BIG Problems Building a House in the Philippines!

[@midlifewanderings]

Hello Jay. When we built our house in Southern Leyte, we were on site everyday. We provided them snacks at 10am and 3pm and made sure we had a cooler full of water for them. Perhaps you can hire a "manager" to hire men to come daily and to 'manage' the daily grind, i.e., buy the daily snacks. Just a thought.

[@melaniericket9333]

Yes. Even the people i hired to work in my yard i treat them with pizza and lemonade. It just a consonsolation for their hardwork that i will never do

[@jennibulan]

I agree with hiring a local project manager! Trust is vital. I was just lucky to find one in Rizal in Luzon. Locals know the terrain, conditions etc. Our manager sourced hardware stores nearby for materials, she would call for quotes and have them delivered, was in constant communications with me as I could only go onsite once or twice a week. She managed the payroll, I have her a modest revolving fund that was liquidated and replenished regularly. This would cover rice, cash advances of workers, last minute small item purchases. Expect hiccups along the way and pls be patient with island folks. They do not have the same worldview as you, they are simple but honest and hardworking folks. Good luck on your build! Oh btw, have a little shed, even just a makeshift one with a roof for workers to rest from the sun. Also, in my build, some workers opted to stay and live onsite on work days and just go home for the weekend. Expect Monday morning sickness prevalent everywhere

[@ergiesalas2570]

Mr. J, it is tradition here that you provide snacks 10 am and at 3 pm. Any biscuits and bread is appreciated. And drinking water to drink anytime and glasses to use. Your land is bit far, consider also their transport fare agsinst their wage. If you'r paying them 500 minus 100 fare, minus the food expense then very little is left. Usually, thats the reason some workers doesnt show-up because when they sum it all, they get paid less. They just dont mention it to you.

[@aydapadistudio]

Hi Jay, I am also residing in a province near where you’re located (migrated fr Manila). Based on my experience, sometimes, they just have a lot of other responsibilities that they can’t show up at work. It doesn’t help that a lot of them don’t have phones, so it’s harder to get in touch them. Ex: A gardener we hired who would often not show up. Then we found out it’s because he also has to help his mother tend to their house while she works, and to take care of his child at the same time. Or sometimes, it’s really the “hayahay” culture (taking it easy on life). Usually but not always, those who are a bit older (40y.o. up) tend to be more reliable, just based on our experience. Giving them snacks at around 3PM is also a good motivator. It’s the culture 👨🏽‍🌾 👩🏽‍🌾 Hopefully, this would help you understand and work around their culture to get the results you want.

[@momoydacuycoy]

Pakikisama, marunong din makibagay SA tao especial if you are a foreigner is vital in your way of life in Philippines. At pasensya sa kapwa tao. long term. I know this are the cultures that foreigners should know and should learn if they want to live and experience a happy life with the locals.

[@MrBhong2000]

Useless din mga advice nyo coz they don’t interact or reply to comments. Don’t know why, I mean a major part of vlogging is interacting with your subscribers.

[@mannypacu6460]

@@MrBhong2000 They said they frequently interact with their paying Patreon subscribers.

[@lalingvalladolid]

i think thats how they make money, is to encourage everyone to join their Patreon. double the money down para matapos ang bahay na pinapatayo. may buy and sell naman siguro sila kaya lang baka hindi din enough. malaki din ang kinikita nila sa social media para mapatayo ang bahay nila diyan sa siargao. hindi tayo niyan papansinin kung hindi tayo mag bayad😅

[@jtozuna]

@@MrBhong2000 They can't answer all your questions and possible din po na yung mga advice nyo ay damin na din na aadvice sa comments so dont expect a reply everytime you comment.

[@nelsonlomod9601]

Its always good to be present on the site when you want to have something done.

[@rubysvillanueva5620]

Correct...

[@danielroydrawe]

Then Jay might actually have to do some work, not just hanging out in restaurants all day. 😅

[@Melissa-sy9lk]

Do not be disheartened. Hiring good, experienced, consistent, professional workers is not the easiest, even in Manila, more so in more rural areas. Do consult with owners of the establishments you patronize around GL to get recommendations for the services and people you need that are tried and tested. Although a sense of urgency is sometimes lacking in the mindset of workers, know that things will get done eventually. You have a lovely plot of land and though it may take a while, your dream home will be sitting on it in the near future. All the best.

[@mdc7081]

Don't rush things, enjoy the process, It's a life long journey.

[@doughilditch3580]

Hi Jay, we know exactly how you feel. My wife Tess and I moved to Mindanao from the UK 14 months ago. We are currently building a house in the Bukidnon. A modern house in a traditional design using traditional materials

[@axizcorp]

If the end result of the Cubo design didn't turn out the way you expected it, you can always go for the conventional concrete. The concrete you mentioned that was blown down by Odette is really strong because the structure is very near the sea and the first 2nd wave of the storm will be really destructive. The place you aquired, the terrain will somehow lessen the impact of the wind storm. Try to get ideas about the structure from Batanes islands or Catanduanes islands. Theyre the strongest structures you can get ideas from because they're prone to typhoon very often.

[@elsakiely2044]

Agree

[@donaldhester6555]

OK, well, first of all, my wife and I own property on Panoan island where Liloan is located. We have had lots of work done on a property that my wife now owns. The Filipino labor can really surprise you if you help them out. The very first thing you should understand is that you need a well known skilled person that you negotiate with to get a project done. From that point forward, he will contract his own labor force. The contractor may need help with certain things. Most likely, he lives day to day on very little money and has no money to hire people or pay for the food they need to work. In the Philippines, you need to provide these workers with everything they need to survive, including hungry family members. They expect, but never ask, for MARIENDA. Marienda at 11 am and at 3pm every day is a small lunch and dinner on site. Also, provide sacks of rice to help feed family at home. You need to alow your workers to set up a dirty kitchen and bahay kubo (bamboo house) for break times and shelter. Provide coconut coal and the cheap small local made grills for cooking or anything else they need. In orher words, a home away from home while on the project. This means you need to have WATER, temp outhouse, etc. Also, any tooling or power equipment required is a must. You may need to supply other things, but talk kindly with the boss that you hired. Those guys can do some amazing things if you back them up. Then, they will also always be available for future contracts. Anyway, they tend to hire out of there own family and friends, and they are surprisingly good at building stuff.

[@chrisk7118]

@Uncompletos Believe it or not western workers expect the same and receive the same. In Australia need to provide portable toilets on site, shelter, tea and bickies etc. Exactly the same thing, except it's mandated by law, not just arranged informally like Philippines.

[@chrisk7118]

@Uncompletos Believe it or not Aussie tradies need their hand held, and it’s called a foreman lol. Build quality in Australia is shithouse if you don’t monitor their progress. It’s called construction management and yes I would know they don’t follow my bloody designs, being an Aussie building designer!

[@chrisk7118]

@Uncompletos Judging by your comments you know zero about how the construction industry works in the west or otherwise, so don’t pretend to or I will tear you a new one. lol

[@AngryKittens]

If workers are not showing up, it might be your salary offer is too low. Especially with the scale and difficulty of the work. They might be too embarrassed to haggle, especially with limited English proficiency. Or (more likely), they simply might have other responsibilities pop up. Try to provide snacks, as well as lunch (if work is during the whole day), and water (because it's blazing hot). Even cheap carinderia food is enough. It's traditional in the provinces, though most foreigners might not know that. It lessens down time during break as well, and eases pressure from the workers for having to bring things like a large water bottle, given the remoteness of the location from stores or restaurants (and not having plumbing yet).

[@michaeljakeusman]

good suggestion but they dont read comments.

[@michaelbourne9362]

Exactly. Filipinos aren’t slaves for westerners trying to scrooge. The milers are hot and exhausted literally doing absolutely nothing. They run off exhausted to get food and drinks, but haven’t thought of the workers at all. I never have any trouble getting awesome workers. The ‘work’ the miler did weeks ago was miniscule, hilarious, and left him exhausted. Pay proper wages, take care of your workers, they are human, not slaves or just tools. Again, it is customary to provide snacks and fluids. Also, surely show them the decency and respect of meeting them and discussing everything with them. You won’t have any problems if you are doing the right thing. And just like back in England, tons if you aren’t.

[@michaeljakeusman]

@@7KIslands lol 300. assistant ng mason 350 samin, with meryenda. 450-550 pag mason depende sa usapan.

[@kendhal5026]

To those who commented and made reply, don't make coments if you dont know the real score and just speculating. They read comments but not all since there are so many. I got heart reactions from them when i commented before. We dont know if the wifi is ok in other parts of Siargao. About the wages of workers, we dont knoe the arrangement. There is a contract of that for sure, and the contractor or the foreman is the one sho gives wages to workers.

[@fernandoesteban2345]

A lesson learned. You build with your environment, get local advise, adapt your expectation to what is possible and available, and what is adapted to the weather and environment of Siargao.

[@jacquimaguire4415]

I'm sure you can provide some tasty vegan snacks Sasha, be a change from your super pleased with yourself and annoying laugh 😂

[@mannypacu6460]

More lessons to be learned throughout this process. I'll be staying tuned for sure!

[@elestehorn4290]

If you are building a house in the Philippines, you should be present always during the construction or even clearing the land, alwys on the top of the workers. What I had done when I had the extension of my little house was, I did it on contract, put a deadline on the job that they are going to do.

[@me1747]

It isn't hard to see why workers are not enthused about hacking away at jungle brush with a machete in high heat and humidity. If you really want to motivate anyone give them a reason (besides minimum wage) to do the job quickly. Provide food and water on the site. Give them power tools to work with. Maybe even gift them a power tool that they can use to get other jobs for themselves. Paying bits by the hour only encourages dragging the hours out. Set up the work site nicely for them and pay at the end of the day. Giving respect gets respect.

[@dipandyani]

100% agree with this ❤

[@me1747]

@@7KIslands He called him "his boy"?! That's disgusting. Word will get around about that snobbery. They will regret looking down on the people there. Shame on him. They better change their tune. That attitude does not bode well for their future on the island.

[@fishywishydishywoo]

I don’t think he meant that in a pernicious way. “My boy” can mean my man or my friend. Don’t be so quick to judge someone you don’t know personally.

[@hiyasminauguis8217]

Hello Jay Sacha and Story and poppy, it is hard to find the right person to work on your land, hoping that everything will be fine in the right time, good luck to your project, God bless you all always.

[@lourdesrojas-yaklich4446]

You may need to provide coffee or pandesal to make them comeback…. My mom used to hired people to help with the farm, and we always bought pandesal, coffee, and merienda for the worker… I know it’s not much really, that way not only they come back, you will also make friends. Trust me this is how you create cultural friends.

[@rommeloracion9453]

You have to provide power tools like weeds bush cutter to enjoy clearing process faster, and clean you need to have like two bush cutter to enjoy cutting it, and do some landscape on it too!.

[@CasaLobo77]

My friendly advice is to immerse yourselves more in the community. I'm sure 3 years on the island has led you to having several friends who are able to help you in securing the services you need. Learning the local language (even just basic) is a big help as well to establish some sort of connection and lessen misunderstandings. Anyway I wish you, sasha, story and poppy all the best!

[@me1747]

@@user-by8hq4df2c it's probably why they can't enroll their child in real school. They call a daycare center "school" when it is nothing more than a play group. They pose as "home schoolers" and just use AI apps to teach. So many ways to cheat and avoid detection.

[@johnsindayen8684]

Laborers only see 2 kinds of people, rich and poor. Laborers also follow by example, eg, if you work with them and work fast, they will work fast too. Laborers get tired too so if you freshen them up with good food and refreshments during break time or lunchtime, they will have more energy to work. Laborers have lives and health too, so if you give them needed time off, vacation time, sabbatical, they will be better employees.

[@midlifewanderings]

This is very true. When we started clearing our property for the house build, my husband was there with his machete along with the workers hacking away and they got the property cleared rather quickly.

[@lovingkindness0]

Hi Jay and Sacha! No matter how many adjustments you make or even if you keep changing things right up until construction is finished, it is understandable. Your safety and satisfaction are definitely a priority.

[@verlindaallen3335]

Lots of great advice here within the comments. Realize " moving & building" are one of the biggest stressors in life. Everything is going to be alright ❤❤❤❤

[@kathifailor4660]

This is a big reason why people that move from the US and UK to Thailand or Philippines. You want to become friends with the Filipinos. You want to be friendly. You want to get to know people. This is exactly why you all kind of stay to yourself. If you circulate a little bit more then you would have probably better help because you would know people and it's just a FYI. You need to start meeting people i being friends cuz you guys don't want to be isolated do you? Idk just a thought ❤

[@CasaLobo77]

Agreed. If you plan to stay there long haul establish your network/contacts maybe chitchat more with the locals.😀

[@craighowat8290]

If you live in tropical place...its easy to grow the weeds and grass...compared in cold place..and that's the reason we have ma8ntenance t9 cut the grass..but lucky you have bamboo that you can used in your house..etc etc etc..

[@mrdrivermechanictv4213]

We pray to finish your project HOUSE.. GOD BLESS

[@sabinagunther8961]

I’m curious- are you taking any steps to learn the local language? It appears that many people speak at least some English but I don’t see you trying to communicate in even the simplest terms.

[@mannypacu6460]

Maybe they’re concerned it might ruin Story’s posh accent if she tries to learn the local language??

[@chrisk7118]

It’s simple, hire a proper architect and include the builders in the discussions at design phase so everyone is on same page. Anticipate 10% of the build costs to go to the architect upon completion.

[@garlandlew1695]

Thats too expensive and not necessary. they will build with traditional hollow block which is the worse kind of construction you can pay for.

[@chrisk7118]

@@garlandlew1695 It's not expensive if you don't want headaches and endless stress. The cube houses aren't hollow blocks they're engineered bamboo ply and steel, I've been to the factory. An architect can also co-ordinate the contractors and make sure they do their job in build phase, something they don't really know about.

[@zazeel1]

Youve got to start making strong relationships with the locals, becasue you definitely need a project manager, someone you know and trust. You'll go crazy trying to project manage yourself!!

[@noelc.santos7989]

Yes, you will work it out in the end. It could be stressful and overwhelming but be more excited as we are for you. Thank you.

[@twinkletwinkle7939]

It is better you are always in the site so you know what time they arrived and how much job have they have done. It is also good if you only pay them on the end of the day so it is a fair deal. If they don’t come at least they are not paid.

[@leslieonabudget]

Hoping for the best in your house building just keep your head up. Also, the wind rustling the leaves of the bamboo tree is soothing

[@kwalsh1968]

I wasn’t sure how I felt about the land since it wasn’t on the beach but I just love it since you’ve just shown this perspective. It’s so beautiful and peaceful. ❤

[@anthonydecastro6938]

how much are you paying them for their work? perhaps small mercies like offering them food for lunch would motivate them to work? what reasons have been given why they have not appeared to work your land? do they have the proper implements to do their work? it is not enough to know that there is a problem. it is important as well to know WHY the problem exists. you seem to live in a bubble on the island. who do you actually talk to on the island who can help you? fellow expats who have built their homes there? actually, Jay, i think we have had enough reports on vegan food. your subscribers would very much love to know what friendships among locals you have developed and who can help you truly with your housing project, locals, not those who do not live on the island.

[@mannypacu6460]

Too much vegan food and coffee content??

[@VirtualLabPhlearni]

I'm so happy for you 8 Miles. Looks like its a big land where you can have a home. Wish you more blessings to come and more projects, too! Take care. So excited for your house building.

[@markvelasco579]

pls do bring some refreshments for the workers. i know you pay them enough, but a little free refreshments would actually make them more motivated to work harder.. ^_^

[@RED_WIRE]

In the Philippines if you hire a proper contractor they will do everything for you including clearing the lot.

[@Zee_1003]

sometimes it's really hard to find trustworthy and reliable people so if you manage to find them, build a good relationship with them. they're worth keeping.

[@lovingkindness0]

I admire your willingness to make those necessary adjustments. If that had happened to me, I would have felt really disappointed if the design I created did not wind up being used. Not to mention the time you put into designing it, plus the excitement of planning. But who knows, the final design might be what's best for you. Remain optimistic.

[@TheCesroq]

The sound of the wind aginst the baboo leaves is so therapeutic ❤

[@kingyeuyam10]

Jay, just a suggestion probably a small chainsaw would do the trick to easily clean your property (China made will do) and finished it off with your grass cutter (use the blade first for thick grasses). Just a tip, if you can't rely on the workers.

[@minuii]

Make it typhoon proof, and big waves proof, basically if you will built house in that area it will be catastropic ready for anything will happen, wood wont last long, it will look good but the area basically the vanguard for all the typhoon.

[@jayneh2006]

What a gorgeous nature you have there! We are so envious guys!

[@me2cb488]

You might have to get a contractor to clear it. Also give the contractor the job of preparing the septic tank and other construction (road and digging the well) needed to prepare the land for the Cubo. Individual hiring can be tricky; plenty of reasons for the per day hired help not to do their job. If not a contractor, get a Foreman who knows workers he can hire. You will be paying on an agreed package and can be more expensive but this is more reliable. Of course, don’t pay him everything right away. They will usually ask for an advance, and it’s normal, but hold on to a big chunk until everything’s done.

[@LTSCVIDEOS]

Based on previous vlogs this guy is not too receptive to micro advises... but you are right P500 will not cut it... which btw it will just grow again b4 they build something...

[@me2cb488]

@@LTSCVIDEOS..He doesn’t really need to. Viewers can give their opinion but I don’t really know the whole picture. I don’t know their timeline, their budget,etc. I’m just an enthusiastic voyeur in their lives, sharing what I would have done . 😊

[@chrisk7118]

Great comment.

[@TheThailightZone]

It's been scorching hot here in Thailand as well.

[@davidthacker3213]

You are a young man. You can handle it good luck

[@mannypacu6460]

[@timbo742]

You would not work for 500pesos a day Your lunch cost more than that. Respect the workers. you could have given him a drink and a snack from the restaurant you were eating in. Instead of just chatting about it you could have brought the strimmer and helped them. Respect the lovely people of the Philippines and pay them what they deserve.

[@Leene88]

50 years na ako empleyado pero khit sino naging manager ko HINDE ako pinakain. Pumasok ako mag trabaho HINDE pakainin ako ng Boss ko. 🤣🤣🤣 Masaya ako may trabaho kysa maging jobless at Batugan. HINDE nman ako patay gutom para umasa pakainin ako ng Boss ko. 🤣🤣🤣

[@timbo742]

Maybe your boss should have respected you more. And I didn't say feed him just bring him a drink or a snack as it is a nice gesture. Maybe I'm too nice😇 and respect my workers too much but they do come back to work the next day 😂. respeto at pagmamahal sa lahat ng Phillipnos❤❤

[@aylinpatacsil846]

Hindi lang pera yan. Madalas, lalo na kung self-sustaining naman sa prubinsya, e may hayahay attitude. Katulong nga lang para sa maliit na bahay na may isang tao _sa halagang 7k NAPAKAHIRAP maghanap._ *May taong masayang magtatrabaho sa para sa 300, at may taong magiinarte sa 30k na sahod.*

[@myparadiseonbantayanisland9030]

I've lived here for 7 years on Bantayan Island and all my workers always show up on time and put in a full day of work. They are very reliable, however I am always on site and ensure they do the work as I want it done. If not supervised by someone who knows exactly what your requirements are they are unguided and may not perform exactly what you want.

[@nichoughton]

I don't believe a plot can be too large, but I do think it can be too small. My rule of thumb is that it should be possible to kick a ball without the fear of it going next door.

[@Corazon-xd4xc]

In the philippine aside from the cash you for the labor you need to give them snacks and drinks.

[@osmondcalupad5918]

I suggest you guys contact that Canadian vlogger, Becoming Filipino. He’s built what looks like big house project. Another one is that Welsh, Kumander Daot. He also been able to run construction projects on his own.

[@ernacatape9696]

Jay b cerfull on ur side bambo have a snake there kuha k ng sanga ng kahoy or patpat hampas hampas m sa damohan para lumayo ang ahas OK remember no vinom in seargao so always b carefully in snake

[@boybuenaflor3758]

Since uve decided to stay n build a Ur home i strongly suggest that it is a must to learn the language even the basics first ...start it when u go outside buying something ...talk in tagalog ...im sure they will be more than happy to help u learn tagalog ...God bless

[@kendhal5026]

To those who commented and made reply, don't make negative coments if you dont know the real score and just speculating. These vloggers read comments but not all since there are so many. I got heart reactions from them when i commented before but not all the time. We dont know if the wifi is ok in other parts of Siargao. About the wages of workers, we dont know the arrangement. There is a contract of that for sure, and the contractor or the foreman is the one sho gives wages to workers. 11:57

[@michaelyap2205]

That piece of land has a lot of potential, a resort ....is a good business to start.

[@me1747]

a good investment for the step mother when this couple can no longer manage their lives.

[@jackpiket7643]

Hello Jay. I see your channel for the first time looking with interest. Me and my wife we have a lot on Leyte. I see your floorplan. Looking nice but i will give you a tip to safe a lot of money, meterials and laber. Put the kitchen and the cr /shower near eachother. Now it your kitchen on the left side and the cr on the right side. You will find out in the Fillepines everything is different special building there is no Logica. Be prepared before you start building. Good luck mate. Regards Jack from the Netherlands

[@1lolofred]

My Dad built a house in Manila suburbs long time ago and it was really frustrating and cause too much anxieties till the finish line, but we're all happy to the 5 bedroom house that we grew in. Btw, 50 years later and some quick fixes and renovations, still standing strong.

[@kabiebebe2332]

If you plan made gi sheet as walls... pls use corrogated sheets as they are most resistance to storms

[@BongiePilapilMacas]

Sorry to hear about your problem looking for workers❤

[@YouTubecreators944]

Wow😯😯 what a nice view🇵🇭

[@ameliabautista1945]

Jay becareful with the tress always pray all the time stay in the phil is a very simple life keep on going ur good what we called ipagamot mo ur place okay take care

[@kitchied]

i get how you may be used to how things are done where you're from, but please factor in the fact that working without powertools and under the intense heat. they may be locals but they're people, too. if it feels too hot for you to even be there and you have to be under the shade, imagine how much more impact the heat has on anyone doing manual work.

[@mannypacu6460]

Empathy??

[@me1747]

@@mannypacu6460 agree. It's disturbing. Seems terribly selfish.

[@j3f818]

bamboo is good for tree houses..or "tea" house..u want something durable..bamboo is cooler in hot weather but how much beating can it take daily for 20+ years? concrete is modern/durable..a house frame built in concrete will be tougher..an "open" , tall ceiling house is a good durable design eg. round house..big wide open doors..good natural ventilation..put aircon in a small room where the cool air can be concentrated. becomingfilipino built a house. choose what you really want in a house..then go over it plenty of times until you reach the final decision.

[@noparking532]

It's best to get a contractor and not get a labor with a per day pyament basis...we hope the project house will be finished soon before UK family visit.

[@Rosalin-lq3df]

Pls ask some advice from local neighborhood where to hire people to work on and work in order to build it when it comes to time line too

[@rosebojorquez1237]

From what I've seen of building in the Philippines your dream will come to fruition BUT it's going to take time. It might take a lot longer than 1year. Good luck, I'm sure it'll all workout eventually❤. Nothing worth having is easy!❤

[@donaldhester6555]

By the way, Panoan island is just about 40 miles or so due west from where you are located.They have a marine terminal there in Liloan. If you are having difficulty there getting labor, you may be able to contract some workers from Liloan if you provide what is needed as stated in my first reply below.

[@rosey2349]

Why dont you ask the swedish couple..Johan..they give meriendas during breaktime..at 3pm..as we do here in Manila when we hire skilled wlrkers.. for some short term jobs..2 to 3 pax..doing the job order.. You can also refer to the Armstrongs family bldg their 2nd house near Vigan area..working for 500/ a day.. 6 to 8 hrs is really very very cheap.

[@edenruiz2290]

You might want to ask advice from FinnSnow.. 😊

[@1lolofred]

Really made a good decision to stay and build your future house/home in a paradise Island. Story's vacation home when done with college work in the UK or Manila.

[@Rosalin-lq3df]

Sometimes building something new in a foreign land is not easy but possible Wt a right people n right timing , but for sure you’ll progress it , your lucky that you got a nice area so nature like a paradise

[@aptuslopez9419]

Excited to see how your home will turn out

[@maricellaguitao6440]

Hey jay hows life?its been 3 days you have no latest video...we miss your vlog and your family...take care always ❤❤❤

[@SharonroseV]

It’s like that in Phil’s there’s challenges for the start but stay strong 💪 you will be successful at the end stay working on it ..rewarding at the end ..💐

[@melaniericket9333]

Here in the us too especially under union😅😅

[@SharonroseV]

@@melaniericket9333 I guess where ever you are , it needs patience if you really wanted to continue your projects in life .

[@raymondwalker2048]

Stay positive Jay. Big projects are always rough in the beginning. It's hard when you don't live near the land not temporary renting a place close and not going there daily or paying someone (project manager) to overseeing the day to day to make sure workers stay on task. Buy the workers lunch/snakes something to drink. When I work on projects. I always factor in the labor in the total cost of the land. Having one or two workers to clear the land with just a machete is daunting as appose to just renting proper equipment and paying a worker to clear that land in one day. Stay positive always. From my experience, Its rare that projects go perfectly. You will find that the challenges you and sacha face with the project will be worth it when its all done.

[@krakenwindzstorm961]

There's a storm brewing in the pacific you guys might want to leave the island before it hits and stay in Manila or Sasha's dads place. The typhoon is still far and pretty sure it will intensifies once it hit land. Hopefully it won't hit in our area. Gosh this is terrifying.😰

[@edwardvictors4618]

You should have ask locals how to hire a worker to work by himself with out supervision you could have provided him with drinking water and something to eat as he stay the whole day clearing your land that could be the reason why he decided not to comeback thinking you didn't care about his welfare alone in the jungle, just an opinion of mine or something else could be the reason.

[@teamgrow7146]

Do it yourself. It's a bit more fun than to have someone develop the land for you.

[@mannypacu6460]

[@garlandlew1695]

Your absolutely correct. you can control all aspects of the building. Dont let a local builder construct a weak hollow block house. build only a properly formed concrete pour in place house.

[@janetneuhaus4206]

Becoming Filipino,Keile has his own friends n contractor,same as FinnSnow which they started building their home.Most important I think is u have some communication with some Filipinos n building a friendship is reliable to find a good hands or a helping hand,just to find workers is not easy,u can loss lots of money,yes ur right first think everything how it works.Just to show how much u care for them,I think that could be enough to understand our culture.Try to have some friends in the local communities,just an advice.God bless n hope everything’s gonna be fine.

[@sunshineco09]

You have a big beautiful land and i can't wait for it to be fully developed as you want it to be. I think you can definitely put a couple of cubo's there for your family or they can buy their own Cubo and rent your land to set up the Cubo since it's such a big land 🙂

[@Oph03]

No skipping please.Thanks

[@seaisles]

Congratulations on your land purchase. What are the requirements for foreigners to purchase property there? Surely many would love the advice. 😊

[@rolanclarino9160]

i suggest that you get a contractor or a foreman, who will take care of the work and the people to get the work done..they usually have people and know people whom they already worked with. That someone will be working like an assistant to you.

[@thelmaalmaden8131]

You should know the minimum wage in your city. And you should provide also water and food not including the lunch bc you already give the minimum salary. Its a hardwork and they might encounter snakes. The way here is 10 am break and 3 pm break for 15 minutes each. And 1 hour lunch .

[@jayneh2006]

Is that your property? Wow! Those bamboos colors makes me cooling fresh😂

[@kjmkhulit1331]

We are waiting😊

[@nathaleenecalvo7808]

Its just one.of the bumps in building a house in the Philippines. But anywhere in the world, problems like this can happen. Just think positive, Jay. You shall overcome. Everybody's ready to help. 👍

[@dipandyani]

Talk to them and give them snacks and drinks to cool down to boost morale. ❤

[@diniasantos9117]

I hope in your new house design, you have already considered adding another bedroom for possible occasional guests.

[@emmanuelalviola4112]

Yes, there will be disappointments at first especially for newbies like you, but, on the positive side, you have a lot of good advice from your subscribers and viewers who have gone through the same experience. Talk to your neighbors, locals and I’m sure they can give you a referral.

[@georginaelliots7666]

YOU SHOULD BUY GRASS CUTTER FROM LAZADA....YOU CAN CLEAR THE LAND LITTLE BY LITTLE..... SOME FILIPINOS ARE SLOW WORKERS AND CHOOSY ABOUT THE WORK.... THAT IS MANY LAND STILL REMAIN IDLE .

[@PeterTanization]

Simple, find a foreman or a contractor. What i would do is go around town, if i see a construction site id do a little snooping around and try to ask for the foreman or contractor. done!

[@chitaegandalalake263]

. Just buy 2 units nipa-kubo hut room-house and 2 units dining hut same as what you see in beach resorts where big unit will cost you only 15,000pesos each cheap. ,,, the room-house each for you and Story, one as dining-hut and the other as kitchen. ,,, it's ready made can be delivered to you the next day you place the order. ,,, you have your solar-electricity, water tank and also buy a mini-hut as CR-bathroom. ,,, protect the 4 huts with bamboo fence and then you now can plan to build a big expensive concrete house. ,,, approx expense is 50,000pesos.

[@eli.capinbxu]

Why are you recommending them a cheap kind of house. It is not, I think, what they want. They want a comfortable house not a cheap one.😮

[@vremerman]

They can live on the land while building a permanent structure.

[@davidscott820]

Why bother commenting as they never respond. They have heaps of money, could build a resort if they wanted. It's all a show.

[@davidscott820]

@@user-by8hq4df2c yeah, terrible how these vloggers avoid tax.

[@tineycollado]

You guys are so lucky I love that place

[@anniesoucek8216]

Don't be disappointed. Sometimes delays have reasons.

[@elsakiely2044]

Jay, you need to ask people who professionals business of clearing land. That way they got tools or machinery and finish in no time.Even when they come from Davao.

[@8milesfromhome]

Yes that is the plan now. Local laborers are too unreliable

[@danielroydrawe]

Hey Jay. Who is this Sachure you keep speaking of? Glad Sacha let the twins out today. ❤. Filipino workers have very little in the way of work ethics. It's the same with hiring a maid, cook, nanny, etc. They'll just not show up for a week, then magically appear expecting their job still waiting for them.

[@daynatorngren7699]

YOU should be doing all that cutting. NOT the neighbor.

[@kingtut6401]

You should reach out to Tim K he is a tube blogger too.. he is American married to Filipino..he purchased two plots...building one house and...just completed his wifes family house. He has a few videos dealing with local red tape and corrupted officials since he is American.

[@mikmur6373]

Nice you did this move to have built your own house If the guys worker’s don’t show up go the mainlands to find interesting guys to work you can cover their lunch or snacks to be satisfied them

[@JPニバース]

You can do it 8MFH fam!

[@wavemaker2077]

I may have missed it but how did they acquire the land? Did they lease it for 25 years?

[@rubyannrosario6956]

That's what I'm thingking too, most probably,long term lease.

[@eli.capinbxu]

Of course you have missed it. Why won't you go back to their recent video when Sacha Dad visited them. I'm sure it will make you understand more about how they acquired the land.😅