Born in Phil., moved to Canada at a very young age. In my obs materialistically there is abundance here, but there is poverty in soul. We believe in individulalism,privacy. We see so many lonely souls. In Asia, though monetary resources are not bountiful, there is richness in soul, spirits, community. You are almost never alone.
I am Asian who lives in one of SEA nations, I tell you that, most of us would never leave God. we believe there is a God and He the One who look after us human being.
This is so true. I began "vacationing" in the Philippines in 2017 and returned to the USA to see family once until returning this past February. People there don't loose their child like ability to laugh, giggle at funny things, play as children and love very dearly. My first experience in the Philippines was 2015 when I fell in love with the people and culture. I'm returning to the Philippines very soon.
I love your honesty. I was born in Bahamas and lived in Jamaica for 4 yrs. Came to US at age 9. I feel like I have no soul and sense of community. America drains you. Makes you antisocial. People in poorer countries are wealthy in life, love and humility. Thanks for sharing your Truth.
You're so accurate on your comparisons. I wish more Americans would remove their blindfolds, and realize that there's more to the U.S., than just politics, wealth, and excess of everything. I can't wait to move to Bohol myself. The division of this country is turning me the hell off.
Americans don't need to remove their blindfolds, Boss. we already know there is a world out there and we choose the United States. in your arrogance, you think YOU are somehow special, unique, enlightened? did you ever think or consider that 10,000,000s of Americans are loving life and maybe, just maybe don't share your value system?
Even if we have political favorites here, we wouldn't let it divide us(for the most part). I think it's either how the social climate in America is well controlled or they just need a lot of Jesus. Either way their politicians are just as bad as our own. I wonder if they the US politicians take pointers from other 3rd world countries. 🤔
I was born in Milwaukee, WI & grew up in Chicago and started to explore Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines at the age of 35, it took me a while to get used to being around a lot of people because we American leave in a very isolated lifestyle which sucks by the way. I'm looking forward to making the Philippines my home, Philippines is a super laid-back country. I've been to Cebu City, Carcar, Naga, Manila metro, Subic, Laguna, and Samar west & east. Now I'm 41, it was my first ever celebrating a good birthday with my Filipina wife, it has been a while since I've felt that good & comfortable.
Hello, I’m Canadian teaching English in Japan and am now considering a move since Japan tends to be socially isolating. Where in the Philippines would you recommend living? I like the countryside. You are still very young. I’m trying to figure out how to make an income high enough to support myself comfortably in the PHs. What are some of the best options for expats to earn an income there?
hello sir, i recommend you start with manila first, theyre more fluent in terms of english but the cost of living is higher than usual. the farther you are from manila the more diverse the people u meet but also less fluent but still able to understand english. its really hard to give suggestions on where to settle here sir because its usually depends on where youre more comfortable with, the resources you need and places you want to be close to. You obviously need to have the basic necessities so its better you live near major cities. it would have been better if most expats built an online group so you also wont feel too cramped that you dont have any english conversations. We always worry about expats feeling lonely here so its recommended you seek them out so you can have a support group if you decide to move here. lastly, people might say were the most hospitable but make no mistake were just the same people like your countrymen, easily influenced or might do harm if youre not careful, we just make sure foreigners are as comfortable as possible and put them first sometimes while we are hard on our fellow filipinos so please be very careful on the people you associate with. If ever you decide, i hope you find someone good to guide you or if possible you can ask tourism assistance so at least youre safe from scams.
@@ShikokuFoodForesthello, I’m Filipino and my recommendation for you if you want a peaceful and quite place better you go the any provinces in Visayas or Mindanao and if you want to big city and noisy then go to Metro Manila part
I also lived abroad for 5+ years and you hit all the points. Coming back to the US I see everyone is so stressed out trying to keep up with all the expenses, buying the house, paying health insurance, car payments, and to just live here you need really need to hustle and work hard building up your life. You can’t just casually coast by here or you’ll literally end up on the streets. I’ve seen more homeless people in San Francisco than pretty much any developing country.
I see them in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, and I've seen an significant increase in Kansas City too. Its sad to see all of the homeless people here. Just sad.
Sorry but I think you are being ignorant. I live in Malaysia where the average salary for restaurant worker is RM 1500 per month, and rent for a studio in the biggest city Kuala Lumpur is also around RM 1500. My husband is an American, when I used to live there for a couple of years, I was shocked that a waiter makes around 4-5k after tips and construction workers making like 7-8k per month. Americans are rich. You only need to put it in a normal 8-9 hours of work and you can survive. If you dont have enough money, it is either you are very bad at managing your money or you are too lazy that you cant even work 9 hours per day. I also think the homeless issue in the US is simply because of drugs and very poor governance. California has a government that gives free money to homeless people and this people would use this money to buy more drugs. It was really shocking when I heard it. It is not that Americans are overworked, Americans are materialistic or people dont have money to rent a house. It is largely to poor governance.
I recently saw the news segment on pharmaceutical companies arbitrarily jacking up the costs on Medicines. Something $5 was jacked up to $13. An $30 item is now $52. Just for profit. In Michael Moore’s movie SICKO, I suggest every American see this, An item in US was $150. But they bought it Cuba for a nickel.
I’m a filipino that migrated from Philippines to US 10 years ago. I was feeling so homesick and the filipino friends I met here were talking about how even though we don’t have the things we want then in the Philippines, we were happy and contented versus here in US we can get whatever we want (material stuff) yet we still aren’t happy and contented.
Since WHEN does your ‘things’ hug you, verbalize love or ask how’s it goin?!?! Since NEVER! I’m 67 so I walk my skinny no butt ass over knock on the door and invite neighbors over. I STATE up front-you WILL get to know your neighbors through ME if nothing else! It’s how I grew up and it’s how I continue! US has lost its way BY DESIGN-evil reigns here,soon if we don’t stop it, all cities will be where everyone lives. Loans on farms or land is astronomical and ‘they’ don’t want you self sufficient self sustaining, because they know we SHARE our crops. Think long and hard about ANYWHERE in the world you think is ‘better’ than where you are! The money here will be ALL you’re after to ‘make’ it! You are living to WORK 😮not working to live. THINK TWICE a THIRD time, really do deep research. Also consider doing your best to change your countries because here’s the TRUTH🔥🔥🔥🙏🏻 I AM THE WORLD I ALONE MAKE A DIFFERENCE🌟🌟🌟 if you’re in the states reading this; GO KNOCK ON THE NEIGHBORS DOOR GET TO KNOW THEM!!! Bring ‘em an Entenmann’s!!! 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
And I suspect that the Filipinos aren't on their own in feeling that way. I sense a certain feeling of dissatisfaction that is saying "now that we've built it we don't like it so much " perhaps because it is failing to deliver on its promises for so many.
most of my relatives who had migrated or work for more than 15 yrs mostly they came back, they prefer living in the Philippines now as they have said as they get older they find peace in here (of course the love and the vibe of the Filipino People)
Being a Philioina American I can assure you that you have a sense of loneliness in America because of one primary thing that this guy totally missed. (Racism) I'm a decorated combat veteran and rasied my kids in a "hate" filled town.i was treated as a suspect or an illigal immigrant almost anywhere I went and if yr on "Brown Team" (Gold Team really) yr skin I'm referencing.. you to will be treated the same way. It's funny.. the moment I left America and landed in the Philippines.. was the first time I have ever been treated like I was welcomed and at home. Thankyou Philippine People.
At the great old age of 75, my greatest regret in life was never going to the Philippines. I always wanted to visit but as I have grown older, I came to realize that once I arrived on a visit, I never would have left. The greatest thing I love about the Philippines is that the people are always happy. Their lives are simple and they could care less about "keeping up with the Jones's". Their lives are centered around family. I'm retired now and have found my life to be much more rewarding, fun and enjoyable because I'm no longer a part of "The Rat Race". Enjoy your life in the Philippines because it's a better life than anyone here in America could ever dream of having.
Totally agree as someone who is American. I’ve travelled to Philippines and Japan. So much different than US - in a better way. Life feels like life especially in Philippines.
I live in a modest neighborhood in the most expensive city in the country: San Francisco. Your comments ring so true especially about loneliness. Although my neighborhood is safe it is rare to see anyone out walking or conversing with a neighbor or even knowing who they are. Everyone sits in their boxlike homes and many feel a vague sadness. I am old but when I was young streets were fill of people walking talking doing things that build a community. All that is gone now.
I am from the Bay Area also, El Cerrito. I retired to Bangkok, Thailand 5 years ago. It’s shocking to see how empty and cold the streets are at night in the US. A tropical climate makes all the difference.
@@martypoll Ideal place to live on earth are only 3 continents SA Africa South east Aisa. in all these countries you don't need heating systems to survive. White skin can't bear African heat but can survive SA and SEA. NA Europe Russia Central Asia Aus most of parts are inhabitable for human due to cold temperature.
@@varunmittal3617 I am an American who lives in St Petersburg Russia and it is very inhabitable. Every home, office, theater or restaurant is toasty warm in the winter with central hot water plants that is plumbed into every building. People are out and about enjoying dining, museums, opera, ballet, live music, and easy cheap transportation, and many prefer the winter when people dress with more elegance, and more access to world-class concerts, ballet, and recreation. Unlike the US, cities here are set up for all weather and it is not as cold as you might think. The northern part of the US is colder and miserable in the winter, and heating is expensive. But Americans are usually stuck at home, watching TV or on the internet with very few options for summer or winter.
Dear John, I grew up in Houston back in the 70s and moved to Germany thirty years ago. I go back occasionally to visit family. Yeah, I remember the 70s/80s how so many kids were outside playing and the adults would be outside too BBQing, running, playing tennis or whatever. Then came cable TV and bigger homes, years later internet and then pocket internet social media and all the rest of it. I think the US was a better place to live back then and I do see the negative impact on Americans because of this so called progress. But maybe the younger generations will want to get back to living a little more down to earth and cherish one another.
I wholeheartedly agree with you, John. I grew up in the Excelsior. My dad grew up in North Beach. By the late 70s-early 80s, everything changed. Possible culprits: changing demographics, women working outside of the home, lower birth rates, radical Leftist politics.
I am so envious! Here I am, an 85 year old great-grandma, born and raised in Hawaii of Filipino parents but have never had the opportunity or financial ability to visit my ancestral home land. Watching your videos as well as other vloggers’, has made me wish I was young enough to travel there but I’m not in the best physical shape to be able to travel and see enough to make the long trip worthwhile. Therefore, I shall continue to live vicariously through you and everyone else who have taken the time to inform the world through your videos. All of you loggers have made me very proud to be “Filipino”even though I am not considered to be truly “Filipino” because I wasn’t born in or lived in the Philippines.
I am watching through my computer though I wasn’t signed in to comment. I came to my phone just for u grandma. U have toucher my heart ♥️. Maybe not many people has read your message. I am giving u hugs and love. The blessing of belonging to this country Philippines 🇵🇭, we love u
I hope one day you still get to visit and really experience it in person. I am sure your relatives there would relish connecting with you. And I hear you about living vicariously through the vlogs when it comes to traveling. I find it tiring to do in person, as well. My warmest regards!
Dude. Spot on analysis. I live in Asia and could not be happier. Safe, clean, fully insured, amazing food (30% the cost of US) and friendly happy healthy people. Visiting the U.S. only reinforces these feelings. Thanks.
Jonathan, I am Asian immigrant living in the US. Thank you for understanding our way of life. Our sense of community & bond is different from the American way of community. In any Asian country, everybody knows everybody living in their neighborhoods...people usually hang out in their balconies, front porches or streets if they live in the market area in Asia. The first time I came here in the US, nobody sits in their front porches to relax or talk to their neighbors & hangout with their neighbors...or atleast talk...that's a cultural difference...In America, kids are spoilt in the name of freedom - they don't respect their teachers, peers & bullying is normal way of life for American kids but in Asian schools - kids are taught to be disciplined, obey, listen and respect...Bullying is rare among kids in Asia...and teachers are regarded next important persons after God & parents in a kid's life. I really hate American parents' indifference to their kids bad & bullying behaviors in schools or disrespecting their teachers... In Asia, if teachers & peers complain about your kid's bad behaviors...you try to reason and teach your kids to correct themselves...there's a sense of embarrassment & responsibility & accountability as parents. But American parents would defend their kids' bad behaviors and insult the teachers instead in the name of freedom of speech for their kids...That's why the family bond, parents children bonds are strongest in Asia unlike in western cultures.. Jonathan, it's unfortunate - my opinion has triggered a tsunami of racists to question why am I in your country and they are telling me to go back but still they call America the land of free, freedom & free speech - the irony... I never knew that kids disrespecting & misbehaving with their teachers, parents and elders is part of free speech and freedom
This is true, but you should also know that it wasn't always like this. Everything you described was common-place in America in the 50's and before. The culture has been slowly degraded and destroyed over time, to the point that people no longer even know their neighbors.
You make some good points. I was born and grew up in England, and have been in the USA for 50 years, and worked for 2 years in New Zealand. I have long been an advocate for people living and working outside of their home country, so they can not only experience other cultures, but also see their own country from a fresh perspective. I still miss life in England, especially the social aspects, and while we are financially comfortable in America, we do not know any of our neighbors, have a few treasured friends who are thousands of miles away, and our children are scattered around the world. The US media seems to be most interested in promoting division and fear, almost as if to drive Americans away from America, but most of them do not know anything better than life here. Thoroughly enjoying your reports from the Philippines, keep up the good work.
2 года назад+1
I was born and raised in Louisiana until I was 11 when we moved to California in 1967 and I've lived here since. The cost of living has gotten ridiculously expensive. When you moved to the U.S. was it as a youth with your parents, and where? I have traveled to and through other states, also Asian and European countries. As an actor I've admired the film and television works of British productions, and the locations they film in. However the cost of living, even for a bachelor like myself, appears to be just as high as here. Am I wrong? I've supposed that to move there with my guitar collection, and other collections, acting wardrobe, etc, and household furnishings, would be quite a costly affair. As would finding a place large enough for all of it and myself to afford. I've ruled London out simply because I cannot afford to live in big cities, certainly not here. I also thought about Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand because of their productions and locations. So what's stopping me? It's the economy everywhere, it's as if they have all raised their cost of living to match the U.S., which is higher than I can afford on my fixed retirement income. I could not afford to live in Los Angeles anymore, which I why I live in the middle of nowhere in the desert. Too far from LA to work, so at 67, I've retired, until my situation changes for the better. Will moving to England or any other country change it for the better?
@ Hi. I came to the USA when I was 22 after meeting an American girl. I am now 72 and living in rural Florida, in an area which still has some reasonably priced homes. We are nowhere near a beach, so houses are less expensive here. I worked for a state legislature, but took a 2 year hiatus to work in New Zealand for a quasi-governmental export co-operative. (My field was software development and data networks design and management.) You are correct. All the countries you name are expensive places to live, and most impose much higher taxes than does the USA. I could not afford to live in the UK given their high tax rates. We have both been retired for some years and so could live anywhere, and did consider a move to Costa Rica some years ago, but found that we prefer the comfort of a modern infrastructure, despite the problems in the USA in other areas. I grew up in a country where gun-ownership was pretty much restricted to farmers and game-keepers. There are still some inexpensive places in the world, but they take a major cultural shift to move to them . This channel does a fine job exploring some of them. I also have a brother-in-law, a fellow Englishman, who is preparing to move from Spain, where he has lived for several years, to the Philippines. The prices he gives for the house they plan to build are ridiculously low by both American and UK standards. Moving to a new country is a huge undertaking, especially if you plan to transport all your belongings. My advice is to do your research to see if you could afford the life, and study the culture to see if it is a fit for you, then to travel there and find a place to rent for a year or so before selling up and making the move. The stuff we own and 'cannot live without' can also drag us down sometimes. Good luck with your search for a new home.
as a Moroccan who living in Europe for almost 4 years I think to everyone that's the best thing that you can do is to travel and to live abroad for a couple years to know the good things about your country and the opposite things at the same time, thank you for this incredible video to have some knowledge about differences living between the Us and these others countries, much love and respect and thank you also for the way you speak because I'm just learning English 🤟
You write in English very well! I had several years of French in high school, but that's been a very (very) long time and am now tackling Spanish before heading off to travel next year. It's not easy to learn other languages as an adult!
I am a permanent resident here in the US for 4 years now. My first unforgettable memories of the first few weeks when I arrived here in the US were those of how much I cried buckets of tears about how difficult it was to get around - no buses, no readily available public transport. That definitely was a terrible experience for someone to move to the US and had never driven a car. I never had the need for a car in the Philippines, same as when I lived in the UK. I am generally comfortable being alone, but traveling and experiencing living across different parts of the US gave me that stinging sense of isolation. The American suburbs feel dead. I would never choose to live in such a massive space lined up with houses but with absolutely no sense of human connection with the neighbors. I notice the obsession of Americans owning big things like big houses with big front yards - but that's just it. The green front yards may render a little bit of life in them because they are green, but they all still feel empty. I am astounded by how many Americans, who, by any global standard places them in the top 10% of the world's wealthiest yet still think that they are poor. In the context of where I come from, it's hard not feel insulted. I like that you touched base on obesity. I am a nurse here, and the obesity problem in this country makes me feel like it's a curse for anyone doing bedside care here. I have never realized how literally a backbreaking work nursing can be here. I have seen co-workers end up in disability as a result of back injury. Every country has its good, bad and ugly. The level of accessibility to almost anything here is probably unmatched, but these are things that other parts of the world are slowly catching up. I like this country, don't get me wrong. But I will definitely keep returning back to my Philippine home. Life pace is slower; life is more peaceful with having less. I am just giving myself few more years to build me and my other half's nest egg. Money is here in the US, but there's more to life than just making money.
I'm a nurse, too. I'm of Mexican descent. I was born here in the U.S. Our patients, the majority, are really fat and big. I can roll them to clean them, bathe them, and so on, but when I try to do any of these things, they say, "You're hurting me!!" All I can think of is 1. How do you these things at home if rolling you hurts, and 2. it's not me that's hurting you; you've been hurting yourself for years! There are fat people in Mexico, yes, but in the U.S., Jesus man! There's too many!! They look muscular and big-boned, like Vikings, but they're not. It's fat!
@@joebeta1837 It hurts a lot when you do it because the pressure is condensed into two spots - the spots where your hands are. That creates a lot of painful compression. At home, when one is healthy, rolling over does not involve these pressure points, so it doesn't hurt...well, at least it doesn't hurt unless you wrench yourself, which can happen if you're obese and you're not annoyingly careful about how you do things. Still, despite the occasional mishap, rolling oneself over is a lot less painful than having someone try to "help." I'd really suggest not being quick to "help" with rolling over if the patient is at all capable and willing to DIY that part. Wait the extra 30 seconds. Hospitals here in Florida don't even let regular nurses try to brute-force move a heavy patient without specialized equipment!
Adequate public busses ,mrt ,fast railroad is actually easy if us want, but they spent too much money on endless wars...t(physical and proxy) thats the problem. They prioritize on military infras .
I am living in the Philippines and have for several years. In 2005 I met my wife here while taking some time away from my job in the USA. We married and she moved to the USA and worked as a nurse for 15 years; when I was ready to retire I had already made up my mind to move back to the Philippines to live. My wife was reluctant at first as she was used to the income we had in the USA. After some convincing, she saw the reality of what I was saying and we moved. I have traveled back to the USA once since we moved here and all of what you said seemed true to me, plus one more thing, food tastes so much better in Asia, I believe its because it is not so processed and no perseverative are added. Peace and Love
Hello, I’m Canadian living in southern Japan teaching English. The biggest challenge of Japan is the social isolation. Where I live, there are hardly any othervexoats for example. For the first time, I’m considering either returning to Canada or the Philippines 🇵🇭. I do like the countryside. Which places there would you most recommend moving to? Also, how easy is it to do remote or other work to earn enough income to support yourself there? Thanks!
I'm American, moved to the Czech Republic 11 years ago and the plan was to go for a year to see if I'll like it and so on. It was easy for me to go there as my wife is Czech so it was easy to settle there immigration wise. 11 years later, I'm still here and will remain so and I like the work life balance , low cost of living and etc.
Hi Jonathan, I agree with you 100%. I grew up since a toddler in the Midwest. Then coming to the Philippines now, I am so thankful of my healthy emotional happiness here.🥰❤️🇵🇭
America was what you described back in the 70: and 80s. As a 5 year old I ran around alone in chicago to libraries, stores, to play etc. many of your observations are good. But contrast that with the innovation this country has brought to the world …. Historically. Today I’m not sure we are doing that. But the ideals of USA when properly applied are amazing
I'm nodding my head as I listen to your message. I left California in 2007. Fifteen years and counting in the Mediterranean. Several gorgeous beaches are minutes away, and the border to Spain is less than an hour from my beautiful small village. It doesn't get any better than this. As for the trauma of going back... those who want to see me, know where I am and there is extra room for the occasional visitor.
Hi Lea- i feel the same. I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I bounced around to the bay area and Washington DC and eventually landed in Los Angeles 2012-march 2022. I gave up on life there and moved to Rosarito, baja ca México and it's amazing. A short distance away but being in another country the huge shift of high speed LA life to laid back tranquila beach life here.....i wouldn't go back either ✨🙌🏽
Lived in the US for over 20 years, always doing things simultaneously like having breakfast while watching TV, checking e-mail, laundry and sorting regular mail, stress is high, traffic is bad, no wonder I was always having chest pains, money was good and was just working to pay the bills, moving back to the Philippines was a godsend, got a maid, no more chest pains, pace of life is slow and i think i can live longer.
Im an American born and raised in the Philippines but now that lives back in the US. Everything you said is so true about the Philippiines and I find it so refreshing seeing another American trying to explain to fellow Americans how other people from other countries are living a better quality of life. And this is despite of us referring to them as a poor country. I would give up living in the US with all the luxuries I enjoy and live poorly in the Philippines and have a healthier social life and mindset anytime. The only thing thats stopping me is the extreme humidity there.
My coworker who was born in Manilla is always convincing me not to go and that we don’t know how lucky we have it here. I think its all relative. If you have money then life will be easier…it just goes a longer way in Asia.
I live abroad now (South Korea) and I can see some the problems you point out.I really can't stand how much everything costs in the US. My parents say that its just the way it is. But living in another country and visiting a ton more, I see the US as the expensive country. I tell my parents how much I make and they think, with their American perspective, I must be poor as dirt and cannot make ends meet. The truth is I am living much more comfortable than I ever had in the US financially. Even if I find myself out of work for a little bit
South Koreans are some of the most overworked people in the world. They have a suicide rate higher than North Korea. I would love to visit there because they have a rich culture, but there just seems to be no work-life balance.
@@jwt1035 Whats cool is if you're a foreigner in South Korea, you can make your own work-life balance. It's like a shield that protects you from that aspect of the culture
Everything you said is spot on. I'm exhausted by living here and I didn't really understand or grasp how bad it was until I spent 5 months in Spain. There is a different life to be lived than this depressing rat race, and for many of us, all the work that we do, all the stress we endure is just to meet our basic needs. This is not a sustainable way to live that's why now I'm working on acquiring a visa so I can legally move to Spain. I'm just done with the US.
@@GUITARTIME2024 I can speak great Spanish and lucky to not have to live on a low income. Also if you think your income is low, try paying for Healthcare in the US. Watch all your earnings evaporate.
@@GUITARTIME2024 Obviously, you've been brainwashed to believe stupidities. US News ranks Spain higher than the US in terms of quality of life. English is widely understood in most big cities and Spaniards are extremely tolerant and friendly. They don't spend their time criticizing immigrants when they are trying to learn their language. Most companies do require a C2 level of Spanish for employment, but, so what? There are these things called schools, where a person can go to learn subjects like languages! In addition, while it's true that the average person doesn't earn as much as they do in some other countries, the work-week is shorter, there is ample vacation time, and the cost of living is substantially lower than in the US. From what I can tell, most people seem pretty happy.
Great video. Another aspect is education. My son recently graduated from medical school in Spain. Six years at $4000/yr tuition at a top state school, and $600/mo total living expenses. He easily passed the US residency tests and will never be burdened with outrageous student loans. Oh, by the way, he also was able to take many quick trips to other European cities and countries.
Appeciate the insight! Re: kids-was visiting Aruba a few years ago & while waking through a really nice park near the beach noticed a kid about 5-6 years old on his bike riding through the park. Also noticed there were no adults nearby- they were there but they weren't in close proximity to where he was riding & I was like Oh No they need to come watch their child then it hit me Oh it's not dangerous for kids here like it is at home. Its great to travel & see how life is in other places. Spent seven months in Europe in the Navy and viewing the US from another perspective was profound. All The Best!
Love your videos! I’m a 64 yr old Pilipina who immigrated to the U..S. Over 40 years ago. I used to play the slipper and cup game and all kinds of alley games with my friends in the neighborhood. I’ve only recently discover your videos and have since been sharing them with my husband. I see how happy and wonderful you are regardless of any situations or places and you see right away the humankind in everyone you meet. In the U.S, I have observed that many people are much more concerned about the lifestyle rather than life itself. In the Philippines particularly in the rural areas and poorer communities, the people seem to be more conscious of life and more aware of the people around them. Maybe because they don’t have too many distractions? In general, I think once we understand the nature of life and that peace, happiness, joy and love is not generated by something or someone but it has to be self-generated. Never outsourced but always insourced. I can see in your videos your self-generated joy within yourself. Happy traveling!
You just hit the nail in the head! I've been living on and off in the States and abroad (mainly in Latin American countries) due to my job, and I agree 100% with you. As a matter of fact, the last year I've lived steady in the States was fourteen years ago, and I don't miss it a bit. Money and comfort do not always buy happiness (although it help). In my opinion, we must seek the life style that better fulfills our heart and soul!
Southeast Asia is the best place on the planet, after twenty years here I still wake up and walk through the cities and towns and say, “Man, I am living the dream!”. The warmth of the people, the safety, the sense of not being under pressure and in a hurry (for what?!) and the food are unimaginable to so many people caught up in modern day American life.
Very well explained- all true. I'm a Filipina and lived here in US since 2005. One of my first observations here is, people do not trust their neighbors and no warmth approach from anyone. Here in US, pretty much, you are on your own. Very different from what I'm used to. Another thing I noticed on my first year here, people would greet you with "How are you?" but then they wont stop to talk with you after you replied, "I am good". I was extremely shocked and I felt offended. I have endless experiences that culturally shocked me. I definitely am retiring in my beloved country. But, will always be grateful to God for bringing me here in US and all the blessings that came with it.
All very true! Many blessings can come with the opportunity to live in the US, but as you said, there are many cultural differences that can make you feel isolated... Filipinos have been much more chatty to me! haha
@@travelescapesOFFICIAL Yes, I noticed that my fellow Filipinos were so welcoming to you and I'm not surprised at all. We are just extremely friendly and the hospitality in my country is off the roof! If you do do decide to make my country your second home, you can be sure that there will be no dull moments and will always be surrounded by the kindness and smiling faces of Filipinos. Cannot wait to have that fun camaraderie with my Filipino family this October.
@@leneb5564 please. Filipinos are only really hospitable to anyone that looks good and seems well off. Like white people, mestizo and other light skinned people like the Chinese. People who are artistahin etc.,
Hi, I’m from Canada and I am glad my healthcare for the most part is ‘free’. I did marry a Filipino and I do frequent phllipines a lot and even own a place there. I do enjoy the low cost of living but it is at the expense of Filipinos being highly underpaid and you can’t help but feel sorry for the numerous homeless there because many of it is not by choice. Many there dont’ have actual places to live, they literally man-make their own shed on property that is not theres and build their home there. Then when developers decide to build something there they are ‘removed’. The governments in most of south east asia is extremely corrupt which has lead to children on the streets and the the pay to be extremely low. We paid someone 250 dollars to do major renovations in our apartment that would’ve cost like 8,000 dollars here in Canada. The pay disparity is ridiculous. If you think about it, how can anyone in those situations be able to ever afford to leave their countries and visit the world. That’s why so many dream to be able to come to Canada or USA. It’s quite sad. 😢. And btw, majority of Filipinos can’t actually afford to go to the hospital. I went there for food poisoning and was in my own personal room within 30 minutes because healthcare there is only for the rich. It costed 6,000 php but the poverty threshold level there is 12,000 PHP per month for a family of 5. Do you think they could afford a 6,000 bill? That’s like half their household salary for half a day in the hospital. Cheap for us because we make US/CAD dollars. If you could only make what the average Filipino makes there, you would want to go back to the USA. I’m not discounting what you’re saying, has lots of truths, but essentially the common theme is the world caters towards the richer and in third world countries we are on the ‘richer’ side which does ultimately make our life easier there than here IF we can make the same dollars we make here as over there.
Plus there's absolutely zero human rights anywhere in SEA...life is a real lottery for people there unless you're rich then all bets are off... I lived in Asia for 30 years included about 8 in Philippines...I'm now back in South Africa and it's so surprising how much cheaper things are here generally than in Asia...in Asia nothing is for free...
Truth. There are reasons for everything . if you lived there it's not cheap. The people are exploited . - Then rich westerners come and say how cheap it is. Its extremely privleged
@@mariadavis3797 if you think that's collapsed then what do you call the Philippines healthcare system where you cant get hip replacement at all if you have no money?
That’s why I love my country (Philippines) I’ve lived in US and now Guam but nothing can top our happiness in the Philippines. We live less but happy! I have more here in the US but not happy and just more stress and anxiety building up, thank you for this video.
I lived abroad for more than six years and returning to US was striking and difficult. First observation was the growing gap between have and have nots. Secondly was the obesity. Third was the obsession with material goods. And lastly, meals and food, precisely as you explained. It has not always been easy, but we have tried to maintain some of cultural positives we enjoyed in Europe. Thanks for validating so much of what we experienced upon our return.
When I was five years old, in 1951, I could walk to school by myself. My brothers and I would be out all day, playing in the neighborhood, and would just come home at mealtime. This was true of all the kids in the neighborhood. Back then, the family had one car. We were a less mobile society. I think that is a big cause for our lack of safe feelings for our kids today.
I agree with all your observation about the US. It may be difficult for us Filipinos to leave our families and move here in the US but here, there's more opportunity for us to earn more than what we earn there. However, the cost of living here is too expensive. We earn more, we spend more but we still have some extra to send to our families left in the Philippines. I just hope that they realize that we are not always having a good life here. We work our butts off to pay our bills.
I am an American but feel same, with loved ones in Philippines. We have to work so hard here for housing, car and insurance, etc, but our loved ones need our help in Philippines. However, I am very grateful for the many advantages in the USA; millions upon millions of people come to the USA for good reason.
I'm one this Filipino working here in the u.s. for 30+ years , my life has been isolated and drowning with debt here in the u.s.There is no place like a simple living such as Philippines someday .I will retire in the Philippines and live life the fullest ....
Don't wait too long! Sometimes you think you need more than you do. Not true. When retired you often spend less because you don't have to buy all the things that support you going out to work. You also learn to be satisfied with less especially when you realize that happiness comes from a simple life. Also you want to retire with decent health. You don't want to go home with disabilities. It can complicate your retirement. Constantly running to the doctor can take away the joy of retirement. Those are just a few ideas to get you started. I really wish you an early departure where you can enjoy many years of living a sustainable life. Best of luck 👍 ✨️
My sisters godfather returned from US to retire here he just turned 60. He had a house now and he said he just needs to wait for his retired money and thats only money he needs to lived here.
You are spot on with your thoughts about living in the US, from a Filipino perspective while living in the US. It’s funny that you mentioned that there are no people to be seen in their yards or on the street in the neighborhood ( not unless you are in the mall or downtown). That was my very first culture shock actually when I came here to the US. They have these beautiful porches and chairs on them but I never saw anyone sitting there 😂.
I agree 100% with your views. As a US citizen who has resided abroad ( South Africa and Germany ) I conclude that America suffers from a hustle culture i.e need lots of material things to feel accepted by society.I feel like I am constantly being brainwashed by billboards,the media etc. to live in a certain way.I have never felt more alone in my life.And yes,I would love to move to a poorer (but happier )country.
In my honest opinion, I listed the positive and negative traits of Americans (Again, this is just my honest opinion), Positive: 1) Americans are very industrious and they do have a strong work ethic. 2) They're free & creative thinkers. 3) Americans are self-reliant. 4) Straightforward, honest and sometimes upfront. They don't usually put up with your BS. 5) Americans are very patriotic. 6) Flexible and resourceful. 7) Optimistic and fun-loving. Negative: 1) Extreme individualism. They rather put individual needs, sometimes even at the cost of the family or community. 2) Living to work, instead of working to live. 3) Parochialism, a narrow point-of-view of anything outside of US. Somehow, everything has to be done "the American way" 4) Extreme competitiveness and capitalism. 5) Obsession with celebrities, media, movies, etc. 6) Obsession with guns.
I lived in the US for 40 years. I am now retired and chose to move back to the old country where I can stretch my retirement benefits further and live more comfortably. I miss my children and grand kids but I can still go there to visit if they can't visit me here. I lived in the suburbs and it's true that our neighborhood are very private and hard to establish relationship with each other. We just wave and say "hi". I appreciate your honest opinion.
@@travelescapesOFFICIAL I chose to live in a private community with my siblings in the province of Batangas. My house is still in the process of getting built. I hope to move in this December.
so you made money in the US, and are stretching those dollars MORE elsewhere. did you ever stop and think you can do that b/c of the very system that exists in the US?
@@RobertMJohnson She worked to earn her money 💰 and have the right to spend them as she wishes anywhere in the world. What's your problem? Did your system hand out the money freely to her?
@@afrikanheritage99 the person with the problem is YOU. you're projecting and annoying with zero point whatsoever. not to mention the non sequitur at the end.
Hi Jon, I agree with most of what you spoke about here. Especially about feeling more safe in Asia. I’m a Filipino born in Chicago and still residing here. It’s unfortunate how crime in the US has gotten real worse. 😔And that has me considering of living in the Philippines when I retire.
Hi! I hear Chicago crime is one of the worst in the country. Philippines would be a safer place to retire in my opinion. My brother in law is actually bringing his mother home to the Philippines to retire soon
This is really a location issue in the US. Crime is not evenly distributed. If you're in the cities then it's certainly in issue. But, the suburbs and rural areas of the US are significantly safer and comparable to Europe or Asia.
@@alice_agogo yep, that’s true. Just pointing out that the US has wide variations in crime density and shouldn’t be equally applied across the country.
Me and my husband are moving to the Philippines. I am currently jn New Orleans, born in the Philippines. My husband is from Detroit. He visited the Philippjnes couple of months ago and decided yes, we are leaving the US. The cons of living in the US and the pros living outside of US are accurate. We"re glad you have found another home. Goid luck to you.
hI from Spain! I found you while looking info about Philippines (I will be travelling to there in Sept) and I have to tell you that I love your English accent. I am learning English with you! Regarding the subject of this video, i fully agree with you. Here in Spain we have the same way of life, mainly in cities. In small village the sense of communitie is bigger but still the feeling/sense of loneliless is increasing
Oh I love Spain! I lived in Granada. I can see how that would be true in any large city I suppose. The small villages of Spain are gorgeous! I actually taught English in Spain, so I’m happy to hear that you can understand me in the videos. I hope you enjoy the Philippines!
It's true in a way. I'm born in the US, I have my own house at a very young age, a stable job, and a luxury car yet I've never been so unsatisfied and depressed. The more I travel abroad the more I am unhappy about living in the US. Living expenses, the rising crimes, gun violence, racism, homelessness and politics are a major factor of my dissatisfaction of life in the US. I've been thinking of moving to Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, or Europe. Hopefully one day I'll make that jump. Yes, they're not the cheapest places to live but at least they don't have crimes and the gun violence the US is facing, and the mentioned places all have better Healthcare.
Canada is also a good option. I plan to move there once I finish my studies and make enough connections/skills in my field. I hope things get better in ten years.
Quite literally, the only reason I come back to the US occasionally is to visit friends and family. I had a minor issue with my hand and tried to get treatment, an MRI and doctor's visit. It took 3 weeks to get the appointment and they tried running the bill up over $3000. I told them no thanks and left. On the other hand, literally, I had a minor surgery on the other hand in the Philippines, same day appt and surgery, for a grand total of $374. The stitch work was the best I have ever seen.
So true … I’m leaving to the Philippines for Xmas with my kids I want them to appreciate the simplicity of the Philippines where I grow up. Thanks for sharing.
Disclaimer: I rarely write long comments but felt compelled to make an exception this time. This is the most amazing video I have ever seen. I am an American citizen, but like you mentioned about many Americans I felt lonely in my house and didn’t know anybody in the neighborhood at all. To do ANYTHING required getting into my car and fighting traffic. I also had far more toys than I could ever have the time to use. After being laid off the umpteenth time as an electrical engineer because of a cancelled project/ being let go when the younger engineers stayed on/ bankrupt company or whatever I decided to try something completely different. I moved to Vietnam and taught science to 6th and 8th graders. It wasn’t easy and sometimes even trying at times trying but the enthusiasm of the students and the friendly people all around me more than made up for it. To my amazement, I rarely missed any of the toys I left behind in America. And I certainly didn’t miss the pile of bills to pay for them that used to arrive in my mailbox each month! I also lived in Thailand and now have a retirement visa to finish my life in the Philippines. And since I no longer have a family in America I don’t intent to ever return there, even for a short while. While I realize that a scaled back (materially) life here in SE Asia isn’t for everyone, my only regret is that I didn’t move out of America sooner.
hey thanks for your comment!! It sounds like you have had a similar experience as me here in SE Asia! Better late than never, for sure! And I definitely agree, the toys and possessions just become clutter for me
So true about the media, I had to back away from it after 4 years of this constant addictive watching , where disbelief and anger becomes one's basic feelings. Now I am watching travel channels and am feeling amazed at the beauty of this world, natural and man-made structures. Thank You for your channel.
Seldom do I see and watch a blogger who has a heart. Your channel is full love. I wish more people would subscribe and support this channel. 1 Million subscribers by next year for sure! I am Filipino living here in LA and yep I plan to retire in my own country. More power to you, Jonathan! ❤
Hi Johnathan, it is always interesting how North Americans have to constantly clarify that they do not "hate their country" when they are stating simple facts. It is US propaganda at its finest, really. Other countries generally welcome criticism because it brings about change. In the US, any criticism is labelled "hate" to keep the people & the same political parties in full control. Home countries are like family, you can love them all the time but not necessarily like everything about them :)
|Have been to about 100 countries including all the ones you mentioned at the beginning of the video and have lived in most of those including Colombia and Philippines as well as the US and I am not surprised at all by your comments. I would rather live in Philippines that the USA too. As I don't have family in the USA it means that I rarely have reason to go there so I might visit maybe one every 10 years or so and when I leave I never feel sad to leave. I might even be in Manila next month. If our paths cross, I will be happy to buy you a drink and chat.
Jonathan, l am from south America have lived in the US for decades. My obs + that of many friends is that there's lots of wonderful things in this country ppl are mostly kind, great ppl. We mostly dislike the highly processed/sugary types of food so we try to cook at home to avoid all that. The health care is terrible although it doesn't seem like it when one looks at how nice looking hospitals and clinics are yet they don't seem to deliver affordable quality health care to most so what we do is go take care of non urgent health care and dental care back in our own countries where we see docs that are well known and also highly recommend by our families that live there. We always pay cash for for those visits. Medication when needed is affordable there as well. Works great 👍
Totally agree. I came from Puerto Rico and even when my country is so attached to the US the social scene and behavior is way different to the US social life. Europe countries, like Spain, is absolutely amazing when it comes to social closeness and friendly attitude of people in general. In the US people live to work, in other places people work to live. Looking forward to my retirement to move to France and travel all over Europe. Last but not least, unfortunately after 45th "president" things in this country got much worse than it was in terms of social acceptance of differences and diversity. Which is not a biggy in many other countries in Europe.
I completely respect this video content. My husband and I retired early. Our goal is to live our final chapter in the Philippines. We want to stretch out pension and savings. We also want to live a slower pace and distance ourselves from the divisiveness within this country.
@@margiemanuel3577 taking dollars earned in a rich country, spending them on things like housing in a poor country, bidding up prices for locals there who earn very little, and even worse, are not retired, they have to work to pay the rent.
@@BrisLS1 been that way since the 70s. ofws have sent the equivalent of 10% of our GDP. The important thing is you save for yourself. Heroics are good and all but impractical.
@@BrisLS1 As a person who was born in the Philippines and raised in America by adoptive parents, I'm looking forward to returning to the Philippines as a citizen of the Philippines. Not everyone wants or has intentions to exploit anyone. The internet allows people to assume. I feel sorry for your initial impressions of others rather than asking questions.
I had this conversation (diatribe) w my American friend who’s never lived abroad. I talked about the chemicals in the food, materialism, political division, social media addiction, working to buy things and maintain said things, isolation, car culture, kids not out in the street playing, inflation, bad medical insurance, I could go on infinitum. I’m going on my nomad journey again this year. It’s painful just to keep this “lifestyle” up until I leave.
OMG, I thought that was me talking. I've been in US for over 38 years, and this kind of conversation I shared with my family and friends. I am seriously considering going home for good next year. Not to retire but to spend the rest of my life in community. Thank you, Jon for sharing.
Jonathan, thank you so much for the video. You have a lot of wisdom and insight. Its great hearing your advice as it sounds very honest, insightful, and very helpful. Wishing you the best in your travels.
Just found your channel and am loving it so far. Lots of great information. Been debating the past couple of years about traveling and moving abroad to experience new places and people. I’m a relatively younger guy and living off VA disability alone doesn’t leave much money to live comfortably in the states so I’m hoping to see some of the countries in your videos and hope things work out the way I’m hoping. Thanks for making great content!
I totally agree with you. My Wife and I are leaving for Vietnam in December. We had a house built there outside of Saigon. We are going to live permanently there. My Wife is Vietnamese and I am American, she is a US Citizen. I am retired from ExxonMobil and find out it is just about impossible to live with such high taxes and high prices. Not so in Vietnam.
I fully understand everything you say. I am from Brazil and I find myself so much happier when I am at my country. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be here in the US and I think there are many great things here, but I find it a very depressing place to be sometimes and everything seems to be so robotic.
After traveling through Colombia for a few months I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m ready to sell my house and just live abroad it’s a much more healthy balanced lifestyle that’s extremely affordable. Top notch sushi restaurants dinner for two with drinks 25$ maybe even less. Kids and parents filled the parks. People are friendlier for sure. Loneliness in America is wide spread people don’t seem happy in America anymore. Dating in America is impossible. The girls in Colombia are so friendly even if there not interested in your they are never rude. What my impression is of Colombia is that it’s hard working family oriented good people. I never once felt unsafe. City’s like Medellin have the perfect weather unbelievable transportation great food great vibes. I would go to Asia but the flights are to expensive when I need to return to the USA. I get flight to Colombia for under 100$. Great video man you took the words right out of my mouth
Thank you for sharing your taughts for all the experienced you have endured in every country you have been , rounded understanding of every people you have meet on your way is the fullfelment of happiness and contentment is a true legend of man kind you already accomplish . Thank you for sharing , you are one of a kind 👍♥️🙏
Hi Jonathan, very true statements that you made about the difficulty of living in the US. I am living in Northwest Indiana and am in my 50's, self employed and pay an exorbitant amount to have good medical insurance. Another thing is the cost for Dental care here. I had to have a tooth filled this year and it cost me $245.00 for one filling. There are a lot of opportunities here but the cost to live is extremely high.
$245 sounds cheaper bro,my cousin even paid $2K for his dental work 15 years ago ..... imagine that amount these days ...... stupid he is,he just agreed with what the dentist told him ..... like ok sir,we need to pull this tooth out cuz it's no good & he just said,ok, go ahead ..... but the problem is,they charged him for that ......
Unrelated but my brother in the bay area paid $600 to have a small benign cyst/tumor behind his ear removed in a simple surgery. He chose to pay out of pocket and not through insurance which he has as he's a gov't employee. That was a decade ago.
Totally agree with you. I moved from the USA 15 yrs ago and still loving living in Europe. Of course love to visit family and friends in the US. For me you change your perspective when you experience a totally different way of living. Safe travels.
I 100% agree with you... I literally just made a video about this like a month ago... and I've been also living abroad and mostly south and southeast Asia for a little over 7 years... and almost every single point you made especially about the healthier eating habits... The cost of living and the community... The lack of community in the US... I completely agree with you 100%. It just stands out... And every long-term expat that I've ever met makes the exact same points...
You are correct on all points I lived in the philippines for 6 months with my wife the comparison is night an day I'm convinced I'd rather stay in Asia than bring my wife to live but only to work in USA I myself loved the peace and the family unity in Asia learning from other cultures becoming more diverse in their language, food which my wife cooks very well here in USA now on business but headed back to philippines to live
Wow! Your assessment is so eye opening. Your points are very deep and thought provoking. If I had the means to do what you did, I think I would do it in a heartbeat. Thank you.
These are facts bro. I'm a filipino and currently living in VA and when i came here from Philippines 20 years ago i was shocked that you dont even know your own neighbors. I can't wait to comeback to P.I. this winter hopefully they would lift all the mandates because I'm unvaccinated. Big up man and be safe.
I live in vienna VA and you are right. You hardly know your neighbor here in the US. been living here also for over 20 yrs. Its just good Some of my siblings move here as well. Now I have over 20 nephews and nieces. Also made friends with other pinoys here as well. Eventually, I made friends with officemates.
also, almost everything in the US now is highly politicized. people are so obsessed about being politically correct and if you make a mistake, they cancel, demonize and ostracize you, and they can even make you lose your job.
True! I lived in NJ, NYC, Tx and FL. Everyone is hidden in their big homes. The moment they see you wandering and walking around your block, they're ready to call 911 on you.
Hello neighbors! From Maryland here. Can’t wait to return back to the Philippines in 2 years for good before it gets crazy! Be safe and Jesus loves you!
Hi Jonathan, you’re a 100 percent right about media making the US divided. I stopped watching US news for over a year now and I feel better. Watching it before gives you anxiety. I would rather watch travel vlogs like you do and it’s more relaxing. Been living here in Michigan for almost 3 decades but majority of my family is in the Philippines. When you go back in the Philippines, go visit the north like Baguio City, Benguet, mountain Province, that’s where I grew up before coming here in the US. It will be a different experience too compared to south. Thank you again for sharing your travel vlogs . Mike😊.
Lonely and isolated is one of the sad reality in the U.S. I haven't been in the U.S. but my sister who is in Seattle (University Place) speaks for itself. As I've heard that my American brother-in-law love to live in Bacolod City, PH as his retirement place.
Very well said!!! Hopefully sooner than later. I can work remotely for my company and live elsewhere. Don't get me wrong. I'm a proud Filipino American. I've lived in the US for 30+ years. I am who I am today because of the opportunities I have been provided. But people/Filipinos have to understand that these opportunities don't come cheap. From cost of living to high health care costs. It's a dam pretty penny so this golden country might not be so golden in the end.
My aunt is now living in the Philippines and she's working remotely as a consultant for her US based company. Big difference in quality of life since she is still earning USD. She now plans to retire there as she has practically everything she had back in the US and much more. Hopefully, you'll be able to work remotely as well.
@@lukes.3488 Yes, this is what I'm talking about! I work for the state, so living abroad right now won't work, but private companies seem to be more flexible, especially in this climate.
You hit the nail on the head. I live in northern Thailand now, and there is no way I would move back to the U.S. In fact, I will not even visit the U.S. I have told old friends that if they wish to see me they have to come to Thailand. The U.S. is very sick and is getting worse every day. The truly sad thing are the westerners who move to Thailand, and then want to change it and make it more like the U.S. To those people I say "please don't come here." I like it just the way it is.
Hi Jonathan. I am a Filipino who was able to live in the U.S. for 8 years as a student, many years ago, starting 1988. And I observed and experienced personally the differences in many aspects between U.S. and Philippines. The abundance of food there and their cheap prices were what struck me most. I observed that materialism reigns supreme. Even Filipino migrants have adopted this aspect, like buying two cars. So, they have to work two jobs to be able to pay their monthly financial obligations. As for me, I did not adopt that, so I retained my being Filipino by going to Asian market to buy Filipino groceries, and bringing my lunch which I cooked myself to school. And I seldom go to fast foods. Thanks for your blogs about Philippines and its culture. I wish you can find a place in the Philippines for you to live, and a Filipino wife worthy of your love someday. Keep going! Stay safe. God bless.
Having two cars is not necessarily a luxury in the US. If you are married and both husband and wife have jobs to commute to at different places, then having two cars makes perfect sense.
thank you for your comment! Simple, modest lives seem to bring less stress and anxiety than the materialistic lifestyle from my perspective! Thank you for watching!
Going to Asian Grocery store is also expensive in the USA 🇺🇸 . Why bother cooking ? Just eat junk food fast food or cheap Burger 🍔 king cheese boogers 😜👎
Many Filipino ladies want foreigners not Filipino men why ? Because of money, security, when a foreigner exist the plane door upon arrival in the Philippines he automatically becomes rich and handsome, doesn't matter how he looks, just walk through the malls and see old bald pot belly foreigners with young pretty ladies. Its not love its money, and the her family finds out he's a foreigner, he becomes a walk-in ATM, I know this first hand, and the Filipina lady wants a house and lot, the foreigner pays for everything yet he is not the owner of the property, and when she gets tired of him she'll kick him out and move her entourage in, I saw many foreigners get scammed out of their money, les than 1% of Filipina ladies are good, most if not all have kids and they want the foreigner to care for them, not me.
What did u say?! Less than 1% of filipina ladies are good?! 😂 shame on you! Fyi, Those ladies who opted to marry foreigners - especially with age gap are the low-value! But there’s a lot of Filipino ladies who are professionals & have good careers & they don’t think of taking foreigners! But recently, one filipina filed for deportation of an American man ( No age gap ) .. who was her live-in partner & used to battered her eventhough she was the breadwinner since the man was totally broke from lossing crypto business. So, Not all are after of your money!
Those are very valid points. I'm from the U.S., and I agree with most of them. I currently live in Poznan, Poland, and I’ve also traveled and lived in Asia. The cost of living is not comparable, and you are SO correct about community and slowing down to enjoy people, family, and friends. I won't likely retire outside of the U.S., but I have adopted a lot from other countries and make every attempt to bring it home (Northern Chicago Suburbs).
Hi Jonathan. Glad you included my feedback 4:45. Yes you saw the difference between travelers and those who have not travelled and attitude towards different races. It’s our experienced from child’s simple games, even climbing hilltops, trees, hunting sea weeds or shells during low tide and eating it with rice and vinegar right there with families, friends and neighbors all together. That laughter and enjoyment were priceless. Looking at kids with advance techno toys is very sad to look at. They get bored and without beautiful memories to live for. Perhaps one reason why Filipinos are happy and welcoming with full of empathy and knows how to share. Community is like a family. Thank you in sharing your perspective.
At a time of monetary stress, a wealthy (upper middle class) person told me, “If your problems can be solved with money they are not real problems.” I understood the truth to that then but it also annoyed me!
I just returned home in the US from a 2 month stay on a remote island in the Philippines. Your video is spot on word for word. If I had to compare the US to the PH I could not have said it better than you. Thanks.
From the Philippines, lived here in the USA since 75, everything you mentioned is so true especially without community and family relations li made me reflect on myself. Thanks.
I was born in the Philippines and left for the US 36 yrs ago. Been living here since, I can relate to your astute observation about different ways these 2 countries go about their business. My two cents, people need interaction and sense of belonging be it neighbors, friends and families. Slow pace of living contributes greatly as to how it can be achieved. Here in the US we’re program to live within a system like you said responsibilities ie bills, work, and live under a rock or cocoons. In some countries you can get by with just necessities and be satisfied with it. We live like robots here in the US programmed to live in a system where the almighty dollar takes precedence over anything and everything oh btw credit also. Good luck to all of your endeavors and just follow your heart as the saying goes “whatever floats your boat.”
There was time in my life that I have to choose between opportunity to stay in Canada or go back Phillipines and start.over. Staying 2 years in Canada did not impress me much. I went back home phillippines and set up business and stayed here with my love ones so far I did not regret choosing to settle and start over here in Phillippines. The happiness that I felt being with my love ones and enjoying life here is priceless .there is no better place for me like my home country Phillippines 🇵🇭 ❤️❤️❤️
I found it interesting as a person who has lived abroad for five years that one of the things people see over here is the need to say you love your country as if you will be attacked if you don't say it. Nobody feels like they have to say that in other countries. It was an eye opener amongst many things.
This video is spot on! Please share more about how you pay for health insurance. In the US, health insurance premiums are high. My wife is from a South American country that ranks higher than the US in healthcare quality and healthcare there practically free. Nowhere else but here do people fear going bankrupt if they get sick. When I was a kid in the 80s, everybody knew everybody in our suburban neighborhood and kids where always outside. I live in a similar neighborhood now and hardly ever see anyone come out of there houses. If it weren't for dogs to walk and grass to mow, I'd see no one. I don't watch or read US news sources any more. I read online newspapers located in other countries, because they report on everything that happens in the US with much more objectivity and zero antagonism.
Your current Asian experience sounds like my childhood in the 1970’s. I walked to school at 5, I played outside with neighborhood kids, we as a family ate together everyday and we never went to fast food restaurants. The USA changed very quickly these last decades.
Thank you for sharing this. Living abroad taught me both how great the US truly is but also why we are behind other developed countries in quality of life. The cost of healthcare here is infuriating, and the political us-versus-them culture has only made us weaker. I feel like the only way I can truly see the true character of our leaders is by consuming media from outside the US. I’m also very disappointed with how our country handled the pandemic. So selfishly.
@@RobertMJohnson america has all the landscapes in the world. But it doesnt have the cultural diversity of the world. And unfortunately americans are very isolated and rarely travel or consume foreign media. So they just dont know that there might be better (or equal but different) ways of life out there. Travelling is exactly one of the quality of life things that is worse in the US than any other developed country. The lack of vacation time and culture and ability of international travel.
AMERICA is corrupt from top to bottom. Government and private corporations have merged. Doctors listen to the pharmaceutical industry WHO, FDA, AND CDC even when science proves otherwise. It's not what it was. I want out.
Thank you for this video! Your very insightful dialogue confirms many things for me personally as an American citizen that lives on the West Coast. Hopefully America will improve here someday. Again, thank you!
I love this videos becoz you are revealing the trut about your opinion to your home land,keep it up and i want more like this type of videos we are learning from this video alot.thank for being a truth.
You are spot on! So true about living in the US, from a Filipino perspective. I moved here in the US for almost 20 yrs now. At first i couldn’t understand, it’s like you have neighbors, yet you don’t have. You rarely see your neighbors outside their houses on beautiful yards. I was stunned it was so quiet, could only hear silence. The sound of silence was deafening!😢 But eventually, I got used to it and just went with the flow. Just keep working hard, pay bills, rest, meet some friends i’ve made over time. Rinse and repeat.😊 That’s why going to retire in the Philippines when the time comes.
So true about insurance way to much here! For non home owners $1500/rent for a single bedroom! You actually feel all the prices keeps going up bit ,to hard to take! Stay where your heart belong but never say never where you belong!
Great video, many true statements here. I once lived in Costa Rica and the family I stayed with there later moved to New Jersey. I visited them years later in New Jersey and it turns out they were a lot unhappier in the US than in Costa Rica for all the reasons you mentioned. It was quite telling that they thought they were getting the American dream when in fact they had a much richer life socially back in Costa Rica.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Born in Phil., moved to Canada at a very young age. In my obs materialistically there is abundance here, but there is poverty in soul. We believe in individulalism,privacy. We see so many lonely souls. In Asia, though monetary resources are not bountiful, there is richness in soul, spirits, community. You are almost never alone.
I'm from pH but I think more like a westerner even as a kid. Must be the American blood in me. Best of both worlds
Well said and I couldn't have agreed more!
WELL SAID. You stated it beautifully.. I'm happy to be back in the Philippines again for a loooong time..
I am Asian who lives in one of SEA nations, I tell you that, most of us would never leave God. we believe there is a God and He the One who look after us human being.
This is so true. I began "vacationing" in the Philippines in 2017 and returned to the USA to see family once until returning this past February. People there don't loose their child like ability to laugh, giggle at funny things, play as children and love very dearly. My first experience in the Philippines was 2015 when I fell in love with the people and culture. I'm returning to the Philippines very soon.
I love your honesty. I was born in Bahamas and lived in Jamaica for 4 yrs. Came to US at age 9. I feel like I have no soul and sense of community. America drains you. Makes you antisocial. People in poorer countries are wealthy in life, love and humility. Thanks for sharing your Truth.
I totally feel the same. I was born in Italy my parents brought me to the US. Big sense of community there
Ma L'Italia che lascio' non esiste piu. Nei ultimi 30, L'Italia non si somiglia a quello che era. É molto triste.😢
You're so accurate on your comparisons. I wish more Americans would remove their blindfolds,
and realize that there's more to the U.S., than just politics, wealth, and excess of everything.
I can't wait to move to Bohol myself. The division of this country is turning me the hell off.
Because of stupid division, me and my mom lost her sister and my uncle in usless political squabbles.
Americans don't need to remove their blindfolds, Boss. we already know there is a world out there and we choose the United States. in your arrogance, you think YOU are somehow special, unique, enlightened?
did you ever think or consider that 10,000,000s of Americans are loving life and maybe, just maybe don't share your value system?
Even if we have political favorites here, we wouldn't let it divide us(for the most part). I think it's either how the social climate in America is well controlled or they just need a lot of Jesus. Either way their politicians are just as bad as our own. I wonder if they the US politicians take pointers from other 3rd world countries. 🤔
Dapper Dean, I'm a Dapper Dan man. From the Cohen brothers movie.❤️🔥
@@sharkwhisperer7326 wasn’t always that way, you can thank insane democrats.
I was born in Milwaukee, WI & grew up in Chicago and started to explore Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines at the age of 35, it took me a while to get used to being around a lot of people because we American leave in a very isolated lifestyle which sucks by the way. I'm looking forward to making the Philippines my home, Philippines is a super laid-back country. I've been to Cebu City, Carcar, Naga, Manila metro, Subic, Laguna, and Samar west & east. Now I'm 41, it was my first ever celebrating a good birthday with my Filipina wife, it has been a while since I've felt that good & comfortable.
Hello, I’m Canadian teaching English in Japan and am now considering a move since Japan tends to be socially isolating. Where in the Philippines would you recommend living? I like the countryside. You are still very young. I’m trying to figure out how to make an income high enough to support myself comfortably in the PHs. What are some of the best options for expats to earn an income there?
hello sir, i recommend you start with manila first, theyre more fluent in terms of english but the cost of living is higher than usual. the farther you are from manila the more diverse the people u meet but also less fluent but still able to understand english. its really hard to give suggestions on where to settle here sir because its usually depends on where youre more comfortable with, the resources you need and places you want to be close to. You obviously need to have the basic necessities so its better you live near major cities. it would have been better if most expats built an online group so you also wont feel too cramped that you dont have any english conversations. We always worry about expats feeling lonely here so its recommended you seek them out so you can have a support group if you decide to move here. lastly, people might say were the most hospitable but make no mistake were just the same people like your countrymen, easily influenced or might do harm if youre not careful, we just make sure foreigners are as comfortable as possible and put them first sometimes while we are hard on our fellow filipinos so please be very careful on the people you associate with. If ever you decide, i hope you find someone good to guide you or if possible you can ask tourism assistance so at least youre safe from scams.
@@ShikokuFoodForesthello, I’m Filipino and my recommendation for you if you want a peaceful and quite place better you go the any provinces in Visayas or Mindanao and if you want to big city and noisy then go to Metro Manila part
How did you meet your Filipina wife? @amenhiddenone1584
@@ShikokuFoodForest Sorry for my late reply. Try Cebu, not Manila! Cebu brings out the truly beautiful Filpino culture.
This is the reason why I love content creators like you. It gives us alternative to watch something else other than the divisive media here in the US.
I also lived abroad for 5+ years and you hit all the points. Coming back to the US I see everyone is so stressed out trying to keep up with all the expenses, buying the house, paying health insurance, car payments, and to just live here you need really need to hustle and work hard building up your life. You can’t just casually coast by here or you’ll literally end up on the streets. I’ve seen more homeless people in San Francisco than pretty much any developing country.
I see them in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, and I've seen an significant increase in Kansas City too. Its sad to see all of the homeless people here. Just sad.
"You can’t just casually coast by here or you’ll literally end up on the streets. "
Welcome to life. You put in the hard work and you get paid.
Sorry but I think you are being ignorant. I live in Malaysia where the average salary for restaurant worker is RM 1500 per month, and rent for a studio in the biggest city Kuala Lumpur is also around RM 1500. My husband is an American, when I used to live there for a couple of years, I was shocked that a waiter makes around 4-5k after tips and construction workers making like 7-8k per month. Americans are rich. You only need to put it in a normal 8-9 hours of work and you can survive. If you dont have enough money, it is either you are very bad at managing your money or you are too lazy that you cant even work 9 hours per day.
I also think the homeless issue in the US is simply because of drugs and very poor governance. California has a government that gives free money to homeless people and this people would use this money to buy more drugs. It was really shocking when I heard it. It is not that Americans are overworked, Americans are materialistic or people dont have money to rent a house. It is largely to poor governance.
@@secrets.295 no government in America gives free money to homeless people. None. Where did you get that idea? It is false.
I recently saw the news segment on pharmaceutical companies arbitrarily jacking up the costs on Medicines.
Something $5 was jacked up to $13.
An $30 item is now $52.
Just for profit.
In Michael Moore’s movie SICKO, I suggest every American see this,
An item in US was $150. But they bought it Cuba for a nickel.
I’m a filipino that migrated from Philippines to US 10 years ago. I was feeling so homesick and the filipino friends I met here were talking about how even though we don’t have the things we want then in the Philippines, we were happy and contented versus here in US we can get whatever we want (material stuff) yet we still aren’t happy and contented.
yep, exactly!
Since WHEN does your ‘things’ hug you, verbalize love or ask how’s it goin?!?! Since NEVER! I’m 67 so I walk my skinny no butt ass over knock on the door and invite neighbors over. I STATE up front-you WILL get to know your neighbors through ME if nothing else! It’s how I grew up and it’s how I continue! US has lost its way BY DESIGN-evil reigns here,soon if we don’t stop it, all cities will be where everyone lives. Loans on farms or land is astronomical and ‘they’ don’t want you self sufficient self sustaining, because they know we SHARE our crops. Think long and hard about ANYWHERE in the world you think is ‘better’ than where you are! The money here will be ALL you’re after to ‘make’ it! You are living to WORK 😮not working to live. THINK TWICE a THIRD time, really do deep research. Also consider doing your best to change your countries because here’s the TRUTH🔥🔥🔥🙏🏻 I AM THE WORLD I ALONE MAKE A DIFFERENCE🌟🌟🌟 if you’re in the states reading this; GO KNOCK ON THE NEIGHBORS DOOR GET TO KNOW THEM!!! Bring ‘em an Entenmann’s!!! 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
And I suspect that the Filipinos aren't on their own in feeling that way. I sense a certain feeling of dissatisfaction that is saying "now that we've built it we don't like it so much " perhaps because it is failing to deliver on its promises for so many.
most of my relatives who had migrated or work for more than 15 yrs mostly they came back, they prefer living in the Philippines now as they have said as they get older they find peace in here (of course the love and the vibe of the Filipino People)
Being a Philioina American I can assure you that you have a sense of loneliness in America because of one primary thing that this guy totally missed. (Racism) I'm a decorated combat veteran and rasied my kids in a "hate" filled town.i was treated as a suspect or an illigal immigrant almost anywhere I went and if yr on "Brown Team" (Gold Team really) yr skin I'm referencing.. you to will be treated the same way. It's funny.. the moment I left America and landed in the Philippines.. was the first time I have ever been treated like I was welcomed and at home. Thankyou Philippine People.
At the great old age of 75, my greatest regret in life was never going to the Philippines. I always wanted to visit but as I have grown older, I came to realize that once I arrived on a visit, I never would have left. The greatest thing I love about the Philippines is that the people are always happy. Their lives are simple and they could care less about "keeping up with the Jones's". Their lives are centered around family. I'm retired now and have found my life to be much more rewarding, fun and enjoyable because I'm no longer a part of "The Rat Race". Enjoy your life in the Philippines because it's a better life than anyone here in America could ever dream of having.
Totally agree as someone who is American. I’ve travelled to Philippines and Japan. So much different than US - in a better way. Life feels like life especially in Philippines.
I live in a modest neighborhood in the most expensive city in the country: San Francisco. Your comments ring so true especially about loneliness. Although my neighborhood is safe it is rare to see anyone out walking or conversing with a neighbor or even knowing who they are. Everyone sits in their boxlike homes and many feel a vague sadness. I am old but when I was young streets were fill of people walking talking doing things that build a community. All that is gone now.
I am from the Bay Area also, El Cerrito. I retired to Bangkok, Thailand 5 years ago. It’s shocking to see how empty and cold the streets are at night in the US. A tropical climate makes all the difference.
@@martypoll Ideal place to live on earth are only 3 continents SA Africa South east Aisa. in all these countries you don't need heating systems to survive. White skin can't bear African heat but can survive SA and SEA. NA Europe Russia Central Asia Aus most of parts are inhabitable for human due to cold temperature.
@@varunmittal3617 I am an American who lives in St Petersburg Russia and it is very inhabitable. Every home, office, theater or restaurant is toasty warm in the winter with central hot water plants that is plumbed into every building. People are out and about enjoying dining, museums, opera, ballet, live music, and easy cheap transportation, and many prefer the winter when people dress with more elegance, and more access to world-class concerts, ballet, and recreation. Unlike the US, cities here are set up for all weather and it is not as cold as you might think. The northern part of the US is colder and miserable in the winter, and heating is expensive. But Americans are usually stuck at home, watching TV or on the internet with very few options for summer or winter.
Dear John,
I grew up in Houston back in the 70s and moved to Germany thirty years ago. I go back occasionally to visit family. Yeah, I remember the 70s/80s how so many kids were outside playing and the adults would be outside too BBQing, running, playing tennis or whatever. Then came cable TV and bigger homes, years later internet and then pocket internet social media and all the rest of it. I think the US was a better place to live back then and I do see the negative impact on Americans because of this so called progress. But maybe the younger generations will want to get back to living a little more down to earth and cherish one another.
I wholeheartedly agree with you, John. I grew up in the Excelsior. My dad grew up in North Beach. By the late 70s-early 80s, everything changed. Possible culprits: changing demographics, women working outside of the home, lower birth rates, radical Leftist politics.
I am so envious! Here I am, an 85 year old great-grandma, born and raised in Hawaii of Filipino parents but have never had the opportunity or financial ability to visit my ancestral home land. Watching your videos as well as other vloggers’, has made me wish I was young enough to travel there but I’m not in the best physical shape to be able to travel and see enough to make the long trip worthwhile. Therefore, I shall continue to live vicariously through you and everyone else who have taken the time to inform the world through your videos. All of you loggers have made me very proud to be “Filipino”even though I am not considered to be truly “Filipino” because I wasn’t born in or lived in the Philippines.
Sending hugs and love from Mindanao, Philippines to you grandma🌷I Wish you good health and happiness.
I am watching through my computer though I wasn’t signed in to comment. I came to my phone just for u grandma. U have toucher my heart ♥️. Maybe not many people has read your message. I am giving u hugs and love. The blessing of belonging to this country Philippines 🇵🇭, we love u
I hope one day you still get to visit and really experience it in person. I am sure your relatives there would relish connecting with you. And I hear you about living vicariously through the vlogs when it comes to traveling. I find it tiring to do in person, as well. My warmest regards!
Hi lola! You are and will always be filipino.
I love youtube channels of travel. See so much without all the hassles of transportation, and less than ideal weather.
Dude. Spot on analysis. I live in Asia and could not be happier. Safe, clean, fully insured, amazing food (30% the cost of US) and friendly happy healthy people. Visiting the U.S. only reinforces these feelings. Thanks.
Jonathan, I am Asian immigrant living in the US. Thank you for understanding our way of life. Our sense of community & bond is different from the American way of community. In any Asian country, everybody knows everybody living in their neighborhoods...people usually hang out in their balconies, front porches or streets if they live in the market area in Asia. The first time I came here in the US, nobody sits in their front porches to relax or talk to their neighbors & hangout with their neighbors...or atleast talk...that's a cultural difference...In America, kids are spoilt in the name of freedom - they don't respect their teachers, peers & bullying is normal way of life for American kids but in Asian schools - kids are taught to be disciplined, obey, listen and respect...Bullying is rare among kids in Asia...and teachers are regarded next important persons after God & parents in a kid's life. I really hate American parents' indifference to their kids bad & bullying behaviors in schools or disrespecting their teachers... In Asia, if teachers & peers complain about your kid's bad behaviors...you try to reason and teach your kids to correct themselves...there's a sense of embarrassment & responsibility & accountability as parents. But American parents would defend their kids' bad behaviors and insult the teachers instead in the name of freedom of speech for their kids...That's why the family bond, parents children bonds are strongest in Asia unlike in western cultures..
Jonathan, it's unfortunate - my opinion has triggered a tsunami of racists to question why am I in your country and they are telling me to go back but still they call America the land of free, freedom & free speech - the irony...
I never knew that kids disrespecting & misbehaving with their teachers, parents and elders is part of free speech and freedom
Very true observation, thank you for highlighting this values among Asian culture..
Western culture is a toxic bubble, to anybody with morals u can only live a stress free life outside of the west
This is true, but you should also know that it wasn't always like this. Everything you described was common-place in America in the 50's and before. The culture has been slowly degraded and destroyed over time, to the point that people no longer even know their neighbors.
What you said, I couldn't have said it better myself.
What you describe is how it was in the US when I was growing up.
I worked with a guy from the Philippines. He said there was more opportunity here, but life was easier and more enjoyable in the Philippines.
Yup. I agree, depending on what you enjoy that is. You can't beat California tho'.
You make some good points. I was born and grew up in England, and have been in the USA for 50 years, and worked for 2 years in New Zealand. I have long been an advocate for people living and working outside of their home country, so they can not only experience other cultures, but also see their own country from a fresh perspective. I still miss life in England, especially the social aspects, and while we are financially comfortable in America, we do not know any of our neighbors, have a few treasured friends who are thousands of miles away, and our children are scattered around the world. The US media seems to be most interested in promoting division and fear, almost as if to drive Americans away from America, but most of them do not know anything better than life here. Thoroughly enjoying your reports from the Philippines, keep up the good work.
I was born and raised in Louisiana until I was 11 when we moved to California in 1967 and I've lived here since. The cost of living has gotten ridiculously expensive. When you moved to the U.S. was it as a youth with your parents, and where? I have traveled to and through other states, also Asian and European countries. As an actor I've admired the film and television works of British productions, and the locations they film in.
However the cost of living, even for a bachelor like myself, appears to be just as high as here. Am I wrong? I've supposed that to move there with my guitar collection, and other collections, acting wardrobe, etc, and household furnishings, would be quite a costly affair. As would finding a place large enough for all of it and myself to afford. I've ruled London out simply because I cannot afford to live in big cities, certainly not here. I also thought about Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand because of their productions and locations. So what's stopping me? It's the economy everywhere, it's as if they have all raised their cost of living to match the U.S., which is higher than I can afford on my fixed retirement income. I could not afford to live in Los Angeles anymore, which I why I live in the middle of nowhere in the desert. Too far from LA to work, so at 67, I've retired, until my situation changes for the better. Will moving to England or any other country change it for the better?
@ Hi. I came to the USA when I was 22 after meeting an American girl. I am now 72 and living in rural Florida, in an area which still has some reasonably priced homes. We are nowhere near a beach, so houses are less expensive here. I worked for a state legislature, but took a 2 year hiatus to work in New Zealand for a quasi-governmental export co-operative. (My field was software development and data networks design and management.)
You are correct. All the countries you name are expensive places to live, and most impose much higher taxes than does the USA. I could not afford to live in the UK given their high tax rates. We have both been retired for some years and so could live anywhere, and did consider a move to Costa Rica some years ago, but found that we prefer the comfort of a modern infrastructure, despite the problems in the USA in other areas. I grew up in a country where gun-ownership was pretty much restricted to farmers and game-keepers.
There are still some inexpensive places in the world, but they take a major cultural shift to move to them . This channel does a fine job exploring some of them. I also have a brother-in-law, a fellow Englishman, who is preparing to move from Spain, where he has lived for several years, to the Philippines. The prices he gives for the house they plan to build are ridiculously low by both American and UK standards.
Moving to a new country is a huge undertaking, especially if you plan to transport all your belongings. My advice is to do your research to see if you could afford the life, and study the culture to see if it is a fit for you, then to travel there and find a place to rent for a year or so before selling up and making the move. The stuff we own and 'cannot live without' can also drag us down sometimes.
Good luck with your search for a new home.
as a Moroccan who living in Europe for almost 4 years I think to everyone that's the best thing that you can do is to travel and to live abroad for a couple years to know the good things about your country and the opposite things at the same time, thank you for this incredible video to have some knowledge about differences living between the Us and these others countries, much love and respect and thank you also for the way you speak because I'm just learning English 🤟
Im from philippines working in morocco rabat.
@@babylily2448 nice man wishing you all the best
Are you legal or illegal immigrant? "Refugee" ?
@@carrisasteveinnes1596 for changing basketball team! But if you don't mind Can I know why kind of that question?
You write in English very well! I had several years of French in high school, but that's been a very (very) long time and am now tackling Spanish before heading off to travel next year. It's not easy to learn other languages as an adult!
I am a permanent resident here in the US for 4 years now. My first unforgettable memories of the first few weeks when I arrived here in the US were those of how much I cried buckets of tears about how difficult it was to get around - no buses, no readily available public transport. That definitely was a terrible experience for someone to move to the US and had never driven a car. I never had the need for a car in the Philippines, same as when I lived in the UK.
I am generally comfortable being alone, but traveling and experiencing living across different parts of the US gave me that stinging sense of isolation. The American suburbs feel dead. I would never choose to live in such a massive space lined up with houses but with absolutely no sense of human connection with the neighbors. I notice the obsession of Americans owning big things like big houses with big front yards - but that's just it. The green front yards may render a little bit of life in them because they are green, but they all still feel empty. I am astounded by how many Americans, who, by any global standard places them in the top 10% of the world's wealthiest yet still think that they are poor. In the context of where I come from, it's hard not feel insulted.
I like that you touched base on obesity. I am a nurse here, and the obesity problem in this country makes me feel like it's a curse for anyone doing bedside care here. I have never realized how literally a backbreaking work nursing can be here. I have seen co-workers end up in disability as a result of back injury.
Every country has its good, bad and ugly. The level of accessibility to almost anything here is probably unmatched, but these are things that other parts of the world are slowly catching up. I like this country, don't get me wrong. But I will definitely keep returning back to my Philippine home. Life pace is slower; life is more peaceful with having less. I am just giving myself few more years to build me and my other half's nest egg. Money is here in the US, but there's more to life than just making money.
So well said.
Agree
I'm a nurse, too. I'm of Mexican descent. I was born here in the U.S. Our patients, the majority, are really fat and big. I can roll them to clean them, bathe them, and so on, but when I try to do any of these things, they say, "You're hurting me!!"
All I can think of is 1. How do you these things at home if rolling you hurts, and 2. it's not me that's hurting you; you've been hurting yourself for years!
There are fat people in Mexico, yes, but in the U.S., Jesus man! There's too many!! They look muscular and big-boned, like Vikings, but they're not. It's fat!
@@joebeta1837 It hurts a lot when you do it because the pressure is condensed into two spots - the spots where your hands are. That creates a lot of painful compression. At home, when one is healthy, rolling over does not involve these pressure points, so it doesn't hurt...well, at least it doesn't hurt unless you wrench yourself, which can happen if you're obese and you're not annoyingly careful about how you do things. Still, despite the occasional mishap, rolling oneself over is a lot less painful than having someone try to "help."
I'd really suggest not being quick to "help" with rolling over if the patient is at all capable and willing to DIY that part. Wait the extra 30 seconds. Hospitals here in Florida don't even let regular nurses try to brute-force move a heavy patient without specialized equipment!
Adequate public busses ,mrt ,fast railroad is actually easy if us want, but they spent too much money on endless wars...t(physical and proxy) thats the problem. They prioritize on military infras .
I am living in the Philippines and have for several years. In 2005 I met my wife here while taking some time away from my job in the USA. We married and she moved to the USA and worked as a nurse for 15 years; when I was ready to retire I had already made up my mind to move back to the Philippines to live. My wife was reluctant at first as she was used to the income we had in the USA. After some convincing, she saw the reality of what I was saying and we moved. I have traveled back to the USA once since we moved here and all of what you said seemed true to me, plus one more thing, food tastes so much better in Asia, I believe its because it is not so processed and no perseverative are added. Peace and Love
Hello, I’m Canadian living in southern Japan teaching English. The biggest challenge of Japan is the social isolation. Where I live, there are hardly any othervexoats for example. For the first time, I’m considering either returning to Canada or the Philippines 🇵🇭. I do like the countryside. Which places there would you most recommend moving to? Also, how easy is it to do remote or other work to earn enough income to support yourself there? Thanks!
I'm American, moved to the Czech Republic 11 years ago and the plan was to go for a year to see if I'll like it and so on. It was easy for me to go there as my wife is Czech so it was easy to settle there immigration wise. 11 years later, I'm still here and will remain so and I like the work life balance , low cost of living and etc.
Good luck staying warm and fed there and I hope the war doesn’t spread. I have family In Slovakia
Hi Jonathan, I agree with you 100%. I grew up since a toddler in the Midwest. Then coming to the Philippines now, I am so thankful of my healthy emotional happiness here.🥰❤️🇵🇭
America was what you described back in the 70: and 80s. As a 5 year old I ran around alone in chicago to libraries, stores, to play etc. many of your observations are good. But contrast that with the innovation this country has brought to the world …. Historically. Today I’m not sure we are doing that. But the ideals of USA when properly applied are amazing
I'm nodding my head as I listen to your message. I left California in 2007. Fifteen years and counting in the Mediterranean. Several gorgeous beaches are minutes away, and the border to Spain is less than an hour from my beautiful small village. It doesn't get any better than this. As for the trauma of going back... those who want to see me, know where I am and there is extra room for the occasional visitor.
🤣🤣🤣🤣👍
Hi Lea- i feel the same. I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I bounced around to the bay area and Washington DC and eventually landed in Los Angeles 2012-march 2022. I gave up on life there and moved to Rosarito, baja ca México and it's amazing. A short distance away but being in another country the huge shift of high speed LA life to laid back tranquila beach life here.....i wouldn't go back either ✨🙌🏽
06:36 "I would much rather have the community than stuff"... well said indeed.
I really believe that too. Stuff doesn’t make me happy
Amen to this bro.
Lived in the US for over 20 years, always doing things simultaneously like having breakfast while watching TV, checking e-mail, laundry and sorting regular mail, stress is high, traffic is bad, no wonder I was always having chest pains, money was good and was just working to pay the bills, moving back to the Philippines was a godsend, got a maid, no more chest pains, pace of life is slow and i think i can live longer.
Wow, sounds like the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand are wonderful places. Looking forward to visiting this part of the world.
Im an American born and raised in the Philippines but now that lives back in the US. Everything you said is so true about the Philippiines and I find it so refreshing seeing another American trying to explain to fellow Americans how other people from other countries are living a better quality of life. And this is despite of us referring to them as a poor country. I would give up living in the US with all the luxuries I enjoy and live poorly in the Philippines and have a healthier social life and mindset anytime. The only thing thats stopping me is the extreme humidity there.
Cone to Baguio City and humidity will not be an issue,
You can try Tagaytay.
Higher altitude always gives an easy climate
My coworker who was born in Manilla is always convincing me not to go and that we don’t know how lucky we have it here. I think its all relative. If you have money then life will be easier…it just goes a longer way in Asia.
And right now its 89F with 79% humidity in Manila!
I live abroad now (South Korea) and I can see some the problems you point out.I really can't stand how much everything costs in the US. My parents say that its just the way it is. But living in another country and visiting a ton more, I see the US as the expensive country. I tell my parents how much I make and they think, with their American perspective, I must be poor as dirt and cannot make ends meet. The truth is I am living much more comfortable than I ever had in the US financially. Even if I find myself out of work for a little bit
They also seem unable to comprehend how much stress is relieved by having a national healthcare service.
South Koreans are some of the most overworked people in the world. They have a suicide rate higher than North Korea. I would love to visit there because they have a rich culture, but there just seems to be no work-life balance.
@@jwt1035 Whats cool is if you're a foreigner in South Korea, you can make your own work-life balance. It's like a shield that protects you from that aspect of the culture
The whole world is getting more expensive because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, just keep working and you'll live a good life.
@@katella They do not Party approved Correct Thinking
Everything you said is spot on. I'm exhausted by living here and I didn't really understand or grasp how bad it was until I spent 5 months in Spain. There is a different life to be lived than this depressing rat race, and for many of us, all the work that we do, all the stress we endure is just to meet our basic needs. This is not a sustainable way to live that's why now I'm working on acquiring a visa so I can legally move to Spain. I'm just done with the US.
Hope you speak great Spanish and can live on a low income.
@@GUITARTIME2024 I can speak great Spanish and lucky to not have to live on a low income. Also if you think your income is low, try paying for Healthcare in the US. Watch all your earnings evaporate.
@@RichD2024 depends on the job you have and the amount of services needed.
@@GUITARTIME2024 Obviously, you've been brainwashed to believe stupidities. US News ranks Spain higher than the US in terms of quality of life. English is widely understood in most big cities and Spaniards are extremely tolerant and friendly. They don't spend their time criticizing immigrants when they are trying to learn their language. Most companies do require a C2 level of Spanish for employment, but, so what? There are these things called schools, where a person can go to learn subjects like languages! In addition, while it's true that the average person doesn't earn as much as they do in some other countries, the work-week is shorter, there is ample vacation time, and the cost of living is substantially lower than in the US. From what I can tell, most people seem pretty happy.
@@GUITARTIME2024 Healthcare in Spain is excellent. Health insurance is lest than €100 a month...including dental.
Great video. Another aspect is education. My son recently graduated from medical school in Spain. Six years at $4000/yr tuition at a top state school, and $600/mo total living expenses. He easily passed the US residency tests and will never be burdened with outrageous student loans. Oh, by the way, he also was able to take many quick trips to other European cities and countries.
Appeciate the insight! Re: kids-was visiting Aruba a few years ago & while waking through a really nice park near the beach noticed a kid about 5-6 years old on his bike riding through the park. Also noticed there were no adults nearby- they were there but they weren't in close proximity to where he was riding & I was like Oh No they need to come watch their child then it hit me Oh it's not dangerous for kids here like it is at home. Its great to travel & see how life is in other places. Spent seven months in Europe in the Navy and viewing the US from another perspective was profound. All The Best!
Love your videos! I’m a 64 yr old Pilipina who immigrated to the U..S. Over 40 years ago. I used to play the slipper and cup game and all kinds of alley games with my friends in the neighborhood. I’ve only recently discover your videos and have since been sharing them with my husband. I see how happy and wonderful you are regardless of any situations or places and you see right away the humankind in everyone you meet. In the U.S, I have observed that many people are much more concerned about the lifestyle rather than life itself. In the Philippines particularly in the rural areas and poorer communities, the people seem to be more conscious of life and more aware of the people around them. Maybe because they don’t have too many distractions? In general, I think once we understand the nature of life and that peace, happiness, joy and love is not generated by something or someone but it has to be self-generated. Never outsourced but always insourced. I can see in your videos your self-generated joy within yourself. Happy traveling!
thank you for this comment! and well said on how we can't rely on others or things for our own happiness. Very true! Thank you for watching!
Thanks for your reply Jonathan! And thank you again for sharing your love and joy to all of us. -Naomi
You just hit the nail in the head! I've been living on and off in the States and abroad (mainly in Latin American countries) due to my job, and I agree 100% with you. As a matter of fact, the last year I've lived steady in the States was fourteen years ago, and I don't miss it a bit. Money and comfort do not always buy happiness (although it help). In my opinion, we must seek the life style that better fulfills our heart and soul!
You're absolutely right about community IMO. America is based on competition instead of community. It's a blessing and a curse.
Southeast Asia is the best place on the planet, after twenty years here I still wake up and walk through the cities and towns and say, “Man, I am living the dream!”. The warmth of the people, the safety, the sense of not being under pressure and in a hurry (for what?!) and the food are unimaginable to so many people caught up in modern day American life.
Very well explained- all true. I'm a Filipina and lived here in US since 2005. One of my first observations here is, people do not trust their neighbors and no warmth approach from anyone. Here in US, pretty much, you are on your own. Very different from what I'm used to. Another thing I noticed on my first year here, people would greet you with "How are you?" but then they wont stop to talk with you after you replied, "I am good". I was extremely shocked and I felt offended. I have endless experiences that culturally shocked me. I definitely am retiring in my beloved country. But, will always be grateful to God for bringing me here in US and all the blessings that came with it.
All very true! Many blessings can come with the opportunity to live in the US, but as you said, there are many cultural differences that can make you feel isolated... Filipinos have been much more chatty to me! haha
Napansin ko iyan po
im retiring to your country when the time comes lol
@@travelescapesOFFICIAL Yes, I noticed that my fellow Filipinos were so welcoming to you and I'm not surprised at all. We are just extremely friendly and the hospitality in my country is off the roof!
If you do do decide to make my country your second home, you can be sure that there will be no dull moments and will always be surrounded by the kindness and smiling faces of Filipinos.
Cannot wait to have that fun camaraderie with my Filipino family this October.
@@leneb5564 please. Filipinos are only really hospitable to anyone that looks good and seems well off. Like white people, mestizo and other light skinned people like the Chinese. People who are artistahin etc.,
Hi, I’m from Canada and I am glad my healthcare for the most part is ‘free’. I did marry a Filipino and I do frequent phllipines a lot and even own a place there. I do enjoy the low cost of living but it is at the expense of Filipinos being highly underpaid and you can’t help but feel sorry for the numerous homeless there because many of it is not by choice. Many there dont’ have actual places to live, they literally man-make their own shed on property that is not theres and build their home there. Then when developers decide to build something there they are ‘removed’. The governments in most of south east asia is extremely corrupt which has lead to children on the streets and the the pay to be extremely low. We paid someone 250 dollars to do major renovations in our apartment that would’ve cost like 8,000 dollars here in Canada. The pay disparity is ridiculous. If you think about it, how can anyone in those situations be able to ever afford to leave their countries and visit the world. That’s why so many dream to be able to come to Canada or USA. It’s quite sad. 😢. And btw, majority of Filipinos can’t actually afford to go to the hospital. I went there for food poisoning and was in my own personal room within 30 minutes because healthcare there is only for the rich. It costed 6,000 php but the poverty threshold level there is 12,000 PHP per month for a family of 5. Do you think they could afford a 6,000 bill? That’s like half their household salary for half a day in the hospital. Cheap for us because we make US/CAD dollars. If you could only make what the average Filipino makes there, you would want to go back to the USA. I’m not discounting what you’re saying, has lots of truths, but essentially the common theme is the world caters towards the richer and in third world countries we are on the ‘richer’ side which does ultimately make our life easier there than here IF we can make the same dollars we make here as over there.
Plus there's absolutely zero human rights anywhere in SEA...life is a real lottery for people there unless you're rich then all bets are off...
I lived in Asia for 30 years included about 8 in Philippines...I'm now back in South Africa and it's so surprising how much cheaper things are here generally than in Asia...in Asia nothing is for free...
Canada’s health care is collapsed. 2 year wait to have a hip replacement? Unacceptable.
Truth. There are reasons for everything . if you lived there it's not cheap. The people are exploited . - Then rich westerners come and say how cheap it is. Its extremely privleged
@@mariadavis3797 even longer in the US if poor or you don’t have health care
@@mariadavis3797 if you think that's collapsed then what do you call the Philippines healthcare system where you cant get hip replacement at all if you have no money?
That’s why I love my country (Philippines) I’ve lived in US and now Guam but nothing can top our happiness in the Philippines. We live less but happy! I have more here in the US but not happy and just more stress and anxiety building up, thank you for this video.
I lived abroad for more than six years and returning to US was striking and difficult. First observation was the growing gap between have and have nots. Secondly was the obesity. Third was the obsession with material goods. And lastly, meals and food, precisely as you explained. It has not always been easy, but we have tried to maintain some of cultural positives we enjoyed in Europe. Thanks for validating so much of what we experienced upon our return.
When I was five years old, in 1951, I could walk to school by myself. My brothers and I would be out all day, playing in the neighborhood, and would just come home at mealtime. This was true of all the kids in the neighborhood. Back then, the family had one car. We were a less mobile society. I think that is a big cause for our lack of safe feelings for our kids today.
I agree with all your observation about the US. It may be difficult for us Filipinos to leave our families and move here in the US but here, there's more opportunity for us to earn more than what we earn there. However, the cost of living here is too expensive. We earn more, we spend more but we still have some extra to send to our families left in the Philippines. I just hope that they realize that we are not always having a good life here. We work our butts off to pay our bills.
Correct
I am an American but feel same, with loved ones in Philippines. We have to work so hard here for housing, car and insurance, etc, but our loved ones need our help in Philippines. However, I am very grateful for the many advantages in the USA; millions upon millions of people come to the USA for good reason.
I'm one this Filipino working here in the u.s. for 30+ years , my life has been isolated and drowning with debt here in the u.s.There is no place like a simple living such as Philippines someday .I will retire in the Philippines and live life the fullest ....
You’re not alone from Canada 🇨🇦
Don't wait too long! Sometimes you think you need more than you do. Not true. When retired you often spend less because you don't have to buy all the things that support you going out to work. You also learn to be satisfied with less especially when you realize that happiness comes from a simple life. Also you want to retire with decent health. You don't want to go home with disabilities. It can complicate your retirement. Constantly running to the doctor can take away the joy of retirement.
Those are just a few ideas to get you started. I really wish you an early departure where you can enjoy many years of living a sustainable life. Best of luck 👍 ✨️
My sisters godfather returned from US to retire here he just turned 60. He had a house now and he said he just needs to wait for his retired money and thats only money he needs to lived here.
You are spot on with your thoughts about living in the US, from a Filipino perspective while living in the US. It’s funny that you mentioned that there are no people to be seen in their yards or on the street in the neighborhood ( not unless you are in the mall or downtown). That was my very first culture shock actually when I came here to the US. They have these beautiful porches and chairs on them but I never saw anyone sitting there 😂.
@Mimi Mimi I missed those maritesses 😂😂😂
Having traveled in Europe and the Far East, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Be safe and happy travels.
I agree 100% with your views. As a US citizen who has resided abroad ( South Africa and Germany ) I conclude that America suffers from a hustle culture i.e need lots of material things to feel accepted by society.I feel like I am constantly being brainwashed by billboards,the media etc. to live in a certain way.I have never felt more alone in my life.And yes,I would love to move to a poorer (but happier )country.
In my honest opinion, I listed the positive and negative traits of Americans (Again, this is just my honest opinion),
Positive:
1) Americans are very industrious and they do have a strong work ethic.
2) They're free & creative thinkers.
3) Americans are self-reliant.
4) Straightforward, honest and sometimes upfront. They don't usually put up with your BS.
5) Americans are very patriotic.
6) Flexible and resourceful.
7) Optimistic and fun-loving.
Negative:
1) Extreme individualism. They rather put individual needs, sometimes even at the cost of the family or community.
2) Living to work, instead of working to live.
3) Parochialism, a narrow point-of-view of anything outside of US. Somehow, everything has to be done "the American way"
4) Extreme competitiveness and capitalism.
5) Obsession with celebrities, media, movies, etc.
6) Obsession with guns.
No perfect culture. You have to make the most of what you’ve got and appreciate and enjoy life.
I lived in the US for 40 years. I am now retired and chose to move back to the old country where I can stretch my retirement benefits further and live more comfortably. I miss my children and grand kids but I can still go there to visit if they can't visit me here.
I lived in the suburbs and it's true that our neighborhood are very private and hard to establish relationship with each other. We just wave and say "hi". I appreciate your honest opinion.
Thanks for watching! Where did you move back to?
@@travelescapesOFFICIAL I chose to live in a private community with my siblings in the province of Batangas. My house is still in the process of getting built. I hope to move in this December.
so you made money in the US, and are stretching those dollars MORE elsewhere. did you ever stop and think you can do that b/c of the very system that exists in the US?
@@RobertMJohnson She worked to earn her money 💰 and have the right to spend them as she wishes anywhere in the world. What's your problem? Did your system hand out the money freely to her?
@@afrikanheritage99 the person with the problem is YOU. you're projecting and annoying with zero point whatsoever. not to mention the non sequitur at the end.
Hi Jon, I agree with most of what you spoke about here. Especially about feeling more safe in Asia. I’m a Filipino born in Chicago and still residing here. It’s unfortunate how crime in the US has gotten real worse. 😔And that has me considering of living in the Philippines when I retire.
Hi! I hear Chicago crime is one of the worst in the country. Philippines would be a safer place to retire in my opinion. My brother in law is actually bringing his mother home to the Philippines to retire soon
This is really a location issue in the US. Crime is not evenly distributed. If you're in the cities then it's certainly in issue. But, the suburbs and rural areas of the US are significantly safer and comparable to Europe or Asia.
@@Maximer77 but the cities in Asia are actually generally safe also.
@@alice_agogo yep, that’s true. Just pointing out that the US has wide variations in crime density and shouldn’t be equally applied across the country.
Unfortunately the Philippines isn't so safe
Me and my husband are moving to the Philippines. I am currently jn New Orleans, born in the Philippines. My husband is from Detroit. He visited the Philippjnes couple of months ago and decided yes, we are leaving the US. The cons of living in the US and the pros living outside of US are accurate. We"re glad you have found another home. Goid luck to you.
hI from Spain! I found you while looking info about Philippines (I will be travelling to there in Sept) and I have to tell you that I love your English accent. I am learning English with you! Regarding the subject of this video, i fully agree with you. Here in Spain we have the same way of life, mainly in cities. In small village the sense of communitie is bigger but still the feeling/sense of loneliless is increasing
Oh I love Spain! I lived in Granada. I can see how that would be true in any large city I suppose. The small villages of Spain are gorgeous! I actually taught English in Spain, so I’m happy to hear that you can understand me in the videos. I hope you enjoy the Philippines!
Jonathan doesn’t have an English accent. But I think I know what you mean.
It's true in a way. I'm born in the US, I have my own house at a very young age, a stable job, and a luxury car yet I've never been so unsatisfied and depressed. The more I travel abroad the more I am unhappy about living in the US. Living expenses, the rising crimes, gun violence, racism, homelessness and politics are a major factor of my dissatisfaction of life in the US. I've been thinking of moving to Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, or Europe. Hopefully one day I'll make that jump. Yes, they're not the cheapest places to live but at least they don't have crimes and the gun violence the US is facing, and the mentioned places all have better Healthcare.
Canada is also a good option. I plan to move there once I finish my studies and make enough connections/skills in my field. I hope things get better in ten years.
Quite literally, the only reason I come back to the US occasionally is to visit friends and family. I had a minor issue with my hand and tried to get treatment, an MRI and doctor's visit. It took 3 weeks to get the appointment and they tried running the bill up over $3000. I told them no thanks and left. On the other hand, literally, I had a minor surgery on the other hand in the Philippines, same day appt and surgery, for a grand total of $374. The stitch work was the best I have ever seen.
So true … I’m leaving to the Philippines for Xmas with my kids I want them to appreciate the simplicity of the Philippines where I grow up. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! I hear the Philippines has a three month long Christmas! And I agree, I definitely prefer the simplicity of the Philippines 🇵🇭
PH "ber" months = Xmas season
Disclaimer: I rarely write long comments but felt compelled to make an exception this time.
This is the most amazing video I have ever seen. I am an American citizen, but like you mentioned about many Americans I felt lonely in my house and didn’t know anybody in the neighborhood at all. To do ANYTHING required getting into my car and fighting traffic. I also had far more toys than I could ever have the time to use. After being laid off the umpteenth time as an electrical engineer because of a cancelled project/ being let go when the younger engineers stayed on/ bankrupt company or whatever I decided to try something completely different. I moved to Vietnam and taught science to 6th and 8th graders. It wasn’t easy and sometimes even trying at times trying but the enthusiasm of the students and the friendly people all around me more than made up for it. To my amazement, I rarely missed any of the toys I left behind in America. And I certainly didn’t miss the pile of bills to pay for them that used to arrive in my mailbox each month!
I also lived in Thailand and now have a retirement visa to finish my life in the Philippines. And since I no longer have a family in America I don’t intent to ever return there, even for a short while.
While I realize that a scaled back (materially) life here in SE Asia isn’t for everyone, my only regret is that I didn’t move out of America sooner.
hey thanks for your comment!! It sounds like you have had a similar experience as me here in SE Asia! Better late than never, for sure! And I definitely agree, the toys and possessions just become clutter for me
So true about the media, I had to back away from it after 4 years of this constant addictive watching , where disbelief and anger becomes one's basic feelings. Now I am watching travel channels and am feeling amazed at the beauty of this world, natural and man-made structures. Thank You for your channel.
Seldom do I see and watch a blogger who has a heart. Your channel is full love. I wish more people would subscribe and support this channel. 1 Million subscribers by next year for sure! I am Filipino living here in LA and yep I plan to retire in my own country. More power to you, Jonathan! ❤
Thank you so much for saying that! I hope you can retire in the Philippines!
Hi Johnathan, it is always interesting how North Americans have to constantly clarify that they do not "hate their country" when they are stating simple facts. It is US propaganda at its finest, really. Other countries generally welcome criticism because it brings about change. In the US, any criticism is labelled "hate" to keep the people & the same political parties in full control. Home countries are like family, you can love them all the time but not necessarily like everything about them :)
|Have been to about 100 countries including all the ones you mentioned at the beginning of the video and have lived in most of those including Colombia and Philippines as well as the US and I am not surprised at all by your comments.
I would rather live in Philippines that the USA too. As I don't have family in the USA it means that I rarely have reason to go there so I might visit maybe one every 10 years or so and when I leave I never feel sad to leave.
I might even be in Manila next month. If our paths cross, I will be happy to buy you a drink and chat.
Jonathan, l am from south America have lived in the US for decades. My obs + that of many friends is that there's lots of wonderful things in this country ppl are mostly kind, great ppl. We mostly dislike the highly processed/sugary types of food so we try to cook at home to avoid all that. The health care is terrible although it doesn't seem like it when one looks at how nice looking hospitals and clinics are yet they don't seem to deliver affordable quality health care to most so what we do is go take care of non urgent health care and dental care back in our own countries where we see docs that are well known and also highly recommend by our families that live there. We always pay cash for for those visits. Medication when needed is affordable there as well. Works great 👍
Totally agree. I came from Puerto Rico and even when my country is so attached to the US the social scene and behavior is way different to the US social life. Europe countries, like Spain, is absolutely amazing when it comes to social closeness and friendly attitude of people in general. In the US people live to work, in other places people work to live. Looking forward to my retirement to move to France and travel all over Europe. Last but not least, unfortunately after 45th "president" things in this country got much worse than it was in terms of social acceptance of differences and diversity. Which is not a biggy in many other countries in Europe.
Trump is the best President we've ever had. Quit reading the fake news.
I completely respect this video content. My husband and I retired early. Our goal is to live our final chapter in the Philippines. We want to stretch out pension and savings. We also want to live a slower pace and distance ourselves from the divisiveness within this country.
Then start over and build a pension from nothing in that country. You are looking to exploit the poverty of a poorer nation.
@@BrisLS1 Explain how are they exploiting a poor country?
@@margiemanuel3577 taking dollars earned in a rich country, spending them on things like housing in a poor country, bidding up prices for locals there who earn very little, and even worse, are not retired, they have to work to pay the rent.
@@BrisLS1 been that way since the 70s. ofws have sent the equivalent of 10% of our GDP. The important thing is you save for yourself. Heroics are good and all but impractical.
@@BrisLS1 As a person who was born in the Philippines and raised in America by adoptive parents, I'm looking forward to returning to the Philippines as a citizen of the Philippines. Not everyone wants or has intentions to exploit anyone. The internet allows people to assume. I feel sorry for your initial impressions of others rather than asking questions.
I had this conversation (diatribe) w my American friend who’s never lived abroad. I talked about the chemicals in the food, materialism, political division, social media addiction, working to buy things and maintain said things, isolation, car culture, kids not out in the street playing, inflation, bad medical insurance, I could go on infinitum. I’m going on my nomad journey again this year. It’s painful just to keep this “lifestyle” up until I leave.
OMG, I thought that was me talking. I've been in US for over 38 years, and this kind of conversation I shared with my family and friends. I am seriously considering going home for good next year. Not to retire but to spend the rest of my life in community. Thank you, Jon for sharing.
You know exactly what I’m talking about then!
Jonathan, thank you so much for the video. You have a lot of wisdom and insight. Its great hearing your advice as it sounds very honest, insightful, and very helpful. Wishing you the best in your travels.
Just found your channel and am loving it so far. Lots of great information. Been debating the past couple of years about traveling and moving abroad to experience new places and people. I’m a relatively younger guy and living off VA disability alone doesn’t leave much money to live comfortably in the states so I’m hoping to see some of the countries in your videos and hope things work out the way I’m hoping. Thanks for making great content!
It can be much cheaper in other countries! Especially Southeast Asia!
I totally agree with you. My Wife and I are leaving for Vietnam in December. We had a house built there outside of Saigon. We are going to live permanently there. My Wife is Vietnamese and I am American, she is a US Citizen. I am retired from ExxonMobil and find out it is just about impossible to live with such high taxes and high prices. Not so in Vietnam.
Filipino from Texas. Thanks for your videos.
Thank you for watching!!
I fully understand everything you say. I am from Brazil and I find myself so much happier when I am at my country. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be here in the US and I think there are many great things here, but I find it a very depressing place to be sometimes and everything seems to be so robotic.
After traveling through Colombia for a few months I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m ready to sell my house and just live abroad it’s a much more healthy balanced lifestyle that’s extremely affordable. Top notch sushi restaurants dinner for two with drinks 25$ maybe even less. Kids and parents filled the parks. People are friendlier for sure. Loneliness in America is wide spread people don’t seem happy in America anymore. Dating in America is impossible. The girls in Colombia are so friendly even if there not interested in your they are never rude. What my impression is of Colombia is that it’s hard working family oriented good people. I never once felt unsafe. City’s like Medellin have the perfect weather unbelievable transportation great food great vibes. I would go to Asia but the flights are to expensive when I need to return to the USA. I get flight to Colombia for under 100$. Great video man you took the words right out of my mouth
Thank you for sharing your taughts for all the experienced you have endured in every country you have been , rounded understanding of every people you have meet on your way is the fullfelment of happiness and contentment is a true legend of man kind you already accomplish . Thank you for sharing , you are one of a kind 👍♥️🙏
Hi Jonathan, very true statements that you made about the difficulty of living in the US. I am living in Northwest Indiana and am in my 50's, self employed and pay an exorbitant amount to have good medical insurance. Another thing is the cost for Dental care here. I had to have a tooth filled this year and it cost me $245.00 for one filling. There are a lot of opportunities here but the cost to live is extremely high.
$245 sounds cheaper bro,my cousin even paid $2K for his dental work 15 years ago ..... imagine that amount these days ...... stupid he is,he just agreed with what the dentist told him ..... like ok sir,we need to pull this tooth out cuz it's no good & he just said,ok, go ahead ..... but the problem is,they charged him for that ......
@@johnnier.o.d4746 Your cousin probably needed a Root Canal or Crown. They are very expensive services.
Visit SE Asia - TH, VN, SG, MY, PH others & compare
It's only 2-4% for a dental filling here.
Unrelated but my brother in the bay area paid $600 to have a small benign cyst/tumor behind his ear removed in a simple surgery. He chose to pay out of pocket and not through insurance which he has as he's a gov't employee. That was a decade ago.
Totally agree with you. I moved from the USA 15 yrs ago and still loving living in Europe. Of course love to visit family and friends in the US. For me you change your perspective when you experience a totally different way of living. Safe travels.
Awesome man what part of Europe are u living in
I 100% agree with you... I literally just made a video about this like a month ago... and I've been also living abroad and mostly south and southeast Asia for a little over 7 years... and almost every single point you made especially about the healthier eating habits... The cost of living and the community... The lack of community in the US... I completely agree with you 100%. It just stands out... And every long-term expat that I've ever met makes the exact same points...
You are correct on all points I lived in the philippines for 6 months with my wife the comparison is night an day I'm convinced I'd rather stay in Asia than bring my wife to live but only to work in USA I myself loved the peace and the family unity in Asia learning from other cultures becoming more diverse in their language, food which my wife cooks very well here in USA now on business but headed back to philippines to live
Wow! Your assessment is so eye opening. Your points are very deep and thought provoking. If I had the means to do what you did, I think I would do it in a heartbeat. Thank you.
These are facts bro. I'm a filipino and currently living in VA and when i came here from Philippines 20 years ago i was shocked that you dont even know your own neighbors. I can't wait to comeback to P.I. this winter hopefully they would lift all the mandates because I'm unvaccinated. Big up man and be safe.
So true! And you’re right, the Philippines seems to be one of the most strict countries in terms of vaccine entry requirements.
I live in vienna VA and you are right. You hardly know your neighbor here in the US. been living here also for over 20 yrs. Its just good Some of my siblings move here as well. Now I have over 20 nephews and nieces. Also made friends with other pinoys here as well. Eventually, I made friends with officemates.
also, almost everything in the US now is highly politicized. people are so obsessed about being politically correct and if you make a mistake, they cancel, demonize and ostracize you, and they can even make you lose your job.
True! I lived in NJ, NYC, Tx and FL. Everyone is hidden in their big homes. The moment they see you wandering and walking around your block, they're ready to call 911 on you.
Hello neighbors! From Maryland here. Can’t wait to return back to the Philippines in 2 years for good before it gets crazy! Be safe and Jesus loves you!
Hi Jonathan, you’re a 100 percent right about media making the US divided. I stopped watching US news for over a year now and I feel better. Watching it before gives you anxiety. I would rather watch travel vlogs like you do and it’s more relaxing. Been living here in Michigan for almost 3 decades but majority of my family is in the Philippines. When you go back in the Philippines, go visit the north like Baguio City, Benguet, mountain Province, that’s where I grew up before coming here in the US. It will be a different experience too compared to south. Thank you again for sharing your travel vlogs . Mike😊.
Lonely and isolated is one of the sad reality in the U.S. I haven't been in the U.S. but my sister who is in Seattle (University Place) speaks for itself. As I've heard that my American brother-in-law love to live in Bacolod City, PH as his retirement place.
KUDOS ON DOING THE SECOND HALF OF THIS VLOG !! I'm 65 now... America is a different world from where it was in the 70s
Your insight is spot on. Thank you for sharing your perspectives and experiences.
Very well said!!! Hopefully sooner than later. I can work remotely for my company and live elsewhere. Don't get me wrong. I'm a proud Filipino American. I've lived in the US for 30+ years. I am who I am today because of the opportunities I have been provided. But people/Filipinos have to understand that these opportunities don't come cheap. From cost of living to high health care costs. It's a dam pretty penny so this golden country might not be so golden in the end.
My aunt is now living in the Philippines and she's working remotely as a consultant for her US based company. Big difference in quality of life since she is still earning USD. She now plans to retire there as she has practically everything she had back in the US and much more. Hopefully, you'll be able to work remotely as well.
yep.. completely agree! Hopefully you can get that remote working opportunity that allows you to live where you want!
@@lukes.3488 Yes, this is what I'm talking about! I work for the state, so living abroad right now won't work, but private companies seem to be more flexible, especially in this climate.
You hit the nail on the head. I live in northern Thailand now, and there is no way I would move back to the U.S. In fact, I will not even visit the U.S. I have told old friends that if they wish to see me they have to come to Thailand. The U.S. is very sick and is getting worse every day. The truly sad thing are the westerners who move to Thailand, and then want to change it and make it more like the U.S. To those people I say "please don't come here." I like it just the way it is.
Hi Jonathan. I am a Filipino who was able to live in the U.S. for 8 years as a student, many years ago, starting 1988. And I observed and experienced personally the differences in many aspects between U.S. and Philippines. The abundance of food there and their cheap prices were what struck me most. I observed that materialism reigns supreme. Even Filipino migrants have adopted this aspect, like buying two cars. So, they have to work two jobs to be able to pay their monthly financial obligations. As for me, I did not adopt that, so I retained my being Filipino by going to Asian market to buy Filipino groceries, and bringing my lunch which I cooked myself to school. And I seldom go to fast foods. Thanks for your blogs about Philippines and its culture. I wish you can find a place in the Philippines for you to live, and a Filipino wife worthy of your love someday. Keep going! Stay safe. God bless.
Having two cars is not necessarily a luxury in the US. If you are married and both husband and wife have jobs to commute to at different places, then having two cars makes perfect sense.
thank you for your comment! Simple, modest lives seem to bring less stress and anxiety than the materialistic lifestyle from my perspective! Thank you for watching!
Going to Asian Grocery store is also expensive in the USA 🇺🇸 . Why bother cooking ? Just eat junk food fast food or cheap Burger 🍔 king cheese boogers 😜👎
Many Filipino ladies want foreigners not Filipino men why ? Because of money, security, when a foreigner exist the plane door upon arrival in the Philippines he automatically becomes rich and handsome, doesn't matter how he looks, just walk through the malls and see old bald pot belly foreigners with young pretty ladies. Its not love its money, and the her family finds out he's a foreigner, he becomes a walk-in ATM, I know this first hand, and the Filipina lady wants a house and lot, the foreigner pays for everything yet he is not the owner of the property, and when she gets tired of him she'll kick him out and move her entourage in, I saw many foreigners get scammed out of their money, les than 1% of Filipina ladies are good, most if not all have kids and they want the foreigner to care for them, not me.
What did u say?! Less than 1% of filipina ladies are good?! 😂 shame on you! Fyi,
Those ladies who opted to marry foreigners - especially with age gap are the low-value! But there’s a lot of Filipino ladies who are professionals & have good careers & they don’t think of taking foreigners!
But recently, one filipina filed for deportation of an American man ( No age gap ) .. who was her live-in partner & used to battered her eventhough she was the breadwinner since the man was totally broke from lossing crypto business. So, Not all are after of your money!
Those are very valid points. I'm from the U.S., and I agree with most of them. I currently live in Poznan, Poland, and I’ve also traveled and lived in Asia. The cost of living is not comparable, and you are SO correct about community and slowing down to enjoy people, family, and friends. I won't likely retire outside of the U.S., but I have adopted a lot from other countries and make every attempt to bring it home (Northern Chicago Suburbs).
Love the video and your stories! I can’t wait to slow travel and experience the things you experience! It’s wonderful
Hi Jonathan. Glad you included my feedback 4:45. Yes you saw the difference between travelers and those who have not travelled and attitude towards different races. It’s our experienced from child’s simple games, even climbing hilltops, trees, hunting sea weeds or shells during low tide and eating it with rice and vinegar right there with families, friends and neighbors all together. That laughter and enjoyment were priceless. Looking at kids with advance techno toys is very sad to look at. They get bored and without beautiful memories to live for. Perhaps one reason why Filipinos are happy and welcoming with full of empathy and knows how to share. Community is like a family. Thank you in sharing your perspective.
I didn't hear him mention your name
@@nikicarrie4071 Not my name but what I said. I said he included my feedback. I didn’t say my name.
At a time of monetary stress, a wealthy (upper middle class) person told me, “If your problems can be solved with money they are not real problems.” I understood the truth to that then but it also annoyed me!
I just returned home in the US from a 2 month stay on a remote island in the Philippines. Your video is spot on word for word. If I had to compare the US to the PH I could not have said it better than you. Thanks.
From the Philippines, lived here in the USA since 75, everything you mentioned is so true especially without community and family relations li made me reflect on myself. Thanks.
I was born in the Philippines and left for the US 36 yrs ago. Been living here since, I can relate to your astute observation about different ways these 2 countries go about their business. My two cents, people need interaction and sense of belonging be it neighbors, friends and families. Slow pace of living contributes greatly as to how it can be achieved. Here in the US we’re program to live within a system like you said responsibilities ie bills, work, and live under a rock or cocoons. In some countries you can get by with just necessities and be satisfied with it. We live like robots here in the US programmed to live in a system where the almighty dollar takes precedence over anything and everything oh btw credit also. Good luck to all of your endeavors and just follow your heart as the saying goes “whatever floats your boat.”
There was time in my life that I have to choose between opportunity to stay in Canada or go back Phillipines and start.over. Staying 2 years in Canada did not impress me much. I went back home phillippines and set up business and stayed here with my love ones so far I did not regret choosing to settle and start over here in Phillippines. The happiness that I felt being with my love ones and enjoying life here is priceless .there is no better place for me like my home country Phillippines 🇵🇭 ❤️❤️❤️
Very true 👍
I spent a year in Asia and prefer Asia over America because of the reasons you conveyed.
I found it interesting as a person who has lived abroad for five years that one of the things people see over here is the need to say you love your country as if you will be attacked if you don't say it. Nobody feels like they have to say that in other countries. It was an eye opener amongst many things.
This video is spot on! Please share more about how you pay for health insurance.
In the US, health insurance premiums are high. My wife is from a South American country that ranks higher than the US in healthcare quality and healthcare there practically free. Nowhere else but here do people fear going bankrupt if they get sick.
When I was a kid in the 80s, everybody knew everybody in our suburban neighborhood and kids where always outside. I live in a similar neighborhood now and hardly ever see anyone come out of there houses. If it weren't for dogs to walk and grass to mow, I'd see no one.
I don't watch or read US news sources any more. I read online newspapers located in other countries, because they report on everything that happens in the US with much more objectivity and zero antagonism.
Your current Asian experience sounds like my childhood in the 1970’s. I walked to school at 5, I played outside with neighborhood kids, we as a family ate together everyday and we never went to fast food restaurants. The USA changed very quickly these last decades.
Thank you for sharing this. Living abroad taught me both how great the US truly is but also why we are behind other developed countries in quality of life. The cost of healthcare here is infuriating, and the political us-versus-them culture has only made us weaker. I feel like the only way I can truly see the true character of our leaders is by consuming media from outside the US. I’m also very disappointed with how our country handled the pandemic. So selfishly.
@@RobertMJohnson america has all the landscapes in the world. But it doesnt have the cultural diversity of the world. And unfortunately americans are very isolated and rarely travel or consume foreign media. So they just dont know that there might be better (or equal but different) ways of life out there.
Travelling is exactly one of the quality of life things that is worse in the US than any other developed country. The lack of vacation time and culture and ability of international travel.
AMERICA is corrupt from top to bottom. Government and private corporations have merged. Doctors listen to the pharmaceutical industry WHO, FDA, AND CDC even when science proves otherwise. It's not what it was. I want out.
@@RobertMJohnson "best hospitals, best universities"
Not sure what country you are talking about, but it is most certainly not the USA.
@@simonpowell2559 i can't help you when you react emotionally and don't know your facts.
Thank you for this video! Your very insightful dialogue confirms many things for me personally as an American citizen that lives on the West Coast. Hopefully America will improve here someday. Again, thank you!
I love this videos becoz you are revealing the trut about your opinion to your home land,keep it up and i want more like this type of videos we are learning from this video alot.thank for being a truth.
You are spot on! So true about living in the US, from a Filipino perspective. I moved here in the US for almost 20 yrs now. At first i couldn’t understand, it’s like you have neighbors, yet you don’t have. You rarely see your neighbors outside their houses on beautiful yards. I was stunned it was so quiet, could only hear silence. The sound of silence was deafening!😢 But eventually, I got used to it and just went with the flow. Just keep working hard, pay bills, rest, meet some friends i’ve made over time. Rinse and repeat.😊 That’s why going to retire in the Philippines when the time comes.
I am thinking a Kalinga dance would liven things up in the USA 'burbs
So true about insurance way to much here!
For non home owners $1500/rent for a single bedroom!
You actually feel all the prices keeps going up bit ,to hard to take!
Stay where your heart belong but never say never where you belong!
It really is so expensive!
Great video, many true statements here. I once lived in Costa Rica and the family I stayed with there later moved to New Jersey. I visited them years later in New Jersey and it turns out they were a lot unhappier in the US than in Costa Rica for all the reasons you mentioned. It was quite telling that they thought they were getting the American dream when in fact they had a much richer life socially back in Costa Rica.
Su Tico? Tico-Gringo?