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The Arrival: Touchdown in Manila. The sensory overload of heat, traffic, and noise, followed by the search for a permanent base.
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Key Decisions: Leasing vs. buying property (and understanding land ownership laws for foreigners); choosing a specific neighborhood based on security, flood risk, and proximity to shops.
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The Reality: Navigating lease contracts, security deposits, and unexpected landlord negotiations.
Chapter 4: Arrival and the Search for Home
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