Info needed on the Philippines...

You don't have to worry about what language to use because basically, most filipinos understand english. You're right, it is useful to learn tagalog too as it is our major language here. Where do you plan to move? Manila is our capital city, you'll have more opportunities to land on a job there.

if you want to visit here ...it depends on what type of places you want to reside..do you like manila ?? or in the provinces...cebu is good and safe ..davao is the greatest i think and very safe..no traffic , clean air and warm people..

If you know Spanish, the closes dialect in the Philippines that speaks that language is Zamboanga City, they speak Chabacano, which is broken Spanish. I live in Manila, I can tour you around here. Send me a message if you need any assistance.

Which environment do your prefer? If you hate traffic, pollution and fast life do not reside crowded cities like those in the Metroplitan Manila and near it. Life is quiet and less pressured in some other small cities like ours in Koronadal City. The people here are friendly and the place is close to nature. As a matter of fact our city was awarded 2006 most friendly city in Mindanao Visit our city's website at www.koronadal.gov.ph Good luck.

here are some trivia of the philippines: -the largest city in the philippines is davao city with an area of 2,211 sq.km., it is about three times the size of the national capital, manila. -cebu is the oldest philippine city. -filipinos celebrate the world's longest religious holiday.the christmas season begins on september 1st, as chiller winds and christmas carols start filling the air and ends on the first week of january during the feast of three kings. you may visit the site http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph for more details.

Where in the Philippines are you moving to? Since you already know English, language is not much of a problem since most can speak English or at least some English. Where do you plan to move to? The busiest city is Manila. Malls, nightlife, bars and restaurants, live bands--- they have it all and the city is awake 24/7. Cebu is less congested, less busy, and definitely much less polluted. I can't say anything about Davao since I've never been there. The three are in different islands. The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands so it would be a good idea to learn to swim. If you want to learn diving, there are several diving schools in the Philippinedswhere you can learn from as well. If you like beaches, you will probably love the country as it has gorgeous beaches. A lot of people are friendly, and yes, hospitable--- but do keep an eye out on your belongings as the poverty rate in the Philippines is still climbing. Riding a taxi in Manila: look for R&E Taxis--- they're generally sturdy; Avis taxis too--- these generally will not "take you for a ride". Some Nice places to visit in Luzon: Vigan, Ilocos - where they still have preserved architecture from Spanish times; also try the Empanada Vigan style Ilocos Norte- where former President Marcos was born and where his body is still kept until now, visit the old Church too, and also try the Empanada -Ilocos style (different from Vigan style). Pagudpud Beach - somewhere north of Ilocos Baguio - cooler weather throughout the year, most notably in Nov to Feb, where temperature goes below 18 (low, considering that Manila's lowest temp only goes to 25--- and that's only in Dec-Jan). Tagaytay ....I just realized there's too many interesting places to visit. Well anyway, it's a great country if only the politicians can get their act together. Be prepared to be exasperated with the authorities, as bureaucracy is everywhere and is the norm. Corruption and bribery is also a norm, and is even expected in many situations---not that it's right, just that this is the reality.

Not heeding your country's travel advisories, I see :-) I sense great courage in you, hehehe. Just kidding :-) Spanish won't do you any good in most part of the country because for some freak reason, we didn't catch the "habla espanol?" bug. If your planning to just visit, I don't see the need for you to learn Tagalog but if you'll be staying for a looooong time, then by all means, learn the national language. Good luck and do have a nice day!

i am a Filipina. Ill be more than willing to welcome you in our Country.here are some information about the Philippines: 1. The Philippines is an archipelago. it is surrounded by waters. 2. Though developed, there are numerous areas/places that almost untouched by the effects of development. You will find tranquility and peace in these areas. 3. The Philippines offers a lot of tourist spots, like the PHiippine (surigao) deep, the bohol white sand beaches, the chocolate hills, palawan , boracay, the rice terraces, etc. there are so many to mention. 4. Having been colonized by Japanese, Spanish and Americans, many Filipinos speak japanese language, the spanish language, and the English Language.In fact the Filipinos have been considered as one of the best english speaking people. Not to forget that we have also adopted some the japanese, spanish and american ways. 5. Tagalog is the Official Language. But English language is used as medium in school and is sometimes used as a daily language by some. 6. there are other dialects like the chabacano which is a spanish language somewhat modified. 7. Finally, the Filipinos are known for their hospitality. We have been characterized by warmth in welcoming foreigners to our land. i urge you to visit our place and stay if you want.

Hi. I think you wont have any problem here in our country. The people are friendly and always willing to help. Speak english. You dont have to learn tagalog as you'll learn to speak and understand it in the long run. Stay in Cebu, it is much better in Visayas than in Luzon. Anyways, just think about it. You'll love it here. I swear.

check out http://tagalog1.com/ you might find it helpful. :)

If your speaking english you won't have a hard time communicating with Filipinos because most of us speak and understand english, beacuse it is our second language. When get here, there are language centers that teaches tagalog. But tagalog is not the only language in the philippines there are other dialects. Every province in the philippines has its own dialect. Some understand tagalog but can't speak tagalog fluently they are more comfortable speaking in english. If your planning to live here, don't stay in manila. Its very crowded and traffic was so terrible. But most of the universities are located in manila. Also this is werethe biggest mall in asia is located. When get here don't forget to visit SM MALL OF ASIA. SOme of gimmik spots are here also and some five star hotels and casinos. The museums are also here, the cultural center of the philippines (CCP) this is were the concerts of classical artists, plays, ballets are held. If you want the feel of western living try to live in makati and ortigas area. It is near the shopping malls, hotels, condominiums. Makati is the business district of the philippines. If you want to live not very far from manila or makati atleast a 2 hours drive - try to live in Quezon City. You could get there by bus, mrt (it is like the subway on the US), FX (these are SUV vehicles, ten passengers per trip. the fare per person if you are going to Manila coming from quezon city is between Php30.00 to Php35.00 it would depend of which part of quezon city your coming from or where in manila your going to.) If your a girl who loves to shop, philippines is a haven for shopping from bargain shops to expensive shops. I hope this could help. If you have still have questions try to give me a message I'm willing to help you out. I hope you had a wonderful time staying in my country. God bless.

Stay for a month and see if you like to stay here. Most expats (Americans, Koreans) stay in the Metro and that would be Manila. There are apartelles or even cheap hotels in Manila and Makati. If you want to explore the beaches go to Palawan (Puerto Princesa), Panglao Bohol, Boracay. Try to search those places and youll find bountiful resorts to stay in.

visit the city of golden friendship cagayan de oro...english is widely understood here in the philippines, here we have major transportation, we are near to major tourist spots, like beaches and nature trip adventures...welcome to the philippines...mabuhay!

If you want to move to the philippines, I advice you go there first as a tourist. See the place and a lot of islands, Philippines consist a lot of different big and small islands. There's Manila and Cebu, Bohol, Davao and a lot of well-known places. If you talk about Manila, it's a great place but the traffic is terrible, it's city life. Cebu a mixture of provicial and city life. I might be biased coz I live much much longer in Cebu, it's a wonderful place, not too crowded for now and if you want to run to the beach, take a taxi and chose what side of the island you want to go. You want to party, shop and dine you can have it all there. while in manila you will wait 3 to 4 hours in traffic to get where you want to go most of the day. Bohol is wonderful but it's more provincial as well as Davao. They are great to have tours and sight seeing. But for me Cebu is the best. There's a lot of foreigner moving there from Europe and in the U.S.A too. Don't worry a thing a lot of filipinos understands and speak english. You can be understood there just dont go to mountains and very remote provinces. People will help and welcome you.

Hi anyablue, First of all, it is better if you learn Tagalog. However, most Filipinos can speak and understand English so you won't have much problem in there. Next, I suggest you get a map of the Philippines and the city you are going to visit. Usually, different cities here have their own maps and travel guides. I suggest also that you research some information online about the place you are going to visit. When you are finally in the Philippines, just feel free to post a question here and we will be more than willing to answer and assist you. Good luck.

I am studying in the philippines, and its so great here in the ph.. You can speak english when you go to the phillipines, english is being used in the ph and almost all students learn it from kinder. You can visit baguio city, its the summer capital of the philippines, its very cold in baguio if it is in summer and you are in the mountains, which so excited. A city in a montain. And there is alot of malls, shops here too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baguio_City http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines

hi there.. im glad to came accross with this discussion, its nice to know that somebody foreign would like to move out with our country... welcome!!! i know a lot of Filipino's out there are willing to help you out,well count me in! first, you dont have to worry about the language here, because we can understand and speak in english at the sametime.. i guess your aware that our country has a lot of call centers, so that just simply means that were so competitive when it comes to english^_^ and about your plans of settling somewhere, i would want to suggest a lot of provinces here, that's far from Manila, its capital, since manila is so congestive already and the traffic would just annoy you. well of course not unless you need to do some business out there.... just keep in touch, we'd be glad to help you out...

Im filipina, it would be helpful if you learn basic tagalog. Most people here woudl understand english so dnt worry abt communicating with filipinos. Every region here has its own dialect you might be confused. Better to learn tagalog first.How long are you planning to stay here?

Its better if you can speak tagalog, that in general Filipinos are okay spekaing in english, No worries on that part. Where exactly are you going? This help us analyze and help you.

Hi.try on this site: http://www.wikipedia.org and use the search box to find information about philippines. It's a great reasource