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. April is also expecting our second child within the next 8 months.

-How long have you been living in the Philippines?

In and out of the country since Sept 2007

-What is your age?

36

-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 there seems to be price fluctuations with the upcoming election. I have just moved onto a resident visa which was double the expected price.

-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?

We have realised to be successful involves being diverse. We abandoned the piggery idea due to the cost converted to profit ratio was too small to justify the land usage. So instead we built an internet cafe and our first apartment in what used to be the pig pens. There is also a small Sari-Sari (local store) being started shortly. On top of that we have a financial business and currently looking at other ways to generate income.

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

The local language is a hurdle. Not because of the actual learning itself but the amount of slang and sentence reduction people use to the point it often doesn't make sense. E.g. someone asking for something someone may just point with eyebrows or lips rather than say "its over there". It doesn't make it easy that's for sure.

-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 want to be able security to our children and my wifes family. At the same time be able to enjoy life. It is very easy to slip into a more "local" way of life but the point is improving life not accepting things as they are. I would also love to take my family travelling Asia at the same time developing new business ventures and gaining new experiences.

-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 a one-bedroomed house in a secure compound for P3,000 per month. On top of this we also own land but have used our finances on other projects to stimulate income first and possibly will look to sell the land later to find land nearer Aprils family.

-What is the cost of living in Cebu?

Revised as of 2010 - 3 people = P25,000 but also this will be rising to P30,000 due to employing a Yaya (Nanny) for Zoei. 

-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 and developing business here is cumbersome at best.

-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. But also be aware there are a lot of Expat's who substitute theyre income from new expats with a lack of knowledge. There is also a lot of con artists Expat and local, I have met several people who have literally lost everything on businesses with such people. If you can afford to live on a pension just look to find a way of making 30% of your pension amount on small ventures. Could be raising your own food to reduce costs or adding a small store to the side of your house.

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

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

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

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

Last Note

Its now heading in to our third year in the Philippines and we have experienced a lot and learned a lot in that time. Made a lot of new friends and still enjoying the life. Although frustrating at times compared to the UK I would rather be in the Philippines any time.