Why is The Philippines A Place to Spend Retirement Days?

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"What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?” familiar with this riddle about man growing old? More than generally about starting to crawl, then walk, then eventually needing a crutch, it generally depicts how humans grow having various set of needs in each stage of life.

And as man approaches the evening in his life, he will need a place to settle. It is a place which he can call his own like an affordable house in a sub-urban community like General Trias, Cavite. But what is there to find in the Philippine archipelago that makes it a good consideration where to settle especially for elderly individuals?

First, Philippines is listed in the top 25 best countries to retire for it has a low cost of living. The amount you will be paying varies specifically on the location you choose. The amount of money you saved from years of work could be a good start-up to find a better place to live in the Philippines. Furthermore, numbeo.com reported that the cost of living in the Philippines is 51.68% lower than in United States. Take this as an example: an apartment with the inclusion of the basic pay for electricity and water only costs a monthly average of Php 3, 613 in the Philippines. It is lower than the average Php 6,841 (converted from 174.54$) in the United States. So, if you have Php 150,000 allotted for apartment rent, you can have another twenty months to save if you are living in the Philippines. 

Moreover, beyond the innovations happening in the country’s cities, it still has a number of untouched communities. You can freely choose from urban, sub-urban or rural living all depending on how you would like to enjoy retirement.  If you want to experience the comfort of living in a peaceful area away from the busy cities, rural communities in the Philippines can always welcome you. There are distant provinces and towns in the Philippines where you would spend long hours in travel to reach from Manila. On the other hand if you enjoy the fast-paced life in the city, there are also a lot of developing urban communities to embrace you. What do you think of living in a condominium unit? If you are the kind of person who enjoys the busy city and finds comfort on a peaceful place, sub-urban living is for you. It offers you access to both urban and rural lifestyle and there are a lot of affordable houses in sub-urban communities like General Trias, Cavite where comfortable and peaceful living is just a decision away.

In addition, the Philippines has number of beautiful places to visit. There are a lot of natural wonders to explore, and as the food and transportation costs here are lower—exploring the whole country is possible.

Retirement days are special. They indicate new beginnings, and finding a new place to spend these days is a chance to further explore and enjoy life.

How to be a Financially and Socially Responsible Condo Unit Owner in The Philippines

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Living in a Davao condominium property for sale is a commitment, financially and socially. You are given the privilege to the condominium property’s amenities as well as to its accessibility to different necessities like market, school, and transportation hubs.

However, every privilege an individual could enjoy living in a Davao condominium is equivalent to certain responsibilities he should commit to: financial and social responsibilities.

Financial responsibility includes all the payments an individual needs to settle before and while living in a condominium property. Keep the following in mind:

Price range differs according to the location.

The price of the condominium property in Davao is different from those urban cities in theNational Capital Region (NCR). In addition, cost of living in Davao is 15.80% lower than in Manila. (Numbeo.com)

Know what association dues is…

Association dues is the monthly payment tenants have to pay. Association dues contributes to the operational expenses of the property such as the repair and maintenance of swimming pool, playground, gym and other amenities. It also contributes to keeping the property safe and secured.

…and the other fees as well.

Other fees include connection charges for utilities and parking fees. As there are specific contracts for each different developer, make sure that you have made communication with them regarding this. Know the expenses included and excluded from your association dues. In return, this will help you keep a well-managed budget for yourself. Likewise, pay attention on the amount ofreal property tax you need to pay with the unit you own.

Keep penalties at 0 values.

Penalty is the amount you need to pay for missing a due date. Basically, penalties make you pay more. So to save you from more expenditure and to keep your budget on track, have a definite payment scheme that works with you.

Aside from the financial responsibility that will keep you from living in your newly owned condominium property for sale in Davao, you also share social responsibility with the other residents of the condominium.

Respect the condominium’s space.

Remember this: buying a unit in a condominium property for sale in Davao doesn’t entitle you to ownership of the whole property. You are sharing spaces, like elevators and hallways, with other people so keep polite. A simple smile or nod would do you no harm. Also, when using the building’s amenities, make sure to keep it clean.

Respect your neighbor’s space.

Especially with the ones that are living next door from you. Refrain from starting a videoke party so late at night that you may wake your neighbors. Mind the sounds you make (inside and outside) of your condominium unit for it might disturb others.

Moreover, be friends with them. Having good communications with your neighbors will earn you friends. It just starts with a polite smile and small but respectful talks.

Communicate with the property manager.

Talking to the property manager doesn’t need to be always about complaints. Ask them about the things you don’t understand. They can always help you save your budget and the property manager is the right resource to ask regarding things that you are allowed and prohibited from changing in your condominium unit. 

Sherwood Hills Golf Club: The Factors that Make Golfers Happy

Sherwood Hills Golf Course and Golf Club

There are several golf courses and country clubs in Cavite, Philippines such as Sherwood Hills Golf Club. Almost all golf courses and country clubs claim to be the best in the country. But do they make golfers happy?

If the green fee is quite expensive, it’s supposed to be a superb course, right? This is the typical mindset of most golfers. Yet, after a few rounds of play, they’ve found out that it is not and all is left is to wallow in disappointment.

Golf Digest conducted a golf satisfaction survey about this with the help of Dr. Dan Sachau and Dr. Luke Simmering. Dr. Sachau is a psychology professor at Minnesota State University, while Dr. Simmering is a consultant in the Global Organizational Effectiveness Department of Walmart. They’ve asked 2,434 respondents about their experience on their last play away from their home course. A home course is the golf course you’re very familiar with. The image below is the result of their survey:

Image Source: Golf Digest

Based on the illustration above, it has two columns: “what golfers say makes them happy” and “what actually makes golfers happy.” We will focus on the right side that truly reveals what golfers really want.

Course Condition

First on the list is the condition of the course. Who would want to play in a poorly maintained and unkempt course? It is not just an eyesore but it may affect the mood and performance of the player. According to Golf Inc. Magazine, the “course design and maintenance” are the main factors that attract most golfers.

Design

The design of a golf course is not only for aesthetics. It is the key to enhance a golfer’s experience. Sometimes it takes a golfer to be able to design a “tournament-ready” course. For instance, in the America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Architect list, Jack Nicklaus or the “Golden Bear” ranked no. 5 with seven of his designs in the Top 100. It is worth-mentioning that he designed the Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite, Philippines.

Score

In golf, “honesty is the best policy” especially when it comes to the scorecard. Why? A golfer’s playing partner is the one who records his score in that sheet of paper. But you’re still responsible on what is written on the scorecard, so double-check or triple-check it if you must. Erasures are not allowed once you sign your card.

Cost of Green Fees

A green fee is your pass to play in the green or the course. Unfortunately, you will only know the course is worth your time and money the moment you’re in and playing. It is a pay before you play rule, so you have no choice on this matter. 

SEE Sinkholes destroy the beauty of a golf course – THINK AGAIN!

Food and Beverage

Nothing is more relaxing than drinking an iced cold beer while playing and chatting in the breathtaking scenery of the lush greens and fairways, and a pleasant small talks among your co-players. Drink in moderation though, because a drunken player is the no.8 pet peeve of golf players according to PGA.com.

The other factors mentioned in the list are service and staff; locker room; ease of scheduling tee time; quality of carts; quality of practice facilities; merchandise; weather; and pace of play.

Yet the best comment or answer to this question is the one from Pinoygolfer forum:

“The boss and the wife [don’t] call in the middle of a very good game with very good scores… that would really make me Happy!!!” says member castertroy.

Amen.