Hi all.
I have secured a teaching position in the Philippines. I won't go into which school but I am interested in any expat info that might be of help. Got the jabs done today, but any tips would be appreciated.
Manila, Philippines
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happybuddha
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Feb 12, 2015 1:47 am
Re: Manila, Philippines
First, let me say CONGRATULATIONS! I lived and worked Manila for quite a few years, but not as a teacher, and love the Philippines. That being said, it can be a rather frustrating place, but I guess most overseas postings can be that way.
I know of four "international" English-medium schools in "Manila" that I'm aware of, and their locations will lead to quite different experiences.
Both International School Manila (the American school) and the British School Manila are located across the street from each other in Fort Bonafacio, Taguig, also called Bonifacio Global City. The school buildings are quite new, both having opened in the last 10 years. Prior to that they were located in other areas. Bonifacio is a business/residential area that's been developed on the grounds of a military base over the last 20 years. Its all new and shiny, and things work pretty well. There are good restaurants and fast food in the area, and I'm sure there is night time entertainment, my wife used to go to a club that played techno (not my scene) there. Anything you cannot find there you can certainly find next door in Makati, even more restaurants and lots of night spots.
Bonifacio has one large supermarket and one specialty supermarket (selling really good meat and wine, but at a price).
As for transport, taxis are cheap, and I believe Bonifacio has their own internal transport system. Bonifacio attempts to be better organized than the rest of Manila. Jeepneys, ubiquitous elsewhere, are not allowed inside the boundaries of Bonifacio, which improves traffic flow.
There is also a light rail, but it doesn't service Bonifacio directly, and lots and lots of buses, but those can be very crowded. I've only taken long distance buses, which are actually OK, the local buses I've never taken.
The C-5 highway runs along eastern boundary of Bonifacio, and is convenient for heading out of town (given its not rush hour, when it can be a parking lot). South of Manila there are places to go for the weekend, and now there is a toll road that runs all the way to Batangas City, south of Manila, which is convenient for going to either Anilao or Puerto Galera (PG requires an hour boat ride) for scuba diving.
The Australian International School is sort of in the same general area as ISM and BS, but not inside Bonifacio, its close to the South Luzon Expressway. Until I just looked, I didn't even realize it was there, it used to be somewhere else. I can't tell you much about ALS, except based on its location its probably rather congested around it, and my guess is you'll have to go to either Makati or Bonifacio to do much. If this is your school, I can contact some friends and try to find out more about the area, I don't know anyone that has kids there.
Brent School Manila (there are also two other Brent schools on Luzon) is located south of Manila along the South Luzon Expressway (aka South Super Highway), which is part of the toll system I mentioned that runs all the way to Batangas City and scuba diving. Its in a building that was opened in the last 15 years, and is well away from the smog and congestion of Manila. Life there would be different I imagine, though I've never been to the school, but have passed it many times. My guess is the teachers there drive back north to Alabang for shopping, restaurants, etc. which is 10m/16km from Brent. I doubt there is much to do right around the school.
I used to know quite a few teachers at Brent and the Brit School as they were frequent visitors to the same dive operation in Puerto Galera I used (and worked at briefly), but that was quite a few years ago, pretty sure no one I know is still there.
Hope this help, please feel free to ask other questions.
I know of four "international" English-medium schools in "Manila" that I'm aware of, and their locations will lead to quite different experiences.
Both International School Manila (the American school) and the British School Manila are located across the street from each other in Fort Bonafacio, Taguig, also called Bonifacio Global City. The school buildings are quite new, both having opened in the last 10 years. Prior to that they were located in other areas. Bonifacio is a business/residential area that's been developed on the grounds of a military base over the last 20 years. Its all new and shiny, and things work pretty well. There are good restaurants and fast food in the area, and I'm sure there is night time entertainment, my wife used to go to a club that played techno (not my scene) there. Anything you cannot find there you can certainly find next door in Makati, even more restaurants and lots of night spots.
Bonifacio has one large supermarket and one specialty supermarket (selling really good meat and wine, but at a price).
As for transport, taxis are cheap, and I believe Bonifacio has their own internal transport system. Bonifacio attempts to be better organized than the rest of Manila. Jeepneys, ubiquitous elsewhere, are not allowed inside the boundaries of Bonifacio, which improves traffic flow.
There is also a light rail, but it doesn't service Bonifacio directly, and lots and lots of buses, but those can be very crowded. I've only taken long distance buses, which are actually OK, the local buses I've never taken.
The C-5 highway runs along eastern boundary of Bonifacio, and is convenient for heading out of town (given its not rush hour, when it can be a parking lot). South of Manila there are places to go for the weekend, and now there is a toll road that runs all the way to Batangas City, south of Manila, which is convenient for going to either Anilao or Puerto Galera (PG requires an hour boat ride) for scuba diving.
The Australian International School is sort of in the same general area as ISM and BS, but not inside Bonifacio, its close to the South Luzon Expressway. Until I just looked, I didn't even realize it was there, it used to be somewhere else. I can't tell you much about ALS, except based on its location its probably rather congested around it, and my guess is you'll have to go to either Makati or Bonifacio to do much. If this is your school, I can contact some friends and try to find out more about the area, I don't know anyone that has kids there.
Brent School Manila (there are also two other Brent schools on Luzon) is located south of Manila along the South Luzon Expressway (aka South Super Highway), which is part of the toll system I mentioned that runs all the way to Batangas City and scuba diving. Its in a building that was opened in the last 15 years, and is well away from the smog and congestion of Manila. Life there would be different I imagine, though I've never been to the school, but have passed it many times. My guess is the teachers there drive back north to Alabang for shopping, restaurants, etc. which is 10m/16km from Brent. I doubt there is much to do right around the school.
I used to know quite a few teachers at Brent and the Brit School as they were frequent visitors to the same dive operation in Puerto Galera I used (and worked at briefly), but that was quite a few years ago, pretty sure no one I know is still there.
Hope this help, please feel free to ask other questions.
Re: Manila, Philippines
Buddha's description was great. Many people love living in the Philippines- tropical vibes, beautiful destinations and all the karaoke you can handle.
Manila can be a tough place to live, but drivers, gardeners, and ayis (child care/cleaner) can shield you from many of the frustrations. For many westerners, there are frustrations around pollution, efficiency, critical thinking and systemic corruption. In quality of life, the Philippines lags behind many of its SEA neighbors. KL, BKK, Singapore, HK, Hanoi, and HCMC are often seen as better locations in the region. It's best to have an "accept the things you cannot change, and look for things to laugh at and enjoy" type of mindset.
Manila can be a tough place to live, but drivers, gardeners, and ayis (child care/cleaner) can shield you from many of the frustrations. For many westerners, there are frustrations around pollution, efficiency, critical thinking and systemic corruption. In quality of life, the Philippines lags behind many of its SEA neighbors. KL, BKK, Singapore, HK, Hanoi, and HCMC are often seen as better locations in the region. It's best to have an "accept the things you cannot change, and look for things to laugh at and enjoy" type of mindset.
Response
I agree with Nikkor and HappyBudda, really depends where you are, but generally the concerns youll have are inefficiency and that everything seems to be for sale, as its really an impoverished country. By everything I mean everything. Its a great place to be single, there is an amazing night life and social scene, and language isnt a barrier like it is in many other Asian locations. Many teachers tend to leave as opposed to settling down, unless they get married to a local. The coin just isnt there.
Re: Manila, Philippines
Bumping this since it's close to fair time again. Anybody with specific knowledge of Brent and life there? I would be interesting in hearing about teaching and living in that area. Happy 2016 a bit early everyone!
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ADMIN NOTE:
We appreciate your participation in the ISR Forum but ask that you not post or request evaluation type information, be it from a positive or negative perspective.
You can see the details of our guidleines at the following URL
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The member area of the site is a membership type entity. The forum is an open public forum and thus subject to different pressures. You can help us conserve our resources by not posting evaluation type comments to the forum.
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MedellinHeel
- Posts: 169
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2014 1:59 am
Re: Manila, Philippines
For a single male, no other country comes close to the Philippines in terms of a dating / social life.
Would love to live there.
Only headache is the traffic for me. Def try to live close to your school.
Would love to live there.
Only headache is the traffic for me. Def try to live close to your school.
Reply
@MedellinHeel
I wouldnt say PH is solely number one, Thailand is better but you have language issues. Indonesia is also a serious contender in Asia. Brazil and Venezuela are also very easy, and Brazil has some of the most beautiful woman in the world. JP is is a great region for dating opportunities with other westerners. PH is great if youre a guy and want to get married.
I wouldnt say PH is solely number one, Thailand is better but you have language issues. Indonesia is also a serious contender in Asia. Brazil and Venezuela are also very easy, and Brazil has some of the most beautiful woman in the world. JP is is a great region for dating opportunities with other westerners. PH is great if youre a guy and want to get married.
Re: Manila, Philippines
If you were ever to go on to Mastermind, Dave, I'm sure this area would be your specialist subject. What are your views on Taiwan as a place for dating?
Re: Manila, Philippines
Anybody have knowledge of the area around Brent? Is there stuff close to the school (shopping, etc) or do you have to go far to get to anything? I know ISM and British school are close to everything...curious what you all know about the neighborhood around Brent.
Re: Manila, Philippines
What are the average salaries like for ITs in Manila?