After all, I did not know the developer from Adam. I've built my reputation by editing and publishing the Asian Journal and Philippines Today for almost sixteen years now and I do not want to risk it.
            I decided to go to the Philippines myself at my own expense, paying for my own airfare and hotel accommodations. To my pleasant surprise, I found out that the developer he was recommending had a solid track records and a strong reputation.
            The developer, D.O. Plaza Estate, Inc., is building a gated, luxurious enclave called Plaza Crest in Sucat, Paranaque. It is composed of the Plaza Family of Agusan Province. Their late father was the former governor; their mother, also the former governor; their brother, the present governor; another brother is the congressman; and still another brother the city mayor. D.O. Plaza Estate, Inc. had developed a low-incoming housing project, called Fatima Village, in Cavite.

Ideal Retirement Place

           I also found out during my visit that the Philippines is an ideal retirement place for Filipino Americans. This is because of the low-cost of living in the country, compared to America. A regular $1,000 a month retirement pension in the U.S. could go a long way in making the life of a retiree very comfortable if he chooses to stay in the Philippines. In the United States, that amount could barely cover living expenses like housing and food. In the Philippines however, one could employ a maid for about $150 a month with plenty to spare for leisure activities and dining out. If he is worried about his health, he could even avail of the services of a 24-hour nurse! Already, some health insurance coverage in the U.S. are being honored in the Philippines.
            I always lament the fact that in San Diego, there are hardly enough good places to dine out. Of course we have the Gaslamp Quarter District in the downtown area, but other than that, there are a few dining places that would suit the Filipino taste. The first class restaurants are either too expensive or the food doesn't compare to the eateries in the Metro Manila area.
            We sometimes go to Café Sevilla, a Spanish restaurant, but the only food I enjoy there is their freshly baked bread dipped in olive oil. The Spanish dishes, like the escargot, are too salty for my taste. Their lamb chops, pork chops or even paella are too oily. Of course we have dimsum restaurants, like Jasmine and Emerald Restaurants both in the Convoy area. But other than them, there are no other Chinese restaurants that I can recommend.

Average Dinner

           An average dinner in San Diego costs about $15 per person. But in Metro Manila, one could have a wide variety of choices for only about $3 person. The food is much better, much more delicious than the so-called first class restaurants in America.
            During one of my stays in the Philippines, I was brought to the Global City at the Fort. It is the site of the former Fort Bonifacio, an expansive army camp sold to private developers. It is now teeming with various eateries, high-rise condominiums and office buildings. Even at midnight it is still full of patrons (mostly young professionals) enjoying their dinner and drinks under the moonlight.
            I like the way Manila Mayor Lito Atienza developed the so-called Board Walk, a part of Roxas Blvd. near the Malate Church and the Cultural Center areas. He put restaurants and parks, where you can have dinner or drinks as you watch the world-famous Manila Bay sunset. I understand that a Bay City composed of office buildings, the biggest shopping mall in Asia, restaurants and other facilities would soon mushroom in the southern part of the reclamation area on Roxas Blvd. The development, I was told, would equal -- if not surpass -- the Fort.

Exciting Experience

           One of the more exciting experiences a balikbayan can have in the Philippines is visiting the public market. Well, there are several eateries, one in Baclaran, another in Sucat, Paranaque called “Dampa,” where you can find a wet market. You can buy fresh seafood -- oysters, clams, crabs, mussels, shrimps and fish -- and have them cooked at a restaurant inside.
            Everyone agrees that the seafood in the Philippines is fresher and sweeter than the frozen and sometimes stale variety available in the United States. While the oysters in the U.S. are much larger, they are less sweet than their small, fresh Philippine counterpart. Philippine shrimp, clams, and mussels that are served a few hours after they are caught are also of better quality. The ones in the U.S. are eaten months after they are caught since they have to be transported several thousands of miles away.
            Another place where eating out is a feast is in the Malate area near Adriatico Street. Before the war, the locale was Manila's elite residential district. Now, those old houses have been converted into restaurants that serve inexpensive and delicious food. I cannot forget the many times I sat sipping beer on the second floor of a restaurant overlooking the street. Even at one a.m. there were still many young couples hopping from one bar to another as though there was no tomorrow.

Two Times

           Last year, I went to the Philippines two times, spending three weeks each time. I traveled up to Baguio in the north and to Cebu in the south. I liked what I saw and experienced. There are countless good, cheap eateries and nice places to visit all over the country. In Paranaque alone, I was amazed by a variety of eateries near the BF Homes area, as though Filipinos did nothing but eat. A balikbayan could treat his relatives, neighbors and friends to a restaurant dinner and his bill would not even exceed a hundred dollars. In the U.S., a hundred dollar dinner would only cover about six people.
            The housing development of Plaza Crest is located in Sucat, Paranaque, and the area has more to offer then just fine dining. It is also located near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Casino Filipino, the commercial areas of Makati, Ayala Alabang, Baclaran and even shopping malls like Shoemart.
            During an audience with Paranaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr., we were told that a monorail would be built along Sucat Road, from the South Superhighway up to Roxas Blvd. This would be easier for commuters to go to the soon to be built Bay City and Baclaran Church.

Birthday

           I could not forget January 26, 2004. It was my mother's birthday. I planned to visit her at the Manila North Cemetery and say a prayer. I took a cab in front my hotel in Makati and when I told the driver my destination, he was scratching his head.
            “ Eh, medyo malayo na ho sa area ko iyong Cementerio Del Norte (That place is beyond my normal area),” he said apologetically. “ Kung puwede lamang, dagdagan ninyo iyong bayad (If it possible, give me an additional fare).”
            I was quite hesitant to agree, and I tentatively asked: “How much additional fare are we talking about?”
            “ Kung puwede lamang, dagdagan ninyo ng beinte pesos (if it possible, add twenty cents in your fare),” he replied.
            I was surprised by the minimal amount. I found out that taxi drivers would be happy to earn 300 pesos, approximately $5.35 per day. If one can support a family with only $5.35 per day income, a retiree from the U.S. who gets $33.33 per day pension ($1,000 a month), would have a ball!

Housing Developments

           The prices of homes in the Philippines, I also learned, are much lower than the ones we have in the United States. While the homes in San Diego average half a million dollars, one could buy a walk-up apartment at the gated, luxurious enclave of Plaza Crest for $59,000. It is just standard price for cars in the U.S.!
            A veteran housing executive in the Philippines predicted, during a recent presentation in San Diego, that housing prices in the Philippines may be on the rise. I personally believe that today is the right time to buy a house in the Philippines, especially at Plaza Crest. Once the apartments in Plaza Crest are all built, I believe that my investment would have increased.
            A few years ago, I decided to buy a lot in San Felipe, Mexico. It was near the beach, and it cost me about $90,000. I would need at least another $150,000 to build a modest house on it. But I cannot even own the land it would stand on. According to Mexican law, I have to lease it in fifty-year increments, renewable every fifty years till perpetuity. To get there, I have to pass through a lonely Mexican highway with at least three checkpoints along the way. Young Mexican soldiers with guns check everyone's vehicle for drugs. I was supposed to feel safe, but I was not.
            Once I had a vacation home over there, I planned to give the keys to my daughters to take their friends for a spring break or a weekend vacation. But I would not have a peace of mind worrying about them as they pass through the lonely stretch of highway, with young Mexican soldiers, with guns, at three different checkpoints along the way. I did not realize until too late that for only about $50,000, one-fifth of the cost of my Mexican vacation property, I could buy a luxurious town home in the Philippines with all the safety and the low cost of living I could want.
            This is why I look forward to retiring in the Philippines a few years from now. I can enjoy the company and hospitality of my countrymen. My investment, moreover, will go a long way in providing construction-related jobs, and in the process help improve the economy of my beloved country.
            Anyone interested in buying a lot in Baja California, Mexico? – AJ