Moving to Manila

[subseastu]

I don't work in UK waters anymore if I can help it, its to do with the type of vessel I'm on. The hmrc in a revenue building exercise has decided that people the work on dive support vessels are no longer seafarers, I'm a navigator by the way!! THe goverment has in one swoop reduced the offshore british seafarer to ruins. Many of my shipmates are talking about bankrupcy and / or emigrating. The main problem is we budjet our year on a known wage, the gov is now talking of back dating our possible tax to april 08. This means that I'll have to find a years tax money payable by jan 10!! It ain't going to happen.

THis is why we're thinking of legging it to the phils and me going expat. You're right about the 3 month thing but first I have to have 12 months out the uk and not have a property registared to me. Hopefully we'll be able to rent our house out after I've finished doing it up.

I've heard alot of good things about cebu but the wife isn't from that neck of the woods, We've discounted olongopo aswell. Went back for a few days in january and I think it's changed for the worse, so that leaves manila. I know I'll be asking alot but Ideally a house and lot in a quiet sub division 5-10min form a market and maybe 30 min drive to a mall. THe province is a bit too remote and even the wife says we'd be too close to family. We'd visit on weekends etc.

[scottishbride]

I am also a seafarer, I work for a oil company! I own a house in the UK and rent it out! The IR are no longer interested in my earnings through my work, only the rental income I make, as long as it is less than 6,000 pounds for the tax year they normally leave me alone. There are plenty of places available for rent in the Metro area, of course you can get a place on a short lease and then look around. Have you been to Tagatay? there are plenty of house and lots for sale there and it is a bit cooler than Manila!

[pennybarry]

Hi all

Well I thought I got away with it but the UK gov has now decided to tax offshore seafarers and back date it. So because of this the wife and I are looking to move to the philippines, probably somewhere in manila. We already have a small farm and wood holiday house in the province but this is too cut off for us for every day living.

So we are looking at areas of Manila. Does anyone have any websites for rental / sale houses in manila? I'm thinking in areas around Makati, pasay for starters as they seem to have resonable areas / subdivisions and quality of things to do / ammenities. We've not really spent that much time in manila so I'm only using these as start points and am open to other ideas. I think the intention is to find a studio flat connected to a hotel for some self catering while we look for a rental porperty.

The wife doesn't really have any close family around manila so we can't use them for assistance.

http://www.phlist.com/photos/picture62.jpg

Ideally we'd like a 2-3 bed house with garden. Don't know about rental prices but maybe up to 20-25 thousand / month.

So any ideas???

In my opinion, I think it is better to live close to Makati like Laguna/Tagaytay. I live in Sta Rosa which is about 24 km away from Makati, I know a place in Laguna Bel-Air fully furnished cost about 20 thou/mo. They (Laguna Bel-Air) have private buses going to Makati everyday. So your budget is quite match. BUT if you want more cool place and no need to install aircondition, I can suggest you to buy a property which is boundary of Tagaytay and Sta Rosa. It is overlooking Laguna de Bay It cost 20,000 +/ month but after 5 years it will be yours DP is affordable.

http://www.phlist.com/photos/picture62.jpg

[Florge]

Hi angain everyone


THanks for all the suggestions so far. Unfortunatley we can't really do a condo as the wife wants to take our dog across with us (at massive cost by the looks!) So its got to be a house and lot.

Thanks for the look at the apartments Fred but like I say not suitable for us, very nice though.

I think we will rent first rather than buy cos we'll need to find an area we're happy with. I was looking at greenhills in pasig but have been warned off due to very haevy traffic outside the subdivsion (makes it difficult to get in and out let alone anywhere) Also apparently it floods outside so we're basically on an island!

We rented apartments in olongopo before and you're right about landlords. In 6 apartments not once did we get our deposit back. Robbing Ba$*£rds.

I'll certainly check out craigs list aswell if my internet behaves itself. THanks for the suggestions so far but does anyone have any experience with makati, pasig area?

Pasig is better... Makati is toooo crowded! Lived in Makati for over a year...

[Mrs.JMajor]

Pasig is better... Makati is toooo crowded! Lived in Makati for over a year...

Depends which part of makati

[mavid]

We have a house & lot for Rent. It's situated at Rosewood Village, Niog 2 Bacoor, Cavite.


2 Storey Corner Lot Unit

3 Bedrooms, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Balcony

2 Toilets and Bath, Laundry, Very spacious Front/Car garage

Provision for Air Condition, CATV, and Telephone

Shuttle Service, 24-hour Security.

Subdivision is near SM Bacoor (10-15mins), SM Mall of Asia (30-45mins), Island Cove Resort(30mins), Tagaytay (2-3hrs)

Transportation is accessible to Makati, Ayala, Alabang, Sucat, Lawton and Manila.


Village Amenities & Facilities
Elegant entrance gate with 24-hour guards
Wide roads
Elevated water tanks
Air-conditioned Roman Catholic Chapel
Air-conditioned Clubhouse with Multi-Purpose Hall
Covered Basketball and Badminton Court
Swimming Pool with Waterwalls
Children's Playground and Landscaped Parks

[subseastu]

Again thanks for the continuing replys. To be honest I've not really thought about tagaytay area as I heard it is v expensive. Not too bothered about heat as I like to do sun bathing (as long as theres a cold beer of course)

I think the only real way to do this is to get out there and spend a month looking around for ourselves. Taking into account all the advise from you good folk of course. Its certainly narrowing down my areas to look at and so hopefully we can find something quicker.

Whats the traffic like from Sta Rosa to Makati like? Does Sta Rosa have its own town, food stores bars resturants etc? Actually what Laguna like in that respect?

Scottishbride tried to PM you but can't. Who do you work for and whats your position? I'm 1/0 sdpo on the PMS mayo out in SAudi at the moment.

[pennybarry]

Again thanks for the continuing replys. To be honest I've not really thought about tagaytay area as I heard it is v expensive. Not too bothered about heat as I like to do sun bathing (as long as theres a cold beer of course)

I think the only real way to do this is to get out there and spend a month looking around for ourselves. Taking into account all the advise from you good folk of course. Its certainly narrowing down my areas to look at and so hopefully we can find something quicker.

Whats the traffic like from Sta Rosa to Makati like? Does Sta Rosa have its own town, food stores bars resturants etc? Actually what Laguna like in that respect?

Scottishbride tried to PM you but can't. Who do you work for and whats your position? I'm 1/0 sdpo on the PMS mayo out in SAudi at the moment.

We used to pass thru South Super High-way from Sta Rosa going to Makati. So there is no traffic inside SSH. The traffic begins when you approach Magallanes which is about 2 miles from Buendia Avenue. Buendia Ave to Ayala is more heavy traffic.

The City of Santa Rosa is a first class city in the province of Laguna, We have big SM mall there, Waltermart, Robinsons and Paseo de Sta Rosa were you can see different restaurants. Eton City which is also nearby of Laguna Bel Air is half developed. It is called MAKATI OF THE SOUTH.
If you will choose Laguna Bel-air, Paseo de Sta Rosa is just nearby and you will not experience any traffic.
Traffic in Sta. Rosa begins before you approach the South Super High-way. But onced you passed it, there will be no traffic from SSH to Magallanes which is close to Makati proper.
We have free education there from Elementary to High School and 70% of employees at Ayala Technopark must be resident of Sta Rosa City.
Here are some links that will help you know about our town.

http://www.etoncity.com/

http://www.sinjin.ph/2008/04/01/paseo-de-santa-rosa/

http://arlenearcillasnazareno.com/starosa/main.php


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Enchanted_kingdom.jpg

http://www.expatforum.com/city-guide...ity-guide.html

Goodluck

[Florge]

Depends which part of makati

Well, even if you live in the villages, it's still crowded once you get out of the village... it's the business district though so you are in the midst of all action. But if you're the type who's laid-back and loves fresh air, Makati isn't for you... unless you'll just stay inside the village/condo where you live and would not go through the daily hassles of travel.

[fred]

Again thanks for the continuing replys. To be honest I've not really thought about tagaytay area as I heard it is v expensive. Not too bothered about heat as I like to do sun bathing (as long as theres a cold beer of course)

I think the only real way to do this is to get out there and spend a month looking around for ourselves. Taking into account all the advise from you good folk of course. Its certainly narrowing down my areas to look at and so hopefully we can find something quicker.

Whats the traffic like from Sta Rosa to Makati like? Does Sta Rosa have its own town, food stores bars resturants etc? Actually what Laguna like in that respect?

Scottishbride tried to PM you but can't. Who do you work for and whats your position? I'm 1/0 sdpo on the PMS mayo out in SAudi at the moment.

There`s a very nice sub div around the corner from us.. To be honest its the best I have seen in a long while..The roads are very wide and so are the pavements. Security is good and there are lots of guards around etc.
Nice clubhouse with swimming pool..If I had a few extra bob I`d buy in there as I reckon it a good investment..Its in Imus Cavite but Im damned if I can remember the name.. I`ll see if I can find out.
Traffic is bad all over Manila.

(Bacoor is OK BTW but it does flood badly in many areas during monsoon so be careful to check before signing a lease in that area)

Regards,
Fred

[fred]

Welcome back Fred How you doing?You must been busy making money huh

Very well thanks.. Our nipa hut 75% built..
Now trying to pick best spot for a jacuzzi..(Always wanted one and really cheap to build here)
Business couldnt be better as 17 units occupied by foreign tenants.
Im trying to enjoy it while it lasts!

[subseastu]

Fred

Where is it you're living? The trouble with all this advice is I'm getting mighty confused!!! Time for a step back, deep breath and have another look at all the info thats been posted.

[fred]

Fred

Where is it you're living? The trouble with all this advice is I'm getting mighty confused!!! Time for a step back, deep breath and have another look at all the info thats been posted.

He he...Im actually living in Bohol but our units are there in Imus Cavite..

[subseastu]

Ah right. just started looking at google maps, something I should've done at the start obvisously.

So you say bacoor is prone to flooding how does imus fair? Whats the town like regards shops (mall and groceries etc), resturants, bars etc. Want to be able to go out on a night with the wife.

[subseastu]

Should say sorry for all this to everyone, its just manila is so ruddy big and I'll have a relative short time out there to even find a rental place that I'll be asking so daft questions and knowing me going back over the same stuff twice. So please bear with me folks

[sysop]

Ah right. just started looking at google maps, something I should've done at the start obvisously.

So you say bacoor is prone to flooding how does imus fair? Whats the town like regards shops (mall and groceries etc), resturants, bars etc. Want to be able to go out on a night with the wife.

Flooding in Imus is minimal. If the rain is really bad and heavy, there can be a little on the main road that goes through Imus, but is gone within a day or two. Compared to Bacoor its just a fraction.

There's a market (wet & dry) about 5-10 minutes (in a jeepney) away from the mall Robinsons Place. And further up the highway there is FRC shopping mall, so don't worry - plenty of places to use money
If that's not enough, there is always SM Bacoor (20-30 minutes away).
The mall in Imus have basically all you need regards to food, clothing, electronics etc.

There are 3 bars in the Robinsons area, whereas one of them also can be refered to as a restaurant, as they make food too. Actually I am not sure it exist anymore, as I remember the number of customers were quite slim when I was there, but I'm sure fred knows that.

Hmmm.... what more can I tell about Imus? ...... the people I've met there were all very nice and honest people. I'm sure there are some "bad seeds" too, but I've never ran into any there.

[subseastu]

Thanks for that info about Imus. I'm really confusing myself here. I've now started to look more closely at, now bear with me, pasig, alabang and tagaytay maybe sta rosa as well.

THe first 3 I think (especially with the way the exchange rate is) could be outside of budget, even to rent. So I think its going to be possibly, maybe look at rent a house and lot somewhere in the sta rosa area and go on from there. Find a car and driver, then do alot of riding around for a month.

I get the feeling form what folk have said here that sta rosa is abit more like a small town, a bit better suited to a country boy like me but close enoughto makati, alabang if we want to go kick our heels for a night out.

BY the way does anyone know of a british pub in alabang?

[sysop]

Maybe a motel would be easier and cheaper for the first period you stay there. Then you can look around the various areas without worrying about being kicked out of the house after 1 month.

[subseastu]

THats not a bad idea. I have been toying with the idea of getting a studio type apartment so we can self cater for maybe a month whilst we find our longer term rental. I think there are a few hotels that do this, we should be a bit more central as well so that may help in finding properties.

I'm thinking about hiring a car and driver a day at a time so we can travel different towns / neighbourhoods in relative comfort.

[pennybarry]

Thanks for that info about Imus. I'm really confusing myself here. I've now started to look more closely at, now bear with me, pasig, alabang and tagaytay maybe sta rosa as well.

THe first 3 I think (especially with the way the exchange rate is) could be outside of budget, even to rent. So I think its going to be possibly, maybe look at rent a house and lot somewhere in the sta rosa area and go on from there. Find a car and driver, then do alot of riding around for a month.

I get the feeling form what folk have said here that sta rosa is abit more like a small town, a bit better suited to a country boy like me but close enoughto makati, alabang if we want to go kick our heels for a night out.

BY the way does anyone know of a british pub in alabang?

Goodluck ! I hope you'll meet some British there living at Sta Rosa Estate and Brittany Village

[Florge]

Sta. Rosa is nice... more quiet also specially if you live in Laguna Bel-Air where it's near schools, hospitals, and near Brent International School as well.. just that you need to pay for the toll fees whenever you would like to go to Manila for some night out or some shopping... *sigh*

[subseastu]

THink I'm leaning more and more towards Sta Rosa. Pennybarry, you obviously live round there. I've stumbled across a few developments called the
"South Forbes Golf City" (not into golf but the pictures look nice)
"Paramana residental park, Greenfields city.
"Palma real"
Do you know anything of these?

My concern with these is developments is they seem to get half finished and then left. Don't know if its to do with not selling lots etc.

Do you have any info on the bel air development aswell. Is it maintained to a standard, claen and tidy etc? Sorry to be a pain but thanks for your help.

[Pepe n Pilar]

THats not a bad idea. I have been toying with the idea of getting a studio type apartment so we can self cater for maybe a month whilst we find our longer term rental. I think there are a few hotels that do this, we should be a bit more central as well so that may help in finding properties.

I'm thinking about hiring a car and driver a day at a time so we can travel different towns / neighbourhoods in relative comfort.

I know someone who has a house in East Fairview. They accept foreign students of (UP) University of the Philippines, Diliman Branch in Quezon City. There are rooms for rent. It has a separate kitchen for the boarders and use of swimming pool is free. They accept one person per room and accepts couples as well but not more than 2 people. For the meantime that your looking around Manila you can rent a room. They got 9 bedrooms furnished and 2 large receiving rooms. They also has a van for hire and so you can make use of that while touring around Manila eyeing for a property to buy or rent.

[pennybarry]

THink I'm leaning more and more towards Sta Rosa. Pennybarry, you obviously live round there. I've stumbled across a few developments called the
"South Forbes Golf City" (not into golf but the pictures look nice)
"Paramana residental park, Greenfields city.
"Palma real"
Do you know anything of these?

My concern with these is developments is they seem to get half finished and then left. Don't know if its to do with not selling lots etc.

Do you have any info on the bel air development aswell. Is it maintained to a standard, claen and tidy etc? Sorry to be a pain but thanks for your help.

Laguna Bel-Air is fully developed whilst Palma Real is under Development.
Yes, both of my parents clan are both from there
Not to worry about the development of Eton City and Greenfields. It is owned by one of the richest businesman in the Philippines named Lucio Tan.
He owns Asia Brewery, Allied Bank, Philippine Airlines, fortune tobacco, and many more

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucio_Tan

Nothing to do with his money

There are some properties at Laguna Bel Air to let. Fully furnish cost 20 thousand/month, and 10K-15K if not fully furnished.

[subseastu]

Thanks for the info again. I'm afraid the border house thing isn't really what we're looking for but thanks for the thought.

Thanks for the info aswell about the subdivisions. Its a worry of mine that these things get built then within 2yrs they're starting to fall down around your ears.

A big thanks to everyone who has put forward ideas and suggestions to me in this confusing and difficult time for the missus and me, its much appreciated. I think its now a matter of when we're ready we'll head out and take a look around following the info thats been put forward here.

Again thanks everyone for your help.

[Pepe n Pilar]

If you fancy living near Makati then you may consider the posh villages in Alabang. There is the Ayala Alabang Village. It is a quiet, clean and friendly neighbourhood. There are a lot of foreign nationals living there. AAV is owned by the Madrigals and the Ayalas. The owner of the villages in Makati City lives there (Zobel de Ayala), He ownes the villages like Dasmarinas Village, Bel-Air Subdivision in Forbes Park, San Lorenzo Vill, and Forbes Park to name a few.

Some residents are former Presidents of the the country, some known gov't officials, senior officers of big entities, dignataries/commercial attache of some countries working in the consulate. It has a church inside the village, Rustan's convenience store , a golf course, exclusive schools for girls (Woodrose) and La Salle Zobel. They have their own water reservoir, it has swimming pools for residents only (for those that don't have pools in their backyard).
When you go out of the village you can find supermarkets, cinemas, schools, banks.

Security is superb there are security guards roaming around the village 24 hrs and visitors should stop at the entrance gate before they go inside to visit friends/relatives. Residents are notified first by the guards by giving them a call if they know the person who wants to go and visit their home. So there is no surprise visitors unless the resident gives advance notice to the guards who are they expecting on that certain day.

Alabang Hills Subdivision is just across and also one to consider. If you want to know more about houses for rent or for sale just go to AAVA (Ayala Alabang Village Association). It is inside the Village you can ask the security guards at the entrance gate. You can take the madrigal gate in going to AAVA.

You can also visit their website if you want to know the prices of the houses there for sale and/or for rent. Same with the schools to know the quality of education offered. I don't know the exact link but if you know the address then you can access to it. It's Ayala Alabang Village Alabang Muntinlupa City, Manila Philippines..