Our life in Iloilo….

Santa Ana Church, Molo, Iloilo City

My wife and I have chosen the Philippines as our retirement home. We spent several months in Cebu City over the last three years and two weeks in Dumaguete. We were trying to be systematic about looking at various places before we settled down. While we found much to like in Cebu City, for us the disadvantages outweighed the advantages. Despite friendly people, top-notch medical care, shopping, pretty subdivisions in the surrounding hills, we found the worsening air pollution, traffic congestion and escalating prices hard to live with and likely to get worse. So, we decided to look at some of the smaller Visayan cities; in particular Bacolod and Iloilo and to spend more time in beautiful Dumaguete. Our plan was derailed in Iloilo. We were planning to stay in Iloilo City just for a month and then to move on to Bacolod. We ended up staying in Iloilo City for more than two years. Our future in Iloilo was sealed when bought a property outside of Iloilo City, in the pretty seaside town of Tigbauan, about one-half hour west of the city proper. While we build our house we’re renting an apartment in Tigbauan. Iloilo City will continue to be our center for shopping, medical care, dining and other urban amenities and necessities.

We’ve been pleased with Iloilo. The people are its treasure. Medical care seems fairly good and educational opportunities are extensive. In fact, Iloilo’s only real industry seems to be education. Thousands of doctors, nurses and seamen are trained every year. There are some decent restaurants, and you seem to be able to find and buy whatever you need at the markets, numerous malls or the downtown commercial area. The city is fairly compact, easy to get around.

Nearby Alubihod Beach, Guimaras Island

Although we find much to like about Iloilo City, we are not enamored of Philippine cities in general. Most are conglomerations of postwar concrete buildings, a tangle of power lines, and choked with traffic. The air is dirty with diesel fumes and you’ll be hopping over open sewers. They almost totally lacking in the trees, parks, bookstores, cycle paths and other charms of urban life elsewhere. They do have elaborate shopping centers which, along with upscale subdivisions, and chain restaurants, are safe, comforting, cool refuges from the realities of urban life in the Philippines.

If you’d like to live outside the city, but still have easy access to it, Iloilo has some exceptionally nice small towns with pretty Spanish churches and plazas. We especially like Santa Barbara, Oton, Tigbauan, Miagao and San Joaquin. Life in the small towns can be a much bigger adjustment and is not for everyone. The culture shock is much greater. You have to give up that is familiar and comforting; the shopping mall, the supermarket, the chain restaurants.

While we love living in the Philippines, we try to present a balanced view of the pluses and minuses of living in the Philippines. Be sure to read our short essay: “Reality Check: the Philippines – a tropical paradise for the retiree?”

For more information see Iloilo Real Estate

Iloilo Medical and Dental, Iloilo Shopping, Iloilo Dining and Iloilo Lodging.

You can explore further using the topics list on the left side of every page. Comments, criticisms and additional information are very welcome. Address to hammerslag@gmail.com or use the comment forms on most pages.

Read Comments

Posted by Al Ogilby on 10.29.08 9:23 am

Thank you very much for the outstandingly helpful writing on retiring in Philippines. I’ve been checking Phil blogs for some time and found yours to be undoubtably the most complete of any. In fact it is so complete that I have today decided that my best spot to experience the remaining time of my long life is right here in San Diego where medical needs are cheaper and probably better, the weather uncomparable and the wine just as enjoyable. Your fine writing has been appreciated very much.

Al
Posted by GOIloilo on 10.30.08 9:56 am

Al, I’m glad you found the blog to be helpful. Some sites present an unrealistic “rose-colored glasses” image of the Philippines as a retirement destination. I know of foreigners who came to the Philippines based on these rosy visions of the place as a “tropical paradise” and feel bitterly disappointed once they get here. I know one gentleman who spent years building a retirement house in Iloilo, dreaming of life here, without ever having visited. He sold everything in California, moved here a year ago with his Filipina wife. They both are eligible for Social Security and could live very comfortably here. Now he is desperate to sell his Philippine dream home and go back to California. He hates it here.

We love it here. I tell my wife the only way I’d go back to the USA is in leg-irons but it is a developing country with lots of problems. I try to portray my affection for the Philippines and Filipinos but also provide a frank portrayal of the negatives.

Really, reading blogs and browsing websites is only a start. To know how you’ll react, how the pluses and minuses will add up for you takes a year or more of living here.

Medical care is a big issue. You may be healthy when you arrive here but you’re going age. Quality and affordable medical care in the U.S. through Medicare is a tremendous benefit that one sacrifices when retiring in the Philippines or anywhere else overseas.

Best wishes!

Bob and Carol
Posted by Al Ogilby on 11.02.08 1:19 am

Bob and Carol,
Thank you for responding. I am an ex-western Pennsylvania guy, born in 1937 on a small farm 3 miles east of Brookville. In 1955 I spent 3 months at Sampson Air Force Base on Seneca Lake close to the neck of the woods where you spent some time.

In the Air Force I was in France & Germany for two years and then after that, signed up with the Department of State for two years in the embassy in Paris. Since 1970 I’ve been here in San Diego, spending quite a bit of freetime in Mexico so I’ve seen foreign countries and hearing about the Philippines from their ex-pats that live here, it seemed inticing to try living there.

Your explanation of the actual living conditions has been an eyeopener since, as you have made clear, most people talking about life there seem to ‘gloss over’ the actual reality of the place. Since I am divorced for the last 30 years and at the age of health maturation, I think that you have saved me from lots of problems. I’m thinking that you could do well with a book about your experiences.

Thanks again.

Al
Posted by Mike Funk on 01.11.09 6:01 am

Invaluable blog. My wife is from Iloilo, and concurs. All the best to you and your better half.;)

Best Regards, Mike
Tampa Bay, FL
Posted by Patrick on 02.01.09 12:34 pm

Thanks for updating your house project link. Again you added some valuable information. I’d be interested in your thoughts on Stainless Steel water tanks, are you installing? if so, how many gallons and the cost, also what your thoughts are about solar panels.
I was wondering if there were someway to connect with other Expats living in the area? I would certainly be willing to share my email with anyone living in the Philippines or interested/planning on moving to the Philippines, just a thought. All the best to you and Carol, thank you, Patrick.
Posted by GOIloilo on 02.01.09 4:47 pm

Patrick — yes we’ll need a water tank and tower but we have not researched that topic yet. There are dozens of places in Iloilo City which sell stainless steel and polyethylene tanks. From memory (not reliable) a decent size SS tank is around P10K. We used very little hot water except during the “winter” when cold showers become a trial. We’ll install a solar hot water system when we can afford it. While hot water is not necessary for dish washing and the laundry, it would be nice to have it. I see a system advertised in the Manila papers for between P25K and P40K depending on the capacity of the system. This is an installed price. The outfit is Mercury Solar Hot Water System, available at Alabang, Ortigas, Macapagal Home Depot. Phone 02-666-1822, 8821. I have not had a chance to examine the system. One architect we consulted said there were less expensive Chinese solar hot water systems and more expensive European ones. Then there’s the option of making your own. I sure wish I could have brought that copper water pipe I had to leave in by basement in New York.

Regarding staying in touch with other expats, there are many good online groups. The Iloilo group egroup is at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Iloilo-EXPATS/
The Living in the Philippines group is at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LivingInThePhilippines3/
A good group for those interested in Philippine real estate issues is at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/philippine_real_estate/

Regards,

Bob and Carol
Posted by Edzel Jereza on 02.04.09 6:18 am

Great and very informative and entertaining website! I was born and grew up in Iloilo, immigrated to Guam in my teens joined the navy, sailed the world and retired in 04 and currently living with my wife and 2 kids in olongapo. Just here in the states for work but nothing going on what with the economy going down the drain. I plan on relocating back to Iloilo this year and setting up a small business. Both my parents have retired already and are back in Iloilo. We have a house at Sacred Heart Subd. In Jibao-an Manduriao and property in Guimaras and I can’t wait to go back. Nothing going on for now in ‘gapo. As it’s a small town and growing, a lot of people are moving in and it’s getting quite claustrophobic there. Planning to drive down to Iloilo making it an adventure, taking the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. As I can’t technically call myself an “expat,” I hope ya’ll don’t mind if I just pass by your monthly “meetings” and say hi! Keep up the good work and keep the information flowing.

Regards
Edzel
Posted by AC on 02.05.09 12:46 pm

Thanks for the reply natie and GOIloilo. So, I guess only 2 subdivision was spared.

Patrick, If you planning to move to Iloilo and your retired US military. I suggest that contact the RAO Iloilo and sign up so u can get a FPO AP address.
Call (033) 337-6906 that’s there office number and ask more info. They will also help you about your benefits while your in the Philippines.
Since your money is direct deposit in US bank. I suggest that you open a dollar account in the Philippines and just write personal check to your self and deposit to your dollar account. The only bad thing about that you have to wait 1 month before you can withdraw your money but it is free. If you wire your money you will get international fee and remitance fee in the philippines, Western Union or LBC will charge you to send money. By depositing your personal check in your bank is free but you just need to wait 1 month so just plan ahead.
(I know my grammar sucks… hehhe sorry!! )I hope this will help
Posted by Edzel on 02.06.09 2:11 am

Thanks Natie..now I don’t feel left out In addition to that RAO info from AC, here’s a webpage for military retirees out there that you could visit for a list of TRICARE/CHAMPUS providers not only in Iloilo province but all of the PI.
http://tpaoweb.oki.med.navy.mil/TGRO/providers/Provider_Directory.htm

I myself am a member of the RAO chapter in Olongapo and have been using the FPO address for important documents. Please note that there’s a weight limit of packages that you can receive through the FPO..only 1 pound I think, but no limit on the volume of letters, correspondence and the like.
Posted by GOIloilo on 02.17.09 7:03 pm

Hi Lady,

I’ve been in Kalispell and the beauty of the mountains is spectacular. When Carol first came to the U.S. we lived in the Adirondack Mountains. Our first outing was a canoe trip to an island on a remote lake in the mountains. It was one of my favorite spots and I was so disappointed when she did not enjoy the trip. There were no people. It seemed beautiful to me but so lonely to my wife. Now that we’ve lived in the Philippines for more than two years, the streets full of life, of smiling faces, of noise and activity and food and drink — of life, I understand much better how my wife felt in the isolation of that mountain lake. Bob
Posted by Patrick on 02.28.09 9:13 am

Bob, Do you know if there is a flying club at Iloilo airport? I’ve been searching online for clubs but the only one I’ve found is at the old Clark AFB. Thank you, patrick
Posted by Nelson on 02.28.09 12:57 pm

Bob and Carol,

You write so well about the Philippines that you could have a best seller especially for Expats and Fil-ams wanting to retire there.

Thanks for a very comprehensive write up. Hope to meet you someday.

Best Regards,

Nelson
Posted by Cecilia MQ on 03.02.09 12:15 pm

Hi Bob and Carol.
I have been following starting from your other blog for almost 2 yrs now. Very informative. Well writen. Hoping to meet you both on my next visit w/c is around May this year.

Thank you!
Posted by Bernadette Provido Schumann on 03.14.09 11:06 pm

Please visit our website regarding our film documentary on Camp Roxas in Agat, Guam: http://www.camproxas.com

Under the American Sun: Camp Roxas Film Project (Agat, Guam, 1946- 1972) will recount a little-known chapter of American history – the story of skilled and unskilled laborers and professionals recruited from the Philippines’ Iloilo Province by the United States military to rebuild Guam, devastated by years of Japanese occupation and war.

Thank you.

Bernadette Provido Schumann

–
“Under the American Sun” – Camp Roxas Film Project
(Agat, Guam: 1946 -1972)
Website: http://www.camproxas.com
Email: camproxasguam@gmail.com
Bert Sardoma Jr, director
Bernie Provido Schumann, producer
Alex Munoz, producer
Josephine Mallo-Garrido, associate producer
Norman Analista, special projects
Posted by Ulysses Valera on 03.17.09 1:22 am

Bob and Carol,

Thanks for a great blog site! I have been following your blogs, and couldn’t find a more informative one. Like Edzel and Patrick, I am also a retired Navy guy, May 2005. I am originally from Iloilo. My family and I currently reside here in Maryland but eventually will spend most of our retirement years in Iloilo, (Oton). My concern is health care. I hope Edzel or anybody know if there is still a qualified Tri-care provider in Iloilo considering the scam that occured a year or so ago regarding Tri-care in Iloilo? I’m glad you like living there, and best of luck with your project. Once again, thank you for this excellent forum.
Posted by Edzel Jereza on 03.17.09 9:06 am

Ms. Schumann, thanks for that info regarding Camp Roxas in Agat. I will definitely visit the website. My father was one of those workers who came to Guam back then(1956) and had worked in MASDELCO until the 70s. My whole family had been long time residents of the Agat/Santa Rita area where most of the Ilonggos make their home until each of us have moved on elsewhere recently. We have streets there that are named Janiuay St, Iloilo St, etc…
Posted by GOIloilo on 03.17.09 8:50 pm

Ulysses,

Since I don’t have Tricare myself, I am no expert but it’s my understanding that Saviour International Hospital in Molo, Iloilo City is Tricare approved. Saviour is a small hospital. I don’t know if I’d have anything major done there, but it should be OK for routine care. I actually go to two doctors affiliated with Saviour at their clinic at the J&B building on Quezon Street. They are part of the “Global Medical Network” which I understand to be Tricare affiliated. They are Drs. Robert Jacobo and Dexter Dale D. Briones, a cardiologist. I think they have a small pharmacy there for Tricare patients. Perhaps someone in Iloilo who has Tricare can fill in some details.

Bob
Posted by Ulysses Valera on 03.17.09 9:17 pm

Bob,

Thank you so much for the information, your reply is very helpful and greatly appreciated. I do hope someone who has Tricare can fill me in with more details. But for now, at least I know where to start.

Best regards, and trust me, I will be a frequent visitor to GoIloilo.

Take care to you and Carol,

Ulysses
Posted by Edzel Jereza on 03.18.09 2:21 am

Ulysses,
Try going through that list I provided on my comment last Feb6. You will find that most of the providers are from the Great Saviour International Hospital in Solis St. Barangay Tap-oc, Molo. But then again that will not be your only choice as there are many. This list came directly from the Navy so it’s legit and my doctor in Olongapo is on it. Good luck and Fair Winds!

Edzel
Posted by Ulysses Valera on 03.18.09 8:47 pm

Edzel,

Thanks a lot. I will look up the link. Looks like we have a lot of things in common. Only thing is, I can’t settle in Iloilo soon enough. I guess you’re luckier in this aspect. Still have kids in senior High School and College here in the States. So I’ll see you in a few years, although I try to visit Nanay in Barotac Nuevo every year.

Before I forget, look up the new GI bill that’ll take effect in August of this year. We will be getting generous educational benefit as well as housing allowance. You can use this benefit in Iloilo or any schools in the Philippines accredited by the VA. Look up the VA website.

Best of luck with all your plans in Iloilo. Let me know when you’re back there. I may pay you a visit the next time I come around. Maybe we both could see Bob and Carol in their new house as well.

Best regards,

Ulysses
Posted by natie on 03.20.09 4:32 am

Ulysses and Edzel, don’t hesitate to meet up with Bob and Carol when you go home. I spent half day with the couple and I had such a great time! i saw their molo apartment, their new tigbauan home, and the sorry-looking perimeter wall after a heavy rain!!

Bob and Carol, sorry for not writing sooner..i’m waiting for my niece to forward our pictures. i deleted half of my vacation pictures by accident after i transferred them to my niece’s laptop..

will email you soon!!
Posted by Citas Maghopoy on 03.21.09 4:36 am

Hi Bob & Carol,
Thanks for your informative blogs. My husband’s family lives in Maasin, Iloilo and we are thinking of retiring in Maasin. Did you have to ship your personal belongings from the U.S.? Are you able to bring a car , washing machine , stove/oven? Did you
have some house building tips for me. Someone wrote
about building your own home in Tigbaun link. I read
about the perimeter wall/fence but not about your house. Thanks in advance
Citas
Posted by Jim Monreal on 03.22.09 12:22 pm

Citas, I assume you and your husband already have a lot ready to build in Maasin. Based on my experience, building a house in the Philippines while still living abroad is not that easy. If you don’t have an honest and trusted person (who knows house construction) to supervise the project, you might as well wait till you and your husband are back home in Maasin before you build your dream house. Things you need to know and want before you hire an Architect, not necessarily in this order:
* How much you want to spend.
* How big the house you want in square meters, how many bedrooms and bathrooms, 1 or 2 storey high.
* Do you like Asian, Western, Spanish/Mediterranean or Contemporary design?
* Visit new house constructions and compare.
* Make a sketch or sketches of what you want in the first or second floors. Do you need a balcony in the front or rear of the house, at 1st and or 2nd floor? Do you prefer both an inside kitchen and a dirty kitchen outside the house?
* Ask the Architect if he or she can do a 3-D drawing of the house exterior. The 3-Dimensional CAD drawings will give you a better understanding of how your future house will look like. A lot of graduate students do them now by computer (CAD) in colors. If you can find one working for a Developer or GC that specialize in home construction, the better.

For the actual construction, you will learn a lot from Bob’s blog, pictures, and detailed updates. Wish you and your husband well on your planned retirement to Maasin, Iloilo. Goodluck!
Posted by Patrick on 03.25.09 10:19 am

Your fortress is starting to take shape! Thanks for the updates.
Posted by Citas on 03.25.09 11:52 pm

Thank you Jim for your advise. On bringing in personal
effects, any advise anyone?
Posted by natie on 03.26.09 1:41 am

Citas, Bob has this answered in his Retirement in the Philippines heading, under Shipping Items to the Phil–near the bottom of several posts….this is how I started getting in touch with the couple…very informative and helpful.
Posted by Edzel on 03.26.09 2:53 am

Citas,
You’re better off buying a new or used car in the Philippines. If you import your vehicle there, customs will charge you an arm and a leg for it or maybe both arms and both legs. Then there’s also the “under the table” transactions if you know someone in customs. But even so it could still cost a lot. I bought a new vehicle there and I got a loan from my stateside credit union (Navy Federal Credit Union). I went to several dealerships and Ford was the only one who accepted my stateside loan without the usual “red tape.” If you want to go that route, ask your bank. As for personal household goods, I had no problems as the Navy provided all expenses for us. If you are not military you could research shipping companies and they could provide you a shipping container for maybe 5 grand or more. But then again, you still have to deal with customs at the other end which could be a little bit of a hassle. Even for us who were military, we had to face the usual “red tape” shenanigans of customs. Just a fact of life there.

Edzel
Posted by Jim Monreal on 03.27.09 12:28 am

I agree with Edzel on buying a car in the Philippines. I have a friend from California who shipped his 2002-2003 Subaru Baja to Iloilo through a broker or freight forwarder. It cost him a total of $12,000 including freight, duties/taxes, and registration. All the dirty work was done by his broker. That’s already the price of that same car/pick-up here in the States. If you have an antique or classic car, maybe it is worth it. Then again, if you know a very influencial person at the Customs Bureau, you might be able to save a lot. If you do, let me know – I am thinking of bringing home to the Philippines my ‘86 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce.
Posted by Guy & Zeny on 03.27.09 1:13 am

It’s now three years since we left Iloilo. I went there 4 times before my wife can come to live here in Canada, in january 2006.

Canada (Quebec City) sure is a great place to live. It’s nice, quiet and we can find whatever we want.
But it’s also a very cold place and I’m getting tired of 6 months winters, years after years. Global warming seems to be everywhere, but not here…

On my third trip to Philippines, I rented a house in Iloilo. It was in Mandurriao, not too close from the old airport. It was quiet and we had a pretty house, on De Leon Street.

In a few years, we will sell our big house in Quebec City, to go back to live in Iloilo or Guimaras. It’s still a dream for us, but when I read your website, it gives me the gutz I need to realise my dream.

I want to built my own house there, with my wife’s family. I think it won’t be so expensive to built a comfortable house, with a windmill and a few solar pannels to produce electricity.

In the meantime, I keep dreaming and I take all the informations I can get by internet.

By the way…
Somebody is interested by a nice 10 rooms appartment in Old Quebec?
Posted by GOIloilo on 03.27.09 5:57 am

Guy,

I have great memories of old Quebec. When I lived in northern Maine “outback”, Quebec City was the closest city. When we lived in northern New York, close to the Canadian border we usually went to Montreal — even for grocery shopping. I’m sitting here in Tigbauan, Iloilo sipping my coffee from a “La Vieille Europe” coffee mug. That was our favorite food store. Oh how I’d like a visit there to to pick up some Camembert, Rosette de Lyon, some baguettes and most of all some Montreal bagels and some smoked meat from Schwartz’s. Quebec City was a longer drive but we always enjoyed it’s European ambiance. Your ten room place in Old Quebec sounds great — but during the summer! Bob
Posted by Aussie Inday on 03.27.09 9:45 am

Hi! How are you and whole family? I have been looking at your web site for few months now, thank you so much for the wonderful photos that you took, especiaaly the one in Iloilo and Estancia.I grew up in Masbate, but finished my elem.sch.in Alinsolong, Batad,went to Bacolod and graduate in high school there and fortunately graduated in college at Cebu.I was very blessed to get a job at the orphanage of Asilo de la Milagrosa in Cebu which managed by the Daughter of Charity nuns, they also have one there in Molo, Iloilo.The photos in your site which most of the time i visited just incredible and fulfilling to me, especially the changes in Estancia fish port. As a little girl we used to go there with our pamboat which was name by me and my parents family still lives around there in Gigantes island, Estancia, Banban and sorrounding area.
Iam hoping that maybe you can visit at those island and sorrounding area of Estancia and took photo.Also if it is possible for you to visit Asilo, they’re producing and selling handmade embroidery product in there that you might like to see or buy. Sr. Lumen Escoto is a very wonderful person hopefully you will be able to meet her. If so please email me, thanks.
Thanks once again, you have done an incredible job for people like us that now lives in other countries hopefully to meet you when i come home to visit my family in Iloilo.God bless and take care.
Inday from Australia
Posted by Guy on 03.27.09 9:41 pm

Hello Bob!

When I used to live in Mandurriao, I had problem to find good wine. I tried all liquor stores, but good scotch and wine were hard (read impossible) to find.

I can understand that you miss Montreal, for all the food experiences.

I’ll be in Guimaras for next Christmas and New Year’s holliday… I think I’ll bring you a nice Camembert, a few bagels from Fairmount if you want. About the smoked meat from Schwatrz’s… Sorry my friend. But next time I go in Montreal, I’ll eat one for you.

Ingat!

G
Posted by GOIloilo on 03.28.09 7:01 pm

Guy,
That would be great. Carol really loves Montreal bagels too. We bought ours at http://www.stviateurbagel.com/main/ — by the dozen. Fantastic!
Thanks!
Posted by Lea on 04.01.09 5:37 pm

Hi Bob & Carol..
I am from Iloilo and I really appreciate your honest writing about my province and its people. I have gone over your write-up including travel to Boracay via Antique. Since I am a native I felt that my opinion about Panay & Boracay may be biased…but I am really very glad that a foreigner appreciates out place. We always take the Antique route going to Boracay and twice when we went to Manila via the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. My family loves Boracay despite what other people are saying that it is over crowded, etc. Indeed, I feel there is a magic that lures people to the place. There are so many choices of food, entertainment, resorts that people in a group can go separate ways and enjoy in the island. I am looking forward to more of you blogs.
Lea
Posted by Robert on 04.01.09 9:14 pm

Hi Bob
Your internet site is great! Very informative. Here’s a challenge for you – do you or your contacts know any company in Dumaguete area that can sink a water well?
Thanks Robert
Posted by Jim Monreal on 04.02.09 10:45 pm

Robert,
Can you explain more on the details of “sink a water well”
Posted by GOIloilo on 04.03.09 6:19 am

Robert and Jim,
We’re right in the middle of re-digging our well. I’ve tried to pay attention to the details, gear and techniques and will post a report with lots of photos. I’ll ask a friend in Dumaguete if he can help with Robert’s inquiry.
Posted by Vincent on 04.05.09 8:05 am

We decided some years ago to retire in the PhHilippines. The day has finally arrived. It’s re-pat for me, having been away from P.I for over 40 years. The last time I visited was in 1978.

Thanks for the “Where to live” and many other invaluable information I found in your website. P.I. looks like a new far away foreign country to me as Ilook and see in the Internet.

I went to high school in Iloilo — in St. Clement’s in Jaro. I don’t know if the school and Church are still there. If you have any information I would appreciate some notice (here or at my email address). Thank you very much.

I like Iloilo City and environs very much. We plan to visit and see for ourselves if this is where we’d like to retire. I’m originally from Dumaguete, raised there from childhood prior to immigrating to the US. I’m not sure yet if that’s where we would want to relocate permanently.
Posted by David Finlay on 04.09.09 9:54 am

Have just found this site, interesting. I am an Australian, living in San Carlos (Negros) and plan to move to IloIlo this June (2009). Will visit again next week 14th April.
Posted by Beth on 04.09.09 4:15 pm

@Vincent

St. Clement’s Church still exists. Though the school doesn’t operate anymore. They’ve rented out the old school building to various offices/companies. Any chance you know Mr. Aurelio Infante? He was my high school Math teacher at SMCS. He tells stories before about his time as a teacher at St. Clement’s.

The church recently had some renovations done.
Posted by CDC on 04.12.09 4:35 am

Hi Bob,

Great site! I have visited it a number of times and have gone through all the Topics already. So now I just want to read the updates only without having to go through all the Topics every time I visit the site. What page are your updates on? Thanks.
Posted by M&M on 04.12.09 2:58 pm

bob,
thank you very much for making this website….i really enjoy reading and watching it all the time…i’m from iloilo just few houses from the ” mohon bibingka” that you mentioned in one of your postings….just went home for a visit few months ago and i really had a great time….me, my wife and daughter are 100% ilonggo by heart actually even though i’m here in the states for the past 10 years we still keep our lifestyle the ilonggo way….actually my daughter was born and raised here but her dialect is 100% ilonggo just to keep her grounded on her roots….i read regarding your posting on building a house there in iloilo that some engineers or architects will overprice you….that is absolutely true coz i experienced that myself….they always see the dollar sign when you come from the states….one honest, trustworthy and very good engineer that takes pride in his job that i can recommend is engineer jun seneres from mandurriao…very straightforward, transparent and did an excellent job all the time as to my experience….his cell number is…(011)(63)919846207….it might be a help to whoever wants to build a house back home in iloilo without their presence coz during construction i was here in the states and just sent money for materials and labor but he really did a great job on me and was impressed by the craftsmanship of his people and his honesty on everything…..till here… once again thanks to you bob and carol for making this site….it makes me proud to be from iloilo….god bless to all…M&M
Posted by M&M on 04.12.09 3:49 pm

bob,
i read regarding us telephone service in the philippines and just want to share what i’m using to call our house there in iloilo..i use majick jack….i dont know if you are already familiar with it but as to my experience it really works and the signal is excellent….you cant tell that it is a long distance call it is just like a local call way better reception than a phone card….1 paid 108 dollars or 20 dollars per year for 5 years of service and that’s it….all you need is a dsl service and computer there in iloilo….it gives you a us area code and number so anybody here in usa can call you from landline or cell and you can also call them in return….i call our house all the time and most of all it is free after the initial payment….just visit majick jack.com….what i did i sent it via fedex and my family had it in 5 days….thanks….M&M
Posted by M&M on 04.12.09 4:17 pm

u can get majick jack thru online or in stores at bestbuy and radioshack….tnx
Posted by natie on 04.14.09 4:25 am

if you check LBC offices in iloilo, i think they sell magic jacks…the price is great but there are times when the reception is terrible…when it does work, it’s great—you can talk all you want.
Posted by GOIloilo on 04.14.09 8:58 pm

Thanks for the Magic Jack suggestions. We’ve been using Skype for years. It costs about two U.S. cents per minute or free to other Skype users. We have a Skype handset (made by http://www.ipevo.com) we plug into our USB port. Can anyone tell me what the advantages of Magic Jack are over Skype?

Skype does not work quite as well on our SmartBro connection in Tigbauan as it did on Globe DSL in Molo, I’m told because SmartBro has latency (delay) problems. Otherwise I think I like SmartBro just fine. It’s probably pretty good in Tigbauan because there probably are not so many users hogging the connection as there would be in a larger place. The Smartbro installer guessed there about 200 users in Tigbauan. So — please don’t move to Tigbauan!
Posted by Mandy on 04.30.09 6:30 pm

Hi Bob & Carol,

I was delighted to read about your experience and thoughts about Iloilo. I grew up here although I am currently working in Makati. Iloilo is dear to me and your fine writing made me miss it even more. Thank you for the valuable information you (and your readers) have shared – from real estate to hot water systems. Nothing like a personal insight. ;D

Gob bless you both!
Posted by MGM on 05.05.09 9:08 am

Bob:

I just discovered your blog;it’s very informative. I myself is planning to retire in Iloilo, outside the city, but close to the cilization. What do you think about Villa Sto. Domingo Subdivision, Tigbauan? How far is the subdivision from the main road or the ocean? Does it flood in the area, how’s the neighborhood like? I appreciate your honest feedback. Thank you. mgm
Posted by Jim Monreal on 05.16.09 1:43 am

Hello Aussie Inday,
My wife is from Masbate too, town of Baleno. Our long time friend, Jack Curtis, who used to live here in South Florida moved down to Adelaide a few years back after he married an Aussie girl. He was our guest just a week ago when his daughter graduated from college here in U.S.
Posted by Ron on 05.17.09 7:36 am

Hi Bob and Carol. I like many others have been following your home site with interest. I like what your doing. I am looking forward to seeing the house you build. Keep it up Bob-the world is watching. Oh and thank you for the piece on the golf course. That meant a lot to me. Ron
Posted by Patrick on 05.20.09 12:00 pm

Hi Bob, we are in Sibalom visiting for the town fiesta. I would like to swing by your “house”project if time permits and you wouldn’t mind. Would you drop me an e-mail and we can coordinate a suitable time? Thanks so much.
Posted by Joe on 05.22.09 5:30 am

I am interested in filing for a 13a visa from here is the usa. Does anyone know of a website or a person who can give me advice on it?
Posted by Liza Jardiolin on 05.24.09 12:45 pm

NOTE: the following is posted as some readers may be interested in the services offered. We have not used them so they’re just passed along for your own evaluation, GoIloilo.

I’m relocating to Iloilo from Los Angeles County. I would just like to say Hi and thank you for the insightful tips. Your page is really well organized and you’ve provided insightful tidbits, like the days for the market, home building experience and recommended doctors.

My father owns a home improvement/wood working business here in Pavia and I just wanted to invite you and your readers to come check us out if you ever have a chance.

http://pacificwoodmaster.blogspot.com/

I also am an avid yoga practicioner so I hope to lead some classes in the garden here as well.

http://yogainiloilo.blogspot.com/

hope to see you guys!
Posted by natie on 05.24.09 8:40 pm

bob and carol–your blog is a wonderful spot to “meet and greet”–maybe a cafe’ forum here for expats?? haha. i visit here almost everyday. i miss iloilo already
Posted by jmonreal on 05.26.09 10:07 am

great idea natie. starbucks not allowed, only dunkin donuts. ha ha ha.
Posted by Patrick on 06.05.09 11:06 pm

Hi Bob, For those that have asked about a flying club in the Iloilo area… I visited Visayas Aerospace college and technology at the Iloilo airport and spoke with their president, Orson Bahinting. They do rent planes and provide the necessary instruction for those wanting to get their Private rating. They currently have a Cessna 150, two 172s and a Barron 55E (twin). His number is 033-333-0330 for those wishing to get more information.
Posted by may on 06.08.09 12:29 am

hi, can you please help me i want to buy a house a house in iloilo for cash i’m in u.s. right now that house is for my parents. what”s the safe way to send my money safe? is wiring thru the bank safe sense is involves millions of pesos. I will really appreaciate you advise. i just want my money to reach there safe.

thanks
Posted by GOIloilo on 06.08.09 7:13 pm

May, I wanted to reply to you via private email but you did not leave an address. There’s no problem in wiring money from a U.S. bank to your U.S. dollar account at a Philippine bank. That’s the safe part. But, there are many, many potential problems with buying real estate; making sure the seller owns the property and has the right to sell it, making sure there are no encumbrances, making sure the title is recorded as soon as possible. I could go on and on. In my section on real estate http://goiloilo.com/category/iloilo-real-estate-rentals-apartments-houses/I recommend Jeanette Ong, and Iloilo attorney and a real estate Internet group which offers good advice.
Posted by jim monreal on 06.08.09 8:48 pm

May, I completely agree with Bob – you need a good and honest attorney you can trust, and a Philippine bank account. Don’t just sign any legal documents yet until you have a lawyer to verify all the papers. Maybe, you need to go home first and do these things. Is the house already built, ready for occupancy, or still to be constructed?
Posted by Aussie Inday on 06.10.09 11:06 am

Hello once again,Bob & Carol. How’s the building progress of your house? i would like to thank Carol for posting some of our traditional filipino food, market, houses & etc. I actually printed it out and used it in my scrapbook about filipino culture. This scrapbook is for the clients which i am volunteering. The place(Mai-Wel)is a non-profit organization which involved in helping not-able people involved in community activities and work.I will try to cook on our cultural day celebration some filipino food, i’ll let you know how it goes.The staff & clients are lovely people to work with.
I also would like to thank Jim Monreal for posting a note for me. I am delighted of your response and hello to your lovely wife. My birth place is quinayangan Tunga,Masbate.I am not sure if she heard years ago a passenger pamboat called Inday Mildred.Adelaide is quite far from NSW which i live. I haven’t been to Baleno, Masbate. But my parents and relatives did. I still have many relatives that lives in masbate and i miss and hoping to see them again one day. Love to hear from you and your wife.Maybe i can keep in touch with your friends here in Australia.
Thanks,Aussie Inday
Posted by jim monreal on 06.10.09 11:33 am

Aussie Inday, my wife’s name before we got married – Luth Bajar Joson. Her email address is symonreal@aol.com
Posted by Angie on 06.11.09 11:08 pm

Hello Bob and Carol. Thank you very much for a very insightful blog … can’t wait to see the house progress. I myself from Oton, Iloilo living in Canada right now. Your place is just next to ours and I actually remember the area. We were home last Nov to Jan and planning to go back next year. I hope we will have a chance to meet you and Carol and to visit your project. Slowly we are making our move to Iloilo too … to enjoy life so we are gathering as much information as we can.
Reading your blog inspired us. Thanks again. Angie
Posted by Ulysses on 06.13.09 9:42 pm

Hi! Bob and Carol. Hope you’re all doing great. I’m sure your house project is nearing completion. Please continue to update us with the progress, all aspects going smoothly and not so smoothly, and the pictures. Thanks for being so generous in sharing your Iloilo experiences with us.

To Angie, my wife is also from Oton and we intend to spend most of our time in Sta. Rita, Oton, when we retire in a few years. My wife’s maiden name is Figueroa. Best of luck to you. Hope we get to meet and know each other someday.

My regards to all.

Ulysses
Posted by Ed on 06.14.09 11:36 am

Hello Bob and Carol. I enoy reading about your experience. My wife grew up in Miagao and we visited in April after 30 long years. We rented a car with a driver and went looking for a land to buy, including Lauan, Antique her birthplace. I like it much better than Olongapo where I grew up. I left in 1972.
But your story about the fence and the sewer kinda cooled me off. But I’m still considering about retiring in Iloilo.
Posted by natie on 06.15.09 8:48 pm

i couldn’t think of a better place than Iloilo…but of course, i’m biased…hi, Bob and Carol!!
Posted by Angie on 06.15.09 11:39 pm

Ulysses, what is your wife’s first name? the last name is so familiar as I recall way back in high school. Is she related to Alicia? I went to Oton High School from 1975-1979 and I grew up in Bita Sur, Oton. My husband is from San Isidro, Nueva Ecija but Oton, Iloilo will be our destination to retire. Anyway, Sta. Rita is a nice place too and it is very close to town and to the city. There are few subdivisions close to Santa Rita now (Florville and Santa Filomena). We are planning to go back home again on April next year as we have project going on too. Keep in touch and will hope to see you guys someday.

Bob and Carol, thanks for the respond. We will keep in touch with you once we are in Oton.
Posted by Anonymous on 06.16.09 8:12 pm

Angie,

My wife has a sister named Alicia. She and her family live in L.A. My wife’s name is Adelfa or Eden. She went to Oton High School as well. What is your maiden name?

Small world, isn’t it? Let’s keep in touch.

Regards to your family.

Ulysses
Posted by Angie on 06.16.09 9:17 pm

Ulysses,

It is really a small world. My maiden name is Calantuan and my first name known back home is Angeles. If Alicia is your sister in law and we are talking the same person she was a year ahead of me in High School but we were staying at the same place at lunch time.

Say Hi to your family and sure will keep in touch.

Angie
Posted by GOIloilo on 06.17.09 8:50 am

Hi Ed,

Don’t be discouraged by my accounts on http://www.goiloilo.com. I try to give an unvarnished picture of life here. Sometime I bend over backwards to describe the problems. This is because one person moved here in large part because he read my and others glowing reports. He decided the Philippines was not all it was cranked up to be. After that, I have gone out of my way to not oversell Iloilo or the Philippines. Sure there are problems, but we love it here and I would never go back to the US.

Antique Province is wonderful and Miago a favorite of ours. Only you can decide if life in the Philippines is for you.

Good luck

Bob and Carol Hammerslag
Posted by jim monreal on 06.17.09 10:19 am

Ed,
I was born and grew up in Miagao. Did your wife graduate from Miagao High School? I did in 1961. What’s her maiden name? Regards to you and your wife.
Jaime Monreal
Posted by Aussie Inday on 06.19.09 6:42 am

Hello Jim, i hope you received the email i sent to your lovely wife.
I really thanks to Bob & Carol for this site, it’s very interesting and enjoyable to read. It’s a kind of a family reunion of your lost long family. It’s also very helpful for future retirees. It helps me thinking more of retiring there in Iloilo. My dearest family lives around Visayas, so it would be nice to be around with them for a change.
I am excited to see the progress of your house and the finish product. I am wondering if you were able to visit Asilo de la Milgrosa at molo.
Take care and God Bless, Aussie Inday
Posted by jim monreal on 06.20.09 2:41 am

Aussie Inday, my wife did not receive your e-mail. So did I. You may send it to jm@antiaginggenesis.com, reference Aussie Inday. Thanks and Regards.
Posted by natie on 07.11.09 8:32 pm

hi, Bod and Carol?? how’s the construction going?? it will be raily season soon..hope the roof is up to shelter the materials from the monsoon…love to both of you!!
Posted by GOIloilo on 07.12.09 8:22 am

Natie,

Good to hear from you. As I write we are being lashed by a tropical storm. We have not started construction on the house yet. That will be late in the year, after the rains have tapered off. We are meeting with an architect today at SM City to get the plans started and then to get our permits so we’ll be ready to go. I dread the permit process. Just getting our temporary electrical permit has been horrible. Anyway, now we’re having fun planting: a few palms, bougainvillea, hibiscus, mango, lacatan, pomelo, calamansi, avocado, malunggay, and so forth. It’s so nice to see our rather barren lot begin to bloom a little. Everything grows so fast here!

Bob
Posted by natie on 07.12.09 7:10 pm

i understand that feeling of dread–it’s usual to “line” a few palms with cash for expediency..ugh!!!i thought the architect does that for you?

i heard about the rain!! my sister had their nursing reunion in Anhawan, and it was pouring! but they still had fun..

good time to plant! we have good jackfruit in our lot, Bob..ask sis for some seeds..
Posted by Patrick on 07.12.09 11:38 pm

Looking forward to seeing the latest pictures of your property
Posted by jim monreal on 07.15.09 2:35 am

glad to hear the progress on your house project. pretty soon you and carol will be picking fruits from your backyard.
Posted by Rose of singapore on 07.17.09 10:18 pm

hi bob & carol,
i really love your topic here i am a real ilongga,15 yrs.now i never explore in iloilo, and i read in your blog i really feel homesick.Heart is always in iloilo, my b.f and i are planning to retired in iloilo too.I have a very sad story in iloilo not in the city but in my province about family problem, but then its already past but there are times that i recall it when i go back there so thats the reason i miss iloilo so much. Thanks a lot Bob we ilonggo appreciate what you have done. God Bless You Both.

Rose,
Posted by Erlinda Espinosa on 07.24.09 11:20 pm

Just to let you know how great it is that I stumbled upon your website. You really have provided a lot of good and useful information. I look forward to reading more about your experiences in building your house in Iloilo.

Incidentally, experience any problem with the Ilonggo language/dialect? I know that many people in the Philippines, especially professionals, speak and understand English. But what about daily communication with the public at large? A “translator” cannot accompany you all the time.

Wishing you and your wife continued success in your building project.
Posted by GOIloilo on 07.25.09 1:50 pm

Erlinda,

I know a few words of Tagalog and even less Ilonggo, but I get along OK. Most Filipinos know at least some English. With some patience and good humor some level of communication seems to work itself out.

Bob
Posted by Guy Pelletier on 07.28.09 2:20 am

I read in your website that Doctor Ramirez is a good dentist. My wife and I will be in Iloilo next january and we may have big job to do with our teeth.

Do you think we are better to take appointment with doctor Ramirez before we leave Québec City?

If so, do you know if Doctor Ramirez has an e-mail adreess?

For months, your site is a real guide for us. Even if I’ve been in Iloilo four times, I learn something each time I read your site.

Keep up with the good work.

Gy Pelletier
Québec City
Posted by Dan Thomas on 07.30.09 12:59 am

Bob,

Great site! I used it to plan a trip from San Jose Antique to Boracay in June, and your notes added a lot.

I’m confused about your site, because I would like to view postings in reverse chron order. I tried the RSS feed link but it only goes back to April.

Keep up the good work!

Dan
Posted by GOIloilo on 07.31.09 9:23 am

Dan,

I’m struggling to add a better RSS feed but really don’t know much about what I’m doing. I’ve signed up for Feedburner. Check the new RSS link and see if it helps. Any suggestions welcome.

Bob
Posted by Citas on 08.04.09 1:05 am

Hi Bob & Carol,
I am curious with your house project if you are using the alternative to hollow block construction. I mean the one that incorporates the insulation. This is widely used in Europe and being adopted here in America.
Carol, I love your harvest (my favorite patola).
Best regards,
Citas

—

Citas,

We have not investigated that option, but good friends in Iloilo did and they found building with the insulated panels was considerably more expensive than conventional hollow block — and these people were on a more generous budget than ours. We are going to stick with hollow block. We’ll try to beat the heat with big windows, broad eaves, high ceilings and shade trees. The mangos we planted won’t kick in for about fifteen years! Also our site is VERY breezy.

Bob
Posted by Peter on 08.05.09 5:52 am

I would like to know if any Americans are living in San Jose, Antique? My wife and I intend to go back in November. I am a permanent resident. I was told that there is a BI in Iloilo. I don’t want to go back to Manila in January to pay for fees if I can do this in Iloilo; let me know. We live on Capadocia St., San Jose, Antique when we get back in November.
Posted by lady k on 08.11.09 11:05 am

Hi Bob!
Everyday I come home I check your site just to see and read up on new things, seems like yesterday when I first wrote, and here we are gathering firewood already again preparing for cold. Just wondering, have you heard of Thalatta Beach Resort in Dumaguete? suppose
to be in Zamboanguita(sp) anyway, my hubby and I are
gearing up for our trip home and thinking about traveling to Dumaguete instead of Boracay, what do you
think about this idea? Thanks in advance for you advise.
Take care always and God Bless…lady
Posted by GOIloilo on 08.11.09 9:19 pm

Lady,

I find it really hard to advise you. I am not familiar with the resort you mention in Zamboanguita (Negros Oriental) but I have been to Zamboanguita and the area is pretty. It would be a totally different experience than Boracay. Boracay is a busy international resort with all kinds of dining, recreation and entertainment options. Zamboanguita is likely to be pretty, peaceful, quiet and low key — assuming the resort is a good one. Both are good options but radically different. Which is better depends on what you’re looking for. Best, Bob and Carol
Posted by lady k on 08.12.09 11:26 am

Thanks Bob, I think that answers my question, we’d much
rather be in more laid back area than the hustle and
bustle, sounds like Dumaguete would be it. Take care
always and looking forward to more photos of your island
paradise…lady
Posted by Almedo on 08.17.09 5:15 pm

Good afternoon Bob & Carol,
Is there a boat from Iloilo direct to Boracay? If there is what time does it leave for Boracay and come back to Iloilo?
Posted by GOIloilo on 08.17.09 8:03 pm

To the best of my knowledge, there is no boat from Iloilo City to Boracay.
Posted by Almedo on 08.20.09 3:55 am

good morning bob & carol,
Your pictures are very crisp and clear. What camera are you using? I use a Canon Powershot A560. Do you also use a video camera? I’m planning either to buy a higher end digicam or videocam. What brands and models would you recommend for a tourist photographer?

almedo
Posted by GOIloilo on 08.20.09 3:02 pm

Almedo, I use an old Fuji F11, a compact camera with a larger sensor that can produce good results, especially in available light. I also have a Sony A100 DSLR. It’s a good camera but the kit lens that comes with it is not so good. The Panasonic LX3 seems to be the best bet in a compact digital camera. It’s so popular it’s hard to find. The brand new Canon S90 also looks good. For a DSLR I’d buy the most expensive Nikon or Canon I could afford, as well as as many lenses as I could afford. I recommend the reviews of photo equipment at http://www.dpreview.com

I do not have a video camera but sometime use the video function on my Fuji. The video capabilities of compact digital cameras gets better and better, so a dedicated video camera may not be necessary unless you are really looking for professional results.

Bob
Posted by Aussie Inday on 09.19.09 11:25 am

Dear Bob and Carol,
Hi, it’s been awhile since i ate patola. This October i am going home to visit my family in Iloilo hopefully i will be able to taste it once again.
I am very proud of our Philippine heritage and the cultural events i mentioned to you awhile back was very successful, i used some of the photos you posted on the net in the scrapbook i made and they love it, thank you so much.
Please let me know, if it is alright to visit you on my holiday there in Iloilo, thanks.
My email address indaybd@yahoo.com
God bless………
Aussie Inday
Posted by bingbing on 09.21.09 12:58 am

WOW! This blog has some great info! My dad is retired US Navy living in miagao now. They have a VERY active organization for retired US military. They have (i think) access to the best healthcare in Iloilo – utilizing their tricare and medicare benefits. And they have such a fun social life with all the retirees. They meet up every month or every week. If anyone needs more info…I can get more exact details from my dad. Keep the info flowing!
Posted by Uly Valera on 09.24.09 6:57 am

Bingbing,
It’s great to hear that there’s an active retired Navy organization in Miag-ao. Like your dad, I’m a Navy retiree planning to retire in Iloilo. I know that there are a good number of Navy retirees living in Miag-ao. I had a shipmate a long long time ago named Pomperada. I think they built a house in Miag-ao. Please send my regards to your dad.
Posted by Al M on 09.25.09 2:02 pm

Bob, you are right on with your assesment of the living conditions in the Philippines. Especially with expectation and the subtlety of what it has to offer. I, myself, was born in Iloilo City but migrated to California in the early 70s at age 11 where I attended grade all the way to high school. Being young did not give me a true understanding of the situation of back when. Not until I was sent back during a temporary deployment at Clark AB (as USAF member) that I realized what a golden opportunity for having lived in the states. In a way, I got to see both sides of the fence. The struggle growing up and where I am now, comfortable and content. In fact, I had colleagues who took up residence near or around Angeles basically trying to relive their past glories only to be dissappointed two years later. I have returned to Iloilo City on two occasion, 1983 and 2007, believe me what a big transformation for the better. I felt safe walking around town not like Makati/Manila and especially not around Angeles. The 20 yrs I spent in the military has taught me that home is where you make it to be, but the sense of belonging always seems missing. I guess the beauty of what I’ve experienced during my military years is knowing that in 3 or 4 years, a new adventure begins. Off to a new land, people, language and culture. Despite years of absence from Iloilo, I will remain an Ilongo by heart. One thing to remember, to feel at home, your heart has be in the right place or else it will be a struggle. Make each situation the best and by having the right attitude can definitely ease the adjustment period. Having a back up plan won’t hurt a bit :>)

Bob/Carol, your article is the most accurate I’ve read so far about the Philippines. Thank you for letting the world know just how cool Iloilo is… I agree with Al Ogilby’s suggestion, “write the darn book!” :>)

cheers,
Al
Posted by Citas on 09.25.09 9:40 pm

Amen to that Al! Definitely, life is easier when your heart is in it. What I really look forward to when we retire there is to contribute to the betterment of the quality of life in Iloilo. We have been lucky to see how people live in America and other parts of the world. With that knowledge and a little wisdom, we can certainly be pro-active in improving what we have at hand. Now that I have come to this site, I feel
I have a bunch of friends when we get there. Thanks to you Bob and Carol.
Posted by GOIloilo on 09.26.09 9:20 am

Thanks so much for you kind words, Al. I too have lived many places but mostly in the U.S. I really feel at home here. As I’ve said on goiloilo.com, I am treated so well. Maybe it’s a sad thing to admit, but true for most foreigners even if they don’t admit it — we old, decrepit, overweight foreigners enjoy a status here we could never have at home, not in our home towns, not anywhere. I don’t mean in chasing young girls (ala Angeles City) but just in everyday life. It’s a privilege to be here and be treated so well. With Ilonggos I feel a sincerity I don’t feel elsewhere. Not so many foreigners come here because Ilonggos don’t make a big fuss over you as they may elsewhere in the Philippines, but mostly what you get from them is sincere, not just a prelude to getting something from you.

Bob
Posted by Citas on 10.01.09 9:36 pm

Did Ondoy cause any big damage in your area? Hope all is well with you guys. We were finally able to connect with our family last Monday morning. They said they had no flooding
in Maasin. Take care!
Posted by Doug on 10.02.09 6:19 pm

Good grief – good luck with Typhoon Parma. Looks enormous on BBC weather animation today, October 2.
Posted by mike doyle on 10.31.09 4:40 am

I have spent the last 4 months living in Bacolod, Negros Occidental having only recently returned.
Whilst Bacolod is extremely friendly for it is not called the City Of Smiles for nothing, I have decided that I would rather retire in Iloilo or Davao further south.
Bacolod also has the famous MassKara Festival in October which is not to be missed.
For me the big let down with Bacolod is the state of the roads for they are certainly of Third World standard due to the destruction by overloaded sugar lorries.
I am now looking to retire in The Philippines for three reasons. The climate, friendliness and the cost of living.
Does anyone have any idea how much it would cost to rent a nice property of no more than 3 bedrooms with a nice garden?
Posted by GOIloilo on 11.01.09 2:50 pm

Mike,

Thanks for your comments. Carol and I were planning on staying in Bacolod for several months as part of our exploration of Philippine retirement locations. We went from Cebu City (several months) Dumaguete to Iloilo City. Our next stop was to be Bacolod but we never made it. We found such a nice rental in Iloilo City that we just had no motivation to to leave. We stayed in the same apartment for more than two years.

While living in Iloilo City we did visit Bacolod for a short time. We were quite impressed. Bacolod is a newer city with good public spaces (plaza and parks), wide roads good museums. It seemed to have subdivisions that were high enough to avoid flooding. It has some restaurants better than anything in Iloilo. Finally, Negros Island itself seemed to have many natural attractions and places to explore.

We appreciate your comments. It’s easy for the grass to seem greener elsewhere. Iloilo has good health care, colleges and exceptionally decent honest, hard working people. It does not have the extreme socioeconomic divide that Bacolod has. Anyway, Iloilo and Bacolod are two places that should be on any retirees short list of medium sized cities to consider.

Regarding renting a three bedroom place with a garden, I’d guess P15,000 to P30,000. We have friends who rent a five bedroom house for P15,000. I have seen much more upscale P50,000 places that are rented to Korean professionals. It’s hard to give an estimate as expectations vary so much.

Bob and Carol
Posted by mike doyle on 11.01.09 10:53 pm

Hi bob And Carol,
Though I’m a Scot invading what seems to be a North American blog I’d like to answer some of the questions that others have posted and you some of my views albeit from my experience in Bacolod.
I was able to instal a 100 litre stainless steel tank without a tower but with a small ancillary tank and pump which topped up the primary one. The total fitted cost was only 23500 P and it was installed in only a few hours. The advantage with that kind of set up is that you do not waste water and have no need for an unsightly tower. I had no problems with water pressure after that type of system was installed.
Like one of your respondents I also like good wine and indeed did find a knowledgable wine merchant, however apart from chocolate for me a good cheese goes well with a red wine.
Posted by mike doyle on 11.01.09 11:14 pm

Hi bob And Carol,
Though I’m a Scot invading what seems to be a North American blog I’d like to answer some of the questions that others have posted and you some of my views albeit from my experience in Bacolod.
I was able to install a 100 litre stainless steel tank without a tower but with a small ancillary tank and pump which topped up the primary one. The total fitted cost was only 23500 P and it was installed in only a few hours. The advantage with that kind of set up is that you do not waste water and have no need for an unsightly tower. I had no problems with water pressure after that type of system was installed.
Like one of your respondents I also like good wine and indeed did find a knowledgable wine merchant, however apart from chocolate for me a good cheese goes well with a red wine. Alas I couldn’t get decent cheese for any price. I once bought imported Swiss cheese and quite frankly it was like rubber so I ended up giving it to the chickens that were less fussy than me. Having spent most of my life in England my only real disappointment in The Philippines is the blandness of the food for spices seem to be frowned upon. When I got back to London after 4 months I told my partner who is a Filipino that I could murder a curry. She has lived in London for 8 years and her palate has morphed into mine.
With regards to healthcare I do not find it a problem for certainly in Bacolod, which has a population of only around 350,000 there are at least half a dozen excellent hospitals and no waiting list to see any consultant. For westerners the cost is very low. To give you an example I went to see an orthodontist at one of the top teaching hospitals in Bacolod for I had badly chipped my two upper front teeth by eating very hard nuts before I arrived in The Philippines. Anyway the dentist I saw was what we call Harley Street quality in London for he is also on The World Council Of Orthodontists so could really name his price, however in spite of spending 75 minutes rebuilding my teeth, he did a beautiful job, all it cost was the equivalent of $50.00. I am not kidding.
I even went to see a plastic surgeon and his consultation fee was only 500 P.
I hope that my little contribution helps other bloggers
Mike
Posted by Les Iwafuchi on 11.27.09 9:31 am

Hello Bob,
After reading your article on Iloilo, my wife and I have decided to live in Iloilo City. She is a native of Pototan, just up the road from Iloilo City. I would like to talk to you about Iloilo city a little more. However, with limited space here would you be so kind as to send me you e-mail so we can continue this conversation via e-mail. Thansk so much.

Les
Posted by vivian on 12.13.09 3:49 pm

Let’s start documenting the dirt on Iloilo:

http://faaviews.wordpress.com/

http://iloilocityboy.blogspot.com/2009_06_01_archive.html

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=47758

This is just some of it. Wasn’t an Australian murdered in his home not long ago? Weren’t NPA seen in Iloilo recently?

I wouldn’t live there. The BS on this website is sickening. Not only is there a water shortage, corruption galore and NPA, the city is out of the way from mainstream. It takes one hell of a long day for anyone on Mindanao to get to it. Besides that, no jobs problem has sent many relatives to live with relatives who can’t afford their own lives let alone 5 others.

Get a grip on your life and tell the whole truth or delete this garbage website, turkey.
Posted by Kenneth on 12.22.09 5:40 pm

Vivian:
This is a very stupid comment. Bob is telling about his experiences in Iloilo in a very fair and interesting way. If you don’t like it then just stay away from the site. And what do you mean:
“It takes one hell of a long day for anyone on Mindanao to get to it”.

This website is not about Mindanao??

Bob keep up the good work!
Posted by Juan de Barotac on 12.22.09 9:26 pm

I believe that this is a forum for intelligent discussion. Most of us know for a fact that Iloilo certainly has flaws but for some people who chose to live there, they must be happy with their choice despite the “imperfections” and are glad to share their positive experiences. If someone has any gripe with the politics in Iloilo direct your outrage to the politicians and Iloilo City Hall, and not this website. This website has nothing to do with someone’s sickening feeling towards the ill of the city. We need to get a grip on our manners. Civility still has a proper place in our society.
Posted by Citas on 12.24.09 12:18 am

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL AND YOU TOO, VIVIAN
Posted by Ulysses on 12.24.09 12:45 am

Bob, seemed like a “cuckoo” has waywardly roosted on your website. Keep up the good work! I haven’t found a website about Iloilo as helpful and relevant as yours. You are doing a great service to people who are considering retiring in Iloilo. Thank you.

Happy holidays to you and your wife!
Posted by Berniemack HabagatCentral on 01.19.10 2:32 pm

Hello Bob!
Been reading some of your works online…
I’m inviting you for a meet of Iloilo-based bloggers this coming Dinagyang weekend. I’m not sure yet where but looks like we both have the same concern as about heritage sites in Iloilo.

Also, please do join our forum at Skyscrapercity to express your opinions and ideas.

Thanks and have a great day ahead!
Posted by Rand on 02.03.10 11:41 am

I’m quite amazed at Vivian’s comments on December 13. Is there any place on the planet devoid of “dirt.” It seems she is not quite in touch with the realities of this world. During my adult life, I’ve lived 22+ years in Asia (Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Japan) and 26 years in the U.S. Every place on earth has good points and bad points.

In my personal opinion, there are places in the U.S. a lot more dangerous than Iloilo. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, but foreigners get murdered there and Japan has no dearth of corporate corruption.

This website has received a flood of heart-felt appreciation from folks around the world. If you know Bob and Carol, you know they are nice, kind and intelligent people who always respect others and are highly respected themselves by all who know them.

I’m sure all the regular readers on this forum will see Vivian’s attempt to “flame” Bob and his magnificent website as the act of someone who has problems relating to other humans.

Bob, keep up the great work. Many, many folks appreciate and support your tireless efforts.

Rand D. in Tigbauan, Iloilo

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