Born in Scotland, Matt now divides his time between the UK and his home in the Philippines. Here he describes his expat life in Cebu with his wife and daughter, and their business plans. He also shares some of his thoughts on things like finding a place to live and the advantages of learning the local language.	Matt and April Wilkie

-Where were you born?

Glasgow, Scotland (UK)

-In which country and city are you living now?

Minglanilla, Cebu, Philippines

-Are you living alone or with your family?

With my wife April and daughter Zoei

-How long have you been living in the Philippines?

In and out of the country since Sept 2007

-What is your age?

34

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

It was a simple factor of falling in love with my wife. Up until then was looking to just travel in the near future.

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

Married to my wife there are no issues with working in the Philippines although at the moment I commute to the UK as two weeks salary would be equal to a year's salary in the Philippines - unless I hit it lucky with an expat business.

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

One thing to get is Philheath which will get you through the door of a hospital. No insurance, no healthcare. Always keep an empty Visa card at hand for emergencies and then claim it back from your insurance company.

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

I generate an income currently by commuting to and from the UK while we build up our piggery and soon after our property portfolio. I have been offered jobs to do with my current skills in Surveying but would take at least 5 x the time to do what I want to do with our own businesses if I jumped in at the moment.

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

The biggest advantage I find of learning Cebuano (the language in Cebu and other parts of the Southern Philippines) for me is that is not speaking but listening because it's often assumed you're ignorant and don't learn the language, which is why you will often hear people saying things they shouldn't right there in front of you - which often is overpricing-related but gives you the advantage of walking away if you choose to do so. But people also appreciate a good morning, afternoon in Cebuano; it also shows that you're keen to be part of the community.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

Personally the only thing I miss when I'm outside the UK is my daughter (Nicole) who lives with my ex-partner, and maybe some food stocks that I struggle to find in the Philippines. Although I've learned this lesson and ship boxes back when I'm in the UK working.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

Business-wise I have a lot of future plans and hope to expand into other interests once things are established. I am also looking to travel around Asia with my wife and enjoy other customs as well as sourcing for export.

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

I live in Minglanilla. Currently we rent but we also own a lot and are about to start building. The one-bedroomed house in a secure compound costs £30.00 per month.

-What is the cost of living in Cebu?

Currently around £100 - £150 a month including all expenses of food and travel. This is for a family of 3.

-What do you think about the Filipinos?

Well, the majority of people are great and would put themselves out for you. But as they say a fool is easily parted with his money. I lost about £2,000 in a house we built (which was going to be given away once our new house is built). Some family members wanting to cash in.

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

Positive - Weather, cheap eating out, friendly people, transportation is cheap, beautiful beaches, cheap college education.

Negative - low salaries, high poverty levels, high political and police corruption levels, heavy smog in traffic, foreigners cant own land.

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

Don't settle in your first location. There's a lot of beautiful locations to visit and if you're going to rent, remember that prices vary a lot on locations. Link up with other expats to get an understanding of how things work and the best areas to live.

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

Our own site - http://www.tropicalpenpals.com

About our life in the Philippines and our projects, as well as a growing forum.

Our blog - http://tropicalpenpals.wordpress.com

Offering mainly an insight of things I come across and happenings.