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Village Layout

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Anahaw stage one
Sports bar and Lazy River Townhouses and Apartments A River runs through it Beautiful Forest Trail Assisted living facility Running and Cycling trails Woodworking/metalworking/pottery/crafts. Coffee Shop/Deli/supermarket/fully equipped gym and more

Sports bar and Lazy River

Anahaw Hills Village has a large sports bar where villagers can come and relax, watch sports, or have a meal. AN area of the sports bar allows parents to keep a watchful eye on their children playing in the children's water area. A view from the sports bar overlooks the pretty river running along the northern boundary of the Village.

Townhouses and Apartments

Looking for a lock-up and go lifestyle? Anahaw Village has a variety of townhomes and apartments that provide just what you need. From 100 Square meter apartments to 210 square townhomes, whatever suits your needs can be provided.

A River runs through it

Anahaw Deli Dinalupihan

Anahaw village has a truly beautiful river running past the property. Go fishing for tilapia, walk along the rivers edge or just sit next at the deli/coffee shop and listen to the sound of the water.

Beautiful Forest Trail

Forest Trail Anahaw Village

Want to sit quietly in the middle of a forest and read a book? Or perhaps take a hike through a forest and just enjoy the quiet! Anahaw Property has a lovely forest trail allowing you to do just that! With Nipa huts selectively placed along the route and a trail through the woods, Anahaw Property allows you to find a peaceful moment on your own,

Assisted living facility

Worried about an elderly parent and want to keep them close? Anahaw Village is building a state of the art assisted living facility with self-contained apartments, sophisticated monitoring systems, 24 hour medical care, meals, outings and more to take care of those that still want to live by themselves, but want medical attention close by.

Running and Cycling trails

Jogging to keep fit

We want you to stay healthy! For that reason we are building 1.2km running and cycling trails that will not only allow you to stay healthy, but keep our kids off the main roadway!

Woodworking/metalworking/pottery/crafts.

Arts and Crafts Olongapo

Everyone  dreams of having fully equipped metal or wood or pottery or craft facilities in their home. At Anahaw, we make it unnecessary! With fully equipped facilities open to the residents, you can engage in your favorite hobbies.

Coffee Shop/Deli/supermarket/fully equipped gym and more

Gym at Anahaw Village

At Anahaw, we know that expats miss their favorite foods from home. That's why we are creating a supermarket that has all of those and a deli where you can get your favorite meats and cheeses all at a reasonable cost.

Eat breakfast at the deli seated along the river, or exercise with a full view of the river and mountains. We have it all!

Even a squash court and racquetball court to keep you fit!

Property Conversion in the Philippines

Anahaw stage one

Anahaw Village was agricultural land when we bought it. Property conversion was necessary.

This article covers some steps we had to follow to convert Anahaw Village land to Residential/Commercial.

The process is long and following the process is tedious and difficult.

Ecozone

Anahaw Village is applying for an RETIREMENT ECOZONE from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, not just a property conversion.

However, the process to convert any agricultural land to residential is essentially the same.

The Ecozone, when/if approved, will allow our residents to fully own a business as a foreigner within the Zone. It also allows a fair number of other benefits,

The process of property conversion might also serve as a guide for those that are purchasing properties in the Philippines. It describes a bit about the LEGAL process of conversion.

Hopefully this might give readers an idea about whether the property they intend to purchase is legal or not.

In every country there are ways to get around the law and get “approvals” that should not have been granted. We have not tried, nor intend to try ,that approach at Anahaw Village.

Flow Chart

To assist, we have made a partial flowchart. It shows almost all the places that one needs to go to get documents or make applications to convert agricultural property to residential or commercial.

Please click for a larger view of the flowchart.

At almost every step of the way, the application requirements at one agency needs something from another Government Agency.

Of course, this flowchart does not include all the steps that one has to complete to get that approval. There are a lot of other steps.

They include:

  • Financial projections,
  • Notarized attestations,
  • Detailed discriptions,
  • Engineering reports,
  • Photographs
  • Posting of public signs.

Summary

Property conversion is definitely a long and tiring process, but it can be done if one is persistent enough to do it.

At Anahaw Village, we fully intend on following the process. We will do every step legally and completely. We will follow every code. Every rule and law adhered to.

Our goal is to give the residents a Village that fully complies with the law. This will, therefore, result in a safer investment.

Myths about Electricity Grounding

Since a lot of homes in the Philippines are not grounded and there is a lot of discussion about this, we thought it would be advantageous to a lot of people to understand some of the myths surrounding grounding and electricity.

Basic rules about Current

Before we get into the myths, it is helpful to first know these rules.

  1. Current leaves the source and returns to the source. That is called a circuit. If you take a battery, the circuit is complete ONLY if you have one part of the circuit connected to the positive and the other side to the negative. There is NO circuit if you connect one side to the positive and the other side to ground. Try it. Take a battery and connect positive to the one terminal of the light bulb and connect the other terminal to ground. It will not go on. (Do this with a battery, not a 220v power cord!) Current is always trying to make it back to the source.
  2. Current does not go to Ground. You cannot expect that a circuit connected to the earth will protect you from an electrical shock. it cannot. A ground rod will not protect you from electric shocks.
  3. The ONLY way to prevent or stop an electric shock is to turn off the current.

Here are the Myths.

  1. “Grounding provides the path necessary to clear a ground fault”. This is false. IT WILL NOT TRIP THE BREAKER.
  2. “Current takes the path of least resistance”. This is probably the biggest myth about electricity. It does not.
  3. “Grounding brings everything to zero potential. This reduces touch and step voltage to a safe value”. This is absolutely not true.
  4. “The more grounding the better”. Absolutely false. In fact, too much grounding can cause more problems than it solves.
  5. “Grounding a light pole is necessary and is required by code”. We are not sure about Philippine code, but it is absolutely not true. In fact, grounding light poles have resulted in poor little male dogs getting electrocuted when the relieved themselves against the pole.
  6. “A generator should be grounded”. It absolutely should not be. Unfortunately, even generator manufacturers sometimes erroneously state that their device must be grounded. It is dangerous.
  7. “Attaching a ground device reduces the possibility of voltage on equipment in the first place”. Absolutely not true.
  8. “Minimizing ground resistance will i) Help trigger circuit breakers faster minimizing duration of hazard. ii) Keep voltage rise to a minimum also reducing hazard”. This is patently not true.
  9. “Bonding devices together so that there are multiple grounding points will lower overall resistance to ground limiting voltage rise and duration of hazard”. Not true.
  10. “Grounding protects against electric shock”. It does not.

Summary

The most important thing to consider when reading through this list of fallacies is to know that current MUST RETURN TO ITS SOURCE.

If you put that returning current to ground, it will still, by hook or crook, make its way back to its source.

Understanding Electricity in the Philippines

This article is to give people a basic understanding of the difference between electricity in the Philippines vs. other parts of the world.

AC vs. DC

AC stands for “Alternating Current” and DC stands for “Direct Current”.

So, what is the difference. In Alternating Current, the electricity flows back and forth. Whereas in Direct current, the electricity flows one way only.

High Power Lines

Hertz

How many times the direction of AC changes each second is called the frequency. The unit of frequency is Hertz (Hz). The frequency of commercial AC in the USA is 60 Hz. In the Philippines it is also at 60 Hz, whereas most of Europe is at 50Hz.

Voltage

In the Philippines the voltage coming into houses is 220-240 volts (v). In the USA, it is 110-120v.

What is Voltage?

Electricity is basically the flow of electrons from one location to another. Voltage can be understood as the speed that these electrons flow from one point to the other.

That is not the real definition, but it is one that can explain the idea most easily. In fact, voltage can also be viewed as the force that pushes electrons from one point to another.

In reality, Voltage is an electrical potential difference, the difference in electric potential between two places.

Look at voltage in a more simple way and view it as the push or speed of electrons moving from point A to Point B. That way, the difference between 120v and 240v is more easily understood.

If you had a pipe moving water from point A to point B and it had a pressure (just using a made up number) of 20 units and it was 1″ thick and you had another 1″ pipe moving water that had a pressure of 40 units, it would take you twice the time to fill a bucket with the 20 unit pipe as it would to fill the bucket for a 40 unit pipe.

Due to that, electricity travelling far distances is sent using very high voltage. Otherwise the wire needed to transmit enough electricity to power a city would have to be extremely thick if electricity was transmitted at 120v or 240v.

Why use AC instead of DC

In fact, DC power has less loss while travelling long distances than AC does. However, the cost of changing voltages is much higher. It is much cheaper to step up and step down AC power than it is to change the voltage in DC power.

Where electricity is sent in very long distances (especially in Europe or if it is sent overseas under the ocean) it is sent using DC. But to minimize costs to bring electricity to your house, it is sent in AC.

Hertz and your electrical devices

A motor designed to run at 50hz will run faster at 60hz and that could affect the operation of the device you are using. E.g. a vacuum cleaner would speed up and that might result in the motor burning out.

The same might occur with your refrigerator or other device that uses motors. Therefore, even if you use a transformer to convert the power from 220v down to 110v, and the Hertz stays at 60 vs. 50, it could destroy your device.

Summary

Some devices are designed to run at both 50hz and 60hz. Some devices are designed to run at both 110v and 220v. The label on the device will tell you. It is not advisable to plug a device that specifically says “50hz” into an electrical outlet that sends current at 60hz.

It is definitely not advisable to plug a divice that says 110v into a circuit that is 220v. The 220v circuit will send twice the number of electrons into your device than it is designed to handle,

So, look at the labels on your devices before you plug them in.

Look not only at the voltage, but also at the hertz.

Looking for a great place to retire to in the Philippines?

Anahaw Village is a village designed for expats and is nestled in rolling hills just outside of Olongapo. Visit our site.

AirCrete Construction – Building AirCrete homes.

Anahaw Dream homes Philippines

When we planned Anahaw Hills Village, we wanted to create a green environment as much as possible, that’s why we chose to build AirCrete homes.

We wanted to preserve the environment, reduce pollution and reduce costs at the same time.

We researched many construction methods. And we examined the green potential of each along with the the expense and efficiency of construction. In the end, we settled on using AirCrete.

What is AirCrete?

AirCrete is a lightweight material that contains stable air cells uniformly distributed throughout a concrete mixture.

It is, essentially, a concrete which utilizes a stable air cell rather than traditional aggregate.

AirCrete has many names including cellular concrete, foam concrete, light weight concrete, aerated concrete etc.

AirCrete should not be confused with a similar but different product named AirKrete.

Typical concrete has a density of 140 lb/cu.ft. AirCrete densities range down to 20 lb./cu. ft.

AirCrete is produced by infusing a concrete mixture with soap foam.

Why build AirCrete homes?

When building a home numerous factors need to be considered:

  • Cost
  • Durability against insects, earthquakes, wind, water and storms.
  • Speed of construction.
  • Cost of heating or cooling.
  • Beauty
  • Fire

The Philippines can get hot. Keeping a home cool with minimal air-conditioning is an important component.

Termites are abundant and cause a lot of damage quickly.

Construction is always an issue in the Philippines as the population is generally young . This results in inexperienced labour. Additionally, the economic boom means a lot of construction is already underway resulting in a lack of experienced labor.

Earthquakes are always a possibility.

Typhoons are frequent.

All of these factors helped to determine our choice.

AirCrete is very insulative with a high insulation value and virtually no air penetration. 

It can be very resistant to earthquakes and storms.

AirCrete resists heat and fires far better than most other building methods.  Video.

AirCrete construction is fast, efficient, almost fool-proof despite lack of training and experience with laborers. It requires a minimum of labour.

The formwork is erected, After all pipes for water, electricity, etc are put in place and the airCrete is poured. The result is a strong, bugproof, fireproof, earthquake resistant, wind and water resistant structure that is low cost and durable.

House construction using AirCrete is extremely cost efficient and very durable.

AirCrete homes cut construction costs and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Some projects using AirCrete.

Retiring to the Philippines economically.

Philippine Beaches

Maybe you are one of those people intending on retiring to the Philippines and you need more information.

The Philippines is an incredibly beautiful and friendly place to retire to.

Top reasons for retiring to the Philippines

  • Speaks English
  • Inexpensive housing
  • Friendly people
  • Easy to get a Retirement Visa
  • Incredible beaches
  • Inexpensive travel
  • Delicious food
  • Easy gateway to visit the rest of Asia

English is on all the street signs and advertisements and most people speak English as a second language.

Housing in the Philippines is a fraction of what it normally costs in the west reducing a lot of your monthly living costs.

In the Philippines, people are always friendly and smiling. Kids are happily playing everywhere.

One can easily get permission to retire to the Philipines. The Philippine Retirement Authority makes it easy.

With over 7000 islands, the Philippines has thousands of beautiful beaches to visit.

Public transportation is inexpensive and easily available. Even flights to various islands are inexpensive and hotels are amazingly affordable. 

There are hundreds of restaurants serving Western styled food, additionally, the local fare is also delicious. Food is a fraction of the cost of what it is in the west.

The Philippines is perfectly positioned in Asia, This makes it easy and inexpensive to travel to most countries in Asia. The Philippines is a perfect place to be your base if you always wanted to explore Asia.

So, should you be someone planning to retire and you wish to enjoy your retirement, retiring to the Philippines ought to be one of your top choices!

Golf At Anahaw Village in the Philippines

Golfing in the Philippines

Love Golf?

Anahaw Village has a brand new golf course nearby.  

Just 30 minutes from Anahaw Village retirees over age 55 can play golf for just $15 for 18 holes!

The Padera Verda Golf Course encompasses almost 500 Hectares of beautifully maintain lands including a golf course, driving range, wake pool, wave pool and more.

Visit their facebook page!

Golf in the Philippines
A Short 30 minute drive gets you to a beautiful golf course!

Best Places in the Philippines

Beautiful Philippine Beach

With thousands of kilometers of pristine beaches and abundant islands we explore the best places in the Philippines.

The Philippines has a lot to offer to anyone looking for an inexpensive place to retire or to go on a holiday. 

The Philippines is an Asian country and one of the friendliest places on earth. Predominantly a Christian country, the Philippines appeals more to Westerners.

Many people describe the Philippines as the Gateway to Asia because it is an English Speaking Country where English is an official language and all the company signs and road signs are in English.

Finding the best places to visit in the Philippines - A Catholic Church in the Philippines
Some of the best places to visit in the Philippines are the old churches

Full of happy and laughing children and pleasant locals, the Philippines is extremely affordable and has an abundance of places to go and visit. You can choose from so many locations within the Philippines and name them  one of your own best places in the Philippines.

Finding the Best places in the Philippines

With Pristine beaches everywhere, (The Philippines has 7,641 islands) one could spend one’s lifetime just exploring the many Philippine islands.

Visiting just  one island a day, it would take you 20 years to explore the Philippines.

There is definitely no shortage of places to explore!

Cost of Living in the Philippines

The average family income in the Philippines is about 270,000 pesos a year. As of this writing that is about $5,000 a year.

The average family size is 4.6 people per family. Consequently, the average person is living on about $1000 a year.

That is a YEAR, not a month.

Thus, the cost of living in the Philippines is extremely low comparitively. Inside a city in the Philippines, one can comfortably live on $1400 a month and be a rich person in the city.

Outside of the city $800 goes a far way.

But remember, everyone has their own expectations as to lifestyle. Someone living on $50,000 a year in the USA would probably spend at least $24,000 a year in the Philippines.

While the cost of food, accomodation, travel, restaurants, etc. is far lower than in Western Countries, the cost of a laptop, a TV, and what would be considered luxury items in the Philippines could well be higher. 

When you first arrive in the Philippines, being unfamiliar as to where to shop, expect to spend more.

Locals will also charge you higher prices when you are new. Until you start to grasp what the real price should be and can negotiate expect to spend a bit more.

Healthcare

Philippine nurses are known worldwide for their caring and hospitable nursing. One of the top ten hospitals in the world is in the Philippine capital city of Manila.

Medical costs, are extremely low. Should you run into problems in the Philippines, your biggest concern would be getting to a hospital. It will not be the treatment that will be afforded once you get there.

Always have travel insurance. Keep enough money to get from any more remote location to a bigger hospital.

Small country hospitals might be ill-equipped to handle your emergency, so ensure you can get out of there by plane to a larger city.

Holidays in the Philippines

Finding the best places to visit in the Philippines by boat
You can get to some of the best places to visit in the Philippines on a Banca Boat

The Philippines has so many beautiful little beaches and islands to visit making it hard to choose the best places in the Philippines

Popular tourist spots are Palawan and Boracay. But depending on what you are looking for, there may be places that better suit your requirements.

Certainly, Boracay and Palawan are set up to accommodate your typical tourist. However, if you really want to get to know the Philippines, explore out of the way places.

Rather than going to the standby favorites, spend a longer time here and go and find those quaint out of the way places.

Find those places less populated by tourists and more populated by the charming and friendly locals.

Moving to the best places in the Philippines

Upon visiting, many people decide to live permanently in the Philippines to enjoy the weather, the friendliness and cost of living.

If you decide to stay, there is no better place to live than in somewhere like Anahaw Village.

Anahaw village is positioned near three international airports, and several large cities on the island of Luzon. 

With easy access to modern highways, the village is being built to Western Standards.

Take a look through our website. See how perfect Anahaw Village is to retire or move to the Philippines.

Have you decided to retire to the Philippines? Have a look at the government retirement requirements at the Retirement Authority of the Philippines

Running and Bicycle Paths

A glimpse at the Village Layout will show that we have Allowed a huge section for roadways.

In fact, the distance from the one side of the road to the other is 20 Meters (66 feet). 

The average residential roadway is 26 feet (8 Meters). 

We have left space to spare. 

The reason is two-fold. First, we like open spaces. And second, we are putting the extra space to good use.

Both a dedicated running/jogging path and a dedicated bicycle path will surround the roadway giving a 1.2 km track for both cyclists and runners.

Of course, this means that kids will not have to be riding on the road, adding to the safety of Anahaw Hills. And runners and cyclists won’t be fighting for space. 

It also means that we can have tropical landscaping along the paths giving one the feel of running or cycling in nature.

It also gives our Village a more spacious feel.

Forest Trails in the Hills

We felt strongly that people need a chance to get out in nature and just sit and relax, so we have left a large part of Anahaw Hills Village as just forest for our residents to enjoy. 

Hiking through the trail, or just head up to one of the Nipa huts and quietly read a book. Our forest trail is there for your enjoyment and to commune with nature.