tropicalpenpals.com A UK - Philippines family

You probably read this and will either think good idea, to late or too soon. Simply there is no time like the present to setup your retirement. Im not one for banks or reliance on any financial institute because quite simply they are there to make THEM money from yours. If the markets shift down you lose.. if they go up you gain a little. Point being there are easier ways to make money. Dont get me wrong you will always need an income. But property rentals or small businesses that can generate incomes or can be run for a small amount of time would probably be a better option. So if your reading this you are probably thinking about how to retire and if your thinking about it this is the right time to start doing something about it.Dont rely on a pension fund that you have paid into for X amount of years because its not inflation proof and if youve got a good pension you have more than likely had a good income up until then so wont be too worried. Either way you should start looking to sprout roots. The advantages the Philippines has over many countries is the weather and cheap employment. Aswell as the ability to own cheap property if you have a Filipino party who you trust with the assets. Otherwise maybe better at looking at renting back in your homeland and renting in the Philippines. Each country has different variables for properties so I would strongly advise a lot of research before any commitments. Myself the UK is over inflated about to have a bubble burst and a deflation in houses but not on the same way as the U.S. quite simply we have to many migrants a house going bust can be easily filled with potential tennants. But buying a house I cant justify for the long-term in the UK. So im heading home to Cebu and developing houses there with my wife. This not only gives us the benefit of an income but a long-term stable income at that. I believe for any investments you need to look over everything to make sure the decisions are right and that its right for you. Property is something that can go good or bad if being constructed by yourselves in any country. But I know of many horror stories from materials being stolen by the builders, overcharging and money theft to name but a few. You need to be either on the ground or have someone with authority and can be trusted to represent you. You will be seen often as the “rich kano” so stealing from you isnt seen to much as a crime because you can afford to lose it…right?? Well simple answer to this is be ruthless dont cut slack and if you give an inch make sure the people are aware why. Dont act without reason and if working with a bonus system for working harder etc. Pay the workers in food not extra money, the food is benefit to all money is likely to end up being drunk and a sick worker for the following day. Before anyone shouts this as a racist comment its not its worldwide. You have any construction workers give them a heavy bonus and they drink it. Ive been there, done it and got the T Shirt. I was a contract carpenter for many years and when on the bigger contracts alcohol was normal after a working day and spending $500 a week just in bars was accepted with all the guys I worked with. Then $5000 a week was being earned. Point being pay in food if you can otherwise you could damage your own productivity. Monitor what equipment you have and book it all back in at night. Deal with the materials yourself or with someone who can be trusted as there is likely to be things disappearing quicker than you can count it. Best advice is be there yourself if possible so you can see how things work. This will also give you the opportunity to understand the working methods as they differ from the west considerably. Something that gave me frustration when trying to complete a job that with the right mix takes 2hrs in the UK but in RP with cement several days.
Business investments for retirement can be very high risk in the Philippines so strongly advise looking around for other ideas if possible. The problems with corruption, competition and jelous locals could scare the best of us. Aswell as possibility of imprisonment or death.
So just take your time over looking at new avenues of business.

I have no money to invest!
Ok well there are more ways to make money than your currently looking at. If you browse the forum for small business ideas it will give you an idea of things to look at.
http://www.forums.tropicalpenpals.com/

Not every idea is going to suit you but the list is just to give you some ideas to get started. There are lots of jobs people quite simply cant be bothered to do or dont have the time to do. Setting these up on a few hours a night or every other weekend etc. Will soon build a fund. I advise banking it seperate to your general funding this way you can see a “retirement fund” growing. Which if you play things right and invest a little of it here and there in ideas and expansion you will start to develop a small business geared towards your retirement. Hopefully not before you get too old.. Aswell as managing your existing employment which keeps the bills paid.

What are you going to do in the Philippines? Well you will be surprised at how many people spend a lot of time doing a little but seem to be tired by the end of the day. Day to day things run a lot slower in RP and one thing you will learn is there is no rush!! this is what your gaining in life.. a world that has time for everything and your well being.. chatting with neighbours, visiting houses for dinner, having people over. Many of the routine things that are now missing in the West. There is also sailing,boating,diving,treking,motorbiking,exploring islands to name but a few things to fill your time.
I love the Philippines and I hope you will do too.

I dont have all the answers but one thing i will say “START PLANNING AND DOING NOW” put it off and before you know it a couple of years have past and you still havent started. I would love to know peoples ideas and things they get upto regarding aiming for retirement. Please add your replies.

What makes the Philippines different from my birth place of the UK to the point I call Cebu City my home? The reasons are many some can be explained some need to be experienced. A lot of other people I know have had the same thoughts as the plane touches down on the tarmac.
The first thing as you approach the islands is the beautiful green lands and sea that you can see below you. Once the plane stops the excitement has already begun to build. You exit the plane and get hit with the warm heat, an almost perfect climate where its not as hot as florida and not as cold as europe in winter. Then your visit begins. Some things may bother you more if your in another part of the world such as the Taxi drivers trying to overcharge on the off chance your just a nieve foreigner who wont grumble at paying double because the prices are so low. But this and the fact that nothing is urgent is part of life here. But its partly why I love it so much. People are generally nice and everywhere you go you will see a smile or here a “hey Joe” (saying left from WWII). Regardless of where you are from you will always be thought to be Kano (American).

The food in the Philippines especially in the cities is abundant and varied. From Japanese Sushi
to Kenny Rogers chicken. Big difference I find though is the price. Expect to be paying around $20 for more than you can eat in a nice restaurant for 2. Me and my wife normally have 2 main courses, Calamari while we wait and drinks, plus leave a tip for less than P1,000

Hotels Expect to be paying around P1,600 depending on what you are looking for and the length of your stay. For example you can source a house rental for P10,000 a month with a bit of hunting around. The hotels vary a lot and advise just booking as you go not because I expect the hotel standards to be low but quite simply allows you to move around and with the prices so low you can get to see more of this beautiful country.

What to see there are the usual things with tropical islands such as the diving, yachting, snorkling, wind surfing etc. but there is also jungle treks. Trips up into the mountain regions which is very beautiful. Visiting Santo Nino (church in cebu). If you are here for a 2 week stretch you will find not enough time in the day. If your here for a few months strongly advise travelling round and most importantly meeting the people of the Philippines who generally are a friendly population that are proud to have you as a visitor to theyre country.

Shopping is fantastic for clothing but many other items are cheap and nasty chinese imports you are better to avoid. Electronics better to get a flight to Hong Kong on the way out the Philippines home to get the best deals or head into other countries which are heavy into electronic production and not heavily taxed on the import of the goods.
Things to avoid the southern Island of Mindanao I have heard good and bad stories for. Especially around Davao. Personally I havent visited the area and with there still ongoing problems with terrorism I would advise to avoid. Manila has been the target for bombings although I believe that its as likely there as it is in London, have visited Manila myself and found it a safe city. Some people say avoid driving but personally I use a scooter to get around because not only does it give you the freedom of being able to come and go as you please, cut through traffic jams and get anywhere quicker than others. But you can take photos when you see things which you couldnt do in a car being driven by someone or by yourself. If you drive a car be aware you are in a country where you may be blamed for whatever happens in an incident quite simply because of your wealth and nationality. Your not wealthy? your in a third world country you will always be seen as wealthy and be expected to pick up the tab for an accident. I would advise a scooter or motorbike for anyone who is confident on the road and can keep your eyes open.

Corruption there is corruption running through anything involving the government and bribes are often expected as a “express fee” but to be honest the amounts are very small and generally speed up things such as having paperwork processed for visa extensions.

My advise visit the Philippines dont be flash with the cash split your money around your body incase of a robbery as it is possible. Dont argue with someone or raise your voice as this can be dangerous due to someone losing face pass the problem to someone local but keep your cool. Dont wear any jewellery you dont need and a cheap watch. Nothing worse than losing something that is personal or expensive and both could happen very easily if its glittering from your arm or neck. You are in a country where people struggle to eat each day. Do enjoy your holiday and keep to areas you know are not black spots such as Colon Street at night.

Posted by Matt at 02:11 0 comments
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About Me

Matt
Worcester, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
Im Matt primarily an engineer and building Inspector. Im from the UK and 34. My wife is April who comes from The Philippines.

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Do long distance relationships work?
The simple answer is they CAN doesnt mean its an easy road and certainly not suitable for many. Most people I have come across since I began dating my now wife have had mine fields of things go wrong and right. Ask them would they do it again to get the woman they love the answer will always be the same. But after talking with some Filipino women I know you begin to understand how hard things can be.

When you here about a guy crying on the eve of leaving his girlfriend behind in a foreign country as he heads back to his country of work things become more obvious. The love many find in the woman from the Philippines and other parts of asia are the women they have spent a life time seeking where morals, family loyalty and respect that hasnt been changed by western influences. Many people will say these women are seeking passports and wallets for which I can agree with some but not all. My wife for example lives in the Philippines and we have no interest in moving to the UK. Im not a rich man and never have been. BUT I can say all women are looking for security not only financial but a one woman man. Many have been cheated in the past and believe that a western guy is less likely to cheat. Which may sound bizarre but many are like me they have found a woman they are content with and no longer need to seek another and may have even changed some peoples view of women.

Getting back to the can it work the answer is Yes but there is a lot of heartache involved and a lot of being apart which makes things very difficult at times. Also due to the internet and its ways there have been many cottage scamming industries appearing in the East and the Philippines as many other countries suffers with these. Strong advice NEVER send any money. The problems were there before you came along leave them alone.. many will be pure lies from some of the women you will meet and some will be true. The differences between the two can be so suttle you may not notice the difference between a loyal loving woman needing help and a thief and con artist. My advise on this will always be if its so urgent go and see for yourself take 2 weeks off work, perfect reason to visit. If its all fake then youll know within no time and save a lot of heartache and worry and if genuine you will get to meet in person. The fact being most Asian women will not ask for money out of pride and it “not being the right thing".

How to spot a scammer you can buy my E-book for $10.00 and its likely to save you at least $1000 there are many traits hidden within conversations and they are not all straight for the cash many will work months on building your trust before they start harvesting theyre work with sick relatives needing medicine etc.

The positive side being many people I have delt with or met have been scammed in various forms but they have also met theyre match with another women, so dont think everyone is out to rob you because they arent. But there are many horror stories purely down to the simple maths. If you meet a geniune woman she may be talking to you and a couple of other guys until you know each other better and things become more progressive. A scammer can be talking to many guys, which is why the horror stories seem to show up more and also the fact most people are happily married.. when did you last read a newspaper story saying “hey everyones happy and nothing really happened lately?” simple answer no one cares about what good things are happening it doesnt make the news.

The dating game it takes many months to meet someone and build up the confidence and thoughts that I really want to meet this person. But it can be well worth the visit and wait and in my case im living proof. My experiences are mainly related to the Philippines so dont expect me to have all the answers. But one thing I will say is be patient your girlfriend is in a country that suffers with powercuts, telephones down and water that is on and off daily. So if you dont hear from her for a few days could be quite simply there is no electricity. Which has happend to myself on a few occassions same with mobile phone networks. Terrorism still exists here and one of the things blown up regular are Global communication towers (mobile phone masts). Your girlfriends life will be pretty harsh to come to as a reality and understanding what is what will take a bit of time. I was suprised when I got to the Philippines although not an OMG situation it was something I will remember. Not all things will be large enough to make a fuss but lots of little things such as having a large water container that you fill each time water is available so you can Pot wash because there is no running water for the shower when you get home at night. The culture shocks will be pretty big if youve lived in a part of the world where everything runs efficent and there is little poverty or crime.

Dating I would strongly advise visiting after you have known a bit about each other also if you have any doubts about things make sure your 100% about things before committing to anything serious. You are dealing with a country that has a lot of poor over 70% of the population and although your girlfriend may be wonderful she may have members of family creating pressure on her because “YOU” yes YOU are a millionaire. anyone earning more than around $20,000 or £10,000 makes you a millionaire and that amount goes a long way in the Philippines so be warned your new found love maybe the best thing since sliced bread but there are many who are willing to part a fool from his money.

The relationship can work and will work as long as you “both” are sure you can make it work there is a lot of deception which breeds from poverty and also the fact you being so rich that you can afford to lose it. Sound like a bad answer?? then your in the wrong mental state for long-term relationship. The problems in the Philippines arent yours you may be able to help in some ways but in many you will come out worse off. I have many examples and experiences I have come over which include helping members of family which then meant the guy was expected to help all members of family purely because theyre related. Other things included another person buying a motorcycle for a relation to run a small business and they ran the bike into the ground not even buying oil for it. Then expected the guy to repair the bike for them. My strongest advice dont get involved unless your prepared for the headaches that could follow. Dont give anything if your expecting anything back (many loans are seen as gifts and never even expected to be repaid). If you can get round this and you will get the support of your your girlfriend soon to be wife then your on to a happier and more fufilling life.

Ive been in the UK since the end of January and realised that the world here is not the same as the one I left only months before. There is a serious under current of hate stirring up and generally people would have thought in the past of Racism. But its not its purely directed at the Government for letting things fall apart so quickly. Im no expert but there is some major problems which seem to be totally ignored by the government. Schools and medical services are overrun. Crime rates are sky high and rocketing and Government sit there doing nothing. Makes me wonder why. But the truth is all I can see is a country selling out its Population for personal gain. Things may not seem as clear as day right now. But Tony Blair who is looking for that first European President position how can you secure such a job?? Unless you can get support of other countries.. maybe a lot of Ex-Eastern block ones maybe?
Truth is as a British Citizen Born and bred I and my fellow country people deserve better. If the country gets to the stage of civil war I hope every MP that has made this mess get what they deserve. You are in a
Position of responsibility not a position of self gain. I didnt vote for labour like many others but the fact that most people didnt vote is a major problem but the truth is no-one has any faith in the politicians they are all as corrupt and self obsessed as each other. Someone get me someone we can believe in PLEASE!!

Either way the damage done with the present government which involves leaving troops stranded for years in Iraq and Afghanistan and no clear strategy to exit is beyond me. But then to sell its population to europe well all I can say the tax increases these idiots are creating here will only end up with either the civil war breaking out or more likely the same as the government of the past with the “brain Drain”
Similar to what happens in the Philippines with its medical staff seeking higher salaries. This is happening in the UK and increasing yearly.. why does it effect the country so much??
Simply because you cant fill he void of experience. Yes you can create new recruits but that is something else that no-longer exists in the UK there is no Apprenticeships and there is no backing for school leavers. I would advise anyone these days in the UK to look at the bigger picture and where they want to be in the future. For me its the Philippines with my wife and children. But there I will begin retraining and studying to generate extra incomes by working overseas at least 3 months of each year.
You may think i sound a bit argumentative or negative but its the opposite. I just wish there was something I could do to fix this UK problem but the elections are too far away and there is no opposition worth putting an X in the box. We are SOLD OUT whoever takes power because change means decisions and no politician will risk being unpopular. There is talk about the new budget not being hard enough.. the problem is nothing to do with budgets its to do with immigration and asylum. 800,000 Polish
people arrived in the UK in under 12 months thats just crazy and doesnt include all the other Eastern Europeans with free rights of access. I know Tony Blairs answer to this previously was that we could work in Poland etc..But what the village idiot either doesnt understand or doesnt care about is its a salary of less than £300 a month there!! With the Brain Drain starting again in the UK the high level jobs worldwide will be taken by Expats who are distancing themselves from the UK and the way its become.
I am more proud to be part of the Philippines than being British all I feel from the UK is sold out and
betrayed and every person ive spoken to since my arrival feels the same.

Many things move and many things have stopped lately due to changes in life.. and the beginning of a new member of family our daughter. But it also gave time for reflection and the slow work suddenly took a turn for the better.. First major contract came in my wife went into the beginning of labour just before I started my first hour at work and I got a text to say our baby has been born on route back an hour on route.. Not just a beautiful child but the bringer of luck. Things are about to get back on track after losing several weeks waiting for work to come in and the new contract just about covers the time lost. So no real time is lost.. so just about back on budget.
The formation of the family also has brought everyone closer together and its good watching my wife with Kik (our daughters nickname). But also puts everything into context and how everything needs to be a success and the thought of just trying isnt good enough.. A lot more thought goes into ideas but will all take time to get in motion. But will happen.. as and when possible. If you are looking at doing the same you need to sit and make realistic targets and look at what you can do if country hopping for work. The influx of polish workers made it difficult to drop into manual labour this time. So one of the things I will be doing before returning home to Cebu is qualifying as a HGV Driver (truck driver) so at worst on my next visit I should be able to pick up almost instant work.. Its funny how im virtually an immigrant in the UK except without the passport hassles of overseas workers. But watch this space things are starting to move!