hi all im stewart, returned, looking for advice

[baby38]

Hi steward,welcome again to the forum,and good news about your health now.i was intending to live in the phills when i retired in sept this when i turned 65,when i first meet my wife about 3 years ago i spent 3 months there to be honest i was got bored,with nothing to do,sure i went for walks every day,sometimes we went touring,however my wife had work,i also sometimes went to work with her,got to meet a lot of nice people,hopeful when you go and live there make certain you have something to keep you busy,as other said the humid heat gets to you,
sure foreigners live there,many start drinking early morning till they drop and age early
the other problem is medical i been to one of their private hospitals,its not up to the same standard of our public hospitals,first of all the nurse said don't sit there there blood on the seat,a young female doctor was coughing,dint not put her hand over her mouth,lucky for me her boss family owned the hospital so it only cost little money.
The cost of the medication shocked me the cost of a month blood pressure tables here in australia costs me $5.60 a month that's being on a pension,normal price $19.00, the cost in the phills $72.00 that more than a lot of people in the phills earn a month,i would say if you do decided to stay in the phills have a good hospital lined up in cebu or manila .
And sorry if i sound negative steward the first time i went over to the phills the woman i was speaking with for a long time said she had land a business etc , got a shock it was all lies,all she was interested in was money and plenty of it,and please i know you are a careful man don't rush into marriage take your time,ask questions observe,i been to the phills had one bad marriage ,and also one relationship there, again be careful.sorry if i sound negative here,after all most of us are here in this forum because of bad situations.

[aposhark]

Hi Stewart,

Glad to hear that you have fought your way back to good health.

I am just a little concerned at how quick you want everything to happen.
No matter what you have been through, take time to get what you want.

Enjoy meeting your girlfriend but be careful.
Time is the only real way you will get to know her and also if the Philippines is right for you.

Time will give you so many more thoughts than you are feeling now.

Best of luck.

[Sim11UK]

I am just a little concerned at how quick you want everything to happen.
No matter what you have been through, take time to get what you want.

Enjoy meeting your girlfriend but be careful.
Time is the only real way you will get to know her and also if the Philippines is right for you.

Time will give you so many more thoughts than you are feeling now.

I think we all shared these concerns, but from what my understanding is now, Stewart is giving it a 6 to 12 month shot & taking it from there.
He's had his eyes very much wide opened, with lots of positives & many many more negatives....of course theory & practise, are two different things, but he needs to find this out now, by going.

The main thing is, he hasn't cut his ties with the UK, so if things don't work out, or he can't adjust, he can come home.

But I agree with you, the Philippines isn't for everyone.
I'm behind him in this one, whereas with others I wouldn't neccesarily be, because he's taken his time & asked the right questions.

[aposhark]

I think we all shared these concerns, but from what my understanding is now, Stewart is giving it a 6 to 12 month shot & taking it from there.
He's had his eyes very much wide opened, with lots of positives & many many more negatives....of course theory & practise, are two different things, but he needs to find this out now, by going.

The main thing is, he hasn't cut his ties with the UK, so if things don't work out, or he can't adjust, he can come home.

But I agree with you, the Philippines isn't for everyone.
I'm behind him in this one, whereas with others I wouldn't neccesarily be, because he's taken his time & asked the right questions.

You're right Sim11UK, your thoughts are helpful and sensible as usual. Let's all hope everything works out well for Stewart.

I didn't wait long to marry my girlfriend and have been lucky.
I keep my fingers crossed for Stewart; that he falls in love in the same way and enjoys all the romance that a Filipina can give.

[Rosie1958]

.............. At the age of 56, it's worth bearing in mind that hospital treatment abroad is extremely expensive ... whereas here in the UK there's our world-renowned NHS to fall back on - even in the worst-case scenario.

Hi Stewart ....... I just wanted to echo Arthur's advice here. My brother was unexpectedly hospitalised at a private hospital in the Philippines for 10 weeks last year, receiving treatment for Acute Disseminating Encephalomyelitis. He didn't have medical insurance and the cost of the treatment and hospitalisation amounted to just short of 3 million pesos ......... £42k. He was then transported back to the UK for ongoing medical care at a cost of US$66k (about £40k). In your circumstances, I would implore you to think very carefully about leaving the UK and giving up your house as you will not qualify for treatment under the NHS unless you can prove residency or return with the intention of permanently living in the UK.

[gWaPito]

Hi Stewart, Rose brought up a good point. I will bring up the subject of life insurance. Unless you have a permanent address, like Rose said, you wont have any insurance at all. Im thinking of the children you already have that love you and will be worried sick about you. Its worth thinking about Stewart. I would not dwell too much on the detail at this stage, just have a great time! God be with you Stewart

[malditako]

"imagine" u got so many great advices here which i strongly recommend to consider...moving to phils is not as easy and simple compare to what u may think...especially with the health condition u had...plus making plans and all that with someone whom u never met personally is a big NO NO talking to someone for a long period time online doesn't guarantee you that you know them that much...

be careful with your decision and goodluck....

[imagine]

thanks gparry, yes i appreciate all the great advise, your point taken regarding health, i am aware of plans with someone iv never personaly met, though we know each other very well, there is an element missing that you can only have from personal meeting, we will be meeting and plans are in the making and are not set , plans can be changed,myself i am confident in our relationship, i appreciate everyones concerns and advice, thankyou gperry for yours too , stewart

[Terpe]

Stewart,

I don't know how far your research has gone. But have you considered the costs and
availability of ongoing medicines, medical treatments in Philippines?

Generally,health care can be good or bad depending where you are located.

Just on a practical level, I have no idea where you would intend to live but in general the best hospitals are located in the major cities.

If you are planning to live in the province, you will need to develop a plan
about how you would acquire any regular medicines you need, also how you physically
get yourself to a suitable hospital or medical treatment centre, and importantly how
payments could be made. (somebody needs access to money)

I think you may be surprised at costs involved.

Normally some form of health insurance is advisable, however just how feasible that
could be with your personal pre-conditions I do not know.

Nobody is saying don't do it. Only that you do it with some knowledge.


For some additional health information for travelers to Philippines look here:-

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinat...ilippines.aspx

[imagine]

research is ongoing now, thats part the reason im here both for this health info, and of course to be well advised on visas getting married ect, and of course living in the philipines, brenda seems to think it wont be so bad, and she will guaruntor for me if should be nessacery, should i not be able to get back home for treatment,i feel i can justify the risk to stay well for a year stay there there to find out better there the situation regarding any medicine treatment ect, as long as the cancer stays away, theres not much medication i need, vit b12 every 3 months by needle, magnesium suppliment, and proberbly the worst i need to know i can get is theromone replacement therepy, sounds big , but all it is is gel to rub in skin, or later can be injection like as vit b12, i justify the risk more now since being ill , than i did before, looking at life in a dfferent light, i dont know if you can understand that, id rather live 2 years happy and in love,, than here alone for 5 years 10 yrs , i dont know you understand that, but i do understand all of you with your concerns and again i listen and appreciate all your input yes i realise health insurance is tricky with exsisting conditions, please dont think i am dismissing your advise on health, i am gratefull to you all please keep it comming , thank you,,, stewart

[Terpe]

research is ongoing now, thats part the reason im here both for this health info, and of course to be well advised on visas getting married ect, and of course living in the philipines, brenda seems to think it wont be so bad, and she will guaruntor for me if should be nessacery, should i not be able to get back home for treatment,i feel i can justify the risk to stay well for a year stay there there to find out better there the situation regarding any medicine treatment ect, as long as the cancer stays away, theres not much medication i need, vit b12 every 3 months by needle, magnesium suppliment, and proberbly the worst i need to know i can get is theromone replacement therepy, sounds big , but all it is is gel to rub in skin, or later can be injection like as vit b12, i justify the risk more now since being ill , than i did before, looking at life in a dfferent light, i dont know if you can understand that, id rather live 2 years happy and in love,, than here alone for 5 years 10 yrs , i dont know you understand that, but i do understand all of you with your concerns and again i listen and appreciate all your input yes i realise health insurance is tricky with exsisting conditions, please dont think i am dismissing your advise on health, i am gratefull to you all please keep it comming , thank you,,, stewart

Tell you what Stewart, you have more than satisfied all my concerns, both with your responses and with your attitude. Personally, from what you have disclosed, I have no doubts about your lady. Everything looks OK.
My own thinking is the same as yours. Better to be happy.
God Bless you Stewart and your future wife. You now have enough information to realise your dream. If your daughter supports your idea give it your best shot.
I'm still curious. Where do you intend to live?? The reason I ask is because I have a n umber of houses in Phils but cannot decide where to settle. I do know it's not gonna be Manila (even I do enjoy the big city), maybe Davao ( close to my wifes birth village) Or actually the very small fishing village where my wife was born (which I do love)
Stewart, maybe your brave decision will give me courage to do what I really feel I want!

[imagine]

thank you Terpe, where to live, brenda has land there which is rice fields and land with trees planted growing to be harvested, both are rented out so she earns rent for them plus a percentage of the crops takings,there is i beleive more land which a house could be built,her land ajoins her parents land who live their,i would have no objection to telling you the name of area but dont realy want publish here for all to see , no offence,
however it is obviously away from the city country land,but low lying with regard to heat and me coping with that,and that id be living close to her family, if we decide to live there she will have a house built for us, if not she suggest more elevated land which means buying and it costing more, but it will be cooler more bareable for me,she will not buy untill we know if i can cope my 6mths 1 year trial period,this is her 1st choice, 2nd choice she will come live in uk with me but it is not what she realy wants,here she may have to work and me i will have to,, in philipines we can both retire,travel a little and enjoy life,i live in a village here now, i have lived in the suburbs of a city for most my younger life, neither brenda or i wish to live in a busy city as manila, but not too far away either, these choices are individual but good we agree the same,. im here looking for advice and encouragement, its a surprise and is good to see i have influenced some courage for you, i do hope so thanks again to you, keep in touch, stewart

[stevewool]

i justify the risk more now since being ill , than i did before, looking at life in a dfferent light, i dont know if you can understand that, id rather live 2 years happy and in love,, than here alone for 5 years 10 yrs , i dont know you understand that, but i do understand all of you with your concerns and again i listen and appreciate all your input

well stewart, that says it all, thats how i would see it too, you go for it mate and with both arms open, good luck

[imagine]

thanks much appreciated, any time if you have more advice or think of something i should know , its welcomed , stewart

[Sim11UK]

Just go & do it Stewart
Just go with that plan of a trial run for 6 to 12 months & take it from there.

If you've been in communication for 2 1/2 years & she's stuck with you through your ilness, then the signs are good with your g/f.

We can plan for every eventuality, but still there are no guarantees...Life is for living, so go grab it with both hands...I'd do it.

[imagine]

now yessss, Sim you understand where im comming from
god bless you

[stevewool]

well said sim, lots of great advice for stewart to take in and like many before him and after him we all need that extra advice sometimes that little bit we forgot about, just remember to take a picture with you so you can reconise her once you land, there is just a sea of smilling faces you are warned

[imagine]

lol stevewool, i dont think il have trouble regognising her , as long as she dont cover her legs

[Terpe]

Stewart, I fully understand you do not want to publish too much on a very public forum.
That's fine. My only info for you is to recognise the special needs you may have in connecting to adequate services.
Concerning the heat and more importantly the humidity, this is really a question of two things, firstly design and technolgy, secondly energy costs. Energy (electricity) is very expensive in Philippines. Do some lateral thinking on how to best utilise energy and best utilise design to achieve the comfort levels you need to minimise the effects and discomforts of humidity etc. It has all been done before and can be done for you.
Just continue to do your research and don't be put off by any mis-information you may recieve.

[imagine]

i been reading through posts, i saw something which proded my attention, but cant seem to find what would be required of me in regard of this,that is in my position of not being employed,
spouse visa, on the assumption , i do get married in phillipines, then decide i need to come back to uk bringing my wife, what is required of me to get her visa,
i will still have my own house though it may still be getting rented in which case il need to rent somewhere,
i do not have a job now and wont have if i return here, my income will be rental from my house, here il list the following what i think is a plus or a minus, please correct me or point out any problems, i think not being employed will be a minus, but will any pluses make up for this ?
(1/ married in philipines + ? ,) (2/own my own property in uk + ?,)(3/the income from my rented property + ?,) (my mortgage paid up or almost paid up + ?,)(reasonable savings + ?,)(my philipine wifes savings ect + ?? ) ,,,,,,,, ( if on returning my house will not be earning rental income, if me and my wife require to live in it - ? )( alternativly my house could still be rented still producing income + ? ) ( but i would need to rent somewhere - ? ) with these pluses would i still be required to work in order to get my wife that visa ? and are the requirements the same to get her the passport after 3 years ? if not i might be stuck in the philipines or at least have to leave my wife there , not good, think iv covered my pluses and minuses, please anyone see any fault view on this , anything iv missed that would be required , please put me right, thanks , stewart, why does it all have to be so complicated lol
ps, i been looking again further into posts regarding spouse visas,
income requirements ect to prove being able to support the spouse, can her savings ,earnings ect be used for this evidence can she show that she can provide the required amounts herself, and how long does it need to cover for 6 months ? if showing enough savings to provide for six months from both our accounts, would this mean im not required to work in order to get this visa ?

[imagine]

just leaving an update on my progress, but first of all i want to say how interesting reading the different posts,threads, some quite heart wrenching and and others with happy news, the anticipation of those of you waiting for your marrage/engagment visas ect,i cant help but feel for all of you wether it good or bad,
i think at some point,il write in the blog section mine and brendas love story perhaps a chapter at a time, so far its been a hard time,dissapointments canceled meetings right from the start, 1st we was to meet but due to brendas family commitments our meeting was delayed,Just after that i was diagnosed with cancer,started treatment jan 2010,almost a year very ill from the treatment,Brenda tried to get a visa in israel to come see me, but dissapointment prevailed yet again,Its only 4 months ago i knew i was now well enough to travel and my flight now booked to spend 2 weeks over xmas with brenda,then brenda got ill a few weeks before my flight,so we agreed to delay for another 4 weeks, brenda gave up work due to being ill,her work visa ran out and she wasnt allowed to extend it,she did tell me there was a problem, but being the male i am i wasnt listning, all i wanted to see was to meet her this time and nothing was going to stop me, mmm how wrong i was,It seemed it became urgent for brenda to leave israel,we talked it over and decided to cancel again, so that she could get back to philipines asap.Again brenda fell ill and not able to travel back home, Now wishing id still gone, brenda says she will get a tourest visa to come see me and help me prepare to be ready to travel to philipines together,but looks like as im told its a lottery,on the other hand im not sure she should because of her health, Im working on repairs and upgraids to my house preparing to rent,slow going these days, not being as fit as i was,i dont yet feel i have gathered all the info i need to know,but the 1st i guess is the simplest go as a visiter/tourest,extend my 21 day visa, All being well we get married,, i know whats the rush lol, i could extend the visa again, to give more time,we both will know better once we meet, though we both feel sure now,so im gathering info on marrage in phil. Just incase my health needs to bring me home, i wish for brenda to come with me as my wife, but unsure if it would be allowed based on no job,, only my house, and what property and savings brenda has and myself to prove 6 months at least to not need any support , other than our own capital.Sorry i hadnt intended to rattle on this much, i guess im just taking my mind off knowing brenda is ill and i cant be with her yet at this time. April is my goal for philipines, as i say im busy preparing my house, soon as i can il check all the info iv been collecting, maybe i can post a checklist,i know you all be kind enough to check it for me when i do, well i hope so lol , god bless you all , i hope your dreams your hopes become your reality as do i , what a wonderfull site this is, stewart

[ampy]

when you get married she can always get a 24 hours visa to get to the uk,your our medical treatment will be your reason to get her in the uk,employed or not,but she will not allowed for any public funds,as long as you pay your contribution to the uk,even you are not in the country for 15 yrs,you should still get it,but they rather you are not absent for that long period.I got 24 hrs visa,husband got free NHS treatment,not emloyed ,penny less,absent for 15 yrs and leave abroad,no house in the uk,so you are in better deal...you have a house here in the uk.treatment

[imagine]

when you get married she can always get a 24 hours visa to get to the uk,your our medical treatment will be your reason to get her in the uk,employed or not,but she will not allowed for any public funds,as long as you pay your contribution to the uk,even you are not in the country for 15 yrs,you should still get it,but they rather you are not absent for that long period.I got 24 hrs visa,husband got free NHS treatment,not emloyed ,penny less,absent for 15 yrs and leave abroad,no house in the uk,so you are in better deal...you have a house here in the uk.treatment

thanks again ampy did you mean you got a visa within 24 hours or the visa was only for a period of 24 hours ?

[ampy]

no ,i got the visa after 24 hrs of submitting my application, that is for 6 months multiple entry,they are not allowed to refused it as it is a medical treatment,ofcourse you will need to bring your doctors letter where it will proved you are really ill and nedd treatment asap.

[imagine]

no ,i got the visa after 24 hrs of submitting my application, that is for 6 months multiple entry,they are not allowed to refused it as it is a medical treatment,ofcourse you will need to bring your doctors letter where it will proved you are really ill and nedd treatment asap.

now thats sound more humane , thankyou, may i ask a little more of that, which is,,,, doctors letter ,, a doctor in philipines? then letter submitted to british embasy for visa in philpines ? to enable you to travel to uk at same time?

[grahamw48]

I wish you all the good luck in the world Stewart.
Sounds like you're part of the way down a long road.

Take it one step at a time.

House ready first, then I'd take that trip to the Phils to see your loved one.

Don't worry at all about YOUR visas in the Phils. Very easy to extend.

I got married in Pasay City Hall in Manila, once I'd got the required documents together.
That was 20 years ago, but I think it is still likely to be easier to bring your lady in on a spouse visa. Remember to keep correspondence between the two of you, and of course plenty of photos of you together, and with her family.

Again....best of luck.

[imagine]

thanks graham, i hope i wont need to return, only for visits home,i see your north yorkshire,im originaly from west yorks , 2 very beutiful parts of uk ,
have almost 2 years corrospondance up to now :-)

[grahamw48]

My 'home' town is Pontefract....common as muck.

I've lived in York on and off since the age of 15 though.

[imagine]

mine was shipley, (sheep on the lee) bradford, just a stones throw from fantastic views and countryside, and i know north yorkshire has some stunning sights to be seen,, but the towns the city the people its changed so much i would never return,
and this north east corner peterhead (aptly named the boo toon) yes cold wet windy, again a good day out in the car, theres avimore, the lochs check out nessie, beutiful beaches 10 minutes drive, they look tropical , fine white sand, but cold wet and windy, a beach walk get you sandblasted lol

[grahamw48]

Aah...know Shipley well.

I used to be a rep' for Rothmans cigs, and that was part of my territory.

My sister lived in Aberdeen for 20 years, and I used to go ski-ing in Aviemore.

A couple of years ago I took my son camping up near Perth (Loch Tay). We went up via Edinburgh and returned via Glasgow (where I also once worked 'on secondment' with Rothmans.)

Naturally we passed alongside Loch Lomond on the way down.

Couple of pics:

Loch Tay.
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.
My boy... learning the art of making a camp fire:



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Loch Lomond:
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