I turned 45 a few days ago. My girlfriend turns 20 next week. I have brought the age difference between us on numerous occasions and have insisted that she talk it over with her mother, older sisters and older cousins before we marry. It remains an across-the-board 'Good to Go.' My mother, the old Irish aunts, and the wives of my friends are going to be absolutely scandalized. I dread the looks that are going to fall upon her as they ricochet off of me. I could pass for late 30's but am pleased to be graying nicely, but, she could pass for an HS sophmore on the cheerleading squad. I am 6 two, she five foot with sandals. Question: Is there a patron saint of odd couples? A tailsman perhaps, to protect her from the evil spirits of grizzled old battle-axe's while I am in the loo at a family function, or something? She would wilt and sob for three days if she were to get one harsh look. Mike Donnellan When my wife arrived here last May, I was very aware of the looks by many people (some I'm sure I imagined, LOL). I remember being in Flemington, NJ at the outlets, shopping for a wedding dress with her and and we had to pass thru this group of very senior citizens outside one store. This lady gave me the coldest look, but as her husband (?) gave us a smile, she poked him in the stomach and he went back to a sad look, LOL. Saturday we went to the Edison Diner after bowling (we were with another Fil-AM couple; the husband looks like he's in his 30's) and as I headed thru the crowd to register for a table, the hostess said ""these people were ahead of you"", I turned to see my friends LOL. Don't really care anymore, I'm very happily married now and that's a first!

I think we have all gone through this, but one nice thing about marring a Filipina is your family will just love her, I would talk it over with the family first and the rest will be history, I'm also 6'2 and my wife is 4'9 1/5 she makes me put that 1/5 in there...hehehe! no worries! Ingat po!

Always welcome in canada, you buy though..lol just kidding, Canada is just like the states except your money is worth more

Just to put in my two cents, I am American retired USAF GI, but I have never had a prob with the Canadians, the political system works the way it does and but at least being free countries we can do that. So my friend...hope to meet ya some day there...lets enjoy and have a cold one and let the kids play.

In North Carolina, we call them REDNECKS and they don't like anything but their DOG and PICKUP TRUCK. They love to talk and think they know everything they write notes on TOILET PAPER and think it is a novel ??? As far as most Americans, go we like everyone because we are a nation of all nations. So just stop the replies and they go away.

I am sure you are right a small 2 to 3oc set back will save cost when your away from home and will require only a small boast of power when you return. Are you agreeing with my friend however that keeping all rooms at or around the same temperature saves on fuel costs, I am uncertain from your response. Thanks your professional opinion is most apreciated

Dumaguete, a hi all, my experiences in PI is that you get very used to the weather and temps. Back in the states 8 yrs now, I still need a/c set @ 80 and heater @72-3. About 18 mos will change your preferences I think. When I move back, 6/03 0r 6/04 will not think of a/c. Just not worth the expences. If it gets that hot, then its time to go bar hopping and shoot some pool. Just carry a towel to mop up the sweat if engaged in any physical activies. Yes, including that

While doing the expatriate thing in Ireland I went out on a date with a school teacher. Over diner she expressed sincere sympathy for the September 11 attacks and asked what the actual mood was like back home. I responded that it was very similar to that in the days following Pearl Harbor. She looked at me and earnestly asked, ""What's Pearl Harbor?"" She was from a middle class background and had a master's degree.

I had a girlfriend who watched Fox News with me and had never really watched an American newscast before. After some time of scrutinizing what she was hearing... she asked me why we have so many presidents. I told her, of course, the U.S. only has ONE president. Then she mentioned several presidents and prime ministers from England, Australian, Germany, and various other ""white"" countries that she had digested from the newscasts.... and pointed out that all the ""countries"" in the Philippines only have ONE president which is ""Gloria"". After some discussion... it was clear to me that her conception of the world was quite different from ours. To her... all the white people were ONE country... and names like U.S., Canada, England, were merely the same as ""Luzon"", ""Cebu"" and ""Masbate"" to her. When asked about Japan or China... all I got was a blankstare. Whew!

some years back while visiting sagada/mtn.province i bumped into some npa who asked me if i was american.i promply replied ""no,i'm canadian."" they replied ""but canada is part of north america""... hmmm...guess that made me an american.they went on to say if the philippines had laws like we do in the west they wouldn't be up there fighting....guess so.anyways i'm no flag-waiver,we all have checkered pasts.an interesting subject in a group of mixed foreigners is ""what's the most disgusting thing your country's done in its history?"

I will give u credit for thinking. Great Idea, not. Once you learn where all the hotels, apartelles, pensione houses, ktv bars, restaurants, bikini bars and cetain places of entertainment where 1 may find a selection of ladies, you work about 15 hours a day, 7 days a week, and realy play the tourists not to mention gratuities to many people who hold positions that do require a little grease to keep the system working, I truly think you might make as much as 15-20,000 php or 150-200 USD a month. Something like USD $0.444 per hour.

Regarding age, I'm on your side Tim. I'm 60 but I still feel, think and act like 40 and look like 55. The light of my life is 37 and doesn't blink an eye at my age. In fact we plan on a family. I'm not about to let some nit who was old at 30 tell me I'm to old to do anything. My gramps lived to be 104, and worked until he he was 90. God willing I'm following the old boy, and I plan on living while I'm here. James Williams tim hartlieb Hi All, I'm new to the site and would like to thank everyone for the great info. This is one i had to respond to!! I have belonged to several dating sites here in the US and met many women around my age through them (I'm 55). I am debt free and have an impressive net worth in the form of my 120 acre ""yard"", and enjoy simple thing's. Most of the women i have met are interested in me until i tell them i collect ssd, do volunteer work and enjoy life. In the dating site of aol, where one choses the desired earnings of their ""match"" the majority of women have AT LEAST 35K...so who are the gold diggers? I am in good shape and quite active, and when i talk of exercise they seem to think i'm talking about a stroll through the mall or walking from the car into the restaurant...and i cringe at the word's, ""when you get to be our age"" that i have heard so many times. I'm sorry but that just ain't for me!! Chip you mentioned the Edison diner?...I know it well...lived in North Brunswick for 20 plus yrs.

batangas is so big!! which part of it you are willing to stay? how many are you???

I like Negros Oriental, Not to crowded, nice place to live mostly foriegners live there at least they run the businesses.If you like a place with Germans Canadians English Americans Chinese than you will love Negros Oriental Dont be afriad Just dont tell everyone about it.

You have just named my three favourite cities, Cebu, Davao and Ormoc. Unmarried I believe I would choose Cebu but as I have family connections in Leyte, Ormoc City would be my preference for retirement. I have a friend in Australia who has three book stores in the Philippines. They sell mostly technical books for students. He is always saying how well they are doing but they are obviously not doing well enough for him to retire from his job in Australia.

I am seeking a vacation rental house, small, for thirty days starting September 1, 2003. Prefer Luzon but would consider other locations. Want to sample what living in the Philippines would be like so don't want to do a resort/hotel thing.

Hello everybody, this might be in the extensive archives but I couldn't find it. I'm going to Cebu soon and want to bring my camcorder. I know the battery won't last for four weeks, so I was wondering if I should buy an electrical converter here or wait till I get there. Thanks for your advise

I'm new in this group and have searched for some information about Internet connectivity, without much luck. Before I state my question, I've read quite a bit in this group and it really seems like there are some super people in here providing much of detail for those interested in the Philippines. Thanks so much to all of you, your posts are great! Okay, now about the Internet... I saw something about pre-paid cards, but no detail. I'll be in the Cebu and Butuan City (Mindanao) areas in June or July of this year and need the best options available for a 24x7 type connection should something come up at my work here in the states that I need to address. I'll be in a hotel the first part of the trip in Cebu, but then in a private residence in Mindanao the remainder (possibly travelling around a bit, plans not yet completed). I have a stand-by AOL account for my laptop, but surcharges appear to be about $6/hour for using their service. Because I'll be in Mindanao most of the time, would it be even feasible to have some type of connection (cable or other) ran to this private residence while I am there? If it's available, cost is not so much the consideration over my need for access... somebody stated around $60 or so per month I think. Are there any minimum contracts for this type of service? If a reply contains information about local dial-up, are the phone jacks standard US style? What about Electrical outlet styles, do I need to bring any conversion plugs (I'm assuming voltage is either 110v or 220v) I know there are Cafe's about, but that won't work at all times because of problems happening here in the states during the day, which would be in the middle of the night there. Thanks for any input/feedback that can be provided!

you wrote that America has never started a war. I beg to differ. The War of Independance was started by the very first ""Americans"". The War of 1812 was started by Americans invading Canada, The Mexican War of the 1840's was also started by the USA, and don't forget the American Civil War. America started several wars against various Indian (Native American) nations, as well as The Spanish American War that was followed by the Americans invading the Philippines (at that time a soveriegn and independant nation). America more recently has started a war in Grenada, as well as the current Iraq War (who invaded who?). America also invaded Russia in 1918 but since the locals were already at civil war, perhaps that doesn't count? If you wish to debate the foreign policy of the US government and military history, feel free. I have some very definite opinions I am sure would get you reaching for your keyboard to broadside a reply bristling with indignity at the temerity of anyone saying anything negative about the good ole USA.

You know, when the first wife ran off with a rich bugger, I put an ad in my local paper for a housemate to share the expenses. I ended up with an 18 year old stunner and of course, although 35 at the time, I was too good to resist. My friends used to tell me, ""Perry, it will never last"" and I'd reply, ""it's not meant to!"" After a few months she went off found a younger man (34) and they were married and so on. Now with Filipina's it is different, truly. They value the maturity that comes with age, as well as the security and better lifestyle. Don't worry about her holding her own with the family. Any that don't fall under her spell within a week or two are beyond help and not worth worrying about. She is tough, resourceful and a survivor. She will find her feet, just be there for her.

I turned 45 a few days ago. My girlfriend turns 20 next week. I have brought the age difference between us on numerous occasions and have insisted that she talk it over with her mother, older sisters and older cousins before we marry. It remains an across-the-board 'Good to Go.' My mother, the old Irish aunts, and the wives of my friends are going to be absolutely scandalized. I dread the looks that are going to fall upon her as they ricochet off of me. I could pass for late 30's but am pleased to be graying nicely, but, she could pass for an HS sophmore on the cheerleading squad. I am 6 two, she five foot with sandals. Question: Is there a patron saint of odd couples? A tailsman perhaps, to protect her from the evil spirits of grizzled old battle-axe's while I am in the loo at a family function, or something? She would wilt and sob for three days if she were to get one harsh look.

What has any of this got to do with living in the Philippines? There are other lists out there where you can comment on current affairs, but this list is for the topic stated, living, retiring, doing business etc in the Philippines. Obviously there is a glitch with the moderators access but maybe we can all be adults and play fair while mommy and daddy are out? Let's keep the sabre rattling down to a minimum, put away the bunting and keep focussed on the topic at hand. I note that the main offenders are not regular contributors but seem to have seized the opportunity to post. Is that because you have bugger all to say on the topic and have the need to say something? If so, please find another list or get back on topic. Perry and the Anonymous Bear ( who would not dare show his paws if the list was moderated.)

My P10K per month is for a house only about 1,200 sq foot. That is air all nite and 50% of the day. This is on Leyte, Tacloban City. No insulation and the windows are not double payne. I would expect at least P15K and more per month cooling a 2,600 sq foot house.Not so sure of the efficiency of going with central air. I believe large wall units would be more efficient. Why cool the whole house at nite or any time when you are only in one area usually. Not saying it would not be nice to have, but just more expensive I would think.

To each their own. Some people can tolerate being sweaty all day and some don't. I for one prefer not to be most of the time.

Yes, there is a patron saint to protect her from all negative encounters *you* We have been married for 11 extremely happy years, I' m 66 my wife is 43. My immediate family is very close, and a little strange,I guess, because we accept individual choices and are very supporative of each other.

My wife is 35 and I'm 59. I would not be so much concerned about the age difference as I would about your girlfriend's youth -- if that makes sense. Some 19 year olds are still immature teenagers, others quite mature. I have teenage kids myself and the thought of being married to one is pretty scary! Just to be forewarned about what can happen IF things go wrong, you might want to read, ""A Long Way to Go for a Date"" -- the account of the disastrously failed relationship between a 48 year-old Canadian college professor and an 18 year old Filipina beauty queen. It's available on Amazon. I'm not saying that your situation, which I know nothing about, is similar. I was like you -- I agonized over the age difference issue. Was I being fair to her etc. Now that we've been married for six months, it seems a non-issue. All who meet my wife like her instantly. Your old Irish aunts might think you're a pervert but I suspect they'll adore her and take her side whenever possible.

Just go ahead and scandalize all the people you want too. Please don't feel like the odd couple. I was 6foot 3inches and the ex was 4foot 11inches.Mike when they give you the dirty look just give them a big smile in return, then they can really be jealous of what you have found. Your angel!!!! I am 56 and g/f is 30. Don't know what will happen when I go for visit soon. Age means nothing if you are really in ""love"". I say go for it. It is between you and your angel. It doesn't really concern the others. Your life will be what ever you and your angel make it to be. Remember people always have to have somebody to gossip about(lol).

Sounds to me like you're doing things backwards. You asked about the $50G deposit... and said you are ""in the process"" of buying a condo.You can... and should... keep the cash FOR YOUR DEPOSIT to get your retirement visa. And THEN you are allowed to use that to buy a condo. But you'll have to do it in that order.

Politics and religion have caused more fights than anything else in the world, since the begining of time. We should all try to live in peace with our neighbors, not matter who they are.

Double glazed windows coated with reflective covering are available here in Cebu City. Little expensive initially, but then compared tp electicity and your comfort level over many years, maybe not so expensive.

I was thinking the same thing. Jerry first says you get used to the heat... then he mentions carrying the towel to mop up the sweat. No... I, for one, want to be cool ALL the time. But I still want to live in the Philippines. So I guess I will just have to resign myself to the fact that electricity will be a major budget item.

frys is my husbands favorite toy store. one is opening close to our house in a couple of weeks. also my cousin is going to Bacolod in june, she could take it that far. where are you

Since I have yet to start building my house in Maramag I am still wondering about how I should set up my hot water. Instead of having 'instant' hot water heaters at every faucet I was thinking of putting a tank on the roof and let the sun heat it for me. The tanks are usually galvanized metal and quite shiny. They look nicer than if I painted one black. Would it make a big difference if I left it in the original state? I don't expect to have boiling water by any means, just not that icy cold from the well.