hahaha ) Even me I am paying two apartment here in Thailand one is near at my work place and another one is near to my filipino friends because we like to see each other, talk, laugh and eat together.

Edited January 10, 2014 by Shancloudy

[Shancloudy]

I could answer all these comments, but remeber this is a 'in my experience being a year here.' YMMV. And, again, my Pina wife is the one that points these things out to me. For ofhers who read this, note that clown makeup is the workers and shoppers in malls, Generics pharmacy is nice, but does not sell most of what I need. Other pharmacies have, but 150 peso per pill here in Phils gets me a week supply in Thailand. As always, YMMV. I don't like Phils. You do. That's ok, isn't it?

I guess you have a financial problem. Is your wife working? If you're sick, as a wife she has a responsibility to take care of you. She must be working and buy you a medicine.

Must? You seem a very assumptive person. Not even a close guess.

Wrong guess??? Sorry. :)

[SailingHome]

Asia2000 - 1. sadly, medicines that were made as early as 1950 and cost 1 Baht in thailand are not even available here, but new ones are that cost over P200 each. More than 20% of the population would benefit from Elavil, for example. $500/mo for Parkinson's meds that are $60 in Thailand and $40 (cash, no insurance) in USA because Phils will not allow generics. How many people in poverty get treatment? Middle class here is about $500/mo. Sad. I have friends that run mobile clinics who fly to Thailand to buy medicines to give away because the government will not allow the sale.

2. it's not the Mebibits, it's the backbone. SMART and Globe both died twice at the same time in the last 20 minutes for 2 minutes. Happens in all cities I have been.

3. power brown, water pressure too low to support 1 room flushing and another showering - literally stops in one room

6. It's not the waiting. It's the way they tell you to wait a while and the way it takes 5 minutes to buy one item once I get to the register.

12&13 - Way different noises. Yeah, bars and road nois exist, but no quiet to neighborhoods here like Thailand, and never been on a bus or BTS where so many are playing music withour headphones - all at once and each loud enough for everyone to hear. A restaurant in a mall in Thailand never plays music so loud that wife and I can't talk.

Makeup - could be cost, but my wife says the workplace requires it and natural colors are available.

[Shancloudy]

Mr. OP most people working in the mall ( Philippines )and fast food restaurant are working students they are studying in the morning until 2 pm then go to work after class so they are rushing. some are working in day time and studying at night. If they have break time at work they will open their books to study the lesson. Unlike here in Thailand they're very aware to their looks than studying and reading books.

Edited January 10, 2014 by Shancloudy

[Shancloudy]

Are you coming here with your wife? If yes, tell to her if she needs help she can send me a message. Have a great night

[Aussieroaming]

I surveyed a lot of expats here... newbies are happy, oldies are either leaving, moved to the farms, or wonderib what to do. Some feel stuck because they married here. I did too, but my wife understands that with Parkinsons I simply can't live here and be healthy

Sounds a lot like TV....

I worked in the Phils and it wasn't better or worse than Thailand. Same Same really, some good areas and some poor areas and some great countryside.

Maybe you are just jaded with the same old same old every day

[SailingHome]

Work wise, I agree about the same. Scope of influence is more limited by where you go and how often. I am retired young, so am always going.

[SailingHome]

Are you coming here with your wife? If yes, tell to her if she needs help she can send me a message. Have a great night

Thx! She also has church members but Pinas like LOTS of friends

[Shancloudy]

The more she has filipino friends the more she can get help "in finding a job" here. We Filipinos like to see and help each other. Good Luck to both of you.

Edited January 11, 2014 by Shancloudy

[SailingHome]

Thx! She wants to work part time, but has an associates in stenography only, so no teaching allowed, no vending/baking allowed, etc. No idea what work she can do, and no point if less than B12k/mo as we don't NEED the money so why work hard for pittance.

Anyone know what she can work? Maybe set up an ebay exporting business?

LEGAL jobs only meaning work permit, etc.

Edited January 11, 2014 by SailingHome

[Shancloudy]

Actually it's up to her if she is hardworking she can earn more than 12,000. I'm working at school and the school pay me 30,000 a month + 8,000 salary for my part time job every weekend. It depends to the qualification.

There are so many government Universities in the Philippines they usually give scholarship all she need to do is to pass the entrance exam. As far as I know only teaching job are easy to get a working permit here because the school will provide the documents. If she has a working permit you can apply a non o visa using her working permit and visa the school will provide a documents for you as well as her legal husband. ( but I'm not sure if that rule is applicable for foreign husband )

About ebay business I think that's a good idea.

Edited January 11, 2014 by Shancloudy

[SailingHome]

Yup. No batchelor's, no teaching is the law in Thailand. Any other ideas?

[Shancloudy]

Ideas? I will ask my friend working in a company if they still looking a staff. Is your wife good in English? Maybe you can teach her.

[SailingHome]

Ideas? I will ask my friend working in a company if they still looking a staff. Is your wife good in English? Maybe you can teach her.

Her English is good. Her stography associates degree and internship were English. Thanks

[ultimate weapon]

I hear they even have semi automatic weapons guarding the super markets. The philippines is in a worse situation compared to indonesia and just to think it used to be much richer than the surrounding countries last time since it used to be a spanish and american colony.

[SailingHome]

Mostly shotguns and hand guns at every enterance. The bullets in their belt seldom fit the gun. Money businesses, the so many pawn shops, the banks, etc. have loaded semis, yup. It is annoying to be bag checked and butt padded at every entrance.

[SailingHome]

It's pretty easy to tell a Thai person from a Pinoy. In my year here, I have seen 2 Thai people (1/2 Thai/Pinoy that work in the mall.) No Thai people on my flight. Maybe Thai's know Fils is not much to offer them?

[kannot]

All those problems with third world countries.

But the problem with first world countries, old men can't get laid with young women.

Depends how deep your pockets are as everything has its price!