Angeles City, Philippines Report of what it's like to live there - 02/21/09
Personal Experiences from Angeles City, Philippines
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Not first. Lived in Hong Kong (2 years), Cenral Germany (4 years), Greece (1 year), Prague, Czechland (2 years), Khon Kaen, Thailand (4 months).
2. How long have you lived here?
2006 - 2009.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Retiree, wife and adopted children there.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
16 hour flight from LAX to Manila; two hour drive north from Manila to Angeles City.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Two bedroom unfurnished apartment US$100 - US$375 per month... plentiful rentals. Buy small house for US$40K - US$60K. Heavy traffic in cities. Unsafe roads due to cars, trucks, pigs, kids, dogs, bikes, chickens, kids, kids, kids.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Excellent availability in major supermarkets, at reasonable costs (half that of US). Imported stuff is at same cost as U.S.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Maple syrup, if you like it. Vitamins, if you use a lot (available but expensive)... however, you can get delivery of vitamins from the U.S. Super markets have everything.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Unbelievable. Every food you can think of... and excellent and cheap. As good as Hong Kong, but cheaper. Good dinner for US$4.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes that sometimes carry Dengue Fever (bad, but curable).
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Post Office... slow but OK.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very available, US$100/month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, many.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Lots of ATMS that take U.S. credit cards.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Roger. Many.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yep. Cheap.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Zilch.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lots of cheap help. Reasonable accommodations.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No trains. Buses are excellent and cheap and air conditioned. Tri-cycle taxis are plentiful and cheap... but very bumpy and stinky (auto fumes).
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Don't bring a car. Buy used car with automatic drive (for traffic). Use a local driver if possible.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yep. Cheap... US$15 -20/mo.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Buy a cheap one there. Everyone uses them, mostly for TEXTing.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yep.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Double ZILCH! Most locals cannot find work.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Anything goes.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Angeles City, Good. Manila, moderate to unhealthy depending on traffic (time of day).
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yea... burglars, poverty-stricken people, possible terrorists.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The Clap. Good doctors.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot (96F daily) from March 1 til June 30. Warm (88 to 84F) and rainy July through October. Pleasant (80 - 87F) November through January.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Very good all-English-curriculum schools, especially Korean. Good experience. Good teachers.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Lots of personal attention. Small classes in private schools.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Lots of cheap nannies. Lots of schools.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Limited, based on schools.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Around 50,000 and growing.
2. Morale among expats:
Guess. Great social life, cheap booze and food and living, anything goes. What's to dislike other than the traffic and mid-day heat? And you sleep at mid-day. Forget getting a job.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Swinging.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Fantastic for singles. Good for families or couples. Lots of entertainment, friendly people.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yea, sure. Lots of gay bars.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No problems. A matriarchal society.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Oh, man... swim, dance, bar-hop, chasing girls, chasing boys, good music, a great scene.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Girls and Boys.
9. Can you save money?
Can you ever!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Dumb question.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Car, morals.
3. But don't forget your:
Money.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
There is a deep and ancient Philippine culture that is nearly invisible to the expat.... but there is nothing to prevent you from experiencing it if you try.
