Thanks everyone for your replies, it is comforting to know that all of you genuinely wish us well. It is a great help to have such differing views. I thought that my circumstances would come under most scrutiny for the visitors visa but i now understand the reasons why they are difficult to obtain.My only problem with going to the Philippines is that I am totally petrified of flying, so silly, i know, but we really want this to work so I guess I am going to have to get over it and fly!!! I am happy to have found this site and thanks again for all your support and advice