Gated home or in the hills

[Terpe]

I've been reading this thread with great interest.
We're reasonable close to a time when we will move over to the paradise islands.

I've been travelling regularly to the phils for over 10 years and have always been thinking about what security level is needed when I finally make the move.

So far I can honestly say I haven't yet decided.
Condo living is not in my thinking.

"Living in the hills"? well if that means remote then that's not for me either. Not at my age. I already witnessed harrowing experiences of when it's difficult to reach a good medical facility. I posted on that already. If I need to get to a hospital in an emergency then I need to be with a highly reliable drive from a good hospital

Somewhere in between is fine I think.

So probably it all comes down to where you live. Location, location location.
But, you know what....... my daughter and my extended family DO have REAL concerns about safety and security for me.
The white guy always has something valuable. So many people have been damaged for their mobile phone or "shiny" watch.
Yep even the locals, watch the news guys.

Personally I always say, nah, It'll be OK

But will it?
Do us white guys really need to take extra care when living there?

Certainly in Marikina in the immediate location of my house, it's rather quite and all the neighbours know me very well and always look out for me. It's very easy to spot an "outsider."
Just I don't want to live out the rest of my life in Marikina.

But interesting thread, keep the ideas coming

Thanks to all those who contributed so far

[London_Manila]

[QUOTE=Terpe;373147]
Do us white guys really need to take extra care when living there?

Yes 100%

Of course many guys get lulled into a false sense of security because they have made many visits to the philippines and nothing ever happened to them

Scrimping on security over there really is a false economy and some guys take that route because of the costs involved

I stayed in a 2 bedroom rented apartment in Mayfield Park in Cainta Manila and i think they had more guards there than residents

I found that part of Manila very pleasent and walking anywhere in Cainta was fine

[Peter D]

[QUOTE=London_Manila;373326]

Do us white guys really need to take extra care when living there?

Yes 100%

Of course many guys get lulled into a false sense of security because they have made many visits to the philippines and nothing ever happened to them

Scrimping on security over there really is a false economy and some guys take that route because of the costs involved

I stayed in a 2 bedroom rented apartment in Mayfield Park in Cainta Manila and i think they had more guards there than residents

I found that part of Manila very pleasent and walking anywhere in Cainta was fine

I rented a house in Greenpark Cainta years ago , it was gated with a security guard , there was no trouble but I doubt the guard was anything more than a placebo to help the residents feel a bit safer , he seemed to be asleep everytime we arrived at the gate .