Thoughts on Subic Bay
 

I am thinking about bidding Subic on the next FedEx bid and wanted to see if anybody had some insight on life there.
I am currently on the Bus as an F/O and would move there with my wife and two young children.
My wife wants to take a leave of absence from her work (she suggested this whole idea) to spend more time with the kids. We were thinking that this could possibly be a great learning adventure for the family and bring us all closer together.

Any insight on life there would be appreciated.

U2FDX

You are joking right? Subic is set to close in 2008. The Philippines is a dangerous place to be right now. The Philippinos working for FedEx are all going to be fired after next year. The situation will only get worse until the doors close and the lights are turned off. Don't take your family over there. If you feel the need to move for a great adventure, bid the 11 in ANC. That's about as good as it gets if you live there.

FDXer

Yeah.........what he said!

Or wait to see if Paris is going to open. Living in Europe would be much better than the PI.

It's a 3rd world country. Object poverty ruled over by a corupt goverment is best "learned about" from short visits. I wouldn't even consider taking my wife there for a visit, let alone move there.

I live here now and am having a great time. With that said, there is some merit to every previous post. My wife and kids have adjusted very well now. Initially, there were many growing pains. In order to survive here, you really need to have a hobby which will occupy your free time. Be aware of and receptive to the different attitudes of the locals (you don't really have to, but it makes living here more acceptable and understandable). One of my biggest gripes here, is the lack of US-style grocery shopping and the lack of quality nearby medical facilities. It is a gamble. I would advise coming out on a jumpseat (an option I didn't have), and meeting some people and getting a feel for the place. Once you have accepted the househunting tickets, it's too late to back out.

I would do it in a heart beat. You will live like a king. Don't listen to these guys, if your wife is adventurous, then that is exactly what you can make it. These guys have probably never been there in the last couple years, I have and would love to have the opportunity. It would be a great time. Good luck.

Paris or Subic?

I have been there a few times and have hung out with a couple of the guys. It's a squadron type atmosphere -- everybody is pretty close (I know, I know, some closer than others........) and alot of guys like it and have fun. 96 hr layovers in BKK, hurt me! Lots of day flying from what I've heard. Nobody likes the monsoon season. Talk to somebody that's been there. However when guys talk about the groceries and the meat selection and how good the bacon looks when they're at ICN for a layover that's where I draw the line. The moniker is "the land of not quite right," which I thought was reserved for India but applies to the PI too. It IS a 3rd world country. But if you and the spouse are adventurous, or either one of you is on the Witness Protection Program, then go for it.

Personally, with Subic closing soon, it would be out of the question for me. I have visions of a Saigon-like pull-out by helicopter at the 11th hour.

Paris or Frankfurt however........ where do I sign?

More like "The land of the not-even-fooking close".