Who Owns These Philippines Homes

Asiabill from has written 260 comments

There are many reasons other than status why financially successful people and families avoid too much association with the masses. In much of the world morality has been replaced by SURVIVAL instincts as it has here in the Philippines. The problem with meeting Filipinos and Expats with similiar educational and income levels as yourself is because most of us are BUSY living our "dream lives". So if you want to hang out with such people you will likely meet them either at their business or at resorts or clubs where they frequent. I have been here MANY years and do NOT have any Filipino "friends" although I am familiar with hundreds of Filipina(o)s who pass through our guest house near the Manila airports. The plain and simple truth is that Filipino "friends" and relatives for that matter RARELY if EVER pay their own way and expect us with greater wealth or income to pay for them so I never felt the NEED to "buy" friends just like I never felt the NEED to pay for dates preferring to go "Dutch treat" with dates or split the bill with friends. Occasionally I have NO PROBLEM at all with this type of social dynamic but day after day it gets tedious and ANNOYING!

Tourists or Expats who have their lives well organized with retirement or "winter" houses and / or businesses somewhere in the Philippines are the BEST MOST INTERESTING human pool for comradery and long term friendships. The one thing we learn as "world travelers" is that we cross paths with each other only for brief periods of time so need to get to know each other without holding back. So it's a matter of acceptance that the people we BOND most with will pass through our lives and likely not be seen again. Another one liner that comes to mind is " Want a friend? Buy a dog" which is another disadvantage about traveling the world- - - NO PETS! Since I have lived a very mobile lifestyle for most of my life and always dreamed of having a dog ( all 3 dogs I grew up with in Des Moines were killed by cars ) so bought our yellow Labrador "Jackson" 3 years ago. he has been a comfort and a reminded me of "Man's best friend".

from has written 205 comments

Andy ponders lightly:

Who owns these homes, in my experience, the normal way of becoming wealthy in impoverished and corrupt countries is to be connected with the government. Then when you are connected, you can control business, employment, taxes and wangle you way to money.
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Rhetorical question I presume ?

Your now in Journalist territory . Approximately 100 journalist killed past 20 years AND 3 IN June 2009 ALONE

http://www.cpj.org/2009/06/philippine-police-must-act-to-stem-journalist-murd.php

First rule of Filipino Journalists Club,,,,,,

Gadget from has written 1,027 comments

Great job of connecting the dots Chuck, I read an article about the 100 journalist being killed during what's-her-name administration. As I believe you know, I am not excited about the idea of putting my photo on this journal. I am torn between the desire to make money, the desire for readers to feel this is more credible and the danger. I am constantly taking calculated risk, minimizing the chance of problem, however allowing readers some safe feelings.

Bottom line, readers feel a photo next to an article makes something more credible.

I said feeling, nothing to do with reality. I say I am not a journalist, that does not mean I cannot do the same story as journalist, just a lot of word game.

You Photo with me on the National Geographic was more in synch with my motivations, dreams, or goals... hehehe

hoz from has written 62 comments

Just ask the locals who owns those homes. They will know. Odds are a congressman, or businessman.

Construction costs are much less in the Philippines than western countries. Consequently, a big house like that costs much less than comparables in the US.

There are certain "ruling families" that have accumulated wealth over the years, stretching back to the Spanish occupation. What is in the Families, stays in the Families, "old world" style. Used to be there were the rich and the masses. A middle class has started but many of their families still live in nipa huts back in the provinces.

I doubt you will be able to connect with type "A" Filipinos. Your lifestyle is not conducive to meeting and interacting with their circle. (They don't stay in 500P a night Pension houses, ride jeepneys, or eat at Carinderias.)

Still, I am enjoying your latest posts regarding the Philippines. Hope you are having a fine time exploring the country.

Wow Gorgeous homes! Need to plan a trip to the Philippines!
Thanks for sharing the stories.