Dedicated to Living in the Philippines

Last updated on November 20, 2007

We are not expert authority on all one would need to know regarding moving to the Philippines.  Information offered on this site is accurate at time of it's posting and is intended to answer questions on schools, banking, medical needs, recreation and just about anything else we are frequently asked. The best advice we could give before deciding to move here is to research all available information such as might be found on your countries embassy web page and perhaps the info at the sites shown below.  And that's just for starters.  Then we strongly suggest an exploratory visit before making a decision.

Q: Hi ! I was wondering if there is any VA hospitals in the PI's?

A: Not a hospital but a clinic in Manila located at 2201 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. Clinic hours of operation are from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Medical care is limited to service connected disabilities only and includes out-patient care at the clinic and in-patient care at various contract hospitals. Prior authorization is required for non-emergency out-patient care and hospitalization. Persons having questions concerning eligibility for treatment should call Manila 63-2-833-4566 or 63-2-833-4567; Fax: 63-2-831-4454;  Email: manlopc.inqry@vba.va.gov. 

For more information about medical care in the Philippines check out the Retired Affairs website. The current link as of this writing is: http://www.raosubic.com/sbayinfo.html#section7.  If the link is busted then just start at their home page (http://www.raosubic.com), and search for Medical and Dental. Lastly the US Embassy website has information on Veteran's Affairs at: http://usembassy.state.gov/manila/wwwh3031.html.

Q: How do you get your mail from the states? JJ

A: JJ, I use a service that charges by the month ($16) and they give me an address out of Moreno Valley California. Whatever I mail is Fed Ex'd by them to the US and then mailed from there. (using US postage) The reverse is also true. Mail sent to me is sent to the Moreno Valley address and then Fed Ex'd here. It is a little slow but it is secure. It is particularly handy for bank statements, credit cards being mailed and for magazine subscriptions. The downside is they also charge a fee if you go over their weight limit which my magazines manage to do most months. Their office is in Olongapo so I pick up and drop off mail once or twice a week. If you are retired military this service is unnecessary as the Retired Affairs Office does this for it's members at a very small fee. Best. Tom

Q: I want to own a retirement home in you area. As an American Citizen, what kind of taxes (if any) would I incur on a property or a house in your area.

A: The only way a foreigner can own property is to inherit it from a deceased spouse. Male foreigners who buy property usually put it in a wife's name. The title is actually put in both parties name so neither can dispose of it without the consent of the other. This could conceivably be done with any Filipino National that the foreigner trusts. There are capital gains taxes when property is sold and there are yearly property taxes which are very reasonable.

Q: What information can you share regarding schools in the Subic Bay area?

A: We receive many inquiries asking about schools in the Subic/Olongapo area, particularly from people wanting to relocate here. Since we've been scouting area schools for our own children we've put together a short synopsis of the education choices for ex-pat children. It is not complete and very subjective based on our perspective and the thoughts of others who's opinions we value. At this point we'll stick to preschool, kindergarten and elementary levels. All the schools mentioned teach only in English and are private rather than public schools. Most cost around P12,000 ($225) per year unless otherwise stated.

In Barrio Barretto there are a good choices for those three classifications. Livingstone Christian located outside of Santa Monica does just pre-school and Kinder 1 and 2. They have a good reputation and good teachers. The same is said about Sacred Heart on Jolo Street in the barrio. It is a Methodist school. Columban is the oldest and best known school. But we keep hearing complaints from area parents about their curriculum (name the 5 highest mountains in the Philippines) their class size and their ability to give needed individual attention.

There are a number of schools in Olongapo City proper. St Joseph's is a Catholic school. Westley has a good reputation and is a Methodist school. The Chinese school has long enjoyed good word of mouth. The same can be said of Little Angel. Likewise people say good things about the Montessori school in Olongapo. (about P24,000 a year) We recently visited all of these places and while they are probably all fine educational facilities they all share a common flaw. They are located on busy streets in very crowded environments. They resemble concrete prisons. They have little or no recreation facilities. There is no green grass and no organized sports.

This is a problem we encounter over and over. The only schools we found with serene settings were located in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (old Subic Naval Base) Subic Montessori is located near the old Subic Chapel and surrounded by grass and has a kids playground. There is also plenty of parking. All the classrooms are air-conditioned and the teacher to student ratio is no more than 12 to1. There is a library and they have computer classes. It costs about P25,000 (almost $500) a year. Their phone number is 047 252-3555. Child 1st Learning Center is a kindergarten that provides an integrated learning curriculum, activity corners for each age group, air-conditioned classrooms and a playground area in the Sub-com area of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Students between the ages of 2 1/2 and 6 are accepted. For more information, contact Ms. Oli Catli at 047 252-2602 Ext. 107 or 0917-452-7582. (We don't have a price on this one yet)

Brent Subic- Brent International School is Central Luzon's only international school. It undergoes annual accreditation by the US based Western Association of Schools and Colleges and offers a kindergarten through high school education in the safe and beautiful surroundings of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The school has a strong representation of American, British and Australian teachers. The schools tuition and fees (ranging from about $3500 to $8500 per year, plus a one-time $1000 enrollment fee) are among the lowest of any US accredited international school in Asia. For more information contact: Headmaster William Corey or Registrar Maricar Peralta. Address 6601 Binictican Brive, Subic Bay Freeport Zone Tel 047 252-6872. e-mail: info@brentsubic.edu.ph Website: www.brentsubic.edu.ph

Calvert Home Study - The US based Calvert School offers one of the world's top home school programs. It is the one recommended by the US State department for the children of it's foreign-service officers choosing to home school. Calvert's curriculum is accredited by the Department of Education in the US State of Maryland. It's one-year curriculum packages run from a few hundred dollars to nearly $600. It also offers on-line testing, interactive teaching and parent support groups. It's website is www.calvertschool.org Home school programs like Calvert offer an affordable option for an internationally accredited education overseas. But home school websites also note that unless a parent is ready to devote an extensive amount of time to teaching, a local teacher or tutor needs to be hired to implement the curriculum. Also the curriculum is only part of the educational experience so it is important that home schooled children are given ample opportunities to socialize with kids their age. This can often be done through clubs or sports.

We'll continue to update it as new information is received. We welcome questions or opinions from our readers.

Q: My wife is from Barretto and currently here with me in UK/Paris. But next month she will return to Barretto. She will look for a house in the Subic/Barretto Area to buy and if you know of anyone who has a place for sale?

A: When you arrive stop by and we may be able to point you in the right direction. Real estate companies as we know them in the west are not plentiful but some private people carry some listings. Finding houses is mostly legwork, word of mouth and checking out the area bulletin boards at places like the VFW and Retired Affairs Office.

Q: I have a house up North in Ilocos Norte and want to retire in the PI. My wife is afraid to go back there because of a slight increase of terrorist activity. How are all you guys coping where you are? Has there been any additional danger to your lives? Now days it probably doesn't matter where we live, as long as we pretty much behave ourselves and don't try to cause anyone problems. Would appreciate any information you could give.

A: Nothing has really changed here in Barrio Barretto. There is an increased police presence on and off the old naval base. There are better checks going through the SBMA gates. Provincial living should not be the least bit dangerous as long as it is not an NPA infested area and even then you can probably deal with it. The danger is in Manila, in malls and on public transportation. And even then the risk is minimal and you have to have really bad luck.  As always, take our recommendations and include security analysis you may find on embassy web sites and make the best decision for your family.

Q: I retire in 18 months, I have a Filipina wife and 2 kids, 10 and 11 years old.  I will retire on E-5 pay, about $1,100 before taxes. Is this enough to live comfortably enough in Subic, and afford education for my kids?

A: No. People do it, but not comfortably. $1800 a month is more realistic.  While it's true some retirees can and do survive on $1000 (and less) consider you have 2 children to see through school. To amplify on our answer if you want to enjoy western style living and housing with at least partial western cuisine, drive an automobile or jeepney and have decent health and dental care and partake of some recreational activities other than drinking beer in front of the local sari-sari store then $1100 is not enough. These numbers reflect living in the areas of Angeles City and Subic Bay, both more prosperous and more expensive. Sorry to be blunt but am sure you would appreciate some truth in this important matter. Good luck with your decision and congratulations on your upcoming retirement.

Q: I will be spending some time in Barrio Barretto, are there any gyms available nearby? Brian

A: General's Gym run by retiree Don West is in the heart of Barrio Barretto and very reasonably priced. Slimmers World on the old base is more upscale and better equipped but more expensive.

Q: I want to deposit some money in a bank there in PI. What is a safe bank to use?  One that's not going to go bankrupt.  Also are you aware of the interest rate on savings?

A: I assume you're talking about a foreign currency account. The minimum deposit and what you must maintain is US $500. If you deposit checks it takes about 30 days for them to clear. Interest rates suck. 1 to 2% are common. Philippine peso accounts are 1%. Any bank that is not a rural bank is reasonably safe. Metrobank for example is a subsidiary of Metropolitan Bank of New York. Other good banks are Cocobank, (PNB) Philippine National Bank, (BPI) Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Q: I'm coming to Barrio in October and bringing my Dad. I know all about Basa and San Miguel, but what's the latest on Golfing at Binictican? Not worried about price, just whether or not we can play there without being members.

A: Playing is not a problem without membership. Rarely is anyone on the course except weekends. Weekdays the cart, caddy (not optional) and green fees will probably run about P2400 or US $48. If you are going to be playing it a lot it might be worth your while to find a member to sponsor you. Stop by Mango's or see Shorty Philips at Little Wheel for help with this.

Q: I am moving to Olongapo within the next 5 weeks and wondering if you could advise me on who are the main suppliers of internet connections there and if possible what are their approx charges a month for how many hours? Nick

A: The easiest is piol.net You buy their card and use time. No monthly charges. There are several other providers in the area and if you don't like the service at piol then you can try them. Find out more at www.piol.net

Q: Dear Mango's - I am an American living in Olongapo (Gordon Heights) and am in need of dental work, probably requiring a crown. I remember reading about dental work on Mango's site a couple of months ago, so perhaps you can recommend a good dentist. I have a car, so I can go anywhere in the Olongapo/Subic area; my fervent desire is to avoid having to go to Manila to get it done. Any help you can give is appreciated. - Jim

A: Jim - We use a wonderful dentist clinic. It is Lorenzana dental clinic located behind the Bajac-Bajac market in Olongapo. The address is #14 20th St. Their phone number is 222-3638. They are really good with children too. "Enjoy" the crown.

Q: Hello Tom - I am living in Kansas at this time and working civil service at Ft. Riley. My wife is from Bulacan and we visited Olongapo, that was 2yrs ago. I am planning on retiring in two more years and I have a question I would like your comment on. My son will be 10yrs old then, will it be very hard for him to adjust to the life there. Thank you for your answer. - John

A: John - Probably. Definitely. Without knowing your son I'd think that yes it would be a shock. If he's been in the same location for sometime probably more so. There are advantages here as there are there. It sounds like a tough  one and I'm glad it's yours. We have two daughters 3 and 4 and right now it's a no brainer but at some point will I prefer them in the US or here? I'll have to decide then. - Tom

Q: Hello and thanks for the website. I'm an American with a young family, Filipino wife and 1 year old baby.  We were planning to move to the Subic area in November but yesterday the US State Dept. issued a travel warning for Americans in the Philippines. I wouldn't worry myself and I know that the majority of problems are involving the southern region.  Still we need to take extra precautions with my young son?  Can you tell me as an American in the PI do you feel any type of threat in these bad times?  Would you recommend delaying our move?  Any input appreciated. Thanks - Brian

A: Brian - Great question! I have two daughters ages 3 and 4. I certainly understand your concern. I hate to sound so sure but I'd have absolutely no worries about moving to Subic Bay. I'm not positive but I think that travel advisory applied to Mindanao. Going to Mindanao hasn't been safe for about 300 years if ever. We have had no type of incidents. No kidnappings. Few robberies except the usual pickpockets or maybe breaking in a house where the owner has been gone for a month. Nothing that doesn't happen everywhere and probably less so here. That said, the Retired Services Association who have a facility in Barrio Barretto have put on increased security and you must show an ID to gain entrance to check your mail or whatever. We too have done some security training with our staff too.

Q: "We're planning to move to the Philippines. Should we bring a computer with us or can we find them there?"

A: There are many computer stores here and you can find what you want at competitive prices. Also you get a guarantee so it can be replaced or repaired on warranty.

 

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Q: We're thinking about relocating to the Subic Bay area, any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated?

A: Obviously we get this question rather often. The single best answer is to point your browser to the Subic RAO site where they have a page dedicated to this subject.  You can get there directly by clicking here.

 

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