Asking for a friend, she has been offered a position in Manila to head up a project, job is fantastic but she is 45, single, no kids. She's worried about meeting people and potentially being lonely, what social clubs are available, expat websites?
If you have lived there any insights would be great.
Hi!
To be honest with you, meeting people and being lonely would be the least of her concern. Filipinos are friendly by nature and I'm pretty sure her colleagues will be happy to show her around. I am not updated with the social scene. As mentioned by the previous poster, those areas are perfect for socializing/clubbing.
My concern will be the "culture shock". Philippines is a third world country. Traffic is insane (incomparable to the traffic in Dubai). No proper driving rules. Buses and jeepneys everywhere. I am not trying to degrade the country or scare her off. Just being honest here. More than the traffic, the weather especially when there is typhoons could be terrifying. Expect that if there is typhoon, there will be floods and black outs but this depends on where she will be located. It takes alot of getting used to. If your friend is not used to this kind of scene then she needs quite of adjustment.
But on the positive note. She will have access to the beautiful beaches in the world and more public holidays. Cost of living is okay. Food is cheap and has wide range of variety. There are plenty of events/concerts to attend as well. Malls are open until 9PM only.
It's the perfect time to be in the Philippines. Weather is really good and loads of Christmas events/parties are happening at the moment.
Let me know if you have some more questions.
Hello, I am a Filipino born in Manila but been living and working in Dubai for almost 21 years. I am in the healthcare industry. I go back home 2-3x a year to see my family.
Regarding your friend's concern about places in Manila, it depends which area she will be assigned. Greenbelt area, Greenhills, Makati area, Ortigas area, which are close by the Manila City. There are many karaoke joints, restaurants within the Manila proper and other neighboring city. Mode of transport if she is not wanting to drive, are LRT/MRT (that is the train facility), taxis and also jeepneys (traffic is quite an issue)
There are the SM Malls/Department Stores, Rustan, Landmark - these places are good for socializing as they have all facilities as well of dining, movies, shopping and many expats too (Makati is the Central Business District - many foreigners).
I wish her the best in her journey to Manila :) we say "welcome and 'mabuhay'" :)
Asking for a friend, she has been offered a position in Manila to head up a project, job is fantastic but she is 45, single, no kids. She's worried about meeting people and potentially being lonely, what social clubs are available, expat websites?
If you have lived there any insights would be great.
.png "Interview With Expat Saanika Gandhi, Author of Children's Book 'The Yellow Kite'")
