Expat risks in Philippines business - An inside story from a Filipina

[@janedudynsky5067]

She's a keeper. Good luck with your business venture and god bless you both.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Jane

[@michaelfirestone7440]

What a great and HONEST girl.

[@ForwardGuidance]

You know she won't be as cute and innocent if things go wrong in the relationship. Good luck.

[@ROXELL]

True, but every relationship has ups and downs ,good or bad people, regardless of their ethnicity, where they came from, etc

[@TheFilipinaandCuban0911]

Ave seems to honest and down to earth. Go ahead and take the leap partner...:) Gracias and Salamat.

[@dashden6878]

Abbey is a nice person. She is a good representative of how the good side of Philipine people are. I have found one myself and she is a keeper

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you very much Dash :)

[@anthonygagne830]

What can I say??? Ave!!! Her beauty, her integrity, her honesty..... Not only is she a great Filipina, she's simply a great person! I'm happy in many ways for you Chad. You lucked out in so many ways. Keep doing what you're doing. At the end of the day I have zero doubt you're loving life.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks so much Anthony, it feels good that others can see also see what a lovely person she is. I am truly lucky.

[@tonybalboa3912]

You are a very lucky man to have such a wonderful woman by your side. Good luck in all your endeavors.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you very much Paul. I do feel like a very lucky man.

[@Airraidcd]

Thanks for sharing your story Abby, you're one honest person.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you very much

[@romeosiervo9405]

correct.....do not rush into business at all....take some time...study well the area...know the people surround you and make sure you find the true person that you trust.

[@ThePhilippineExperienceForLife]

Good information guys. I did at one time help a family start a Sari Sari store and was happy to do that. I did not have any ownership in this business, but I know it helped the family and they were able to pay some of their bills with it. I personally will stick to the online route when I do eventually move there. Good luck in your business venture ....

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you

[@kianakan96826]

What a great title for your channel. Very informative channel with great content and great video quality! You surely will be helping folks with this quality channel.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you very much Kiana.

[@raycer7909]

Thanks for this great video, very sound advice, hope you find something that works out for both of you. On a lighter note, the two of you look very happy together, glad you found each other.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you, everyday is better than the last :)

[@audielowe2700]

I had an expat tell me the three most important things not to do for expat in Phillipines..Do not start a business, not not buy property, do not get married. He has been there over twenty years and said these three rules have worked well for him.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Unfortunately, I have heard the same advice multiple times.

[@boracay12]

20 years with no income ? Most of us can't do that .

[@robertkubrick3738]

And they will continue to work for him.

[@Nikkimond]

5:31 anyone else notice her sly grin at the fact that she didn't buy the property but can "take advantage of that"?

[@richardleerodgers5303]

you are a very honest woman, like my wife from Cebu City. God Bless you and your family

[@marianhajduk6572]

Question is to trust each other and love each other...you are great...hope to met you one day in Mindanao...

[@liabucalasummers4416]

Her father is a farmer. Farming is a very lucrative business in Philippines ans you are in my dream place, SOUTH. If you have a couple of acres plus a couple of common sense... crops is highly in demand elsewhere, Pinoys eat 3 times a day plus 2 meryendas in between! Start with local market...then eye exporting. Gosh! I just shared my future plan lol

[@cybertrav]

Salamat for the idea. Actually, I was thinking of the same thing. :)

[@Suitstoshorts]

Good idea :)

[@liabucalasummers4416]

Great! :)

[@liabucalasummers4416]

If you know any foreclosed properties preferably agricultural land, please hit me up! I am from North with most typhoon activities so I am thinking of South, weather is much better. Thanks!

[@bernardsoh3938]

thanks for sharing and thumbs up for both of you. Very good advice. Do the PA with the lawyers in php is a good start.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Yes, I think it adds another level of security to the partnership.

[@videoshomepage]

Very happy to hear she did the right thing by the expat.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Scott, she could have really done some damage but she has a very good heart. I want to be like her one day when I grow up :)

[@oldmanketo3727]

+Suits to Shorts Just to let you know Chad, the first 50 years of childhood are the hardest! Take care my friend.

[@danzpax]

you lucky guy you! most important in having a business partner before starting the business is defining parameters...everyone involved must know the what. the how, the when and the how much to avoid misunderstandings that unfortunately leads to distrust. Wishing you both success because i think... xxxx i mean... i know you are meant to be together!!!

[@Dream331]

Gotta believe you guys will do well, Chad. You are definitely blessed with a wonderful and very honest partner so wishing you both success beyond your wildest dreams... 😃✌🏽️

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you so much, I do feel truly blessed.

[@drewknight211]

Your a good woman !!!!! You give philippins a good name god bless you 😇

[@PhiloM]

Great video and you guys are on the right track for sure, Ave you remind me so much of my fiance, she has proven to me 100 times over that she is honest and loving, and we are also not rich but we are so happy to have found each other. Good luck to the two of you....you are both very like minded and logical people. I'm sure there is big success on the horizon for you.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you very much :)

[@choiklu]

good things come to good people. you guys deserve to be successful

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you very much :)

[@dashden6878]

She is right it is not all about money. Although money makes the world go round, I have seen first hand in Surigao Del Sur that you dont need a lot of money to be happy.

[@sandeepchavan7128]

Ave u r cuty ... I really appreciate your discion .. all the best for future ..

[@lblampmanjr]

Hi Chad and Ave, I've watched all your videos and have enjoyed them. Thank you for taking the time and putting in the effort it takes to shoot the videos, edit them, and post them. I'm married to a Filipina and live here in the Philippines (way over yonder in the Bicol region of Luzon). I hope to add some information for your thoughts. I'm a very optimistic and supportive person, so please just take things as info and starting points. Getting married here doesn't really change much with regard to business ownership in a legal sense, or in reality sometimes. The foreign investor can still only own up to 40% of the business. The only two advantages to being married (not including the relationship itself) are: 1) you have a much closer relationship with your 60% Filipino partner, and 2) it makes getting a permanent resident visa much easier and cheaper. In other words, being married doesn't give you any more legal protection than not being married. I'm in the same situation but I can certainly say, for me anyway, that I have a lot more confidence in starting a business with someone I'm willing to be married to but, of course, different folks may feel differently about that. There are at least as many stories out there about expats getting married here and still losing everything when their marriage fell apart as there are about expats losing money by being in business with a Filipino partner. There is nothing you can do to get the investment in the house and property back, or get money back, etc. You are a foreigner in the Philippines and the law does not favor you, and in a most cases, doesn't assign you any rights. Believe it or not, this is not meant to be negative...at all. It's just the cold hard facts. I live here happily with my wife knowing that and I am a permanent resident of the Philippines. Here, more so than in the US (and likely most other countries) you have to be in the relationship, and especially marriage, because you want it and are 100% committed to it, since there's no legal recourse to regain anything you've put money into (other than maybe a car or motorcycle) if it heads south. In Ave you have a very honest and thoughtful person but that isn't always the case here (or in the US, or anywhere else necessarily) and my comments are really directed generically and not specifically toward Ave. I know what you two meant about someone that does sell a boyfriend's or husband's property but I would take exception to the wording in the video. There is nothing, regardless of circumstance, that makes doing that "the right thing". I too can understand why someone would do it but I would never excuse their actions and become an apologist for it. And this, precisely, is why expats really need to keep their head on their shoulders and think...really think. It's too easy to lapse into behaviors that would be okay in the west (where you have legal recourse) but don't generally work here (and lots of other countries as well). Because, as foreigners, we can't own property or (generally) fully own a business it gives a Filipino partner (life or business) a bit more power than some of them ought to wield; that is, it gives them an opportunity to do a bad thing they wouldn't likely do if there were legal recriminations involved. I'm not one of the expats telling everyone else "don't do it!", as in, don't get married here, or don't buy property, or don't start a business. Everyone of them seems to have a horror story to tell and a lot of times it's because it happened. But, you don't hear about all the things that worked out just fine. I did everything wrong, according to the wisdom of the Internet, but I still ended up with the love of my life and a very happy life. We have a large(ish) sari-sari store and I don't worry about that investment being at risk. We're renting a house right now but if we found the right land or home I would not decline buying it based on what the Philippine laws are. I trust my wife 100% and then some, which makes a lot of expats drool in anticipation of my ultimate fall to the bottom so I can become one of the stories they tell. Sorry this got so long... :-( Les

[@globalwandererbrucet6267]

I think that Les' comments are well balanced and make a lot of sense. I do have a few other thoughts as well, having been a constant traveler to various parts of the Philippines over the past 20 odd years (and I have a disclaimer that I'm much older therefore have a different focus in life): 1. Chad - You will struggle to make a reasonable living, relative to western standards, by building any business that is capital intensive in the Philippines, and yet the risks are considerably higher than in the West, especially due to the legal impediments that you have already commented on. Thus you should consider either working with your strengths (ie in some expat capacity within a corporation, if that is possible depending on your skill set), or some online business that requires minimal capital outlay. 2. Ave. While I don't know the situation with your former partner (and it's not any of our business to know), but I don't necessarily agree with your final decision to walk away from your legally held right - it all depends upon a few different factors - length of your involvement in that former relationship and what involvement (and personal efforts) you may have contributed - yes the initial capital is important, however, you offered a means to provide the opportunity and you may have contributed a considerable amount to that business albeit the relationship failing. Good luck guys, you're making a genuine effort and I hope things work out in the business (and the relationship of course!)

[@Suitstoshorts]

Hello Les, thanks so much for the feedback and post. It's great to hear stories such as yours and I am happy that everything is working out for you. I hope to be like you one day. I agree, I think some of our wording could have been articulated better... like the foreign ownership doesn't change when you are married. Agree with you as well that there is not excuse for someone taking advantage of someone else and their money... that is never right. What I was trying to say (but poorly :) ) is that the temptation for some whom have never had money is increased in some people... hence be very careful about trusting business partners. Great news to also hear about your Sari-sari store. Hope you find some property soon as well. Please keep us updated from time to time .... [e-mail] Thanks again Les.

[@lblampmanjr]

Great post Bruce T. I'll second the comments about making money relative to western standards. Even though we have a larger sari-sari store it doesn't make any money if viewed from a western perspective. It pays for itself (replacement product, rent, electricity, etc) and employees my wife's oldest brother (about my age, which is 62) and it employees a niece which helps her family (she's 30(ish) and married with two kids); because of that I consider it "successful" but if we had to rely on it for income it would not be viable. Les

[@BobMelsimpleliving.]

Hope things work out for both of you.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you Bob :)

[@bangkulit02]

Hey Man, I believe you got the right Filipina partner and a business partner, she has given you authority of the property to sell, to cast all doubts aside. Keep her.

[@bentnielsen3731]

With this attitude of both can only succeed - must "the force" be with you both forward:-)

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Bent :)

[@jeprox9053]

your lucky guy,,,,that lady has a good heart

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Roy, yes... she is a very good person. :)

[@tourismclub2867]

Well Bro I just subscribed to your channel because I liked your subject and I will be watching all your other Vids. Bro there is a lots of ways to protect yourself in business. First of all you make a lease in your name where you gonna do the business and you buy all the equipment in your name and anything you wanna spend on the business get bills in your personal name then you do a license with 40% for you and 60% for the filipino, later on if he wanna play with his tail what he will get is only the license and nothing else and then you do another license with somebody else and he cant take anything from you because the shop and the equipment are in your personal name and you bought it from your own money and you have the prove for that. Even you cant buy a land in your name but you can have a lease in your name on longterm basis like 20 or 30 years or longer .

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you very much for the subscribe and advice, I greatly appreciate that. Concerning the business topic, in our next vid (Monday) we will give more details what my business venture will be about. Curious to get your feedback.

[@tourismclub2867]

By the way I live in Dubai and I have the same DREAM since longtime to go to the Philippines and live there if I find my soul mate there. I have been watching vlogs about Philippines since longtime trying to get more info. I am happy for you that you took this step and I wish you all the best. Now I have more courage to do that step too after seeing your Videos. Palawan is on top of the choice I have because of your vlogs about it, I can see how happy you are there. Lets see.....

[@robertkubrick3738]

Sure does sound like a dummy corporation. I wonder how the court will look at it? You see, the business has to be 60% Filipino Owned! I don't see where you can show your dummy owns anything? I would love to chronicle your court case, fined, imprisoned, eventually deported. Just left when, okay?

[@mykhowe]

Visited the crocodile farm sep 2013 😊☀️🌴

[@craigkenwright3601]

you need to make friends and connections here . without your business will fail ... from the supplier to the domestic helper . choose your help wisely

[@paulflanagan941]

Sounds like she is a keeper... dont let her getaway:) very interesting vid guys.. never put all your eggs in one basket:) will be watching

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Paul, yes she certainly is. We were just hoping this provides some people with an insider view on the good and the bad :)

[@iamEDER]

Hello Chad, I enjoy your videos and my wife is good friends with Ave Gail, please don't listen to the haters and do whatever makes you happy. When I was in Palawan for a month I made great connections with business owners and made it a daily priority to meet up with them and pick their brains. The majority of the successful business owners do not live in the Philippines. They invest some time on their on going business and travel back to either the states or Europe and build their income so they can continue to invest their money. I was going to drop everything and leave my career in DC to move but after speaking to successful business owners we decided to continue with my wife's rental company and we bought land. Hopefully we can meet in the near future as we plan on traveling in March when our home will be finished/built. I wish you the best of luck and we are very proud of the joy you bring to Ave Gail. God bless you both.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Hello Eder, good to hear from you. We actually have been to visit with Leliosa's mom a few times. Thank you very much for the advice. It makes perfect sense. I am currently looking at some online business back in the US that will hopefully build up income before investing full time into a local business. Trying to hedge all of my bets, ha ha. We definitely will meet up on your next visit and I am looking forward to it. I have heard so much about Leliosa. Please tell her hello from Ave and myself.

[@theripefruit4343]

thanks for your videos. I hope I make it out if America to visit there, friends over there tell me I should visit

[@Suitstoshorts]

Absolutely, you would love it here :)

[@michaelfirestone7440]

Way to go, Abby ♥

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Michael

[@MB2464]

Guys, loving your vlogs (great to Ave taking more of an active part) but it would really be a big help if you numbered each ep... we could then watch the vlogs in order of creation... just a suggestion :-)

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks so much Mark, that is a great idea and I can't believe I didn't think of it before. We will start to do that. :)

[@kellycates7950]

I would just like to say that I love the choice in music in all your videos. Hope to see you at Christmas. :)

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Kelly.

[@tropicshade]

There is a saying that goes: "The way to make a small fortune in the Philippines is to start with a big one!" LOL. Only you can determine the risk factors with Ave, and it is your decision and your risk to take. Many foreigners have come to the Philippines and have been successful (some have not) so it is not impossible. With a good and honest business partner, you can definitely work the odds more in your favor. Good luck!

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks so much. As always, good advice. I think my main motto is "small moves" :)

[@tropicshade]

Good motto!

[@damienkrishnan2382]

Also for property you can't buy house and lot but you can buy a condo in your name. You can get a 5years in-house loan from most property companies. Cheers

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks for the info Damien.

[@ljw3491]

You have only been there a short time and only really known your gal for awhile and I have seen various forms of you and none of them ended well. But of course we always think our situation is different and our girl is different, and I hope all yours are! I wish you well.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you

[@kikaylifeoftexas7666]

I agree with you guys.give a tumps up for abi.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Ann :)

[@tourismclub2867]

So cute Ann.

[@Tominthephilippines]

Lovely couple to look at! Ave has her heart at the right spot, she really could have screwed the one out of her past. I'm also thinking about business ideas for after I moved there, but I'm also being careful. Not for my filipina wife, but for the people around me when I'm there doing business.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Tom, yes... I have heard a few horror stories though this channel. People keep suggesting to me the online thing which I think if I can find a viable solution would be best.

[@Tominthephilippines]

I hope you can figure something out to do online yes. I'll also have to figure something out by the time I move to the Philippines for good. But I'll be going to Manila, so I hope my options are a bit wider. But an online business is also one of the options, maybe next to a 'normal' job and see how that works out. I'll be following your plans here.

[@browcat002]

hey..no mic problems...good job..and even if you get married it is 60/40...as you know in America they say 50/50...until their lawyers get through with you, then your lucky to escape with a spoon & fork and you get to live in an old car, or a cardboard box on the street.

[@Suitstoshorts]

ha ha, that is true ... thanks browcat

[@unicornphantasm]

Chad, my own personal life experience has displayed a woman wanting a long term relationship will not ask you for money. She is looking for true love and not money. I have been married to a woman from Mexico for 40 years. She has been with me through hard times and good times. I am first in her life. I thank God for the happy life we have shared together. Such a woman can be trusted in business ventures.

[@Suitstoshorts]

So glad to hear that and congrats on 40 years... wow that's great. :)

[@stevehansen6552]

No matter if you are in the Philippines or the west trusting the wrong people can put you under. It does not matter if it is a business or relationship. The rule is simple don't gamble more than you can afford to lose.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Very true Steve, there is always a risk.

[@bisdakdiay]

she gave her X-BF the POWER OF ATTORNEY to be able to make decisions alone and sign all the papers himself regarding the property. That says a lot about her character.

[@robertkubrick3738]

Including the fact that the money was 100% XBF and a POA is revocable at any moment? Lololololololol

[@robertkubrick3738]

Who has the property now again? Oh right, She does?

[@ThisisOurPhilippines]

Not all are bad. Ava sounds to be one that is more concerned with her moral obligations than some. It can happen anywhere in a business partnership, so why would you not use the same caution you would in the States when trying to find an investment in the Philippines?

[@Suitstoshorts]

Very good point. I think any business requires a process of due diligence and try to hedge off as many risks as possible. :)

[@dirtyred9376]

Nice beat man🤘👍👌

[@efraincordero864]

Rose that's why I love the USA because people from the Philippines can buy land and businesses here. It's called freedom and you are wrong because it doesn't mean that the people will lose their land

[@alankwood]

You look so happy together ! ...... I'm not saying anything else hehe Best wishes Alan

[@chrisf-moreno1153]

Hi, I saw your new video about the property... an other way is, that you lease from the "owner" 2x25 years... and when you have 40% of the property, it's very very difficult to sell it for the Filipin partner... it's maybe the safest way.. (so i did!) and... DUTERTE is planning to set up to 70% ownership of companies and properties for the expats... he need our investment and he knows that we need financial safety... but everything needs time... thanks a lot for you video... chris

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Chris, I did read a few articles that Duterte would do that... I sure hope it happens.

[@biomanjoe76543]

I was tempted to open a dance club in the Philippines. It sounded pretty awesome as I would be the only decent dance club in the area in a long time with a healthy amount of college students. And although I knew it would be successful, I soon realized with all the investment the MOST I could hope for is about $2,000/month for my trouble. For that I would have to be fully involved, deal with permits (if I could get one), headaches, employees, grenades (yes, grenades, the last club that was there had violence including grenades). I guess if I wanted a lot exposure to young chicks it might appeal to me, but as an older married boring guy it would just be trouble. I've also heard of piggeries, sari sari stores etc. For me it doesn't seem worth the effort but my wife seems to want to run a sari sari store some day, so if she wants to make a few hundred dollars a month for a lot of hassle that's alright with me. As for me, I am choosing to make my money in dollars not pesos as dollars pay out a lot quicker, and then just take a flight overseas as necessary. If you have some idea that would pay out a million pesos a year, I'm sure if you invested the same amount of time and effort in the states you could make that dollars not pesos. But to each their own. And of course I would only own 40% of my business.

[@thehammer3340]

Raymond Huffman Good points. Expats don't realize also that it's not just about the Money they could lose if a partnership goes sour, but their personal safety could easily become a issue.

[@donaldcollins7866]

I read today that the Senate is planning a bill for 2017 that will allow 100 percent foreign ownership of telco businesses. Hopefully it will be for all businesses in the Philippines

[@Suitstoshorts]

wow, that would be great news if that comes about. I need to check that out. It would increase investments and economy for sure in some regions.

[@donaldcollins7866]

Suits to Shorts I saw it on Rappler

[@justgojustdoit3363]

They have been saying that for years. I too was excited a couple of years ago when I heard those exact words. It will come but I will be shocked (it is the Philippines) if it will be anyting to get excited about in the near future. Just my thoughts on it.

[@TheTruth-im6es]

As a Filipino and very near future investor, its a scary thing... any capitolist knows that competing with big business is a very steep up hill climb. Once the PH government opens this door, they will not only be able to shut it, but that big business will come in droves, sweeping up the beautiful lands, beaches and swallow up the smaller surrounding business, taking full advantage of the english speaking pop and centralized shipping location of PH. The PH is at the moment, as you know mostly small business servicing locally, except for Manila, thats it! As a result of this all, the Filipino will become slaves on their own land, "working" in Walmarts, MacDo, Multnations, Monsantos. YOU, being a future business owner will also have to at the very least consider competition with big business as well too. Good luck if the PH gov opens this door! The law in which we speak of is meant to keep big business at bay. As a local, small business owner, there's ways around this as you've just read. If anything, you should be doing whatever you can to uphold this law... allow you small/start up business to one day become big.

[@grandadan]

Excellent channel : Good to get ideas ! I´m interested because i am married to a filipina, but still too early to go to the Philippines in our case. What you think about building some kind of touristic rooms to rent online for tourists interested in visiting the island? I mean nowadays internet can make miracles. Some kind of simple Rooms with kitchen and all facilities to enjoy paradise.

[@nursejodie3125]

Research, research, research. You have an honest & good partner, that's good start. Expats that I knew that are well settled well in the Philippines have passion about their work, they're not even youtube bloggers, a Spanish chef having the top restaurant, a European Hotel Manager based in UAE married a Filipina now employed in a very exclusive high end resort in Palawan, those expat scuba divers, bar owners in Boracay, I know some American businessman running outsourcing business in Clark area, etc. The new President plans to revise the constitution particularly easing foreign ownership of business up to 70% share, land ownership, etc. The Chinese & Koreans expats manage to have successful business ventures here but some Western expats still can't figure out the correct way.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Jodie, I sure hope they change some of the ownership laws... but without giving everything away to us expats. :)

[@mbtravel7294]

Good sound advice! I do understand the Filipino first laws, because I don't want to see wealthy foreigners gentrifying and driving people out of their homes.

[@Suitstoshorts]

that is true. I understand why they are there. Without them the expats would take over which is not good :)

[@decembrus2008able]

If you bought a property might as well build a lodging inn since you are in the worlds best island.tourism is growing in the Philippines,start a business that is related in tourism it will grow in the long run provided that you made a feasibilty study so as to calculate the risk.Based on your videos that i saw it seems that your relationship will end a lifetime . And yes there are stories that a Filipina duped her foreigner boyfriend but there are also foreigner who are abusive to their filipina partners.But in your case it seems that Chad almost gave up everything.Leaving a stable job in Dubai is a big deal so its i think its more for Ave to prove herself to Chad that you really love him.And for CHAD when you are in a relationship to a filipina bear in mind that its like that you merry her whole family so dont take for granted especially her parents always show respect or at least be generous to them.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you very much for the advice. :)

[@terrannone]

First of all, awesome vlog! keep it coming. I was in PH earlier this year and only had 'plastic money' with me, rates in PH are close to ridic and the amount per cashout is quite low which result in quite a hidden cost -especially when you are staying longer- . How do you handle this, assuming you did not bring cash only with you?:)

[@Suitstoshorts]

thanks Terrann... good question. I personally just transfer money from my account each month into Ave's bank account here. This is until I can set up a local bank account in Philippines which I should be able to do soon once my Alien Residency card comes in.

[@philippinesournextphase3823]

Chad and Abby, we love watching your videos. We have been to the crocodile park when we visited there. Did you take a picture holding a baby croc? Here is my two cents on starting a business there. I won't harp on the pitfalls because it seems you are doing you home work. There are a lot of comments here already with no need to repeat them. My comment is about the process of making the decision. Starting a business with a partner is starting a relationship. Do your homework but know there's no guarantee. At some point you have to step out on faith in yourself. Abby has a good outlook and seems willing to try a business with you. That is a BIG plus. My Filipina wife and I will be moving there In September and sometime down the road we will be facing the same thing. Hope to meet up and hear about your process. Thanks for the articles. Ingat

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you very much for the sound advice and congrats again on the move to the Philippines.... and I couldn't talk Ave into holding the croc as she was too scared. I don't like those things either so I didn't touch it. ha ha.

[@setapart3452]

All you guys that are making negative comments about this women being a scammer, you all are sad cases. You are creating dishonesty from her genuine honesty and behaving as if you are analysts or psychologist. Why did'nt she take the advice from her friends and sell the property and run ? You sense dishonesty, I sense honesty. Stay true to yourself Abi. Wish you the best.

[@bobinthewest8559]

You have to be able to "live with the person you choose to be". That said... there are plenty of people who will go for the money. Best rule of thumb... don't invest any more than you are willing to walk away from.

[@tiethsrose813]

I saw some problem... You must marry first before you planning to create a business, you're foreigner boyfriend having a problem in future this what happen to my auntie experiences before marry American lawyer who they meet in New York then become the worst enemy in 45 years who are live-in partner together they fight because of money and misunderstanding in some ways like so much involve people around you and technical problem that needs a lawyer and counseling, Tell, your foreign boyfriend about our culture and traits of Filipino in each region has different values. I advise to the foreigner must live here in many years exactly 5 to 10 years stay. Secure yourself your love first on how stable and create a beautiful family and then will follow all your plans is.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thank you Titus for the good advice, we will keep this in mind. It's never good when a relationship ends in such a way.

[@jefflamb6283]

I am moving to Philippines in about a month. I just got my house sold here in U S. I plan to buy land and maybe start a small business, But ny daughter is 19 and a Dual Citizen living in U S, Everything will be in her name and my son when he turns 18.

[@stevessoutheastasia4426]

You`ll here many many negative responses don`t don`t all well founded mine included but the only things i will point out is start with an amount you can afford to walk away from and not regret it later , have a back up plan if it goes either way and know the business laws well , it will be a hard and long journey but determination will reward you , i still say an online business is far better best of luck.... oh people AVE is her name not abbey !!!!!!!!!!

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Steve :) very good advice.

[@Big_E_247]

Red flags all over the place here.....

[@roysheaks1261]

Fortunately for me, I would have a small business in the Philippines merely to stay busy, not to make a lot of money. Lease the land you have a business on, so it won’t become a monetary liability, and don’t over invest in capital to the point that it would bankrupt you if things didn’t work out. The one-year waiting period is a great idea.

[@martindryan]

now thats really interesting. Can expats buy property with a filipina and have her execute that form (power or attorney/release of rights/waiver form ?) similar to a prenup etc., it may not be legally enforceable. is it common. This could be a game changer.

[@OurPalawanExperience]

It's hard to do...but it can be done...if you go in with Ave...you should do ok....

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks so much Ray :)

[@feverwilly]

So many small businesses in the Philippines.. Over saturation and most lose their shirts.. Jus saying...

[@jtringo]

We do niches.. And Higher end stuff from rice and food.. And Finding the right people to sell to is the thing.. Now they call us..

[@liannes.3741]

Always separate your personal life from your business. If you want to own your business, keep everything under your name. If you two get married and you want to consider bringing her on as your business partner, then take your time to evaluate every aspects of your personal life and business life and vice versa. Either way, congrats to the both of you!

[@bobinthewest8559]

That's just it... You can't keep a business "under your own name" if you are not a Filipino citizen. Corporations must be (minimum) 60% Filipino owned... and a foreigner doesn't even have the option of "sole proprietorship" in Philippines. So, if you are an expat wishing to start a business, you need Filipino partner(s) to own at least 60% of the business (at least in name anyway).

[@robertkubrick3738]

Death if a Filipino thinks you are taking business from them. Prison and death if you don't do it right and have a good lawyer. Prison and deportation if you have a good lawyer. But you can make a few pesos! Totally worth it! I'm so happy for you that you are doing it. Also so happy that when you don't do it right you are going to give westerners a bad name. Thank you so much!

[@GregMeares]

Nice video! Too many things can happen with a local business. I would build up your channel or start up an online business or do both. My 2 cents! :-)

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Greg, good advice. I am gonna try to focus on both if I can... it's more work than I though but I am enjoying it so far :)

[@czuplak]

if such a smart girl is with you nothing can be difficult, even on the Mars

[@Suitstoshorts]

This is true, she makes it easy for me. :)

[@bartschram1483]

I advise you. Read the book of David kiosaky or napoleon hill. If you love somebody you take risks. Why you think alway to hardships of others. Look to you yourself. You have the potential to drag your power For positive consructuction for you. You do not need money, to be come prosperous. It is your choice. You are the creator of your own world. Do not blame your chortage to others.

[@geoffreydavis6700]

Very good video and glad abbey a good one and you need to keep her Chad looks like you found a very good & honest Filipino and hope both ur relationship last you a life time I'm lucky like you Chad I found myself a great Filipino wife from Palawan and we intend to build our house then to start a business there in Palawan Good advice about starting a business and look forward to more of ur videos and the crocodile farm & El Nido one place we hope to visit next year when we visit wife family there

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks again Geoffrey :) I feel like a very luck man... such as yourself.

[@pearlyramos9674]

To Abby as mother's advice: Live with your clean conscience...concerning money matters. Don't abuse your boyfriend. You know the word "KARMA". Not all Filipino women are greedy. As to Abby, All she wants only is having a good, simple life with her daughter to think of. So, if she will be faithful with her boyfriend, he maybe will marry her at the end and they are blessed and happy couple all their lives and love each other for life....hope so! You are blessed, Abby together with your daughter and family. Just remember, no amount of money can surpass the true love in your heart. Hope, both of you will live together for life so that many those bad thoughts of other foreigners to Filipino women will be changed their perception about some bad Filipino women they meet that's why.

[@craigkenwright3601]

I have 4 business here ... not easy here in the phillipines but you make and your Filipina wife can make it work ... I make a good living here but have to work my ass off hahah

[@NYJGreatness]

40%? Wow. 40% doesn't sound like a good investment at all, especially if 100% of the funds is going to come from you. As someone who is engaged to a beautiful, smart, kind, generous, and honest Filipina, I'm not sure I'd even have the gut to make that kind of Investment. Like she said, people would constantly give her bad advice if I made such investment with my fiancée. Now it doesn't mean that you can't do it. We are not in similar situations since I don't live in the PH; therefore, it might just be the best thing for you to do. Maybe your GF is different than the other bad Filipinas. Maybe she is thinking about a long term solution rather than a short term solution, which is the rational way to think. Maybe her heart is in a good place. Thanks to most of you expats, I've been able to learn A LOT about the Philippines and its laws. If the Philippines government could change some of its laws, its economy would benefit greatly. Good luck, Chad and Abbey.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Yeah, the ownership issues gives me lots of cause for concern and I hope the change it soon. Their new president has mentioned a few times that he will... but you never know with Politicians.

[@absolutrudy]

What you can do is exactly what your wonderful girlfriend Ave said. She's a keeper by the way. You guys look good together! When incorporating if you are the one funding the entire project and concept you will get the 40% the PH partner will get the 60%. So you do as she said at the time of incorporating you have the PH person sign over their 60% shares and that gives you power of attorney thereby you will control 100%. You get this legally done, notarized and filed. At the same token then you draw up an understanding agreement if you both are involved that the profits etc will be split by whatever you want i.e. 50/50. and details the arrangement and contributions along with defaults i.e non performance clause by either partner. This way you mitigate the risk if the relationship doesn't work out or the partnership goes sour you will still be 100% able to do what you want to do. In short, if the partner cannot agree to that in the beginning and your the one fronting all the capital etc then that partner is prob not the one to go to. Frankly it's your money and needs to be on your terms so they should have to trust you more vs having to worry if they will screw you over and leave you hanging. If they cant agree to it then perhaps then you need another partner. They need to understand and realize that it's your money and biz and they will be the recipient of the fruits of the biz and they should have peace of mind by the understanding agreement as far as profits/roles responsibilities agreement which will detail the breakdowns and share of the profits. Additionally, if it does go bust then they can actually walk and wouldn't be tied to it anymore so it's also an easy way for them to leave if it all goes sour and then you'll have to deal with the mess since you are 100%. There is no easy way but if it were my $ being invested it will have to be on those terms otherwise you land up stuck in trust issues if one day they will take advantage of you and boot you out. Another option is there are shell companies that are set up that are precisely for this that it will be in their name but will sign over the power of attorney to your immediately giving you 100%. So you pay the fees the companies. Could be a 1 time fee of perhaps they may require a % of the profits. Something to look into further. In either case it's a small biz so the risk is minimal and in the meantime you'll want to make some income while at the same time set up something meaningful for the wonderful PH people and something to keep you busy while earning a few bucks to keep you both happy.There are many foreign owned co set up in the PH so it has worked.Keep us posted!

[@GoyoGoyong]

As for giving an expat 100% control of a corporation it can't be legally done. Google "Philippine Anti Dummy law" and you will see.

[@absolutrudy]

That law can be interpreted differently and I'm no attorney but the jist I get is this law applies to Nationalized Businesses or partially nationalized. However, take it with a grain of salt and do due dillenge. The one thing if opening a biz is to go find yourself the best and most reputable attorney. There are ways around everything.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Wow, thanks for all the suggestions... as you recommended I will definitely perform due diligence and research all options. Do you know any of the name of those shell companies by chance?

[@GoyoGoyong]

+Rudy Aguero. Here is a link to the law. I find nothing in it about a "Nationalized or party nationalized business". You may wish to re-read it and if you find what you said please enlighten me.

[@GoyoGoyong]

+Rudy Aguero. Forgot to include this link; www.lawphil.net/statutes/comacts/ca_108_1936.html

[@jefflamb6283]

OkI think you are a good honest dude but Please keep a good reserve in the U S. KEEP IN MIND ITS NOT ONLY HER BUT HER FAMILY MAY PRESSURE HER TO CLEAN YOU OUT. Also keep in mind that it does not cost very much to have someone disappear in the Philippines. IT HAPPENDS ALL THE TIME.Any land that you purchase should be leased back to you and legally recorded, I think the max is 50 years. You should at least Talk to a good Lawyer By Yourself, Good luck. Maybe it will work out, But keep in mind that most of the time it Does Not.

[@martindryan]

u got lucky. shes a sweet girl.

[@ForeignLifestylestory]

wish more of the Filipinas there had the mind that the one your with dose... im one of those who trusted and lost everything. .. she was nice,, and always told me the house is mine that she would never take it... i trusted her... I bought a nice house and everything to go in it,,,she has her own place in zambonga so I didn't' think she wonted mine. .this house I bought was for my retirement, I spent all my retirement one it....I cam back to the states for the summer and she sold every thing in my house and has my house up for sale. and theres nothing I can do about it...its in her name...I have lost everything... im telling this because I wont others to think be fore they trust some one over there. .. there may be some good people over there but there far and few. .its like your lady said.. poverty makes people do stuff they wouldn't normally do.. and they listen to there friends telling them they have the chance to be rich. she has went back to her place in zambonga but she wont give my house to me and she is still saleing it.. I knew her for 2 years... still this happens.... just telling this to help more like me that wont a nice place to retire,,, be very careful who you trust...

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks for sharing your story Eric and I am very sorry that happened to you. It is very unfortunate that people would do that to someone else.

[@niceguy7times]

Time to call cousin Vinny.....joke.....?

[@strangeinamoststrangeland4200]

Yeah what's love got to do with it,?

[@Alexa78000]

I HOPE YOU TOO GET MARRIED YOUR ARE BOUTH COMPATIBLE I"M SURE WELL BE HAPPY TOGETHER> GOD BLESS>

[@Tinay2020]

Not all filipina is only after money of a foreigner. There is a filipina that is honest and love that person not because of his money. I'm married to an american guy and he can tell you I'm not after his money. When we are talking online in the first part of our relationship 11 years ago, the first time he sent money to me was when we start planning our civil wedding. I never ask him any before then. I planned our wedding with the cheapest possible way so it will not be hard on him. He came for the wedding and that's the first time we met he gave every money he had to me according to him its a filipino culture that the husband gave all his income to the wife to budget it. During that time I was impressed of what he did. But I was not the person that will take advantage to that. Wherever I go, he was with me so he know where his money went. I'm a budget kind of person and I know how to take care of our financial. When i came here in the USA I worked to. We put our money together. We bought our first house at that time I don't have a job yet when we acquired the house so it is in his name. then we bought a land in the philippines and that one is under my name. Then we got divorced. I moved out the house, stayed in my in-laws saved $8000 within 8 months moved out got my own apartment. During that 8 months I continued paying the remaining balance for the land we bought. I told him I will have the land and he can have whatever profit he can get from selling the house. I told him I will not ask any alimony from him because I can take care of myself. Not all filipina only after money. there are still some that can take care of themselves. A year after he came back to me and ask if we can get back together and we did. we bought another house but now its in both our name, then the land that we bought still ours, and now we have a grocery store in the philippines yes its under my name but its ours not mine. We always have a fight everytime he will tell me its my business. because in me its ours not mine.

[@alankwood]

Is it likely the new president will change the laws to encourage foreign investment ??

[@Suitstoshorts]

Hello Alan, he has mentioned it a few times during his campaign that he would like to change he % ownership, but a foreigner can still not own 100% of the land...so we shall see.

[@VAMJJ]

C'mon Chad marry Ave -she is good filipina--Mj

[@Suitstoshorts]

ha ha, in due time :)

[@herbertbrown8683]

i am in business eith my girl we have a computer business and a print shop and we will open a food cart my investment is low few grand now so i am happy i work here in United States my own business here and my girl in Philippines with our business there i am saving to retire there in five years so i wish you both luck with your business together i know it can be done i doing it and its awesome my girl is a sweet heart so good luck to you both

[@rcdyer]

Ukay ukay

[@efraincordero864]

Yes I know what you mean that you need to be more educated before you make any statements.

[@martinkirkov]

Stupid question: how do me and my girl survive if we wait a year before starting a business?

[@thegoodguy7978]

Just a thought on ownership of land etc. I am an expat from uk. I can rent or lease in the Philippines . so here's my plan my girlfriend in Phili is ok with this, I loan Her the money to buy the land. she has to pay me 1000 pesos a year in repayment . the land is then leased to me for 100 years and I have to pay Her 1000 pesos a year . in effect its my land coz I am leasing it from a pinoy I also write in my will that the lease is terminated on my death provided i die of natural causes . My girl is happy and I feel secure .

[@Suitstoshorts]

I have heard of a similar tactic before and sounds like it would work to me, Thanks for the details ... very helpful.

[@thegoodguy7978]

your welcome

[@Playa566]

@@Suitstoshorts I don't know man Philippines law is clear any scheme to get around the laws will void what you may think is in your favor.

[@robertkubrick3738]

First maximum lease is 25 years with 25 option. Second, it sounds like you are trying to get around the anti-dummy law, which in itself is a crime. This post is going to be an exhibit at your trial.

[@peterloredo7886]

Going into business is very risky anywhere in the world......but do your research and have a good business plan before you start........

[@Suitstoshorts]

Very true Peter

[@candycane4908]

what kind of business can I start in Philippines and how much does it cost my wife is filipina everything can be in her name I trust her and I dont love money I love her and my child and what is an expat

[@dontheboss7450]

It happened to me..........It's all happened to me. That was then, this is now....NEXT... ;)

[@marshallsislandadventures798]

Finding someone with a strong moral compass now a days is more difficult than finding a good wife.

[@Suitstoshorts]

That is so true

[@alanbull8008]

Hmmmm seems like a pretty genuine girl.,..probably is.,.,.,.However having lived in thailand and philippines for many years one advice you should heed and listen up.,.,.Never but never in asia made yourself worth more dead than alive.,.,. Think I'm exagerating then set yourself up for something not nice at the very least end up alone and broke.,.period

[@lordijomahalo5197]

Three words for you, Chad....RUN, CHAD, RUN! Listen to your subscribers: TRUST NO ONE! A filipina who has a history of Expat knows too well how to manipulate another Expat. Don't give me that opportunity to tell you "I/We Told You so".....

[@CoryRizzMMA]

The thing about a business there is that it is going to a LOT of work for not a lot of profit. If you do you need to find a nitch that the locals can't do it for some reason. Maybe something where you don't have to do all the work. The big thing is you need people you can trust or it can't be done. Abbe seems pretty trustworthy since she didn't take that other fools house lol.

[@Suitstoshorts]

Thanks Cory for the good advice. I am still researching online possibilities as I think you are correct... competing against locals will be difficult.

[@CoryRizzMMA]

I just ran my business from the US from the PH. I do online marketing on search engines. You could probably put your experience with the old job to use. Maybe you could get some of your old contacts to work with you? Sites like Upwork you are competing with bids from India and Pakistan. It doesn't make a lot of sense for you to work at that rate. Dina and I are thinking of starting up a goat farm on Cebu island for her family to run.