Living in Cebu

In early 2006 I will be moving to Cebu, Philippines with the entire family.

THESE TWO BOOKS ARE THE BEST GUIDES TO LIVING AND WORKING IN THE PHILIPPINES

Philippine
Dreams

New book just published that has everything you want to know about the Philippines and more. Learn How to:

Get "Out of the Rat Race" and Live Like a King for under a Thousand Dollars a Month in Paradise.

Listen to what one happy client had to say ...
"I've been to the Philippines twice and will venture to say that this book covers all bases. This book is a first hand guide from first hand experience. It is a must read for anyone planning on living or even just visiting the Philippines, from the 1st timer to the long term veteran. It doesn't get any better then this....Ben Bazy"

Order Your Copy HERE

One Trip to the Philippines and you will be Hooked for Life, I Guarantee It!

Making A Living
in the Philippines

“MAKING A LIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES!”

(What You Need To Know To Operate A Small Business, Get A Job Or Invest In The Philippines)

This book has been written with you in mind; the average, everyday guy who wants to escape to the Philippines and live every day with the Filipina of his dreams but still needs to make a living!

For many its the need to make a living that is stopping them from living in the Philippines but here is where You can find out how to work, start a business or invest in the Philippines and escape.

Alien ID card / Island Choice Resturant Review

I have already related my experiences in submitting various papers upon arrival to complete my permanent residence visa. This sage continues. The last stage is obtaining an Alien ID card.

According to a Filipino friend I spoke to the introduction of this Alien ID registration card came from the American Government who saw it as part of their strategy to combat terrorists. has forced registration card on the Philippines government. He said the implementation has been forced on the Philippines government who apparently were not keen on the idea.

Given the relatively high tech equipment being used, which includes an electronic finger print scanner and digital camera it does suggest some foreign influence (money).

I lodged my application back in April when I first arrived in Cebu. They told me to come back in three months time. I did so and was told to come back a month later. I returned only to be told again to come back a month later. This time I waited almost two months before returning today.

I did not have any of the paperwork with me but had some ID and was hopeful they would be able to locate me and give me my ID card. The gentleman typed in my surname and given name and was able to bring up my record on the computer screen including my picture.

The then spent some time looking for something and later returned to the screen. Eventually he pointed to a field on the screen. It said something like for review but not as logical as that. I was then told that this usually means that the application is missing information.

He then asks me if I have my original receipt so he can look up the application to determine what might be missing. One would have thought that something as basic as date the application was made would be on the computer record but no so I was told. I now need to bring in my receipt with the date the application was submitted they could find out what might be missing.

These cards need to be reviewed every year and I may just have it in time for next year.

Another Restaurant Review

I last wrote about our visit to Tequila Joes and thought I would continue to review restaurants that cater to foreigners.

Island Choice – Mactan

Our first impression of this place was very good. It’s located just past Giasano on the same side or the road. It’s a large restaurant with good air-conditioning and comfortable seating. The place is clean and seems will thought out. They have an adjoining delicatessen with imported products and a large selection of wines. They also bake European style bread in the pizza oven, which is used in the restaurant and sold.

My first experience was ordering a hamburger, which I was one of the best I have since arriving in the Philippines. On subsequent visits I have ordered the same hamburger and received 3 different version with none being as good as the first. I have given up on getting another good hamburger there.

The menu seemed very comprehensive which impressed us in the beginning. We kept going back to try different things but we have found it to be a very hit-and-miss experience, and nothing has really impressed. Inconsistency is one of the things you have to deal with when you live here.

I was also served the very worst Club Sandwich I have ever encountered in my entire life – it was just not edible. I pulled it to pieces before deciding that there was nothing salvageable in it and left it. The waitress enquired as to why I did not eat it and I told her politely that it was awful. She removed the plate and that was that. No offer to replace it or provide refund, as we would expect back home.

They have started running a Friday night buffet, which was good for the first few times but then the quality reduced (suspect due to cost cutting) and it became boring.

The restaurant is moderately priced and service is good. It is a place that seems to promise so much but there have been too many disappointments and therefore Island choice is no longer our choice.

Posted: Monday 11th September 2006, 9:21 AM

Learn To Speck Cebuano

If you are planning no living in Cebu then its a good idea to learn the language and I have found a great teacher here in Cebu. He can also assist you online and is available to translate any documents.

If you plan to live in Cebu then why not learn to speak the language and earn to Speak Cebuano - Translation service also available