My Introduction

[z_k_g]

I am 42 years old, African American male, single, no children, professional, I'm from Memphis TN. 

I am planning to visit the Phil later this year or early next year to meet with 1 or 2 filipina women I met chatting on DIA.  I am curious about many things that are specific to a black guy finding a bride in the Phil.  And also the costs associated with a trip to phil, etc.

I want a real wife for a mutual loving relationship that respects her man!  The men here have seemed to found that with filipina women, I am looking for the same. 

This is a great forum for an honest open dialog about finding a foreign bride.  I have ready many of the posts here and based on the valuable information I have decided to seek the advice and guidance of the guys who are members.

Thanks!!

[Jeff S]

Hey Kong - welcome to our little corner of the world. We're looking forward to seeing you here. We have a number of black guys on the site, two come to mind in particular as they recently made their first trips to the Philippines, and both found great ladies! Ask away, and I'm sure they'll be happy to pass on their experiences.

[thekfc]

Hi K.
Welcome to P-L.

I am one of the black guys that Jeff is referring to - the other I think is Heruamen.

I just came back from the Philippines this past February - I will be going back to Manila this coming June to get married.

I meet a wonderful lady - we were chatting for a while before I went to see/meet her. I chatted with her as well as other members of her family. That went on for a couple of months & by the time I went to see her in January I was prepared. My situation was different & unique in a way as very few people get to chat with their lady & her family.

As for being black - you will not be judged by the color of your skin but by the content of your character. Do you know what that means?

As for the cost with going to the Philippines - for fare prices - it depends on when you plan on going. Summer & Christmas (peak season) - fares are high & expect to pay about $1200+. But for other times of the year like Winter - you can easily get a flight for below $1000. Food & hotels are cheap - check the archives especially the trip reports - there are a wealth of info in there - we all wrote about our experiences.

You will learn something new every time you visit the forum, do not be afraid to ask & also tell us a little more about you & what area/province of the Philippines you are looking into.

[z_k_g]

Hey guys,

I appreciate the responses.  As I continue to progress I will ask lots of questions.  I don't like reinventing the wheel and you guys have some valuable wisdom.

I am pretty sure I have found the right woman, she lives on the island of Bohol in Tagbilarian City.  She is 20 years old, a college student, very well rounded and responsible.  We have been chatting for over 2 months and from all indications, things I have learned from the posts and archives here, she is a keeper.  Of course I must meet her in person, and I plan on a trip to phil when my budget allows later on this year.

I have been looking at the plane fares and the prices are going up for the summer peak season.  I may end up going in winter when the prices fall.

I may be doing more reading than posting, this is very new to me.  But since this is such a great resource I think my experience, whether successful or not, should be part of the forum, so I will add my experiences also as things progress.

[robert angel]

Welcome Zulu,

One of the great things about the Philippines is that --and there's no way I can make this sound 'politically correct' but I don't care--I know where my head and heart is at--is that from what I've seen, black guys aren't treated different than white guys--you'll feel like a prince. That means when you walk into a convenience store, you won't feel like they're watching your every move, expecting that you're a shop lifter, as is the case in too many US areas.

Every black guy I've spoken with here and there who's spent time in the PI has told me how well, how comfortable they felt visiting and traveling around the RP.

I see very subtle and sometimes not at all subtle, racism from all sides in the USA. I am not saying there isn't racism in the RP--I see some resentments against people from China, Korea and India in the RP, as those people often have businesses that are pretty necessary to everyday life there. We see the same vibe against all the Indian's who own 7-11's and motels here. People here just always want to have someone they can criticize, if not piss on.

I live in the south in an area that wasn't burned during the riots of the 60's and 70's and I sometimes wish they had burned the joint down, so hopefully some of the remaining bitterness could've burned off with it. Instead I see a lot of underlying, simmering resentments, coming from both sides. I haven't seen that in the RP and my wife didn't see that sort of dynamic until she moved to the USA. It makes me sad for her to see how people have so much trouble getting along here sometimes and it comes from all sides.

I just find Filipinos, regardless of if your black, white, purple, Indian, Chinese or whatever, to be more laid back and less mean spirited than Americans.

Congrats, man--sounds like you're on your way to a good place!

[piglett]

Welcome to the board Zulu, good to have you here.


piglett

[Dave H]

Hey zulukong,

Welcome to P-L!

I met an African American male in a wheelchair the other day here in the Philippines. He didn't seem to have had any problem meeting a young, attractive, very nice wife.

I am kind of partial to Boholanas myself! 

Good Luck,

Dave

[z_k_g]

Dave, thanks for the feedback!  Piglet thanks for the welcome!!  Robert that is some great insight, and you dont have to be PC in this situation about race relations, I live in Memphis, enough said!

Dave what more can you tell me about women from Bohol?  Is your woman from the Island? 

The young woman I am talking with is a student at BISU.  She is very bright, intelligent, easy to talk too and her english skills are pretty good chatting and decent on the phone.

She wants to finish school before having children; that will take her 4 years.  She would like to date for 1 to 2 years before she gets married and says she is ok with seeing me once or twice a year on long visits of 1 to 3 months at a time because she is focused on school, her major is architecture, and that takes up 90% of her time.  The other 10% is spent chatting with me every day!!

I have read many many posts about a back up plan B, but to be honest other women have not held my interest like this young woman.  I understand that there are literally hundreds of eligible women in the Phil willing to make a great wife so when I travel there, if she does not work out, which I hope she does, then I will just exercise plan B then!!

As many of the forum members have stated, there is nothing quite like a face to face meeting, body language, touching, hugging and spending time with that other person.  I am 42 so I understand that logic completely and don't consider my internet relationship with this young filipina to be a done deal by any means.  However, I am pretty experienced with women, that is said in all modesty, but I have dated a lot of 10's from Japan, India, China, South Korea, Columbia, Venezuela, Vietnam and France!  I have great taste in women, and most have been models or the model type so looks really don't impress me anymore when I meet a woman.    I have learned for hard bought experience that a 10 can treat you like dirt and in the end its all about how you are treated in a relationship and your level of happiness and mutual respect.

With that being said, I can pretty much size a woman up in 30 minutes even on the internet chatting.  I chatted up over 150 philipinas and ended up with 3 that were my "type."   Of those 3, 1 seems to be a bit ditzy, the other 2 pretty solid.  Of the final 2 one has a child and one is single with no children.  My final choice is the young university student with no children.   

[Bob_S]

I have learned for hard bought experience that a 10 can treat you like dirt and in the end its all about how you are treated in a relationship and your level of happiness and mutual respect.

I hope the younger newbies are reading this and take it seriously.  We keep emphasizing this again and again.  You can find a drama-laden hottie who will treat you like dirt anywhere.  This is about finding a good woman who'll treat you right, and that kind of character doesn't go away with age.  When you're both 90 and in the nursing home, a former hottie will be a scary sight to behold, but a good woman will still be a good woman.

[jm21-2]

I hope the younger newbies are reading this and take it seriously.  We keep emphasizing this again and again.  You can find a drama-laden hottie who will treat you like dirt anywhere.  This is about finding a good woman who'll treat you right, and that kind of character doesn't go away with age.  When you're both 90 and in the nursing home, a former hottie will be a scary sight to behold, but a good woman will still be a good woman.

Hard urge to control in your 20's.

[bcc_1_2]

You can find a drama-laden hottie who will treat you like dirt anywhere.  

First the overall point you made was spot on. But in all seriousness I'm not sure some guys can even find a drama-laden hottie in the USA. The drama-laden absolutely... but the hottie? Unfortunately most end up settling for a drama laden average looking chick... or worse an uggo. Especially in the Midwest... way too much fast food and sitting on your ass for there to be many hotties running around.

As a young member (not exactly a newbie) I content that you can find a "hottie" minus the me-me-me/ drama laden attitude. I promise you those type of girls are running all over Honduras.

The biggest worry when transplanting a girl has to be unrealistic expectations. Almost every girl will have them and its not their fault... it is part of the reason "gringos" have such a great reputation. They are nice, don't cheat, light skinned/attractive, and wealthy beyond your imagination. Overcoming that is enough work without the girl wanting to make it big as a model, celebrity, astronaut (lol), tooth fairy (LOL), etc.

But especially if you are a young decent looking gringo you can find a hot girl with a great personality.

I contend the problem comes when you get down there and your ego grows with all that attention. Then girls you'd beg to date in the USA wouldn't be good enough anymore and you'll start expecting dates with that "super model drama type".

The other major issue is the middle aged man trying to reclaim his youth. Same story... the guy ignores women 25-35 career/mom types chasing young party girls at his future detriment.

But I guess what qualifies as hot?

Is she hot? http://www.amorsi.com/AmorPage.asp?Id=17377

A young decent looking gringo can find a sweet girl that looks like that.

Is she hot? http://www.amorsi.com/AmorPage.asp?Id=19555

A mature gringo can find a women that looks like that who will treat him well.

If that is hot enough... you'll be very happy in the process. If you are looking for Miss Shanghai or Miss Cali... I don't care who you are... you are screwed.

[robert angel]

Again, the younger they are when they come to the USA, the greater the impact and changes our 'culture' is likely have on them. It's a sobering thought when I realize that it won't be long before my wife will have lived a nearly a quarter of her life in the USA.

Aside from a few places in the USA, where there are tons of Asians and where the Hispanics mix with the general population, even an 'average' looking Asian gal who comes to the USA will all of a sudden be seen as an 'exotic' beautiful woman and she may be coveted by others and flirted with in ways very new to her. It can go to a woman's head, and in a bad way too. That is probably true of a lot of those beauties south of the border as well.

Her upbringing--her character and loyalty will be challenged like never before here. To compound matters, in the Filipina communities -- in the Filipino - American. clubs, there's always women who are quick to extol how good --how 'smart' it is to dump that older husband, to get a younger, richer guy--they'll even have their lawyer's cards to hand them and tell them what they might stand to collect in alimony, child support, etc. It's a nasty jungle out there...

So far, so good with my wife--she stays away from those pariahs--I couldn't even get her to go to the big annual Easter party with all the great Filipino food, because of all the back biting that goes on there, but she does occasionally remind me (and it's appropriate as I sometimes take her too much for granted) that she's young, fit and that I should consider myself lucky to have such a pretty young thing (my words, not hers) , although she's not on some ego trip or scheming, I don't think.

She sees some women who because of the way they dress, flirt--just the way they carry themselves, she calls them 'hotties' and in a resigning way, says she can't be a 'hottie' no matter what she does or how she dresses. She know Filipinas who have husbands who give their wives six or seven hundred dollars a month 'run around' money or 'allowance', but also knows that's not my style and it never has been. We're 'working class' people and savers.

I disagree about her not being a 'hottie' or able to exude sexiness, as in the home, she can dance, wear a nighty and show initiative in many ways. Out in public, she gets noticed a lot more than she realizes (I look at the pretty gals, she averts her eyes from the guys checking her out) and people always compliment me on how nice she is and how beautiful as well. She just can't see it. She wears very fashionable--even somewhat sexy clothes, but she's just not the kind of gal who puts herself 'out there'. She doesn't WANT to be the center of attention, she wants people to think she's a great worker and moral person and she sure is.

I could tell she had that bedrock foundation from her upbringing from the start of our relationship about 9 years ago.

Sounds like Zulu's got his system down, but personally, I look and see how they are with their family, (helps as they've probably learned how to resolve conflict and move on with siblings, etc) how consistent they are about being where they say they're going to be, and what kind of friends they keep--hopefully not too many friends, as too many friends leads to gossip and intrigue. If she's always wearing revealing clothes and is all tarted up with make up, that's a bad sign to me. It'll only get worse and she could be a prima donna diva, if she isn't already.

I guess some would say I've got a 'trophy wife'---one who's highly educated as well as pretty, but I never, ever sought out that kind of woman.  It just sort of happened and for years, I actually insisted on just being friends with my now wife, because I felt she was too young and too pretty for me. Like everything else in my weird, weird life, I've kind of 'Forest Gumped' my way along through life, not planning a thing and just letting things happen around me--dumb luck if there ever was such a thing.

I remember all those early mornings, getting up as she was done with school, chatting this charming, wholesomely beautiful woman/child and saying to myself  "oooh weee momma, mmmm, mmm, mmm"--thinking how it just wasn't meant or supposed to be.

We're looking at 5 years of marriage pretty soon, and it hasn't always been a bed of roses, and I am a skeptic and cynical guy, but hey, so far so good. It's taking me longer than usual to screw this up. If it all crapped out tomorrow, I"d try and just look back on the good times and be happy with that. It's nice that we've pretty much been able to see four of her siblings through college, with one more to go over there and my two kids over here yet to pass that hurdle. My kids are sort of into their own lives, but like they say: "Money isn't everything"--but it sure keeps the kids in touch!

I know I sound fatalistic, but going through a divorce with children--with property and such, tends to do that to a guy. I've screwed up some wonderful relationships over the years, pissed away a few fortunes and seen some wonderful people die way before their time. It all seems like our lives are built on sand castles to me sometimes--that it can all wash away in a very short time.

You've got to be very careful about what you wish for in life. Guys, don't be blinded by beauty. I think those women who we might call 'tens' based on looks, are going to be a lot higher maintenance in the long run and the challenges will only become greater over time, especially in the USA. If I could have my way, if I didn't have children who still need me and if money wasn't a concern, I'd take my sweet wife and move us both back to the Philippines.

I think that a Kano and a Filipina have a much better chance of a secure, long lasting marriage over there in the RP, versus in the USA. That is if the Kano can keep his pants on with all those beautiful Filipinas fawning over him!! Like Clint said (Dirty Harry, Magnum Force)---> "A man's got to know his limitations"....

[piglett]

I hope the younger newbies are reading this and take it seriously.  We keep emphasizing this again and again.  You can find a drama-laden hottie who will treat you like dirt anywhere.  This is about finding a good woman who'll treat you right, and that kind of character doesn't go away with age.  When you're both 90 and in the nursing home, a former hottie will be a scary sight to behold, but a good woman will still be a good woman.

EXACTLY !!!!!!
man i work with all of the 20 something to young thirties dudes & almost all of them have a 1/2 crazy girlfriend that does nothing but cause them trouble, do you really want to spend the next 50 years of your life putting up with that sh*t ??.....not me, no thanks. I'll take a 7 that treats me like a king instead of a 10 that treats me like a floormat.


piglett

[z_k_g]

Pick your mate wisely!

I really don't think it matters what a woman's age, an 18 yo, or if she is a HOTTIE 9/10.  Obviously she must be over 18, but beyond that, its just a number. 

Some observations- after many discussions with filipinas I am utterly amazed at their attitudes.  This does not include the scammers, or bar-girls, but the average province or city girl.   They are focused on what they can do for you!  and how they can be the best wife possible!  This took me completely off guard when I first started chatting.  Over the last few months all of the decent filipinas have echoed this theme.  One word- Awesome!  Of course I have not been to Phil island yet, so i'm myopic!!  ---Guys, correct me if I'm off base here!!----

On the flip side, I have learned one rule that applies to all american women (in this area I have much experience),  "whats mine is mine and whats yours is mine! or will soon be mine" - their attitude towards men- "I'm the boss and you're not".  Plus, every AmW expects you to show her what you can do for her to deserve her attention, loyalty, sex and company no matter their hotness status.  An AmW can quickly tell you what YOU need to be doing in the relationship, but when you ask them the exact same question, silence!!

AmW women have learned through their girlfriends, television and the cinema that men are toys to be played with, we have no emotions, we are ATM's to be told what to do. When our usefulness expires, they know that another man (FOOL) will be waiting in the wings begging for the same treatment. 

In USA, whether a woman is a 2 or 10, they have learned that the courts and our society in general, (shaped by feminists) support their dysfunctional agenda.  If we marry they know that divorce the courts will rob the man guaranteed so its pretty much a winning bet for AmW.

The 10's just let you know up front that you will be treated like crap, the 2's have to hook you with sex or food first then they hit you with the same program on the back end.  Either way you end up with the exact same package, misery. 

I can honesty say, without any pleasure mind you, that none of my married friends are happy in their marriages.  They cheat around, drink, hang out with buddies and pretty much do anything possible to reacquaint themselves with fun and manhood because they don't get either at home.

I was miserable for over 10 years.  I stayed because I loved my kids (they were hers by a previous marriage) and I could not fathom not being a part of their lives.   Now I realize that was no reason to remain in a relationship, lesson learned.   All I wanted was a good wife, a happy home and the opportunity to raise some decent kids.  My ex was 8/9 and is still a stunner, she is 43, two kids and looks 23.  But I never want to see her again as long as I live! 

My advice,

Marry a woman who loves you!
Marry a woman with common goals!
Marry a woman who is a hard worker!
Marry a woman who is thrifty!
Marry a woman who respects you and your manhood and authority!
And everything you expect from her do in return!

If you want a foreign hottie, or even an AmW (god help you!) a 9/10, or an 18yo woman/child, apply the above rules and others great rules repeated in the forum! 

You will screw up a lot in a relationship and have some difficulties, but at least you start out with a solid foundation!

my 2 cents!!

[evoltnvii]

EXACTLY !!!!!!
man i work with all of the 20 something to young thirties dudes & almost all of them have a 1/2 crazy girlfriend that does nothing but cause them trouble, do you really want to spend the next 50 years of your life putting up with that sh*t ??.....not me, no thanks. I'll take a 7 that treats me like a king instead of a 10 that treats me like a floormat.


piglett

Could not agree more

[jm21-2]

In USA, whether a woman is a 2 or 10, they have learned that the courts and our society in general, (shaped by feminists) support their dysfunctional agenda.  If we marry they know that divorce the courts will rob the man guaranteed so its pretty much a winning bet for AmW.

It really depends what state your in, and a lot of it comes from the attitudes of guys as much as girls. If you're in a community property state, where it's presumed that both people are contributing equally, and the guy sets absolutely no standards for the girls...well, he had fair warning. If your wife is sitting around on her duff eating bon bons either get her off her lazy but, get rid of her, or face the consequences. The same thing is starting to happen more and more to women too (marry a lazy bum con artist and surprise he wants half yor stuff). I think it's mroe a matter of people who are willing to do just about anything from a spouse just so they aren't alone.

[opensource]

Pick your mate wisely!

I really don't think it matters what a woman's age, an 18 yo, or if she is a HOTTIE 9/10.  Obviously she must be over 18, but beyond that, its just a number. 

Some observations- after many discussions with filipinas I am utterly amazed at their attitudes.  This does not include the scammers, or bar-girls, but the average province or city girl.   They are focused on what they can do for you!  and how they can be the best wife possible!  This took me completely off guard when I first started chatting.  Over the last few months all of the decent filipinas have echoed this theme.  One word- Awesome!  Of course I have not been to Phil island yet, so i'm myopic!!  ---Guys, correct me if I'm off base here!!----

On the flip side, I have learned one rule that applies to all american women (in this area I have much experience),  "whats mine is mine and whats yours is mine! or will soon be mine" - their attitude towards men- "I'm the boss and you're not".  Plus, every AmW expects you to show her what you can do for her to deserve her attention, loyalty, sex and company no matter their hotness status.  An AmW can quickly tell you what YOU need to be doing in the relationship, but when you ask them the exact same question, silence!!

AmW women have learned through their girlfriends, television and the cinema that men are toys to be played with, we have no emotions, we are ATM's to be told what to do. When our usefulness expires, they know that another man (FOOL) will be waiting in the wings begging for the same treatment. 

In USA, whether a woman is a 2 or 10, they have learned that the courts and our society in general, (shaped by feminists) support their dysfunctional agenda.  If we marry they know that divorce the courts will rob the man guaranteed so its pretty much a winning bet for AmW.

The 10's just let you know up front that you will be treated like crap, the 2's have to hook you with sex or food first then they hit you with the same program on the back end.  Either way you end up with the exact same package, misery. 

I can honesty say, without any pleasure mind you, that none of my married friends are happy in their marriages.  They cheat around, drink, hang out with buddies and pretty much do anything possible to reacquaint themselves with fun and manhood because they don't get either at home.

I was miserable for over 10 years.  I stayed because I loved my kids (they were hers by a previous marriage) and I could not fathom not being a part of their lives.   Now I realize that was no reason to remain in a relationship, lesson learned.   All I wanted was a good wife, a happy home and the opportunity to raise some decent kids.  My ex was 8/9 and is still a stunner, she is 43, two kids and looks 23.  But I never want to see her again as long as I live! 

My advice,

Marry a woman who loves you!
Marry a woman with common goals!
Marry a woman who is a hard worker!
Marry a woman who is thrifty!
Marry a woman who respects you and your manhood and authority!
And everything you expect from her do in return!

If you want a foreign hottie, or even an AmW (god help you!) a 9/10, or an 18yo woman/child, apply the above rules and others great rules repeated in the forum! 

You will screw up a lot in a relationship and have some difficulties, but at least you start out with a solid foundation!

my 2 cents!!

Zulu, after reading that post, I have no doubt that you are going to find exactly what you're looking for and will have a long, healthy relationship.

Best wishes!

[z_k_g]

Thanks, opensource!!

I have been reading posts pretty much non stop since I discovered this forum.

I am not a religious nut or bible or koran thumper, but I must say that this dialog is a gift from God!!

I love women!  Without a beautiful women, inside and out, at your side, life loses its luster; it still feels great but something is missing, a good woman fills that void!!

Men need guidance on developing and maintaining HEALTHY relationships.  I applaud the founders of Planet Love.  In my opinion, this forum should be read by all men who are considering marriage regardless of the woman's nationality.  If more men were focused and educated on healthy relationships, AmW would have to change immediately.  They could no longer operate in their dysfunctional panacea. 

It takes a special man to consider a foreign bride, there is much much more work involved, the risks are higher and their are many financial and emotional sacrifices that must be made, not to mention the distance and time involved in the process of dating, visas, plane rides, etc.

This forum educated me.  And so far, the members have been so frankly honest and transparent, offering up their stories to hopefully make the next guys journey 100% successful. That's truly a blessing!!

jm21-2 i hope your love moves to Seattle!!  I love Puget sound and the city is great and the cities clean, she will love it, just get her to visit!!  piglet, good luck on that inexpensive wedding, i'd like to do the same if my situation works out over the next year or two!!

Oh yeah, by the way, My girl is awesome! 

[Dave H]

Dave what more can you tell me about women from Bohol?  Is your woman from the Island? 

I have been told by Filipinos that Boholanas make very good wives in general. I was told by several Tagalogs (from Manila area, married to Boholanas) that some Tagalogs want to marry them because they believe that they make good wives, are hard working, and are more "simple" than the city girls around Manila. Of course, it really all depends on the lady!

Actually, my wife was born in Mindanao. Both of my wife's parents are from Bohol. Our city has many Boholanos. Her barangay and several surrounding it, are comprised of many relatives and people from her parents' home town. My wife spent much time in Bohol growing up, including all of her summer vacations. We will be in Bohol within the next week or two on vacation and visiting relatives. We are seriously thinking of moving there.

Dave

[robert angel]

What Dave says is very true. I've heard that not only is Bohol very lovely, but that the people are beautiful and quite nice, generally speaking. Certain 'tribes' in the RP have reputations for being overly full of self pride, being stingy, even warlike and so forth, but from what I've heard, Boholanas are a nice bunch of generous, fair, even tempered people.

Dave's wife, as well as mine, were both born in Mindanao, but their families came from the same part of of Bohol--it's a small world indeed. My wife's clan is from Dauis on Panglao and I think that's where Dave's wife's family is from. I'd bet a mango shake that they've frequented the same sari sari a time or two.

They even named the Mindanao barangay where my wife's family settled "NEW Dauis" to keep in mind their Bohol roots. I am told we have some nice land on Bohol still and that we should get over there and fence off our portion to avoid squatters and so forth, but my wife is very modest and I guess as long as her parents are alive, doesn't want to talk about the land her parents legally divided up into she and her sibling's names. They did that with their land in New Dauis, as well as Dauis, Bohol. I hear the Dauis land is close to the water, but like the New Dauis land, it's basically used as copra (coconut) plantations and they also grow some sort of trees that grow up really straight and are sold for things like telephone poles, as well as some rice and some corn, although they say growing corn is a pain there.

Dave is such a great guy that I know he'll go look it over for me, and fence it in for us. I am agreeable as well and I won't charge a peso for him painting the fence either!

I hear there are a lot of Japanese people that every month or so, try and buy up the Bohol land, but my wife's family won't budge on it. I think they'd almost starve before selling any land.

My farm expertise extends to tomatoes and an occasional zucchini and I'm not ready to start life over as a coconut farmer, but it's nice to know that we have that option!

The last time I tried growing a mixture of crops, the cantaloupes cross pollinated with the cucumbers and I ended up with a crop of cukelopes--seriously.

I don't want to sound greedy or pushy and as said, my wife acts like talking about it is bad luck, so until we actually get over to Bohol instead of hanging in New Dauis and Davao City, it'll have to wait.

The economy was pretty bad in Bohol the 1970's and much of the 80's and hence, a lot of people moved from Bohol to Mindanao, which, being sort of a new frontier, seemed to offer greener pastures, and more opportunities. Seems things have turned around a bit and while Davao City offers a lot of economic growth and attracts both native Filipinos and foreigners, Bohol is really starting to draw the people who moved away, back to it's charming environment.

[chungtv]

Nice to meet you, all 

[z_k_g]

Robert, Dave thanks for that input on Bohol!

My sweetie is very much like what you describe, I think she will make an excellent wife!  She is a student at BISU and is majoring in engineering.  She is not looking or seeking to find a husband or move away from Bohol! but is open to the idea if its for a short period.  Her father is a farmer in a small village just outside of Tagbilaran City.

In our 3 months of chatting and cam and telephone calls, I am very impressed with her and planning to meet her in person when my budget allows.

Similar to you guys I want to eventually move to the Phil Islands.  I am working on some business opportunities in Japan, South Korea and Australia and if those work out as planned I can home base in Phil and build a house on Bohol.

I am an engineer with a construction background so I will probably do my own building.

Questions: 

1.  Did you build your own houses, hire contractors?
2.  What was the build quality, material quality?
3.  Are there Home Depot or building supply houses that sell in bulk?
4.  I know that property ownership is max 40% foreigner did you have a problem with title and deeds?
5.  Are the building permits expensive and do they have building inspectors?

Thanks!