Bob Martin at the Del Monte Clubhouse in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
Hi, my name is Bob Martin, and I am the owner/writer for the Mindanao Blog! Thanks for coming by for a visit, sit down for some pineapple and let’s talk about Mindanao!
Yes, I am an American, but I have been coming to Mindanao regularly since 1990. In addition, I have lived permanently in Mindanao since early 2000, and I love it here. The thing that I hear all the time when I tell people that I live in Mindanao is that I must be scared because it is so dangerous here. Actually, that is really far from the truth. Yes, there are places in Mindanao that are quite dangerous, but the majority of the island is safe. Is it perfectly safe? No, I know of no place on the earth that is perfectly safe, do you? I have lived here for a number of years now, and I have never felt that I was in danger yet. I do try to use common sense in my daily comings and goings, though. I suppose that in these days of uncertainty that would be a sensible thing to do no matter where you live.
MindanaoBob holding a live crocodile that was taken from the Davao River
I have been involved in a number of different types of businesses over the years. I guess that at the root I am a retailer. I have managed a number of different retail stores ranging from small specialty shops to huge discount stores in the past. Since the early 1990′s, though, I have been self employed. In that time I have done different things. Initially I was a writer, authoring about a dozen different books that were published. Most books that I wrote were on the subject of Amateur Radio and Shortwave Radio Listening. In recent years I have sort of mixed my passion for retailing with my passion for writing and for the Internet in general. I have a number of different blogs on the Internet, as well as e-commerce stores selling different types of items on each of my websites. It is a good life, and I enjoy it very much. The kind of business that I do allows me to have free time when I want it, and also work at whatever schedule I choose. It allows me time for my wife and kids, which I enjoy a lot as well.
Feyma Martin with our boys, Chris, Aaron and Jared
I guess that when you mix up all of my interests and my passions, there is only one thing that you could call me. An Entrepreneur. Yes, I am an Entrepreneur, and I love it!
Come back to the blog often!
It’s good to know you fell in love with Mindanao.
Hi Junelle – Thank you so very much!
Hi Bob,
I have encountered you site for many times but haven’t had the chance to tour. Now that I am finally in I am hoping that this will be a good venue also for our articles.
I am working in one of the research institutions based in Davao City and one of our main program is the natural resource management. we have crafted a Natural resource management Agenda, form the efforts also of various CSOs and NGOs in Davao City. We will launch the agenda on September.
Your site is a very good source of information for those who are advocates of the environment. More power to you!
Anna
Thanks for your kind words, Anna.
hi Bob,
it’s good to her that even american itself are not afraid staying in mindanao, meaning that people in mindanao are people who loved peace & prosperity and dedicated to their commitment. The people in the government of there saying that mindanao are not safe place are those people who are lier because of their personal interest only as government employee.
Your statement can justify that mindanao is a safe place to everybody for as long as you are not like the people in the goverment side.
Thanks and hope you to stay many more years.
Hi ASB – I see nothing here that scares me, it’s a quiet and peaceful place. As far as I am concerned, I’ll be here for the rest of my life!
hi.. can you be my chatmate
Hi julieto – I am sorry, I really don’t have enough time to be your chat mate. I get so many requests like this, I’d have to stay online chatting 24/7.
Good luck to you.
How are you? well i hope everything is fine. i’ll be in davao this coming saturday the 13th of september untill monday… well i hope to meet you on sunday!!! ill just text you if we can meet…
thanks and best regards,
Farrah
Hi Farrah – Hey, that sounds great! Just text me, I’ll be looking forward to meeting you in person!
Hi BOb,
Long time no hear from me. Anyhow, just want to say HELLO…………
@emeeclark: nice to hear from you, I hope you and your family are all doing okay. Take care!
hi mr. Bob
good day!
wish you could post our picture in your photoblog
thanks,
Farrah
@Farrah: Keep an eye on the photoblog!
Thanks a bunch mr. Bob
Hi Bob,
Nice photos on the photo blog…How’s life going for you?
Take care and God Bless your family.
Hi Emee – Everything is going great here, except that Feyma’s Mom recently died. She was old, though, and had been suffering in bad health for years now. Feyma is doing OK, though.
I hope all is well for you.
Hi BOb,
I’m sorry to hear that, but tell Feyma my condolences. We are doing good! Except school it’s harder than last semester.Anyway, nice to hear from you Bobby.Hope Feyma doing better.
Take care!
Hey Bob!
SALAM.
I saw your photoblog about Basilan. It’s cool to have you there. By the way I am from Basilan. If you wanna ask something about Basilan, gibe me a buzz! on Ym or just mail me.
Tnx
@Alman: Thank you for your comment. I don’t do IM, it is too time consuming. Feel free to e-mail me through my contact form on this site.
hi i met a woman on the internet from there and hope to come see her one day, hopefully as soon as i can. she says it is very nice there.
I’m from Mindanao as well, and still living here actually. It has always been a point of amusement among most Mindanaoans when foreigners and even filipinos from the northern islands seem to think that the entirety of Mindanao is one continuous war-torn wasteland. Heh. I know people from Manila who still go all hysterical at the thought of coming here. Haha
I’m from central Mindanao, Bukidnon to be more specific, and it’s one of the most peaceful provinces in the Philippines ever. The thing with Central and Northern Mindanao is that they were never traditional Muslim territory, and hence not part of the old claims of sovereignty of the former Maguindanao Sultanate, the root cause of the separatist movements. We have muslim populations here too, but most are actually refugees seeking a better life from the bloodshed in the areas where the terrorists and separatists are active. Having no reason to fight over the land, we all get along well here.
That said, there are areas (thankfully mostly hard to reach areas) that I really wouldn’t recommend to visiting tourists, especially nowadays.
And P.S. I have 2 foreign brothers-in-law. One American, the other Belgian.
Hi Eric – Bukidnon is one of my favorite places on earth. Not only is it peaceful there, it’s beautiful as well! I go to Bukidnon often!
Hi Bob,
I intend visiting Davao in june of this year, I have in the past stayed for 21days, However on this occassion i Would like to stay for 6 months,[or longer] I do have filippino friends there.
I would be most grateful if you could advise me of the best way to set about doing so.
regards
Robert
ps…….. I am a UK citizen.
Hi Robert – Well, it’s very easy. All you have to do is get on a plane and fly here. Your visa will be good for 21 days, as you near that length of stay, you go to the bureau of immigration and extend your visa up to 59 days. As you near the end of the 59 days, you go and extend your visa again for 59 more days. You can keep doing that for up to 16 months. There is nothing tricky about it, very easy to do.
Hi Bob,
Thank you kindly for your advice, I note you use th word visa for my 21 day stay, all I shall have is a return ticket is this what you are referring to, I shall be staying in Tagum… would Davao be the nearest Bureau ?
Will I require any further paperwork apart from my passport when I apply ?
Thanks again Bob
Best wishes
Robert.
Hi Robert- When you arrive in the Philippines, a visa will be stamped into your passport by the customs control people at the airport. That visa will allow you a 21 day stay in the country. Before the 21 Days expires, you need to report to the Bureau of Customs in Davao City and extend your visa.
There will be an application form that you must fill out, and you will need to present your passport. I know of no other paperwork that you will need.
Thanks again Bob,
You are a credit to Mindanao, Most grateful .
Robert.
Hi, just want to say thank you for this blog. I’m from Mindanao but reside in the US for now.
Thank you, Felica, I’m glad that you enjoy my site!
Bob,
I was wondering if you could tell me if there are civets in Mindanao. I know they are around Manila, but I have been unable to find any near Cagayan De Oro. My fiancee lives there. She would like one as a pet. If you could tell me if the civets live in the area and whether or not you know where we could go to purchase one. Thanks in advance.
Lloyd
Hi Lloyd – There are civets in Mindanao, but I have not heard of any around CdO. The ones that I am aware of are around Mt. Matutum, near General Santos City. I’ve never seen one for sale, though.
Good day Bob,
Your story is interesting.
But what interests me most is that your wife looks like someone whom I have known before.
I suppose this is just a pure coincidence.
Your E-zine is quite appealing and easy to locate.
Godspeed.
i am new to your blog, i would love if you could post some pics from the barangay 20 fiesta in gingoog coming up this 20-22nd, my girl is a college student and will be heading home for it, if it would be something you would do, look up the christopher javier family, that would be wonderful if i could see my beautiful and might i add very photogenic sharmaine, in your blog. i have yet to experience time in the P.I. but i would love to here your take on that area as well as photos of the festivities. i know it’s a stretch, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, i had to ask.
Hi robbi lee – I really can’t help on the Gingoog Festival thing, because I live in Davao, and Gingoog is about 6 or 7 hours drive from here. Too far to go at this time for me.. sorry.
Hello bob! Nice site you have here. Mindanao is really nice. Do have any idea if how many hours would it make me from Davao City to Surigao City on a bus ride? Thank you! =)
That’s about an 8 hour bus trip, Summer.
Hi Bob, very nice and interesting website. I am from Mindanao myself(Upi, Maguindanao and Cotabato City). People thought of our place as a very dangerous place but there are still a lot of mestizos in our place and they absolutely love it( Use your common sense is the way to live in Mindanao, you hit the right spot there Bob). I live in Canada now but I have been missing Mindanao and am looking forward for a vacation. Anyway, all the best for you and your family. I would be telling my family and friends about your website.
Hi Peter – I’ve been to Upi, and of course to Cotabato City, they are beautiful places! Thanks for visiting my site!
Bob I married a young lady in Panabo 15 months ago (Feb 24th 2009)and I was told by the Mayors office if I came back to Australia My Wife would follow in 14 days but we are still trying to get her to Australia there seems to be a continual hold up with paper work firstly one of mt wife’s sons birth certificate stated he was born female this took thousands of dollars to rectify and was released last December he now has a passport as per the Wife and other son ,my wife had to work in Dubai to help her Mother and support the boys a few years ago but the wife has a problem trying to get her NBI clearance from Dubai or the people who found her placement they have to have a medical which I agree but now My Wifes greedy Aunties have got into her ear and said why hasnt he brought you a house here ,I have just come home from Cavite where I rented a house to be with My Wife and our sons and be close to the embassy but their medicals had not been done not been done so after 10 days I came back to Australia and sent my Wife their air fares from Manila to Davao when this happend all fell apart my Wives Aunties got into her ears and told her that her Mum needed a home before she could leave they have one of those small places in saint vincente about 20×12 foot with no water or such the excuse the aunties are using is that he may not be able to keep you and the boys when you go,(but with 300000p)already sent and a promise that if I come to Davao or the surrounding area and teach art at any school that wanted a cheap art teach for 3 months at a time with 1 week between to come back to Australia,I have sent an email to 1 school and asked could they supply a house so that My Wife and I and our sons could be together for 3 months at a time and over that time I would bank 90000p for a deposit for her Mum to put on a house and when My Wife was here we would then pay the mortgage off, the aunties have talked My Wife into working for 250p per day which I think is slave labor, I cant get it into my Wife head that I would pay her to stay at home but the aunties seem to be so angry with her and I fear for her safety nobody else in the house wants to help 250p is only $6 au how can a family who have to buy water and gas and power live on that this is why I want to be there with my Wife to get her over this period of greed from her aunties Mate do You have any suggestions or solution I know my Government has an immigration policy about people in danger being able to immigrate which is a lot faster than applying for spouses visa Bob I could do with Some Help.
Regards Ernest Nam
Hello Ernest – Firstly, I don’t know why the Mayor’s office would tell you anything regarding immigration matters, they have no role in that process, and really should not tell you anything. The biggest role is your Embassy, and your government in determining how long it will take for the immigration process to be complete.
The chances of you getting a job teaching at a Philippine school are almost zero, you would be best to simply forget about that.
P250 per day is the going wage here, regardless of what you think, that is how much people here get paid.
I do not believe your wife is in any danger, nothing you say seems to point to that.
Good luck to you, I wish you the best.
hi,bob,
good pm to you, in davao, you are now popular, araund the world, reading your website it share’s everybody who live’s in mindanao, i was born in trento, i was there last november, i see your site in bus terminal in trento, actualy my house is not far in bus terminal, near the bahyan river, at the moment is in the contruction for protection of the bahayan river bank to protect the town of trento, uk is not a good weather at the momment, i am please to visit your web site,
fely xxx
Hello fely – Thank you for visiting my site! Yes, I have been through Trento many times, and I like the place. It is a small town, but very peaceful and nice people there. I really do love Mindanao, and Mindanaoans. Thanks again for visiting Mindanao Magazine!
hi, mr, Martin, thank you for your messege, reply to my messege, ,,,, how are you ,, hope you and your family are well,, visiting your site are fun, to read all the messege, a lots of people would like to left philippines, but,, her you are ,, you love to settle in part of the philippines,,,, i leaf philippines in 1987 to work in saudi as domestic helper, and after 2 years work in spain, at the i end up in england,,,,my book is close to my adventure in life,,, i realise where ever you are in the world, the most important you have a work, and friends, have a nice day,,,xxx
Thank you very much, fely. Yes, I do love living in the Philippines. This is a wonderful country, and I do understand that a lot of Filipinos want to leave, but only so that they can find work abroad. I think most want to return to the Philippines someday.
Take care, and you have a nice day too, Fely.
I appreciate the way you describe the “SAFE” thing…. that is true, it is our way of life to make ourself in danger and in safe, that is how the way we treat life…. and I agree that Mindanao is not that dangerous as what the news in the televisions and in newspapers. Thank you for the real definition….
Thank you very much Renario! I appreciate your kind comment.
Hello There,
Nice e-zine. I’ll follow as often as I can. I shop in Davao City several times a year. Maybe I can contact you next time?? I’ve lived here for several years now that my wife and I have retired. She was born and raised here.
If you’re ever in Midsayap, give me a buzz.
Bob
Hi Robert – Thanks for your comment. Sure! I’d be happy to get together whenever you are in Davao. My cell number is (0915) 216-0300, give me a call or text me when you are in town.
As an expat living here, you might also enjoy my Live in the Philippines Web Magazine, it is a site for foreigners living in the Philippines.
Hey Bob, do you know where one can buy a decent laptop for under a 1000Usd around Marawi, looking for one for my feiance’ who attends MSU there. Thanks Perhaps in Iligan?
Hi Brodie – I own a store that has laptops, and we deliver anywhere in the Philippines. We have several models below $1k. Check here:
http://wowphilippines.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=2_18
Let us know if we can help you.
Hello bob.. i really love your blog… my co-blogger introduce your blog to me. were both from Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro City.. I was really overwhelmed on the way you post articles about Mindanao. I was touch the way value Mindanao.. and make a blog about it. i was very happy that a person who was not born in this country, would give so love and value on this… and I’m wishing for the happiness of your family, and keep it up…
We Appreciate your Good Heart for Mindanao, The land of Promise…
Thank you Missbroken.
Hi Bob,
My name is Dat Nguyen, I am an American, Vietnamese. This is my first time here In Mindaneo. I am currently up in The Butuan area. I too am very family orienanted, and like yourself I am an Entrepreneur, and I love it! I own two company in the US. I believe that there is alot of potential in this region. My partner and I are currently getting The Rubber Tree business. What is your intake or this business if you care to share? looking forward hearing back from you.
best wishes,
Dat-
Hi Dat – Welcome to Mindanao! I hope you are enjoying your stay. I don’t know too much about the rubber tree business, although I have heard in the past that it is a good business to be in.
Hi Bob, Warm Greeting to You
You really have a great website here, it gave me lots of great information. I was just in Davao this past April for 2 weeks where I met my Finace and met her family for the first time. I enjoyed it there so very much, everyone I met there was so nice the feeling and the hospitality was just incredible. We do miss each other very much right now as we are waiting for the Visa process to complete and I am hoping to return again before the end of the year for a longer stay.
Thanks so much for having such a great website
Best Wishes to you and your family
Joseph
Hi Joseph – I’m glad that you enjoyed your time in Davao! I love living in Davao, it’s a great place! Next time you are in town, give me a shout and let’s have coffee or something!
Bob,
I brought you name up in a conversion with my parnter yesterday, and He is interested in meeting up with your for coffee. Where are you locted?
Dat Nguyen
ps, My Partner is a US Marine with Family Ties in Butuan.
Hi Dat – I am based in Davao City. If your friend wants to meet me, just have him contact me by clicking on the “Contact Bob” link here on the site.
hey bob, I contacted you last yr for some inquiries about holiday, davao. I thanked you for answering that.. and wants to say thank you also that at last, we have a blogger in Bislig, you’re the only one that goes with the flow of technology… you posts from minute to biggest things we want to hear in a prompt manner. Usually it takes us months before we knew the news from that place but through you, it’s only a click of a button!
Hi liza – Thank you for your very kind message… but I am not sure why you think I am in Bislig… I have been to Bislig before, but I have never lived there before. I live in Davao City.
Hi Bob, thanks for appreciating our Mosque. We are the residence of that Mosque in Davao Oriental. And because of your help, our Mosque is now one of the tourist spot of Davao Oriental.
Thanks Bob.. All of the residence in that mosque regards to u.
Hi Auharon – Wow! I am glad to know that I played a small part in helping your Mosque gain tourist attraction status in Davao Oriental! I was really surprised when I saw that Mosque, because I travel in the ARMM a lot, and of course see lots of Mosques there, but I never expected to see one in Davao Oriental! That’s why when I saw it, I had to stop for a photo! Maybe next time I am passing through, I’ll try to stop off and meet you! Hope you won’t mind a visitor!
Hi Bob, thanks. And of course, your welcome here in Pongoton Piso. You know, we are the Kalagan tribe. A native tribe in Davao. We have a rich in cultures and traditions. We have a native music, instrument, bands and we are hospitable.
thanks
and if you come here, i hope that u would taste our native delicacies….
Sige Auharon, salamat sa imong pagdapit! Magbisita ko sa imong lugar, ug magkaon ko ug imong pagkaon diha! Salamat kaayo!
Bob, Am always looking for more websies about Surigao/Mindanao. I have been travelling to Surigao for a year now and am engaged to a wonderful woman there. Will be heading back in a month (I am in Stanwood, Wa.). Love the country, love Mindanao, love the people and really love fiancee! Have lots of ex-pat friends in Surigao (all over Phils. actually). Be nice to meet you someday. Keep up the good work. Jack
Thanks for your comment, Jack. Sure, if you happen to be in Davao, I’d be happy to meet you.
Hi Bob! been following around 779 responses of your blog and mine will be 780. So far, for about several blogs i noticed for mindanao, yours gain a remarkable rersponses from people around the world. I finished highschool in Kitcharao, Agusandel Norte, a beautiful place also to consider, been also in davao particularly in Toril, Matina, in the large pine apple plantation. A piece of advice, don’t just give heed someone’s invitation, too dangerous. Nice to hear from you soon, your such a fine AMERICAN! Godbless you!
Hi Rendels – Nice to know you. Yes, I do tend to get a lot of comments on my various blogs! I have another blog, the Live in the Philippines Web Magazine, which has more than 64,000 comments! Can you imagine? I do thank you for visiting my site!
are blacks safe in mindanao
Hello Valentine Uch Alagboso – I personally do not believe that a person’s race has anything to do with whether or not he will be safe in Mindanao. It depends on your actions. How you treat people. Whether you do unwise things. I know of no incident when a person was targeted because of his race.
hello sir! i would like to know the latest abt wao. when i first set foot there, that was more than a decade ago. i have strong attachments to that place and i really want to go there one day if given the chance. but since i am not familiar with the place, i just might as well get some info and situationer on what’s really going on out there. thanks!