Warning about owning a classic or vintage car in the Philippines.

 

Do you own a classic or vintage car in the Philippines? The LTO have just announced that you will only be allowed to drive it on weekends or public holidays

The announcement does not explain the thinking or intent behind the new ruling. If the idea behind this is to get the old wrecks off the road they are going about it the wrong way.

The approach of arbitrarily only allowing vehicles over 40 years on the roads on weekends and holidays is not very well thought out and serves no real purpose.

Real enthusiasts with older classic or vintage cars are not a problem. The vehicles would be better maintained than most other vehicles on the road and they would be driven more carefully.

If it is about getting the “old bombs” of the road then the best solution is to implement real roadworthy testing. It would also help reduce congestion on the roads and reduce accidents. A huge undertaking, which I assume they are not equipped or prepared to do.

An alternative would be to require all vehicles over 40 years of age to under go a special and more rigorous road worthy testing.

I know of a couple of expats living in Angeles city that between them have acquired over 100 classic (mostly American mussel cars) vehicles after the basis closed. They get to drive a different each day. This new totally unnecessary ruling would mean they could only drive those on the weekend or a public holiday, and during the week that would have drive a more modern vehicle.

In other countries they have special registration available for classic and vintage cars (often cheaper) that has the same restriction being proposed.

Do you own a classic or vintage car in the Philippines? The LTO have just announced that you will only be allowed to drive it on weekends or public holidays

The announcement does not explain the thinking or intent behind the new ruling. If the idea behind this is to get the old wrecks off the road they are going about it the wrong way.

The approach of arbitrarily only allowing vehicles over 40 years on the roads on weekends and holidays is not very well thought out and serves no real purpose.

Real enthusiasts with older classic or vintage cars are not a problem. The vehicles would be better maintained than most other vehicles on the road and they would be driven more carefully.

If it is about getting the “old bombs” of the road then the best solution is to implement real roadworthy testing. It would also help reduce congestion on the roads and reduce accidents. A huge undertaking, which I assume they are not equipped or prepared to do.

An alternative would be to require all vehicles over 40 years of age to under go a special and more rigorous road worthy testing.

I know of a couple of expats living in Angeles city that between them have acquired over 100 classic (mostly American mussel cars) vehicles after the basis closed. They get to drive a different each day. This new totally unnecessary ruling would mean they could only drive those on the weekend or a public holiday, and during the week that would have drive a more modern vehicle.

Some other countries they have special registration available for classic and vintage cars (often cheaper) that has the same restriction being proposed.

http://www.philippinesscams.com/classic-or-vintage-car-in-the-philippines/

Getting Real Honey in the Philippines

I once talked with a professional beekeeper in the Philippines and he described a pretty sad situation. He told me that most of the honey collected is not harvested by beekeepers. It is found by Filipinos who go out into the jungle in search of hives and in the process of collecting the honey destroy the entire hive killing all the bees.

Getting real honey in the Philippines is not easy. What we are sold as pure honey usually has lots of sugar and other additives. The situation is no better on the supermarket shelves back home. Testing of most brands on American supermarket shelves found that up to 80% did not even qualify as honey.

When I first arrived in the Philippines and was in the process of opening a dance and fitness studio this old man wondered in with the bucket. I tasted the honey and it was delicious. I purchased some. I soon wished I had of got more as I soon learnt it was not easy to find real honey.

The next time I saw a guy with bucket selling honey with a piece of honeycomb in the bucket I purchased it without even tasting it.   Big mistake. It was basically sugar syrup. Over the years I have seen others and each time I tasted the honey I knew it was diluted.

Yesterday the GF returned with honey and told me it was the real thing. She explained that she visited the store of a relative and asked about the honey displayed and asked if they had real honey.
She said her aunty put her fingers to her lips to signal a secret and went behind the counter and brought out an unmarked bottle (actually a Tanduay flask). She even told my GF where the honey came from. The cost was 200 pesos which is not cheap but I confirm that again I am enjoying pure honey. It’s worth it.

JUST BECAUSE YOU SEE A PIECE OF HONEY COMB IN THE BUCKET DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE GETTING PURE HONEY!

http://retiretophilippines.com/getting-real-honey-in-the-philippines/

Retire to Agoo La Union

An Town Full of History by Damon Simms 

When I first came to live in the Philippines a few years ago I never expected that I would end up living in a small town on the coast of North Luzon. I originally lived in Baguio City thinking that I would find the climate more agreeable but the combination of the ceaseless traffic jams and cold, wet weather got to me in the end. When it came time for myself and my partner to buy property we decided that the coast was a better choice. As she is from Baguio and did not want to go too far afield we chose La Union. The warm weather and beaches appealed to me (I’m a big fan of ‘beer drinking weather’) and the proximity to Baguio appealed to her. So we found ourselves on the hunt for a place to live in an area that neither of us had ever lived in before.

After looking around (and around) for several months we finally found the perfect property in a town called Agoo. Agoo is the commercial and business hub of the second district of La Union, has a population of about 65,000 people and, as I have taken great pleasure in discovering since we moved here, has a whole lot of history behind it. It is one of those things peculiar to the Philippines that information can be quite difficult to come by, other parts of Asia that I’ve lived in have very well documented histories but not so here. Over the course of the past six months or so I’ve done a fair amount of research and what I’ve discovered about the city we now call home and the province that it is in has been extremely interesting.

Read more here:

http://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2016/03/11/town-full-history-agoo-la-union/

Facebook Groups about the Philippines

Here are some of the Facebook groups we run and some we just like:

Philippines Scams and Warnings

https://www.facebook.com/groups/philippineswarnings/

We are a community based information sharing service with the mission of helping people stay safe by providing public listings of Businesses, People and Places to avoid in the Philippines.

Making A Living In the Philippines

https://www.facebook.com/groups/makingalivinginthephilippines/

Our community is for anybody outside the Philippines, and expats already in the Philippines, that want to explore money making ideas. 

Join our community to discover what you need to know to find work, setup a business or invest in the Philippines and use our FREE boards to search for jobs, find businesses for sale and explore business opportunities.

Living in the Philippines on a budget

https://www.facebook.com/groups/philippinesonabudget/

Expat Living in the Philippines on a budget - ideas and life hacks to save money.

Most people that come to the Philippines to live do so on a budget. This group is for those here on a budget that would like to share ideas on how to maximise that budget by saving money on their living expenses. It will also be a great resource for anyone planning to move her and wanting to work out a budget.

> Share your money saving ideas and local knowledge
> Check and compare prices to avoid being ripped off
> Discover local substitutes for expensive or difficult to find things.

More Fun In The Philippines

https://www.facebook.com/groups/funinphilippines/

A fun look at the Philippines from a foreigners perspective. Filipinos love to have fun and not take life to seriously and its in this same spirit that I have setup this group. Many things are done differently here and in this group we will share some of the more interesting an amusing ways things a done in the Philippines. This includes some epic failures to make you laugh. Share your funny experiences in the Philippines here. Use of satire is permitted, but DO NOT post anything that directly insults the Philippines and Filipinos. Racist remarks will be deleted and get the member banned.

Filipina Relationships

https://www.facebook.com/groups/filipinarelationships/

This is a non Filipino, MEN ONLY group for men that are interested in dating Filipinas, or have a Filipina girlfriend, fiancé or wife.

There are groups out there which seem to put the Filipina on a pedestal and only want to view them through rose coloured glasses. I have observed people attempting to discuss real problems or expressing legitimate concerns or criticisms only to be attacked an 
If you are in a great relationship with a Filipina then this group is probably of no interest but if you are like most people that encounter problems and misunderstanding then this is where you can gain a better understanding and maybe get some good advice.

Philippines Property Primer

https://www.facebook.com/groups/philippinespropertyprimer/

A Guide on Buying, Renting, and Leasing Philippine Property

Philippines Expat Business Network

https://www.facebook.com/groups/philippinesexpatbusinessnetwork/

This group is for expats that own and operate businesses in the Philippines. If you are planning to start a business please join our Making A Living In The Philippines group. 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/makingalivinginthephilippines/

Philippines to Australia

https://www.facebook.com/groups/philippinestoaustralia/

This group has been created for discussion on topics related to Filipinos engaged or married to Australians migrating to and living in Australia. The main focus is on migration and inter-cultural relationships but we are not restricted to this. In fact the topics discussed in this group are broad and can include just about anything about the Philippines, its culture, and Filipinos living in Australia. We want this to be a non threatening and happy place to hang out. Please watch the video which explains the rules for participating in the group.

This group is sponsored by Down Under Visa (www.downundervisa.com.au) who specialise in assisting Filipinos (engaged or married to Australians) to lodge successful visa applications to travel to Australia. They publish a lot of good information related to migration and Filipino-Australian relationships on their websites and blogs and we will share this information with the group.

Please note that this is not a place to find a job in Australia, or to find a partner in Australia, or to sell things. Thanks.

Expats in the Philippines (exclusive)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpatsinthePhilippines/

Dedicated to finding facts about living in the Philippines as an expat. No Filipinos are allowed to join. No adverts are allowed nor any that infringe the Facebook rules and conditions.

No hatred allowed!
No politics other than issues that effect those that live in the Philippines!
No trolling!

There is a Library of factual documents concerning living in Philippines based on getting members street wise.

Expats Philippines advertiser

https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatsads/

Expats and families only: Please feel free to place your houses for sale, rent adverts in this group. Boats, vehicles and beach resorts any thing you may wish to.

Expat Health and Wellness

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1728982050664040/

Well, It would be nice to just drop into our GP, and get all of our Health problems sorted out free of Charge. Unfortunately, Its not the case for most of us, so we should better look after Ourselves. You are not alone, we all ( the lucky ones .. smile emoticon ) get old slowly….

Philippine Boat Club

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1640786042850104/

For water lovers

Grow your own in the Philippines

https://www.facebook.com/groups/349479135256901/

We live in a Tropical Paradise, lets enjoy it, and make the most of it.

Prepping Philippines

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1652090041699138/

Its time to wake up and face the facts…

Philippines Outsourcing Help

https://www.facebook.com/groups/philippinesoutsourcinghelp/

This group is for you if you are considering outsourcing part or all of your business processes, already setup up outsourcing but it not delivering the results you expected or having difficulty communicating / managing virtual assistants in the Philippines.

Racing Unicorns is more fun in the Philippines…

https://www.facebook.com/groups/funinphilippines/

True story! I visited a guy that was married to a Filipina at his house in Melbourne Australia. This guy was into horse racing and online bettering. Around his house were lots of pictures of horses. There was also a picture of a unicorn.

When his wife first arrived in Australia she asked about the horse with the horn. The guy explained to his wife that they used to race them but they kept have terrible accidents because of the sharp horn with many jockeys getting horrific wounds to their back side. She believed it hook line and sinker.

He thought nothing more of it until he herd her explaining it to others much to the horror of the guy.

For your daily dose of More Fun in the Philippines join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/funinphilippines/

Very Traffic (beree trapik!)

In addition to having one of the worst internet services in the world it also has some of the worst traffic congestion.

Manila is the worst.  People commuting to work can spend 3 or more hours each way.  An hour is considered nothing. Cebu is getting almost as bad.

Is there a solution to this traffic problem?

Here is my plan to fix the traffic problem.

50% improvement overnight – Filipinos start obeying the traffic laws

25% improvement – Now that Filipinos are obeying the rules they can now remove 90% of the no left – no right – no u-turn signs and unblock many of the blocked off access points.

10% improvement  – Enforce vehicle road worthiness.  Initially might take 50% of the cars of the road but over time it might be 15% to 25 %.  This improvement is more of a spin off from improved road safety.

We now have an 85% improvement in traffic congestion.

BUT We can keep going…

Further improvement would be achieved by implementing state of the art computerized traffic control, building some more by passes and express ways. Maybe a tunnel under the city with a rail….and remember to look up at the sky the day you see Filipinos all obeying the traffic laws because there will also be other strange phenomena such as pigs flying.

See original article here:

http://retiretophilippines.com/very-traffic/

Philippines Property Primer

We have a new group for people interested in buying, renting, leasing and managing property in the Philippines.  The name of the group is Philippines Property Primer.

Join our group here:

https://web.facebook.com/groups/philippinespropertyprimer/

There is a Philippines Property Primer website currently under construction. On the site we plan to build an online guide to Philippines property.

In addition to that I have just installed a commercial real estate listing website. We are thinking to offer real estate listings focused on the expat community.

This is the Real estate theme I we have loaded:

http://themefuse.com/wp-themes-shop/real-estate-wordpress-theme/

Anti-foreigner slant in Philippines media

7 Kidnapped Teens Rescued from Cybersex Den Aimed at Foreigners Alaminos City, Pangasinan

The above headline is about a raid on a Cyber Sex Den.

See story here: http://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2016/02/01/7-kidnapped-teens-rescued-cybersex-den-aimed-foreigners-alaminos-city-pangasinan/

This “Cybersex Den” was not operated by foreigners, yet anyone reading the headline might be mistaken for making that association. Why include the reference in the headline “Aimed at foreigners”?  Who else would it be aimed at?

It can be argued that if was not for the demand of “Foreigners” to view cyber sex this place would not exit, and this is true. What would the teens be doing instead? They might instead be working in the many brothels, karaoke and other such establishments that cater for Filipinos.

This is not to condone the existence of this cybersex den in any way or suggest that it’s a better alternative. My only point here is that we Filipinos exploiting Filipinos yet the Filipino media attempts to deflect blame and responsibility on to foreigners.

It is just part of the general anti-foreigner slant the Filipino media put on all stories.

I note an absence of the mention of “human trafficking” as the charge for the two Filipinos that were arrested for running the cybersex den. This is a very serious non-bailable offence that seems to be reserved for foreigners. I wonder what Filipinos were charged with…

Were they really held against their will?

You always need to read between the lines with these reports. It is difficult to say if they were being held against their will as the article implies. Just because they say “rescued”, “kidnapped” and make references to locked doors does not mean that is the case.  I have just heard so many of the real story behind the headlines in the Philippines press that I am skeptical of anything I read now.

http://www.philippinesscams.com/anti-foreigner-slant-in-philippines-media/

What Living Simple in the Philippines Means to Me

Jack Northrap is a 67 year old retired American that living in the Philippines since 2012, and explains that you can live a simple life on $600, but it all comes down to your definition of simple.

http://philippinedreams.com/what-living-simple-in-the-philippines-means-to-me/

He explains that living simply for around $600 means either living alone or with the right partner that shares the same aspiration for a simple life. He say having dependent children would blow the budget. He also suggests that If you have health problems then the $600 simple life style is already out of the question.

His definition of simple means eating locally, buying local furnishings, using local transport. Jack takes a very philosophical view point of life and loves to immerse himself in the local culture. It would be fair to say that his definition means living a Filipino life style. This is certainly not for everyone.

His advice to everyone is to take your time to avoid making mistakes.

Best Philippines Retirement Idea

How about a property that you can own a 100% of in the Philippines and even take it away with you when you leave the Philippines?

NEWLY LIST BOAT FOR SALE IN CEBU

Ever thought of a boat? A very unique boat has just been added that has features seldom seen in this combination that make it a great opportunity for a range of purposes including:

How about a luxury apartment by the sea (well in it actually).

While staying in Cebu you can dock at the prestigious Cebu Yacht Club. The thing about Yacht Clubs is they are almost always in a great location in close proximity to all the action. This boat would make an excellent house boat that you could travel around the Philippines in.

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Create Cebu’s first real party boat

Charter regular party trips or provide a venue for private parties or functions. Run a party boat. Cebu is waiting for this!

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Cebu’s first real boat restaurant

Want to start a restaurant in the Philippines? The vessel could easily be converted into a restaurant with two dinning areas and an out door area.  This would still leave the current spa room untouched and just adds another unique features to the dining experience. You could even relocate the entire businesses easily to another location later.

WHAT THE VIDEO

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj22C-1CnOE]

Low Cost Refurbishment

The cost of converting this vessel into your desired purpose will be minimal as there really is nothing to spend on the Rumi mechanically or structurally. Its a turn key drive away.

You need only decide what you want and then get refurbished, then how lavish you go is up to you.

Need Help Getting the Boat Refurbished
and licensed to operate?

We are located at the Cebu Yacht club. Visit our office and ask for David (American) can arrange every aspect of the refurbishment to you specifications. If you need help with all the red tape related to getting permits and licenses etc he can also help you.

This boat will not last – Secure it now

Call David Poley on now on: +63 (0)917 311 6836

or leave a message here

Corruption in the Phlippines

We really do not need any translation to understand the basic meaning of this image. One point to make is that Filipinos understand the problem of corruption. The expression is universal.

So it only the degree and extent of corruption that shocks foreigners? I think its more the resignation and acceptance by the general population that bothers most of us. The fact that there often is no consequence or recourse even when fully exposed.

The Truth Cost of Living In The Philippines

Jay Stillman with a friend from Real Deal discuss and question the viability of claims of living in the Philippines for around $500. He does not say its impossible but says it would not be easy and questions why anyone from a first would country would want to move to a third world country like the Philippines and live like a local.

One of the main points he makes is about the security of living in the type of place you can rent for a few thousand pesos a month. Its a very casual chat very much like you might be sitting with them at a bar having a drink. Good basic advice especially regarding security of your possessions.

I would add that while there may be a greater risk of theft the more local you live, being in a more expensive place does not really guarantee you will not be robbed.

Watch video here:

Cost Of Living in the Philippines – Single Foreigner Living in the Philippines

http://philippinedreams.com/cost-of-living-in-the-philippines-single-foreigner-living-in-the-philippines/

This is a short and concise video from Brian Jodalyn that describes a budget for living inexpensively in Cebu.  He is American and says his G.I. Bill is $1,550 USD per month and comfortable supports his big family (wife and 3 kids) on that. He quotes most prices in USD which many will find helpful. He provides a good example of a budget of around $800 USD which includes about $200 discretionary spending.  He says you can live on $800 but would not recommend it in case you got sick. He says he personally recommends a minimum of $1000 USD.

US Marine found guilty of killing transgender Filipino

We just had the verdict handed down for the case of the Marine killing the the transgender Filipino.

These transgender Filipinos (Ladyboys) put themselves at risk by not identifying themselves as such. I have observed this many time.

I am not trying to absolve the responsibility of the death for the Marine but I would say that the Ladyboy contributed to his own death through deceit.

As I understand it the marine never intended to kill the ladyboy but was upset to discover that he had just engaged in intermit relations with another male.

This case became very political and Pinoy pride went into overdrive

OLONGAPO, Philippines (AP) — A Philippine court on Tuesday convicted a U.S. Marine of killing a Filipino last year after he discovered she was a transgender woman in a hotel while he was on a break after participating in joint military exercises in the country.

Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton was convicted of homicide by first strangling Jennifer Laude and then dunking her head into a toilet bowl in the hotel they had checked into after meeting in a disco bar in October 2014 in Olongapo, a city northwest of Manila. He was sentenced to 6-12 years in jail and credited with time already spent in detention, said court clerk Gerry Gruspe.

The court also ordered Pemberton, who has been detained at a Philippine military camp for about a year, to pay Laude's family 4.6 million pesos ($98,000) in damages.

Laude's mother, Julita, said that while she was happy the verdict detailed everything that had transpired, she was not pleased with the length of the jail term because she had hoped Pemberton would be found guilty of murder, a more serious crime than homicide.

read more here:

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/us-marine-found-guilty-of-killing-transgender-filipino/ar-AAfSpgm?ocid=sf

Free Retirement Guide for the Philippines

Who would like a free retirement guide that will help you take the first steps in checking your options? The guide is written by Perry Gamsby who is a specialist on the Philippines.

For a free copy join our Philippines Retirement Planning Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/retiretophilippinesplanning/

Philippines Scams & Warnings

I have created another Facebook group I think will be a great resource and potentially save some people some grief and maybe more.

Philippines Scams & Warnings

https://www.facebook.com/groups/philippineswarnings/

Join today

The Restobar Business

One of the most popular businesses started by many expats is a small bar and restaurant, usually targeting foreigners. The main focus is to provide a place for other foreigners to meet and hang out. Most of these types of establishments aim to provide simple and affordable western style foods. Sometimes providing food is very secondary to the business.

Read more here:

http://retiretophilippines.com/the-restobar-business

Plan to build your dream home in the Philippines?

The first thing you need to be aware of is that foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines.

However, you can own a condo or a townhouse as long as the complex is 60% owned by Filipinos. The problem is not all of us want to living in a condo or townhouse.

A foreigner can own a building, and this makes it possible to lease land for specified period and build their dream house. A lease period is typically 20 or 50 years but can even be 99 years. More than enough for someone that just wants to build a retirement home. You need to get a lease agreement drawn up by an attorney.

If you have a Filipino partner then you have the option of buying land in their name. There are ways to maintain control over the property even if you cannot legally own it. This usually involves setting up a corporation and again requires drawing up a legal agreement.

You can also buy land in a child’s name. This might be better than entrusting the title to a partner. If put in a child’s name it can be protected against other family members that might want to misappropriate it. This type of situation happens a lot. Again you need an attorney.

If you 100% trust your partner or really do not care about the possibility of losing the property one day you can just purchase the land in their name.

Building your brand new retirement dream home in the Philippines is exciting but this is not something I would jump into. The process can be a highly stressful and frustrating one, or even worse.

If you have not spent a lot of time in the Philippines my advice is not to jump into purchasing anything. The dream location you have in mind might not be where you really want to be after you have spent some time and explored other locations. Renting to start with is always the best option.

See my video about Noise Considerations as an example of the types of things to investigate before deciding where to live.

For an in depth book on Philippines property you can’t go past the Philippines Property Primer by Perry Gamsby.

http://retiretophilippines.com/build-retirement-dream-home-philippines/

Send money to Philippines

I had problems with Western Union refusing to deposit money more than once. Money laundering provisions I am told. Called them and end up talking to some idiot in India who asks the same question. What are the fund for. You tell them they are living expenses such as food, the IDIOT just repeats the question. AND talking about a few hundred dollars.

I use and recommend this service.

Cleared the next day related for bank transfers and deposits.

Not sure about the send money for collection service.

Thing is with orbit it can all be done online.

https://orbitremit.com/r/qn30zq

Disclosure - I do get a free transfer if others join up via this link.

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