Hi Bob, I am so glad you are coming back to normal.....you gave us a scare my friend.....so Happy New Year to you and your family......I am sure 2002 will be a great year for you....I am counting on it.......BO Larry ""BO"" Bossaller Broker/Salesperson, ABR, F500MM, GRI REMAX Boone Realty 573 876-2887 toll-free: 1-888-252-0301

Dear friends, Excuse me for the double posts. When I send the posts out they stay in my outbox so I can't tell I sent them. And they do not show up in the sent items. I sent several people seven thinking I sent one. I will reinstall Window to correct this. Until I do I will not post again. The last post were edited and spell checked and may make better reading. Good to have you back in such good spirits, Bob. Thank you for your posts as always important to us all. Thank you for understanding.

It's wonderful news that you are improving daily. I was allot choked up when you began posting again. There is allot of caring here on the list, and you are a big part of that. We're going to get to Davao yet, but it looks like we'll cash poor. I'm just trying to get togther enough to move, but as you know, the income should be sufficient to live fairly well, if we can stay well. I understand there is no medical insurance for those over 65.

Yep, I think Common Sense is my weapon of choice, also. All and All, I do feel safe here and try not to live in a overly protected bubble. I think Jim should respect his sweeties wish, whatever the motivation, and only she knows. It will be like having a letter of introduction wherever he goes. The people in Manila have been very kind to us. I rarely notice when I am almost mashed by a jeepney. I have stopped noticing being observed by the people in a crowd. I find that the Filipino's love my evil, blond headed littlest boy. I suspect the fact that he is a total imp helps. Children really break any ice. I haven't had any problem with Filipinas being attracted to me. My husband finds it amusing when his is approached (that is his story and I am letting him stick to it.) Here is a possible job idea. Many of the Philippine media production companies are looking for voice talent. They are interested in non-accented American dialect. It is one of those things, your voice is right or it isn' t, it is interesting, short term work.

You could try applying at Software Ventures International ( www.svi.com.ph), Corporate Information Solutions in Ortigas Center, Pasig or Microsoft Great Plains in Libis, Quezon City. They're companies providing software solutions to local and international clients. Accenture and Headstrong also have offices in Makati. I know SVI hired an Australian lady as one of their managers. Just don't know whether the salary she gets is the same as her local counterparts or it could be higher. SVI has a branch in the States, SVI America. There's also Sykes Asia, an American company (I think), with a call center here.

Did you ever get your language tutoring started? If you did, how is that going? Glad you're feeling better.

Thanks for the detailed explanation Jeff, Throughout the years we have heard many complaints about the room rate policies you have mentioned. When the more successful economies of Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Bali offer EXTREME DISCOUNTS for famous 5 Star Hotel rooms the Manila Hotels of the same class don't budge.

ABSOLUTELY NO WORRIES JIM, Since 1980 I have NEVER carried a weapon and have always thought carrying a weapon may get someone in more trouble than being unarmed. The BEST weapon is COMMON SENSE and turning a bind eye toward friendly greetings from any busy, populated or market area

Have FUN at the wedding and keep the San Miguel cold. Seems like life in the Philippines is centered around FIESTAS. That's one reason I love it there.

Dear San Carlos visitor, Make sure your hosts know about what you want to do. They will make it happen. The Philippines is amazingly hospitable. You should be prepared to pick up the tab - but often they won't let you do it, so you might be thinking of gifts to bring. Don't ask what you are eating, before you eat it. The balut, the green mango, the tuba, the dugodugo can all be tasty and fun to eat or drink, if you try it first. You might learn about many new foods and dishes. You will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of FRESH fruits that not only look like fruits, but taste wonderful. Where you are going, and nearly all of the Philippines is SAFE. Kids will be curious about you. Go to observe, listen, have fun, and get to know your fiancée better. You will find lots to do, if you are curious, and everyone will want to entertain you - enjoy. If you are really concerned about what to do - pick up a Lonely Planet book on the Philippines. If you are really interested in understanding what is occurring around you, pick up a Culture Shock Philippines book. You should be able to order both off of my website. Jeff Jenks, C.T.C. - Owner - TRAVEL IS FUN E-mail: travelisfun@mich.com Call: 800 941-0049 Fax: 248 398-7859 Website ares to the Philippines, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, Central & South America. For reservations & a quote E-mail me travelers passport names, ages, dates of travel, city begin in, city going to, & a home phone number. Follow it up with a phone call. Call & visit our website for cruise & tour specials.

I second you Bill, Having spent 30 years in law enforcement, living in various places famous for violence, Gauteng (Johannesburg-Pretoria), South Africa and Atlanta USA, and having visited Manila several times, I totally agree with you. The ones who feel a need to arm for self-defense usually end up in the hospital (or the morgue)themselves. The best weapon is common sense!

Anyone know of a nice pension house in Cebu City with a rate in the +/-P600 range that takes credit cards? Have a friend that will need one for a couple of nights, but I know most don't accept cards. Even a hotel under P1,000 might be acceptable. Any suggestions?

You might want to try Tonrose Aartelle, Gorodo Ave 032 231 5201, tonros@cebu-i-next.net . 595 per day good for two, with aircon, CTV, tel, Ref. P12,000 monthly. If you stay there, tell them Living in the Philippines sent you, the manager. I am trying to get a discount for list members but so far they have ignored me, not even returning my call. I only recommend them because others who have stayed there have praised it. But you know how places like this are. Things change. The Park Place downtown formerly an excellent hotel in running down because of lack of income from tourist. No money for upkeep and they continue to lay off staff. I hope they don't run out of money for soap.

I have a bachelors degree and would like to get a masters degree in the Philippines. Partly to get a masters degree, partly to live overseas while I do it and see knew things. From looking at a few university websites, the rates seem extremely cheap. Does anyone know any tips on going to school in the Philippines?

Welcome to the list. Other members have gone the route you are asking about. I'm sure you will get answers. Maybe find some answers in our Archives also.

Maybe I'll just try the Tonrose when I get there next week. Where can I find a chiropractor or a good massage? I threw my back out shovelling some of Santa's favorite white stuff. Bah! humbug! Just what I needed before going for a two month vacation in that great country called Philippines. Leaving here on the 5th and arriving 8 or so AM on the 7th in Cebu. Can hardly wait. I'll surely give you a call. This is such a super group. Don Mulligan (I get extra strokes on the golf course with that name).

It depends upon what kind of degree you are looking for and what schools you are interested in. Most collages accept foreign students. Their websites abound and that would be a good place to start looking. Good luck!

I have a bachelors degree and would like to get a masters degree in the Philippines. Partly to get a masters degree, partly to live overseas while I do it and see knew things. From looking at a few university websites, the rates seem extremely cheap. Does anyone know any tips on going to school in the Philippines?

Maybe I'll just try the Tonrose when I get there next week. Where can I find a chiropractor or a good massage? I threw my back out shovelling some of Santa's favorite white stuff. Bah! humbug! Just what I needed before going for a two month vacation in that great country called Philippines. Leaving here on the 5th and arriving 8 or so AM on the 7th in Cebu. Can hardly wait. I'll surely give you a call. This is such a super group. Don Mulligan (I get extra strokes on the golf course with that name).

We usually stay at the Hotel De Mercedes at 7 Pelaez ST. Cebu Tel # 2531105. I think you can also find them on the net. The charge is around P600 a night with aircon. They take credit cards, and they are downtown within a block or two of several malls. The people are honest and friendly.

I am new to this Group. I am an attorney in California. I lived in the Philippines 1974-76. I am married toa Filipina (now U.S. Citizen). We are considering buying a place to stay when we visit until retirement. At retirement, we will probably want to stay in the Philippines a few months at a time and then come back to California where our two daughters live. I found your idea about voice-over talent interesting. I worked in radio for a fe years znd odo public address announcing at sports events on the side now. It would probably be enjoyable to do some voice-over work in the Philippines and meet some of the people in the business there. Do you have any suggestions regarding contacts there? Ed Burroughs

Yep, I think Common Sense is my weapon of choice, also. All and All, I do feel safe here and try not to live in a overly protected bubble. I think Jim should respect his sweeties wish, whatever the motivation, and only she knows. It will be like having a letter of introduction wherever he goes. The people in Manila have been very kind to us. I rarely notice when I am almost mashed by a jeepney. I have stopped noticing being observed by the people in a crowd. I find that the Filipino's love my evil, blond headed littlest boy. I suspect the fact that he is a total imp helps. Children really break any ice. I haven't had any problem with Filipinas being attracted to me. My husband finds it amusing when his is approached (that is his story and I am letting him stick to it.) Here is a possible job idea. Many of the Philippine media production companies are looking for voice talent. They are interested in non-accented American dialect. It is one of those things, your voice is right or it isn' t, it is interesting, short term work.

I agree Randy. But that area is very polluted and there are some bad boys arond there, not to mention some very bad girls. It is becoming known more and more as a place to procure drugs. Use your own judgment. It can be fun. Pete's kitchen is a good place to eat across the street, cheaper and better to my taste. But you do have to put up with the fumes from the street.

If you go over old mactan bridge on the right Pardo there is a couple of reasonably priced and clean pension houses, One is Captn Greggs which i have stayed in a couple of times owned by Dig an aussie guy P500 with Aircon do good food also And not far from the beaches on Mactan and golf courses

There are many small, start-up type media production companies in Manila. I was basically "pulled in off of the street." I had mentioned to a friend that I had done some radio voice work; the next week she got a call from a company looking for an American voice. They wanted "CNN" I am more "NPR." I didn't get the job. But they kept my audition in their call back file. I did some radio voice work during college which morphed into reading for an organization for the visually impaired in Nashville (books on tape and on-the-air reading of the Sunday Newspaper). Here is the company I worked with here in Manila Soundesign Productions Sound Design Inc. Unit 130 Mile Long Building Amorsolo St. Makati City Tel. 812-6715 or 812-6716 Fax 813-0597 E-mail: soundes@starnet.net.ph Attn: Bing A. Magay or Zedrin or Ron (no known last name on the last two)

All the universities in the Philippines are EXTREMELY cheap by American standards where education is treated like another income generating, consumer industry. I noticed a chart in a US NEWS article including the INFLATION costs since 1980 of most of the major industries like oil, steel, autos,airlines, housing, etc. and EDUCATION ranked # 2 with an 80% raise in costs. Why? because they know they have parents and ambitious students ""by the balls"" with NO COMPETITION. The BEST SCHOOLS in the Philippines are Ateneo, University of the Philippines ( UP )with several campuses, University of Santo Tomas ( UST ), and De La Salle University ,( not in necessarily in order ) have close relationships with graduate schools in the States. So if you intend to transfer your credits or degree back to the States for a doctoral degree in the future you should choose one of the above.

Thanks Karika, we are often asked by our budget traveler guests about any kind of temporary work available in Manila like movie extras etc. so I have saved your message so I can share it with our future Townhouse Hotel and Boracay Resort guests.

If you are looking for a highrise apartment, a condo, there is a incredible over supply of overpriced choices. Of course,one hour outside Manila the prices are more realistic. Look in the Manila Bulletin Classified ADS section of the SUNDAY newspaper or visit them on line. to get a good idea of prices and locations. There's alot of small roles for foreigners in TV shows and as movie extras also. Thanks Karika for your positive feedback regarding Manilans.

Subject: DONALTON, This is my answer to your post... dated Dec. 26, 2001. The subject was beheading. I can agree in most part of your paragraphs. GMA may be the best thing that ever happened to R.P., MAYBE! If you will read my post the way you read and interpret it, of course it is sickening, freightening and repulsive but not in any way a reflection of my mental illness. Let me tell you this...you read my post literally..

I know you, Joy, have PLDT, DSL. How do you rate it against others. So many are telling me it is still woefully slow, even after the upgrade. Would it be better to have Mozcom instead for speed though the monthly cost if you used it unlimited would be much more? Does anyone have any recommendations. I can recommend straying away from sky. They will not forward your mail when you leave, not for a day and not even if you pay. What kind of business is that? Or is that normal. So many get you in on loss leaders, then once you establish the address the prices go sky high. I hear the Rebel cards are good, too, when on promo and they almost always are. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

When I first came here I know they were seeking foreigners for this voice work and for movie extras. They were paying about 100 per day and lunch, but the peso was 9 to one, believe. Most of the day was spend on set waiting for something to happen. Movies are movies and extras are expected to grin and bear it even in the States, of course. Guys complained that most of the time was spend standing or sitting on the ground: no chairs, little water and occasional beer when they threatened to walk off. And the pay is not so good even in the developed countries even when you belong to the right unions for ""glamour"" work. I had a couple of offers and could have used the money. But it was so little and the days were so long I passed. Just the bus ride to the set was enough to turn me dissuade me, about two hours. . Now that there are few travelers here, there may be more demand. But the movies here have never been very profitable or known for big pay, since they have to compete with Hollywood blockbusters, usually ripped off. Radios and TV get by, but they too have a hard time. They pay less. It may be fun work, if you don't mind Filipino time, showing up for work and being the only one there, and can accept the low pay if you are lucky enough to get paid at all, and enjoy rice, fish and kang kong smothered in soy sauce for lunch. But there are many older male foreigners here, broke, but who don't want to go home and will except any job. When I was here first most were doing it for beer money. Those least in demand, are men my age. I had an Australian male friend, about 50, always broke, living off a Filipina mamasan in a del Pilar street bar. She got him in a movie so he could make a few pesos. He did not speak Tagalog and the movie was 95 percent Tagalog. He played a small part and said very little. What he said and did seemed innocent enough to him. His dialogue was in English. >From what he could figure out, he understood he was the kind father of a little Filipina mestisa girl, a child about eleven. He held her hand walking down the street in Manila, mostly on Mabini in Ermita. And he took her to several places there, a drug store, a movie and shopping while the cameras ran. They took pictures of him picking her up in a taxi several times. And then he took her to a set built in the province for more filming. He sang to her, bounced her on his knee in a fatherly way and put her to bed. Later, when the movie screened, he found he had played the part of a pedophile in a fairly popular movie. He had signed all the releases and had no recourse. His foreign friends delighted in his gullibility. With the locals he was constantly in trouble for existing. They all glared at him. He was occasionally threatened, though he had done nothing wrong except failing to be selective about his part, not uncommon for a novice actor. It was a hard way to make easy money. It almost drove him out of the country. Last I heard he was importing ham, a good change from his acting career, safer and more profitable. Teenagers are in the highest demand, blonds in particular, or they were at that time. There are very few here. And the ones who are don't usually need to work because their fathers have decent jobs with international companies. It is hot under the lights and hot under the sun. US movies take a long time to film. Filipino movies, an eternity. There is some demand for young Caucasian children too, I hear, for baby food commercials and such. I guess most of us are too old for that gig. Blond women are in demand for movies. And the Filipino men worship them, especially fat foreign blonds, well fed and prosperous looking.

There is a very good MBA program at the Ateneo Graduate School called Regis. It's accredited in the US also since it's affiliated with an educational institution based in Vermont I believe. Just visit the Graduate School website for details. Another good MBA program is at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City. Agriculture and fisheries related masters are available in other UP campuses. Semesters usually start in June and November. Some schools follow a trimester schedule. Decide on what course you want to take first and see what school's offer them. Then if you think you would like the school's location to become homebase for the duration of your studies. You can then start working on the entrance requirements. These usually include your transcript of records, 2 recommendations and an interview (and sometimes an exam). All universitites will ask for a permit to study in the Philippines, so you will have to work on that too. Some universities charge a different tuition rate for foreigners.

The criminal like other animals of prey will always seek out the prey that looks least able to defend itself. The application of Common cannot always determine whether or not you will become a victim. You don't get to choose the location where you will be attacked, that is left up to the criminal. If you have no weapon of any sort you are totally defenseless, you are at the absolute mercy of the criminal - he can take your life in an instant and your only option is to die. It's well known that certain locations are highly dangerous. If you never need to enter those areas then you may be relatively safe but you will never be totally safe (any more so that you would be any where else in the world.) Hungry animals of prey go to hunt where they know the food will be. Criminals apply the same logic and tactics.

Slow? Are you kidding? Who told you that? LOL...it's fast...gee...at least, after CMNS I don't think any ISP can get any slower than them. LOL. Downloads are something like a meg a minute...on average. I used to download only at 2-3kbps so you can imagine the difference. If you are on unlimited access and pay something like 2,500 pesos a month, then switch to PLDT DSL...they offer unlimited access for that amount. They have 2 plans actually...the 128kbps (2,000 pesos) and the 256kbps (2,500 pesos). I have the 256k connection. Rebel and all the other pre-paid cards are all 56K connection...so I'd say just as fast as Sky. No other current dial-up connections in Cebu can beat PLDT when it comes to speed,

It might be added that the schools mentioned including LaSalle charge P40,000/semester and up. Somewhat higher than most other collages who's tuition's are more typically P8,000-P12,000. Still a bargain compared to US schools.