Anyone Living In Davao? How Is It?

[TomJD]

Hey!

First of all I'd like to say hello to everyone! My name is Toms and I'm from (also currently living) Latvia. Unlike most of you guys, I'm just 20 and planning to move to Philippines. After heavy research I have done, I decided that the Davao is city for me. I work online and make pretty decent money for where I live already, but in Philippines I'll be getting even bigger ''bang for my buck'', but thats just one of the reasons I'm moving.

 

So i wanted to ask if any of you guys live in Davao? How is it? Please tell me some pros and cons when compared to big cities like Manila and the other popular destination (I for got the name of that city!). Also will how much do you think young adult like me would need per month if I want to live in decent, modern house? Please do a broad guess. No need to be specific. 

 

Thanks!

[dalidali]

Hey!

First of all I'd like to say hello to everyone! My name is Toms and I'm from (also currently living) Latvia. Unlike most of you guys, I'm just 20 and planning to move to Philippines. After heavy research I have done, I decided that the Davao is city for me. I work online and make pretty decent money for where I live already, but in Philippines I'll be getting even bigger ''bang for my buck'', but thats just one of the reasons I'm moving.

 

So i wanted to ask if any of you guys live in Davao? How is it? Please tell me some pros and cons when compared to big cities like Manila and the other popular destination (I for got the name of that city!). Also will how much do you think young adult like me would need per month if I want to live in decent, modern house? Please do a broad guess. No need to be specific. 

 

Thanks!

I have been to Davao one time.....I encountered no problems of any kind.

I found nothing remarkable about the place that would lure me there again.

 

My home country stongly urges me to stay away from the entire province of Mindanao.

I will heed that advice.

 

There is not much in Mindanao that cannot be found in other provinces without the danger factor.

 

$2000 USD or about 86 thousand pisos a month will keep you snug and warm. (or cool) with the resources to travel occasionally and to socialize freely with like minded young people, who share the same pleasures.

Edited September 9, 2013 by dalidali

[jpbago]

$2000 USD or about 86 thousand pisos a month will keep you snug and warm. (or cool) with the resources to travel occasionally and to socialize freely with like minded young people, who share the same pleasures.

 

If you are going to bring those two young blonds with you, you will need double that amount.

[TomJD]

 

Hey!

First of all I'd like to say hello to everyone! My name is Toms and I'm from (also currently living) Latvia. Unlike most of you guys, I'm just 20 and planning to move to Philippines. After heavy research I have done, I decided that the Davao is city for me. I work online and make pretty decent money for where I live already, but in Philippines I'll be getting even bigger ''bang for my buck'', but thats just one of the reasons I'm moving.

 

So i wanted to ask if any of you guys live in Davao? How is it? Please tell me some pros and cons when compared to big cities like Manila and the other popular destination (I for got the name of that city!). Also will how much do you think young adult like me would need per month if I want to live in decent, modern house? Please do a broad guess. No need to be specific. 

 

Thanks!

I have been to Davao one time.....I encountered no problems of any kind.

I found nothing remarkable about the place that would lure me there again.

 

My home country stongly urges me to stay away from the entire province of Mindanao.

I will heed that advice.

 

There is not much in Mindanao that cannot be found in other provinces without the danger factor.

 

$2000 USD or about 86 thousand pisos a month will keep you snug and warm. (or cool) with the resources to travel occasionally and to socialize freely with like minded young people, who share the same pleasures.

 

 

Thanks for your advice! So you think that Davao might be dangerous because of terrorism activities in Mindanao? I'm actually security freak and one of the reasons I chose Davao was the security it offers. It's twice as safe as both other largest cities etc., because of super strict leader with iron fist over there. Also terorism activities are on the other side of that province.

[Bruce]

Davao City? Well think SLOW internet compared to what you have now. Forget about any published speed and they are lying to you.

 

You are 20.... I wish I had the money and thinking process needed to have moved to the Philippines when I was 20... over 35 years ago!

 

But, as a 20 year old man, think about this. Move to Davao now and set up shop and get entrenched there... and in 10-20 year have to move at a loss due to that line across the island where foreigners are not supposed to go... is creeping north as we speak. To a 50-60+ year old expat, that may not be a big deal because he may be dead before it gets 'too bad' for him. but you are young enough to see it coming and to effect you.

 

So, I would look elsewhere in the Philippines. But I do think you moving to the Philippines is a great idea..... Just check the internet out very well anywhere you want to live.

[Dave Hounddriver]

Yep, Davao is safe as church at this moment in time, but who knows what the next decade will bring.  But anywhere I can think of that has good Internet is in the same category.  When I think Davao, I think retirement town.  You are only 20.  Are you sure you don't want to be in Angeles city for the nightlife?

[TomJD]

Thanks for your replies Bruce and Dave!

 

Indeed you are right and opened my eyes. I NEED fast internet and good nightlife, so I'll check out Angeles city :)

[Papa Carl]

Toms, if you are coming to Angeles City, and you are going to use an office instead of home, or if you have the little extra money then you can actually live in Clark, in Angeles, get the top speed internet connection, and not have to worry about "brown outs" or the internet dropping.

 

At 20, with money, you will definitely not need the two people with you in the photo, as you will be swamped with young women wanting your attention....., and possibly money!

 

If you get up here for a visit let me know and I will be happy to show you around both Clark and Angeles and introduce you to a few expats, some who have been here for over 30 years!!!

 

You may also wish to take a short drive and visit Subic and Olongapo as they may also be to your liking.

 

Papa Carl

[earthdome]

Visit a number of places before making any decisions.

 

You might take a look at Baguio. It is 6-8 hours north of Manila by bus. About 4-5 hours by bus north of Angeles. It is a mountain city of 300,000 with a very mild climate being at 5,000 feet altitude. Yet you are only 50km from the beach and some of the better surf destinations on Luzon. Baguio is both a tourist destination and has a young population with 6 universities and over 10,000 korean students. It also has an IT park and call centers with good high speed internet service.

 

If you visit Baguio one place to stop by and meet other expats is the Red Lion Pub.

[OnMyWay]

IMO, this is bad news.  As discussed in another thread, give them an inch and they will take a mile.

 

Quote:  "Local MNLF leaders here told Duterte that Davao City will be spared from any eventualities"

 

Where does it end?  They will continue to make demands.

 

http://www.mb.com.ph/duterte-mnlf-may-raise-flag-but/

 

Duterte: MNLF may raise flag but …

by Alexander D. Lopez
September 11, 2013

 

DAVAO CITY – Mayor Rodrigo Duterte talked on the phone to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari and to local MNLF leaders on Monday afternoon, telling them that the MNLF may raise its flag in Davao City so long as it would not downgrade the Philippine flag.

“As long as it is not higher than the Philippine flag I have no problem with it,” he said.

During their phone conversation, Duterte told Misuari that it is always good to talk than to fight.

“I hope everything can be arranged to everybody’s satisfaction,” Duterte said, reminding Misuari to take care of himself.

“You know my stand, I have expressed it publicly,” Duterte went on.

Local MNLF leaders here told Duterte that Davao City will be spared from any eventualities and that they were given orders to support the peace and order efforts of the city government.

Duterte reiterated that maintaining the peace and order in Davao City is what he and Misuari had agreed.

“It’s a gentlemen’s agreement. I hope that we honor it,” the Mayor told the local MNLF leaders.

In a meeting with the members of the press that followed, Duterte said he also expressed his concern over the situation in Zamboanga City that has already turned violent.

“I am against violence, whether initiated by the government or by Nur (Misuari),” he told the media.