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Hello enjoyingCyprus. @enjoyingCyprus I see you can ride a motorcycle - motorcycle or scooter is the best way to tour around if you are visiting - you can tour an island and hop on a ferry and get a ride to the next island and keep touring - it is a great way to see the country. The 4X4 we have is great - my wife got it in January 2024 - I also have a Honda Civic that I bought when I lived in Manila it was great there but not as good here if we want to leave the city and explore. For example, we went on a tour last week with her 4x4 and we hit 2 spots where my Honda could not have made it through. 4X4 or motorcycle no problems exploring. Safe travels over and enjoy your exploring so many great places to see. Amping Take care, Greg

@@CanadianInPhilipipnes yes that’s my plan to rent a motorbike and travel around and explore, as it looks now I fly on Dumaguete stay there for 2 weeks and after travelling further, but also looking to stay and live on the Philippines

Wow enjoyingCyprus. @enjoyingCyprus Thanks for sharing your plans! It’s inspiring to hear about your journey. Wishing you all the best as you explore the Philippines! Keep us updated. Amping take care, Greg and Lindie

Always nice to get such considerate feedback. Great job. It's always great to learn more about different languages and pronunciations. I appreciate your input! 😜🙊 I am sure YOU would know - oh wait I looked at your content to learn from you BUT surprise I couldn't find any content.

@@Davirdcarrol Why? And I guess you haven't watched our videos. Not GF, my wife as noted many times including in our anniversary videos.

Hi Vinnie @vinnie1711 That one was 460,000P (US$8,150). You can get them much cheaper and I have heard many horror stories even after we bought ours - but there are obviously a wide range of them being sold. As they saying goes - you get what you pay for. We looked for a long time and at many sales places and I am very picky and this is the one we went with. We looked at one from Rusco also in Sibulan that was 290,000P and I asked when was it going to be finished restored and the salesperson said it is ready now - the paint was crap, the body was terrible and when I moved the floor mat on the driver side you could see the cement underneath - he said those things are up to you to fix. We never went back there and I never recommend anyone go there. I went to another one nearby there on the opposite side of the road and looked at a few. One I like and we negotiated a price but didn't buy it. A few months later I saw they had a SALES sign posted - the SALE was discounted price - but they raised the price from when I looked at it a few months earlier and with the discount it was the same price - I even told the lady don't you remember me we looked at this exact model - she said she didn't remember me - again never went back. As you drive around you will see, many curbsiders (what we call them in Canada) selling one from the front of their yard - I also would never buy one from these guys - buy cheap, do some dubious repairs that they will not stand behind and resell it for a profit - I have been here for a few years and I see the same guys doing that selling one after the other - usually telling a story about selling THEIR car. These are everywhere around the islands - they are imported from Japan, and converted here - many are complete crap - but you can get a good basic one for 200,000P, higher end ones are 400k to 500k+ The one my wife got has all the bells and whistles. nice paint job, great interior, back up camera, power everything, AC is better than my Honda Civic - obviously better clearance than my Honda and is great for exploring around the Province. The company (Dumaguete JetCab Multicab) near the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport also offers support that most don't offer - they manufacture in Cebu, have a number of sales offices with on-site service as well as an after-sale warranty. The manager, salesman, mechanic and office manager are all great with customer service - that is uncommon here. Whoever runs that place has set up a good company. A friend of mine looked there also but he went with another company and went directly to the plant in Cebu and had one custom made - it is VERY fancy and I am sure above my 500k+ estimate. He also added a custom canopy on the side and a popup tent which covers the full roof of his 4X4 - it is VERY nice and will be amazing for exploring the islands. There is always a bit of nervousness buying something - but we got it in January 2024 and have been very happy with it. Here is a link to a video I made showing where we got it and a few of the other models they sell czcams.com/video/tLBOnylVqQs/video.html Take care, Greg

@CanadianInPhilipipnes Thanks Greg! That was an amazingly detailed response. I appreciate it. I will check that place out with my wife in Jan 2025 when I'm there. I will also check out the driving school for my wife. Thanks for some really useful information!

Hi again Anthony Huben @anthonyhuben9248 Hope you are well. Thank you for sharing your love for buko shake! It’s always great to connect with fellow fans of this delicious treat! Amping Greg

Hi Mike Muñiz @MikeMuniz615 Thanks for subscribing! It was 9,312.75P (US$165, CD$223, THB5,640, EUR149, SEK 1,700) We don't have a regular schedule grocery run - my wife keeps a list and I keep a NEED Note on my phone for things I want .I just note them as I see something getting low. That was Sept 1 and now it is Sept 10 and we haven't been back. It's hard to say how long that amount lasts for because we have a house and more storage and a much bigger fridge. Since then, I haven't bought groceries elsewhere - but my wife bought a few veggies and a fresh whole fish nearby our house at a roadside stand - today she went to a nearby small store and bought 5kg of rice. So, it's just as and when needed for small items can grab nearby and then a big shopping a few times per month. Oh one other thing I got today - I filled our two 20-liter jugs with purifed water and that is 20P each. When I rented a beach front apartment back in 2019 near that same mall - I had a small bar fridge and no car or scooter - so I would walk to and from the store carrying my groceries - I didn't want to pay the high FOREIGNER fee of the scooters that sit outside the mall - the walk and carrying my groceries was good exercise. The most I would buy would be 2 to 4 grocery bags - the fridge had such a small capacity - so my bills were much lower 1k to 2k but I would go a few times per week. Now I will go 2 times per month. My bills range from 6,000 to 15,000 depending if I am stocking up on supplies. I think the only real cleaning supply was I bought a large Tide powder, which was over 900P - and we still haven't opened it yet - it is a back up to the one we are using now. If we ate just what was in our house we wouldn't have to go for the rest of the month - but we always run out of fruit and veggies, which I like to eat. We will also go to the Valencia Sunday market 1 or 2X per month for veggies and fruit, that is normally another 2k and then get fruit/veggies as needed at small road side stands that are everywhere around here. I will also go to Belcris a small grocery store downtown (not far from the Dumaguete sign) which has lots of imported goods and great imported beef (domestic beef is not good for some reason) - my bill there is usually 5 to 8k and that might be once every 5 or 6 weeks. Now we have a large fridge and a separate large freezer, as well as a house with much more space than my old small apartment so we stock up and go less often. SORRY FOR THE LONG reply - I tend to write A BIT, since you are new you may not have seen the budget videos I did: How Much It Cost To Live In The Philippines After 6 Years? czcams.com/video/8k8n8Qel5js/video.htmlsi=XI4rv1FplVhWNSoZ In that video I set out 2 estimates for budgets, viz., a low budget of 44,756P and a high budget of 132,682. I then did another video setting out what it would look like to live on 4 different budgets, US$500, 1,000, 2,500 and 4,000. How Much Money Do You ACTUALLY Need To Retire in The Philippines czcams.com/video/B7KpVwjpF90/video.htmlsi=ewOpIXNxW78yUT7r Thanks again for subscribing and we hope you enjoy the content! Amping take care Greg

Hi Charlie riley @charlieriley6816 You are correct it was 9,312.75P (US$165, CD$223, THB5,640, EUR149, SEK 1,700) and that is for 3 people living at our house. The third is a friend of my wife and she pays us a small rent, which subsidizes her food costs - she eats what we eat. So you could say that was 8,000 for 2 of us. I know a few Expats who connected with gals and took on the GF +5 kids - I don’t know how they do it - nor would I recommend it. One went back to the USA this year after 5 years here and went back to WORK - the other is still here and addition to the +5 kids he has another +2 (other family) - so with him 9 in the household - anyone coming here needs advice I was given in 2018 - YOU NEED TO LEARN TO SAY NO! I met one lady when I was single in Manila and on our second date she told me she had 4 kids - I politely said SORRY my retirement budget can only afford 1. Thanks for the “would be nice to see what we got” - I chatted my wife about your comment and you gave us a good idea for our next one (I will send you your share of the royalties for that video - don’t spent it ahead of time our revenue on the current grocery video is a whopping $2.47!!! - praying the one with the inventory and bill will do better ) - I will lay everything out and put the detailed bill in the video so people can see the exact cost of the items. As for the how long does that last part of your question - I wrote a reply on a similar question and I hope it’s ok -I have cut and pasted it for you here - or not here BUT just below … the next words ... We don't have a regular schedule grocery run - my wife keeps a list and I keep a NEED Note on my phone for things I want. I just note them as I see something getting low. That was Sept 1 and now it is Sept 10 and we haven't been back. It's hard to say how long that amount lasts for because we have a house and more storage and a much bigger fridge. Since then, I haven't bought groceries elsewhere - but my wife bought a few veggies and a fresh whole fish nearby our house at a roadside stand - today she went to a nearby small store and bought 5kg of rice. So, it's just as and when needed for small items can grab nearby and then a big shopping a few times per month. Oh one other thing I got today - I filled our two 20-liter jugs with purified water and that is 20P each. When I rented a beach front apartment back in 2019 near that same mall - I had a small bar fridge and no car or scooter - so I would walk to and from the store carrying my groceries - I didn't want to pay the high FOREIGNER fee of the scooters that sit outside the mall - the walk and carrying my groceries was good exercise. The most I would buy would be 2 to 4 grocery bags - the fridge had such a small capacity - so my bills were much lower 1k to 2k but I would go a few times per week. Now I will go 2 times per month. My bills range from 6,000 to 15,000 depending if I am stocking up on supplies. I think the only real cleaning supply was I bought a large Tide powder, which was over 900P - and we still haven't opened it yet - it is a back up to the one we are using now. If we ate just what was in our house we wouldn't have to go for the rest of the month - but we always run out of fruit and veggies, which I like to eat. We will also go to the Valencia Sunday market 1 or 2X per month for veggies and fruit, that is normally another 2k and then get fruit/veggies as needed at small road side stands that are everywhere around here. I will also go to Belcris a small grocery store downtown (not far from the Dumaguete sign) which has lots of imported goods and great imported beef (domestic beef is not good for some reason) - my bill there is usually 5 to 8k and that might be once every 5 or 6 weeks. Now we have a large fridge and a separate large freezer, as well as a house with much more space than my old small apartment so we stock up and go less often. SORRY FOR THE LONG reply - I tend to write A BIT, since you are new you may not have seen the budget videos I did: How Much It Cost To Live In The Philippines After 6 Years? czcams.com/video/8k8n8Qel5js/video.htmlsi=XI4rv1FplVhWNSoZ In that video I set out 2 estimates for budgets, viz., a low budget of 44,756P and a high budget of 132,682. I then did another video setting out what it would look like to live on 4 different monthly budgets, US$500, 1,000, 2,500 and 4,000. How Much Money Do You ACTUALLY Need To Retire in The Philippines czcams.com/video/B7KpVwjpF90/video.htmlsi=ewOpIXNxW78yUT7r Thanks again for your feedback . Amping take care Greg

Hi CHARLIE Sult @charliesult4171 Absolutely! Investing in good foot care is essential for overall health and comfort. I was wearing my flip flops when our puppy first arrived but now he is a few months older and likes to jog - its almost like he knows I have to lose the weight I put on the last 2 years! When I was working I used races as a target to keep fit - I ran 2 marathons, 2 half-marathons, many 10 and 5k races. I was consistently SLOW for them all running almost the same pace - but the races kept me motivated to keep fit. When I was working I would buy 2 pair of my favorite running shoes - New Balance for many years the zero drop minimus - I think I saw an ad for some marathon star wearing them - my SUB 4 hour time was never close to the pros' SUB-4--hour times - I was 3 minutes below 4 hours they were 1 hour and 50 mins below 4 hours - so even with the nice runners NOT QUITE the same! Slowly getting back into it and the new runners feel good - got them 8 days ago - no excuses now! Have a great day wherever you are. Amping take care, Greg

Hhi Dennis Bilkert @eurotrash2915 Thank you for subscribing! We are glad you’re here, and I hope you find some info you need for your exciting journey ahead in the Philippines! I have not been to your GF's area - we just finished a roadtrip near there in Sipalay and stayed at Sugar Beach it was so beautiful. Reminded me I need to stick to my plan to explore regularly so many beautiful spots to see in the Philippines. Regards Greg and Lindie

Hi Mike G @Myk904 Not sure where you live or where you came up with "most of the malls don't like vloggers filming without consent"? Where have you beene stopped filming? That has definitely not been my experience anywhere in the Philippines, Thailand, Canada, USA or even Hong Kong. The only time I was stoopped videoing was at Dumaguete City Mall Grocery store - not the mall - I made a video of the mall and as I was about to enter the grocery the guard said the grocery store had a no filming policy. It is their loss - social media videos give them free advertising and show travellers and locals where they could spend their money. As for as maybe security reasons - sorry but that makes no sense at all - it is not a government building it's a public building where anyone can enter. In this one we were shopping and as usual Lindie was taking a bit longer so I filmed a bit in the store and more in the mall. I have made a number of videos in the mall, as have many other vloggers without any problems.

Hi butterscotch @howawful Aside - one of the best Handles and Channel name combos I have seen!!! I guess you don't like butterscotch? My grandma on my dad's side always had small butterscotch candies in here purse! She didn't hit me so much (at least for then 🙊 way too much for today 😜) but I still like them - but prefer chocolate! 🍫🍪🍰 It is a Suzuki imported from Japan and retrofitted here - common in the Philippines. We love her 4X4 and bought it in January 2024. Lindie likes it way better than my Honda Civic - which was great in Manila but not great for getting out in the Province - roads not quite the same here. We just came back from a roadtrip to Sipalay Negros Occidental - I just have to edit the content. My car would not have made it through 2 spots. This video explains where we bought it (Jetcab Multicab Dumaguete branch) and how they are made at their facility in Cebu City. czcams.com/video/tLBOnylVqQs/video.htmlsi=tlp6PUFcXmFBM-Z0 Here is a playlist of our 4X4 adventures (more to come) czcams.com/play/PLeG3ZTV1b_0nNUU1rjwsfknDYKzceoaSQ.html&si=UVoq1eFpcSwj9VcO Have a great rest of your weekend. Greg

I understand that - when I came here I couldn't either. But I did some research on it, invented in France and the process is high heat for a short time and sold in many countries around the world - I first had it when I lived in France in the late 1980s - but then not again until coming here on a holiday in 2017. After so long here I have no problem with it but I only drink the green labelled container Nestle one which is 100% real milk from New Zealand. I prefer to buy their low fat or 1% BUT these come from Germany (a long way to send milk) and the ones I tried had a different darker color (not white like the green one, but off-white color) and maybe in my mind because of the color but it seemed to have a different taste and smell. So, I keep buying the Nestle green label one - I like my milk cold so I keep it in our fridge which is set at -3 and I add ice to my glass with the milk to make it even colder. In Canada I drink regular milk non-fat or 1%. I recently bought the regular fridge milk at City Mall to make cheese. My first attempt with UHT milk was a complete failure and waste of time/money - after the fact I checked the Google and learned the UHT high heat process kills the protein that is needed to make cheese - it basically looked like cottage cheese even after draining for 12 hours. The regular milk gave me a really nice small ball of cheese in about one hour of draining the cheese cloth.

Hi Larry I guess you didn't check out the Short i mentioned where I clearly stated this shows "some options in a Philippines grocery store September 1, 2024" I then asked if people buy UHT milk from the shelf OR fresh milk from the refrigerator section. To save you looking for it here is the link to the Short: czcams.com/users/shortsq1T2fabzUcc?si=gA0YEawrVDkdJaaJ Also the longer video was not a full grocery store tour it was just highlights as they don't like you filming - I tried to film in the City Mall grocery store and security stopped me and said it wasn't allowed, in this one I just walked around and got a few glimpses where I could.

You can get pasteurized delicious milk in Valencia outside Dumaguete same street as police station right past the barricade on road you’ll see a long driveway go up it every Sunday they have cold great pasteurized milk

Hi Mango & Kash In The Philippines 🇵🇭#Philippines @MangoKashInThePhilippines Thanks for the tip! It sounds like a great place to grab some fresh milk. I’ll definitely check it out one Sunday when I am in Valencia! Amping Greg

Not sure what you mean?

Hi Dave Smith @davesmith9916 Thank you for watching our channel! We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying it. Hope you’re loving your adventure in the Philippines! Where did you pick to start out? REMEMBER if you are not liking where you are at - just explore more. I have lived in 6 places in the last 6 years - since we bought a house in 2022 that is harder to continue! Are you a retired "horseman" if you know what I mean? I just thought that based on the building in the back of your profile pic. No need to reply here - my email is listed on our Homepage you can contact me there if you like, canadianinphilippines@gmail.com - just be careful not to add THE (proper grammar) - someone said I didn't reply to their email but it went to the wrong address. If you have a moment, also check out my wife's CZcams channel - she is just getting going with content and wanting to put more effort into it. A learning process just like I am going through - especially with editing. @lindieroseadventures Take care and stay safe. Greg

Wow THE SOBER TRAVELER @habsguy1966 that is terrible about the mango shake. Welcome aboard! A fellow Canadian from Saskatchewan, eh? I have never asked the buko stand guy where his ice is made and if from purified water- he grabs it from a cooler behind him. But in the 2 years I have had buko shakes from his stall I have never gotten sick BUT from now on I will ask places what their ice is made of. We make our own ice with purified water but I see around that purified ice costs 3 or 4P and regular (tap water) ice costs 2P - one would hope most businesses would never use tap water for anything related to their customers. I am sure some people use tap water - but as you know there are water stations everywhere and I see even poor people buying purified water, in this area, 20P for 20 liters, was 15P until 2024. 20P is still so cheap when I lived in BGC Metro Manila 2020-21 it was 40 for 20 liters (will be higher now) and sometimes I would just buy 10L at the 7-11 a few feet from my condo because of traffic and time to get to the water station, 7-11 charged 110P for 10L. Wow from Saskatchewan? Are you a farmer? I am a CITY BOY from the MASSIVE urban centre WEYBURN (don’t tell the truth here!) - we rented a farm a few years ago and bought one a few months ago in the mountains but live in Sibulan. My friends and relatives would laugh if I claimed to have farming knowledge but I am learning from my wife here! I have never been as far up as Jimalalud - my wife has. To get to our farm you leave the coastal highway at Palanas (between Bais and Tanjay there is a direction sign to go to Pal-Ew) and then go up about an hour into the mountains - once you arrive nearby you have to park then it is a hike in from the road - always an adventure, but so beautiful up there. Our house is in a subdivision near the Dumaguete-Sibulan airport. When you get a moment please check out my wife Lindie's CZcams channel - she is trying to put more effort into it and is just getting going, @lindieroseadventures Looking forward to meeting when you guys back. We hope to get to Lloydminster to see my dad in the next month or so. Bye for now, Greg and Lindie

Hi Ed James @edjames6141 We love it and bought it in January 2024. Lindie likes it way better than my Honda Civic - which was great in Manila but not great for getting out in the Province - roads not quite the same. We just came back from a roadtrip to Sipalay Negros Occidental - I just have to edit the content. This video explains where we bought it (Jetcab Multicab Dumaguete branch) and how they are made at their facility in Cebu City. czcams.com/video/tLBOnylVqQs/video.htmlsi=tlp6PUFcXmFBM-Z0 Here is a playlist of our 4X4 adventures (more to come) czcams.com/play/PLeG3ZTV1b_0nNUU1rjwsfknDYKzceoaSQ.html&si=UVoq1eFpcSwj9VcO Have a great rest of your weekend. Greg

Hi LynLyn (Gwapo Mike and kids) I passed on your message to Lindie - I also told her you said AND GWAPO GREG 😜🙊 Have a great Sunday. Amping Greg, Lindie and Cliffy

Hi dave light @davelight2220 WOW it's crazy how early they start with the holiday sales in Ontario! I totally get the preference for waiting until December for Christmas decorations - they love Christmas here - we finally moved our Christmas tree outside in June!!! I should ask Lindie when is it coming back inside since it is ALREADY Sept 8th!! 🙊 And yes, Dumaguete really does have a charm of its own! For what it is worth the PRA Philippine Retirement Authority (the government agency where you get the SRRV Special Resident Retirement Visa from) says this is the #1 retirement spot in the Philippines - not sure when/how rated etc. It is quiet compared to many busy places, has good weather, good stores and restaurants and a good selection of hospitals. Because it has a good airport and port it is a good place to use as a base for your exploring the Philippines and beyond. Also like most places in the Philippines it is very affordable on a pension. BUT I always recommend people come for a few holidays and explore different areas - one will speak to you - like buying a house or condo - check out 15 or 20 and one will jump out at you and if you pick one and don't like it - IT IS NEVER A FOREVER decision you can move - some people forget that. I see so many people complaining on chat groups about health care for example (I am preparing a video on that now) and I always say I have had nothing but great experience here in 6 years - maybe they forget how bad it is where they are from and if they think it is better they can always return. We didn''t contribute to the building of the health care system here with our tax dollars (as we never grew up working here) so we shouldn't be complaining about there system - we can pick and choose our healthcare solutions/options - most locals cannot. SORRY for the off topic sermon but the bashing of the country and often of the people asking quetsoions are the reasons I quit the Expat FB groups I was on. Amping take care, Greg

Hi David Parrish @davidparrish3538 It's great that you're planning for your retirement! Having a solid financial plan in place will definitely help you enjoy those years to the fullest. My only advice is for you to come and do some exploring before you retire. I did 4 trips (7, 10, 14 and 30 days) before I retired. Try to see a variety of the country - just explore and see what is the right fit for you. Keep me updated on your plans/progress. Regards Greg

Hi CHARLIE Sult @charliesult4171 This video explains where we bought it (Jetcab Multicab Dumaguete branch) and how they are made at their facility in Cebu City. czcams.com/video/tLBOnylVqQs/video.htmlsi=tlp6PUFcXmFBM-Z0 Here is a playlist of our 4X4 adventures (more to come) czcams.com/play/PLeG3ZTV1b_0nNUU1rjwsfknDYKzceoaSQ.html&si=UVoq1eFpcSwj9VcO Have a great rest of your weekend. Greg

Thank you Harri Vennola @harrivennola868! Lindie's parking skills are definitely impressive. We look forward to your next visit! Night from Negros Oriental (00:39 AM) Greg

WOW Harri Vennola @harrivennola8687- you made our evening. We truly appreciate your support and feedback! It means a lot to us that you enjoyed the video. Take care and stay awesome! Lindie and Cliffy are sound asleep I will join them in a few minutes. I will try NOT to wake them up as I wrap my night up - but if I do I will tell her about your gift - it always makes us both smile. Amping Greg, Lindie and Cliffy

Hi Harri Vennola @harrivennola8687 I really appreciate your enthusiasm! Yes, they are authentic, and I'm thrilled you found the price as appealing as I did ! OR at least I hope they are real. Before they opened it was hard to find REAL runners. I was spoiled in BGC 3 branded stores within a block of my condo - some say buy them online but I prefer to try them on. Amping Greg, Lindie and Cliffy

I wish you were driving with us gha🥰

LOL handsomevex coolsman @handsomevexcoolsman3437 It is different for sure with no lights or stop signs but it manages to work most of the time. It is funny how some complain about traffic here - for the Philippines they need to drive in Metro Manila (off the Skyway system - down in the trenches) and in Cebu City (Mini-Manila for traffic). Have a great week ahead. Greg

Hi Christina Tizon @christinatizon5243 It's always tough to be away from home, but it sounds like you have some great memories tied to Dumaguete. Hopefully, you can visit again soon! Now I can say I know someone who built that great mall!! They are really expanding on the back - they built a multi-level parking area at the back near the street that goes to Mcdonald's and they are building more store space out the back as well - there is a large construction area walled off. Maybe they need your help! Amping Greg

Wow really Carlo San @carletto_au I have the complete opposite experience. I have been here since 2018 and visiting since 2017. I first did online dating but way too many scammers - not just here in the Philippines but all over. Just google romance scams OR pig butchering scam - it is scary what they can do with the tech. It is ok to browse and chat online but the problem is many (unlike you who are in the Philipppines) don't come here and start sending money - I know a guy sending money for over 6 years to a woman in Metro Manila and he has never visited the Philippines - he is 59 and says he will come here at 65 marry her and take her back to Canada - despite everyone trying to talk him out of it he still keeps sending money, even borrowing as the requests for money never end. I even met an American who was coming to the Philippines for the fist time and moving here to Dumaguete - which is another thing I don't recommend - I can't tell you how many I know guys who come here with their distorted Internet expectations and are not happy - and leave blaming the Philippines when it was their ridiculous plan that was doomed to fail. Back to the American - his flight flew to Cebu Airport, he was staying there for a few days then coming here - I COULD SEE THE TRAIN derailing. I said don't bring any woman from Cebu - have fun for your few days but come to Duma - catch your breath, get settled, enjoy single life and you will have tons of opportunity to meet women in person NOT ONLINE. Of course he igrnored my advice (no problem) he chattec a girl - made arrangements for her to meet him at the airport in Cebu - be his tourist guide - it is so funny these guys who have litte travel experience thinking they need a tour guide ( I know 2 Americans who fell for that line here in Duma and both ended up taking over responsiblity for their TOUR GUIDE GFs and their 5 kids AND 5 kids plus father and sister - one has already returned home broke - I know my retirment budget couldnt handle it JUST NEED TO SAY NO! The American sen t me a pic of his Online GF that he met at the airport and was having a great start to his Philippines retirement. My immediate comments were - no offence but that photo of her (which she sent him in advance) was her in a night time outfit (Manila girl style) in Ayala Mall which is famous for Cebu girls to hook up with Expats and I asked how many kids she had. He confirmed that pic was from Ayala mall and she had 2 kids BUT it was ok because they were living with her parents. I said just be aware if you stay with her they kids will soon follow or if they continue to stay with the paremts you will be paying for them . I met him a few days later, his first morning in Dumaguete and gave him a little tour - his Cebu gal was with him. I suggested he get a hotel for a few days and tour around to decide where to live - he had no wheels and didn't know how to drive a motorcycle/scooter BUT he rented the first apartment he saw in Bacong right on the water 40,000+ per month. Not having transportation this would be very difficult but could be overcome if he bought a vehicle (another expense). Also he rented a big enough space for him, his new gal and a FEW OTHERS! An expensive start to his Philippines Retirement. PS I haven't heard from him ever again so not sure how his whirlwind romance with an Ayala Mall girl worked out! I used online dating a few times since 2017 - met a few decent ladies but mostly a waste of time. I met more nice people at malls, coffee shops, restaurants, walking around, exploring and through local friends - meeting in person is so much better. Then go for coffee/milktea, lunch etc and get to know each other and be clear about your attentions - dating, eventually exclusive, maybe marriage - whatever the case is but don't rush into it. In 2018 I rented a place in Manila for 9 months and walked and used public transportation. I then moved to Dumaguete in 2019 for 6 months and rented a beachfront place and continued walkiong and public transportation. I didn't buy a car until Dec 2019. I met my now wife in July 2019 through a friend and we married in Nov 2021. We bought a house in 2022. Maybe I am not the norm but I try to go a bit slower rather than rush things. As I said I am not saying DON'T ever use online - but be careful and the best option is to come here (not do what the American new arrival did as noted above) and NEVER SEND money before meeting - the requests will get more creative and never ending. My buddy that has been sending money for years I tried to tell him all the money he sent he could have visited a few times and seen if she was the right woman - he said he will come here at 65 (in 6 years) marry her and take her back to Canada - I told him it doesn't work that way will take him two years to get her back to Canada (if he and she both qualify) AND that is assuming this ONLINE Person even shows up at the airport in 2030!! There are a few good documentaries online from USA shows about romance scams - men and women sending hundreds of thousands of dollars and more and the person was not real. Good luck if that is the path you take - BUT you are here in Dumaguete - rather than waste time online go for a walk on the Boulevard, walk downtown, go to NorthPoint, go to Robinson Place - rent a scooter and tour the province and other islands you will see many many beautiful woman looking for a good guy - not some fake persona online. Take care and I wish you all the best. Greg