Welcome Alan.. I'm hoping to become part of the expat community in the Phils.. Currently I'm living in U.S. but will be in the Philippines 3 months a year. Maybe more if I can get a few more things squared away at home.

Alan, you mentioned Assimmilation to the way things are done in the Phils, and how it takes about a year to you start asking yourself "Why do they do it this way"? or, "Wouldn't it be so much easier and faster if they did it this way"?? Last year I was there for only 2 months and started asking myself these questions. But, at the end of the day, who am I to ask those questions. Maybe I just need to learn how to live more of a laid back lifestyle. Western way of life it seems people get used to needing things done NOW.. Many more hoops to jump through in the Philippines