David is an American who lives in Manila, the Philippines, where he and his fiancee are developing their web business. He gives a sneak peek into his reasons for moving to the Philippines, their future plans, and his thoughts on the place and the people.	David R Davis, Jr

-Where were you born?
McAlester, Oklahoma, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

-Are you living alone or with your family?
I am living with my fiancee Paulyn and our three beautiful children; Angela, Angelo, & Angelee.

-How long have you been living in the Philippines?
I have been living here since June 10, 2006.

-What is your age?
40

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Philippines?
I never actually "came up" with this idea. Quite simply, I fell in love with my fiancee and since 911, getting a visa to come to the US for a Filipina is quite difficult, so I came here instead.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
It is very simple to live here on a tourist visa. Most Americans that live here never obtain permanent visas.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Not required.

-How do you make your living in the Philippines? Do you have any type of income generated?
When I came to the Philippines, I was studying neuroscience in southern California. When I arrived here, it was my intention to continue my studies. After a few months I began designing websites as a a hobby (has been my hobby for years). Now I design and develop websites professionally with my fiancee. Our business, DCGWS Internet Solutions, is slowly becoming a major player in the Philippines Web Development industry.

-Do you speak Tagalog and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Although Tagalog is the local language here, it is rare to find someone that doen't speak and understand English. Yet, as a foreigner I feel that it is helpful to have a working knowledge of the language. I speak Spanish fluently and Tagalog has a large Spanish influence.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Of course I miss them. Yet, my fiancee's family here is very supportive of me here. As I have a new business here, recreation isn't much of an option right now.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
Paulyn and I will be married soon, we will continue to work in the web development industry.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
The average rent for a small apartment in our subdivision is ~US$300.00 per month.

-What is the cost of living in the Philippines?
I would estimate that is costs roughly 5 times less to live here per month than in the US.

-What do you think about the Filipinos?
Most Filipinos have a lot of respect for foreigners here. They do seem to be quite reserved, but always polite (except for the stares).

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Philippines?
Amongst the positive aspects of living here is the cheaper cost of living. Living in Metro Manila is quite hectic. There is always alot of traffic, long lines everywhere you go, and of course, the heat.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Philippines?
Honestly, I have only been here to Manila. I don't recommend living here unless there is a very strong motivaton to do so.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Philippines?
David R. Davis, Jr. - My Personal Blog

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