Roxanne, such a special young lady.

[taximan007]

When I came here to the Philippines I could have settled here and lived out my days quite comfortably on the money I had available to me, but that was never my intention.

My reason for being here was my wish to give something to people who I felt (having done some research) needed my money more than I did. I always knew that at some point I would need to return to the UK and start over again, and for this purpose I held back 1K for my air fare home and living expenses until hopefully I got back on my feet.

In October 2007 my project/dream call it what you like was complete, and I had 110T pesos left about 1.1K at that time, so I had worked out I could afford to stay until just after Christmas, then out of the blue I am rushed into Hospital, it transpires I have some sort of tropical fever, whilst in hospital Roxanne brings in my medical records for the Dr and he notices I have a gallstone and asks would I like it removed the next day!! I had been waiting over TWO years in the UK, so without thinking I agreed and said operation was done successfully.

Then my own personal dilemma began, at the end of my stay in hospital the bill was exactly 110T, all the money I had left to my name. (My own fault for not renewing my insurance, a lesson for all.)

So since Oct I have being totally reliant on Roxanne and her family to look after me, these people are “golden” “real genuine people” to them there is nothing more important than looking after family and that’s how they perceived me, no questions asked. They are not wealthy people (by Philippine standards) just hard working, down to earth, caring human beings. I am forever in there debt.

I have never borrowed money from people in my life (other than the bank), and now I find myself in a foreign country with no money, at this point I will add the British Embassy  here are next to useless. Roxanne has spent what seems every spare minute trying to beg steal or borrow (well, not steal) enough money to get me back to the UK, and finally today she lot the loan of 50T peso, my fare is 34T so that leaves me about 150 GBP to start over again, I don’t mind admitting I cried when she came home today with the money. This has all been done on trust and belief, I have no way of proving to her that the money will be returned, or in fact that I will myself return to the Philippines, but I will state her publicly that both of these things will happen.

I just wanted to share this with you all, as you have been very kind to me over the last 18 months here on blonde.

Today I feel very, very humble:

To Roxanne and her Family I say the biggest THANK YOU of my life.

I arrive back on 6th May, so all being well I look forward to seeing you all at DTD.

[Graham C]

All the best Taximan

Do you mind me asking why you are returning? You do know it's crappy here don't you

[Harmony26]

Yes, all the very best to you, Taximan, and what kind and caring people you, Roxanne and her family are.

Hope you are fully recovered now.

All the very best to all of you, and looking forward to meeting up at DtD.

B&H

[taximan007]

All the best Taximan

Do you mind me asking why you are returning? You do know it's crappy here don't you

Simple fact, financial, as an immigrant here it is almost impossible to get work. I could have come here and set up a business or even come here to work if pre arranged from the UK.

Its not my wish to come back just a case of needs must, I hope to get work, live as cheaply as I possibly can and return to the Philippines asap, only next time it will be for good. I know now thats what I want.

[Tonji]

so that leaves me about 150 GBP to start over again,

Jeez thats scary, I hope you find a job quickly back here in the UK.

All the best Taxi.

[Geo the Sarge]

All the very best Taximan.

on a selfish note, at least I have a chance of meeting up at DTD if you make it.

Geo

[CRIPPIN]

Well why don't you let us know what area you will be staying, what sort of work you can do (Yes I know that the name sort of gives it away but there may be other things) then anyone who knows of any work going that may suit you can let you know.

[taximan007]

Well why don't you let us know what area you will be staying, what sort of work you can do (Yes I know that the name sort of gives it away but there may be other things) then anyone who knows of any work going that may suit you can let you know.

Thank you, I have already done this on another post, but just to say again, I am happy to locate to any area ( wherever I lay my hat ) for any type of work. Taxi driving is out of the question ( to start off with ) due to the need of a Hackney drivers licence. I have no formal qualifications for any type of work, just life experience.

[technolog]

Hi Taximan. Your OP was intriguing, tell me to mind my own business if you like but, if you haven't already, would you care to elaborate on your background and experiences in the Phillipines. It sounds like an amazingly philanthropic story! You should start a 'Phillipines & the aftermath' diary imo.

Good luck on your homecoming and hopefully (for you at least) swift return to the Phillipines.

[action man]

what were your plans for work/accomodation when you return?

Surely if you went out there for a philanthropic voyage, you should have made sure you had enough for yourself locked away.

[gatso]

what were your plans for work/accomodation when you return?

Surely if you went out there for a philanthropic voyage, you should have made sure you had enough for yourself locked away.

he did, read the op.

forgottorenewinsuranceaments

[Horneris]

Good story.

Will Ship $10 on Stars if username is provided.

[sofa----king]

how about cardiff?
i know a few people in the fruit and veg game allways looking for reliable people to load/unload vans etc,,,,,pm me if you like.,.,.,i just thought and a few of my mates got building firms/joinery shops looking for labourers,,,,

[CRIPPIN]

Not sure you've thought this out. You are going to get off the plane with nothing, where will you stay? If you are going to relocate you will need a deposit for rent and an address before you find work, without which you cannot raise the deposit.  It's the chicken and egg problem that many homeless on the streets of london face.

[thediceman]

Interesting post taximan. It's often the case that those who have the least are the most willing to share and help others and really a lesson to us all. Or is it the case that Roxanne has just loaned you the money to ensure you leave 

Anyway not one to see someone homeless I'm more than happy to provide you a roof if you really get stuck. Just let me know.