If you are seriously considering moving to the Philippines, then I have some advice to help prepare for your arrival. I have been in country for over six years. I remember how hard it was for me. Each tip I give you is from my own experience.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME:  What I had and I believe you will need is some friends in the Philippines that speak the language.  The best way to find a few of those is to start looking for Filipinas you might be interested in through one of those dating services.  Sorry you have to pay to make contact, but that is only a small amount once.  I'm not saying to lead anyone on.  Never do that.  I am saying that most Filipinas would jump at the chance to help you out.  It's good for their English practice and most do want to meet foreigners anyway.  Besides that, they know the area you are going to and they can help keep you from making Newbie mistakes like believing the prices you are asked to pay for things is the same price a Filipino would pay.  Don't forget to get your friends cell phone numbers before you leave.

Other friends you should have here before you come are expats living in some locations where you might be interested in living.  These people can help you pick a suitable hotel or pension house to spend your first weeks in.

Of course reserve a place to stay.  I landed in Manila at 10:30 PM.  No domestic flights are available, so I had to take a room in town.  If I had it to do over again, I would try to land in Cebu instead.  Many of you are  going to Cebu anyway.  It may cost you more in plane fare, but I think you will be glad to miss a stay in Manila.

Another thing I would do is pick a place to stay that has its own restaurant.  Do this to avoid going outside of the hotel looking for a place during your first days.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE:  Convert your money to Pesos at the airport.  Get many small bills along with the P500 or P1000 notes.  You need the smaller bills to pay taxi fares etc.  Start getting into the habit of carrying money in pants pockets as apposed to your billfold. I've never been robbed, but it is still a good habit.  Large bills in one pocket. Small change in the other or some kind of money belt.  Another good habit is to not pull out a wad of money anywhere.  Peel off a few bills with your fingers and just pull those out.  Again I have to say I've never been robbed, but I've seen many Filipino eyes looking at foreigners who do flaunt their money around.

Speaking of taxis.  Always go to the taxi stand provided by the airport.  They write down the taxi number and tell you the price you will pay.  If they don't tell you the price, ask the driver before you get in. This keeps the taxi drivers honest.

Now go check in and relax.  You should be tired.  If you sweat like a pig, don't  worry about it.  Everyone over here does, including the natives.  Most all of the hotel employees speak English.  The front desk person or Manager are good people to ask where an ATM is and where to buy a cell phone if you need one.  Stay with familiar brand names to avoid some of the junk being sold.

p.s... I have had several experiences with hotels where they either had no hot water, their hot water was scalding hot and hard to cool down or they have a low powered individual heater that barely takes off the chill.  Also don't expect everything to be perfect in the room. 

YOUR FIRST FULL DAY:  You should be busy contacting friends and arranging your first excursion outside.  Remember that most Filipinas don't know about Western style homes.  Many of them don't have flush toilets, hot water heaters, gas cooking stoves inside, air conditioning and many other luxuries you are used to.  You will want them to ask potential landlords about these things and the rent before the landlord sees you.  My personal experience with this problem happened when I went by myself to look at some new apartments being built in Dipolog.  I asked the rent price.  It was P9000.  My wife went to the same person and he told her P8000.  She paid and secured the place for us. You can imagine the look on the guys face when I showed up with a truck load of our belongings.

Don't be to concerned about the natives always trying to get you to pay more.  Once they realize you are here permanently, they stop.  It is their belief that most foreigners are just on vacation or here to get your bride.  It's the same as having to pay higher gas prices during a holiday except you are the only one paying them.

If you live in Cebu, then you can be sure that Immigration will always be open except on holidays.  If you choose a smaller city, it is best to visit the Immigration office to find out their hours.  Mine in Dipolog was only their Thursday and half day Friday.  Here in Dumaguete they make copies of your passport and send them to Cebu now.  You have to come back and pay in the afternoon.  The Bureau of Immigration started this after many complaints about over charging etc where coming in from expats.

AND FINALLY:  Know that the pace of life is slower here.  You'll soon learn about Filipino time and about stores being closed during lunch and about the holidays.  You'll learn to always plan to have correct change when paying for anything.  You'll learn that many natives can speak some English, but they have trouble getting their meaning across.  Your Filipina friend will be invaluable translating for you.

And you will get used to the beggars and you will learn how to avoid them and keep them from showing up on your doorstep.  You'll find out what days they go around and learn to keep your doors and gate closed on those days.

I know some of these suggestions make you wonder about this place.  Don't be alarmed.  There are literally thousands of expats living over here who love the place.  I've only heard of one expat who up and left because of any of these annoyances.  GOOD LUCK