Expat Community > Philippines

ACEPoolPlayer
Joined 2012
Posts: 2036

Relief Aid

10 years ago

So I just returned from a 3 week vacation in the Philippines. The main reason for the vacation was because my wife is from Tacloban ("Yolanda") and she hasn't been back to see her family in 3 years. She spent over 2 weeks there, I was there for 6 days. Of course her family like everyone else's in that area lost almost everything. I've been appalled the last 8 months when I hear about all the humanitarian aid that has been sent from around the world (millions of USD) but it never got to the people. I know first hand because I have been sending money every month to try to rebuild their home and they have received nothing other than sardines for the first two months after the storm. While in Manila I over heard a wealthy foreigner with good government ties saying that there were over 70 containers just sitting in North Harbor that haven't cleared customs. Two days later I'm in Saisaki/Dads/Kamayan restaurant for lunch and I hear some Filipinos mention the word Tacloban. I told them I was flying there tomorrow. The older guy was a politician/media person or something. He confirmed that the containers are just sitting in the harbor. Politics between local and national government on who is to get what. He even showed me a video on his phone of a recent meeting with the President. He had a front row seat. The President was saying we need to just tell everyone only 6,000 died. It's not good for the country to keep counting and tell the exact number of deaths. He has it on video on his phone. The Philippines is what it is... Imagine all the medicine, food, supplies and whatever else just sitting in the all those containers in the harbor estimated between 70-100 containers. Politics between local and government officials. That is what the Filipino guy (who obviously had clout told me).

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Living in Philippines Guide

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Philippines Forum
Join our Philippines forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Philippines.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Best Places to Live in Philippines

If you're thinking about living in Philippines, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Philippines in 2023.

Healthcare in Philippines

Expats in the Philippines have a lot to say about the quality of medical care, hospitals, prescription medicine availability and health insurance in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in Philippines

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Philippines.

Moving to Philippines Guide

Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.

Real Estate in Philippines

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Philippines.

Pros & Cons of Living in Philippines

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Philippines.

Retiring in Philippines

Advice for people retiring in Philippines.

10 Tips for Living in Philippines

If you've recently arrived in Philippines, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Philippines.

Additional Information:

Visit our Philippines Index for a Full List

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute
Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Philippines

Relief Aid

Login