Feed

What Medicare insurance plans are available that cover people who have retired and live in the Philippines?

DepEd Orders Suspension of All In-Person and Home-Based Academic Activities When Temperatures Reach 42°C

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has issued comprehensive school guidelines to prepare for the threat of a Super El Niño. For the safety of students and teachers, all in-person and home-based academic activities must be suspended when the ambient temperature reaches 42 degrees Celsius.

"We can't afford to wait until extreme heat hits. Our plan this year is proactive, careful, and systematic," he said.

Full article: https://www.onenews.ph/articles/deped-complete-suspension-of-classes-if-temperature-hits-42-degrees-celsius

Seriously, this is too much. We went through the pandemic, we were the first K-12 graduates, and now prices have gone up on everything!!! Even fish balls couldn't escape it.

During the COVID lockdown...

Can anyone recommend a reliable lender in the Philippines?

It was my mistake for not reading the terms of my property loan properly when I took it out 3 years ago. I feel like I was basically scammed by a predatory lender. I want to take out a new loan to pay off my existing property loan, so please recommend a trustworthy lender. It has to be one that sends monthly loan statements and payment confirmations, and notifies you right away if even a single payment is missed.

The loan was supposed to be fully paid off on October 9, but when I went to the lender to finalize it, they told me that two payments were missed in 2024, so I still owe 175,000 pesos. I was never told anything about missed payments. When I looked into it, my bank had mistakenly never actually sent the transfers, and the bank even sent me a confirmation saying the payments were processed SUCCESSFULLY. Of course, the lender doesn't care about the reason. They say it's my problem and that I should sue the bank.

The terms I'm talking about are the rebate I got every month on all payments when paid on time. Because of the two missed payments, they say I have to return the rebates for the entire loan period. On top of that, penalties are added for every month the missed payments went unpaid. If they had told me right then, I would have taken care of it immediately.

Is this just how lending practices normally are in the Philippines? I can't afford a lawyer, especially right now. That's why I'm asking here.

Disgusting! This is insane! What on earth is going on with our schools?

LOL, this app never disappoints

Is there a place in Manila where foreigners gather for a beer or a drink?

Motorcycle Noise Pollution
What does the law say about motorcycle noise pollution in the Davao area of Mindanao?

Our location is ideal and perfect, except for the motorcycles without mufflers that go up the road near our land. It's not all day, every day, but they cut in periodically and disturb our otherwise almost perfectly peaceful neighborhood.

I'm thinking of just buying a Harley-Davidson here, with Freedom Performance loud pipes that shake the ground, and matching or out-roaring the local bikes. At least it would sound awesome 😆

Safety Advisory for the Philippines' All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (Undas) Holiday Period

With All Saints' Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls' Day (Nov. 2) approaching in the Philippines, a large increase in travel is expected as people return to their home provinces and visit family graves. The Philippine National Police has announced that it will place all police units nationwide on Full Alert Status from Friday, Oct. 30 to Monday, Nov. 2, and will step up security and safety operations at major cemeteries and transportation facilities across the country.

In this regard, Korean nationals residing in or planning to visit the Philippines are asked to refer to the safety guidelines below and take special care for their personal safety.

ㅇ (Preventing pickpocketing and other crimes) Beware of pickpocketing and theft in crowded places such as cemeteries, public transport terminals, shopping malls, and tourist attractions. Keep your bags and valuables with you at all times, and take care not to expose cash, mobile phones, passports, and the like.

ㅇ (Traffic safety and vehicle checks) Congestion is expected on major roads and around transport terminals due to the increase in people traveling home and tourists during the holiday period. Check your vehicle's condition before driving long distances, and refrain from speeding, drunk driving, and drowsy driving.

ㅇ (Precautions when visiting cemeteries and crowded facilities) When visiting cemeteries and public facilities, please follow the guidance of local authorities and the instructions of safety personnel. Firearms, bladed or sharp objects, and alcohol are prohibited from being brought into cemeteries, so please check each facility's rules in advance. In crowded places, check emergency exits and evacuation routes beforehand, and take care not to get separated from children or your companions.

ㅇ (Avoiding unnecessary nighttime travel) During the holiday period, plan your trips in advance as much as possible, and avoid traveling late at night in unfamiliar areas or visiting secluded places if you can. If you must travel, use reliable transportation and share your route and estimated arrival time with family or acquaintances.

In an emergency, please ask for help at the nearest police station or Police Assistance Desk, and if an incident or accident involving a Korean national occurs, please also contact the Korean Consulate in Cebu.

ㅇ Philippine National Police emergency hotline: 911
ㅇ Emergency contacts of the Korean Consulate in Cebu:
- Consular Call Center (24 hours): +82-2-3210-0404
- Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines: +63-917-817-5703
- Korean Consulate in Cebu (during office hours): +63-32-231-1516~9. End.

Source: Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines Overseas Safety Information · Posted 2026-10-29 · Korea Open Government License Type 1 (Attribution)
https://ph.mofa.go.kr/ph-ko/brd/m_27094/view.do?seq=1346451

Recommendations for a Retirement Destination

Hello,

I'd like to hear from expats who have already retired in the Philippines or are planning to.

If you could choose anywhere in the country to settle long-term, where would you pick? Please tell me why.

Here's what I'm most curious about:

Safety and low crime
Good healthcare and access to hospitals
Reliable internet and public utilities
Reasonable cost of living
A friendly local community
Modern amenities like shopping malls and restaurants
Low flood risk and good infrastructure
Overall quality of life

I currently live in Makati, but because of the congestion and the rent, I'd especially love to hear from people living in Cebu, Dumaguete, and the areas around Davao. Realistic firsthand experiences from people who actually live in those places would be great.

If you've already retired in the Philippines, where did you choose, and would you pick the same place again if you could choose again?

Are there also any areas that are commonly recommended but that you would personally avoid?

I look forward to your thoughts and experiences.

Thank you!

For those of you who have an ACR card and a driver's license, do you also carry your passport when traveling within the Philippines?

How do those of you who work out or do bodybuilding in the Philippines eat?

I'm thinking about ordering from a meal prep company, but I'd also like to see what everyone here eats every day.

Thank you

The peso hit a record low of 64 pesos against the dollar in intraday trading on Tuesday, October 27

It seems like some Filipinos (and maybe foreigners too?) are getting fed up with the electricity situation in the Visayas region. I wonder how people would have reacted if a foreigner had left a comment like this here.

Yesterday's Top News from the Philippines (10/28)

📌 We picked six of the most important stories from the Philippines on October 28 and gathered them in one place. Click a headline to go to the full article.

1. 67-Year-Old Business Permit Inspector Shot Dead in Arayat, Pampanga — Child Hurt by Stray Bullet
On the morning of the 28th in Arayat, a 67-year-old business permit inspector riding a motorcycle was shot dead by gunmen, and one child was wounded by a stray bullet. Police are tracking the suspects using CCTV.

2. Ketamine Worth 18.72 Million Pesos Disguised as 'Cleaning Powder' Seized at Clark Port — Recipient Arrested
On the 27th at Clark Port, about 18.72 million pesos' worth of ketamine was found inside a parcel from Amsterdam declared as 'cleaning powder,' and a 26-year-old man who came to pick it up was arrested.

3. Motorcycle Rider Shot Dead in San Enrique, Negros Occidental — 3 Arrested Within 3 Hours
On the afternoon of the 26th, a motorcycle rider was shot dead on the national highway in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, and police arrested three suspects in Bago City within three hours.

4. Peso Hits Record Low of 64.18 per Dollar Intraday, Then Rebounds to Close at 64.025
On the 28th, the peso hit a new record low of 64.18 per dollar intraday before rebounding to close at 64.025. President Marcos pledged to defend the peso.

5. Pampanga Deploys 1,350 Police to Cemeteries for Undas — Traffic and Safety Guide for Angeles and San Fernando
The Pampanga Provincial Police Office is deploying about 1,350 personnel to cemeteries during Undas, and the cities of Angeles and San Fernando have also announced cemetery traffic and safety measures.

6. Angeles Police Arrest 7 Wanted Suspects in October 27 Warrant Operation
The Angeles police station said it arrested seven wanted suspects in a warrant operation on the 27th. The charges included failure to appear in court and slight physical injuries.

13 Children Hospitalized in Koronadal, South Cotabato After Eating Poisonous 'Tuba-tuba' Fruit

📌 On Monday, October 26, in Koronadal City, South Cotabato Province, Mindanao, 13 children were taken to the hospital with stomach pain and vomiting after eating the poisonous tuba-tuba ('kasla') fruit. Philstar reported that one adult was also hospitalized, bringing the total to 14.

■ What Happened
· One child reportedly saw a YouTube video saying the fruit was safe to eat and shared it with friends (according to the child's mother).
· The children who ate the fruit showed symptoms of stomach pain and vomiting and were taken to the hospital.
· The scientific name of tuba-tuba is Jatropha curcas.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· GMA reported that all the children were discharged after being observed, while Philstar reported that some are recovering.
· The South Cotabato provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer said, "The leaves are medicinal, but the fruit is not edible."

■ Advisory for Residents and Travelers
· Warn children not to eat unfamiliar fruit found along roadsides or in the neighborhood.
· If stomach pain, vomiting, or dizziness occurs after eating it, go to the hospital right away.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/28 — the YouTube account was confirmed by only one source), Philstar (10/29)

■ Photo
· Children receiving treatment at the hospital (faces blurred) — tnt.abante.com.ph

Two earthquakes, including a magnitude 5.4, off Balut Island, Davao Occidental — Classes suspended in Sarangani

📌 On the morning of Wednesday, October 28, two earthquakes struck off Balut Island in the town of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Mindanao. A 7:43 a.m. quake was followed by a magnitude 5.4 quake at 9:11 a.m., and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said they were aftershocks of the big June earthquake.

■ What's changing
· The magnitude of the first quake differs by news report — GMA reported 5.1, while NewsWatch Plus reported 5.5.
· The 9:11 a.m. quake was a magnitude 5.4 crustal earthquake with a depth of 10 km.
· Intensity 4 was recorded in Sarangani and Davao Occidental, and Intensity 3 in General Santos City and Tupi, South Cotabato.
· PHIVOLCS explained that these were aftershocks of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on June 8.
· The Sarangani provincial government suspended in-person classes and government office operations for building safety inspections and damage assessments.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· Aftershocks weaken over time but may continue for a while, so if shaking starts, take cover under a table.
· If you are traveling around General Santos or Sarangani, check your local government's announcements on class and office suspensions.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/28), NewsWatch Plus (10/28)

■ Photos
· 1. Map showing the epicenter of the earthquake off Balut Island — GMA News
· 2. PHIVOLCS epicenter map — NewsWatch Plus

Supreme Court: "Workers can't be forced to retire before 65 without their consent" — Illegal dismissal ruling

📌 According to reports on October 28, the First Division of the Philippine Supreme Court ruled that retiring a worker before age 65 without the worker's clear and voluntary consent constitutes illegal dismissal. The Court held Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Laguna liable for ending the employment of a finance officer when he turned 60.

■ What changes
· Under the Labor Code, the retirement age is set by an existing agreement or the employment contract; if none is specified, 65 is the compulsory retirement age, and optional retirement is allowed from age 60.
· Optional (early) retirement means giving up security of tenure, so it requires the worker's free and express consent.
· In this case, the school treated the worker's appointment as ended when he turned 60 on August 29, 2019. The Court found that the letter the worker sent was not an expression of intent to retire voluntarily, but a reply to a demand to repay a cash advance.

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· If you employ staff in the Philippines, check whether retirement age and early retirement provisions are included in the employment contract or company rules.
· When offering early retirement, it is safest to state the terms clearly so the employee can decide for themselves whether to accept, and to get their consent in writing.

■ Sources
The Manila Times (10/28), Daily Tribune (10/28)

■ Photo
· File photo · Exterior of the Letran school building — The Manila Times

I can never let go of this carpenter's pencil