 Tired
of the rat-race that America has become? Then
try something different, there is a place where things move at a slow pace,
where women are feminine and lady-like, and the cost of living is a lot
less. The weather is warm year-round, white sandy beaches are everywhere
with coconut palms gently swaying in the breeze. Crystal clear waters that
you can see 15 feet down through to the ocean floor. The Place? The Philippines!
There's nowhere else in the world like it in my opinion. After traveling
there for the first time in early 1998, I was expecting to be there for
perhaps four weeks or so, but instead I stayed for eight weeks before reluctantly
returning to Florida. I didn't stay away though, a few months later I returned
and stayed for two years instead of just two months. I was mainly in Cebu
Province, mostly in and around Cebu City, nicknamed the "Queen City of
the South." But there is plenty to see there besides the Queen City of
Cebu. There are 7,109 islands in the Philippines, some quite large, while
others are the size of a small Buick. - Living
In The Philippines - Two Years In The Philippines |
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 Philippine
Real Estate & Properties plus other nearby Pacific Islands, Resorts
and much more The Philippines offers a significantly
lower cost of living. The Philippine Peso exchange rate is approximately
48 to $ 1.00 or 70 to 1 Pound [Sterling (GBP)]. Housing, food, and labor
costs are quite reasonable. A One bedroom condominium can be purchased
for around $ 100,000 or GBP 55,000 or a Studio for only $ 60,000 or GBP
35,000 and one can dine out on average at a three star restaurant for less
than 500 pesos. A private driver’s salary is approximately 15,000/month,
while trained housekeepers earn approximately 8,000/month. These salaries
are lower if you live in the provinces. - Real Estate In The Philippines
- Current Listings, Bargains, Islands, Enclaves, Coast Property, Sale by
Owner, Current Listings 24 hours a day, seven days a week. - Ranches -
Houses - Islands - Beachfront |
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 The
Quest for an Island Paradise - Living On A Philippine Island - By Tanja
Bulatovic - The ultimate goal (albeit vague)
was to rent a cheap house on some tropical island, buy the shells and ship
the containers back to France. The whole routine would take up to
3 or 4 months of the year, leaving plenty of time free to contemplate love,
life and the universe. Once the shells were sold in France (wholesale),
I would receive my commission, which was only a shade above the cost of
purchase, but it didn’t matter. The aim here was lifestyle.
And if I could make enough money to survive in paradise, it was all I needed.
Best of all, Fabrice would join me in a few months (cut to 2 people running
towards each other in slow motion on an exotic beach. He lifts her
up, whirls her around and they finally embrace after their long and torturous
separation). Whatever, you get my drift but you have to admit, the dream
seemed viable. And when passion and freedom are your priority, why not
dream big? |
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 The
Quest for an Island Paradise Part Three – Living On A Philippine Island
- Boracay Unplugged By Tanja Bulatovic
- Boracay is one of those places you can’t help but fall in love with.
Clear, azure waters, wide stretches of powdery white sand, shady palms,
lazy afternoons and sunsets that make everything fall into place. The butterfly-shaped,
picture postcard isle, sits at the northern tip of Panay Island in the
Philippines and despite the tourist amenities along the beach, the place
reads like romantic fiction. Surrounded by tropical flora, fauna, numerous
fish species (including a rare French species called Fabrice), large caves
and coral reefs, the 7km x 1km Island is ideal if you’re looking for the
best of both worlds. Relax and soak up the sun or enjoy more energetic
pursuits such as windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, water skiing and jet
skiing (if you must). |
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 The
Quest for an Island Paradise Part 4, Siargao – Paradise Found By Tanja
Bulatovic - Imagine a place where you
can stroll along deserted beaches. Chase butterflies as big as your hands.
Drink rum from coconut shells and encounter rock pools packed with fish,
crabs and starfish with dancing legs. Imagine nature on steroids. Fantasia
come to life in a kingdom where dreams really do come true. I used to think
the perfect island paradise was just an ideal - like a phony postcard or
mental mirage. I was wrong. The Philippines, otherwise known as ‘The Pearl
of the Orient Seas’, delivers the real thing, outweighing anything you
could ever imagine. With more than 7100 spectacular islands to choose
from, the hardest part is deciding where to go, which is why I was surprised
that the country has very little international tourism to speak of. |
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 The
Philippines: Heaven on Earth, and Affordable!
- The world is in a slowly recovering recession where living standards
have been reduced through little fault of those who are suffering the consequences
of the actions, mistakes and greed of a minority of the rest. That is the
political situation and truth about the situation from which there is no
escape. Luckily for me I have recently retired after completing 44 years
of working worldwide, having sampled the conditions and cultures of many
of the countries of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas (north
and south), the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. My retirement came
just after the financial collapse of 2008, which was also a blessing. |
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 Affordable
Living in the South Seas - About 20 years
ago I began my search for an island paradise that would allow me a life
style that included safety, stunning natural beauty and a low cost of living.
I was living in Hawaii at the time and have to say that the lifestyle there
was pretty good – if you had lots of money and did not mind the crowds,
and with 7 million visitors a year, I mean crowds. My search was
motivated by many things – global overcrowding, geopolitics, the lack of
future resources like fuel, water and food in densely populated places
and cities, the declining quality of life and what I felt was an ever-more
obtrusive government that simply did not seem to have me or my children’s
interest in mind. So I went and looked for the most likely place to suit
my need. And I looked for several years. At the end of that journey I arrived
in the Fiji Islands, which are now my home of choice. Not only was it easy
to obtain residency (an investment in land of $50,000 will get you full
time residency), but property prices are still well below other tropical
destinations, and the main language is English, which is taught in all
the schools. This is a major benefit as language difficulties are a huge
issue in many destinations, especially for those looking to settle down,
or possibly even start a business. A former British colony, Fiji in many
forms retains a British character while being an absolute nature lover’s
paradise. |
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 Real
Estate Good Buys Overseas for Just $50,000
- In previous issues of Escape From America Magazine we detailed some amazing
properties you can buy overseas for $150,000 or less . The following week
we listed properties available at $100,000 or less and then what you can
buy on an even lower budget of $75,000. This week, part 4 of
our 4 part series, we are going to show you what $50,000 will buy.
We looked for homes that were ready to move in to, or needed very little
in the way of renovation. Instead of providing the links to
the properties featured in this article we are listing them on a separate
newsletter which is free and easy to subscribe to. This is so that
we can keep you up to date with properties in a price bracket that suits
your pocket. Subscription details are given at the end of the article.
--->
read more |
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 Getting
Hitched In The Philippines - G'day! My name
is Craig Beasy and if you guessed I am Australian, you guessed right. I
am 43 yrs young, very happily married to a beautiful lassie from the ‘Land
of Smiles’ and we have two pre-schoolers. My wife’s name is Brenda and
she comes from Cebu, an Island only 200 miles long and 40 miles across
at its widest point. Cebu-City incidentally is the freight hub for the
entire Archipelago. Our gorgeous daughters are Adele Kristina 3 yrs, Isha-Belle
16mths, and yes I am definitely in the minority gender-wise in our household.
So why marry a woman of Southeast Asian origin? Is it their quiet deferential
innocence, their exotic oriental mystique or their coy shy smiles? Most
of the blokes who read this may empathise; you know the drill, broken hearts
and all that. --->
read more. |
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 Buying
Property in the Philippines & Japan -
I visited the Philippines for the first time in 1997. Upon arriving
at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I instantly realized that I had
come to a country with an ill deserved reputation as over-Americanized
and not Asian enough. The warm weather was a relief after coming
out of a New York winter. There was a band playing Filipino folk
music in the airport, wearing straw hats and the traditional barong tagalong
shirts. I was overwhelmed by the sounds and colors that swirled through
the streets as I made my way to the domestic airport for a flight to Cebu.
I stayed in Cebu for one month and on my return to the U.S., I knew that
I wanted a place of my own there to go back to. In 1998 I made a second
visit. This time along with Cebu I took excursions to the islands of Bohol
and Palawan, thereby giving myself a look at a few of the over 7,000 islands
the Philippines has to offer. Cebu appealed to me because it is a
city but with a relaxed air and without the congestion of Manila.
I also figured that real estate would be somewhat cheaper, so I decided
to concentrate on Cebu. --->
read more. |
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 Life
In A Hammock Living In The East Asian Tropics
- The easiest way to buy property in the Philippines is to give it to your
Filipina wife. Trust. Loyalty. Commitment. Family. These words still have
meaning in the Philippines. They are the part of the Philippines that works.
The downside of the Philippines is of course the corruption, graft, and
nepotism – all of these things have meaning too. They are what make the
country a challenge for an "amerikano" (all white people are " 'kano's")
and Filipinos alike. In this respect, living in the Philippines is a learning
experience, especially about yourself. The poor people from the villages
are generally honest and can be a pleasure to deal with, especially if
you learn to speak Binisaya. (the language spoken in the Visaya's ) " --->
read more. |
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 Sailing
The Philippine Islands The Pearl Of The Orient
- In The Pearl Of The Orient - The alluring beauty of the Far East is seen
through its contrasts of culture, lifestyle, and climate. Somehow everyone
of us has the desire to live and settle into a paradise that would provide
ease and quiet enjoyment. To many the East could provide such a place:
a place that would satisfy every transient and visitor in their desires
for a great deal of pleasure – where life could be more interesting and
exceptionally unique. The PHILIPPINES is an archipelago that is known as
the "Pearl of Oriental Beauty and Enchantment" because of its rare scenic
views and tourist attractions. It consists of more than 7,000 islands and
islets; it is located off the southeast coast of the Asian continent. It
has three principal Islands: the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The Philippines
has a total land area of 116,000 sq. miles; its neighbors are Taiwan to
the north, Hong Kong to the northwest, Brunei and Malaysia to the southwest
and Vietnam to the west. It lies within the Pacific basin and has a tropical
climate. Rainy season normally occurs from June to December. Summer starts
in January, but without a doubt the months of March and April are the warmest.
--->
read more. |
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 Escape
From Winter A Special Place In The Philippines
- O.K., let’s face it, there may be no one on the planet as sick and tired
of cold wind, and snow as I am, having endured 50 cold winters (out
of my 66 years) due to familial and work obligations. Having
traveled the length and breadth of the U.S. in an “18 wheeler” for 12 of
my working years, I am familiar with the fact, that there are damn few
places that are really comfortable and affordable within it’s borders.
I used to hear people say, “Oh I love the 4 seasons, and all the changes”…etc.
etc. So if you’re in that category, you can skip this, and go on,
because I now live in a place that is very affordable, and essentially
has one season, Summer, all year long! Yes, they have names for different
times of the year, and if you’re talking to an English speaker, (and
there are more here than you’ll find anywhere else in Asia). --->
read more. |
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 Real
Estate Investment and Retirement in the Philippines
- For many British, Australians and Americans, retirement time is just
around the corner. At home, with low interest rates and high cost of living,
the prospect of trying to live on a pension, in old age, is a daunting
one unless you are prepared to substantially downscale your lifestyle.
For some, moving to retire in another country is an option which has been
successful in the past with Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Puerto Rico being
among some of the more popular destinations. But why not consider retiring
in the Philippines. The Philippines offers a significantly lower cost of
living. The Philippine Peso exchange rate is approximately 48 to $ 1.00
or 70 to 1 Pound [Sterling (GBP)]. Housing, food, and labor costs are quite
reasonable. A One bedroom condominium can be purchased for around $ 100,000
or GBP 55,000 or a Studio for only $ 60,000 or GBP 35,000 and one can dine
out on average at a three star restaurant for less than 500 pesos. --->
read more. |
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 A
Series Of Articles On The Philippines in the Expat Daily News
- Wherever you are in the world you can contribute to the expat daily news.
As a correspondent or just as an individual that wants to alert people
to upcoming events or opportunities in your part of the world, your input
is more than welcome. Wherever you are and whatever you know that
you feel would be of interest to expats and to those who want to be expats
will be welcome news. You know what we feature; international relocation,
international real estate, international investment opportunities, overseas
retirement, expat havens, 2nd passports, residency requirements, great
locations, interesting web tools, offshore investments, overseas jobs,
living on yachts, unique lifestyles... and so on. Companies can contribute,
groups can contribute, beachcombers living on a ten acre island can contribute
— Whatever you know and wherever you're at, we want your input. If you
want to become a full time or a part time correspondent there will be opportunities
to join our staff; if you want to send in a tip once a month, or once a
year; your tip will be welcome. --->
read more. |
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 Now
Easier Travel to the Philippines - New airport announced
- an increase the investment appeal of property in Philippines... Just
a 15-minute boat ride from the island, the airport will be built on Carabao
Island, and is expected to be fully operational by 2012. The airport, Carabao
International Airport (CIA), will provide a modern international airport
that will add to the island's existing neighbouring airports. The new airport
will be able to accommodate short haul and medium range Airbuses and similar
aircraft, allowing direct international flights from destinations such
as Seoul, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Kuala Lumpur. Previously, international
Boracay bound tourists had to change at Manila for Philippines domestic
flights. |
Official
Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines
- Official Philippine government portal. Includes press releases, publication
of legal issuances, historical papers, and archives. | Edited at
the Office of the President of the Philippines Under Commonwealth Act No.
638 |
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 EscapeArtist
Expat Taxes Newsletter - Individuals have been leaving their own land to
seek opportunities elsewhere since the dawn of mankind -
But it has only been since the development of the modern nation-state,
and its taxation of the worldwide income of its citizen-residents, that
expatriation has taken on significant tax consequences. One of the first
tax advisors to appreciate the potential tax savings of expatriation was
my friend and colleague, Marshall Langer J.D., a valued member of The Sovereign
Society Council of Experts. Langer is an international tax attorney and
the respected author of several major international tax treatises. He is
also the daring creator of a now out-of-print book, The Tax Exile Report.
This title gained international notoriety when the late U.S. Senator Daniel
Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.), red-faced and angry, waived a copy of the book
at a televised Senate hearing, denouncing it as “a legal income tax avoidance
plan.” - Escapeartist has hatched a new partnership with Global Wealth
Protection that will set the standard for authoritative information on
Asset Protection, International Banking and Wealth Management and with
a number of accountants, lawyers and bookkeepers that know the laws regarding
expat taxes, how to do your income tax, which form to use, and which services
understand the complexity of expat concerns. Simply put, the EscapeArtist
Expat Taxes Newsletter portal will provide a wealth of information
that will show you ways to save on taxes . . . and then some. |
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| Subscribing
Is A Good Idea |
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 More
Real Estate In Asia-Pacific -- Real
Estate In Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand - Vineyards, Farms, Islands, Enclaves, Coast
Property, Sale by Owner, Current Listings updated 24 hours a day, seven
days a week - |
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 Streetwise
Philippines - It would
be easy to call this an 'Insiders Guide To Meeting Women in the Philippines,'
but it is much, much more than that. You can be sure that there are really
high quality women in the Philippines, especially if one knows where to
look, but just as important is learning that one can live a quality lifestyle
here in the Philippines, even find ways to make a better than average income.
To accomplish these very desirable ends one needs to be streetwise, which
means knowing where to look and where to be. |
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 The
Philippine Property Primer
- The Philippines Property Primer is a dynamic resource that does as the
title implies; it primes you so you are ready to explore this often confusing
marketplace. There are many deals to be enjoyed in this market for those
who know the rules and where to look. |
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Using
Electric Power Overseas - Three things can be different about foreign
AC power compared to power at home: [1 the supply voltage, [2 the supply
frequency, and [3 the physical shape of the socket. Before transporting
and using your electrical appliances overseas it is essential to know what
type of electrical voltage is used in your destination country.
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 Thailand
Real Estate Tour - These brilliantly organized
tours were designed to introduce you to Thailand’s main resort areas in
the "Land of Smiles" -- ou are sure to discover your dream vacation home
where you will enjoy an exotic, affordable overseas lifestyle and have
a solid return on your investment. |
 Self
Service Shipping to Asia-Pacific - Ubox we
ship - Save over 40%! on international shipping. Door to door , Door
to port , Port to port. Professional services with discount prices. Call
today for a free shipping quote 866.566.9350 |
 Medical
Tourism In Asia-Pacific Safe Overseas Medical
Tourism Offshore Medical Tourism WorldWide. Find Safe Clinics, Read Reviews,
Active Discussion posts. Members and providers can communicate directly
and exchange information freely. |
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 Offshore
Securities Broker Private Asset Management Online
- Thales Securities has been on our website for almost a decade and in
that decade we have heard nothing but positive reports about their service.
Founded in 1998 Thales Securities is a leading investment brokerage based
in the Republic of Panama. |
 Advertise
Your Real Estate, Yacht, Product, or Service on EscapeArtist
- Wow! We're growing, we'll soon have videos on our real estate marketplace
site, our magazines have over a half million readers, and those readers
are looking for real estate abroad. Find out about advertising on EscapeArtist,
or becoming a partner of EscapeArtist. Join one of the fastest growing
sites on the internet. |
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Each
day American Citizens lose more and more of their fundamental rights.
Many of these rights were given up in the name of “national security.”
It’s a very slippery slope. Scholars have debated the erosion of civil
rights caused by the passage of the Patriot Act. A recent unanimous amendment
to a Senate transportation bill may have just cost Americans the right
to travel. - Senator Harry Reid of Nevada was successful in amending a
Senate highway funding bill to now allow the IRS to revoke or limit the
passports of U.S. taxpayers who are seriously delinquent in their tax obligations.
- Under the measure, if one owes more than $50,000 and the debt is at the
levy or lien stage, the IRS can request the State Department revoke the
taxpayer’s passport. America abolished debtor’s prisons in 1833 but the
new measure is pretty similar - Americans freedom and liberty can be curtailed
until the taxman is paid.
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Partner
With Us! - IS THERE A FIT? Do you have a website, business, or service
that shares a commonality with EscapeArtist? If so, the time has arrived
to put us to work doubling or tripling your traffic & income - we can
do that. - 
