Mark is in my view helping the conversation on course, and not exactly interrupting. But I understand one mis-cued chipping in from the host and the listener might get focussed on if such interruptions would happen every time onwards. Mark is pretty measured and sensitive as a host. It is a joy to listen to his intelligent comments along the way.
That interview goes to the top of the list. Jeff is an introvert like many of us and shares the same trepidation of encountering new places and new people. He is well spoken and can vocalize how many people feel about Asia and Phil in particular. Honest opinions which confirm our own. Great interview from both sides of the table.
We still want to be HOW we are, loving, happy and very hospitable. Contented with little things that we have and very resilient with mother nature!!! That's why I'm proud to be FILIPINO, more authentic and more HUMAN!!!
Im a Filipino grew up in the Philippines and went to the US in my late 20s. Now retiring in the US military. I can say that i enjoyed my life more when i was in the Philippines. I just realize that those were the best time of my life during my time in the Philippines. I have been around the world but there are no human being that are very caring and genuine people like Filipinos.
If I am only thinking for myself, I’d say it’s nice to live in the Philippines but if I am thinking about the problems of the country being a road for more than 20 years, I’d say it has many and is probably behind a 100 years to the rest of the developed world.
@@denniszenanywhere if your in the provinces, I might agree with you. But places like the BGC, in my opinion is 20 years ahead of in city in the USA. But for the Philippines it’s expensive, for the Philippines. From what I understand Clark city is going to compete for the most modern city in the world.
I agree with your perspective Jeff 101% about my country Philippines, that a developed country can change their people. I feel that too, because I'm living abroad. Japan is a good, beautiful country but I feel people are busy and cold for me. Living for many years here I can say that my personality has been changed like a robot who has no feelings at all, I mean just talking without expression on your face.. Sometimes I think I still like simple life but warm people with emphathy, respect with elders.
We might not be as progressive as the other SE Asian countries but it's perfectly okay. My husband and I lived here for three years and from that experience he has learned so much about our lifestyle and since coming back to the States all he does is long for the day when we can retire in the Philippines. There's so many factors that contribute to our decision: one of which is the political climate that we are in right now and also the unbelievable hatred and anger that the people here exhibits on a daily basis. It seems that people here are on the edge constantly I'm actually scared to visit bigger cities nowadays. Thanks for a great perspective. Best of luck to you!!
Dumali n nmn ulol dinown n nmn pilipinas we are third largest economy in ASEAN countries..our GDP is bigger than other eastern European countries and some others parts of the world.. Philippines is emerging industrialized country in the world also
@@samsungdelila5960 good heavens. The guy is expressing his opinion based on his travel experiences to other SE Asian countries and he has the right to his opinion. Relax ka lang dyan, besides you said it yourself - the Philippines is an "emerging" country and you're right dyan. That's where we are right now emerging pa lang tayo and hopefully we will be at par with our more progressive neighbors. Peace.
Sometimes, tradition trumps modernism. As a Fil Am w/ roots in Mindanao I'm confident my cousins would calmly defend their land to any invader. This would include a recently modernized country that's behaving like a bully.
we are behind but partly because we are over-populated. Thats the part I disagree with Jeff. Philippines have no big land space nor big economic growth(nor we want to) to handle all its population.
This man has common sense. Few people like him. He is good at assessing the situation in the world. He knew that the USA is not a safe country to be in but the Phillipines is.
I usually don't comment on videos, but wanted to say that this video was super interesting. It's one of my favorites of your interviews. I liked hearing about his views of the world and cultures. I hope he decides to spend some more time in Dumaguete - it sounds like he may enjoy it over Manila. Another interview with him in the future would be great.
Hey Mark, appreciate your interviews, it’s good to hear others perspective of the Philippines. For new guys coming to the Philippines, I would recommend them staying at the Park Inn hotel in Bacolod, because there is a walkway directly connected to the SM mall with lots of restaurants, good places to shop, and plenty of coffee shops, including Seattle’s best and Starbucks, it’s a good place to meet people (I find starting conversations with Filipinos is very easy).
@@westnash it is a hotel and usually rented by the day or week. During peak time it could be $120 a night, but I got them recently by using Agora at $61 per night. They have a restaurant that serves all day and a very small bar area with an open lounge.
The best description of us Filipinos. Thank you for the nice words, Sir! I appreciate the observation you have stated. Filipinos are indeed a special race! ❤️
Very interesting topic.. He is a high profile expat. I learned things from him. Watching from Chicago. Here in the US you may be a government connected or private person attitude is the problem..you had to deal with it. In my part as Asian it’s scary….how I wish to be in the Philippines right now stay for good.
I think your listeners pretty much all agree, your guest Jeff was a huge hit, I also agree he was a super guest that had a very positive way of asking questions and delivering answers. I vote for a regular appearance, the two of you really made it happen. Thank you.
You've been having a lot of good interviews/conversions lately. I just don't get folks trying to tell you how to conduct them. Happy New Year to you and Jen.🍾🥂🎇🏝️
He is correct, the average age here is 25. . I met an American here at our condo who was staying 30 days and if he wasn't complaining about the PH he wasn't talking. His GF ask Ne, why I didn't complain, she said he is half Filipino now. LOL, I just go with the flow that is all. Ne has been going to the market here in Davao at 4 AM for 10 yrs. & no one has ever bothered her. I never planned to leave the US & come here until I met Ne on Messenger. Duma is not the only nice place to live in the PH. Just because a lot of vloggers live there.
Glad to have you Sir in our country ... Our country is having quite "balance " way of living although greater percentage of the working population work abroad to uplift our economy.
Excellent guest, at least I hear someone who is not bias talking about life and people of the Philippines , so eased to hear his comments and lift the spirit of the Filipinos ❣️❣️❣️thank you so much Mr. Jeff, you gain so much our respect 😊 your kind of a guy that I could talk for hours, simply intelligent and gentlemen 🤗💝I wish we could be friends to chat ( hopefully ✌️❣️
Great content. This guy Jeff is spot on with insight about the culture. Thank you for sharing this interview Mark. Kindness, humility, and love for family is still what nurtures the human spirit and it is still very much alive in Filipino culture.
Hello there. Love your vlogs! Love this very interesting interview.This guy is one of the smartest person that you have interviewed so far. I am part Filipina and I understand everything you guys talked about. My grandpa lived in Dumaguete long time ago. I Always wanted to visit the place and I think I might visit Dumaguete and other areas of the Philippines this year 2003. Good luck guys!!!i
This are these people whom you can honestly hear realistic and true answers. Their opinions rings true to what the country can do. I am relieved hearing somebody to be tolerant on the kind of lifestyle and system there was here. Because truly, there are really problems that do exists. But since it is not their country, they just simply immersed and hence helped the people as what they can afford. A promising hope for the country to expect.
Hello Mark, this is the best episode of all your expats' interviews. Your interviewee is fair, balanced, and shows intelligence, not an “I got you” self-centered answer sometimes. I was born and raised in Dumaguete City. I hope and pray that Dumaguete will remain the “The city of gentle people.” despite the progress and advancement the world has to offer. I appreciate the way you love and showcase Dumaguete. There is no perfection in this whole, but it sounds like a perfect retirement place for us here, listening to the conversation. To your interviewee, what makes Dumaguete City notable is the people's literacy being a small island with many schools and churches. Another plus is the health accessibility and connectivity with the hospitals. A huge plus is its strategic location with available aviation resources to go anywhere if you need further medical management without the traffic delay in Manila to save your life. If you are bored in the city, you can visit the nearby town with its unique personality to provide you with wholesome entertainment. It always boils down to what kind of entertainment, environment, and retirement life you want. Godspeed.
Great to hear Jeff talk about Taiwan. Again I keep hearing the magic word of patience brought up talking about the Philippines & their culture. Hope Xi does not get the Putin syndrome of wanting to attack a free country. Loved the motorcycle throttle cable story Mark ! Amazing.
Enjoy your stay here in Philippines Sir Jeff and thank you for the nice compliment abt Philippines and finding values. Dumaguete is not just a good place to go.
Hello new subscriber here😊!!! I'm an OFW and have been in some other country, well I can still say "Home is where your heart is" but nothing can beat my paradise Philippines because it's not the country it's the people in the community 🥰. I like mister Jeff points of view very interesting and informative.I hope you stay just like me wanting to stay for good in the near future.
The foundation of every Filipino family eversince is relationship with GOD. ,.a very strong relationship that we've learned from our forefathers ,.''GOD is Love...
random conversation from random persons is ordinary here, at the end of the conversation you know some stories from her or him but you forget to ask his or her name, happens all the time
Interesting interview on a rainy Sunday morning here in Japan. American living in Japan for over 30 years now. I like to hear and compare living styles of expats. Philippines sounds nice, but I also have made a comfortable life here too. Best wishes for the future months and years.
I’m Filipino. Generally, people in provinces are very friendly and helpful. You just need to be careful that you don’t deal with new people’s army families. Bacolod is very nice province and Ilongos are friendly people. Once you meet a nice family, you’ll be considered part of their family as well. In Metro Manila,
Enjoyed this interview the most. Intelligent and successful. I would like to know more about the condo assets he has and the difference between condo living and rental.
Hey Mark, Gary here. You mentioned a RUclips channel Go Where You’re treated best. Is that the name of the channel ? I see many with that as a topic. I’ll be in Luzon in May, I may see if I can make a trip down your way hopefully. Take care Gary
It goes down to our constitution, our constitution limits foreign direct investors, we are the only country in the world that economic policies are wrap up by the constitution. We have a hardcore 60/40 economic restrictions. We cannot change policies right away like Parliaments do. It's a bloody process. Also, we are in a unique PRESIDENTIAL system that national policies change every 6 years. It's like a reset every 6 years. It makes progess very slow. And as a Filipino citizen I am so done with that. Many legislators are pushing for economic policies to adapt FREE MARKET countries but they are always skeptical. They fear to be controlled by foreigners. Where in fact the TOP 10 billionaires of the country are 90% Chinese.
The Philippines will stay the same. Nothing changed from the 70's 80's ang 90's so enjoy the ride. I don't think it will change like what happened to the other asian countries. It is the mentality of the people. They will keep on putting people in power who do not really care much about the well being of the people in general especially the poor.As long as the people have that mindset the country will never get ahead but that is what the people probably prefer.It is an excellent interview Mark. I learned something from this.You had been having good guests recently. Thanks for sharing.
Hahaha seems likely that we prefer things the way they are. No need to exert efforts to change and plenty of chances to complain and laugh at the ironies of life.this is what we love to do together.
With the war in Ukraine we are living through a historical point in time and I believe China will soon try to take over Taiwan. Things will never be the same.
Also with your ideas you can share w/us your valuable advice in many ways to locals .by the way only fishing ,farming,lives stock raising,no electricity just a communal generator that operates for 6 hrs.every night and in day time nothing unless private owned generator.
Same goes to hk and Macau you can apply a resident permit if you work longer in the country but if your salary is to low you can't apply it.. Philippines is left behind in terms of development but culture is more unique to the other countries....
I think after being isolated in Taiwan for so many years, Jeff needed to be more involved in where he lived. His life was stifled and he needed to be included in the culture. The Philippines is exactly what Jeff needed to feel alive again. America is full of hate and frustration, too many people raging over things that don't matter. Good interview of a very intelligent guest. 👍
Yes, very sadly, America is being overrun by Satanism, from Govt supported craziness (wokeness, gay agenda, disregarding the rule of law, etc) down to the teachers cowardly playing blind through their teaching of "it's ok to swap the sexes" to the really too you to even understand themselves.
Filipinos in general are profound people. They are blessed with human qualities that would make you feel important and treasured. These human qualities made the Philippines the heart beat of the world. People flocked to this country despite of its shortcomings. I am not in the position being physically present in this beautiful country to enjoy the real meaning of full. Live a full and happy life....
Excellent guest. Intelligent and likeable with an extremely clear and easy-on-the-ear delivery. I could happily listen to this guy talk for hours as he's very knowledgeable of SE and NE Asian countries. He instantly joins the top 1% of Dumaguete expats worth getting to know if you enjoy intelligent conversation. Notice how he never once interrupted the interviewer. Not only good manners but it it's 'Interviewing 101'. Perhaps a lesson to be learned there.
Even i, i still choose Philippines, why? Because very resilient. No amount of typhoon, earthquake, tsunami can take away their smiles and positive thinking that is why it's easy to recover from crisis.
It is hard to do business in the Php due to the bureaucracy of the Govt. system. Secondly, foreign businesses can set up shops in the Php. but can own 40% ownership the rest has to be Filipino citizens owned. But I read last summer of 2022 that the outgoing Pres. Duterte changed all that by having foreigners own 100%. Still, I am not sure if this has been implanted. Thirdly, Electric Power Services cost so much compared to other ASEAN countries. It is the highest cost per Killowat consumed if I am not mistaken. MERALCO the Electric company that provides electrical services in Metro MNL. made such studies years ago of the cost bases per household, business & govt. offices the electrical consumption based on these algorithms & found out that the cost was highest amongst ASEAN countries. Fourth: Infrastructures. Thailand is way ahead in infrastructure. It is efficient & good roads are everywhere even in rural areas. I was totally impressed. I wouldn't be surprised if Vietnam is going to surpass the Php. in economic development. Anyway that's my 2cents.
but I was wondering,here you are watching vlogs about the philippines ..... are you suppose to spend your energy watching vlogs about thailand & vietnam ??? what the !!!!!!😂🤣😂🤣-🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 .....
Interesting interviewee! Very insightful and has mastery of what he talks about. Non-judgmental, very level headed. I find him a very intelligent subject. Good job, Mr Mark!
I came to the US over 40 years ago and also retired from the military. It’s truly had changed so much. I thought that living in a gated community would at least be safer but a week ago I just experienced something I thought I would only see in movies. A neighbor was shot in broad daylight and it had truly traumatized and shaken me to the core. It’s making me think really hard if I should move out of the US.
“ I like to compare countries to neighbours more than the US because the US is not the end all and be all” Terrific comment by your guest, always best to compare countries to their neighbours to get a better idea of how they are developing. Thank you for the interview.
When I was a kid my family went to the USA, back in the early eighties, we drove across the country. If you broke down,the people would help you out, people back then would help you out, never in my life in New Zealand did I see people so nice. American people are the best.
Thailand is the most disciplined in the road and has the best transportation system, next is Vietnam, then Philippines, lastly Cambodia. The country with the least road rage would be Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, last is the Philippines. Vietnam is also very hospitable and friendly, Thailand and Cambodia are also friendly but not that accommodating or service-oriented if you go to restaurants and shops; in Philippines you can feel the hospitality the moment you arrive at the airport. The air suddenly change, This is just based on my experience.
Jeff appears to be an all-around good guy. He is pretty spot-on on his observations. Comparable to their Northeastern counterparts who "live to work," Filipinos "work to live," in a manner of speaking. However, there is one point that needs a tad bit of clarification on the matter of "English" getting worse in the country. While it is true that more Filipinos have improved their speaking ability (i.e., accent-wise) due to the onslaught of Call Centers or BPOs in the country, they suffer from a grammatical standpoint as a result of the decline in the quality of education as well as in the prevalence of social media lingos which leave the younger generation grappling for the "right" spellings on a number of words.
Great interview! I lived and worked in Taiwan for almost 4 years. Some of my best memories so far. I don't think you'll find friendlier people in the world, and that's where I discovered the Philippines thanks to dating one of the many OFW there. She took me to Manilla to meet her family back in 2008 and I've been wanting to go back ever since!
Great interview - learned a lot from both speakers. I pray you all have great long lives wherever you decide to settle down. Prayers from Scotland soon retiring in Philippines.🎉
As I said over and over that a successful living in the Philippines or any of your host countries is by not comparing your life where you came from. Filipinos don't have much but they are kind and happy people.
I feel where you are coming from. But I think a positive way to look at it is this. Because there CAN be a toxic and negative way of holding where you came from as the 'standard' and using that to downplay where you are. So I understand your view. However, that's idiotic. If you liked it there so much, why are you here? Go back, and stop bashing where you are. You left for a REASON. Something there you didn't like, something here you looked forward to. It's the differences between the host country and where you are from that brought you here in the first place, and THOSE differences should be acknowledged, celebrated, praised and enjoyed. You should lift up where you are for the differences that brought you there. I think some people get an idea of what it will or should be like, and the reality doesn't meet the expectations... and they take that frustration out on the Host Country. But that's on them for not doing enough research, for properly understanding where they were going. Like most things in life, nothing is perfect and we should temper our expectations so as to not be disappointed when reality doesn't match.
Filipinos generally learned how to speak English since the early 1900s when the Americans first came to the Philippines. I myself graduated from an American Baptist missionary school in the Philippines where English is the medium of teaching. The Siliman University in Dumaguete is actually the sister school of my alma mater the Central Philippine University in Iloilo City.
I am filipino leaving in the US. You have a good point sir. We filipinos figure it out early on that the world is complex and full of Sh!!!t and only rice is unlimited not our lives. So we make sure that 90% of 24hrs 7 days is having fun. Not wasting our time making$$$$.
Thanks for another interesting interview, Mike. Nice to hear honest political views about China and Taiwan. Knowing some of your interviewee's perspectives on the Philippines and the Filipino people. I wish that more Filipinos subscribe to your channel and learn something.🤗
Mark,great interview with Jeff ,one of you best ever and yes have him back on maybe on a regular basis thanks.
Thank you 😊 I'm so glad you liked it
Mark is in my view helping the conversation on course, and not exactly interrupting. But I understand one mis-cued chipping in from the host and the listener might get focussed on if such interruptions would happen every time onwards. Mark is pretty measured and sensitive as a host. It is a joy to listen to his intelligent comments along the way.
This guy is probably the most intelligent person you ever interviewed and it clearly shows in this video.
I'm glad you liked it 😊
Agreed… 😊
I am local Taiwanese, live in Kaohsiung . Taiwan and Philippines has a lot of business opportunities to be done.
That interview goes to the top of the list. Jeff is an introvert like many of us and shares the same trepidation of encountering new places and new people. He is well spoken and can vocalize how many people feel about Asia and Phil in particular. Honest opinions which confirm our own. Great interview from both sides of the table.
We still want to be HOW we are, loving, happy and very hospitable. Contented with little things that we have and very resilient with mother nature!!! That's why I'm proud to be FILIPINO, more authentic and more HUMAN!!!
Isabelita Ayala, i absolutely agree!🤟
Im a Filipino grew up in the Philippines and went to the US in my late 20s. Now retiring in the US military. I can say that i enjoyed my life more when i was in the Philippines. I just realize that those were the best time of my life during my time in the Philippines. I have been around the world but there are no human being that are very caring and genuine people like Filipinos.
If I am only thinking for myself, I’d say it’s nice to live in the Philippines but if I am thinking about the problems of the country being a road for more than 20 years, I’d say it has many and is probably behind a 100 years to the rest of the developed world.
@@denniszenanywhere if your in the provinces, I might agree with you. But places like the BGC, in my opinion is 20 years ahead of in city in the USA. But for the Philippines it’s expensive, for the Philippines. From what I understand Clark city is going to compete for the most modern city in the world.
@@denniszenanywhere it is started to be good now. Like my city , the road going to the remote area has a bew road now.
I agree to you Toti Riel! 👍🇵🇭
I think most people enjoyed their life as a kid more than as an adult. Regardless of location.
I agree with your perspective Jeff 101% about my country Philippines, that a developed country can change their people. I feel that too, because I'm living abroad. Japan is a good, beautiful country but I feel people are busy and cold for me. Living for many years here I can say that my personality has been changed like a robot who has no feelings at all, I mean just talking without expression on your face.. Sometimes I think I still like simple life but warm people with emphathy, respect with elders.
Very thoughtful interview. Thanks to you both!
We might not be as progressive as the other SE Asian countries but it's perfectly okay. My husband and I lived here for three years and from that experience he has learned so much about our lifestyle and since coming back to the States all he does is long for the day when we can retire in the Philippines. There's so many factors that contribute to our decision: one of which is the political climate that we are in right now and also the unbelievable hatred and anger that the people here exhibits on a daily basis. It seems that people here are on the edge constantly I'm actually scared to visit bigger cities nowadays. Thanks for a great perspective. Best of luck to you!!
Dumali n nmn ulol dinown n nmn pilipinas we are third largest economy in ASEAN countries..our GDP is bigger than other eastern European countries and some others parts of the world.. Philippines is emerging industrialized country in the world also
@@samsungdelila5960 good heavens. The guy is expressing his opinion based on his travel experiences to other SE Asian countries and he has the right to his opinion. Relax ka lang dyan, besides you said it yourself - the Philippines is an "emerging" country and you're right dyan. That's where we are right now emerging pa lang tayo and hopefully we will be at par with our more progressive neighbors. Peace.
Sometimes, tradition trumps modernism. As a Fil Am w/ roots in Mindanao I'm confident my cousins would calmly defend their land to any invader. This would include a recently modernized country that's behaving like a bully.
Great interview Mark.
I don't think the Philippines is left behind in terms of economic development. The way the Philippines is doing is different from others.
Philippines IS way, way behind its Asian contemporaries in all respects.
@@gemmalee3032 ouch!
we are behind but partly because we are over-populated. Thats the part I disagree with Jeff. Philippines have no big land space nor big economic growth(nor we want to) to handle all its population.
MY NEIGHBOURS ARE COOKING WITH STICKS MAN...
Great interview. A smart and insightful man.
This man has common sense. Few people like him. He is good at assessing the situation in the world. He knew that the USA is not a safe country to be in but the Phillipines is.
Mark, very smart guy. Great interview. In & out for past 45 years in the Philippines is still same. Nothing changed.
I usually don't comment on videos, but wanted to say that this video was super interesting. It's one of my favorites of your interviews. I liked hearing about his views of the world and cultures. I hope he decides to spend some more time in Dumaguete - it sounds like he may enjoy it over Manila. Another interview with him in the future would be great.
Thank you Brian your opinion means a lot to me
I Agree.
Hey Mark, appreciate your interviews, it’s good to hear others perspective of the Philippines.
For new guys coming to the Philippines, I would recommend them staying at the Park Inn hotel in Bacolod, because there is a walkway directly connected to the SM mall with lots of restaurants, good places to shop, and plenty of coffee shops, including Seattle’s best and Starbucks, it’s a good place to meet people (I find starting conversations with Filipinos is very easy).
Thanks. What is the cost for a month there? How is the internet?
@@westnash it is a hotel and usually rented by the day or week. During peak time it could be $120 a night, but I got them recently by using Agora at $61 per night.
They have a restaurant that serves all day and a very small bar area with an open lounge.
wow Mark very interesting interview with your guest, amazing perspective about the Philippines
"The first will be the last and the last will be the first" the Philippines is a sheep nation, preserved for God's purpose.
Visit northern Philippines also😊
The best description of us Filipinos. Thank you for the nice words, Sir! I appreciate the observation you have stated. Filipinos are indeed a special race! ❤️
Everyone is welcome here in the Philippines
Very interesting topic.. He is a high profile expat. I learned things from him. Watching from Chicago. Here in the US you may be a government connected or private person attitude is the problem..you had to deal with it. In my part as Asian it’s scary….how I wish to be in the Philippines right now stay for good.
Thank you . Filipinos are compassionate, humble, kind, gentle and patient. Best traits given by God .
CORNY MO!! LOL.
I think your listeners pretty much all agree, your guest Jeff was a huge hit, I also agree he was a super guest that had a very positive way of asking questions and delivering answers. I vote for a regular appearance, the two of you really made it happen. Thank you.
You've been having a lot of good interviews/conversions lately. I just don't get folks trying to tell you how to conduct them. Happy New Year to you and Jen.🍾🥂🎇🏝️
Thank you 😊
He is correct, the average age here is 25. . I met an American here at our condo who was staying 30 days and if he wasn't complaining about the PH he wasn't talking. His GF ask Ne, why I didn't complain, she said he is half Filipino now. LOL, I just go with the flow that is all. Ne has been going to the market here in Davao at 4 AM for 10 yrs. & no one has ever bothered her. I never planned to leave the US & come here until I met Ne on Messenger. Duma is not the only nice place to live in the PH. Just because a lot of vloggers live there.
You are valuable and you're worth is more than what you think. Filipino people are friendly. Hope you enjoy you're stay and be safe.
Glad to have you Sir in our country ... Our country is having quite "balance " way of living although greater percentage of the working population work abroad to uplift our economy.
Awesome interview by you from a great super smart gentleman.
Keep it up.
Excellent guest, at least I hear someone who is not bias talking about life and people of the Philippines , so eased to hear his comments and lift the spirit of the Filipinos ❣️❣️❣️thank you so much Mr. Jeff, you gain so much our respect 😊 your kind of a guy that I could talk for hours, simply intelligent and gentlemen 🤗💝I wish we could be friends to chat ( hopefully ✌️❣️
Thank you for bringing your guess to this interview. Very interesting .
Great content. This guy Jeff is spot on with insight about the culture. Thank you for sharing this interview Mark. Kindness, humility, and love for family is still what nurtures the human spirit and it is still very much alive in Filipino culture.
Hello there. Love your vlogs! Love this very interesting interview.This guy is one of the smartest person that you have interviewed so far. I am part Filipina and I understand everything you guys talked about. My grandpa lived in Dumaguete long time ago. I Always wanted to visit the place and I think I might visit Dumaguete and other areas of the Philippines this year 2003. Good luck guys!!!i
This are these people whom you can honestly hear realistic and true answers. Their opinions rings true to what the country can do. I am relieved hearing somebody to be tolerant on the kind of lifestyle and system there was here. Because truly, there are really problems that do exists. But since it is not their country, they just simply immersed and hence helped the people as what they can afford. A promising hope for the country to expect.
Very good points made
Hello Mark, this is the best episode of all your expats' interviews. Your interviewee is fair, balanced, and shows intelligence, not an “I got you” self-centered answer sometimes. I was born and raised in Dumaguete City. I hope and pray that Dumaguete will remain the “The city of gentle people.” despite the progress and advancement the world has to offer. I appreciate the way you love and showcase Dumaguete. There is no perfection in this whole, but it sounds like a perfect retirement place for us here, listening to the conversation. To your interviewee, what makes Dumaguete City notable is the people's literacy being a small island with many schools and churches. Another plus is the health accessibility and connectivity with the hospitals. A huge plus is its strategic location with available aviation resources to go anywhere if you need further medical management without the traffic delay in Manila to save your life. If you are bored in the city, you can visit the nearby town with its unique personality to provide you with wholesome entertainment. It always boils down to what kind of entertainment, environment, and retirement life you want. Godspeed.
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment 😀
Great to hear Jeff talk about Taiwan. Again I keep hearing the magic word of patience brought up talking about the Philippines & their culture. Hope Xi does not get the Putin syndrome of wanting to attack a free country. Loved the motorcycle throttle cable story Mark ! Amazing.
Yes sir just start a conversation with strangers and after after a minutes you will gain friends everywhere.I mean everywhere.
America is at a mad house right now..
Enjoy your stay here in Philippines Sir Jeff and thank you for the nice compliment abt Philippines and finding values. Dumaguete is not just a good place to go.
Hello new subscriber here😊!!! I'm an OFW and have been in some other country, well I can still say "Home is where your heart is" but nothing can beat my paradise Philippines because it's not the country it's the people in the community 🥰. I like mister Jeff points of view very interesting and informative.I hope you stay just like me wanting to stay for good in the near future.
Thank you for watching Grace and for taking the time to comment 😀 Best of luck
What a fantastic,learning interview,really appreciate
I'm so glad you liked it 😊
Wow amazing this is the nice video interview very positive answers
This guy was great, I’d love if you could have him on again. Thanks!
nice conversation. enjoy your stay in the Philippines
You can be an inspirational speaker in “work-life balance” seminars
The foundation of every Filipino family eversince is relationship with GOD. ,.a very strong relationship that we've learned from our forefathers ,.''GOD is Love...
Very informative and meaningful conversation, we (pinoys) doing good then.
Great stuff!
random conversation from random persons is ordinary here, at the end of the conversation you know some stories from her or him but you forget to ask his or her name, happens all the time
Cool...I learned a lot.
Interesting interview on a rainy Sunday morning here in Japan. American living in Japan for over 30 years now. I like to hear and compare living styles of expats. Philippines sounds nice, but I also have made a comfortable life here too. Best wishes for the future months and years.
This is a really really good interview right down to the core.
Thank you 😊
I truly enjoy your videos. God bless you 🙏 and your family.
Thank you 😊
I’m Filipino. Generally, people in provinces are very friendly and helpful. You just need to be careful that you don’t deal with new people’s army families. Bacolod is very nice province and Ilongos are friendly people. Once you meet a nice family, you’ll be considered part of their family as well.
In Metro Manila,
Great conversation ♥️
Manila is quite diff with rests of places in the phil. Manila is busiest but outside manila people all same
Enjoyed this interview the most. Intelligent and successful. I would like to know more about the condo assets he has and the difference between condo living and rental.
Thanks Mark, Jeff is smart & experienced ... another excellent interview.
Hey Mark, Gary here. You mentioned a RUclips channel Go Where You’re treated best. Is that the name of the channel ? I see many with that as a topic. I’ll be in Luzon in May, I may see if I can make a trip down your way hopefully.
Take care
Gary
Great interview 🍻💪
Wow.. Thank you very much and Godbless you 🙏🙏🙏
Smart, modest guy.
It goes down to our constitution, our constitution limits foreign direct investors, we are the only country in the world that economic policies are wrap up by the constitution. We have a hardcore 60/40 economic restrictions. We cannot change policies right away like Parliaments do. It's a bloody process. Also, we are in a unique PRESIDENTIAL system that national policies change every 6 years. It's like a reset every 6 years. It makes progess very slow. And as a Filipino citizen I am so done with that. Many legislators are pushing for economic policies to adapt FREE MARKET countries but they are always skeptical. They fear to be controlled by foreigners. Where in fact the TOP 10 billionaires of the country are 90% Chinese.
One thing..we dont like to see is foreighner taking advadtage..because we are proud of foreighner come to Philippines.
The Philippines will stay the same. Nothing changed from the 70's 80's ang 90's so enjoy the ride. I don't think it will change like what happened to the other asian countries. It is the mentality of the people. They will keep on putting people in power who do not really care much about the well being of the people in general especially the poor.As long as the people have that mindset the country will never get ahead but that is what the people probably prefer.It is an excellent interview Mark. I learned something from this.You had been having good guests recently. Thanks for sharing.
Hahaha seems likely that we prefer things the way they are. No need to exert efforts to change and plenty of chances to complain and laugh at the ironies of life.this is what we love to do together.
Dumaguete city “the city of gentle people”
With the war in Ukraine we are living through a historical point in time and I believe China will soon try to take over Taiwan. Things will never be the same.
Also with your ideas you can share w/us your valuable advice in many ways to locals .by the way only fishing ,farming,lives stock raising,no electricity just a communal generator that operates for 6 hrs.every night and in day time nothing unless private owned generator.
A lot of people would go if the visas were good and not just the popular passport Bros option
Smart guy.
👍👍👍
Same goes to hk and Macau you can apply a resident permit if you work longer in the country but if your salary is to low you can't apply it.. Philippines is left behind in terms of development but culture is more unique to the other countries....
I like your content, accidentally stumbled on this one.
I think after being isolated in Taiwan for so many years, Jeff needed to be more involved in where he lived. His life was stifled and he needed to be included in the culture. The Philippines is exactly what Jeff needed to feel alive again. America is full of hate and frustration, too many people raging over things that don't matter. Good interview of a very intelligent guest. 👍
Mark,
Let your guest /Jeff contact Alex Kosh among others. He is also single.
Thanks.
Yes, very sadly, America is being overrun by Satanism, from Govt supported craziness (wokeness, gay agenda, disregarding the rule of law, etc) down to the teachers cowardly playing blind through their teaching of "it's ok to swap the sexes" to the really too you to even understand themselves.
Filipinos in general are profound people. They are blessed with human qualities that would make you feel important and treasured. These human qualities made the Philippines the heart beat of the world. People flocked to this country despite of its shortcomings. I am not in the position being physically present in this beautiful country to enjoy the real meaning of full. Live a full and happy life....
Thanks.
Philippines deserves your special message.
Filipinos don't have much but they are kind, generous and happy people.
Thanks😊❤️
True to the core!
Bless you sir for your kind words towards Our beloved country Philippines and it's people
Excellent guest. Intelligent and likeable with an extremely clear and easy-on-the-ear delivery. I could happily listen to this guy talk for hours as he's very knowledgeable of SE and NE Asian countries. He instantly joins the top 1% of Dumaguete expats worth getting to know if you enjoy intelligent conversation. Notice how he never once interrupted the interviewer. Not only good manners but it it's 'Interviewing 101'. Perhaps a lesson to be learned there.
Yes indeed!
Jeff is an eloquent speaker.
I agree with you..
Agree to you Keit. 👍
Even i, i still choose Philippines, why? Because very resilient. No amount of typhoon, earthquake, tsunami can take away their smiles and positive thinking that is why it's easy to recover from crisis.
Fully agree, that Duterte administration changed the crime rate way down. IM Not afraid travelling anymore.
Foreigners are treated differently in the Philippines. If you’re white there’s a special treatment
It is hard to do business in the Php due to the bureaucracy of the Govt. system. Secondly, foreign businesses can set up shops in the Php. but can own 40% ownership the rest has to be Filipino citizens owned. But I read last summer of 2022 that the outgoing Pres. Duterte changed all that by having foreigners own 100%. Still, I am not sure if this has been implanted. Thirdly, Electric Power Services cost so much compared to other ASEAN countries. It is the highest cost per Killowat consumed if I am not mistaken. MERALCO the Electric company that provides electrical services in Metro MNL. made such studies years ago of the cost bases per household, business & govt. offices the electrical consumption based on these algorithms & found out that the cost was highest amongst ASEAN countries. Fourth: Infrastructures. Thailand is way ahead in infrastructure. It is efficient & good roads are everywhere even in rural areas. I was totally impressed. I wouldn't be surprised if Vietnam is going to surpass the Php. in economic development.
Anyway that's my 2cents.
but I was wondering,here you are watching vlogs about the philippines ..... are you suppose to spend your energy watching vlogs about thailand & vietnam ??? what the !!!!!!😂🤣😂🤣-🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
.....
Interesting interviewee! Very insightful and has mastery of what he talks about. Non-judgmental, very level headed.
I find him a very intelligent subject.
Good job, Mr Mark!
I came to the US over 40 years ago and also retired from the military. It’s truly had changed so much. I thought that living in a gated community would at least be safer but a week ago I just experienced something I thought I would only see in movies. A neighbor was shot in broad daylight and it had truly traumatized and shaken me to the core. It’s making me think really hard if I should move out of the US.
“ I like to compare countries to neighbours more than the US because the US is not the end all and be all” Terrific comment by your guest, always best to compare countries to their neighbours to get a better idea of how they are developing. Thank you for the interview.
Totally valid. I'm a FilAm w/ an interest in Malay culture in history.
When I was a kid my family went to the USA, back in the early eighties, we drove across the country. If you broke down,the people would help you out, people back then would help you out, never in my life in New Zealand did I see people so nice. American people are the best.
I consider banking and real estate investing to be on the parasitic end of the career spectrum.
Thailand is the most disciplined in the road and has the best transportation system, next is Vietnam, then Philippines, lastly Cambodia. The country with the least road rage would be Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, last is the Philippines. Vietnam is also very hospitable and friendly, Thailand and Cambodia are also friendly but not that accommodating or service-oriented if you go to restaurants and shops; in Philippines you can feel the hospitality the moment you arrive at the airport. The air suddenly change, This is just based on my experience.
Wow! I thought its just homesickness...
Philippines is the third largest economy in Southeast Asia! 😂 with huge consumption market! Bigger than their neighbors!
Big thumbs up on this one Mark. Real interesting guy.
Jeff appears to be an all-around good guy. He is pretty spot-on on his observations. Comparable to their Northeastern counterparts who "live to work," Filipinos "work to live," in a manner of speaking. However, there is one point that needs a tad bit of clarification on the matter of "English" getting worse in the country. While it is true that more Filipinos have improved their speaking ability (i.e., accent-wise) due to the onslaught of Call Centers or BPOs in the country, they suffer from a grammatical standpoint as a result of the decline in the quality of education as well as in the prevalence of social media lingos which leave the younger generation grappling for the "right" spellings on a number of words.
Great interview! I lived and worked in Taiwan for almost 4 years. Some of my best memories so far. I don't think you'll find friendlier people in the world, and that's where I discovered the Philippines thanks to dating one of the many OFW there. She took me to Manilla to meet her family back in 2008 and I've been wanting to go back ever since!
Great Great interview . Another interview with this nice man would be good.
Great interview - learned a lot from both speakers. I pray you all have great long lives wherever you decide to settle down. Prayers from Scotland soon retiring in Philippines.🎉
WOW this man has a lot of knowledge about Manila and Duterte. lm amazed I'm from Makati Manila
He knows that USA is not sure if Philippines an American ally; and he could sense that mainland China is occupying stealthily Philippines, creepy.....
watching from San Diego, CA. this is the most enlightening conversation. but Mark let him talk....
Visit Bukidnon Philippines
Me from Minnesota to Aglayan Malaybalay Bukidnon
As I said over and over that a successful living in the Philippines or any of your host countries is by not comparing your life where you came from.
Filipinos don't have much but they are kind and happy people.
I feel where you are coming from. But I think a positive way to look at it is this. Because there CAN be a toxic and negative way of holding where you came from as the 'standard' and using that to downplay where you are. So I understand your view.
However, that's idiotic. If you liked it there so much, why are you here? Go back, and stop bashing where you are.
You left for a REASON. Something there you didn't like, something here you looked forward to. It's the differences between the host country and where you are from that brought you here in the first place, and THOSE differences should be acknowledged, celebrated, praised and enjoyed. You should lift up where you are for the differences that brought you there.
I think some people get an idea of what it will or should be like, and the reality doesn't meet the expectations... and they take that frustration out on the Host Country. But that's on them for not doing enough research, for properly understanding where they were going. Like most things in life, nothing is perfect and we should temper our expectations so as to not be disappointed when reality doesn't match.
Filipinos generally learned how to speak English since the early 1900s when the Americans first came to the Philippines. I myself graduated from an American Baptist missionary school in the Philippines where English is the medium of teaching. The Siliman University in Dumaguete is actually the sister school of my alma mater the Central Philippine University in Iloilo City.
I am filipino leaving in the US. You have a good point sir. We filipinos figure it out early on that the world is complex and full of Sh!!!t and only rice is unlimited not our lives. So we make sure that 90% of 24hrs 7 days is having fun. Not wasting our time making$$$$.
Very well said
Hi Mark, super interesting interview guest. The best of all your interviews to-date in my opinion. Hope there will be a part 2? Best wishes
I agree please have a 2nd interview with him. He have a lot interesting life experience to share to all of us.
Yep, get his views an dating,
Yes, he was very interesting and I'll be watching if I see he is on again.
@@momoydacuycoy the Philippines will forever be lagged behind because of institutionalized corruption.
That's why the Philippines will always be poor
Agree to you Tim! 👍 Salute to you Mark and Jeff! 👍🇵🇭
Thanks for another interesting interview, Mike. Nice to hear honest political views about China and Taiwan. Knowing some of your interviewee's perspectives on the Philippines and the Filipino people. I wish that more Filipinos subscribe to your channel and learn something.🤗