#Retire Philippines

[gme-news]

Illegal ang Surrender?! SHOCKING Revelation on Duterte’s Arrest!

via IFTTT

[darrenwalleyconsultancy]

Poverty in the Philippines

Photo by Alvin Cabaltera Poverty in the Philippines, currently after the Covid pandemic, rose from 15% to 24%. In the UK and the western world, poverty is judged on how much of your income you have left after essential bills. People who are unemployed in the UK will get benefits, and parents do get child benefit. To be honest, I know people will tell me “it is all relative!” but, people in the…

[retireyoungtravelsmart]

What are the Best Places to Retire Abroad?

The recent discussion in our Facebook Group highlighted the challenges that many global retirees face when dreaming of living abroad. The current exchange rates and rising costs can make it seem daunting to stretch a pension in many parts of the world. However, there are still several destinations where a pension can offer a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. Retiring abroad has become an…

[lady-of-the-upside-down]

Mom is officially retired now, and it has just sunk in how much I’m (sort of) failing in life overall.

By now, I was supposed to be done with school, supposed to be an accomplished math major with internships and maybe one or two extracurriculars under my belt. I was supposed to be making money already, like, good money. I would’ve still been writing but it wouldn’t have been my main thing from the get-go.

But none of that happened. Mistakes made as early as 2017, during senior high school (grade 11-12, sometimes taken inside a university like in my case) caused me to lose a lot of opportunities and connections that could’ve been helpful in the long run. I was kicked out of the school paper like three months into it because of a mistake I made, was also promptly ignored by my classmates, and all that caused me to spiral into a years-long slump that led to many depressive episodes. I hopped from one minor club to another (math, school church, speech) before finally graduating high school in 2019. (If you’re wondering, the mistake in question was asking a silly question during a seminar with a somewhat VIP guest…yeah it was bad, but not it-should-ruin-my-life bad)

I did spend like 2-ish years of college taking math, though I stopped because the pandemic double my already bad slump—costing me my partial scholarship that I had managed to get before. I also ended up with an academic infraction thing last 2021 because I accidentally forgot to cite sources on a philosophy exam, leading me to drop it as a minor. That infraction led me to being disqualified from applying to any exchange programs or conferences. Basically my life from 2017-2021 pretty much sucked.

What adds salt to the wound is that the reason you pick a good school here—as early as 11th grade—is connections and opportunities, both of which I mostly blew my shot in getting them. So it’s like my parents had been bleeding money for years for almost no reason.

Today I’m a creative writing major and education minor, both of which I started late 2021. I had only one internship—the one required by the school, and basically no organization officerships. Luckily enough school started to feel worth the money again because the faculty of the literature department actually care about me and support me in the stories I write. I really got to know them more during the required internship in the “creative writing center” of the university.

I ended up just trying organizations outside school because people there are least likely to know me. I struggle with applying for any part time work and internships for some reason, and I think it might be because of my odd/suspicious history of going to a major school since high school but not having any experience or affiliations. (They must think there is something Bad about me which is why I don’t have any, or the worst case scenario always floating in my head is that someone from high school works there)

On a lighter note, I do have some publications of my creative work but they don’t really pay well (or at all).

I’m struggling to finish my current project: a novel that’s my final requirement for school. It’s been such a struggle but I’m trying. I just feel so out of focus most days. I don’t even know what I’ll be doing once I graduate in February. Probably take the teacher licensure exams and just hope for the best from there.

I’m slowly picking up the pieces lately, as evidenced by some of what I said in the last paragraph, but I’m scared for the future, if these pieces will be enough. I have been so used to stability that I fear that I am taking it for granted. For now I’m hoping Dad continues to be able to do his (high-paying!) job, and that his other side-jobs like consultancy stuff will pay him well soon enough. I feel guilty for being partially the reason he has to take side-jobs to sustain our lifestyle. (my mom doesn’t want to work anymore after suffering through her old place)

Maybe at some point I will be able to actually contribute money to make their lives easier. I’m hoping my book and other future creative projects could someday earn me good money.

I just have many thoughts in my head lately and needed a place to longform vent out so I posted it here. Sorry if some parts seem incoherent, I wrote this all in one go.

[ricisidro]

Retirement age is 65.

Life expectancy of the Filipinos is 71.79 years in 2024 according to UN statistics.

Work for 50 years to maybe enjoy only more than 5?

Star enjoying life now! No one is guaranteed tomorrow!

#LifeExpectancy #Filipinos #Philippines #Retirement #RetirementPlanning #EnjoyEveryMoment #Longevity #LiveBetterLonger #HealtyAging #BlueZones #NoSmoking #NoAlcohol #healthyfood #healthyeating #vegan #water #exercise #sleep #CheckUp #BMI #ManageStress #Pray #BePositive #HealthyLife #healthylifestyle #HealthyPilipinas #HealthyPinas #healthychoices

[lyfeeonline]

Retire on a Budget: 7 Affordable Countries Where $500 Can Stretch Your Budget

Dreaming of palm trees, vibrant cultures, and a fulfilling retirement without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. Fortunately, several captivating countries around the world extend a warm welcome to retirees seeking an enriching life on a surprisingly slender budget. This article delves into seven remarkable destinations where a mere $500 per month can unlock a world of cultural immersion,…

LyfeeOnline

[everything-under-the-sun1]

(via E-Book Launch! A Foreigners Guide in Buying Real Estate in the Philippines)

[radanriel15]

retirement.

Lahat tayo darating dito pwera na lang kung oras mo na o mauuna kana kunin ni lord.

Kaya ngayon magtapos ka ng pag-aaral. Mag trabaho o mag negosyo, mag ipon at kumuha ng health insurance para sa iyong pag retiro ay ma enjoy mo ang nalalabing araw sa mundo.

Hindi ka aasa sa anak mo o sa mga taong nasa paligid.

Laging samahan ng dasal, tiyaga, sakripisyo at sipagan araw araw. Balansehin ang buhay ang pagkain at mag ingat sa kalsada at sa pag kilos.

Escolta, Manila | 2016

[monicascot]

We Were Living to Work But Now I'm Working To Live, Its Very Different

In this thought-provoking and introspective video, embark on a transformative journey as we explore the profound shift from "living to work" to "working to live." Discover how a change in perspective can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and fulfillment.

[beingjellybeans]

Retirement planning in the Philippines: your guide to secure your financial future

Retirement is an important phase of life that requires careful financial planning to ensure a comfortable and stress-free future. As retirement approaches, it’s essential to have a solid plan in place to secure your financial stability. In this guide, we will explore the key steps to planning for retirement in the Philippines, including how to start a retirement plan and determine the amount of…

[darrenwalleyconsultancy]

Moving to the Philippines to retire Part 2

Photo by TheDigitalWay In my previous article, “Moving to the Philippines and Why”, I talked about Philippines Visas. I also discussed the Philippines’ cost of living. Finally, I covered buying property in the Philippines. In this article, I want to show my thoughts on the Filipino people. Their culture and other reasons I love the Philippines and the people. What is it like to be an ex-pat in…

[frudoo]

Your new Baker!Simon AU has me hooked! 🤩😊 Retired!Ghost baking away in the comfort of his home, just needing something to improve his lil’ therapy-inspired business… someone like Food-Photographer!Reader ;) You gotta tell me how absolutely OVERBOARD he goes with the dessert(s) when they schedule their first meet up. Pleeeaaaseeee?

I’m obsessed!!! ^-^ Can’t wait to hear anything else you come up with, dear Writer! Thank you for being you 🫡

Much love, keep yourself happy ‘n’ healthy and get Simon some more dough (Get it? Money = dough? But also dough ‘cause he’s a baker? Hahah. Hah…)! <3

Changed it up a bit 😉

Previous

Warnings: Body image issues, mentions of therapy.

Simon is up to his elbows in baked goods. There’s no room on the kitchen island for the tray of espresso-flavored macarons he just prepared, so he has to set them on the coffee table in his living room. On the overcrowded counter is an array of cupcakes of various flavors—chocolate, cookie butter, ube (Kyle made him try the flavor when the 141 went to the Philippines for a trip and he fell absolutely in love), all arranged on separate platters that match their color. Each treat is decorated with perfect swirls of buttercream or topped with shiny luster dust.

He can’t remember the last time he’d baked so much. Maybe it was Price’s retirement party? Honestly, he doesn’t remember much of that night, but boy does he remember the morning after. Simon can recall how he got every single scar on his broad body, but not one of those painful experiences even scratches the surface of that fucking hangover. Nevertheless, it’s been a long, long time since he’s baked so many sweets. He didn’t even eat breakfast before he started working, and that was… six hours ago? Bloody hell, how is it already nearly time?

One look at the clock and Simon is scrambling to get dressed—jeans that hang low on his waist and a simple black tee. Both fabrics stretch around the muscles he’s maintained despite the growing layer of fat around his belly. He pats his torso as he looks at himself in the mirror, cleft lip scrunched up in distaste. Maybe he should lay off of all those “quality control” taste tests. He doesn’t have much time to think about it before his doorbell rings.

God, he doesn’t think he’s ever been so nervous in his life. Not through the amount of times he’s looked death right in the eye, not when his father would come clunking home absolutely hammered, not when he held Johnny’s hand to keep him awake and alert after Makarov shot him right in the temple. But you, this sweet, pretty girl who’s coming to see him—not even for a date!—has his fingers fidgeting and his heart racing in his chest. He sucks in a deep breath and counts to three, just like his therapist taught him, then opens the door.

Simon knows he’s in for it the moment he sees you look up at him in awe, trying to hide your shock with a crooked smile. Pretty round cheeks and a soft body—he’s doing his best not to look at the dip where your blouse exposes your cleavage—and plush lips that he’s dying to feel against his own. Fuck.

“I- uh… Simon? I-I’m here about the- um. My treats. Your treats! My camer- pictures! I’m here to take pictures of your… treats.”

The man can practically see the mental faceplant you just gave yourself, and for some reason, it calms his nerves. You’re human, and you’re real, and you’re beautiful. And you’re waiting for him to invite you in.

“Pleasure. C’mon in, jus’ mind the… er. The clutter.”

Simon opens the door wider and you thank him softly, gasping when you see the amount of goodies all over his kitchen and even overflowing into the living room. There must be at least a hundred cupcakes and a few dozen macarons. It stuns you for a second but his gentle hand on your shoulder brings you back to reality. You clear your throat and smile up at him.

“You really went all out!” You giggle a bit and Simon’s heart just about leaps out of his chest—he shrugs.

“Ligh’ work,” he jokes.

You’re embarrassed by the snort that slips out of you, covering your mouth as your eyes go wide, but Simon thinks it’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever heard.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. He needs to snap out of it. This is business. Simon runs a hand through his slightly overgrown hair sheepishly, gesturing towards the camera that hangs by a strap on your neck.

“Oh, r-right. Did you wanna be in the photos? Get you a nice new profile picture?” You ask with a grin, carefully slipping past him to examine his work more closely. “People typically like to know the face of the person they’re ordering from.”

Simon bites the inside of his cheek, debating. The military instilled such a strict rule in him. He never posts his face out of fear someone from his past will come knocking down his door to carry out a vendetta. He was thorough in his SAS days, never allowing himself to be caught without the infamous Ghost mask, but regardless, he deems it too much of a risk. He’s thankful you seem to understand his hesitation.

“We could do a picture of you holding up a tray so it’s just your chest and arms? I could crop your face out, or we don’t have to include you in it at all. It’s up to you.”

Too fucking sweet for your own good.

“Chest ‘n’ arms’ll be fine, love,” he grunts finally, offering you a small smile.

“Sounds like a plan,” you look back to nod at him before grabbing the camera from around your neck. “Where do you wanna start?”

“Wha’ever’s easiest f’you,” Simon hums, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall to watch as you twist and turn every confectionary to find the best angle.

You’re quiet when you’re focused. The only sounds he can hear are the shutters of the camera snapping a picture or your footsteps as you step around the counter to capture every little feature of the whimsical delicacies. It’s odd. Simon doesn’t mind quiet—prefers it most of the time—but he can’t help but crave the sound of your voice explaining to him every single thought going through your head. He blames it on curiosity.

It takes all of twenty minutes for you to get every picture you need of his confections, with varying angles and lighting changes. You walk over to him and go through the photos, explaining every little detail you loved or why you changed up the order of things for a particular shot. Simon nods in approval—he genuinely could not tell the difference between most of them, but like hell he’s going to tell you that, not when you’re this close, looking up at him with that sweet, hopeful smile.

“Looks perfect t’me,” he breathes, giving you a soft pat on the back.

“Thank you,” you sniffle. “So… did you still wanna do that profile picture?”

“I- er, tha’s fine. Where d’ya need me?”

“Right over… here!” You gently grab him by his bicep and pull him to where there’s a blank wall and a good amount of light.

Simon stands in place like a studious muse while you rearrange some of his treats on one of his circular platters. You place the tallest cupcakes near the back, the smaller ones in the middle, then position the macarons in a way that showcases both their shiny tops and the perfect bake he got on them. Cautiously, you grab the tray and take it over to him.

“Here, hold it just- yeah, just like that. Perfect.”

You bite your lip when you carefully maneuver his arms into a position where the light captures the depth of his faded tattoos and prickling veins—you convince yourself it’s to give the picture more personality. Simon’s just glad that his face won’t be visible. He’s praying right now that you don’t notice how fucking red he’s gotten just from your delicate touches and the way you stare at his arms and chest. It makes him feel insecure and as a result he sucks in his belly. His heart skips a beat when you frown.

“Don’t do that,” you whisper, hesitating before lightly placing your hand on his stomach to encourage him to relax. “Looks better like this.”

In less than ten words—far fewer than his therapist has spoken over the past few years, fewer than every single uplifting word he’s written in his journals—you’ve managed to silence the unrest in his head that tells him he’s not good enough, if only just for a few moments. His breath hitches in his throat as you step back to take a final picture. Satisfied, you take the platter from his hands and set it aside, giving him a shy grin.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep-”

“No, don’t apologize. I, uh… I needed tha’. Thank you,” his voice trails off as he looks down at you.

You nod shortly, sucking in a deep breath. He’s so close and it makes you dizzy.

“Right. I guess I’ll head out, and as soon as I get the pictures edited, I’ll send them to you?” You bite your lip and Simon has to resist the urge to lean in and take a nip for himself.

“Oh, please, take some o’this. I don’t know wha’ t’do w’all of it,” he scratches the back of his neck timidly.

Taking one last quick look around his house, you hum thoughtfully.

“I have an idea.”

[dragonzair]

My 63-year old aunt, Merlina (Dina) Bayongan, is currently recovering at home from a broken hip, and the costs for surgery and medical treatment have become more than our family can afford on our own. Currently, the hospital has informed us that the bill is $20,000 CAD and likely to increase. My family and I are incredibly grateful for your assistance in paying for the costs of treatment so we can ensure her quality of life.

My aunt is a resident of the Philippines, who has been visiting my family for the last few weeks here in Canada. She broke her hip on November 28, after falling during a dizzy spell most likely due to a fever she had at the time. Being a tourist with no insurance, medical care is not covered under Canadian insurance policies. We ended up calling for an ambulance to take her to the hospital after we also realised she had developed an infection on her foot during her fever. This turned out to be a necessary call - during the ambulance ride, the paramedics became increasingly worried about the state of her hip, and X-Rays at the hospital confirmed that she had broken it in the fall.

My aunt stayed overnight at the hospital, where they informed us that her stay would cost $3000 per night out of pocket for the duration of her stay, and told us she needed to go into surgery the next day. Thankfully, the surgery has gone without any hitches, and she is recovering well, a fact that my family and I are eternally grateful for. They kept her a few days longer before she was able to come home. Despite everything, we are relieved that her injury occurred here in Canada, rather than back home in the Philippines, because the healthcare options for her are much better than what's available back home.

She is currently recovering at home, and has been improving in strength. We've been taking her for daily walks outside the apartment hallways, with the help of a walker lent by the hospital. We have a few other equipment on loan including a pushchair, and things to make our bathroom a bit more accessible, but we'll have to start covering the rental fees once the month ends.

She came to visit Canada after retiring back home in the Philippines as she wanted to experience snow for the first time, so we are really hoping she recovers well enough that we can at least take her outside to experience Canadian snow, and hopefully return home to her family and grandchildren back in the Philippines. The holidays will be rough for my family and hopefully with your help, we can make all this trouble worth it by getting our aunt back on her feet.

[zvezdacito]

Diasomnia sexuality (and some gender) headcanons I just wanted to yap about for no reason:

Malleus: Demiromantic Bisexual

-> There's that joke that he doesn't gaf about gender as long as it's Yuu, but (for the demiromantic part) I also like the idea that he's ride-or-die, sentimental and clingy for anyone he gets close to. So generally the only difference for how he cares about people is the type of attraction + specific boundaries (can be slightly possessive in a different way for a romantic interest? Idk)

-> Also not really sexuality but I see his gender as that "I'm probably nonbinary but I have a job so idrc about that rn" tweet but for being the next king In general I think being acespec & nonbinary would be extra perplexing for bro since he never stopped to think about personal identity stuff like that for too long (too duty-pilled🥀)

-> Being dense about regular emotional experiences + actual difference in the norms of attraction and gender add to the gap of understanding between him and others

Lilia: Bisexual (not really a sexuality but he's also polyamorous)

-> This isn't sexuality again but I also think transfeminine Lilia is cool, I genuinely believed that Lilia was just a woman with a really deep voice the first time I saw him (I was watching him vs Leona in Book 2 out of context). There's no way to easily explain this in English but by this the specific identity i see him as is basically 'bakla' in the Philippines. It is really its own gender identity in our culture and isn't a "direct equivalent" of any one anglophone label, but for the sake of non-filipinos i guess you can just understand this to mean i see Lilia as "nonbinary transfem in the Filipino way"👍

-> I think it would align with his story in a good way with how she's maligned by the senate and such, how even as a soldier Lilia was coloring her hair for style. It's also like that thing where a guy who was already considered obviously effeminate and "one of the girls" atp (I see Meleanor as kids playing with Lilia in typically "girly" ways and encouraging his cuteness/hair styling) comes out later on as actually a girl/fem nonbinary

-> General Lilia is this is that type of situation where a transfem person can't really go all out with their expression because current life-threatening circumstances require "masculinity" or their focus to be exclusively on external matters (in this case its Lilia being a lowly bat soldier in an active war. Similar to Malleus, an idea of patriotic obligation stops him from really questioning or exploring since the country needs "strength" and "unity" in these times, there was also just really little time to wonder when you're fighting for your life everyday). But after retiring Lilia is able to realize she likes being perceived as cute and begins going all out in her appearance👍

Lilia edit with the article this headcanon reminds me of:

Silver: Aroace

-> Thought it would be a kind of cool subversion of the usual fairytale prince archetype Silver is made to emulate, where romance is the greatest and purest love and marriage is THE happy end. I think it aligns with Silver wanting to spend his life "repaying" the kindness of Malleus and Lilia; if they asked him to think about gertting a family of his own in the future, I think he'd just say the true love he's found in life is already them. A knight who dedicates his lifetime devotion to familial love instead

Sebek: Gaylm

-> One of bro's most notable character gags is glazing another man at every opportunity so yeah /j. Also fsr I just can't see him as a man romantically with a woman no matter what lol

(THIS ISN'T OBJECTIVE THOUGH this is just how I personally sense his vibes. Go crazy fellow fem yumes and OC artists. You are the pillars of this earth)

⚠️ My only disclaimer is that I am cisgender so the gender headcanons are only me relating the characters to scholarly articles on transfem experiences/from personal accounts of transfem and nonbinary people online and irl.

Another reminder that these are all headcanons made by viewing canon in a specific way, not me saying they're definitively any of these identities. You can still have cis or male malleus and lilia if you prefer that😭

That is all. Thank you for reading👊🔥

[anexperimentallife]

Quick info on relocating from the US to the Philippines (yes, even if you're poor)

Source of my info: I've lived here in the Philippines for about seven years now, my (also from the US) wife has been here almost as long, and we had our daughter here. This is for people who have a location-independent source of income like SSDI (NOT SSI), remote job, etc.

I keep starting to type up a guide to moving to the Philippines from the US, but there's so much to cover I keep getting stuck! It's coming, though. As for why the Philippines, I did a lot of research before leaving the US, and it's the absolute easiest, least expensive, friendliest, and lowest-hassle English-speaking country to move to. You can stay on a tourist visa for three years at a time by extending every two months. At the end of three years, you buy a budget round trip ticket (for under 100 bucks) to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or whatever, walk around the airport, and hop on the place back.

Note: For convenience, I'm using US Dollars when discussing the prices you can expect to pay for things here, but only Philippines Pesos are accepted in the Philippines. Your US ATM card will get you pesos from the ATM, and with your US credit cards, you will generally get a choice between dollars and pesos.

The short version of what I recommend, without always explaining why you need these things:

A throw-away ongoing ticket leaving the Philippines within 29 days of your arrival. You may not be able to board the plane here without one. This is a MUST. There is a very slim chance that they MAY not ask to see proof of an ongoing ticket, but if they do, and you don't have it, you won't be allowed to board.

A location-independent source of income for at least 600 USD a month--That's enough to live like a local, without Western conveniences. No one will ask for proof of income, but you have to eat! 1K or more will have you living pretty well, and on 2K you can live like royalty. You can receive SSDI here and social security retirement, but NOT SSI.

Two bank accounts with ATM cards, and two credit cards through different banks. Mastercard and Visa are your best bets, as not everyplace takes Discover or AmEx yet. (MOST places do, but just to be safe.)

Some banks sound better than they are. Schwab bank advertises that they reimburse overseas ATM charges, and they do, BUT they may drop you if you're out of the US for more than a couple of years (like they did us and several others we've spoken to). We have an Aspiration account (and yes, that's an affiliate link, but you can just look them up if you want, too), and like them.

TELL YOUR BANKS YOU'RE COMING HERE! Otherwise you risk having your ATM/credit cards deactivated for "suspicious activity."

A few weeks before departure, you'll want to buy some Philippines Pesos. Your local bank probably won't have them, but they can order them. I recommend having at least 10,000 PHP on hand (about 180 USD), in a mix of 1K bills, 500s, and 100s. You're allowed to bring up to 50,000 pesos with you, but any more than that and you have to declare it.

Bring your medications. Get your doctor to write a scrip that ups your dose so you can bring at least a 90-day supply that looks on paper like a 30-day supply. Put multiple desiccant packs in your prescription bottles, or the humidity here will turn your meds into a single big lump. You will want the original bottle with the printed prescription label, and maybe a photocopy of the actual prescription. (There's a reason they do original packaging, and not pill bottles here.) I've never had my luggage searched or even had them LOOK at my medications, but who knows what the future holds?

Some meds may not be available in the Philippines, or may be harder to get. (I had to switch from vicodin to tramadol because vicodin is simply not available here.)

Lodgings: Look, I hate AirBNB as a business, too, but you need a place to stay while you look for permanent digs, so book one well in advance. You can get a month's stay for 300-500 bucks even in the big cities if you shop around. In the Manila area, I liked the places I stayed at in Blue Residences and Grass Residences. I only include this info because my AuDHD ass stressed so much over where to stay, and I figure I can save you that same stress if you're worried.

Some advantage of staying in AirBnBs for a month or three are that a) you're not in an immediate rush to find an apartment and get household stuff, b) it gives you time to make some local connections before committing to a long-term lease, and b) if you're staying at a unit in a condo building, you can get to know the staff, which can be a HUGE help in getting settled.

Once you're here, you can find decent permanent lodgings for under 200 a month if you shop around. Blue Residences, last time I checked, had studio condos for about 180 USD a month last time I checked. (No, I don't get anything for recommending them--Just trying to give the best info I can.)

These are the bare basics of getting here.

A few general tidbits, in no specific order:

As for vaccinations, get them here, where they're cheaper.

We like living in Baguio. It's an artsy little university city of about 400,000 people, up in the mountains, about a four hour bus ride North of Manila, and it stays cool enough up here that we don't really need air conditioning--which is the biggest utility expense you'll have in lowlands cities like Manila. We know people who rent temporary housing to tourists and students, so let me know if you need a referral. We only stayed in the Manila area for about six months, with occasional trips down there to take care of things at the US Embassy, but we can give SOME guidance on that area.

Which reminds me: If being near the embassy is a concern, you may want to stay in the Manila area. The new regime in the US is changing social security rules so that to do something as simple as changing your direct deposit requires an in-person appointment, and who knows what else they're going to change?

In Baguio, we get fresh produce from the wet market delivered to our door for a third or less of what it would cost at local supermarkets.

The humidity is intense in the Philippines. 80 degrees in Quezon City feels hotter than 110 in Kansas.

Most places here, when they say unfurnished, they mean COMPLETELY unfurnished. No fridge, no stove, no anything; just bare rooms. Most locals cook on a mini gas range with a propane tank, and a counter-top oven. This is part of why I say you'll want a couple of credit cards. You can get set up with the above for a couple of hundred dollars, but still, if you're moving partly out of financial stress, you'll want to pay these things off gradually.

ASK if a place has a shower heater. Many do not. If not, you can get one at the local hardware store and hire an installer for as little as a couple hundred dollars total. (You can use a card at the hardware store, but the installer will want cash.)

You'll have filtered drinking water delivered in five gallon jugs, for around 50 cents per jug; even the locals don't drink the tap water. One jug will last you about a week unless you drink LOTS of water. (We go through three jugs a week in a household with three adults and one toddler, but as an autistic man, I drink more sparkling water than regular water, or we'd probably go through four a week.) You'll want a cheap little pump you can get at the hardware store, or you can order an electric one online (or lift the jug and pour). If you want to be fancy you can get a water-cooler-type thing.

Food is SO inexpensive if you go to the wet market or have them deliver to you. We spend about 400 dollars a month on groceries--including snacks, etc.--for all four of us. Going out to eat can cost less than two dollars if you shop around like a local. Public transport is ubiquitous and costs pennies to use, while taxis can start as low as 75 cents (here in Baguio, anyway).

Get the Grab app. It will be your friend.

A doctor's visit will cost maybe twelve bucks even for a specialist, but be prepared to wait. When they say, "Come in at 10 am," what they mean is, "my clinic hours start at 10am, so you can come put your name on the list at that time, and if you're lucky you won't have too many people ahead of you."

This is by no means comprehensive, but I'm tired, and my daughter needs attention, so bye for now!

[planesawesome]

The Crusader was the last American fighter designed with guns as the primary weapon and thus was dubbed the last of the gunfighters. Despite this only 4 of the Crusaders 19 aerial victories in Vietnam were with AIM-9 Sidewinders due largely to guns jamming in high G maneuvers.

The Crusader served with the US Navy & USMC until 1976 as a fighter and up until 1987 in it's photo reconnaissance RF-8 model in the US Naval Reserve. The French Navy purchased 42 of the aircraft for their 2 carriers these were the longest serving Crusaders and were retired in 1999 to be eventually replaced by the Dassault Rafale M. In 1977 the Philippine Air Force purchased 35 US Navy surplus F-8's from Davis-Monthan AFB of these, 25 were refurbished by Vought and served and 10 were used for spares these aircraft served until 1991.