Where is the best place to live in the Philippines?

[Chas]

Where would be the best place to live in the Philippines with:

Reasonably quick access to Manila for international flights home to visit relatives;
Good internet access;
Reasonably reliable electricity supply;
Good air quality;
Safe and secure as long as you are sensible;
Access to western foodstuffs if I get withdrawal symptoms.

I have thought of investigating Cebu and Caygan d'oro. Any other suggestions?

Many thanks
Chas

[jadegil6]

My advice would be for you to look around. Visit some of the islands to see what appeals to you. Of course, the bigger cities are going to have more for you to do, and bigger selections of merchandise, but there's a lot to be said for the smaller cities such as Tacloban, Leyte and Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, or the island of Boracay.

[Chas]

Thanks Michael

I will add them to my list.

[jadegil6]

Since I don't live in the Philippines, there are many places that I do not know of. I would think that some of the members who do live in the Philippines would know of other places that they could recommend. Another source of knowledge is the Yahoo Groups which are related to subjects in the Philippines. Many of those have members who live in the Philippines. I know from my experieces in one of these groups that the Subic Bay area is a popular place for many foriegners, but I have never been there, so I don't know what it's like.

[Chas]

Thanks for that. I had hoped that the post would stimulate those members resident in the Philippines to say what is good and bad about the city/area where they live.

I cannot currently access any URL with Yahoo in the title (historic - preventing kids chatting instead of doing homework), but I will change this. I will investigate the groups. Interesting about Subic as I had always associated it with Angeles City and the naughty nightlife. I read the Jungle Jil blog and I think he has his life in the Philippines pretty well sorted.

[maynayz]

Davao City in Mindanao. I personally love that place and, in particular, Samal Island. But as for Davao City, for a big town it is the way to go. Cebu is nice and Manila...well no questions about it. I wouldn't live in Manila unless I was paid to. I prefer Davao City. Perhaps looking into that place is a good idea. It is only a few hours from Manila, big city (1M+ populace) not smog'd out like Manila and very nice and helpful and smiley people. Don't believe all the horror stories you hear about Mindanao Island. It is only a small area and Davao City usually isn't the target. It is a very safe place and, as an American, I feel after there than in Manila any day!

[Chas]

Many thanks Maynayz, very useful and much appreciated.
Chas

[leyte02]

Cebu would be my first choice as they all have the amenities I am looking for. They have good hospital and big grocery store to shop. Alot more activities for people that love the outdoors. Boracay would be nice too but a little too expensive.

[cutegen]

i think davao i have already there for 2 years or more...and it was nice place...

[Chas]

Thanks everybody.

Also in Davao's favour is that I understand it escapes the typhoons as it is too far south.

Chas