About Paul
My name is Paul and I am an Englishman who migrated to Australia in 1985, living there for about 25 years. I subsequently fell in love with the Philippines and their people and decided to make Cebu my permanent home in 2006. I then fell in love with my beautiful partner Jenny and her children. I keep close links with the Cebu expatriate community and have many wonderful friends, but I enjoy living amongst the local Filipino community as it helps me understand the culture much better. I love my life in Cebu, mostly because of my wonderful partner Jenny.
I read for a Law Degree at the London School of Economics from 1965 to 1968, but this was London at the peak of the “Swingin’ Sixties” and my focus was never really on reading boring legal text books. Consequently I never practiced as a lawyer and spent most of my working career as a Sales Manager, which is where most people who can’t sell end up!
I am not fluent in Cebuano/Bisayan, the local language, but have a good, basic understanding of it and can most times make myself understood. Jenny says I speak like an 8 year old child! I make it a point to learn new words and phrases every day. She assists me with the business and is a great asset – we go everywhere together, so, in dealing with problems or issues, have the perfect balance of western and eastern approaches.
I am honest and believe that my integrity is worth more to me than any short term financial gain. I list among my good friends many Filipinos and Westerners from various walks of life, who I am sure will vouch for me.
About Jenny
My name is Jenny and I am a Filipina, Paul’s best friend and partner in both love and business. I speak Cebuano, the local language, as well as Tagalog and English. Financial constraints meant my formal education was limited and I never attended college. Paul says that what I lack in education is more than made up for by my intelligence and native cultural skills. I now work full time in the business and bring along a female and Filipino understanding to the issues and processes we deal with.
I understand the local customs and ways of doing things but have learned western values and expectations during the years I’ve known Paul. I know when to be patient and let bureaucracy grind away at its own pace, but I also know when to be assertive and push things through to a conclusion.
I enjoy meeting so many new people each week and am happy that I can make their visit to my country and home town go smoothly. Many of our clients have become good friends and we regularly socialize with them.
Looking forward to meeting you.