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@Cherryann01

My wife had 2 employers over her 22 years in Hong Kong.  Like you said, it was 6 days a week and 16 hours a day. I was surprised to hear about the terrible conditions at some employers homes. But she was a fighter and enforced her contract. She even took one employer to court and won.

I still cannot imagine I would tolerate some of the conditions. She said it was not as bad when the British were there. She said she went because she needed to support her 3 children and her ex was not contributing and had another family. He has that mistress and children still today.

Without the job overseas she could not pay for life saving medicine or their school. She if greatful for the freedom here and the laws against age discrimination among other criteria in the Philippines. The 40 hour week with overtime if desired.

Listening to the story of the journey from rags to riches I have a real appreciation for my life. Also the history of the different administrations in the Philippines as compared to the published narrative is interesting. I also get the stories of her grandparents, and the residual effects of WW2.

Being open to explore the Philippines with here and living in Tagum I met some great folks. A few pain in the rear types, but overall positive experiences. I learned to haggle politely. Found the S&R store through an expat. Found some things I did not like such as the wedding styles a multiple sponsors.

Here we are finishing off our few working years preparing to travel back and forth seasonally in retirement.

@vanvalenmikevan

Funny you should mention Tagum because she lives in Santo Tomas nearby and used to work for one of the Tagum Co-operative branches.

Do i need a 3 month visa from uk then apply for srrv when im in philipines

    Do i need a 3 month visa from uk then apply for srrv when im in philipines        -@renegadesric529

Here is what PRA says (they say nothing about entry visa expiration date). I have checked a few sources, at least one of which says 9A tourist visa is OK as long as is is valid (not expired).

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

valid Passport with valid /updated Temporary Visitor’s Visa;

Accomplished PRA Applic...,...

We used 1 year BB visa but some sources say a regular tourist is OK as long as you update it (extend it) to be valid while they hold your passport for stamping, which  they say takes 6 weeks.  This does seem rather loose but that is the available information online. Personally I would need confirmation so I would definitely  contact a professional.

@vanvalenmikevan thank you. Very good information.

@blacksheepjuno thank you for taking the time to give me a good idea of what to do. i have traveled quite a bjt however i usually travel with some one. This would be a totally new adventure being by myself. thank you for your offer. have a great day.

    @Wellsfry i have not scheduled anythjng yet,  don’t know where to go, where to fly into etc. Today i am just trying to see what option are available. thank you for your reply.
   

    -@Hgilliam7194

I am on my 5th trip and looking for a home.  My first trip I spoke to many Filipinos in my home city asking them where I should visit.  Top 2 answers and the only 2 answers I recieved, El Nido and Baracay.  Both are beautiful but very touristy.

My first trip was Cebu and Palawan including ElNido, I recommend this as a great start.  I did it solo meeting people along the way.  If you want to pay for a Filipono to join you there are many who would love to share the trip and make great companion. 

Get off the tourist sites and meet people and the beautiful culture of the Philippines and you will be ready to make a second trip with greater exploration outside the tourist zones.

Happy travels,

Donald

@FindlayMacD

Manila is not a place I would recommend and many of the international airlines fly into Cebu... from there you can venture to other places in the Philippines.   Sometimes you do have to use the Manila airport,  I made it through but did not enjoy it. Haha.

Unless you love big dirty crowded cities, minimize your time in Manila.

Maximise your time in the provinces.

Donald.

And now Donald ?

Your thoughts on the Philippines?

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl

This is my 5th trip but my first time longer than 30 days.

I love it, no surprises so far.... that is not to say I love everything.  Nowhere is perfect.

I have purposely stayed single and that will make purchasing a home more difficult. Still looking for lots and homes but I am narrowing in on a few possibilities.

I still have much to learn here.

Donald

@Hgilliam7194

My first trip here was also my first solo trip.  You have to put yourself out and make conversation when you travel alone but also be careful as a lone person is a target.

All the best

Donald

Where are you now Don? For how long are you here?

Cheers, Steve

Thank you Donald

@Wellsfry thank you. i am still working out the details ofvwhen i will travel.

@Ozzie43

Hi,

There is a group of foreigners who meet every day in the food court of Robinson department store at the Fuente Osmena circle from 3.30 PM to 5 PM. Many of them have been in the Philippines for decades. One of them is Mike S., 83 years old and more than willing to offer good advises about living in the Philippines. He has been here since 1986. Don't be shy of approaching him there. He is a nice guy and usually always present at the table.

The people in the group don't like seeing newcomers being screwed or ripped off and they are more than willing to offer good advises to avoid it. So am I if I should happen to be there the day a newcomer turns up at the table. I have been here for 31 years and seen it all!

@pactoil

Oh damn, I just left the Duma area after a month.  I would have loved to join the group and learn from their experiences.   I may have to return for a few days.