Baka sa Ibang Pagkakataon

Ang araw ay lumubog na, bituin ay sumikat,

Isang pangarap ang muling di nahagkan.

Ang “ngayon” ay lumipas, naging kahapon,

At ang "mamaya" ay di pa rin narating.

May salitang binitawan, ngunit di naulinigan,

May pagkakataong lumipas, di nasunggaban.

Parang bulong ng hangin, o anino sa dingding,

Ang dapat sanang nangyari, bigla na lang naglaho.

Ang puso ay may kaba, may bahid na panghihinayang,

Sa mga "sana," sa mga "kung," na di na mabubuo.

Ngunit sa bawat pagdilim, may umagang sisikat,

Bawat dulo ng kabanata, may bagong simula.

Kaya’t ang bulong ng isip ay paulit-ulit,

"Baka sa ibang pagkakataon, ang lahat ay maisakatuparan."

Baka sa susunod na yugto, ang bituin ay matamo,

Ang landas na malabo, luminaw at magkatotoo.

Di ito pagtalikod, di rin paglimot,

Kundi pagtanggap sa takbo ng panahon.

Pag-asa ang tanglaw, sa dilim ng pagsubok,

At ang "baka sa ibang pagkakataon" ay pangako ng bukas.

Living in Port Vila, Vanuatu: Officially an Expat

Living in Port Vila, Vanuatu, as an expat offers a unique blend of tropical island life with a developing urban center. It's often chosen by those seeking a more relaxed pace, natural beauty, and a less conventional experience compared to more developed nations.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Lifestyle and Culture:

• Relaxed Pace: Life in Port Vila is generally slower and more laid-back. This can be a significant draw for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life elsewhere.

• Warm and Welcoming Locals: Ni-Vanuatu people are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Expats generally feel welcomed and at ease.

• Tropical Climate: Vanuatu has a tropical climate, meaning warm temperatures year-round. Loose-fitting, light cotton clothing is best and culturally appropriate.

• Cultural Immersion: Understanding local customs is important. Directness is not always preferred, and building relationships through talking about family and local issues can be crucial before diving into business.

• Outdoor Activities: With pristine beaches, clear waters, and abundant marine life, water activities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing are popular. Hiking and exploring the islands are also common.

• Community: Port Vila has a wider community of expatriates, offering opportunities for social connection.

2. Cost of Living:

• Generally Affordable, but Varies: The cost of living in Port Vila can be refreshingly reasonable compared to many Western countries, especially for local produce and seafood. However, imported goods are pricier due to shipping costs.

• Housing: Rent can vary. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center might range from VUV 50,000 to VUV 80,000 (approx. USD $420-$670) per month, while outside the city center it could be VUV 30,000 to VUV 50,000 (approx. USD $250-$420). Larger homes or beachfront properties will be significantly more. Purchasing land in Port Vila can be expensive.

• Groceries: Local fruits, vegetables, and seafood from markets are affordable. Imported items like milk, certain meats, and processed goods can be expensive. A monthly grocery budget for a single person might range from VUV 25,000 to VUV 40,000 (approx. USD $210-$335).

• Utilities: Utilities, especially electricity and internet, can be relatively high. Basic utilities (electricity, water, garbage) might cost around VUV 10,000 to VUV 25,000 (approx. USD $85-$210) per month. Wired broadband internet can be particularly expensive.

• Dining Out: Eating at local restaurants is affordable (VUV 1,500-2,500 per person for a casual meal), while mid-range to higher-end restaurants will be more.

• Transportation: Public transport in Port Vila is less comprehensive. Car ownership is common, with car insurance typically ranging from VUV 25,000 to VUV 35,000 annually. Fuel prices are generally lower than in some Western countries.

3. Healthcare:

• Basic Services: Healthcare in Vanuatu is still developing and considered basic, especially outside of Port Vila.

• Port Vila Central Hospital: This is the largest hospital in Vanuatu, offering general and specialized medical services, including emergency care, general surgery, maternity care, and pediatrics.

• Private Facilities: There are also private clinics and medical centers in Port Vila, which expats often use for higher quality care and faster treatment times. Consultations can cost VUV 3,000 to VUV 10,000 (approx. USD $25-$85).

• Health Insurance is Crucial: Comprehensive health insurance, ideally with coverage for medical evacuation, is highly recommended for expats. For serious illnesses or specialized treatments, medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand may be necessary, which can be very expensive.

• Malaria and Other Diseases: Malaria is endemic in most of Vanuatu outside Port Vila, so prophylaxis and mosquito protection are recommended. Dengue fever can also occur. Tap water is generally safe to drink in Port Vila and Luganville, but caution is advised elsewhere.

4. Job Opportunities and Business:

• Limited Expat Job Market: The local job market for expats can be competitive and specialized. Opportunities are often found in NGOs, international organizations, tourism, and specific skilled trades. Websites like "Wok i Kik" are good resources for local job listings.

• Entrepreneurship and Investment: Vanuatu has an attractive tax system with no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax. This can be appealing for entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses. The government generates revenue through a 15% VAT on goods and services.

• Visa Requirements for Employment: If seeking employment, a work visa is required, typically sponsored by a local company. This visa is usually valid for 12 months with the possibility of extension.

5. Visa and Residency:

• Various Residence Visa Options: Vanuatu offers several routes to residency, including:

  • Employee Visa: For those with an employment contract for a minimum of 12 months.

  • Self-Funded Resident Visa: Requires a certified monthly income from a Vanuatu bank (VUV 250,000 for an individual, VUV 500,000 for a couple).

  • Foreign Investor Visa: For those holding an approval certificate from the Vanuatu Investment and Promotion Authority (VIPA) and a business license.

  • Leasehold Holder Visa: For those owning a leasehold property valued at VUV 10 million or more and meeting income criteria.

  • Partner/Child Visa: For those married to or in a de-facto relationship with a Vanuatu citizen or resident, or dependent children.

• Citizenship by Investment (CBI): Vanuatu offers a CBI program allowing individuals to obtain citizenship with a minimum contribution, providing visa-free access to many countries and tax benefits. This doesn't require residency in Vanuatu.

• Dual Citizenship: Dual citizenship is recognized in Vanuatu.

Challenges to be Aware Of:

• Limited Infrastructure outside Port Vila: While Port Vila offers amenities, services and infrastructure can be very basic in rural areas.

• Unreliable Internet and Phone Services: Connectivity can be limited and unreliable, especially outside of urban areas.

• Natural Disasters: Vanuatu is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and cyclones.

• Import Costs: Due to its island nature, imported goods are more expensive.

Overall, living in Port Vila as an expat offers a unique opportunity for a slower, more connected, and nature-focused lifestyle, especially for those who are adaptable and prepared for the realities of living in a developing island nation.

VATE Industries Limited: Your Leading Roofing and Steel Supplier in VANAUTU

 

Vate industries Ltd. is a 40 year old company with a turnover of about 2000 metric tons of steel a year. With our 100 qualified staffs we are ready to take any steel construction challenge.

We have all the infrastructure for all types and sizes of jobs (cranes, forklifts, etc...)

 

Manufacturing for any steel requirements.

Corrugate and Trimdek Profile roofing (Colorbond and Zincalume)

Full range of steel sections: SHS, RHS, Pipe, Angle & Bar and C&Z Purlins

Ready to go garages and carports.

Pool Fencing and Security Fencing.

Building materials.

PVC-framed Doors and Windows

Website

http://www.teouma.com

Industry

Wholesale Building Materials

Company size

51-200 employees

Headquarters

Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu

The Unseen Growth: A Decade's Pause and the Resurgence of Purpose

Life, a relentless current, often pulls us along paths we never consciously chose, dictated by necessity, ambition, or the sheer momentum of daily living. Yet, there are moments, profound and often unsettling, when the current falters, or we, by an act of will or exhaustion, choose to step out of its flow. A hiatus, a deliberate pause, can be an act of profound self-preservation, a necessary recalibration. But what happens when that pause extends, not for a season, but for a decade? To step away for ten years, only to return to the very arena one left behind, is to embark on a journey not just of rediscovery, but of re-creation – a testament to enduring passion, evolved perspective, and the undeniable echo of an unfinished symphony.

The initial departure, whether forced or chosen, is often fraught with a complex tapestry of emotions. There might be relief, a liberation from the pressures that fueled the need for a break. There could be guilt, a sense of abandoning responsibilities or aspirations. For some, it is a period of profound re-evaluation, where the priorities that once seemed immutable shift and dissolve, making way for new understandings of self and purpose. The intervening ten years are not a void; they are a landscape of different experiences. Perhaps it’s a period dedicated to family, nurturing children through their formative years.

Or it could be a deep dive into personal healing, grappling with illness or loss. For others, it might be an exploration of entirely new fields, an unexpected career pivot that broadened horizons and cultivated new skills. These years, seemingly separate from the initial pursuit, are in fact diligently weaving a richer tapestry of life, adding layers of wisdom, empathy, and resilience.

For me, it's my peace. 

Sa Muling Pagpihit ng Orasan

Nahulog ang dahon, nagkulay kalawang,

Isang pangarap, tila nabibinbin.

Ang kamay ng orasan, di na maibabalik,

Ang pagkakataong ito, lumipas na't nasirip.

May tinig na bumulong, "Hindi pa ito ang sandali,"

May pangako ang bukas, na sana'y di magtatali.

Sa bawat pagbitaw, ng isang "ngayon na sana,"

Nananahan ang "mamaya," sa puso't diwa.

Parang ibong lumipad, di nakapanaog sa tangkay,

Ang nais mong maganap, sadyang di pa matamlay.

May ulap na humarang, sa liwanag ng araw,

Ngunit sa likod nito, pag-asa'y sumisigaw.

Kaya't ang hiling, sa hangin ay ibinubulong,

"Baka sa susunod na kabanata, ako'y makapanaog."

Sa muling pagpihit ng orasan, ang lahat ay sisibol,

Ang pangarap na ito, sana'y di na maglalaho.

Di ito pagkabigo, kundi pag-unawa,

Na ang lahat ay may tamang panahon at katha.

Ang "baka sa ibang pagkakataon," ay tulay sa pag-asa,

Patungo sa bukas, na puno ng himala.

MAXUS Limited Vanuatu

MAXUS Limited Vanuatu

Your premier destination for cutting-edge automotive solutions. As the Official Dealer of MAXUS Motors in Vanuatu, we’re committed to bringing you a diverse range of vehicles that blend innovation, performance, and style.

Discover our Maxus Vehicles. Whether you need a dependable daily car or a reliable workhorse, Maxus Limited has the perfect vehicle for you. Explore our diverse lineup and see how Maxus can help you achieve your goals.

Link: https://maxuslimitedvanuatu.com

Pro Dive Davao: My 2nd Scuba Dive

PRO DIVE DAVAO is a young, progressive company based in Davao City offering scuba diving, island hopping and intro dives. Their intro dive package is 999 pesos inclusive of food(lunch, snacks and candies), certificate, photos and free use of diving gears and snorkeling. And you dive by pair with one master diver. This company is true to its offer of a hassle free adventure, they provide everything you need on board.

Phil-Nippon Technical College Inc. Padada Davao del Sur

I had a short visit to Tomikawa City in Padada Davao del Sur to inquire in Phil-Nippon Technical College Inc. Since I am not qualified to any courses they offered I just had a look in this beauty.

Mount Crocodile, Padada Davao del Sur

Mount Crocodile is located in Brgy. Piape, Padada Davao del Sur. It is formerly known as Piape Hill and Itakura Hill. The name comes from the form of mountain range as viewed from above. It was declared as the Municipal's Ecotorism and Reservation Area by the Local Government of Padada.

Mount Balusong, Falel, Kiamba Saranggani Province

Sunrise at Mount Balusong

I had the chance to join the 4th Eco Trek Event hosted by Team Bundol in Sitio Falel, Kiamba Saranggani Province. It was their 4th trekking activity for a cause. 

The event was supported by the Local Government Unit of Saranggani Province and participated by mountaineers from different places. I was totally amazed with scenery of SocSarGen. Since it was a long travel to Kiamba from General Santos City, my soul was fully loaded with beautiful landscapes. Indeed, it is a must visit SocSarGen.

Caving Exploration in Kapalong Davao del Norte

Alina Cave

The glory of joining any mountaineering event comes with exploring nature at its best in a cheaper and a much fun experience. A mountaineering group from Sto. Tomas hosted a 1st Caving Exploration in Kapalong Davao del Norte. This event made me understand what and how spelunking is all about. Thanks to Layao Adventurist assisted by Kibalaug Outdoor Club for hosting this event along with the Tourism Office of Sto. Tomas and of course Kapalong Tourism Office.

Looking for that Trail Sign

Literally tired… I have been listening to the same song for days now. I wish in my next try, I could see a trail sign of a safe green signal that says it is going to be it.

Though I keep on asking, what’s the use of letting them know who you are, yet it’s too unbelievable for them to see your intentions. I have been wondering why things are really hard. I believe in the goodness of everything, done my best to become a better person that I could be, but still it feels like a long journey before reaching its peak.

Maybe there is no way those dreams would come into reality. Tangled moments are two way a fantasy. I hope one day I could wake up in a better place where everything I have are the best things I wanted to have in my yesterday. Going on in my days though I need to a ...Sign-off again.

Guess I'm Starting Again...

#single

Baktas Busay Lapis ug Papel Part 2

Baktas Busay Lapis ug Papel Part 2 was an advocacy climb organized by AndicoOutdoors with the help of WOWOK Mountaineers to reach out to the children of Mount Sicao.

Sitio Utan Tamayong

Sunrise at Sitio Utan, an hour or two walk from Sitio Sicao, Tamayong, Davao City, a village near Mount Talomo.

A question that pops to my friend's mind...

Is this experience can equal the worth of our lives?

- I said NO… it was a long journey, I almost passed out and tried another night trek for the second time. I feared for every cliff I passed and slippery rocks I stepped on. But in every struggle He never fails to send His angels. I can’t thank God enough for letting me wake up to this sunrise. It is a new day, new experience I survived and new friends. 

This will not equal the worth of my life…but I can’t hide in a corner forever. This is life, we need to live and He will do the rest.

Kabogaw Island: Driftwood

“God loves us not because we are good. But that God will make us good because He loves us. Just as the roof of the greenhouse does not attack the sun because it is bright, but becomes bright because the sun shines on it.” - CS Lewis

Orange Life

No one knows how we fear of something, how we tried not to talk about sad things just for them to see how strong we are. Sometimes, when things fall down the colors that comes with wind is enough for us to take a leap of faith. Things are still out of reach but we will be fine. I’ll be fine…

Reasoning with Mind

“What I believe in my heart must make sense in my mind.”

Boston Davao Oriental

Boston, Davao Oriental, Philippines
The last municipality of Davao Oriental
It experienced Typhoon Pablo in 2012 but now the place has completely recovered.

Part of my #ThisIsPhilippines photos are from the place where I first realized I would like to see places, places of my Mindanao. It is dangerous and nothing so especial place as described by most people. But Mindanao has the most interesting archipelago with lots of undiscovered gems...15 years ago, I said this is a beautiful place, now even after typhoon Pablo it remained as one of my favorite. Simple life close to sunrise and sunset, peace loving people and bountiful fresh foods are accessible.

How to get here:
From Davao City ride a bus bound to Cateel Davao Oriental or you can have the Mangagoy, Bislis, Surigao del Sur route.

Fare:
 480 pesos one way.

Begin to Live a Life

Your life was made for a purpose, desire it, discover it and then let it drive you into your destination. - Francis Kong