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I've been 40 for THIS long

Hello everyone!!! I'm looking for an apartment to rent, especially in the Manila Bay area. Could anyone share a good website, explain how the process works, and tell me who pays the real estate agent's commission? Please only share your own personal experience. Thanks in advance.

Western-born Filipina uses a local Filipino guy as her 'bedroom toy boy'

A while ago I was drinking with one of my neighbors, a Filipino guy in his 30s. It was a fun night, just guys hanging out and chatting. After a few drinks he started opening up about his recent love life.

He's in a long-distance relationship with a Filipina who was born in the West. She came here this year and has already gone back.

While she was here, she expected him to 'service' her in bed for hours on end. Think eating strawberry ice cream. The full course.

Since she left, she expects him to entertain her over video calls. Streaming himself doing himself so she can enjoy watching.

He asked me if it's normal to be expected to go this far, and said he feels used. I told him the hours of strawberry eating and all that doesn't sound very normal to me, but in the end, if he enjoys it, that's his call.

I don't know, but since I mostly hear about Western men being blamed for this kind of thing, I thought it was an interesting story worth sharing.

Can you buy grits in the Philippines?

Foreigners in the Philippines ignore each other in public: an observation compared with other countries' expat communities

I come in peace lol, not that it'll matter anyway… I'm living in Davao right now. I just wanted to see what it's like. I've noticed a nationwide thing in the Philippines where foreigners completely ignore each other, acting like they don't even know the other exists. But I lived in Vietnam and Cambodia before, and the vibe was totally different. If you've only lived in the Philippines it's hard to say lol, but those of you who've lived in other countries, do you know the difference? Why might this be?

Shouldn't we all be holding hands and singing Kumbaya? We beat the system and found ourselves great women. Where's the hand-holding and singing? ☹️

Korean businessman robbed in Angeles Balibago accommodation — Police arrest 38-െന്ന് suspect the same night

📌 On October 10 (Sat) at around 5:55 AM, a 41-year-old Korean businessman was robbed inside his accommodation in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City. According to the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), a 38-year-old male suspect was arrested in a manhunt operation at around 8:30 PM on the same day, and a handgun, a grenade, and the victim's mobile phone and bag were recovered.

■ Incident Details
· Police stated that a robbery-holdup incident targeting a 41-year-old Korean businessman took place on October 10 (Sat) at around 5:55 AM inside an accommodation on Batangas Street, Balibago.
· Right after the incident, police launched a hot pursuit and apprehended a 38-year-old man living in Barangay Amsic at around 8:30 PM the same day. The jurisdiction police station, the criminal and intelligence units, and forces from the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) participated in the joint operation.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· According to police announcements, a Glock 22 Gen 5 (.40 caliber) pistol loaded with a magazine containing 9 live rounds and a hand grenade were recovered from the suspect's sling bag.
· Two helmets (black and gray) believed to have been worn during the crime, clothing, and a black NMAX motorcycle believed to have been used for the getaway were also seized, and the victim's mobile phone and bag were found inside the motorcycle's storage compartment.
· The suspect is currently in police custody. The charges are at the police announcement stage and have not yet been ruled on by a court.

■ Notice for Residents and Travelers
· Even inside your accommodation, do not immediately open the door for unexpected visitors in the early morning, and keep cash and valuables in a safe or store them separately.
· If you encounter an armed robber, do not resist, prioritize your safety, remember their appearance and motorcycle features, and immediately report to the police (911). In this case as well, police pursuit led to an arrest on the same day.

■ Source
Angeles City Police Office (Official Facebook, 10/11)

For those who've settled in the Philippines long term, which do you think is better: building your own home or renting?

If you've done either, how did it work out?

Would you build again, or do you think renting gives you more freedom and fewer headaches?

How long would you wait for a long-distance partner who keeps asking you to be patient?

I'm in my 40s, and I've been in a long-distance relationship with my American boyfriend, who's in his 60s, for two years. The last time we met in person was more than two years ago.

Now he's talking about coming back to the Philippines to stay for at least a year, but he's still working in the US, so honestly I don't know how he'll make that happen. There's no set timeline either.

What frustrates me is that he seems busier now than when he was working two jobs. We still talk regularly, but lately I feel emotionally distant. I don't feel like I'm getting the emotional support I need from this relationship.

Every time I ask when he's coming back, he asks me, “Why can't you wait?”

I'm getting worn out, but I don't want to give up easily either. I was single for a long time before I met him, and I really hoped he'd be the one.

I'm in my 40s, and although I still look young for my age, I don't want to spend the rest of my good years waiting for a future that may or may not come.

For those who've been in a similar situation, how long would you wait? At what point would you stop waiting and choose yourself?

Tropical Storm Rachel is set to shoot a big load of wind into Southern California this weekend

The crackdown is coming! I just told a guy he has no permit for his solar installation.

To everyone installing solar themselves: if you're going to do it, do it fast. Meralco and the other power companies want a piece of this.

Did you know anyone can report you by phone or anonymous letter if you don't have the proper permits or a proper electrician didn't do the work? So many people want solar, and so many plan to do it themselves. Hurry! A year from now it won't be easy.

Where do young foreigners hang out in Manila? Not girly bars

Hi everyone, can anyone recommend bars in Manila where young foreigners tend to gather? Ideally places with lots of people in their 20s and 30s.

I'm looking for a place with a good vibe where I can have a few drinks, chat and meet people. I'm not interested in girly bars or strip clubs, just a decent bar where it doesn't feel awkward to show up alone.

It doesn't have to be all foreigners either. A mix of locals and foreigners would be even better. Any spots or regular nights you'd recommend?

Delivery Rider Arrested in Manila for Selling P300,000 Worth of Stolen Cameras Online — Police Issue Warning on Buying High-End Goods Online

📌 On Wednesday, October 7, a 22-year-old delivery rider was arrested in a police entrapment operation in Manila while trying to sell approximately 304,000 pesos worth of camera equipment suspected to have been stolen. According to an announcement by the Philippine National Police (PNP) posted on the official Facebook page of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, the rightful owner spotted the equipment listed online and reported it, leading to the arrest. The PNP has urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing high-value items online.

■ Incident Details
· The owner recognized their missing camera and lenses in an online sales listing and sought help from the police.
· Law enforcement arranged a transaction with the suspect, verified the serial numbers and identification details of the equipment at the scene, and made the arrest.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The suspect has been charged with violating the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979 (Presidential Decree No. 1612), which penalizes the possession and sale of stolen goods, and legal proceedings are underway. The allegations are claims made by the police and will be determined in court.
· PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. cautioned the public to be careful when buying expensive items online.

■ Advice for Residents and Travelers
· High-end second-hand items such as cameras and mobile phones sold significantly below market value may be stolen goods. Always ask sellers for purchase receipts or warranty cards and check the serial numbers.
· If you have lost items, monitor online second-hand marketplaces. If you find them, do not meet the seller alone; notify the police instead. This case was also resolved through the owner's report and a police entrapment operation.

■ Source
Pampanga Police Provincial Office (Official Facebook, 10/11)

It's not easy to find a reliable taxi
driver in the Philippines.
Most drivers are men, and a lot of them
are glued to their phones while driving.

I love my lady driver!

Want to rate my cats?

They're Filipino expat cats

Home solar installation
Good afternoon, everyone.

I live in the Philippines with my partner. We've been here a year, and we're looking to install a solar system at home because we're tired of paying ₱7,500 a month for a small house.

Has anyone in the group had experience with solar installation, good or otherwise? I'm looking for advice on quality of workmanship, customer service, after-sales service and so on — not just price.

To any solar company reps: please don't bother replying to advertise your company. I'm looking for genuine, unbiased advice.

Thanks in advance to everyone for your advice.

EDIT: TO CLARIFY, WE LIVE IN CAVITE.

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE SYSTEM INSTALLED; WE WON'T BE FITTING IT OURSELVES.

WE'VE ALREADY GOT A COUPLE OF GOOD LEADS AND I'M TALKING WITH ONE OF THEM.

I'M NOT INTERESTED IN REPLIES, PRIVATE MESSAGES OR FB FRIEND REQUESTS FROM SOLAR COMPANY REPS.

Helga makes money off homeless kids, yet says giving them money for food is bad

These kids are very poor and probably homeless, and she's telling people not to give them money for food because it teaches them not to work for a living. They look about five years old, and a lot of kids like this grow up in areas where the economy isn't great, so they don't get a fair start in life to begin with. Yet at the same time she's literally making money off these kids (she gets paid for views on Facebook). I'm kind of on the fence about this, what do you all think? Couldn't she at least have bought them some food for helping her make content? Besides her expat boyfriend, that's probably her only or main source of income.

Nope, not getting in the truck

Meralco distribution rate hike approved for the first time in 15 years — from 1.35 to 1.48 pesos per kWh, implementation date undecided

📌 On Saturday, October 10, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) announced its decision to reset Meralco's distribution rates for the first time in 15 years, raising the average distribution rate from 1.35 pesos to 1.48 pesos per kWh, an increase of about 13 centavos (9.6%). While around 8 million Meralco customers could be affected, it has not yet been announced when the changes will take effect or how much household bills will increase.

■ What changes
· The ERC set Meralco's distribution revenue at about 342 billion pesos from July 2026 to June 2030, which is 36% lower than the 532 billion pesos requested by Meralco.
· Meralco applied for 2.34 pesos per kWh, but the ERC only approved 1.48 pesos.
· This decision applies only to the "distribution charge" for carrying electricity through power lines and substations. Generation and transmission charges, taxes, and other items are not included.
· This is the first time since 2011 that Meralco's distribution revenues and rates have undergone a complete review.
· ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan explained that capital expenditures lacking sufficient justification, excessive operating and bad debt costs were cut, and a lower return on capital than what Meralco proposed was applied.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· Check if Meralco is printed on your electricity bill. Areas served by other distribution companies are not subject to this decision.
· You will need to wait for further announcements from Meralco and the ERC regarding the implementation date and the specific increase for households. Monthly bills fluctuate separately based on generation charges and other factors, so do not calculate potential increases based solely on this rate hike.

■ Sources
Inquirer (10/11), Rappler (10/10)

I tried to get a driver's license in Ormoc yesterday, but they won't do it until I've been here 3 months. Fine, I can live with that. On top of that, I have a commercial license and can drive anything on the road. But my US license only says Class A and doesn't specifically say I can drive passenger vehicles. That's just how it works in the US. They told me my license has to specifically show passenger vehicles! This is nuts! I only want a standard car and motorcycle license. Any suggestions on how to get around this idiocy?

My real estate agent wants a key to my place. I said no and she asked again, saying it's for emergencies. Is this normal?

It doesn't seem normal to me, but I haven't been in this country long. I can't tell whether this is weird or I'm just still adjusting to the culture.