| "Kano" or "Cano" is Filipino slang for "American," and this American expat who calls himself CDOCano tells us a bit about his life as a foreigner in Cagayan de Oro in the Southern Philippines. He shares some of his thoughts on learning the language, why he loves living in the Philippines, and his philosophy of living in reasonable comfort - not extravagantly. |
 cdocano |
-Where were you born?
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines
I am living with my future wife Rose and her 10 yr old son Gary.
This time I have been here 8 months.
-What is your age?I am 54 yrs young.
-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Philippines?
I was stationed in the Philippines twice with the U S Navy for a total of 5 years when I was younger. I have loved this country and its beautiful people since my first visit when I was just 17 yrs old. I knew then that I would return someday. Each time I have been here I have made wonderful friends and assimilated more of the culture.
Factors affecting my decision were economics and culture. I live on my Navy retirement very comfortably here and have always loved the culture. Filipinos are the friendliest people I have ever known. And Pinays are the most effortlessly beautiful women in the world.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?When you land in Manila they give you a 21 day visa. After that you go to the immigration office every two months for a renewal. I am usually in and out of the immigration office in less than an hr with no hassles at all. A lot depends on your attitude here. If you are one of those loud obnoxious foreignors who think you are better than your host..... well it could be a long frustrating visit.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Medical insurance is about 1000 pesos a month. The current exchange rate is 45 pesos to a dollar. So it is pretty cheap.
-How do you make your living in the Philippines? Do you have any type of income generated?I am totally retired and live quite well on my Navy pension.
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?Unlike some....I think it is very important to learn the local dialect and customs. It creates trust and leads to respect when you show your host countrymen that you have made an effort to learn their ways. I learned quite a lot of Tagalog on my first trip here, Tagalog is the national language and is spoken mostly in the northern islands. In the south such as Mindanao they speak Bisayan or Cebuano. There are about as many dialects as islands. I am currently learning Bisayan, but I have to say it was easier when I was 17 LOL.
The culture here is very unique. Family is of the utmost importance. Respect for elders probably is second; national pride is very very high. It takes a long time to realize the many factors that make one a Filipino. But as I said, if you are willing to make the effort they truly appreciate it.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?I do not miss my home in the States. I came here to stay. Life here is so much easier and more enjoyable for me. If my family misses me they are welcome to visit at any time.
I like walking every day, you see some beautiful country and meet some very nice people. I also like travelling throughout the Philippines. It is Paradise to me.
-Do you have other plans for the future?We are looking at land in different places. Currently my dream is to have a home built close to the beach on Siquijor Island and never leave.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?I rent a two bedroom 1 bath corner lot here. It's a pretty nice place for 2500 pesos a month. A lot of expats here have big four+ bedroom houses built for 1,000,000 + pesos. But the exchange rate fluctuates here and so for me it is better to live reasonably comfortable instead of extravagant.
-What is the cost of living in the Philippines?WOW..... depends on your lifestyle. I live simply. Rose just ate three ears of corn cooked and buttered and delivered to our door for 12 pesos. Fruits and veggies are cheap and readily available. Meat is cheap as well. Transportation is reasonable. I receive $1153 a month, my expenses are around $400 and that includes our son going to private school. Try doing that in the States, LOL.
-What do you think about the Filipinos?I love them mostly. Haven't had any trouble yet and don't expect any. My attitude is right for friendship. As I said before you get what you give.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Philippines?
The positives are overwhelming. The negatives are insignificant.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Philippines?
Come ready to stay and become part of the country. Remember you are a guest here. Treat everyone with respect and courtesy. Enjoy the rest of your life.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Philippines?http://groups.yahoo.com/group/onelife_changed/
http://pinaydream4u.blogspot.com/
http://www.binisaya.com/node/21
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hi there
hey there wingman I was wondering if you had any advice for someone trying to live in the phillipines and do graphic design do you know of any places.
graphic design
Sorry to say that work here is a hard thing for foreigners. You have to get a work visa which is pretty hard. Then if you do get one you'll find a lot of local folks already doing the work you want to do for a very low wage. Average income here for a common laborer is 250 pesos a day. That's $5.43 a day. Most professional jobs are held by filipinos as well and although they make more than laborers it would not meet your standards. Some expates have web based business' and seem to do well, others rely on social security or some other form of retirement and just enjoy life.
Dan
cdocano
http://pinaydream4u.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/onelife_changed/
advice
all righty thinks for the advice , you take it easy allright.
health insurance
Hi there, I would be obliged if u could let me know who and where you get insurance for 1000peso. seems like a really good deal.... thanks
sounds good to me
sounds good to me
Living the Life
Hi CDOCANO,
Your living the life hombre'! I retired from the militay 11 year ago and have been plugging away working to live the American dream only to realize I am getting older and getting now where quick. I worked in Zamboanga on contract for a while and fell in love with the PI, the people, and simple way of life. Will retire within the next year and relcate in PI with my mahal of two years. I am fortunante to have meet a sweet simple woman how I am able to visit often. CDO is one of the places on our list to visit on our quest to find a simple life in the province. Your story gives me hope of living the life.
TC,
gman
Health Insurance
Hi my name is Janice . Its a good thing that you are interested in health isurance. If you would like to know more email me at janice.alvarez@sinclairjames.com. we will see what options that will be suitable for you . Thank you you can also reach me at 09164258629
the move here
Don't wait too long to make the move. Life has a way of moving along and before you know it.....it's too late.
Dan
cdocano
http://pinaydream4u.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/onelife_changed/
Moving to CDO
Dan, I am very happy that your have fulfilled your dreams. My name is James Christian and I am getting ready to bore the heck out of you. I was born in Akron, Ohio 66 years ago. I joined the Navy and was a signalman aboard the USS Mt. McKinley (AGC-7). We landed the US Marine 1st Expedtionery (sp) Forces in 1965 in Viet-Nam. I went back to Viet-Nam in 1966. I was lucky to spend a lot of time in Subic and I loved it. A friend of mine and I decided to go back and live there after our 4 years was up. He backed down and I made the mistake of going back to Akron. I was a Deputy Sheriff for 9 years with the Summit County Sheriff's Department. I patrolled all the way to the Cuyahoga County line. I was also at Kent State during the student riots there when the 4 students got killed in May 1970. My parents retired and moved back to Tennessee (their REAL) home. I came back after them and got a job with the Department Of Corrections and retired as a Lieutenant. I worked on Death Row in Nashville. I know I am boring you. Break out the No-Doz,,,,I'm not through yet. LOL! In 2001 I married a filipina from Mindaneo. She had also been married before and has been a US citizen since 1976. We went to Mindano for 30 days in December 2005. I bought a nice little house and an adjoining lot right on the beach and I loved that place and it was PAID FOR! Since we can't OWN property in the RP my wife put it in her sister's name. We went back for 30 days again in Christmas of 2007. That was the last time I was there. Unfortunately, we are in the process of divorce now and have been separated for a year now. I hate to say this but a lot of our problems involved her family. Her ex-husband sent her family $400 a mo. from 1976 until their divorce in 1999. She received $30,000 from the sale of her house and sent EVERY PENNY to her family. Even so,her sisters and brothers (8) of them were really mad at my wife. You can guess why. I make a little less than you do per mo. and theres no way I will give them $400 a mo. Anyway, it caused a lot of hard feelings. Her sister now owns the house and property that I worked hard for so she should be happy with that. By the way,the last time we were there we took $8000 (POCKET money, as my wife calls it lol!!) When we left we had less than $100 and lucky to leave with our clothes on. My wife is a wonderful, caring person. TOO caring. I love her and always will and I hated to see people take advantage of her and I think her family does. Of course..she doesn't....thats the CULTURE ..as they always say. She always said her family don't ASK for money...maybe so...but they EXPECT it! Another thing..to this day they have NOTHING to show what $ they have received. I used to ask my wife..WHAT do they do with it ??? They are still dirt poor. Anyway, maybe it is my fault..I don't know. Thats enough of my venting my frustrations out on you. The bottom line is that I am moving to CDO..by myself......in April or May. I talked to my wife last night. I have been making her (OUR) house payments and will continue to do so until she gets remarried or move back to RP. I don't HAVE to do that and I don;t HAVE to pay off all those credit cards but I am because I care about her. I told her its a shame that I have to go to CDO and will have to pay rent when there is a house there that I paid for that her sister is renting out. But thats life. Guess I have bored you enough. God Bless You and your new life...James Christian from Tennessee