From Klaus Doring

There might be a lot of



different reasons for each and


every one why to live in the Philippines for good. Family, Philippine spouse, doing business or just enjoying a great pensioner's life.

The Philippine Retirement Authority (Manila) describes it with its slogan "Smile at Life in the Philippines". This slogan indeed encapsulates the spirit behind PRA's vision. Retirees who choose the Philippines can look forward to being treated as a person, not as a statistic. PRA helps provide the good life for retirees (NOT being married to a Philippine national) not only for their material comfort, but also for their psychological and emotional well being as well.

By the way, the Philippine Retirement Authority is a government owned and controlled corporation created by virtue of Executive order no. 1037, signed by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, on July 4, 1985. On August 31, 2001, through E.o. no 26, the control and supervision of PRA was transferred to the Board of Investments (BOI) from the Office of the President.

PRA's head office is in Makati City (Hotline +632.848-1412 or email: inquiry@pra.gov.ph. but there are several satellite offices in Cebu City, Olangapo City, Angeles City Pampanga, Baguio City - and since a couple of months also in Davao City (headed by my friend Mr. Jimmy Llames).

Why choose the Philippines? In the Philippines, retirees (and also all other expats and businesspeople) have the chance a lot to smile about it!

Mabuhay and welcome to the Philippines!

Kidapawan

Bruce and thanksgiving

This comes from Bruce Linder article from his site American In Davao, to read the aricle in full click HERE

In the past, I have mentioned the different Expat groups in Davao. They all have their own dynamics and agendas. The first one I became part of is the Friends of Mindanao. A man named Ian Fredericks, a New Zealander, who had lived here for many years, started the Friends of Mindanao. He was a business marketing and motivational speaker, and originally stared the group as a business marketing and support group. The group eventually became a social and support group for all expats. It was a relaxed meeting where members would be presenters telling about their life or occupation back home.

They group meets twice a month on the first and third Wednesday mornings. We would sit and have coffee or beverage of choice and enjoy each other’s company. It was decided to have this week’s meeting as an American Thanksgiving party. The meeting was moved up to 2pm since a turkey meal is too heavy for breakfast time.

Tim Walker the Antique man

stuck in the 19th century

This sixth and final insert on my experiences within the auction business in the state of Pennsylvania will just be about what comes to mind. I hope along the way here within this web magazine that I give a helping hand or bring a laugh or a memorable experience to someone out there. I find in times within the business in any aspect that we all find hardship and hard times can be a trying thing for us all. I find myself in a mindset within others and try to find myself outside of the circle of gossip so as not to find myself at the bottom of a well, mentality wise.

Auctioneering has taken many steps forward though some of it’s laws and bylaws seem to be stuck in the 19^th century. I’m unsure if any of that will ever change as this venue to has taken a political type agenda and seems to be tamed by a group of ring leaders that keep the lion in it’s cage, so to say.

Past all that, when I was teaching at H.A.C.C. I saw many wide eyed students trying to find a way into a world that would allow them to hopefully break the daily work routine that so many of us find ourselves in. I miss teaching there but my life has changed so many times and in so many directions that I can no longer afford to the time to stay there in Pennsylvania due to my moving around the world now.

See the full article from Tim Walker HERE

More of the Thanksgiving

I would like to thank all 43 people who attended this lunch/dinner for the FOM and for Ian Fredericks memory as well. I also forgot to thank my very good friend Juvanne Helgramosa for playing accoustic guitar for the event and for his time and efforts involved in this matter. The room turned out to be a perfect size for us and the day was a little rainy. I suppose in my words about Ian it was a fitting day as I noted in my speach about Ian's blog that Josh, Ian's 5 year old son said "The Sun Is Crying"...........and yes my friend, the Sun is crying for all of us on this day too!!! Tim Walker

What a great day

We had forty people at the Thanksgiving meal,a record!!

I am sure Ian would have been a very proud man.

Here are some pictures from Bruce Linder of the event.

And a great big thank you to Tim Walker for the great organising, and to Bruce and of course to Bryan the TOP CHEF.

Philippine food

From Klaus Doring

I have been travelling around the world since the age of 16. I stayed in almost 65 countries worldwide. Sure, I learned to eat a lot of things. Many times, as a real newcomer I started shudder while tasting a new dish.

Of course, every country has some disgusting special food that foreigners are forced to eat. It's an invitation rite before strangers are allow to enter the new community. Here in Davao City/Mindanao, where I am residing since 1999 for good, one can find for example the fruit Durian (smells hell but tastes heaven!). Yeah, it's true... .

Full article click HERE

The Christmas Charity

Our hope this year is to fulfill Ian's dream of helping Dennis who is running a boys school in Panacan.

More details to follow, and please look at the article from last week , which includes a video.

These pictures show that the boys are Fully part of the school. They live,work and get educated all under this roof. All thanks to Dennis.

For details from the Multiply site of Dennis then click this link NOW

Bruce has 2nd year

Just like last year, and because Elena had her Marco Polo privilege card renewed, Elena again took me to a night in the Marco Polo again. Wednesday, the day before my special day, we had to stop by the hotel to confirm our reservation with the Privilege Card Dept. and the front desk. George and Jenny, who work the front desk were there and were happy we would be back again to celebrate my Birthday. George informed us he would be off on Thursday, but would see us on Friday before we left.

Full article on AMERICAN IN DAVAO

Ian, article from Live in the Philippines

This article appears on the site Live in the Philippines.

One of the things we try to put at the back of our minds is that a sudden severe illness could result in death. This I think is true for most of us, but its even more important when you are not in your home country.

I am not going to state the obvious things like medical insurances and regular check ups, but rather what happened to my good friend and business partner last week. He is no longer with

us, so he can not tell the story.

From Stephen King,UK

I met Ian for the first time about 3 years ago with John. From that first meeting I could tell Ian was somebody with so much drive and a big personality. As John and Ian worked together I spent quite a bit of time with them and we socialised as well. He became a major part of our lives and life in Davao is just not going to be the same without him.
He was an amazing man really, with so much energy and a positive outlook on life.
Ian, we will miss you so very much and may you rest in peace. And my love goes to Bing and the rest of Ian's family."