An Essential Guide to Pakikipagsapalaran
Manila is the New York of the Philippines. Everyday, hundreds of people from the provinces brave this urban jungle for their chance to live their version of the American dream. For most people (like me), planning is the ultimate tool for great endeavors such as this one and is vital for achieving success.
Below are three things that anyone dreaming to work in Manila should consider:
1. Rent
The first thing you should consider when coming up with a budget is the rent. Unless you have a relative or a close friend that can offer you shelter, you would have to shell out for a place to sleep in. Now bear in mind that in Manila (depending upon the area), a room that costs two thousand a month to rent is most probebly small, and a bit unclean. Water and electricity is usually included though. If you are in Makati, two thousand pesos will only get you as far as being a bedspacer. Studio type rooms with a CR and a kitchenette area would range from three thousand five hundred to five thousand pesos, again depending upon the area which you live in. It is very difficult to go to Manila without knowing anyone in the city that can offer you temporary shelter. Although you can find a place to rent by just walking around a crowded residential area. But if you wish to take your time in choosing a place to rent, then it is best to stay with a friend or a relative first. Some owners would probably reserve accomodations for you even without a deposit if you were personally recommended by a common acquaintance but in most cases, owners would not consider reserving accomodations for you until they receive a deposit. Most places require a months rent in advance and a security deposit which is usually also a months worth of rent. Some owners would draw out a contract, and it is best to read through the contract because some of these contracts say that the security deposit is non refundable. My advice is to allot at least fifteen thousand for rent.
2. Food
How you spend for food in a day is very much dependent on you. I would say that for you to eat a decent meal three times a day, you'd have to shell out a hundred pesos daily. Of course you can trim this spending down to fifty pesos daily if you stand not eating three meals in a day. Not eating three meals a day does not necessarily mean starving yourself, you can opt to eat foods such as noodles, pancit canton, buy one take one hamburgers, bread, and other unhealthy foods. My recommendation is that you allot six thousand three hundred pesos for food.
3. Fare
The average commuter in Manila needs to take two rides to get to their destination. Thus it is recommended that you budget at least forty pesos daily for your fare. Allot four thousand five hundred pesos for fare.
Planning with foresight, one should consider incidental expenses. I would recommend at least five thousand pesos be alloted for any incidental expenses you might incur.
I was inspired to write this article when a friend of mine from college asked me to give her an idea on how much start up money she should have if she goes to Manila to work.
I am hoping that people out there who don't have an inkling on what they would be looking at to spend while looking for work in Manila would find this article helpful.
Comments
Post a Comment