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Hmm, not really great... I guess it'll get better.

Hi everyone, my question is very specific.

If you enter on a Balikbayan visa, once the allowed one-year stay is up you can convert to a tourist visa and extend for three more years. Has anyone been able to extend beyond those three years on the grounds that their original entry was on a Balikbayan visa?

I've heard that past three years they'll keep extending you indefinitely.

As for my situation, I'm severely disabled and use a wheelchair, so even leaving the country for a couple of days to get a new BB visa would be extremely hard for me.

When applying for a Philippine marriage visa, if the authorities ask for a police check, does that mean a DBS check for a UK citizen?

Dating American Women in Their 40s–50s

I know many foreign men go to Southeast Asia looking for young, traditional Filipino wives or girlfriends. But are there any single foreign men living there who are looking to date and spend time with foreign women in their 40s–50s? From a woman's perspective, how would she go about finding such men?

🌴🇵🇭 Come discover Bantayan Island, Cebu — everyone's invited! 🏝️☀️

White sand like Boracay. Island hopping like Palawan. But without the crowds or the high prices!

Welcome to Bantayan Island, Cebu — one of the Philippines' best-kept secrets and, in my opinion, a true gem of this country! 💎

Imagine waking up to beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, fresh seafood, gorgeous sunsets, and a laid-back island vibe where life flows a little more slowly.

🏖️ Beautiful beaches that hold their own against the famous destinations.

🚤 Island hopping and hidden coastal spots.

🍽️ Tasty local food and fresh seafood at affordable prices.

🌅 Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

🦋 Local attractions, gardens and activities the whole family can enjoy.

💰 Generally lower prices and less crowding than the Philippines' better-known tourist spots.

Whether it's a romantic trip, a family vacation, a few days of exploring, or just wanting to get away from the daily grind, Bantayan Island is worth adding to your travel list.

And the best part is, you don't have to spend a fortune or squeeze through thousands of tourists to enjoy a memorable tropical island trip.

Come for just a few days. Stay a little longer. You might find out why so many visitors fall for Bantayan. ❤️

The Philippines has many beautiful destinations, but sometimes its greatest treasures are the places that don't get the attention they deserve.

🌴 Bantayan Island, Cebu — less hype, fewer crowds, more island charm!

Please think of this post as your personal invitation.

Have you been to Bantayan Island, or is it still on your bucket list?

#BantayanIsland #CebuPhilippines #VisitBantayan #DiscoverPhilippines #IslandParadise #HiddenGemPH #PhilippinesTourism #IslandHopping #ExploreCebu #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines #TravelPhilippines

9(g) Visa Application: Temporary Acceptance of Official AEP Card Application Proof (As of September 17, 2026, Bureau of Immigration, Philippines)

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines,
the issuance of Alien Employment Permit (AEP) cards by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has been transferred from regional offices to the central office (headquarters), causing delays in issuance. As a result, 9(g) work visa applications and renewals have not been processed on time, and foreign nationals whose work visas have expired have been forced to downgrade their visas, among other inconveniences.

Accordingly, the BI has announced that the following temporary guidelines will be applied internally to 9(g) work visa applications and renewal filings starting September 17, 2026. Those affected are advised to review the following items.

1. Scope of Application: Foreign nationals seeking to convert or extend to a 9(g) visa
※ Applies only to those who applied for an AEP with DOLE on or after August 3, 2026

2. Initial Submission Documents
(1) Conversion application: ① Copy of the official DOLE receipt (proof of AEP application), ② Notarized affidavit jointly prepared by the applicant and the employing company
(2) Extension application: ① Copy of the official DOLE receipt (proof of AEP application), ② A valid 9(g) visa at the time of application, ③ Notarized affidavit jointly prepared by the applicant and the employing company

3. Deadline for Secondary Document Submission
(1) Within 60 days from the initial submission (application) date, submit the physical AEP card or official proof of AEP approval/issuance to the BI Visa Processing Center (VPC)
(2) If only proof of approval/issuance was submitted within 60 days from the initial submission (application) date, submit the physical AEP card additionally within 75 days from the initial submission (application) date
※ Failure to submit within the deadlines may result in rejection of the visa application due to incomplete documents.

4. Notes
(1) The core of the new guidelines is that the 9(g) visa application will be accepted first based solely on proof of application, without the physical AEP card.
(2) Actual approval of the visa will be decided after the physical AEP card is submitted and verified through the BI–DOLE information sharing system.
(3) The notarized affidavit must include confirmation by the applicant and the employing company of the following:
- That the application is a temporary filing based on proof of AEP application
- That approval will not be granted until the physical card is submitted and verified in the system
- That the application may be rejected if documents are not submitted within the deadline
- That the BI may reject the application at any time for other legal reasons
(4) Even while awaiting the AEP card, the application may be rejected for other reasons.
(5) Extension applications must be filed while the existing 9(g) visa is valid, so please check your visa expiration date in advance.
(6) Specific filing procedures and affidavit forms may vary by regional BI office, so be sure to confirm with your jurisdictional Bureau of Immigration Philippines office before applying.

Source: Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines Notice Board · Posted 2026-10-13 · KOGL Type 1 (Attribution)
https://ph.mofa.go.kr/ph-ko/brd/m_3640/view.do?seq=1346558

I'm packing the essentials to bring to the Philippines as we move into our new house. Does customs restrict expats from bringing in a US-made weed whacker or gas-powered garden tools? My sister-in-law says the Chinese-made garden tools sold locally break easily. She bought a weed whacker and it broke after just a few months.

41 trafficking victims rescued from hotel and villa in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu — 10 minors, 5 arrested

📌 On Saturday, October 10, the NBI Cebu Office carried out simultaneous raids in Punta Engaño and Pajac, both in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu, rescuing 41 women (including 10 minors) who appear to have been forced into sex work and arresting 5 suspects. Investigators posing as customers caught the group that was "offering" women through online pages.

■ Background of the case
· The NBI began its investigation after receiving a tip that women were being offered to customers through online pages. Investigators posed as customers and made deals with the suspects.
· Two teams moved at the same time. At a hotel in Punta Engaño, they rescued 15 women (9 minors) and arrested 1 person.
· At a private villa in Pajac, they rescued 26 women (1 minor) and arrested 4 people.
· The operation was carried out together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Field Office VII (DSWD-7) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking Region VII (IACAT-7).

■ Investigation and current status
· Complaints for aggravated trafficking under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act have been filed against the 5 arrested suspects with the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor's Office.
· The 41 rescued women are under the protection of DSWD-7, which is providing medical and psychological support.

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· Offers to "introduce" women through social media or online pages may be linked to trafficking groups, and investigators sometimes conduct raids by posing as customers.
· If you see someone who appears to be a minor being used for sex work at your accommodation, notify the staff or the police.

■ Sources
Inquirer (10/15), SunStar (10/14)

■ Photos
· Rescued women with their faces covered by towels at the raid site — Inquirer

Clark Freeport: 3.7kg of Suspected Ketamine Seized from 2 International Parcels

📌 Between the early morning hours of October 13 (Tue) and October 14 (Wed), a joint crackdown by police and relevant agencies seized about 3.745kg of a substance suspected to be ketamine from two parcels that arrived at a cargo facility in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) announcement posted on the official Facebook page of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, the street value (based on standard drug prices) is approximately 18,725,000 pesos.

■ Incident Details
· Location: Cargo facility within Clark Freeport Zone
· Seizure: Two parcels from abroad; the substance inside was initially reported as ketamine.
· Participating agencies: Joint interdiction operation by PDEA, the police anti-drug unit, BOC (Bureau of Customs), NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), and the Aviation Security Group

■ Investigation and Current Status
· This seizure was one of several anti-drug operations the police carried out between the early morning hours of October 13 and 14 in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao. According to police, the total amount seized was about 5.07kg, worth more than 27.7 million pesos.
· The announcement did not mention whether anyone was arrested in the Clark case, or the origin or recipient of the parcels.

■ Notes for Residents and Travelers
· Refuse parcels if someone you don't know asks you to receive or send them on their behalf — they could make you a person of interest in an investigation under your name.
· If an international parcel you did not order arrives in your name, do not open it; check with the courier company or the police first.

■ Source
Pampanga Police Provincial Office (official Facebook page, 10/14)

All Saints' and All Souls' Days (Undas, Nov. 1–2): 5,628 Cemeteries Nationwide to Be Covered by Up to 111,582 Police Personnel

📌 On October 14 (Wed.), the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that it will deploy up to 111,582 police and auxiliary personnel to 5,628 cemeteries and columbaria nationwide during Undas (All Saints' Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls' Day on Nov. 2). Police Colonel Amante Daro made the announcement at a forum of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Patrols will be increased not only at cemeteries but also at bus terminals, shopping malls, resorts, and residential areas where more houses are left empty.

■ What's Changing
· Deployment: Up to 111,582 personnel. Of these, 31,814 are auxiliary personnel, such as Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPAT) and local government staff (Force Multipliers), who will also help with traffic direction.
· Coverage: 5,628 cemeteries and columbaria nationwide
· To prepare for the crowds of people traveling home, police will be increased at transportation hubs such as bus terminals and on major roads.
· Patrols will be strengthened at shopping malls, resorts, and tourist sites, and residential areas will also be patrolled to prevent break-ins at homes left empty when families travel to the provinces.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· From late October to early November, bus terminals and highways get crowded, so plan your travel with extra time.
· If you leave your home empty over the holiday, lock up securely and do not leave valuables behind.
· At places where many people gather, such as cemeteries and terminals, keep your phone and wallet in front of your body.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/14), Philstar (10/15)

■ Photo
· Stock photo · Police deployed at the entrance of a cemetery in southern Manila — Philstar

Labor Dept. Announces Holiday Pay Rules for November 1, 2, and 30

📌 On October 13 (Tue.), the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced the November holiday pay rules through Labor Advisory No. 18 (2026), dated October 12. November 1 (Sun.), All Saints' Day, and November 2 (Mon.), All Souls' Day, are special non-working days. November 30 (Mon.), Bonifacio Day, is a regular holiday. Businesses and households that employ workers should check these in advance.

■ What Changes
· November 1 and 2 (special non-working days): If a worker works, they receive an additional 30% of their basic pay for the first 8 hours. If they do not work, the principle is "no work, no pay," unless company policy, practice, or a collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise.
· If a special non-working day falls on a worker's rest day and they work, they receive an additional 50% of their basic pay for the first 8 hours.
· November 30 (regular holiday): If a worker works, they receive 200% of their wage for the first 8 hours. If they do not work, they receive 100% of their wage if they reported for work the day before the holiday or were on paid leave.
· If a regular holiday falls on a rest day and the worker works, an additional 30% is added to the 200% holiday pay.
· Overtime beyond 8 hours earns an additional 30% of the hourly rate for those hours.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· If you employ a household helper, driver, or similar worker, decide in advance whether they will work on these dates and explain how their pay will be calculated.
· November 1 is a Sunday, so grave visits will likely concentrate on the weekend, and it becomes a long weekend extending to Monday, November 2.

■ Sources
GMA News (10/13), Daily Tribune (10/14)

■ Photos
· Stock photo · Signboard of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office — Daily Tribune

Fuel Surcharge Cut One Level to Level 16 for Flights from October 16–31 — Domestic Up to PHP 1,535

📌 On October 12 (Mon), the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) announced that the fuel surcharge for flights departing the Philippines will be lowered one level to Level 16 from October 16 (Fri) to October 31 (Sat). Domestic one-way fares will range from PHP 525 to PHP 1,535, and international one-way fares will range from PHP 1,733.76 to PHP 12,891.29. Although lower than the Level 17 applied in the first half of October, it remains at a high level, so the burden of travel for the Undas (early November All Saints' Day grave-visiting holiday) is expected to not decrease significantly.

■ What Is Changing
· Application period: October 16 (Fri) – October 31 (Sat)
· Domestic one-way: PHP 525–1,535 (Level 17 for October 1–15 was PHP 559–1,635)
· International one-way: PHP 1,733.76–12,891.29 (Level 17 was PHP 1,846.10–13,726.58)
· According to a Philstar report, routes to Japan and Korea are up to PHP 2,697.07, and routes to Guam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are PHP 2,397.82.
· Amounts vary by flight distance, and airlines charge within the approved ceiling.

■ Background
· The fuel surcharge is an additional fee added on top of the base fare, with levels set according to international jet fuel prices.
· As fuel price volatility has grown due to the situation in the Middle East, the CAB is now resetting levels every 15 days rather than monthly.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· When comparing airfares, look at the total amount including the fuel surcharge and taxes, not just the base fare.
· The applied level may change every 15 days, so check the amount at the time of booking.

■ Sources
BusinessWorld (10/12), Philstar (10/14) (international route amounts confirmed by one source only)

■ Photos
· 1. Stock photo · Domestic airliners standing at Manila Airport — BusinessWorld
· 2. Stock photo · Check-in queue at the Manila Airport departure hall — GMA News

"Fight or flee?" — they picked both.

I have rheumatoid arthritis and I'm looking for a doctor who can prescribe medication

I'm currently staying in Mandaluyong, Manila, near Fame Mall Residence

Mega Tower. Shangri-La Mall.

Many thanks 🙏 Joe

Only 11 views, but why is this showing up as a trending post these past few days?

It's been like this since it had 4 views. It needs to get past 100 at least.

Hello, fellow expats!

Is there by any chance a safe way to buy from a FB ad? I tend to get scammed. I mean buying a laptop directly from a shop? They don't take credit cards.

What I saw on X today

Does anyone know how I can find a Tagalog teacher online? Thank you. I'm planning to explore Luzon starting from Clark Airport in Manila.

What happens next

If the Iran war drags on and affects the Philippines' oil imports, leading to more power outages and rising prices, do Korean residents and other foreigners have a Plan B? Will you move to another Southeast Asian country, or leave the region altogether until oil supplies are running smoothly again? Are you in a position to return to your home country?

Someone who casually hops across rocky terrain without a second thought