There are over 200 schools in the Philippines approved for VA GI Bill Benifits, the only problem is that even in Manilla they do not have a listing for all of them to post or send to anyone. You will have to goto vba.va.gov First you have to select the school and then they will tell you if the school is approved or not. If the school is not approved you can try to get the school certified by diffrent ways that can take a while to do. I hope this helps.

That seems to be one of the major impediments to many pieces of property I've looked into. You can often get a good price on them if right-of-way hasn't been established. There is a Philippine law that would force your neighbors to give you right-of-way and there are a couple of cases being pursued in our neighborhood. Trouble seems to be that when a foreigner is involved neighbors get greedy and the case can be held up in perpetuity. Our American (the one I don't like) has this problem and his neighbors who hate him aren't likely to settle willingly. His case has been delayed for over 7 years with no light at the end of the tunnel for him. I didn't realize how lucky I was to find a small piece on the local road with water and power until I learned how difficult it is to pursue right-of-way sometimes.

Without seeing the land you are considering it wouldn't be possible to know if you have a good deal or not. In Cebu City area itself this could be a very good price (for you), but there's no way of knowing for certain. If it's in the province it could also be a very good price, but much would depend upon things like right-of-way, water and power availability, perk tests, stability of the land and it's grade, it's drainage in the wet season...and a half dozen other factors. A person can purchase the land on their own and process all of the red tape themselves. There are also real estate folks who can act as your agent for a reasonable fee and if they do their job properly you can be reasonably confident that the title is secure. You'll find that often land has been passing down through heirs being divided several times. Often these are not adequately recorded. I don't think you will find any title companies in the RP who can insure you, but this seems to be the establish! ed procedure and you have to have a little faith! The main thing is that the property be correctly registered with the local taxing authority who themselves might be able to coach the purchaser through all of the other hoops. It seems that the word of the old timers in a neighborhood carries the heaviest weight in property disputes. They are often relied upon heavily to remember property lines and ownership's. I've had a property properly surveyed, but before the survey is registered the seniors in the community have been properly consulted. My best advice to you as a foreigner who may not know much about the property in question is to let the locals handle the transaction and remain as far from it as possible so as not to influence the price. Good luck!

It looks like Mag Anak has managed to infiltrate this group too...will any Philippine group be safe?? News at 11:00. Just kidding. Actually, I was looking in the news groups for some information on purchasing land in the Philippines and came across Don's post. When I checked out the messages, I noticed a lot of familar names. Anyhow...my question is what would be a reasonable price for land in the Cebu area. Living in California, I know location can make a big difference, so I'm just looking for generalities. My wife told me about the property but I can't remember the name. My sister-in-law is asking our help in buying a piece of land. They are currently living on the side of a steep hill on government land. They aren't sure how long they will be allowed to live there. She has located some land and they are asking 300 pesos per square meter for a piece of property that is about 200 sq m. That's about 60,000 pesos. I was just wondering if this is cheap or expensive. I can try to get the exact location. The other question is how tough is it to buy land there. Here in the US you need realtors, lawyers, banks, title companies, escrow companies, etc. She would be paying cash, but I just want to make sure that if we give her the money, she will get the property. Thanks.

Squatters can complicate a situation, but they can be handled and there are a variety of methods. If you have a large property with a crop they can be useful at harvest. If they have resided there for a long time (which isn't uncommon) and have a lot of friends in the neighborhood, you may want to find them another suitable property and help them move. I've helped move nipa houses and it can be lots of fun! If they are long time residents and are liked in the neighborhood you probably don't want to risk angering the other neighbors, but if you don't care about that simply ask them to leave and build a fence. The local constabulary will back you up.

In reading Don's posts regarding his past efforts to give his FilFam a way to make their own way by setting them up in business, buying them a house, etc., as well as other posts, it is evident that, when speaking about himself, he speaks with forked tongue. Perhaps most of you, at least those that have been on the list for any amount of time realize this, but for those of you who don't know it, Don is no fool, and he certainly is NOT a failure. He is a man who did exactly as his heart told him to do. Oh yes, he has learned allot, as he so eloquently states, but has he stopped helping others. I really doubt it. But, it is also obvious that there are many others on this list who are compassionate as well. Al is the latest example of that. Of course there are so many others that I can't recall, but you know who you are. Ron McCarthy is doing an excellent job with his generosity and expertise. Not being a business man, it would be foolish for me to try starting businesses for the family again. I just wanted to praise all of you who are helping others and not expecting any remuneration. That is surely unconditional love being demonstrated to the fullest. What goes around comes around. Blessings to you all,

Not a bad idea! If anyone needs help, I would be willing to pursue this. I have lots of time on my hands with nothing to do. Although I don't have an accounting background, I'm not too stupid, and I am honest. I am also self sufficient financially, so although I wouldn't want to do it for nothing, money wouldn't be the primary motivating factor. I also have a wife with a lot of common sense and good people skills. If anyone is interested, either email me or call at 0919-872-9869 (cell).

School support. For our grand kids we use bank accounts in their parents name, with instructions that this money is for education only. They tell us when things are needed, when tuition is due etc., then we transfer money. Any other family expenses are a seperate matter. This has worked for us for many years now. We have 15 grand kids in RP. One just granduated from college as a teacher in Oct. and another is starting as a CPA. We've put another through a merchant marine school. Right now we have 3 starting college, 4 in high school and 4 in elementary school. As for the tricycle. It's been awhile but we bought a Kawasaki 125 new and had the side car built localy and I think we spent around $1200 US total. Our son ran this operation until he had a bad accident in 2000 and said he didn't want to drive any more. So we let him sell it. Sari-Sari store. We bought the rights to a stall in the central market for P25000 and stocked it for P75000 just this spring while we were there and the store is still in operation. Our daughter-in-law runs it and there are 7 in the family at home, only the oldest son works outside the home, for the city. People do need to be reminded not to use store stock for home use, unless they put money in the til. These are all just ballpark figures, but they are working for us.

You must have missed the Post. Discussion on Virus's have been discontinued. We have beaten this to death. Please contact me off line if you feel my decision is incorrect or needs revising.

How did you know I was a monk? :) I think your idea is excellent and I know a trustworthy Filipino man I will talk to about this. And I know one more who does not know him, who can watch him. Maybe this is an idea whose time has come. I think a lot of us and more especially folks in the foreign countries are up against a rock and a hard place at the moment.

How did you know I was a monk? :) I think your idea is excellent and I know a trustworthy Filipino man I will talk to about this. And I know one more who does not know him, who can watch him. Maybe this is an idea whose time has come. I think a lot of us and more especially folks in the foreign countries are up against a rock and a hard place at the moment.

I had to read you whole post before I decided that I had to agree with you about Don! I don't think he has given up. He's had some sour experiences and has learned some life lessons, as we all do hopefully. I know Don is involved trying to make a difference for the little guy. I believe he's involved himself with some of the local politics and creating jobs that can be more effective for more people than just a family looking for a business. We outsiders (expats) should realize that most poor folks don't possess a good business sense, but what does that really matter? They haven't had the means or an opportunity to learn. Fortunately a few have and you'll find them working their stalls in the public markets and going from door to door selling plasticware. You find every variety of Filipino just as you find every variety of citizen in the US or Europe. It just happens that the economy such as it is, is almost non-existent in the RP and too many people are chasing too few pesos. At ground level it is my belief that these small family run businesses help keep communities alive by keeping those few pesos in circulation. I believe that no matter how you become involved, that you can help elevate the economy just a little. There aren't any pat answers, but not to worry about how ""effective"" your help is. What's important is that you care enough to try. That leads back to Don's caring and his effectiveness which! I believe is as valid if not more so as anyone else's. No need for kudos, the real reward is in a child's smile!;

In reading Don's posts regarding his past efforts to give his FilFam a way to make their own way by setting them up in business, buying them a house, etc., as well as other posts, it is evident that, when speaking about himself, he speaks with forked tongue. Perhaps most of you, at least those that have been on the list for any amount of time realize this, but for those of you who don't know it, Don is no fool, and he certainly is NOT a failure. He is a man who did exactly as his heart told him to do. Oh yes, he has learned allot, as he so eloquently states, but has he stopped helping others. I really doubt it. But, it is also obvious that there are many others on this list who are compassionate as well. Al is the latest example of that. Of course there are so many others that I can't recall, but you know who you are. Ron McCarthy is doing an excellent job with his generosity and expertise. Not being a business man, it would be foolish for me to try starting businesses for the family again. I just wanted to praise all of you who are helping others and not expecting any remuneration. That is surely unconditional love being demonstrated to the fullest. What goes around comes around. Blessings to you all,

AMEN!! I had to read your whole post before I decided that I had to agree with you about Don! I don't think he has given up. He's had some sour experiences and has learned some life lessons, as we all do hopefully. I know Don is involved trying to make a difference for the little guy. I believe he's involved himself with some of the local politics and creating jobs that can be more effective for more people than just a family looking for a business. We outsiders (expats) should realize that most poor folks don't possess a good business sense, but what does that really matter? They haven't had the means or an opportunity to learn. Fortunately a few have and you'll find them working their stalls in the public markets and going from door to door selling plasticware. You find every variety of Filipino just as you find every variety of citizen in the US or Europe. It just happens that the economy such as it is, is almost non-existent in the RP and too many people are chasing too few pesos. At ground level it is my belief that these small family run businesses help keep communities alive by keeping those few pesos in circulation. I believe that no matter how you become involved, that you can help elevate the economy just a little. There aren't any pat answers, but not to worry about how ""effective"" your help is. What's important is that you care enough to try. That leads back to Don's caring and his effectiveness whi! ch I believe is as valid if not more so as anyone else's. No need for kudos, the real reward is in a child's smile!

I read your e-mail with interest today. Thank you for taking the time to write it. You make many good points and i'll not even try to take issue with anything you've stated. I've never been to the Philippines, but I have some filipino friends here on the internet. I've always found them to be warm gracious people that I feel fortunate to know. I hope to meet them one day. Thank you for your insight and I look forward to reading more from you.

Thanks for the answers Ron and Billy. I have since learned that they are no longer interested in the land after talking with the neighbors. I guess the area is more a business area than a residential area. For the those of you who have done some looking in the Cebu City area. What is a general rule of thumb for the cost of land in a residential area or subdivision. Nothing fancy, just safe and clean. (At least by Cebu standards) Any recommendations? It is not for me, but for my sister-in-law and her family. Thanks again...

Spoken from the heart. This is the stuff that brings success, happiness, and fulfillment, without a doubt. I have to say that, because I have no money either. Ha. Don, I hope and pray that we will meet someday. Don't get any ideas, but I want to give you a big hug.

No, not yet, and never. I do prefer to help on a macroeconomic level. But you have to take care of the family too. When I say being a member of a family is a lifetime commitment, I don't see that as bad. They are committed to you too, in a very different and perhaps even more loving way. I just want to point out to those who have had little experience with this culture, if you efforts to help don't work or even cause pain, don't blame yourself or blame the Filipinos. As pointed out, you can't expect people without business experience in any culture to succeed, especially in a country where, generally, people are more important than property, not so in many countries. I see people here spending their life savings on treatments for dying patients, family members, who have no chance. Is that a bad thing? I have a relative now, eight years old who has a disease and will need medication for the rest of his life. It is possible he is autistic too. We will find a way to take care of him, whatever his problem is. He is very valuable to us. There are hard decisions to make here. I have counseled many here, as a psychologist with some expertise in cross cultural relationships, from the Peace Corps and other formal and informal training and experience. I often need counseling myself and have a good counselor here. And I use the list as a sounding board too. There are some very bright and insightful people here, not just in maters concerning the Philippines but with an understanding of life in general, if there is such a thing. They can make your life easier if you can open up to them, on or off list. If I gave up, I wouldn't be here. If I were not here, I would not be happy. There are problems here, but real problems worth dealing with, not what kind of new car to buy and how to get the best price, which investments to go into and what to stay out of, the kind of things I worried about in the States. I don't have as much excess money now as I had in the States, but mainly because I was working. But I have a lot more joy in my heart and enjoy spending the little I have, much more. I have learned how to draw the line on helping, sometimes necessary for survival. Helping is an art. And thankfully, it is a fulfilling one. Giving up on this wonderful country and its people has never been an option. If you live here for any length of time, it is your only true home, the only place you feel you really belong, I feel you will feel the same way if you don't already. So many do.

I know this is not all that responsive to what you asked, but my fiancee just bought a small building lot in a subdivision, supposedly high and dry even during typhoons, with road frontage, sewer, water and electricity for 200,000 pesos less 10% for cash. This is outside of Lucena City, perhaps 2 to 4 hours to Manila, depending on traffic. It's important, as Ron has said, to be sure that the property is not in a flood-prone area. In Lucena I saw whole subdivisions that have gone bust, with houses abandoned because the subdivision was in an area that flooded during typhoons. I can't figure out why locals would have bought lots in those places. I understand that typhoon flooding is not so much a problem in Cebu.

thanks for the nice words, but I admit they took my by surprise. I am normally called many bad words, for my inability to support numerous families or my refusal to just ""throw money at a bad situation"". It was nice to hear from someone that realizes I am trying to do what is best for all involved while protecting my immediate family. Thanks again for the kind words..

first let me apologize for having no memory. Please, may I ask where you are located? I will seriously enjoy setting up a situation that you could oversee for us..an help you to make a few bucks for your trouble. I would rather pay you a percentage that to lose it all. For all those that read this, I say this last sentence with all respect for the filipinos I must deal with, while knowing they have never had the pressure or training of managing any money greater than daily food money. Hopefully, with Ricks help, I can seriously and honestly help the folks back home with at least a hope it not be squandered by mistakes or misdeeds. Rick, tell me a good time to call you (your time) and I will surely contact you.

Please please contact these folks and get back with me. Rick has volunteered but I have no idea if he is located anywhere close to Leilas family. You on the other hand, I know are in Cebu. Leilas family is located in Bogo, at the northern tip of Cebu. What I am imagining is a monthly or bi-monthly ""inspection"" of a situation, setting up bank accounts for school for the kids and periodic payments to the schools.I can see that depending on these guys time and amount of effort they want to expend that they could keep rather busy. Leila will be so glad to hear we may finally have found a way out of our dilemma.

Since, with Leila in the army, it is not possible to zip over every couple months to set these things up, I am hoping that with the help that has been offered this morning, that we too can set these things up. Of course, I wish we could be there personally to help get everything started, but sometimes you gotta go with what you got. Your stories give me inspiration.

The geographical dispersion is the major problem. One guy needs work in Manila, and another in Davao and another in Bogo. This gentleman, the Filipino I mentioned has a good working knowledge of all three islands and contacts in each that he feels he can trust, or take the loss himself. I am discussing the logistics with him and he is to put a proposal to me that I will put to the group, or at least those who are interested. Rick is certainly invited to participate. I will not be a principal. The Filipino has capital to invest, connections and more importantly will commit himself to it full time. He has a degree in Computer Engineering but his expertise is in Marketing at the management level. I feel from know him, he would produce and charge reasonable rates. We know what folks make over here so can judge for ourselves whether his prices are in line or not. Filipinos dealing with Filipinos may be the best way to go. Rick, if you have other ideas, please share them with me. I don't have the spare time to get deeply involved in what could become a very big project. Should the list continue to grow and the marketing goals projected are reached it may very well be like going back to work full time or even 16 hours a day with a large part time staff geographically dispersed. What ever happens, to cover the nation, it will take a while. If you have something Rick or I can help you with in Cebu, please do not hesitate to as us. Hopefully one of us can help.

On your web site you stated that you could live well on $1,500 per month. Is that still a realistic figure? We are trying to determine what a monthly cost would be to live in either the provinces or a city like Cebu or something like it. We think we would have that kind of guaranteed income plus a large nestegg (70-90K) to draw interest off of in 2-3 years max. We are very interested in hearing your views on this. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hello, I have been monitoring the letters for the past few weeks and this group seems to me to be the real thing, with good and what seems to be accurate information. I know that there is about 600 members in this group but mostly centered towards Cebu. I currently live in Alaska ith my wife and 2 kids, and we are planning to move to the PI in the next few years. We have a house in Laguana,Santa Rosa outside of Manila, and was wondering if any of the members live in that area. Hope to hear from you soon.

Since Lourdes is, I bet, a Filipina, I feel sure it is. To me my rule of thumb is a dollar here is like three in the States. So you would have $3,600 per month unless you wanted a lot of imported things where the dollar is worth only around .80 cents. Maids are the big bargain and add to your spare time here, other helpers too. Rent is dirt cheap though air conditioning is not. Electricity is high. I guess it is like anywhere else, you have to use your head. With a permanent resident visa I assume you would be entitled to, your visa cost would be low. Others on the list may know more about the prices in that particular area than me. I hope you hear from them. The list is Cebu centered because I live here. Cebu is considered by many the California of the Philippines. It is centrally located and large enough but not to large as yet, anyway. It is protected from most serious storms. Davao is also good, but it is farther south than Cebu, away from the center. It may be even better in Cebu in some ways, especially prices and some other qualities. Living in Luzon, even in the southern part, I lived in most parts, is living with Tagalogs. I like them. But I like the folks here in the central and southern areas even better. And I really like being away from the storms and very heavy rainy season and the very dry, dry season. South of Luzon the climate is more moderate. I believe living expenses in Manila are almost double Cebu and Cebu certainly more expensive than Davao. But in Luzon there are many very cheap places to live that rival both Cebu and Davao. I live in Bolinao, Pangasisnan in a very nice two bedroom house near the beach for 60 dollars a month, maid for $800 per month. I watched TV on Video for P2 per movie someone's house a couple of times a month. They have internet there now, and the electricity is better. They have a few phones too. The rent on the house I lived in is the same. The beaches are still beautiful.

I am losing a excellent maid I have had for years. At the same time she will be raising goats on some money I am investing in her so I will still keep the relationship. She has to care for her sister in the province. Her brother is becoming afraid of the sister who he says is crazy. I personally think it is the brother, but I am not there. In my search for a replacement I found and was reminded of an old game. A young girl, 21 but seeming younger, came in with her aunt. The aunt got her a job with the neighbors for P1000 per month. I start at P1,500 for no experience and to to P2,200 with experience. This maid for P1000 is washing seven dogs, takes care of the two balikbayans who play mahjongg until 11:00 am. She gets up at 5:00 am and has no day off. I asked the aunt how she was able to get the girl such a good job. She said the neighbors were friends and they ""loved"" her niece. I told her, ""Vampires love blood."" I want to hire the young woman. But the Aunt is afraid to tell the neighbors that she is leaving. The girl wants to work here, more money less work, etc. But the aunt came up with the real reason, not pakikisamma, smooth interpersonal relationships, but the old game, the family loaned the aunt P3000 and the aunt can't pay. The girl is an indentured servant, but will never be able to pay her debt since her salary goes to her family in the province as do most. So I will probably buy the girl out, if the aunt does not have too much loyalty to these sweet people who loaned her the money. The maid game is a good one to know, living in the Philippines. You may encounter it. It may be real or the aunt may be ""selling"" the girl to you. Even if you are an excellent player there are things you will never know in the maid game, especially if you are a foreigner.

Hello again, I see that my e-mail made it this time. I had sent 3 other e-mails in the last week and they all came back as ""being bounced around"" with an explanation saying that all mailboxes may have been full. Anyway, we have a gas station/A&w restaurant here and was wondering if anyone know's if this is a good business in the PI. Our plans is to have a similar business in the Luzon area and permanantly live in the Philippines. Any information will be welcomed and appreciated.

I am living in Cebu City, and have been here since March of last year. You can call me any time during the day or evening. I would love to talk to you about how this could be set up for the benefit of all. I don't mind running around and doing some of the legwork that most people just don't have time for during a limited visit. I must mention that I will be traveling to Hawaii this Saturday and staying for a week, but will still be checking this message board. If you try to call me after Sat there will be no answer. Expect to be back in Cebu around the 20th. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Yes my wife Lourdes is a Filipina. We don't exactly know where we want to live yet. her family is in dipolog but it may be too sleepy for me. Bohol is an option as well as Cebu. we just want to make sure that if we make the move we will be able to live comfortably on what we expect to receive each month via income, savings, retirement, etc. Thanks for your info. We will most certainly have to make a few trips around the islands brfore we commit. Thanks again.?

, I am not asking this in a mean way, but if you buy this grils contract, will she then be endentured to you? If so, I am sure her lot in life will be much better and easier, but how will it affect the working realtionship?

I just moved this email to my ""keeper"" directory. I will discuss this all with the boss and get back with you. Due to her job requirements she is extremely busy, so it may be after your return. Please dont take this as lack of motivation on my part. But working out the details with my wife is almost as hard as working out details at the embassy.

Nice to see you over here on this list! You might find Bohol sort of quiet too. Actually my preference is the provinces because it IS quiet. Cebu City is 2 1/2 hours away from my place and that's just about right for me. There may be some wide cost differentials by location, but I've not really noticed. Public Market prices seem to be about the same everywhere. Baguio and Tagatay might be a little more expensive because they get quite a few vacationers, but I don't know about that for sure. I think that dry goods are cheaper in Manila than most anywhere else. The figure bandied about in these lists is pretty fair, $1,000 and up should give you a comfortable standard of living. If you want to spend more you certainly can! For my own piece of mind I'd prefer to have a chunk of capital invested somewhere outside the RP just for the added income and security if it becomes necessary. I think you have a good plan, to move around some and get a better feel for the areas you like the best. Good luck!

Since Lourdes is, I bet, a Filipina, I feel sure it is. To me my rule of thumb is a dollar here is like three in the States. So you would have $3,600 per month unless you wanted a lot of imported things where the dollar is worth only around .80 cents. Maids are the big bargain and add to your spare time here, other helpers too. Rent is dirt cheap though air conditioning is not. Electricity is high. I guess it is like anywhere else, you have to use your head. With a permanent resident visa I assume you would be entitled to, your visa cost would be low. Others on the list may know more about the prices in that particular area than me. I hope you hear from them. The list is Cebu centered because I live here. Cebu is considered by many the California of the Philippines. It is centrally located and large enough but not to large as yet, anyway. It is protected from most serious storms. Davao is also good, but it is farther south than Cebu, away from the center. It may be even better in Cebu in some ways, especially prices and some other qualities. Living in Luzon, even in the southern part, I lived in most parts, is living with Tagalogs. I like them. But I like the folks here in the central and southern areas even better. And I really like being away from the storms and very heavy rainy season and the very dry, dry season. South of Luzon the climate is more moderate. I believe living expenses in Manila are almost double Cebu and Cebu certainly more expensive than Davao. But in Luzon there are many very cheap places to live that rival both Cebu and Davao. I live in Bolinao, Pangasisnan in a very nice two bedroom house near the beach for 60 dollars a month, maid for $800 per month. I watched TV on Video for P2 per movie someone's house a couple of times a month. They have internet there now, and the electricity is better. They have a few phones too. The rent on the house I lived in is the same. The beaches are still beautiful.