Edge Davao 7 Issue 197 - Special Issue

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

EDGEDAVAOgetreal

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS SPECIAL

BUILDING HOMES,

MORE HOMES

VOL. 7 ISSUE 197 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 20142EDGEDAVAOgetrealREAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS SPECIAL

Why foreigners want to retire in Davao City

(Conclusion)

THERE are a myriad reasons why foreigners like to retire in Davao City. Dabawenyos would like

to believe that the city’s much bally-hooed livability is its biggest attraction to people, foreigners and out-of-town-ers, 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 Ye-linek, 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 build-ing distribution. All three handsome gentlemen are active members of the Rotary Club of East Davao. Their respective spouses are just are inter-ested in participating in the projects of the RCED, a multi-awarded club in Rotary International District 3860 in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Fred’s storyYelinek, whose wife Lily is a

Dabawenya, has this to say about how he became “Dabawenyo.”

“There is little doubt that Davao is FWHY, 3Rotarians Fred Yelinek, Sol Hayag and Scott Richard Mcadoo

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

1. Use social media to net-work 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, med-ical care, security, and lifestyle information pointed at a ma-ture 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 Bu-reau of immigration to assure ease of residence here. Publish

religion still plays an import-ant place in public discourse.

9. The city is well run with much room for improve-ment, 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 per-manent resident and like my city and the new culture into which I have immersed my-self.

“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:

3EDGEDAVAOgetrealREAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS SPECIAL

FWHY, 10

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 every-one. Let’s look at some facts.

1. Not many people out-side southeast Asia know any-thing about Davao.

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

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

4. The news of the Phil-ippines is all about typhoons, earthquake, and volcanoes, not to mention kidnappings and battles with Muslim insur-gents.

“The above are daunting deterrents to selecting a place that you know little about as a possible permanent loca-tion. Now let’s examine why so many foreigners settle here anyway. A great many of us found Davao by “acci-dent”. 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 invit-ed, 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-see-ing 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 pleas-ant and there really are no ty-phoons, 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 avail-able here is way better than most would think. This is a good medical tourism poten-tial, if advertised.

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

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.

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


Transcend.Trailblaze.

Transform.

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DAVAOYour edge.

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DAVAO

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.

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

COVERAGE

P5ADDITIONAL COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE (COLA)

THE Department of Em-ployment and Labor (DOLE) 11 reminded

private establishment own-ers to comply with the imple-mentation of the P5 addition-al cost-of-living allowance (COLA) which became effec-tive yesterday.

DOLE 11 regional di-rector Atty. Joffrey Suyao said during the Kapehan sa

Dabaw at SM City Annex yes-terday that December 1 was the start of the implementa-tion 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 sec-tor is P307, while for service establishments employing not more than 10 workers it is P286.

The order covers the cities of Davao, Digos, Is-land 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 purchas-ing power due to inflation at a rate normally pegged at the consumer price index (CPI) and cushion the effects of the

COMPLY WITH [email protected]

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

FCOMPLY, 10

EDGE DAVAO Infographics

DOLE 11 asks firms to implement additional COLA

P 15.00 • 20 PAGESwww.edgedavao.netVOL. 7 ISSUE 185 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 1, 2014


DAVAO

Newest member of Edge Davao celebrates a

winning season

REGARDING HENRY

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Home for the holidays

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 197 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014 5EDGEDAVAOgetrealREAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS SPECIAL


Following the sweet success of Damosa Fair-lane, Damosa Land Inc., (DLI) is once again launch-ing a multi-building mid-rise development project in Km. 11, Sasa, Davao City by the first quarter of the coming year.

Damosa Land vice president Cary Lagdam-eo said that as communi-ty builder, it is the main thrust of Damosa to pro-vide 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 meticulous-ly devoted to fit the de-mands 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 feel-ing of airiness one can get from only a high-end property but for a very affordable price—a hall-mark of Damosa projects.

The development in-cludes the construction of six mid-rise buildings de-voted for tenements with a commercial complex fronting the development.

“The first three build-ings will have seven sto-ries, while the next three buildings will have eight,” he added.

To give the entire com-plex a new look, the ex-isting commercial area in the property will also be developed and upgraded during the simultaneous construction.

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

With Davao City emerging as the gate-way to Mindanao and the Southeast Asian region, the city is not just a good place to stay for short va-cations, but also a place one can call home espe-cially to young urbanites.

Known for its econom-ic growth and big market opportunity, various lo-cal 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 hav-

ing a huge demand for housing because of the in-creasing purchasing pow-er of young profession-als,” Lagdameo said.

Lagdameo said that the company’s projects have already diversified from subdivisions to mid-rise condominiums with impressive location with-in the heart of the city.

The young profes-sionalssegment 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 em-ployed in the different growing industries like tourism, agriculture, and Information and Commu-nication Technology (ICT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

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

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

Dabawenyos and even those from nearby prov-inces 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 develop-ment 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 econ-omy and the strong lead-ership of Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will continue to draw investors and young professionals.

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

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

“The increase in pop-ulation was the result of migration, among others, of people from other re-gions because Davao City offers many opportunities as a hub of government, business, and industries,” Philippine Statistics Au-thority 11 regional statis-tician Ma. Leah Magracia said.

Lagdameo said that this increase in the pop-ulation 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 inves-tors.

DLI goes from subdivisions to mid-rise residential buildings

Wouldn’t it be amazing to live in a community where every morn-ing seems to be an endless sum-mer dayand yet go to work feeling all revved up and refreshed?

By CHENEEN R. CAPON




Christmas hasarrived in NorthpointBy ADI C. QUISIDO

Towering at 40 feet is a fanciful Christmas tree made of 1,195 stars in as-sorted sizes and colors such as white, fuchsia, light yel-low, 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 spar-kling lights hanging from the trees and a blanket of

snow on the nearby grasses and bush.

The decors are mostly in pink, representing its whim-sical 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 North-point, marvel at the giant tree, and bask in the joyful spirit of the season.

Merry Christmas every-one!

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

VOL. 7 ISSUE 197 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 201410 EDGEDAVAOgetrealREAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS SPECIAL

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 in-duce more visitations to Davao by prospective retirees.”

Scott finds ArleneFollowing is what Scott

Richard Mcadoo, a terrific singer, wrote about his discov-ery of Arlene, the Philippines and Davao.

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 maga-zine 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 med-ical hospitals and specialists as well. Medical costs are much lower than the US.

“General cost of living less also. Haircuts, massages, live-in maids, and laborers excel-lent and inexpensive.

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

“Davao has plenty of en-tertainment with a lively mu-sic scene of local bands and singers.

“Hotels and resorts of city or beaches are easily accessi-ble and close.

“The people of the Phil-ippines has to be considered a major factor as well. Amer-icans 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 gen-erations 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 friend-ships made me feel at home here in Davao.”

The 5 points of GerryGerard Vincent Woodham

summarizes the city’s mag-nets to retirees. They are value for money, healthier environ-ment,

family ethic and superi-ority over European care sys-tems,

more fulfilling lifestyle and kindness and courtesy of peo-ples.

While Gerry is very gen-erous 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 as-pects 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 jus-

tice is a luxury available only to the well heeled and canny;

A Road system of 3rd world proportions mainte-nance not being found in em-inent dictionaries;

A reluctance to honor agreements ( principally fi-nancial ); and Exploitation of the poor.

Pet hateHe 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 sin-gle EU country that allows this?”

Fortunately or unfortu-nately, Gerry is not alone in his observation.

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

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


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.

VOL. 7 ISSUE 197 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 201412 EDGEDAVAOgetrealREAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS SPECIAL

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Edge Davao 7 Issue 197 - Special Issue