Dave Starr

Christmas Wishes and Your Gift From Me — Ask Me Anything

25/12/2018 by Dave Starr Leave a Comment

Ask Me Anything

(Updated 25 December 2018)

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer above.

Recently my blogging colleagues, Heath & Alyssa hosted an AMA on their website.

If you haven’t heard of it, AMA stands for Ask Me Anything and the trend started long ago on Reddit.

I’ve always wanted to do one, but I don’t use Reddit.

So it wasn’t until I saw Heath and Alyssa’s post that I realized it must be okay for bloggers to host AMAs too!

Ask Me Anything means you can ask me anything.

If you don’t know what to ask, here are a few things we love talking about here on PhilFAQS.com

Full-time Living in the Philippines
Part-time Living in the Philippines
Retiring in the Philippines (at any age)
Ditching the 9 to 5
Starting a business That Will Supplement Your Income
Blogging (for both fun and profit)
Travel
Binge watching Netflix shows

And anything else you can think of.

How To Ask:

Just leave a public comment below. I promise to answer every one.
Send me a spam-free email message using the Contact Form here:
Call me on my US number 1-719-966-4295. You’ll probably have to leave a message, as I don’t sit by the phone here. But if you leave a contact number and tell me what time zone you are in, I promise to call you back.

So Have a Great Christmas and an Even More Wonderful New Year

And ask me anything, the only stupid questions are the ones you don’t ask.

Online Jobs At Home In The Philippines

16/12/2018 by Dave Starr Leave a Comment

Online Jobs At Home In The Philippines.

(Updated 16 December 2018)

I’m well know for being “a bit” anti-jobs. I believe that most jobs are a bit “crooked”. The worker doesn’t get paid anywhere near what s/he is worth to the company’s bottom line.

In fact there some compelling evidence that suggests that if you are still a “wage slave” or trying to become one, whatever your current salary is you are probably earning about three times s much for your employer.

Why would anyone want to get paid only one third what they are worth?

There are other issues I have with J*O*B*’s also. You might want to read this article if you haven’t seen it already. (go ahead, I’ll wait right here for you

10 Reasons You Don’t Want A Job In The Philippines

But Sometimes You Just NEED a Job

And many of you who come here are not interested in entrepreneurial ideas, don’t want to start a business and all that entails, and just want a few extra dollars to close the gap between what you currently have and what you need to retire here in the Philippines.

What if I told you that almost everyone reading this article already has a skill they can put to use, right now, for money being paid right into their bank account (or PayPal account)?

What if I also told you that because you are reading this article you already g=jave everything you need to start this job?

What if I said you can start this job while you are still in the USA (or your home country) and continue working, uninterrupted if (and when) you decide to move to or retire in the Philippines?

And best of all, there is absolutely nothing you need to buy, no investment to make, and no age limits — 18 or 80, you can start this as early as today.

And I guess what is really attractive to many is the fact that you can do this right out of your home, wherever that home may be.

So what’s this magical online, at home job you can do in the USA or the Philippines or anywhere else?

Teaching English

Wow, what a buildup. And then what a letdown. I can hear so many of you out there moaning your “if only’s” already.

Not a teacher?

Doesn’t matter. Let me explain some terminology and define a few things here.

Most people, when they hear “teacher” think of someone with a university degree and often a teaching license or credential from their state or home country.

Nothing wrong with that definition, in the strictest sense it’s absolutely correct. To be a professional teacher a degree and certification is normally a requirement.

But There Is A Huge Market For “Informal” Teaching

By “informal” teaching I am referring to what is often called “Conversational” English, or, by some folks, “English Coaching”.

Just because you don’t have a degree or a teaching credential does NOT mean you can’t coach learners n conversational or business English.

There is a huge market for these services. And there are many, many companies and online schools around the world who will hire you and pay you to coach people.

Here is one source of online teaching jobs you can do from home. (Wherever home may be.) [Read more…] about Online Jobs At Home In The Philippines

Does My Filipino Friend Need A Visa To Visit The USA?

04/12/2018 by Dave Starr 2 Comments

Does My Filipino Friend Need A Visa To Visit The USA?

(Updated 2 December 2018)

Well, as some of you already know, the answer to this question is yes, she or he does.

Looking around at many of the articles I have written and others have as well, it seems many articles are starting at too advanced a level.

I should start at the beginning since a majority of my readers are from the USA and my fellow Americans are among the least traveled and most uneducated in the mechanics of international travel on earth.

Now don’t get your knickers in a knot over that last paragraph. If you are already an expert on passports, visas and international travel, great, more power to you. Feel free to move on to the next article then.

But there are plenty of people reading here who only have a vague concept of passports, visas (not the credit card) and international procedures. [Read more…] about Does My Filipino Friend Need A Visa To Visit The USA?

Here’s One Of The Reasons I Tell You To Think Bigger — You Are So Much More

01/12/2018 by Dave Starr Leave a Comment

You Are So Much More.

(Updated 1 December 2018)

So many people visit here.

Many read, a few ask questions and there are times I feel so inadequate.

I have only traveled down one path in my life (as has everyone else, actually).

I only learned and observed just so much, and the majority of people who pass by here are younger, better educated and many are even way better off financially than I am.

Yet they often ask questions about how they can get to the Philippines and eke out a tiny living just to be able to live where they want.

You Don’t Need To Earn Where You Live!

10 Reasons You Don’t Want A Job In The Philippines

30/11/2018 by Dave Starr 2 Comments

10 Reasons You Don’t Want A Job In The Philippines.

(Last Updated 28 November 2018)

I’m posting this as a sort of “reading test”. I tend to write too long and too complicated, so let’s keep this simple.

I get emails every week about finding jobs in the Philippines, even though in the more than 15 years I’ve been publishing this blog I have consistently advised people that they DO NOT WANT A JOB here in the Philippines.

Let’s see how long it takes before some bright spark reads this article and writes back saying “I read what you wrote but I still need your help finding a job in the Philippines”.

My own guess is about one day, but hey, I could be wrong.

You can write to me for help if you wish to, but I can tell you right now, I’m not going to help you.

You could ask me for help in finding cocaine or Shabu, I won’t help you there, either.

You Don’t Want a Job In The Philippines

Guam Divorces for Philippine Marriages

24/11/2018 by Dave Starr Leave a Comment

Guam Divorces for Philippine Marriages.

(Updated 24 November 2018)

Recently I’ve published several articles on divorce in the Philippines.

We’ve also mentioned the idea of the foreigners (non-Filipino) member of the marriage going to a country other than the Philippines.

They can obtain a divorce in the foreign country and then their Filipino partner can file a court case in the Philipines for recognition of the foreign divorce.

This process will then free both members of the marriage to be free to marry again, in any country, anywhere.

Now, Why Would An American Go To Guam For A Divorce?

Well, there are a number of possibly good reasons.

Let’s look at a few of them: [Read more…] about Guam Divorces for Philippine Marriages

Marriage, Nationality and Divorce

18/11/2018 by Dave Starr 26 Comments

Marriage, Nationality and Divorce

(Updated 19 November 2018)

Here’s an article I republished many years ago and just recently updated.

And updated yet again because of some activity in the area of divorce law, and statements made by the Pope on a visit to the Philippines.

Things Are Different in the Philippines

Here’s an excellent article that will serve as a primer on the way divorce, annulment and citizenship work in the Philippines.

It describes the strange and often cruel way the laws about marriage, divorce, annulment and citizenship are applied to citizens of the Philippines (especially, female citizens).

Those of you considering marriage with a citizen of the Philippines really need to do some studying and “thinking through”. Virtually everything regarding marriage and divorce here is different than what you know from the USA,

By Atty. Rita Linda V. Jimeno

The story of Rosanne in my column last week triggered numerous reactions from readers that merit discussion. As a jump-off point, we shall encapsulate Rosanne’s case. Her Filipino husband who used to be loving and conscious of his familial obligations, abandoned all his duties toward her and their children when, as a result of his prolonged employment abroad, he found a new love. He then divorced her and married his lover with whom he now has two children.

We said that there is a gap in our family law because while her husband is no longer married to her, she remains married to him, an incongruous situation which our family law offers no solution to… Read Full Article Here

Logically You Can Not Be Married and Unmarried (Divorced) At The Same Time

But you have to take into account that here in the Philippines, logic does not always apply.

I’ve had a number of online conversations lately about folks in the same or similar situations as the lady described in Attorney Jimeno’s article.

There is always a lot of discussion when a foreigner and a Filipino marry, often centering around where the marriage should take place and where, or when (if ever) they could divorce.

Now to most people’s logic, “marriage” and “divorce” (or “annulment”) are binary options. You can’t be in both situations at the same time.

Divorce in the Philippines

16/11/2018 by Dave Starr Leave a Comment

Divorce in the Philippines.

(Updated 15 November 2018)

Why another article on Philippine divorce so soon?

Well, I can tell by the listing of search terms that show me how people find this site that a great many people are searching for news of what many think is a near-term “loosening” of the laws that prohibit divorce in the Philippines.

Perhaps even divorce itself is soon to be legalized … or at least some rumors say so.

Here’s Some Recent Philippine Divorce News.

Philippines moves closer to allowing divorce

Image copyrightAFP/GETTY

Divorce remains illegal in the Philippines, which has a large Catholic population.

The Philippines’ lower house of Congress has passed a divorce bill on the third reading, moving the country closer to legalisation.

The bill passed despite opposition from President Rodrigo Duterte, who had his own marriage legally annulled.

However, for divorce to become legal the Senate also has to pass a bill in favour, and even then Mr Duterte could still use his veto to strike it down.

Worldwide, divorce is only illegal in the Philippines and Vatican City.

Over 80% of people in the Philippines describe themselves as Catholic, and the church has a powerful influence in the country.

Congresswoman Emmi de Jesus said the bill was filed because of a “clamour of women trapped in abusive relationships”, who need the government to give them a means out of “irreparable marriages”…

New Dedication To Duty … Take Advantage

15/11/2018 by Dave Starr Leave a Comment

Social Security Office Hours US Embassy Manila

This just in, many thanks to my colleague Jim …..

Social Security Office Hours US Embassy Manila

United States Embassy Manila, Philippines Message for U.S. Citizens: New Social Security Business Hours

Beginning Monday, December 3, 2018, the Social Security Administration (SSA) office at the U.S. Embassy in Manila will be open for in-office appointments and walk-in services from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Philippine and U.S. holidays.

SSA’s telephone hours (phone number +63-2-301-2000 extension 9) will be from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, except Philippine and U.S. holidays.

SSA may also be reached by email at FBU.Manila@ssa.gov.

Contact info for Social Security Office Hours US Embassy Manila

Another Article On Why I’m Staying In The Philippines

12/11/2018 by Dave Starr Leave a Comment

Why I’m Staying In The Philippines

(Updated 12 November 2018)

A few days back I published an article here where I made a huge error in the title. I never should have used the word “Final”. Never say “never” or “final” or “ultimate” unless you have an iron-clad assure that this will actually BE your final word.

Final USA Observations On The Way Out The Door

Also, I published this article (below) recently as well, detailing why (at this time) moving back to the USA was not the right decision for my wife and me.

Still Keeping Me Rudely Awake 2018

Well Here’s The Thing With “Final”

One of the major things I talked about in those two articles was the ridiculous costs for many things in the USA, compared with what I have to pay here in the Philippines.

Even though I paid all the charges on the three different US-based credit cards I used on the US trip, I found out I wasn’t quite done just yet

Final Charges are like Final Decisions.

They ain’t necessarily so.

Along came a charge on the US credit card I had used to rent a car in the Philippines. Even though I had a receipt from that company, issued when the car was turned in that said “Final Charges”, I now find I have to pay more than $122 USD for “Airport Taxes and Usage Fees”.

If anyone has read the first article on the is subject you’ll recall I pointed out this “wonderful” practice being carried out by many US cities to screw the visitor, after the fact. [Read more…] about Another Article On Why I’m Staying In The Philippines