Edge Davao 7 Issue 197 - Special Issue

VOL. 7 ISSUE 197 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014

BUILDING HOMES, MORE HOMES

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Why foreigners want to retire in Davao City (Conclusion)

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HERE are a myriad reasons why foreigners like to retire in Davao City. Dabawenyos would like to believe that the city’s much ballyhooed livability is its biggest attraction to people, foreigners and out-of-towners, who want to live Davao. Some of those we have interviewed though said they had settled in the place by accident. Many said they had decided to stay in the city for good because they found their love here.

These are the stories of Fred Yelinek, an American who’s into housing construction, Scott Richard “Scott” Mcadoo, also an American who’s in dentistry, and Gerard Vincent “Gerry” Woodham, who’s into modular building distribution. All three handsome gentlemen are active members of the Rotary Club of East Davao. Their respective spouses are just are interested in participating in the projects of the RCED, a multi-awarded club in Rotary International District 3860 in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Rotarians Fred Yelinek, Sol Hayag and Scott Richard Mcadoo

Fred’s story Yelinek, whose wife Lily is a Dabawenya, has this to say about how he became “Dabawenyo.”

“There is little doubt that Davao is

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get VOL. 7 ISSUE 197 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014 an economical and safe place to retire as many foreigners have learned. Like any choice in life, there are pros and cons to settling here. The city and the culture are not for everyone. Let’s look at some facts.

1. Not many people outside southeast Asia know anything about Davao.

2. Davao is just about half way around the world from North America or Europe.

3. If you search your western governments travel sites, you will find warnings to avoid Mindanao.

4. The news of the Philippines is all about typhoons, earthquake, and volcanoes, not to mention kidnappings and battles with Muslim insurgents.

“The above are daunting deterrents to selecting a place that you know little about as a possible permanent location. Now let’s examine why so many foreigners settle here anyway. A great many of us found Davao by “accident”. That is to say we were not looking for it and maybe were seriously considering someplace ele to settle. We learned of Davao by “word of mouth” from someone already here and familiar with the “good” facts. That was my case and the case of many expats that I know. We came to visit someone and got a first-hand look at this interesting area. I was introduced to Davao by a friend who already knew the city and people and bought a house here. He invited me and many of his friends to come to his house warming party. I admit that when I was invited, I had to look in an atlas to

find out where Davao City was located. During that visit the weather was perfect, the party went on for days, the site-seeing trips were exotic, and the people were very friendly. Oh, and by the way I met a local lady who is now my wife!

All in all, a pretty good trip, I have to say. There, however, is the basic story for many of us. We meet a wonderful local lady and settle here. Few meet locals in person, as I did, but rather through the internet. In any case this is the best way to find out how good life can be there. We often invite more friends to visit and the story goes on.

“Here are some things that I have learned about life here; 1. The cost living here, especially housing is much lower than North America or Europe. Less by 30% or more.

2. Food is cheaper if you eat local. Down by about 25%.

3. Virtually everyone speaks English so no struggles there.

4. Safety and security are much better than the news would imply.

5. The weather is pleasant and there really are no typhoons, the volcano has been dormant for centuries, and the earthquakes are not so big!

6. Modern facilities are abundant and when inside the mall, believe the facts that this is an emerging third world country.

7. The medical care available here is way better than most would think. This is a good medical tourism potential, if advertised.

8. The people are as good as “back home” or better and

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Fred Yelinek (left) assists Rotary Club of East Davao past president Paul Yuste in the distribution of school bags and supplies in a barangay in the Island Garden City of Samal. religion still plays an important place in public discourse.

9. The city is well run with much room for improvement, and the city seems to be working hard to do better. We should all try to help with that instead of gripping!

10. It is easy to assimilate into the culture here although some expats refuse to do so to their detriment. I am a permanent resident and like my city and the new culture into which I have immersed myself.

“These are just a few things about Davao that I like but there are many more and if you give me a call we can have a beer and I will tell you about them!

“Suggestions for tourism and retirement development:

Gerard Vincent Woodham (left, in striped t-shirt) walks to a group of fellow Rotarians and indigent beneficiaries during a medical and dental clinic.

1. Use social media to network to more middle aged and older people.

2. Have a big, big website on Davao with all good news and accurate information

about the area with cost, medical care, security, and lifestyle information pointed at a mature audience.

3. Advertise on the dating websites because there are

many looking for partners and Filipinas are the best!

4. Enlist the help of the Bureau of immigration to assure ease of residence here. Publish

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Transcend.

Trailblaze.

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REGARDING HENRY

Newest member of Edge Davao celebrates a winning season

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Home for the holidays

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

P5 ADDITIONAL COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE (COLA)

Translates to the increase in the minimum wage of employees in the non-agricultural, and retail and service establishments employing more than 10 workers to P317.00 per day.

COVERAGE DAVAO CITY, DIGOS, ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (IGACOS), TAGUM, PANABO, MATI AND THE PROVINCES OF DAVAO DEL SUR, DAVAO DEL NORTE, DAVAO ORIENTAL, and COMPOSTELA VALLEY EDGE DAVAO Infographics

COMPLY WITH COLA DOLE 11 asks firms to implement additional COLA

INSIDE EDGE

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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HE Department of Employment and Labor (DOLE) 11 reminded private establishment owners to comply with the implementation of the P5 additional cost-of-living allowance (COLA) which became effective yesterday.

DOLE 11 regional director Atty. Joffrey Suyao said during the Kapehan sa

Dabaw at SM City Annex yesterday that December 1 was the start of the implementation of the second tranche of Wage Order RB-XI-18 which started to take effect last June.

This will translate to the increase in the minimum wage of employees in the non-agricultural and retail and service establishments

employing more than 10 workers to P317 per day.

The new daily minimum wage for the agriculture sector is P307, while for service establishments employing not more than 10 workers it is P286.

The order covers the cities of Davao, Digos, Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), Tagum, Panabo,

and Mati and the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley.

According to the DOLE 11 website, the COLA is “given to workers for loss in purchasing power due to inflation at a rate normally pegged at the consumer price index (CPI) and cushion the effects of the

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FEDERALISM SUMMIT: RUN FOR PRESIDENT, RODY

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DLI goes from subdivisions to mid-rise residential buildings

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

Wouldn’t it be amazing to live in a community where every morning seems to be an endless summer dayand yet go to work feeling all revved up and refreshed?

Following the sweet success of Damosa Fairlane, Damosa Land Inc., (DLI) is once again launching a multi-building midrise development project in Km. 11, Sasa, Davao City by the first quarter of the coming year.

Damosa Land vice president Cary Lagdameo said that as community builder, it is the main thrust of Damosa to provide a residential com-

munity where clients feel restful at home even if they actually live right in the heart of this bustling metropolis.

The new project is carefully planned where spaces are meticulously devoted to fit the demands of cosmopolitan living. For starters, only 25 percent of the 2.7 hectare property will be developed while the rest of the open spaces can

be used for amenities like parks, clubhouse and sports facilities.

He said that the new development will provide homeowners the feeling of airiness one can get from only a high-end property but for a very affordable price—a hallmark of Damosa projects.

The development includes the construction of six mid-rise buildings devoted for tenements with a commercial complex fronting the development.

“The first three buildings will have seven stories, while the next three buildings will have eight,” he added.

To give the entire complex a new look, the existing commercial area in the property will also be developed and upgraded during the simultaneous construction.

Lagdameo said that the property will be suitable for businessmen, start-ups, newlyweds, and young professionals.

With Davao City emerging as the gateway to Mindanao and the Southeast Asian region, the city is not just a good place to stay for short vacations, but also a place one can call home especially to young urbanites.

Known for its economic growth and big market opportunity, various local and Manila-based real estate developers have shifted attention to the city for the construction of horizontal and vertical

housing projects.

“The city is now having a huge demand for housing because of the increasing purchasing power of young professionals,” Lagdameo said.

Lagdameo said that the company’s projects have already diversified from subdivisions to midrise condominiums with impressive location within the heart of the city.

The young professionalssegment of Davao City is becoming more sophisticated as more are becoming interested to invest in condominium units, instead of house and lots, he added.

Most of these young professionals are employed in the different growing industries like tourism, agriculture, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

In the past five years, big companies have fled down here to build multistory condominium buildings situated in mixed-used land development projects.

He said that the people are not just in Davao City for leisure, but also for employment.

Dabawenyos and even those from nearby provinces who come to Davao City to do business are looking for homes that are more accessible and convenient.

Another mixed-used residential and com-

mercial land development project that will be launched next year is the 88-hectare Anflo City in Panabo City.

Lagdameo said that the ongoing economic growth of the city’s economy and the strong leadership of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will continue to draw investors and young professionals.

For the past years, Davao City became a melting pot for businessmen and young professionals.

It is even said that the two percent average annual increase in the city’s population is largely caused by the gradual increase in the number of migrants.

“The increase in population was the result of migration, among others, of people from other regions because Davao City offers many opportunities as a hub of government, business, and industries,” Philippine Statistics Authority 11 regional statistician Ma. Leah Magracia said.

Lagdameo said that this increase in the population is an untapped market for the real estate industry.

“There’s still so many room for development in Davao City,” he said.

Tagged by Numbeo. com.as the fourth safest city in the world in 2013, Davao City will continue to draw migrants, young professionals and investors.

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EDGEDAVAO 9 real Christmas has arrived in Northpoint REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS SPECIAL

By ADI C. QUISIDO

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Towering at 40 feet is a fanciful Christmas tree made of 1,195 stars in assorted sizes and colors such as white, fuchsia, light yellow, and pink.

The Christmas tableau is composed of huge presents

with bows, giant snowflakes suspended from the trees, and life-size Christmas trees decked with golden trims.

Pulling off the whole Christmas display are sparkling lights hanging from the trees and a blanket of

HEN you pass along JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, you won’t miss the grand Christmas spectacle in Northpoint, the landmark condominium development of Vista Residences.

snow on the nearby grasses and bush.

The decors are mostly in pink, representing its whimsical theme. Overall, it looks a little bit like a wonderland.

“Our decor is called Whimsical Christmas and

this is open to anyone who wants to feel the yuletide cheer. They can take their photos at our decors and enjoy the ambiance,” said Marlon Escalicas, Camella Southern Mindanao Cluster Head.

Northpoint’s decors are by far the grandest in the city, making it the Christmas display destination this year.

With all those towering pine trees, the cool ambiance, and pine cones on the green grass, it certainly feels like

Christmas at Northpoint.

So, what are you waiting for? Come over to Northpoint, marvel at the giant tree, and bask in the joyful spirit of the season.

Merry Christmas everyone!

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all the rules for coming and staying here on the big big website along with costs and fees.

5. Work with international airlines to get more DIRECT international flights to Davao from north and mainland Asia.

6. Enlist the help of local expats to develop plans to induce more visitations to Davao by prospective retirees.”

Scott finds Arlene Following is what Scott Richard Mcadoo, a terrific singer, wrote about his discovery of Arlene, the Philippines and Davao.

Scott Richard Mcadoo, strums the guitar while belting out a favorite MOR song in one of the indoor activities with friends and fellow Rotarians. (Photos by Sheila Diaz Estante)

SCOTT writes: “There are several reasons I chose to retire in Davao. Chief among them was finding the love of my life Arlene, and the low cost of living here vs the USA. “After being introduced to the Philippines and Arlene I did a little research into where to go in the Philippines.I read in International Living magazine that Davao was one of the 20 most livable cities in Asia.

Later I found out Davao was voted the 4th safest city in the world by a readership of travel media.Arlene was from Davao Oriental so we started there and traveled through many towns and cities between there and Baguio, in Luzon.We felt Davao would be best since Arlene has family there and is familiar with the area and it is out of the typhoon belt.

“Davao has plenty of medical hospitals and specialists as well. Medical costs are much lower than the US.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 197 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014 “General cost of living less also. Haircuts, massages, livein maids, and laborers excellent and inexpensive.

“Great food! The very freshest, and ripe fruit and vegetables. Lots of very good restaurants to chose from.

“Davao has plenty of entertainment with a lively music scene of local bands and singers.

“Hotels and resorts of city or beaches are easily accessible and close.

“The people of the Philippines has to be considered a major factor as well. Americans are looking for places they are welcome and that sadly, is becoming a bit of a problem. The people of the Philippines are generally very welcoming to foreigners even the Japanese that two generations ago were enemies.

I find Filipinos a warm, kind, gentle people with a great love of family. America used to be like that more so than now.

I’ve made great new friends both foreigners and Filipinos thanks to being a musician and befriending them but then the Rotary Club of East Davao accepted me as a member and the new instantaneous friendships made me feel at home here in Davao.”

The 5 points of Gerry Gerard Vincent Woodham summarizes the city’s magnets to retirees. They are value for money, healthier environment, family ethic and superiority over European care systems,

more fulfilling lifestyle and kindness and courtesy of peoples.

While Gerry is very generous in his assessment of the great things going for Davao and the Philippines as host country, he can mince no words in expressing his observation of the negative aspects of the country.

He said “these (positive) points stand out but are only a brief synopsis of the greater profile of the whole Philippine experience.”

Top hates He said his top hates are: Political system where justice is a luxury available only to the well heeled and canny; A Road system of 3rd world proportions maintenance not being found in eminent dictionaries; A reluctance to honor agreements ( principally financial ); and Exploitation of the poor.

Pet hate He laments the seeming inconsistency in official policy on smoking. He wrote: “Why do we laud those trying to control smoking when we allow our sari-sari stores to sell our kids single cigarette sticks, I do not know of a single EU country that allows this?”

Fortunately or unfortunately, Gerry is not alone in his observation.

Anyway, Gerry, a European, is preparing to launch a business venture in Davao soon. [AMA]

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NEW BRANCH OFFICE. Suntrust Properties, Inc. executive vice president and chief operating officer Deanna Jean A. Claveria (second from right), first vice president for marketing and business development division Jerry R. Rubis (rightmost), business development director for marketing and business development division Dexter T. Aviles (leftmost), and assistant vice president Nora Gutierrez lead the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon during the opening of Suntrust’s Davao City branch office at C.M. Recto Avenue yesterday. Suntrust Properties, Inc. is the marketing arm of development giant Megaworld. Lean Daval Jr.

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