Christian is a Swiss expat who's been living in Dauin, the Philippines, for many years now. He's one of the pioneers of the diving scene there. Read on for his description of the businesses he set up, information about the cost of living and housing in his area of the country, and his thoughts about Filipinos.	Christian Heim

September 28 2006 

-Where were you born?
I was born in Basel, Switzerland.

-In which country and city are you living now?
Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines

-How long have you been living in the Philippines?
Moved to the Philippines 20 years ago. I’m happily married to a Filipina, with two sons, 17 and 5 years old.

-What is your age?
43 years old

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Philippines?
I am a scuba diver and I love to dive at drop offs, coral gardens and in a tropical climate. In Switzerland the diving is good but very cold and the visibility at the lakes is not so great.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Tourist visas are easily obtained and extended. To get a resident/investor's visa however, you have to find the right help/lawyer so you will have no problems and your investments are safe.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
At the time I arrived here I used my medical insurance from Switzerland, then I obtained local medical insurance.

-How do you make your living in the Philippines? Do you have any type of income generated?
When I first started diving here, there were not too many diving operators in this area. I then co-founded Sea Explorers Philippines, a dive center, way back in 1989 in Panglao, Bohol and a PADI Career Development Center in the later years. We expanded our services not only in Bohol but throughout the Central Visayas Region particularly in Moalboal, Dumaguete, Cabilao, Malapascua, Siquijor Island and a Head Office/Assistance Centre in Cebu City.

Two years ago we ventured into the resort business. Our resort is called the Pura Vida Beach & Dive Resort and it's located in Dauin, Negros Oriental. I am proud to be one of the pioneers and still take an active role in diving in the Philippines.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Languages spoken: Swiss, German, English, proficient enough in Cebuano. Although English is widely spoken throughout the islands, you will definitely gain points with a few well-placed local words.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I miss my mother back home, but luckily she visits us at least 6 weeks in a year.
I also will visit her in Switzerland, at least once a year and also to promote Sea Explorers and the Philippines.

My favorite pastime: DIVING - of course, family outings to the mountains, meditation, riding my Harley and just recently, putting around on the golf course.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
Just to have more time for my family and myself and live a healthy lifestyle. Business wise, to maintain a high standard resort and diving operation.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
I have just finished constructing a beautiful new house in this paradise, and have no desire to live anywhere else. In our area the cost of property is 2000 pesos per square meter. A very nice and decent family house with 150 square meters of living space costs 500 thousand to millions of pesos.

-What is the cost of living in the Philippines?
Cost of living here in the Philippines is much lower than in Europe, e.g., at a restaurant, you can get a meal for 150 pesos, a cold beer 40 pesos. On the street: a meal for 50 pesos and a cool beer for 18 pesos. However, fuel costs and luxury items, cars, boats are almost the same.

-What do you think about the Filipinos?
Most Filipino people are basically honest, fun loving, always smiling, happy, warm, friendly, simple, non-aggressive, and welcome all foreigners as friends.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Philippines?
The 7,107 islands of the Philippines are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after dive and travel destinations in the world. Its underwater biodiversity is endless and discoveries limitless. Its richness of nature above and below the water, coupled with the warmth and friendliness of the local people towards their visitors, make foreigners want to return...and for some to stay.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Philippines?
Living here? Remember: you are a guest of the Filipino people, you are a representative of your native country; things here are definitely not the same as "back home." Learn how to try and understand the Filipino people, respect their ways, customs and beliefs. Smiles and respect go a long, long way!!!
I have only positive feedback. My highest recommendation is to come and visit me and explore my new home and the beauty of the Philippines.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Philippines?
For avid travelers, divers and divers wannabe, please visit Sea Explorers, and/or if you're planning to stay in a relaxed and comfortable resort, visit: Pura Vida.