Popular Post Irenicus 8,326 Posted November 30, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted November 30, 2013 (edited) First off, I wanted to thank all the members who have posted a massive amount of good information on moving/visiting/living in the RP. I would say 90% of oddly unique things I have encountered I already knew about due to having perused this forum over the last couple years. Near the end of week one, I can truly say that I am loving it here. And that is without even doing a whole lot of exploring. I know that the RP has a lot of issues that are inherent to any third world country, but ya got to take the good with the bad, I guess. Today for example, we had a brownout and the three ATM's at Robinsons were either out of service or out of money. I got a bit frustrated, then had to laugh as I had been told of this time and time again. Bahala na. Philippines For anyone thinking of coming over, here are some observations that I have made. Note that I am in Dumaguete, so some things are particular to this area: Crossing the street makes the final levels of Frogger seem like a walk in the park. After standing on the side of a major intersection for nearly 10 minutes, bedazzled by the testicular fortitude of the native old ladies who crossed with impunity, I formulated a strategy of following in their shadow as they made their way across the harrowing thoroughfare. Although safe, I did feel like a total p*ssy. But at least I wasn't lodged under a tricycle. Waiting in line at Bank of the Philippine Islands was interesting. You sit on a series of booths by the agents' cubicles. Each agent sits at a desk that has two chairs directly in front of it. You go in when a seat opens, sitting next to a total stranger. You are then asked to fill out a form with your full name, DOB, mother's maiden name, etc. It seemed a little odd to be filling out the form right next to a complete stranger. Even though Dumaguete is overflowing with expats, Filipinos stil stare. It's a little disconcerting, but it provides an opportunity to practice a skill that is never utilized where I lived in Boston: Smiling. Once you flash your pearly yellows, the flat Filipino stare usually breaks into a smile of acknowledgement. It is strange to be smiling so much, and my jaw is a bit sore, but I'll pull through. The conservative Tea Party expats sit inside MacDonalds; the liberal socialist expats sit outside with the poor kids sleeping on the concrete curbs. All the expats there were very welcoming and provided good advice and conversation. The burning leaves and trash takes some getting used to. Seems like the city is always on fire. The roosters are actually pretty cool,but I could live without the howling dogs which sound like they are being slowly tortured to death. Being here now, I realize that I should have brought more deodorant from the US. The ones they sell in Robinsons are tiny; possibly sized for Asian armpits. I am not fan of the tricycles. I always imaged that they only carried one or two people around at a time. I didn't realize that eight is the usual number, and for some reason I kept on ending up on the rear fender, bent over in a half fetal position. Renting a scooter has really worked out - I have ridden before but reaquainted riding on the back roads before venturing into the insanity of the downtown area. Speaking of downtown Dumaguete, it's a frikken zoo. Long term expats told me that it has gotten a lot worse over the past three or four years. Ten years ago, I am told that the streets were pretty much empty of heavy traffic. The gay man here are extremely gay. It's like they are all trying to outgay each other. It's a strange juxtaposition seeing the overtly gay men and ladyboys being accepted within a Catholic culture. I love the Filipino English accent. It's rather endearing. I also like that they are still using a lot of he same terms that have gone out of style in the US - I guess that is a legacy that we left there. Opening a bank account is easy. I made photocopies of my passport and US drivers license, had a 1 inch by 1 inch photo of my pogi self made, filled out the paperwork and got a dollar account at BPI. I will then deposit US checks into the account, wait 30 days while it clears (floats), withdraw the dollars and exchange them outside the bank for a better rate. EZ-PZ. The gyms in Duma are pretty durn good. Decent equipment, AC and hot water showers. I joined World Fitness by Silliman and the staff there are very friendly. I utilized a turnkey studio apartment place when I arrived (PM me for the name - I don't want to get scolded - ha, Filipino English colloquialism, that - for advertising). The studios are a bit expensive, but are incredibly clean (look brand new),stocked with everything you need (pans. pots, linens, TP, stove, aircon, fridge, high speed internet, etc), and very secure (it has 10 foot wall topped by 8 strands of barbed wire - looks like an embassy compound). The owner also rents out scooters for 150 USD a month, which is very reasonable. I don't mind paying extra for peace of mind while I take my time looking for a nice long-term rental. My sleep cycle is still a little screwy. Tired during the day and waking up every hour or two at night. I heard it takes a couple of weeks to totally get it right. Meh. The heat is a bit much when you are not used to it. These are the cooler months of the year, but I seem to be sweating quite a bit (as the Filipinos walk around in hoodies). April and May are gonna kick my butt. Thank god for the AC, which I flip on at night. The public markets are the shizznit. I was there at 5 AM this morning watching the livestock and fish get stocked (most of it still walking or flapping it's fins) and also did some clothes shopping this evening. The prices are dirt cheap and the haggling is fun as well. Finally, I was really shocked at the number of beautiful women here. I had heard about it, but to actually see it on such a scale is really mind blowing. And I have yet to see the whole shy thing; for the most part they are pretty forward in indicating their interest. Again, I am loving it here. , I would say that at this point in my life, the RP is exactly what I needed. Edited November 30, 2013 by Irenicus 29 Link to post Share on other sites
Admin (Retired) broden 57,115 Posted November 30, 2013 Admin (Retired) Share Posted November 30, 2013 you realize no one is going to take you seriously until they see you dancing in an orange jumpsuit 1 Link to post Share on other sites
spooks 1,729 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 well done and enjoy 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Art 6,548 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 First off, Finally, I was really shocked at the number of beautiful women here. Again, I am loving it here. , I would say that at this point in my life, the RP is exactly what I needed. First off. Honeymoons are like that 4 Link to post Share on other sites
Paul 55,114 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 Irene, First, with all the ghay men around, apparently you will not find it difficult to find a date. I'm happy for you. Invite us to the wedding. Second, I don't mind if you mention the name of the place you found a decent deal at. Why don't you add the deposit, monthly rate, etc., along with what you already have done? $150 US per month? Larry (shadow), is that right? Have I not rented in Dumaguete so long, that a typical rate, monthly, for a motorbike is $150 USD?! Oh, whoever told you it was not bad ten years ago - is full of shit. It was a bear then, too. Especially along the main thoroughfares through town. Back then, it was so bad, they were considering having the pedicabs take one mandatory day off per week, depending on the first digit in their tag numbers. They never went through with this, naturally. It would have made too much sense. Dumaguete has grown a lot since then, though. I'm impressed with the distance it has come. 4 Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. Mike 10,446 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 Keep on posting. It's always interesting to read the observations of a person's first days in the RP. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
shadow 18,483 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 Irene, First, with all the ghay men around, apparently you will not find it difficult to find a date. I'm happy for you. Invite us to the wedding. Second, I don't mind if you mention the name of the place you found a decent deal at. Why don't you add the deposit, monthly rate, etc., along with what you already have done? $150 US per month? Larry (shadow), is that right? Have I not rented in Dumaguete so long, that a typical rate, monthly, for a motorbike is $150 USD?! Oh, whoever told you it was not bad ten years ago - is full of shit. It was a bear then, too. Especially along the main thoroughfares through town. Back then, it was so bad, they were considering having the pedicabs take one mandatory day off per week, depending on the first digit in their tag numbers. They never went through with this, naturally. It would have made too much sense. Dumaguete has grown a lot since then, though. I'm impressed with the distance it has come. Well, $150 is about right for where Irenicus has put his roots, downtown the going rate is P4-5T per month. His rent he would find similarly expensive after he has been here a while and sees what other options await. But, it is somewhat convenient, and geared for the newcomer... He probably got the info about 10 years ago here from the McDonald's crowd, almost none of which have been here for 10 years. They still have not addressed the 4000+ pedicab issue... 3 Link to post Share on other sites
livinglife007 73 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 Thanks for sharing. How long a stay? Link to post Share on other sites
tobster 1,038 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 Be lady-boy aware, breathe thru your mouth when passing the dried fish area of the market, while riding assume everyone is trying to kill you and as to the girls....don't get tied to the first cute one..enjoy the hunt. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
thebob 18,260 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 Yo! Irene. It's a mind bender isn't it? I'm still 18 days away from wheels down, and it always tickles the imagination. Can you actually remember any of the things you stressed about, before you got there? Didn't think so. Have fun, I always do. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
jtmwatchbiz 31,422 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 nice G rated report and glad to hear you're enjoying yourself and stay safe! see you downstairs for the nitty gritty. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Kim_ 957 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 Thank you for your post. Enjoyed reading it. My history of Philippines includes Negros, Dumaguete and especially Tanjay City. Nearer to Christmas I suggest you take your love ones to Bais City, about an hour drive away. That city has a lot of nice Christmas lights and we used to go there as much as we could. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
KID 9,728 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 (edited) Good start Irene---- your on your way to a award winning thread The award being a 6 pack--------------------------- of Balut Edited November 30, 2013 by KID 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Kim_ 957 Posted November 30, 2013 Share Posted November 30, 2013 And while I remember it... Friday or Saturday evenings there is an outdoor dancing event in Tanjay City. My ex and her sister loved it. Live music and professional dancers to show you the steps. Your woman will love it. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
mikewright 4,287 Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 Thanks, great post, I'm sure it brings back memories of how blown away we were when we first arrived to many of us. You sure seem to have a great attitude towards the place, hope you never lose it. 5 Link to post Share on other sites
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