It's really nice, KW. I'm enjoying it immensely!
Yep, 4 months + incentive bonus for the guy that got it done, from start to finish, he was able to get us internet in a week.
The co-working space I was working at has had an application in since November as well to get a second provider (the same ISP as myself) in for backup purposes. Even businesses can't get service unless they know someone.
As always, money greases the wheels...
"I was a good student. I comprehend very well, OK, better than I think almost anybody," - President Trump comparing his legal knowledge to a Federal judge.
^^ What is thee matter, sorrrr ? Wouldn't you like som nice pork crackling to go weeth yorr greasy bacon and baloot ?
^lol. Yes, lots of signs with wrong spelling or grammar in PI. But to be fair, English is a 2nd language.
Re: topper's place, Bacolod - it's a city in a small island. In many ways, it's still very provincial. I'm sure there have been many changes since my last visit years ago, but from topper's description, it's still very laid back. I would liken it to maybe Khon Kaen or Udon Thani in TH (but I think UT is bigger & more progressive - I've visited UT). When you go around the province & smaller towns, it's farmlands then small town center, then farmlands again.
I think there are also more brownouts (power outage) because the electricity supply in the islands isn't enough. The electricity situation is better in Luzon since there are more power sources. I've visited a petrol-based company & a solar farm, which both supply power to the grid.
Re: cost of living, I have seen several expat vids wherein they ask: can I live on 1,000 usd per month? (usually from American expats or expat wanna-bes) Answer: yes, but it depends on location & lifestyle. In the provinces, you can rent a small apartment (no a/c) for 2-3k pesos (40-60 $), or you can rent a condo unit in the Manila area for 50k pesos (1k $) or higher. For food, you can eat local produce & eat cheaply, or you can eat Western style & splurge.
That $1,000 budget won't last long if you get ill or become involved in an accident, though. In PI private hospitals, no money = no treatment.
One also has to factor in the visa renewal fees, transportation options, slow Internet in many areas, power outs, storms, earthquakes, covid restrictions (face masks & shields, travel pass), etc.
Says the poster who would start a thread for a pic of food that resembled a knob.
Always wondered how a good Thai restaurant in the Phil would go. Aquiring the veges and rice doesn't seem to be a problem
Just the opposite, its hard to get good veggies here, strangely enough. Basil and coriander in particular are rare finds and a cause for celebration.
Both the Thai places here have gone under. I tried one and the food wasn't that great. My wife has been learning how to make Thai food that actually tastes like Thai food from youtube.
^ Keep on keeping on Topper!
You and your missus are a good team!
All the best Topper!
We've thought about that, but neither the wife or I possess anything close to a green thumb. We did pick up 2 kilos of avocados for about $3 US today. 45B/kilo, delivered, isn't that bad.
Thanks LT and KW. We know our way around now so it's not as bad as it was when we first got here.
^OMG, the 20-peso coin! I'd better save up some crisp 20p bills before they go out of circulation.
I feel bad if the money in paper form is converted into a coin, as it's devalued. The 5 & 10 peso coins were notes before (green & brown notes, respectively). But it's cheaper to make coins than notes (accdg to the PH Central Bank), so there it is...
@topper - glad that you've settled in. Do you still have to quarantine (or PCR test) if going to another island?
I haven't left Luzon in >1 year. I did visit Manila for a day, to work on some papers. The MRT train cars weren't filled to full capacity (for social distancing). Guards all around to implement the rules (face mask & shield, distance).
Re: opening up, probably next year (or December at the earliest), when more people have been vaccinated.
Have you guys been vaccinated? You can probably register online or through your barangay. If your wife has co-morbidities, she's A3 and that group is being jabbed now.
My mom (senior, A2) has had her 1st jab (free, Sinovac). She has a vax card & she's scheduled to have the 2nd dose this month.
If you've been following the news, nowadays to travel interzonal (diff region or island) you have to be vaccinated or have a negative test result (and/ or quarantine).
Re: basil or coriander, you'll probably find them in small plant shops. I can find them here in my hood. Buy a pot or 2 and grow them.
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