What do i need for the Philippines? July 30, 2008

The thing with the Philippines is most things are casual. The most you need is the power of the pen. Many people will go through the hassle of extra visas which in the UK can be expensive if you dont live in London. But in essence you are unlikely to be refused an extension visa. Best way to operate is the following :-

Book your flight (dont go a major haulier if your paying more than £600 return your overpaying! do a web search. IF your stopping longer than 6 months and cant get an open ticket then book one way. Works out around £400 each way from the UK. You need an exit ticket when entering the Philippines so book via Cebu Pacific or another cheap airline to get an exit ticket to hong kong, Malaysia or anywhere else on special offer at the time. While on the flight make sure you bring a pen as you need to fill the Visa entry form in which is very simply and when it asks for your address in Cebu generally i put a resort because they are less words and people know where they are. Either way fill it in and as soon as the plane lands get off as quick as possible a quick run to the immigration could save you an hour of waiting in a queue.

As soon as you have collected luggage and passed immigration if you have no Pesos grab some at a money changer which will be lining up the entry. Dont change lots but maybe just £50 which is enough for a couple of nights in a hotel, food and cab fare. Because once you find a better money changer you will get a better rate. As you exit the cabs are touting for business and asking for a fixed rate totally ignore them. If you head up to the departure lounge you will find that taxis are happy to take you on the meter (which is the legal way to travel). As they need to get back to the area they work in. You should always go via the meter even if you grab a taxi via the exit of the terminal because they will rob you blind otherwise. P600 doesnt sound much but when you find out the real price is P200?? Which is the equivalent of a persons days pay in the Philippines. If you want to be taken for a ride these people are geared up for it and looking to make a quick killing on the foreigner who lacks knowledge. When you book your hotel discuss discount for stopping two weeks. As they will more than likely offer 10% discount. Only pay in 3 day amounts that way if your not happy you can leave to find another location.

Never take expensive jewellery, cameras, or electronics that can be seen. Keep your laptop hidden when its not in use and everything else out of view. Dont take more money than you need unless you are worried about the hotel if so split your money into as many “secure” pockets as possible keeping small bills in one so that you can use that pocket first. Break the P1000s in malls where possible to get a few seperate amounts of small bills this way your not flashing too much money. The thing with the Philippines is its a great place but you can also easily be robbed if people see to much money floating around. You dont need to and you simply should be avoiding. Try to use taxi cabs if your unsure of areas but if possible text the registration of the taxi to someone (Even if you dont) but make it visual so the taxi driver knows he is already tagged as having you as a customer. The thing in the Philippines is being wise to your surroundings if your on a resort you have less to worry about. If outside please find people that know and understand the area. Im in Cebu and can offer any advice if you need it you can email me at mattwilkie@tropicalpenpals.com

What makes a filipina a filipina? (with a foreigner) July 30, 2008

Ive spent time working out what really makes a Filipina and the answer is as complex as women can be there is no straight answer. Women are simply women but one thing ive found whilst being in Cebu is the different marriages here with foreigners. There is the odd couple which is basically me and my wife. We have very few years between us. We are both graduate engineers and enjoy each others company more than any others. We are happy to spend most of our time at home even if doing nothing. We havent argued ever in 16 months of knowing each other and not to lift our own chair i find many people looking at us as if we are where they want to be. 

The next group of people are those who are generally retirees with a younger woman (many years junior) and a lot of these relationships work but for the wrong reasons its more like the guy needs a companion the woman needs the money im not judgemental because if they are happy then good for them.

Third group is the OFWs who met a foreigner a bit older but suffering from being westernised with the belief that a Gucci watch and a Prada handbag mean something. The guy is normally content but watching over his shoulder for where the wife is putting the kitchen knives.

The last ones would be the women that are controlled by the boyfriend or husband. Carrying out their every need to keep them happy but they can never reach that point and thats where the guy keeps control of the relationship. The girls in this type or relationship i feel sorry for because they are treated so badly in return for very little.

So what makes a filipina a filipina? Most of the time its the family.. After that its the couple and how they are treated in the relationship. I make a point to my wife that she is and always will be my equal even though she will follow anything i say i dont want that in my life i want our thoughts to be our thoughts, so that the future is our experiences,achievements,failures and the ability to say we did that. If i can achieve that then ill die a happy man.

 Many retiree relationships are based on just being happy with the company of the other but thats companionship and at late 60s + i would be happy with that myself as in other countries most people are unlikely to give you the time of day. But the problem with that is most filipinas like to have a strong husband a retiree has already likely gone through family life and maybe even the death of his previous wife so likely to just go along with the flow rather than be the stronger man that some of the women likely to marry a guy of his age is likely to need. They are generally just enjoying life and happy with what they have got and the filipina is more content with handbags and gifts more than the husband but most are just a marriage of convenience where the woman is waiting to inherit the guys wealth or at least some of it. But time develops and many peoples thoughts change. Many moons ago i looked after the elderly at a location in the UK as a student (quiet place to study). Didnt have to do anything but just check they dont die during the night. Its strange how friendships develop even with people that cant remember your name or who you are each time you see them or the stories they have had over the last near 100 years of life. So i can understand why a 20 something girl can eventually love a guy in his 70s with enough time together.

The Westerner and the ex-ofw could be one of the worst or best relationships to have in the Philippines depending on the woman. The biggest problem is the materialistic trappings of the west showing that Gucci is something special. But to me Gucci is just overpriced,poor design quality and oversized junk. But many if not the majority of these relationships work especially in the West if they value each other as equals. If you cant then this will fail drastically. If you return to the Philippines and your wife is hung up on the material life then she isnt likely to be wanting to live the quiet province life where she is likely to be second to her husband especially in family eyes.

If your in the final group where you are either the woman being controlled or want to control the woman in your life this is not only unfair on the woman unless she enjoys this type of life where she wants to be the weaker of the relationship but its better done in your own home. Im not one for over equality which is what has happend in the UK but i do believe women deserve respect and not like a dog that needs to be controlled. If you grab a book on human behaviours its not a good sign, you may think your showing a strength by doing this to another being. But it shows you have other problems in your life that your hiding below the surface. This relationship may work but its not one for me and i just cant treat anyone badly life is for enjoying not destroying.

So what does it all mean? Your the person who makes the woman in your life the Filipina that she is. If youve met her online meet her in person. Online means nothing many are Bayot (gays) and there are plenty of real women out there looking for a real man in their lifes to make them happy. Dont get hung up on things could be a burn, a scar,small manhood one leg or anything else that has kept you from women for years filipinas are naturally open and will just be ok.. lets look at the problem discuss it with you then its no longer an issue they have the best mentality that ive come across on this planet aswell as being some of the most beautiful women ive ever seen. If your fat it doesnt matter, if you think your ugly they will see you as beautiful for having white skin, if your disabled they will just see a person deep inside. Find a woman that loves you for who you are. That woman to me is a filipina.. that woman is my wife.

What to do in Cebu July 30, 2008

One thing ive found many expats suffering with in Cebu is severe bordem. You can only drink so much brandy and tequila and the San Miguel Lights bottles seem to have disappeared my side of town. So what do you do with all your time you have spare?  Simple answer depends what you are into many expats get preoccupied with construction especially lately with some of my friends who have projects ongoing. But to be honest the one thing that is important is meeting others with the same views and interests in life as although things are cheap here you may start being hit in the wallet when you are doing it with only two of you. For example a boat cruise where the above picture was taken was for 20 people on a private charter which could accomodate 40 people. But at 20 people worked out at £3.00 each for the whole day of the boat. As you can see the island was very beautiful and makes you realise what you miss as an individual or a couple with some things getting out of budget range. So where do you meet people that have similar interests in Cebu? Well you are already taking the first steps by being here online. The next would be to look at what you want to be doing is it diving? Running? Touring the country or something more relaxing like mat bowling or cards? There is groups throughout Cebu doing all the above and all happy to be gaining new members. Hash house harriers at www.cebuhash.org would be happy to meet you drop them an email if you like your running,jogging and for those as fit as me a brisk walk. The others i can give you contacts for people doing each but generally theyre not setup on the internet. Its a case of a friend of a friend and you have just met someone who can act as a go between for you. Register up on my forums on tropicalpenpals.com and ill set you up in the right direction. There are plenty of expats here in Cebu and who would be glad of your company.

Crab Mentality and family business July 30, 2008

If your a foreigner investing in the Philippines and maybe in courtship or married to a filipina you need to be aware of the strong “crab mentality” that exists. This is basically when a crab is climbing out of a bucket to freedom other crabs will grab it and drag it back into the bucket. This in turn means none of the crabs escape rather than letting one or some escape. This in essence is still in heavy existance in the UK and goes back to the years of the Spanish and Japanese where some filipinos would rat out (give up) other filipinos in the hope that they themselves would be spared because of sacrificing others. This is still very much a part of Philippine culture but im hoping over time it will disappear as more ( i hate this word) WESTERN ideals enter the country. A relative may prefer your business to fail than be a success especially if its something they did in the past. Because if you succeed then they would be even more a failure. In some cases they will go out there way to put you to ruin. So please be aware of this ive experienced it first hand with a relative as we built a house in a family compound while we developed other ventures to bring “the family” bigger incomes but the first thing one of the aunts did is hit us for rent on the house we built. This stupidity has caused me to withdraw all of my cash investments to help build up the wealth of the one side of the family.  There was houses being planned the family would rent out. Simply i would be looking to invest the capital initially and over time take out my initial investment. Aswell as developing stores. Now i have moved all my structure of investments to some small investments with my wifes parents and the rest into my own personal banking. The crab mentality they have done they have gained a very small house but lost millions of pesos in investments. As a foreigner you see it more than you should and this is where a lot of foreigners believe that filipinos have crab mentality yet the case cant be said for all and thats one thing i have to point out Aprils parents steer in a different direction and i couldnt ask for better inlaws. But nearly every expat ive met here have experienced crab mentality and like most things the bad shines brighter than the good. So if your going to invest in family please start with small amounts and make sure its amounts you can lose whittle out the thieves from the saints before going in full steam ahead. I wish you all the best in your ventures and if you are looking for experience/advice or people i know already doing your venture here please just email me at mattwilkie@tropicalpenpals.com

The rental market in Cebu July 30, 2008

What a lot of people dont realise when looking for rental in and around Cebu or anywhere else in the Philippines is the real prices. Its the same anywhere in the world but the odd thing about the Philippines i found in the UK very holiday companies come here and even fewer have brochures. The prices of hotels realistically range from $300 a night at a 5 star hotel(roughly £150) to $10+ (£5) a night for a pension house. But there are alternatives to sit somewhere in the middle and thats where rentals come in. But there is a problem with being a “foreigner” in that a lot of people abuse the fact. The same apartment for a local would cost £35 a month but could cost you upto £80 or more if they think you are willing to pay it. But shopping around you will find in the bracket of around £150 a month your starting to get a 2 – 3 bedroom apartment with security guard and maybe a shared swimming pool. But it all depends what your looking for and where you want to live. City living can be cheap with a small apartment because generally you will eat out and find more things to do due to your location. Heading into the provinces you generally have less to get upto and find yourself heading to the city for something to do. But like most things its how you want to be spending your time. If you want to goto beaches then ideally you want Mactan since all the good beaches near Cebu city are there. Aswell as being able to charter a boat and still getting access to the city in less than 30mins ride. Cebu city is for the person who loves the city life personally i find it too overcrowded, difficult to get cabs at peak hours and more beggars than i would like to be dealing with on a daily basis. I opt for the province life which down in Minglanilla is 30 - 45 mins from Cebu city i still get access to the beaches but its about an hours ride but i rarely go, if i want to swim i goto Tubod flowing waters holiday resorts pools. I prefer the simple life of the provinces where driving with one headlight is accepted but in the city grabs me a traffic violation. Either way you need to look at the options before booking your location. If your stopping for two weeks i recommend somewhere in Mactan or down town as you can find things to do via the hotels etc. Which may become more difficult in the provinces. Long-term i would always opt for the provinces the easiest way to look at things is how often do you goto the beach in your own location? If its a lot then finding a good location around the provinces next to beach will be perfect the land is cheaper and you get very few problems from the officals. Same with a farm or anything else the provinces are a much better way of life. But if you like city living then i would advise trying Hong Kong if you can afford it. Not only has it got the infrustructure but generally there is always something going 24/7.

Getting to rental pricing there is no real market to work to. Being a foreigner instantly has a good chance of getting the price doubled. But shopping around and walking away they may ask you for your telephone number. Just tell them you have seen properties cheaper and they are likely to call you back to make a lower rental agreement. You can get rentals very cheap here but there is no fixed standard in operation that anyone works to. The only way to get a good rental is research and asking around. Anything else is likely to be overpriced just search around or get someone ahead of your arrival to find you locations. I can do this for you for a fixed fee of P500 around Cebu City.

Baby or bankrupt? July 26, 2008

This year we had a new addition to our family our daughter Zoei. Now i want to break this down for people not only for Filipinos that i think the Church should help people think a bit more on birth control but thats another subject, but also the foreigners that are coming here and either promising the earth and disappearing before a girl finds out you have dumped her with an unwanted child or the Expats/foreigners that are either settling here or have a wife/gf currently going through pregnancy

In the U.S. you are more than likely used to the insurance or other methods of sorting out the costs, in the U.K. its covered by the NHS for free expenses for a pregnant “british citizen”. But what about the Philippines?

Firstly if you have insurance you will be likely paying up front then having to reclaim the costs back.
Secondly the cost is likely to be different at each hospital.
Thirdly doctors not only “overcharge” but provide many medicines which have no proven medical effect such as vitamins at as much as 10x the cost of any western country.

Most importantly if your unhappy about something seek a second opinion from another hospital.
Now regarding experience over the pregnancy period. We found that not only is the doctor we had enjoying her free cruises abroad because she is part of network 21 selling “Vitamins” at very high prices when i say high im talking £50 for vitamins that value around £5 – £10 (for a high brand in the uk). But the fact she sees nothing wrong with persuading patients to buy these goods that have “no proven proof that they medically work”. We changed doctors as soon as our daughter was born.

The cost of labour came in at around P50,000 add that with medical expenses for all the vaccines for the first year of around P30,000 and the buying of all the usual baby stuff you can easily see your heading upwards of £1000. So how do filipinos do it? Well they either get in severe debt and take loans or they start skipping vaccines or labour is done via local traditional methods. Life isnt easy here and money is king.

I also came across a guy at  a mall recently who is now a father of a child who is 18months old. The father is in his late 60s and his wife was taking “birth control pills” so what went wrong?? The doctor was selling capsules with nothing more than sugar inside them. So please be warned on things like this i dont trust doctors anywhere in the world but here im often thinking twice. If something serious i may just catch a flight out before it got worse.

Family or executioner? July 26, 2008

I have reported before about the shooting of Luke Isaacs where he was gunned down not far from my home. A British guy with a Filipina wife which now appears to be something not as first thought. The murderer was an old boyfriend of Mr Isaacs wife and only time will tell to the real reason they were married. Was it to lay claim to Lukes money? Was it a change of mind by Lukes wife Riza or was Luke just entering the spiders web. What seemed to make the Police look into the crime more was the fact that the bag that was supposed to be the reason for the struggle wasnt taken after his death. Also eye witnesses reported no struggle. What happend was nothing short of a contract killing. Jude Daytona the killer had a bit of bad luck, because Riza had taken a motorcycle loan out with Jude Daytona previously and the security guard who was at the mall that day was passing in a Jeepney at the same location as the shooting as it took place. Recognising Riza and also Jude Daytona. After contacting the police this started to unravel the mystery to why Luke was murdered. There is two reasons i thought i should post this information and the first one being most murders related to foreigners here doesnt seem to be random. But many dont get solved and in many cases people then worry about general safety. Burglary and bag snatching is a problem here but a few security measures and common sense can take away most of the chances of that happening. The second reason is i want people to be aware that the Philippines is maybe a bit more dangerous than some locations but i find it safer than Worcester where i live when im in the UK and definitly more than London. Generally the population here are just happy and proud to have you visiting theyre country and the worst that will happen is being over charged for goods bought. Stay clear of politicians and showing too much money and the problems will be a lot less. If your settling down here learn more about customs and the people around you its not always as safe as it may seem but it doesnt mean your in danger either. The Philippines is beautiful and so is her people. But like every rose bush there are thorns.

I love my wife July 22, 2008

Many people ask what is it in a Filipina that makes her the life long partner in life you have always missed. Well from experience there are more reasons than i can list but ill give a few that tell you why my wife April is the one for me. Not only is she beautiful, intelligent and loving but she values me high in her life and thats what really counts. Loving each other as the most important people in each others life. There is a misconception that all filipinos are poor and living in some kind of poverty. My wife came from not a rich family but a well educated one with several members working overseas. Which makes a huge difference in education aswell as the day to day living of the family members. My wife is nothing short of wonderful. I wake up late most days mainly due to suffering with insomnia. But every day she wakes me with a kiss and “I love you”. I couldnt ask for a better wife, ive had a few occassions since we met which have been a cause for concern. One being a drink spiked with drugs which left my wife (At the time just a friend) calling me to check i was ok and severely worried about me. Ive learned over the last year that not only am i happily married but ive met a woman i could never replace. Her heart and soul are in the right place and there is no other April out there. Just being part of each others life has left me content and happy in life something many stuggle to ever find and ill be happy if life stays this way until the day i die. Not all guys will be lucky in life and not all Filipinas have the same attributes as my wife. But if you want to be happy in life you need to start looking. Happiness may be an email away or a lifetime. But one thing is for sure if you never look you will never find.

Racism in the Philippines July 22, 2008

If you have been to the Philippines then you will already understand what im talking about. Generally anyone who isnt a Filipino is a “Foreigner” if you have white skin then your a “Kano” as in Amer”Kano” yet im not american and hate to be called one. I have enough issues with being British as im from Scotland and will always be Scottish by birth and blood. But whats wrong with being a “Kano”? Simply a lot of the stigma has been left here from the Vietnam years where the Philippines was a staging post for recouperation for GIs. Which made a huge business for prostitution and also brought an influx of cash into the country which even today is causing contrasts. Im from the West that is for sure but i left because i hate the selfish world in which being western breeds and many people here feel the same. So being a “Kano” goes against the belief of many people who are not only NOT american but are also against the Western ideal which is rammed down peoples throats here by the Elite selling theyre wares on the television. I want a simple life, a farm a loving family and to just relax and watch life go by. But the “Kano” is a disease here and you cant be invisible with white skin. You are overcharged for taxi fares as soon as you arrive at the airport. Rentals on a property can double aswell as land purchases for your partner. Your partner can be singled out as someone who is either marrying for money or simply a lottery winner by bagging a foreigner. In my wifes case neither account as i told her im not a rich foreigner and we expect 5 years of hardship to make a go of things in the Philippines. Which her parents have never took my skin or who i am into account because they can see how much i love theyre daughter. But an aunt has already charged rent on a house i built on the family land. There is many good people here but the foreign skin here causes major problems for a wife and the new life you build. Your children may suffer from bullying in school because a white foreigner is seen as a lottery win. Yet a rich Chinese businessman isnt. Because the power train although similar is different. Westerners are seen as Rich and powerful. Chinese are seen as Powerful and rich. Although the scenarios are similar westerners are seen as only powerful due to the fact they can buy anything where as chinese is more likely to force people to make them rich which is apparent if you look at slavery, the chinese mining industry or anything else in China they dont care about people! So where did it all go wrong?? Personally i think a lot of it has to do with NGOs (Non Government Organisations) because they are mainly charities that are looking to help people and the fact that most come from the west seems to show some kind of weekness that Filipinos may find as a soft touch. Chinese have been here for a long time and not only created businesses but created respect because people know the Chinese owners of a business will fire them where a Westerner will listen to the hard luck stories of life. These mixed contributions have created a hard scenario to live in. I have started learning Cebuano and people assume you dont know what they are saying but as time goes on i understand more and more and you start to realise more people hate you here than you think. But either way im in for the long haul and if people assume they can get extra money out of me for being white then so be it im lucky enough my wifes father understands this and will happily do my shopping for me

Shopping in Cebu or any major city in the Philippines July 22, 2008

Many people ive come across on my travels (outside of the Philippines) have the assumption the Philippines due to it being a Developing nation (3rd world country) is very outdated on shopping. Which in some cases is very much the case, but regarding clothing and high street brands most are already here and a lot cheaper than europe. Even Marks & Spencers have stores here for clothing. Although i did find it funny in one of the food malls marks and spencer products being sold (the food mall wasnt marks and spencers). But either way there is plenty to be buying here at low prices. Custom clothing is possible because of the low cost of highly skilled staff. Im lucky enough to have a great mother in law who makes things like my silk shorts (for PJs) and can custom make almost anything from a drawing and your personal sizes (if you want something made drop me an email! mattwilkie@tropicalpenpals.com ) But food restaurants Pizza Hut, McDonalds etc. Are already here but in most cases i would stick with other restaurants because eating out is cheap and heading to a better quality of restaurant you will be paying a european price for a big mac but for a real meal something i love is osterich which i get at Ayala Mall but there is plenty of restaurants to choose from and from all over the world. The misconceptions ive come across are mainly due to charity projects that constantly put the Philippines like most developing nations as a picture of just ghettos and poverty. Although this is a major problem and more than 70% of the population are on or below the poverty line the shopping malls are some of the biggest in Asia here.

The big malls in Cebu are SM and Ayala. They are each around the size of Merry Hill shopping centre in Dudley UK.  but they are expanding. As the photo shows this is a new section on one of the malls and it doesnt look like no Ghetto.. The big thing i find hard here is the lack of small traders and its where the UK is heading with Tescos. The Ayalas, SM and Gaisano owners not only control most of the products they sell which include owning most of the large grocery stores, some banks and huge departments stores but also down to the animal feeds for farmers. Its difficult to be a business in this enviroment and the UK should wake up and look at what is happening to the skilled workers who take pride in theyre career (yes career NOT JOBS) and learn an important lesson. Getting back to shopping in the Philippines every major city has the malls and even minor Cities all seem to have a Gaisano or getting one soon. This is Gaisano Fiesta Mall in Tubanok, Cebu I shop here reguarly and get mainly my food groceries here although im starting to try and buy locally due to many of the products being from Thailand or Australia not on a food crusade but i would much rather the products were produced locally when i know they can be or already are whats the point of a business going bust because it cant sell goods yet stock is being shipped in?

Now what you can only just see on the left of the photo is construction work. All the malls are expanding either into other cities or like this one on land it already owns. BOs coffee and Pizza hut are the first new additions to this mall which is currently my nearest but another is already about to start construction between Naga and Minglanila the thing is it forces up land prices which seems odd. Because OK it creates jobs. But the employees dont earn enough to buy a new house and a small business cant compete. If you look at food alone not only do they hold things like Greenwich Pizza, JollyBee, Pizza Hut to name but a few but they have food malls which have maybe 10 – 20 different food types in one location with a central eating area. Aswell as the added security. You are frisked on the way in and guards are at every entrance and on each store entrance (to the main Gaisano department store) not only is it guarded but the guards are armed. Not with a piece of wood but pistols and shotguns. So its unlikely this place is going to get robbed. But if you sit out in an open eatery who knows. Now if your here on a holiday best way to travel is via Taxi everywhere just tell them the malls your going to and they will take you directly. Inside and outside i always feel safe if security is a major concern you can always borrow me or a friend as a holiday companion to get you around and keep you out of the dangerous locations. If your looking for traditional items in Cebu i would head to Colon Market be aware the people there are very poor and full of pick pockets. If possible just take enough money for your shopping trip then if money goes missing you arent losing your holiday budget. But generally in Colon street you can find your “Fake” designer bags, aswell as traditional weaved hand bags, hats, ropes and items made of shells aswell as the famous guitars I have to admit i was a bit disappointed on the traditional items as im a keen lover of history and keeping traditions alive. Most seem  to be disappearing here as Western money influences people too much to the electronic age. If you want to shop until you drop i would take a short haul flight into Hong Kong where the city is geared for serious shopaholics same with thailand. The Philippines is full of clothing but much of it can be bought cheaper in Thailand and the electronics and the fact the government tax it so high are cheaper in Hong Kong. The difference i find in the Philippines is the pace of life which is why i choose it over HongKong or Thailand because quite simply no one would batter an eyelid if you sat in a restaurant and havent ordered any extras after a meal when your sat chatting for nearly 3 hours its just normal. The Philippines has a lot to offer but you need to identify what your shopping for. The main malls all seem to cater around the OFWs and American market which drives me crazy as although not anti american most of the clothes that are for sale i wouldnt put on a pensioner being too bland and boring. Although expect reasonable pricing on Levis (best to buy in Manila from a factory store!) or Bench which are all around 1/4 of UK pricing. Bench clothing i like personally although i find the Jeans shrink to much in the wash. Best jeans ive bought here are from Hammerhead who are a bit cheaper and they have some good designs on T-Shirts. Penshoppe seem to go over the top to sell products that are poor in design and quality. But its all to a persons taste.

 Although i love it here it does become frustrating sometimes when you need something such as spares or add ons for a camera or laptop because quite simply there is no market for it here. The rich goto Hong Kong to pickup goods. The locals cant afford it and the people like me seem to make do until we are able to take a trip somewhere out of the country to get the parts we need. Recently i was reading about a person who waited a year for parts for a refrigerator which actually meant they had to get the spares when they went to the states on holiday and bring it back in theyre luggage. The tight grip that the rich families have here does effect the market severly and i wish they would just lapse it at least a little to help bring much needed developments here.

A word of warning on arrival you are going to see some severe poverty people sleeping on street corners, kids constantly hounding you for money ghettos around the waterways and litter stacked high. Most of these people will just smile and give you a “hey Joe” and i would recommend if giving money dont there is a major drug problem here with rugby glue sniffing aswell as shabu which is a crystal meth which is smoked and the kids you are giving money to is just feeding the habit. If you want to what i do is grab a jollybee or Mcdonalds meal.