Village life is something that American expat Dave is enjoying since he moved to the Philippines in 2009. Read his story to find out what else he likes about life in a Filipino province aside from the low cost of living and the friendly locals.	Dave DeWall

-Where were you born?

Litchfield, Illinois, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?

Philippines

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I live in the Philippines with my beautiful Filipina wife, mother-in-law, "The Feared Giant Lizard Killer," a 13-year-old niece, and 11-year-old nephew.

-How long have you been living in the Philippines?

Since July 2009

-What is your age?

58

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

My wife is from the Philippines and had already bought a house and property years ago. After retiring from AT&T back in the USA after almost 30 years, I knew we could live quite cheaply in the Philippines on my retirment income and not have to work. 

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

No. Since I am married to a Filiplina I entered the Philippines in July 2009 with my wife on what is called the "Balikbayan Privilege," which is a visa free of charge and available to those with a Filipina spouse. Can stay up to two years on it. I currently have a 13a Temporary Visa and will go back to the Manila Immigration Office in May 2011 to apply for my Permanent 13a Visa. 

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

Not in my case since my employer, AT&T, gave me a wide range of health benefit options as a retiree. I opted for Blue Cross/Blue Shield when we first arrived. However, PhilHealth is available to Filipinos and their spouses for a cost of 100 pesos a month (about $2.25 USD a month.)

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

Do not have a job. I took a lump sum payment from my employer, AT&T, and invested it an IRA account called a T-72 and receive a monthly income from it which supports five people. 

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

I just speak a few words of the local language. I think it is important for expats to learn some of the local language and to respect and observe the local customs. I plan to learn more of the local language, the locals love it when I use their language. Many people in the Philippines already speak English, but I think it would be more helpful for me to learn their language.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

I really don't miss home. For fun my wife and I take a 15-minute pump boat ride to hang out at the malls in nearby Iloilo City. They have a nice cinema at the malls, but not much of a nightlife at our home in rural Guimaras.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Just plan to travel and visit more places in the Philippines.

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

My wife bought a house and a 250 square meter lot over 10 years ago. The lot sold for 100,000 pesos (2,252 USD)  at the time), but now sells for 250,000. Taxes on the property and the house are less than 20 USD annually. 

-What is the cost of living in the Philippines?

Quite a bit cheaper than the States. Peso rate is about 44 pesos to the USD. Services are quite cheaper. If you buy Western style food you will pay more, but I like to eat a blend of the local foods along with favorites from the States. Our budget for five people here is about 750 USD a month. 

-What do you think about the locals?

The locals are very friendly, they love foreigners and really are pleased to find out I am from America. 

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

Positives are the cheaper cost of living, for example, I do not need a vehicle in the Philippines. I can take a jeepney in the big city of Iloilo for only seven pesos (about 16 cents) anywhere across town.  The weather is warm year round, no need to shovel snow anymore. 

Some negatives. Poor cable television. About six brownouts (power outages) a month. Poor hospitals in our local province. 

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

Let your Filipina spouse or Filipina relatives negotiate any prices at the local markets. If they see a foreigner, you will sometimes be charged more.

Never say "no." If someone asks you for money or for a specific favor do not let them "lose face" in front of others. Make some kind of excuse, but do not be as blunt and direct as some Americans such as myself are prone to be. 

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

PhilippinesPlus.com is a website that is an offbeat, quirky look at my life in the Philippines and is also the source of some good information and tips about moving to and living in the Philippines.