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Bill and Lorna Collings

Philippines
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Expertise

Feel FREE to ask us about traveling, living, relocating, retiring and investing in the Philippines. Guests from 93 countries, the latest being a female PHD from Uganda, make our place in Manila an incredible meeting place for world travelers who exchange travel stories. We understand both the joys and the hardships of living and traveling in the Philippines.

Experience in the area

I arrived in the Philippines in January 1980 to travel for 2 months; I stayed 4 months before reluctantly leaving. I met my Filipina wife, Lorna. an incredible stellar, "one in a million" individual in 1983 in Seoul and we moved to the Philippines in 1986 and opened our 3BR house to world travelers on a budget. After welcoming thousands of guests from 93 nations our place has grown to 30 bedrooms but will never lose its "Home away from Home" atmosphere. Almost everyday at The Townhouse Hotel there's a party-like social scene with vibrant, almost magical energetic conversations between our guests who have the pleasure to meet each other and share their life's many experiences.Often three groups with conversations in different langauges are going on at the same time. So we've been exposed to every kind of person from all over the world and shared their experiences.

Publications

Suite101.com, eDreams.com, expertcentral.com who asked me to apply with allexperts.com

Education/Credentials

some college 2-1/2 years - no degree - I've been traveling since I was 18, almost 30 years.

Awards and Honors

Luckily, my wife and I have been semi-retired since we were 30 years old, almost 25 years.

What do you like about this subject?

I LOVE the PHILIPPINES, the informal manners of the culture, Filipinos' sense of humor during stressful situations, its amazing tropical beaches, rugged mountainous landscapes & my appreciation for its society grows with time. For such an easy going, friendly culture to exist in today's hectic, competitive, modern world never ceases to amaze me.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to meet every person who replies with questions to this topic and enjoy sharing travel adventure stories and share the simple JOYS of LIFE!

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Filipinos' medium of education is taught in English and the "real" national language,most commonly used,is English.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

The Philippines is the best "Home Away from Home" for foreigners in S.E. Asia. Filipinos are the friendliest,MOST informal people in Asia.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Daniel11/07/0910101010Thank you very much for the quick .....
Lydia11/06/0910101010 
Terence10/28/0910101010Thank you for your answer. Happy Xmas!
MAE10/28/0910101010thank you so much... God bless you .....
Ken10/19/0910101010Thank you for your fast respnse to .....

Recent Answers from Bill and Lorna Collings

2009-11-07 Balikbayan visa:

90% chance YES you both will be issued Balikbayan visas but it's NOT an Absolute right BUT "privelidge" at the disgression of each immigration officer. In all the times I have arrived with my wife ONLY

2009-11-03 Quota Visa:

Yes all visas for foreigners staying here in the Philippines the BI is where you apply. You might be wiser to apply after the election 2010 as the quota visas seem to be an extra fund raiser which most

2009-10-29 health exam and travel:

William Your question needs to be directed to the French Embassy as only they can give you the answers you seek. For the USA and many other countries X-Rays and full medical check-ups at only the APPROVED

2009-10-27 remarriage:

It depends on the church and municipality office registration where they were in the Philippines since there asre records. Sometime early marriages are NOT registered properly so please check. I DOUBT

2009-10-25 Travel info:

Diego the first U$500 BLEW any chance of even some of the best most honest Filipinas because they have CONSTANT PRESSURE from their Mothers and Family members to get money. By sending TEN TIMES too much

 

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