should i continue?

sometimes its hard to decide whether one should do somethings or not - like this old blog of mine, not my first I have to confess.. should I really continue - after 8 years absence?  

TAXI DRIVER HOLD UP

yesterday i receive this mail from a young filipina woman:

I am writing to warn people about a taxi-hold-up that I fell victim to. Last Saturday after leaving Shangrila Mall, I hailed a taxi to go to a Makati appointment. After advising the cab driver of my destination, he, an old man in his mid 50's with salt and pepper hair and slightly heavy, advised me that he just came from EDSA and that the southbound lane is choked because of an accident.

Thereafter he suggested that we take the C5/Fort Bonifacio route instead. Once he started off, I proceeded to do my calls and texts and didn't pay much attention after that. Shortly before the Fort Bonifacio turn, he pointed out a taxi on the side of the road with its hazards on. He said in a concerned voice that that was his friend (""Ay kumpare ko 'yon"") and pulled over in front of the cab. I complained because I was in a hurry but he said ""pasensiya nap o, hindi ko naman maiwan basta-basta"".

So I went back to texting and making calls. The next thing I knew, the other ""taxi driver"" opened the driver side back door and jumped in the seat next to me, pointed a gun at me and grabbed the phone and said that I did not need to get hurt if I cooperated. He was younger than the first driver and had dark skin. He grabs my purse and attempts to rifle through my stuff and got irritated with all the papers and small notebooks so he dumped out all the contents in the seat between us. He proceeded to take 3000 pesos cash I had in there and asked me for the atms.

We then drove to the NEW MANILA area in an attempt to find an ATM that did not have a lot of f oot traffic, according to him. He got the PIN and other particulars from me and when we found a BPI along E.Rodriguez, we drove past it and pulled around a corner. Then a third man knocked on the window. For a moment, I thought that I was going to be saved, that was when I turned and noticed the same cab we stopped for along C5 was behind us and must have been following us all along and that this guy was part of it. The guy sitting next to me rolled down the window, gave him my cards and card particulars. He walked back around the corner and must have gone to the bank.

I pleaded with the man beside me for my purse, keys, the necessary IDs, cards and documents. The third guy comes back, mumbles something in what I think was Visayan (although I am not sure) and after that, the guy turns to me and angrily says that they got only Php 10,000.00. Apparently, the BPI did not take my other ATM (IBANK) but only the credit card. They said that they had to look for an ATM that accepts IBANK. At which point, I remembered that there was nothing in the account because we were switching to a direct cash system with accounting. They off course did not believe me and the guy with the gun said that if I tried to trick them that they would kill me and dump me in Batangas.

So guy #2 and #3 discussed among themselves and then guy #3 drove off with my cards. We waited for what seemed like forever and I kept my head down and prayed quietly. When I looked up, he was tinkering with my phone and inquired as to whose (I had a 7650) photo was on the wall paper and if that guy was my boyfriend (actually, it was a photo of my husband who is American). I did not say anything and he got angry and poked me with his gun. I just told him that it was a photo of a guy I met when I was in the states. Shortly after he turned it back on, messages started coming in and the phone started ringing and he panicked. At which point I told him that I was already late for a meeting and that people are probably already wondering where I am and looking for me. He turned off the phone and then we waited some more for his third companion. I tried as much as I could to remember details about the cab but almost all of the inscriptions inside it had been scratched off. When the third guy came back, he was very agitated because there was nothing in the ATM.

They muttered some more stuff and he thumbed through the cash that he had, gave some bills to the third person and indicated to the driver to drive. He brought us back again to C5 this time nearer Kalayaan and I had walked to the nearest store to call my home but no one was there. Fortunately, I was able to get a hold of my client's office and fortunately, was able to get a hold of my husband through them. I took a cab back home and it was then that the reality of what had happened sank in. I thought up until yesterday that I was too street -smart to let something like this happen and that I am usually vigilant about MOs.

I probably would have caught it if I had paid more attention. One of the more frightening realizations was without my cellphone, outside of my home number and my husband's cellphone, I could not even get a hold of anybody - my family nor my friends. They were either connected to me through their cellphone or I didn't even bother to learn/remember their landlines. Next time you take a cab and the driver suggests an out of the way route, or want to pull over for anyone or for any reason, watch out. I hope you can share this with your readers, friends and family so we can nip this MO in the bud.

Love & Romance - Filipino Style

Not only are the Filipino men very handsome and romantic but the Filipina girls or Filipina women are world known for there stunning beauty. And some foreign women have finally figured that out the Filipino men can be quite a catch. Filipinas girls, are not only beautiful women but a delight to be around because of the famous Filipina disposition and personality. Some, actually many who marry these Filipina beauties, swear they make the best wives in the world, not only beautiful, but loyal, loving and faithful past death. From living here so long that has been my experience too.

And, don't worry if you are older or overweight, like half the population of the western world. Both women and men here have the highest respect for age and weight is a plus to some here. It is a status symbol. If you are overweight, you virtually lose twenty percent of your weight when you step on Philippine soil. Age is respected. Consider yourself lucky to not be a kid anymore. The Filipinas will, hard to believe, but true. Young guys are welcome too.

Most Filipinas like a man with a little, or even a lot of, meat on his bones. And the men here are attracted to "heavy" women, a sign of health to them, especially in provincial areas. In Asian cultures generally, being overweight is a sign of substance and wealth. When I told my Filipina wife, I was going to lose a little around the middle, she said, What for?"

Love and romance is serious business with these conservative Filipino women, whether they are from a city like Manila or the countryside, the province. Romance and eventual marriage is a preoccupation, especially for young Filipina girls in the province. But your average Filipina is cautious about how she conducts herself, especially in the provinces, where every one knows everything about everyone.

The Filipina, How She Behaves in Her Culture, a "True Filipina." In the Philippines, if a man wants to be taken seriously by a woman, he has to visit the latter's family and introduce himself formally to the parents of the girl. It is rather inappropriate to court a woman and formalize the relationship without informing the parents of the girl. It is always expected that the guy must show his face to the girl's family.

Filipino women, Filipinas, are expected to be pakipot (playing hard to get) because it is seen as an appropriate behavior in a courtship dance. It is also one way by which the Filipina will be able to measure the sincerity of her admirer. Let me add here, dont confuse bargirls with normal young woman living in the philippines! That is a whole different story, told somewhere else here.

Virginity is sacred in this Catholic country. Women are taught there virginity is a jewel. Filipino men are not interested in marrying a non virgin. I, thought I am not sure I ever dated a virgin until I came here, understand why. I am sorry if that sounds strange or unforgiving. But in this culture the woman is responsible to not only herself but her family for protecting that virginity. She may not even be forgiven if she is raped! I know this is not fair. But that is the way it is and the Filipina girls know it. Many are badly hurt by men who lie and promise marriage, with no intention of ever marrying them. But they are forewarned in no uncertain terms most often. They know the risk they are taking by trusting a man who want to have sex before marriage. Much of my research on this subject comes from a book written by Dra. Lordes Lopez, the psychopathology of the Filipino. My experience bears out everything she says in her landmark book. The Philippines seem like a neighborhood rather than a country. Of a married or single woman strays, everyone knows it. Filipino men are reluctant to marry a non-virgin even if they are the one who took the virginity! If they could get them to break the rules maybe someone else can too. These young Filipina girls who stray, are called "soft noses," in some areas. The culture and the family lets the girl know it is her responsibility to keep her virginity as soon as they are old enough to understand what virginity is, not only in words by example. They understand is is not the man's responsibility. They are well aware that most men are animals, sexually. As a man, I must agree with that. To steal one of Jay Leno's jokes, "Research doctors at Johns Hopkins University just this week, took out a man's heart and replaced it with heart of a pig. "Then Jay asks, "Know what happened?" He punches with, "Nothing." - "Everything was just the same."

So Filipina women know it is their responsibility to guard their virginity. If they don't, they often pay a serious emotional and social price. If you are involved with a girl who is not a virgin in this culture, you are running the risk of getting involved with an emotionally unstable woman. She has broken the cultural mores, disobeyed her parents others. She may have other problems too, but maybe not. I feel, why take the risk? You may feel differently with good cause. And sometimes, just sometimes, even those "soft noses" are wonderful diamonds, and if they are, they will treasure your love, trust and faith forever!

Meeting a woman through someone else is a good idea. If you meet an older man or woman who has some status, be direct and say, "I am looking for a wife." "They will not be shocked, I assure you, but delighted, if you are truly a gentleman. Filipino men often wanted to take me home to meet their sisters and cousins. A couple of time I went. I was not allowed to be with the Filipina unsupervised and understood that from the beginning. And if you don't like the sister or cousin, he will find another relative to introduce you to around the corner. He will want to keep you in the family, but only if you can understand and relate to the culture. If not, problems may arise. The Filipinos and Filipinas are communal, interdependent not independent. When you marry one you marry the family at least the mother and the father, the siblings too usually. That is trite, indeed, but true. Be sure and read the Family section of the culture page and see if you can deal with what is expected, almost required, a right of the Filipino family whose child is married to a man, foreign or local. If you can't let it be know from the start of your relationship with your Filipina. If she is a "true Filipina,"the relationship may not develop. If it does she may not be happy in it, but you will never know."Pen pal" listings, E-mail pals, Introduction services are other ways to meet Filipinas and Filipinos. Ill suggest to look into www.perfect-match-travel.com, as they know what they are talking about and even run background checks on their Filipina & Filipinos before they let you meeting them in person. I did not meet my wife through one of these services. I took the time to come here and find one who was not interested in marrying a foreigner. But I do know many who have great success and many who had serious failures who used these online services. These services are illegal to own and operate in the Philippines, though not in any other countries I know about.

With e-mail, text pals and the Internet it is easy to meet girls here and establish relationships without an broker. If you join one of these services, though you may feel it is the only way for you to go, do consider another avenue. A trip here does not cost much. Perfect Match Travel is specialized in organizing your safe meetings and you got a real chance to meet your true love. And besides, marriage can be for a life time, or should be. There is no divorce her. The girls get into these services free. The men must pay. You may be writing to several women. They may be writing to dozens of men. Getting involved in any romantic relationship is always fraught with pitfalls. But for some, it is worth the risk, they feel. In a relationship built in a text-based environment, without visual clues, the people involved tend to fill in the blanks with desired attributes of the other person that often turn out to be inaccurate. The person you are writing to may only have the qualities you see in here because you bestowed them on her in your mind.

If you are reading this after having already established a romantic relationship with a Filipina, I am sure you are saying, "My Filipina is different." A romantic relationship with a Filipino or Filipina has a better chance of success if you come over and immerse yourself in the culture. And it is important to meet a woman's or man's family because the family is so important to him or her. And maybe the family will always will be more important than you. There is an Asia saying, that is accepted in the Philippines, "You can get another wife or husband but not another mother or father." Filipino children are committed to their parents who usually went through a lot to raise them. There desire is to make their parents life easier. If you are capable and refuse to help support her family who may need it because of the very hard economic situation here, she may not say anything, but she will neither respect you nor understand. As said, but it can't be said enough, Filipinos and Filipinas are interdependent people, not dependent, like in western cultures. They are so by choice and because their cultural needs.

Crossing cultures is hazardous, and using a text-based environment to become emotionally attached to someone increases the chances of a failed relationship. But there is no guarantee any way you do it. Common sense is your best guide to finding a Filipina bride, a Filipina wife for life who is happy and you can make happier.

Selecting your partner in life is one of the most serious decisions you will ever make. So if you have that in mind, consider a trip here before getting too involved. You may think it expensive. But it could be the best expenditure of your time and money you ever make. And there is no better place for a vacation that this beautiful tropical country. These services that bring together Filipinas and foreigners for the purpose of marriage are just not the ideal way if they dont offer to bring you really together in person after all. My advice is do not get involved with them at all if they just provide addresses and phone-numbers! You hear? Not at all!

I sympathize with those who have had relationship problems. I have recently gone through the move others are about to make. I have learn so much and continue to earn more everyday. First, let me say that without a doubt, you can find the kind of girl you are looking for. There is an essentially unlimited pool of women who would love to date you here. And many, many are what you're looking for, but they are the ones you will have to put the effort into get them.

They will NOT approach you and they usually are not on the internet. (But a few are.) Those on the internet are the ones who are MOST likely to be what you don't want...the MTV/Cosmo influenced girls. But, since I have moved here and learned A LOT fast. I have a few suggestions: First, avoid Manila. The girls there are far less likely to have the values you seek. Or they will be province girls who have come to "the big city" in the belief that the streets are paved with gold and quickly become desperate and, as such, do desparate things. I have traveled much of the country and find Places like Cebu city to be the best for a new-comer (at least until you become grounded) especially if you are an American or European. Cebu or Puerto Galera are probably the most American friendly place in the country. (Not to mention the most progressive.) Second, BE WARE. Be wary of the girls, be ware of anyone who offers to help you (foreigners included). There are MANY, MANY scams and scam artists. I knew a guy who moved here after dating a girl for 8 months over the internet and phone, visited for 6 weeks, then moved here. A week after moving here (after selling his house in the US, etc.) she confesses to him that she got engaged to another American since his last visit... HE NEVER would have thought her capable of such a thing, but he was obviously wrong. He has himself always considered a good judge of character, but he have found that Filipinos are VERY good liars. Also, the culture here allows people to justify almost anything in the name of "survival". And many have a very broad definition of "survival". (Essentially anything that means they get money is helping them to "survive".) So, when it comes to getting married, take things slow. Many girls will try to rush you into marriage, but don't allow them too. If they are rushing, their improbably a reason. Also, don't forget the prenuptial agreement... and if she has a probably with signing one, I GUARANTEE you DO NOT want too marry her! Third, never forget that you are a "foreigner". Being a "foreigner" means that you are expected to pay a higher price than a Filipino and this is pretty much an accepted practice by all Filipinos... don't expect other Filipinos to sympathize with you just because you are the victim of a double standard). This double standard is an accepted practice. Be a foreigner also means that if the shit ever hits the fan, you are the "odd-man-out".

And this includes your future in-laws. Blood runs thicker than water. If their is an issue with the family, don't be surprised when your wife sides with her family over you, her husband. Now, having written all of this, I don't want to be all negative. I was just surprised that no one else had given you this helpful advice. I think there are many great things about living here, the good women tops among them. But, I thought you could also benefit from some of my hard-learned lessons.

Married to a Filipina / Need Marriage Counseling

Family problems are usually solved within the family. Relatives that are closed to the couple are usually called in to intercede for marriage crisis. It could be a sister/brother-in law or parent or close friend of the couple who would appeal to the softer side of the couples or "worst-case scenario" if separation/divorce is impending.

Again, culture comes in. Couples expect to be married for life and don't see divorce as an option. Counselors are far and few in between. It is a new field that traditional Filipino couples often shy away from as "optional" and too-foreign. Inter-racial marriages tend to be open to that option though.

With that said, foreigners must consider the weight of the understated warning,"You marry the Filipina, you marry the family." They are there to help you in family crisis like this.

16the Century Culture and Society - the wedding

The cultural roots of the Visayan are interesting to me and maybe to you too. These roots changed a lot, set the tone for marriage in the Philippines today. or so it seems to me.

Weddings between people without property to share by bequest were simple ceremonies in which the couple partook of the same cup or plate, and hayohay were simply married off by their masters and given a few pots. But the weddings of datus, or tribal chieftains, were the most important social events in a Visayan community as they where in other parts of the country.

Since they were contracts between families rather than individuals, they were also political events creating new alliances as marriages often are even today. (They were often made when the man and woman concerned were still children, or even before their birth.) Their importance depended on the size and ritual settlement of a bride-price called bugay-"bride-price" rather than "dowry" because it was sit by the girl's father, bargained down like goods in a marketplace, and was not conjugal property.

Spanish dowry (dote), on the other hand, was property a bride brought into her marriage to be enjoyed by her husband. Visayan bugay was shared within the kin group that set the price and sealed the bargain, including the bride's brother's-in-law if she was a widow, and redistributed to meet their own future needs for bride-price. And since it had to be returned in case of divorce, it gave the wife's family a vested interest in the permanence of the union; indeed, a share called kukod went to the bride's brothers specifically to guarantee her return in the event she ran home after a marital squabble.

The engagement required a relative or a friend if the suitor to obtain permission from the girl's father to open proceedings. The man's relatives then went to the girl's house with the respected timawa bearing his spear.

There they were received with gongs soundings to assemble her relatives and give public notice, but not admitted until they bargained with the girl's grandmother to let down the house ladder. Then, with a fine Freudian gesture, the spear bearer drove the weapon into the house ladder and invoked the ancestors on both sides for fertility. They the entered, presented a gift, and fixed the date for negotiating the marriage contract. The father's acceptance of the gift was his pledge of his daughter's hand.

On the date set, the marriage contract was negotiated in the girl's house. The man's relatives were accompanied by two or three mediators (kagon) who placed a porcelain plate in front of the father containing a number of little sticks-the ordinary counters used in Visayan calculations.

The father tossed a betel nut quid in the bowl to signal the opening of the discussion. This began with painful formality, but became less inhibited as drinking continued, and often had to be broken off and resumed another day. As each item was agreed on-slave, porcelain, or gold-one counter was placed on top of a gong on the floor. As agreement was reached on the schedule of payment, the counters were moved from one side to the other. Part of the bugay had to be paid immediately as a kind of down payment, but the rest was deferred until later, and some even held abeyance and only demanded in case of connubial conflict. Still another part of the bugay was really not intended to be paid in the first place: it was only agreed to for the sake of the lady's prestige. Conversely, the hingusul, a fine if either party withdrew, might be demanded in advance if the girl was of much higher rank than the man.

The girl's father usually asked for the same bugay as he had given for her mother; and if the father were a proud datu who refused to lower his demand, the match would be canceled unless the suitor agreed to enter his father-in -law's household for a number of years or even a lifetime. (It was normal for a man to serve his father-in-law for one year before his wedding, a period of adjustment and trial, or actual training in the case of a young boy.) Once the contract was settled, the mother came forward to ask for himaraw, a compensation in gold for all the sleep she had lost while the bride was an infant.

During the wedding celebration, the bride and groom were seated beside one another-after her shyness was overcome with suitable gifts. They were tied together by the hair for a short time, then served a plate of rice, from which they each took a handful and squeezed it into a ball. She tossed hers the house ladder, the symbol of his coming and going to support his new family, and he threw his out the window to indicate that her place was in the home looking out. Then, as they drank together, an old man rose and made public announcement of the match, stated the conditions pertaining to the bride-price in the case either one went astray, and called on those present to act as witnesses. He then united their hands over a bowl of raw rice, which he then threw over the guests.

When the newlyweds finally retired to the bridal chamber-that is, the bokot where she had spent her days as binokot-her brother would bar the groom's entrance until he gave them something; slaves would ignite a smoldering fire underneath until receiving a gift; and others would enter the chamber with bright torches and had to be paid to leave. Meanwhile, the party went raucously on, and if the bride groom's father was a man of sufficient rank and means, he presented gifts to all his new in-laws, perhaps even their slaves. Guests playfully snatched off one another's pudong to be returned only on payment, and slaves were permitted to keep anything they could grab from the bridegroom's party. These prestige feasts were public celebrations and might last as long as ten days.

When it came time to fetch the bride, she required another round of gifts-before crossing a river, climbing the house ladder, or entering a crowded room. Her father contributed bantal to the household-a number of slaves equal to, or even double, the number included in the bugay, but only for the newlywed's use, not their possession: they remained his own property. Any slaves the wife brought along remained her personal property.

Any slaves the wife brought along remained her personal property just like he gold and jewelry. And if she and her husband quarreled, they might refuse to obey him. A wife's paramount housekeeping duty was to keep her husband well clothed by weaving, sewing, trade, or purchases-just as unmarried women were expected to clothe their lovers, as Bubung Ginbuna does for epic hero Kabungaw. As Alcina (1668a, 4:218) said, "Both husband and lovers are accustomed to leave their women if they do not do dapi or darapi, which is to give them the clothes they need."

Marriage was forbidden between first-degree kin, but a niece could marry her uncle. (In a Panay origin myth, Lupluban, granddaughter of the primordial pair, married her mother's brother, Pandagwan.) Spanish references to polygamy differ, perhaps because of confusion between secondary wives and concubines: Legazpi said Visayan men took two or three wives if they could afford it, but Chirino said the practice was very rare. Father Chirino also said that husband and wife separated "for the least reason in the world"-actually, for incompatibility, neglect, or misconduct-and a man or woman who had been married only once was rather the exception than the rule. Pangoli was a gift to attract back a wife who had fled to her relatives, and legal divorce was often avoided only because of the difficulty of restoring a bride-price that had already been "spent." Moreover, if divorce was common, the premature death of one partner, was by no means uncommon, so remarriages filled families with half-siblings and adopted nephews, nieces, or foundlings.

Special Resident Retiree Visa

The Philippines actively promotes itself as a retirement destination and has actually created as special class of Visa called a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) to encourage people to retire to the Philippines.

SPECIAL RESIDENT RETIREE

The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) entitles the holder to multiple-entry privileges with the right to permanent residence in the Philippines. The SRRV is issued by the Bureau of Immigration of the Republic of the Philippines in connection with the Philippine Retirement Authority's Retirement Program for the foreigners and former Filipinos.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

All foreign nationals except those classified as RESTRICTED by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) who are physically healthy and with no derogatory record and who are at least 35 years old and over, may join the Program.

AGE / DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS

All foreign nationals below 50 and at least 35 years of age are required to deposit the amount of US$75,000.00 with any PRA shortlisted bank. Those aged 50 and above are required to deposit US$50,000.00. Former Filipinos are required to deposit US$1,500.00. The deposit amount of US$50,000.00 shall be required from an applicant who is at least 35 years of age and belongs to any of the following:

Retired military personnel of governments recognized by the Philippines; or

Former members of foreign diplomatic corps who have served for at least three (3) years in their respective posts; or

Retired officers and employees of international organizations such as the United Nations and its affiliate agencies, the World Health Organization, World Bank, International Labor Organization and other similar organizations.

FAMILY ELIGIBILITY

A retiree can bring with him, without any additional deposit, his spouse and a child who is unmarried and below 21 years old or, if the spouse is not joining, two (2) children, provided they are legitimate or legally adopted. Additional children with the same qualifications may also be allowed to join the principal retiree under the program provided there is an additional deposit of US$15,000.00 per child. The US$15,000.00 deposit is, however, subject to the same terms as the principal deposit.

Dependents/children will continue to be members of the program and retain their SRRV even after reaching the age of 21 for so long as the required/additional deposit of the principal retiree is maintained in the bank under the PRA account or the investment has not been transferred to other countries and still subsists in the Philippines.

THE DOLLAR DEPOSIT

The requisite dollar deposit can be opened in the name of the principal retiree under an "and/or" account with the spouse who is also a bonafide member of the PRA Program. This also applies to an applicant/retiree who is legally married to a Filipino citizen.

The deposit earns interest in the same currency at minimum LIBOR/SIBOR rate payable in Philippine pesos only. The interest is withdrawable even without PRA clearance. After six (6) months from the time it was opened in any of the PRA short listed banks as a retiree account, the deposit can be converted into active investments subject to prior clearance from PRA.

If the resident retiree decides to terminate his membership in the program, the deposit (including interest) can be withdrawn provided that the resident retiree has notified the PRA in writing, accomplished the EXIT Interview Form, submitted the Original Passport for the cancellation of the SRRV and his PRA I.D. Card and has paid all taxes and duties due on his importations (if any), through the Program.

Under PRA rules, should the resident retiree suffer an untimely demise, the surviving spouse who is a holder of SRRV has the option to become the principal retiree using the original principal dollar deposit as his/her qualifying deposit. If he/she chooses not to, the law on succession shall apply.

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENT

A prospective member should submit the following documentation to the PRA:

Accomplished Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) Application form.

Valid passport

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Medical Examination Form #11 accomplished by a licensed physician from the applicant place of origin, duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy Consulate or PRA Medical Certificate (RSSC Form #002) accomplished by a licensed physician in the Philippines.

Certification by a PRA shortlisted bank of the requisite deposit amount of US$1,500.00, US$50,000 or US$75,000.00 whichever is applicable.

Police Clearance issued abroad and duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate, or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines.

Photographs, 1x1 and 2x2, six (6) pieces each.

If the spouse is joining the applicant, original copy of Marriage Contract if the applicant's marriage was solemnized in the Philippines or original copy of Marriage Certificate duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate nearest to the applicant's residence abroad if the marriage was contracted abroad.

If dependent/s is/are joining the applicant, original copy of Birth Certificate/s of dependent/s born in the Philippines or Birth Certificate/s or Household Register duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate nearest the applicant's residence abroad.

Payment of a total of US$2,000.00 (for 35 to 49 years of age) of US$1,500.00 (for 50 years and above) as service and processing fees and US$1,500.00 for former and overseas Filipinos.

ADDITIONAL FEES

The amount of Php 7,600 charged by the Bureau of Immigration for change-of-admission status of the principal applicant into a special resident retiree is included in the US$1,500.00 or US$2,000.00 service/processing fee but the additional fee of 7,600.00 for the spouse and for each dependent shall be for the account of the applicant. Likewise, the amount of Php 500.00 is charged as express lane fee for every endorsement to the Bureau of Immigration. US$15.00 per year is charged for every PRA ID card of each applicant, spouse and dependent effective August 16, 2001.

Service fee of US $100.00 for each dependent (spouse and children) effective April 1, 2001.

If the visa is issued by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate abroad, the applicant and his spouse and dependents shall pay the corresponding visa fees.

The Retiree pays the visitorial fee of one percent (1.0%) per annum of the Philippine Peso equivalent of the requisite dollar deposit converted into actual investment effective September 15, 2001.

BENEFITS

A resident retiree or holder of the SRRV is accorded the following benefits:

Permanent, non-immigrant status with multiple entry privileges through the SRRV.

Exemption from customs duties and taxes for one time importation of personal effects, appliances, and household furniture worth US$7,000.00 which should not be of commercial quantity and must be availed of within 90 days upon issuance of SRR Visa.

Exemption from exit clearance and re-entry permits.

Exemption from payment of travel tax provided the retiree has not stayed in the Philippines for more than one (1) year from date of his last entry into the country.

Conversion of the requisite dollar deposit into active investments, including purchase of condominium units.

Interest on the foreign currency deposit is withdrawable anytime and payable to retirees in Philippine pesos.

Foreign currency time deposit can be converted into Philippine peso deposit after the issuance of SRRVisa with interest subject to 20% withholding tax.

Pensions and annuities remitted to the Philippines are tax-free.

Guaranteed repatriation of the requisite deposit including invested profits, capital gains and dividends accrued from investments upon compliance with rules and regulations of Bangko Sentral.

Exemption from securing the Student's Visa/Special Study Permit.

INVESTMENT OPTIONS AND TERMS

Resident retirees may avail of the following investment opportunities:

Purchase of a condominium unit.

Formation of a new corporation and registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Purchase of share of stocks in existing corporations registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, but not those traded in the Stock Exchange.

Lease of a parcel of land or house and lot.

Construction of a residential unit on leased parcel of land.

For former natural born Filipinos, purchase of a lot not exceeding 5,000 square meters in urban areas or three (3) hectares in agricultural areas, for business and other purposes.

Purchase of proprietary/membership shares in golf clubs.

The above investments cannot be sold, transferred or encumbered without clearance from PRA.

BENEFITS AND OBLIGATIONS

Foreign nationals are not allowed by the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines to acquire land except through hereditary succession. However, under existing investment policies and subject to foreign equity restrictions foreigners are allowed to invest in corporations registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and which may own real property.

In case of sale or liquidation of the retiree's investment, he has the option to (1) re-deposit in his name and or his spouse under the PRA account, the proceeds of the sale either in Peso or in foreign currency, or (2) re-invest the same in another allowable investment outlet.

A retiree is given ninety (90) days from the issuance of his SRRV to avail of tax-free importation of US $7,000.00 worth of personal effects/household goods. The period may be extended for another sixty (60) days upon the request of the retiree through the PRA or The Department of Finance. He may dispose of his personal effects/household goods within three (3) years from the importation. The taxes due must be paid if he decides to dispose of his personal effects/household goods within three (3) years.

Should he decide to terminate his PRA membership within three (3) years following the entry of his personal effects/household goods, he is also required to pay the necessary taxes and duties. However, he may opt to ship back the items to his country of origin to be exempted from paying the taxes and duties.

OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE RETIREE

To give the Authority a written notice of any change of information supplied in the application form (e.g. status, name and/or address) within sixty (60) days from such change.

To give the Authority a written sixty (60) days notice of termination of his participation in the program.

To pay the Authority, by way of visitorial fee, the amount equivalent to one percent (1.0%) of the total amount in Philippine peso equivalent of the foreign currency deposit converted into investment, to be paid in advance for 3 years on the date of withdrawal/conversion of deposit into investment.

To notify the Authority in writing prior to his foreign travel by filling up and submitting a Retiree's Departure Form.

Upon expiry of the one (1) year validity period, surrender the I.D. Card for a replacement of a new one.

To comply with the rules and regulations of the Authority.

APPLICATION / ENROLLMENT

A retiree may apply for enrollment at:

PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY

29/F Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas

Makati City, 1200 Philippines

PROCESS OF SRRV ISSUANCE BY PHILIPPINE EMBASSY/CONSULATE

Applicant/Marketer submits documents to Philippine Embassy/Consulate.

Applicant/Marketer notifies PRA of application/documents submitted to Embassy/Consulate:

PRA Application form duly accomplished

Photocopy of Passport page showing Date of Birth

Medical and Police clearance from place of origin valid for six (6) months, duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy.

Certification of the Dollar Time Deposit by any of PRA's short listed bank.

Photographs

Marriage Certificate if the spouse is joining

Birth Certificate if a dependent child is joining.

Payment of service/processing fee to PRA

Embassy/Consulate endorses application/documents to the Depratment of Foreign Affairs (Manila) who in turn endorses the same to PRA for evaluation and processing.

PRA reviews documents. If complete, forwards recommendation to DFA Manila for subsequent transmittal to Embassy/Consulate.

Embassy/Consulate abroad issues a single-entry SRRV to applicant.

Applicant enters Philippines with a single-entry SRRV.

Upon arrival in Manila, applicant goes to PRA office for the stamping of the multiple-entry SRRV on the passport by the Bureau of Immigration.

PROCESS OF SRRV ISSUANCE BY THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION - MANILA

Applicant/Marketer remits deposit requirement to a shortlisted bank in Manila.

Bank credits funds to special time deposit account in the name of the applicant.

Shortlisted bank sends PRA certification under oath of inward remittance of applicant's deposit.

Applicant/Marketer secures Medical and Police Clearance from place of origin duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate. If Medical or Police Clearance are not secured from place of origin, PRA assists applicant to secure the same in Manila in three (3) working days.

Applicant enters the Philippines as tourist.

Applicant/Marketer submits all documents to PRA in Manila:

PRA Application

Medical Clearance

Police or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance

Certification by bank of the deposit

Photographs

Marriage Certificate if the spouse is joining

Birth Certificate if a dependent/child is joining

Payment of application fee

PRA evaluates and, if complete, endorses the application to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for the issuance of SRRV.

Applicant is issued SRRV by BI within five (5) working days upon completion/submission of all requirements.

Philippines Retirement

Would you like to retire, or, are you considering retiring in the Philippines?

The Philippines is a great place to retire for many reasons. First is the people, they may be different from ones you may know back home that have become very western. The Filipino is easy going and generally happy. They tend to smile a lot which makes a great change from the sour faces we are used to seeing around us each day. The pace of life is much slower and the attitude to just about every aspect of life is more relaxed. If you want to really get out of the Rat race then the Philippines is the place.

The Philippines is also a relatively inexpensive retirement destination where you can make your retirement dollar really stretch. There are many that are surviving very comfortably on less than $1000 per month. If you have more you can really start to enjoy some Compared to back home the cost of living is much cheaper. You will save heaps on all of the basic including accommodation, food, utilities and transport. Some imported goods can be a little more expensive but if you are prepared to look for local substitutes then you will save even more.

How many of us could afford to have our own house maid or driver back home? Can you imagine hiring a live in house maid that gets up early each morning to prepare things? That works six days a week! The cost of a such a house maid is less than 2000 pesos a month. In dollars that is just $35 a month. How many can you afford?

The Philippines has all the modern amenities you expect. There are plenty of restaurants serving international cuisine, nite clubs and entertainment spots, golf courses and other sports, shopping Malls and of course the beaches where you can just lay in that hammock and sip your favorite beverage under the shad of a coconut tree as you watch the sun set over the sea.

If you are single then perhaps one of the most attractive (pun intended) aspects to the Philippines is the Filipina women. Renowned for her beauty and femininity. The Philippines is truly a paradise for a single man.