Australian expat Andrew divides his time between two areas in the Philippines, where he lives with his girlfriend. Learn what he likes and dislikes about living in this Asian country, his future plans, and the tips he has for expats-to-be who may be considering moving to the Philippines.	Andrew Sheldon

-Where were you born?

I was born on the North Shore of Sydney, Australia. This area is appreciated for its tree-lined streets, proximity to great white sand beaches and the city. If you're lucky you get to live on the most gorgeous harbour in the world.

-In which country and city are you living now?

I am living in the Philippines. I spread my time between Lipa City in Batangas province and Metro Manila.

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I sometimes visit my GF in Manila and live in Lipa in the family home. I did lease a townhouse for a year or so for just USD140/mth but the neighbours made too much noise when they turned the adjacent house into a pig feed factory, and bought roosters which caused sleepless nights.

-How long have you been living in the Philippines?

I have been living in the Philippines for almost 2 years.

-What is your age?

I am 39 years old, though immigration is suspicious because I look 28yo. Good genes.

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Philippines?

After I broke up with my Japanese GF in Japan I met my Filipino GF online. I went back to Australia, but 5 months later I moved to the Philippines to get to know her. It's been a very good relationship so far.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

The Philippines probably offers the most generous visa conditions since foreigners can stay in the country for up to 18 months before they have to leave the country, and you can come straight back. You’d probably want an overseas holiday anyway. This means you can effectively stay as long as you want, though it will cost $30/mth as a tourist. If you get married it's cheaper of course, but for keeps.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

I have never seen the need for medical insurance though I am still young. Philippines medical treatment seemed world-class to me. Very good bed-side service at Medical City in Pasig City, Manila. Better if you go with a Filipino, otherwise you pay more.

-How do you make your living in the Philippines? Do you have any type of income generated?

I am a trader-writer-investor. I sell eBooks online and invest my savings (stocks and property). I think it's hard to get a job in the Philippines for cultural reasons unless your background is in call centres or you are a trained economist, you might have an opportunity at the ADB.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I would love to learn the local language if I had the time, but who does. I wanted to learn Japanese when I lived there 3 years. The problem of course is the opportunity cost. It makes more sense to ask my GF what people are saying. She is a smart girl able to give me a lot of insights on the culture.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I miss certain things only. Australian beaches, fresh fruit & vegetables, particularly things like nectarines and mandarins. I miss the sound of eucalyptus trees leaves rustling in the wind, and birds, the clean air. In many ways I miss Japan as well, so keen to go back there, for the nature & sports there too.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Just developing my website and selling more eBooks.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I bought a foreclosed house in Japan a few years ago and my GF and I have recently bought some land in the Philippines. We will eventually build a house on it, but we are also looking at foreclosed properties as well, as it's soon going to be a good time to buy here. We bought some well-positioned land in Lipa City (2 farm lots and 1 subdivision lot). Our next land will be a beach lot.

-What is the cost of living in the Philippines?

The cost of living in the Philippines is ok. Being a foreigner you pay more. You will pay P4000 to P30,000/mth for an apartment/townhouse depending on whether you live in the city or countryside.

-What do you think about the Filipinos?

Well there is no one type I like, but I like educated people with life experiences, so it’s usually expat Filipinos, but some locals as well. Locals are friendly and polite, even if it's superficial desire for money. I don't much relate to the sense of entitlement in the country and the self-indulgence that seems to override personal goals and organisation.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Philippines?

The positive aspects are: Beautiful places and people, great nightlife, relaxed

The negative aspects are: Generic franchises, oily food, lack of food variety, religion

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Philippines?

It's important to have a trusted relationship in the country based on respect. My partner & her family have made living in the Philippines a joy. Stay away from partners 20 years your junior and bar girls; ambition and religion do not mix.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Philippines?

http://foreclosured.blogspot.com

http://expatjap.blogspot.com

http://expat-philippines.blogspot.com

http://travelpo.blogspot.com