VILLA FELIZ - EPISODE 28: A DAY OF ENLIGHTENMENT (House Building in the Philippines)

Today is day 28 in the build here at Villa Feliz. The crew dig a hole in a hole and build forms for tomorrow's column pour. Surprise interviews today and can you believe it, coconut #10?
United Architects of the Philippines
Batangas Branch
POC: Ronald Allan P. Gunda, UAP, RMP
Architect / Master Plumber
Address: Mahabang Parang Batangas City
4200 Philippines
Phone: [phone]
Mobile: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
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Artist: audionautix.com/

[@giacomocapodellago3246]

great stuff..the house is a fortress..the steel work by the Philippino crew is first class..the standards of engineering is a level higher than here in Florida..it is an amazing and great team..these guys work like a clock..I'm familiar with this..I realize that there is a budget number for concrete..this method, while labor intensive, comes out to the same price or better than if they would have used pre-mix..brilliant, actually, as it creates more value to their communities.."sometimes, you have to shut down the backhoe and pick up the shovel..bravo James..

[@MyPIDream]

Thanks for the great observations! We actually save about 20% over ready mix...and that includes our labor. We'll only use the ready mix truck when we require one contiguous pour, such as when we do the ground floor.

[@jeanetcall3116]

Seeing the grocery prices is very helpful for comparison pricing here in California. Thank you James

[@MyPIDream]

Glad it was helpful!

[@javar888]

Tess must be a good cook I gather . Nice find! The Purina feed lady is sure nice and her partner! Stars are born!

[@MyPIDream]

I was so lucky to move somewhere like this where there are such good people who look after me :)

[@BCG6963]

I have someone who watches my diet fairly carefully, that grocery shopping would cause moral outrage ha ha! Those baked goods for starters, i have to sneak those! I am really enjoying your videos, great stuff, of course the house project is the most important part but your whole coverage of other stuff is fantastic as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@peter-bakestar]

I'm glad you brought the collar and lead for the dog your a good man James

[@paulcarvalho977]

great video James...you're a star over there, everyone loves you and you are so kind and polite to everyone.

[@gas1958ify]

Love these vids,you upload James,love the people in your community,love watching how skillful and how hard your workers work,love the scenery ,the little sari,sari stores,and the little cafe you visit every morning,and love the fact ,you seem so humble and a very friendly individual,who is very content and happy in life,and i love the overall beauty of that area,your living in,especially when the sun and blue skies like on this vid,truly add too that beauty.i truly happy for you,although i a bit envious haha.well done James.

[@MyPIDream]

Thanks for the kind words gas! I truly am blessed to have found such a wonderful community to call home here while our house is being constructed. As I said in an earlier reply to a comment similar to yours, I feel like I've found my Philippine version of Mayberry RFD :)

[@gas1958ify]

I and i am sure many other of your subscribers,hope too view many of your uploads ,even after your house has been built,and you and your good wife ,are living out your dream,there in that beautiful place James,thank you for your reply.

[@mjgpacho]

Chopsuey, the look on the guys face, customer in the carinderia is in awe.

[@MyPIDream]

Oops! I must have missed that one :)

[@mikeg1174]

Not sure if you'll get this. My wife found your channel and since we're sheltered in home we have binged watch your videos. We're up to episode 28. Yes, 3 years old, but I wanted to start at the beginning. My wife wants to retire back home in Mindanao, her family already owns land there, so she has been kin on seeing the process of building a house. Thus far, we have been enjoying the videos and learning a great deal. But we've got a long way to go. I do have a question, you had mentioned that placement of plumbing and wiring boxes/outlets/plugs must carefully be statically placed since once they're embedded into the concrete they're pretty much permanent. Similar to a fake ceiling, couldn't a fake wall, drywall, be positioned a few inches from the concrete wall using some kind of brackets, and thus conduits and plumbing could be attached to the outside of the concrete wall, allowing easier access if repair, replacement or upgrade is needed.

[@MyPIDream]

It did go into my spam folder for some reason but I approved it so here it is. Actually, nothing is totally permanent as with concrete you can punch holes and cut out paths for new outlets and plumbing only it's a hassle to do this after the build. If you've followed my videos, earlier on you'll meet my German friend Henry. He has a house here and when build he has drywall up attached to thin strips of lumber which is attached to the concrete. He created these "false walls" to do just what you're describing. It's not common practice but some people do that here. It is easy to add/modify your plumbing and wiring with this method. Thanks for bringing this topic up.

[@desgoulding7154]

GOOD VIDEO MATE LOVE THE FOOD HOUSE YOU GO TO THE PEOPLE ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL AND VERY FRIENDLY. HOPE YOU ARE WELL MATE TAKE CARE, MATE LOVE THOSE BRICKS BEING MADE

[@MyPIDream]

Des, glad you enjoyed today's video. Everyday here is a great day, but that one seemed special with all the opportunities to meet new folks around here. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@merlinbaptiste703]

Dog, had eyebrow makeup on for you this morning!!! haha "Only in the Philippines" Gotta Love It

[@MyPIDream]

Yep...have no idea how that happened. Maybe the neighbor's kids? :)

[@MsMeltho]

Merlin Baptiste I saw that too, haha

[@javar888]

Merlin Baptiste I tune in for the dog, james project is secondary.... :)

[@neliafernandez1337]

Ok, now, I wanna see dog eyebrow tutorial, hahaha

[@MyPIDream]

I can respect that ;)

[@dsbeach1]

James, you are a very friendly guy. "One can never have too many friends": James Garner

[@MyPIDream]

Good to have friends...especially here in the Philippines :)

[@ThisisOurPhilippines]

Ha ha ha! Ole dog got taken to the beauty shop! I am glad you leave these morning walks in your videos. I saw a comment on another video asking why you do it, but I love seeing your walks in during the morning and all the side bits they have in them. It is amazing the intricate work you are having done for the drainage. I am very interested to see how that all comes together. You are going to have your very own coconut plantation before long!

[@MyPIDream]

I'm paranoid about flooding, so making sure my builder does every measure to protect us from that threat. You want a few coconut seedlings? FREE???

[@ThisisOurPhilippines]

I think I am fine with what we have in the coconut department. I am like you and do not want them close to our house during a typhoon. Seems you are getting plenty of the freely given to you!

[@jimclaire7996]

Great video. I like seeing the interaction with the locals. The eating places, the Internet cafe and the hollow block places were all interesting. Thank you for sharing a very interesting series of videos. Twice blessed! Padre+

[@raycer7909]

James, soon you're going to have a whole coconut grove! I can't wait to see you walk dog, looking forward to that.

[@MyPIDream]

You do know I can't keep all these coconut trees, don't you? ;) Will have to see how Dog's collar fits. I hope it's not too small.

[@lowhombre]

Another👍🏼for a great video.

[@MyPIDream]

Thanks Pat!

[@maloumanacop6298]

You're such a nice guy, very friendly and sweet. Anyway, you remind me of Mr. Roger's. :-) Won't you be my neighbor? :-)

[@paulengelhardt2222]

great video today James. I always amazed at the high prices for imported goods in Robinsons or SM, your peanut butter is very expensive but it has to be yummier than the local product that I find is 50% oil and 50% peanut butter. You have to spoil yourself James.....

[@MyPIDream]

That's my achilles heel...peanut butter. I tried the local variety but it doesn't have that creamy nutty taste the US brands have. I did try at first to mix 50/50 so I could save, but like you said...sometimes you have to spoil yourself :)

[@ellenbernabe5373]

Dawg has eyebrows???..lol,,,I really enjoy following you and your journey. One day I might be your neighbor when we retire there in the Philippines.I was born there but grew up here in the states (Chicago and Florida). Our recent visit there fueled my desire to go back. Keep enjoying your enlightening encounters with the wonderful people there.

[@lcssay]

I was about to say the same thing, someone drew eyebrows on Dog? It's funny when you greeted the lady good morning and she answered back that it's the middle of the day already. lol!

[@MyPIDream]

Hey Paco! We have plenty of unsold lots here. Maybe you WILL be my neighbor one day :)

[@MyPIDream]

Like Steven Tyler might say "Dog look like a lady" ;)

[@ellenbernabe5373]

Hahaha...Meant to ask you...how much was the tax on the empty lot/yearly...and what do you forecast it would be when the house is in place?

[@paulevangelista2842]

Thanks for sharing your video. I enjoyed watching it. By the way don't plant the coconut very close the concrete fence because root will do damage to the fence. Just my advice..

[@MyPIDream]

Good advice. I've just got them in the ground to keep them alive until the house and yard are complete. Will transplant to best spots then. Thanks!

[@sirliner8035]

Damn, you don't compromise on peanut butter. That little jar of Skippy for 314p is crazy(same as here in Davao, btw) My favorite brand, but that price is a killer. I buy the local brand, same size, at the dry market for 40p. Granted, it doesn't taste as good but I can't stomach supermarket prices(I know, it's imported).

[@MyPIDream]

Yep, I tried to save money and did a 50/50 mix of Skippy and the local brand. Tried to ween myself off of the good stuff like a addict in rehab ;) Sorry, but you have to spoil yourself now and then ;)

[@bingarceo748]

Hello Jim, I started following your Vlog since last month and got interested and saw your Villa Feliz episodes and now viewing it from the first episode. I'm now in episode 28 but got curious on how your septic system is incorporated with your cistern, or are they? You mentioned your cistern is connected to your community sewage system that eventually flow out to the river bed. Is you septic system stand alone? Is there a Vlog episode you can direct me to watch on how you have design your septic system? By the way, I'm a Filipino expat living in Las Vegas and now me and my wife are thinking and interested on retiring in PI too, although my families are from Angeles City Pampanga I think your place there in Lipa is more appealing due to Farm lot, etc. Thank you for your Vlogs, it is very informative.

[@MyPIDream]

Our cistern is connected to our storm sewer culverts used to divert rain water to the connecting creeks. We do not have a public sewer system here which is why we are required to build individual stand alone septic tanks. Hope this answers your questions. Thanks for watching!

[@augefamily9893]

We noticed you have a good collection of coconut trees, a plantation in the making! Do they have Clyde's Bakery every where in the Philippines?

[@MyPIDream]

Hey Auge Family! I've got too many coconut trees for the size of this lot, so will weed out the week and save the best for planting in the back yard. Although I've only been to the Clyde's in SM Lipa, I looked it up and it appears Clyde's is a franchise based out of Manila.

[@derekl6475]

Wow, those trips to Clyde's would really strain the waistline of the rest of us mere mortals. Looks so good though!

[@MyPIDream]

Oh, its good alright! 😉

[@Vinson.]

The fastest way to get your PLDT Fibr problem fix is to have a direct contact with a (Fiberhome Staff/Sub-Contractor). Going thru their hotline or office is such a slow process.. I recommend you get atleast 2 contact numbers from the repairmen for future reference. Goodluck Sir

[@MyPIDream]

Thanks Vinson. If/when I have a technician come by for assistance I'll remember to get their info. But what if it's not a individual problem like mine. The entire community is being affected.

[@Vinson.]

My PI Dream it will still going to be beneficial, as the repairmen will trace those fiber boxes around your area for faulty nodes/lines.. but what concerns me most is when you will move in to your new house, will PLDT be able to supply you with their services. As i saw in your previous videos, there are no existing pldt lines in villa feliz.. but theres a workaround there, the system is called Ubiquity airFiber. And its basically using or beaming your fiber from your rent-house to your new-house. It will cost you a few grand but its going to be worth it. Theres a couple of videos here in youtube about Ubiquity airFiber, you might want to check that out. Have a wonderful evening Sir.

[@MyPIDream]

Very familiar with Ubiquity products. Been using them for years, especially the Ubiquity Bullet and Nanostation. We actually do have PLDT in our subdivision and several of my neighbors are already hooked up with fiber modems. Unfortunately, in my opinion, PLDT is practicing unfair business practices and charging them a much higher monthly fee from all the other subscribers outside the front gate of the subdivision. I'm hopeful that once Villa Feliz is complete, the developer will have worked something out with PLDT and another hub is set up inside the subdivision for distribution to all the residents at the same pricing charged just a few meters outside the gate. Thanks for your suggestions!

[@Vinson.]

My PI Dream thats good to know. Keep on uploading great vids. Have a good night sir

[@DavidDiaz-so5kj]

My big issue with moving there. I want to be near a landing station with one of the "independents" and try and get a split right there. I can also work a deal with buddies in HK or SG for access to the tier1 providers there and the exchange point. I might have to pay a lot but since Ill use it for work it may be worth it. Plus Ill have some racks for possibly a DR business at home. Just hate that bull about bad internet when it's not only oversubscribed but they refuse to do peering. If they would open peering the quality would skyrocket for everyone.

[@stevenmonash6284]

Just subbed.. nice positive video...everyone seems so happy.. it is depressing.. hahaha.. Where do you get your energy from?

[@MyPIDream]

Maybe from the sugar in the pandesal every morning ;)

[@manuelr1405]

Hi James do you stay part time in PI and SC? . i'm planning to build our retirement home in PI also and keeping our home here in NJ. wondering if you can explore this topic and give us your thoughts and experience. more power love your vids. thank you!

[@MyPIDream]

We live full time in the PI but maintain the house in SC to have a place to stay on vacations and visiting family... Best of luck with your dream retirement over here.

[@8130us]

A true labor. Unlike the US

[@myparadiseonbantayanisland9030]

What video editing software do you use?

[@MyPIDream]

I keep it simple and use iMovie. For doing active screen capture I use Viola.

[@joban7851]

James, you forgot to ask for senior discount✌🏻️

[@MyPIDream]

Not quite there yet. A few more months but let's not rush it ;)

[@codybrucewilliams]

13:32 I am NOT a safety whiner but I personally wouldn't stand in that secondary hole. The first one would be ok for your height but when in the second hole... i was cringing. I realized it was for only a second but still scared me lol. Last year right around here a couple young sisters aged 8 and 6 died in an 8' excavated, you never know when ground can give way.

[@MyPIDream]

Good advice Cody. The ground here is very stable and solid. Did you see the episode where we did soil testing for the basement approval?

[@GenIus-zm3qf]

The dog has eyebrows

[@kennethflood2849]

Roosters are a problem to me. Are there any sbdv there with no roosters allowed and I can get a lease for 25 years?

[@MyPIDream]

We don't allow roosters as part of our Deed of Restrictions. I think most gated communities follow this restriction as well.

[@steveworthington8954]

Where are you at in the Philippines?

[@MyPIDream]

Batangas

[@h2odragon1]

They don't fire the HB? they would be stronger if they did!

[@MyPIDream]

No, they don't fire here. If you go to a "reputable" CHB manufacturer, they will have the CHB tested in a lab to show you the actual strength. Like I showed you, our CHB was tested to 500psi/1000psi for 5 inch and 6 inch respectively. If you don't go to a certified seller, you might get inferior quality CHB.

[@shawndavis380]

JAMES RULES,,!

[@ofelialimos9520]

try to buy in flea market your fruits amd veggies.

[@MyPIDream]

Yes, that's the best prices but parking is horrible!

[@ph.living8830]

I bought a hollow block machine around ten years ago, so I could be sure how they where made, 35 blocks per bag of cement, the guys making the blocks couldn't believe I wanted the blocks made that why! My machine only makes on block at a time but it has made thousands of block and still going strong. There is a guy across the street from me that makes blocks, he gets up to a hundred blocks per one bag of cement not so good!!

[@MyPIDream]

Making you're own blocks is probably the best way to ensure you get the level and consistancy of quality you demand. I applaud you for your self help approach!

[@shawndavis380]

EPISODE 29......? INTERNET PROBLEMS ! ONLY IN THE FILIPINES YAP,,,,,,,!

[@MyPIDream]

Sorry...and yes, as you can see, PLDT did not "fix" the issue :( 29 is uploading. Thanks for your patience! ~James

[@randolfline1099]

this funny if you want premade banana milkshake feed a milking goat bananas the night before you milk them, when we had a goat to milk before when my brother had alcers we had a some bananas that were going black so my dad gave them to the goat and we could kind of taste banana flavor in the milk, as one person in here said the goats milk takes on the what ever the goat eats

[@MyPIDream]

So if I feed the goat chocolate, will I get chocolate milk? ;)

[@randolfline1099]

My PI Dream who knows all I know is the milk had kind of the taste of bananas, but the other might kill the goat, they do say it can kill a dog

[@ofelialimos9520]

thats too expensive for a mango. if you love mango, i cam ask my neighbor to send you mangoes for cheap price

[@MyPIDream]

I don't understand why mango is so expensive in the grocery stores when it's in such abundance here. Another of those perplexing questions that is yet unanswered 😳