8 years in the Philippines for me and this is home until the end. This is not a perfect place but you can build a nice life here, have a home in the mountains, a good partner and all the material things you want. The big positive here is freedom for me. I can get on my motor with my girl, go anywhere and no one bothers me. I'm an old man now and found peace in the Philippines. Salamat.
Thank you, brother! You will always be welcome in our home country. May you continue to be blessed with happiness, freedom, and a good life. I truly respect and admire your humility and gratitude
I'm just about to celebrate my first year of retirement in the Philippines. I think perspective is everything. I knew what I was getting into before I ever got here. Are there any things that annoy me about living in the Philippines? Yes. When I get frustrated, I remind myself of the reasons why I left the United States to begin with. I also reflect on the great things I do enjoy about living here which certainly outweigh the negatives. The cost of living, really friendly people, and the proximity to great travel opportunities. As far as dating goes, I think most men wouldn't have the opportunity to date someone much younger than themselves in the United States because it's not widely accepted. My own girlfriend is 30 years old without children. At my ripe age of early my early '60s, I wouldn't have this opportunity back in the United States. My stress level has been completely dialed back so much compared to living in the United States. There are so many cuisine options in the Philippines besides the local meals. The simple solution is to cook your own food if you don't like Filipino food. I shop at the wet market about once a week and it saves me money. I don't miss my expensive grocery bills in the United States for just a few bags of groceries.
congrats u doing well leaving u country and start a new life hope u have a bag of gold for u ever get sick there if u can run back u country if needed but there a lot westerns living the philippines I think more u Americans now as u country not safe people shooting each other hard to drive as someone wants a claim u rent and housing expensive I ben gone also I was in this situation but im not,im in australia its a great country to live I wouldnt give it up I been philippines I had lived in manila in 2007 a year hated it, now things have changed which ok, but u proberly right u get a few bags groceries now and wont fill up u trolley where in philippines it does fill up,i just got back the supermarket bought beef mince 500 grams spaghetti pasta and some bread magnum ice cream and some peanuts cost me $28 in philippines I can buy carton milk apple pears banana mango list go on travelling there and taxi are cheap, but if we say everything cheap the money will go quick also, but 1 thing is the city polluction traffic u cannot cross the road I tried its a nightmare and dangerous even I put me hand up locals stop but other wise boom u hot by a bike or car its bad now unless have police or a traffic enforcer u rent be costly u country compare philippines as u can choose where u want to live negatives traffic water u cannot drink u tap/faucet u say electricity keeps running fast u have to pay u bills on time or cut off shopping supermarkets check out girl to slow, traffic chaos doesnt move polluction bad u healthfulness u live in the provinces its ok fresh air me I like a holiday u say vacation but live no thanx
@@mamasita65 ... It doesn't turn out to be a place for everyone. The United States has become so expensive now. The dating market is also ridiculous with too many stupid games. But if you're happy where you are, that's great. I would love to visit Oz some day. Especially just a little town somewhere. By the way friend, you might try using punctuation in your statements starting with periods 😂
I would say, almost none of my friends in USA would be content here. It takes a special kind of person to be content here. There are many challenges. I grew up in a snow region. Every winter was a challenge you had to prepare for. So I can easily accept the challenges of the Philippines. But no matter how bad my day is, I never have to shovel snow ! .
You may have forgotten about autumn leaves. I have 2 Birch, a couple of spruce trees, and a pine tree in my yard. Oh man, the amount of leaves I have to clean up not to mention pesky pinecones. Snow is another headache.
We live in the Philippines and this is true. It really is an adjustment. Though there are many positives such as ebingo and cock fighting. Plus driving is really not needed with Grab, P2P buses or Bokyo's. We drive however it's just for relaxation. It's fun to drive in the Philippines on the expressways & barrio roads. When my friends come out they're nervous to drive. You need to be a bit adventurous but it's worth it
I guess I am the weird one. I enjoy shoveling snow from our driveway no matter how high it is. I like the workout. On the other hand, I still prefer hot, humid weather over very cold winters.
This kind of reminds me of strangers visiting my home and comparing it to their bigger, fancier house or maybe a friend’s more organized place! Then they start looking for things they have in their home and getting frustrated when they don’t find them in mine. And then, despite all that, they decide to stay longer. But instead of appreciating my family's hospitality, they just continue to criticize and insult us even more. Just amazing!
Foreigners they become materialistic that is how they brought up they forgot that one day everything change and life become difficult what will they do is better to learn a simple life you will not regret in the future.
There are countless reasons why people visit and even stay in the Philippines-it’s a beautiful country with so much to offer. If you’re only thinking about younger women, that says more about you. Speak for yourself, not everyone has that kind of mindset.
filipino people are friendly welcoming and easy people I ever met and polite I never come across a bad one as yet when I do I say what I feel had one rich filipino thinks he could tell me what to do in cebu I told him where to go I dont care he rich or not but as I said most are great people as imn my country rich or poor we treat equal
Just stumbled on your channel. Been married to a Filipina for almost 13 years. Brought her to the states when she was 21 and I was 40. Best thing I ever did. She is from the Leyte province (near Tacloban) and I have been there many times. Patience is my biggest issue. I try to prep myself as i'm on the way, you gotta have tremendous patience there and not just there. If you marry one as I did and bring her here, it requires tremendous amounts of patience, as you have to teach them our customs, for example.... you don't just run up to the front of a line and you don't crowd people as they're paying at the cash register, you don't simply wave your hand to stop traffic to cross the street. Just simple things you have to teach them. I subscribed and like what I see so far, keep the vids coming
hehe yes they seem to try jump in line first I hate it like on the plane and get off they want to try push first doesnt happen in western countries but they learn u need stomach to go the philippines I look forward going there but each time I do I get sick there weather or polluction crap yes but does she like u country proberly does as she proberly like to work for her parents where we dont do this as our parents look after us there learn opposite to us they dont say good morning much or when they go to bed no good night nothing no hello a lot them lot people call me Joe but thats only Americans are call this im not american but end of the day all they know so u age now 53 she 34 ok doing great Leyte hmm the wife got aunties cousins there hehe
Thank you for telling the truth! Philippines is for Filipinos. We welcome foreigners, but remember that you have an open door policy. You can leave anytime you want! If you were a westerner and cannot adjust, then you leave or go back to where you came from. Plain and simple.
@@Missy_potato Foreigners need to adjust to the Filipino way of life in the Philippines. If they demand too much, because we know they have the buying power due to their currency and they’re not happy, they can leave at any given time. Filipinos have always welcome foreigners with open arms since Magellan’s arrival. We don’t need to adjust to them. They are fortunate enough that English is a 2nd official language and they would be helped if they ask politely. They can go to Thailand and have lady boys or Vietnam and learn the language. Philippines is for Filipinos.
In the West, we were taught to adapt to others around us. I think that is where the attitude comes from. I know in America, if we don't accept people's complaints, we are told we are racist.
The visitors who speak positively about the Philippines aren't selling a dream - it's simply how they experience it here. They’ve found something that resonates with them.
*There's too much foreigner abuse going on in the Philippines at every level and it's getting worse. *So, once people spend enough time there, they get a chance to interact with other foreigners, experience the real deal and realize they shouldn't have listened to sugar coated information about the place.
I noticed that when I went into the areas that were more concentrated with expats that the locals just seemed to tolerate us because of the money and didn't really care about what we thought. This is not the case out in the provinces where we are few and far between. The people out on the bonduk haven't been jaded yet and do enjoy getting to know us and about where we come from.
People don't seem willing to call Filipinos out for their true behaviour. I find them rude, racist, ignorant, poorly educated, selfish, and inconsiderate. The idea that they are such friendly and awesome people is a myth they tell same as their great beaches!
@@archieureta2964 *What rockstar treatment??? *What are you talking about??? *Does the average Filipino get rockstar treatment??? NO!!! *What's wrong with being treated like a Filipino??? *Aren't ALL men created equal??? -I want to pay the same price as a local. -I want my security deposit back. -Taxi drivers should charge me the same. -we pay $600 for what a Filipino pays $250. -Which average Filipino pays a salary or an allowance to his girlfriend??? -If and when they buy land and build a house, a Filipina CAN NOT steal it!!! -Etc.. Etc... Etc.. *WHAT rockstar treatment?????????? *We're talking about foreigner abuse NOT rockstar treatment!!!!!!!
I'm an expat in Ecuador and the Philipina reasons to exit resonate here. Sadly, some content creators set unrealistic expectations. Expats who return often do so out of culture shock, little things like they didn't like the mattress provided in their furnished apartment was low quality (it's Ecuador folks), experience a crime, struggle with the language, get sick from the food, or struggle with the language. Those who stay tend to stay long enough to work through their rose-colored glasses issues, learn enough of the language to make Ecuadorian friends, and before they know it, they get in sync with the culture and make a new life.
When I left the US, I was living in a car that didn't run , that i was still making payments on. It won't happen to me again. In the Philippines, I don't have a car, and I can't get credit.
Expatriates have different perspective , whether you like it or not the Philippines is very welcoming .... up to the point that the people or inhabitant are very hospitable with ready smile while they cross in the street and ready to help . Infrastructure is there and gradually making a new projects for the future like the subway system etc. The cost of living like food is very affordable compared to the US of A, London, UK, foreigners are coming in massive amount trying to escape the expensive life ,abandoning the american dreams and high taxes in other nation.
most go there for women yes and no there a reason why the women are gone because the man wants to play around and the women might be demanding to much but this happens any country not just blame philippines
The "service" expected by those of you from the USA is due to the waiter staff in the USA (not the UK or Europe) trying to get you in, fed and out as quickly as possible so they get more tips to supplement their low wages. I Europe a meal can last 2 hours or more as you are able to relax and enjoy the meals properly.. they are not rushing you as they are not relying on a fast turnaround for more tips, they know that they will only get a tip if the service if above par, the food good and they don't rush you.
Yes, your right. It's culturally different. However, I think at some of these places where there are lots of foreigners that people know are from western countries that want a different type of service it would be smart of these restaurants to train staff about differences. I've had smaller restaurants in the Philippines and they knew there were different service expectations. In the same way, as a foreigner with businesses in the Philippines I've needed to learn the work culture to know how to bring the best out in my employees.
@WatchCaliforniaExpat Americans should walk around there with the USA flag.. that way Filipinos will be able to tell they need to rush service and let the rest of us from Europe and UK relax over our meals there. If you Americans are wanting to visit or live in other countries, the first thing that you should learn is to respect the locals and to relax.. go at the pace of the local culture or stay at home. You should change to adapt to the country you go to not expect that country to change to suit yourself.
@@KeithFLOOK-wd3uwI have European friends here and everyone complains about the same things here. But good for you that you don't let these things bother you. I'm working on myself to not stress about stupid things like this. By the way, thanks for your dose of sarcasm. I can never quite get enough of it in my day.
Excellent video! Am on my 16th year here...I agree on everything you mention completely, Refreshing to see a truly honest and real video. Keep up the good work.
@WatchCaliforniaExpat I live in North Luzon in a major city for a good education for my teenage daughter. I travel a lot by motorcycle, recently down to Leyte and back via Cebu, Bacolod, IloIlo, Boracay, Batangas to home. Very tough for a favourite place..I do enjoy up north around Pagudpud, I like Palawan east coast for the secluded beaches. Really for me there is too many places I enjoy, Baguio, Bolinao, Bicol region, Leyte, Negro's, Mindanao. I guess it's why I ride a bike here.
maturity indeed hits u when u realized u cant be everyone's cup of tea, we appreciate tho ur honesty may u finally be contented to your next journey never again come back here goodbye all expat.
Nice video. First time that I came across your channel. I agree with you on your observations. I lived in the Philippines for 2 yrs in the late 80s. It took about a year to get adjusted. 2nd yr went well and I felt that I kind of belonged there. When I had to return to the US...I missed it. Felt lonely here. Nice video.
My take is that the Ph. nowadays is for folks who are not very direct and can hide their real feelings w/o too much effort. That's my impression of what makes you blend in, since being direct isn't a great thing here. This together with the higher competition for young filipinas, which is driven by fb/social media/online dating sites makes "the big prize" for many westerners way harder to find. And if you combine those two and still find dates or gfs, my impression is that it was way more attractive being an older western guy before. Now, it's single moms that still may want you, women not seldom with toxic behaviour, if you are indirect and passive aggresive you may be able to take the "hot and cold", the lies, the ungratefulness, etc, etc, if you're direct though chances are it's gonna turn bad and eventually end. About infrastructure, food, etc, me personally, I have gotten somewhat used to it Sure, you want some western comfort, you can have that though in the cities, by renting a condo or upscale house. As for jobs here, I don't care about that, since I work remotely in my home country. No, aside from my first two points, I'd say a third one, which is scams and it's a bit related. Since ppl seem to rely on others being indirect and conflict shy, it's not seldom used to scam you. If you rent some aptmt or house, it's never the landlords fault, and if he or she should take some responsibility, say after months of complaining, it's like they saved the world. And as for other scams, it's clearly in the "relationship-market" nowadays, I guess it's some of us guys' fault. If you connect with women online, often they'll discard you if you say you're in the Ph., cos they're not looking for a real relationship even if they say they do, they try to attract what's now known as "simps" for "LDRs", which basically means they can have a bunch of westerners they claim to have relationships with, and then regularly scam them into sending money. Another theme which can be combined with the first is they'll strip, etc, online for money. Next you have local girls that may connect with you, it may still be scams though, they don't really want a relationship with you, chances are they already have others, but they can "impersonate" being your gf if they can get money from you. You can counter that of course by going for older/less attractive women, who likely are more serious and looking for a real relationship. But again, the main point going here for lots of guys I think is to be able to have a relationship with a younger, somewhat attractive girl, not doing worse than at home, so I think the Ph. simply has become oversaturated with guys, not least online so the "romance"-thing is kinda ruined, unless you're willing to settle or be scammed. That's why many are leaving if you ask me. What I've gathered, many filipinas aren't all that interested in having live-in bfs, or husbands, anymore. They have some kids with someone and the relationship falls apart and then they live close to their own family, raising the kids by themselves. Some women like that, they don't have to "share" their kids and their upbringing with an "outside guy", instead it's "all in the family", which makes it easier and you don't have to adapt to some other family and their values/rules. To come in in such a setting as a foreigner, living with some local woman who has several kids and live close to her family, I'd think is bound to fail unless you're somekinda social genius.
I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts, and its obvious you've spent a lot of time here and been very observant with how things are. Do you live in the Ph still? For me, I'm still optimistic with the possibility of finding a great partner here. But I agree its harder than ever. On another note, if living overseas and not the Philippines, where better? For me, places like Thailand has girls that are either more conservative in the rural areas or who are far more direct about expecting a financial transactional relationship. Or Vietnam seems communication and meeting someone would be more challenging.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Yeah, I've already been to Thailand and the grass ain't greener there in my opinion. I haven't been to other countries in SE Asia though, so I'll probably take a break from the Ph. and travel to some of the neighbors for a while. On the positive side for the Ph. i'd say is the ease to exist in society. If you don't bother ppl, they'll mostly appreciate your presence. Now as for romance, maybe you could tell I was recently burned. The problem if you're direct like me is it may turn toxic. Eventually, if I find someone, I figure she has to be quite emotionally stable if it's gonna work with me. Not that easy to find though, it seems, if you still want young and somewhat attractive. Well, I guess it's nothing new under the sun 😅 Thanks for the vid. btw, it was good.
Thanks for sharing that. Was really looking for a province girl that hopefully hasn't been "poisoned" with predator ideas and would like a solid secure relationship. Hmm
easy life is why u proberly getting a pension my mate lives in dipolog city 8 years built a house got married has a daughter he not coming back also he said life easy but he misses bunnings store he said if he could afford to buy house here he be back but philippines cost him $50k buy land build a house he likes it I been there once its relaxation haha he happy married all counts
Budget here here are highly subjective , and the other reasons you mentioned (and many more) are definitely all true. For me , it's death by a thousand cuts. Negatives can happen here on almost a daily basis. But , With cost of living that has dramatically risen in the west.....ask yourself.....Can I now afford to move back ?
USA cant afford me. Left in 2008. Worked around globe. Settled in Vietnam. Built a 3 story beachfront house 200 meters from ocean in 2023. Now buying a house in sapa, mountain region. Great life.
answer be no a lot them unless they never sold there home its rented then yes, why not but like this in philippines u pay rent mobile phone elect gas food travel in western world car house insurance mobile phone electricity gas water rent or mortgage land line if have car insurance u have health insurance also house insurance list go on
I wish RUclipsrs would stop putting out bad info on living here in the Philippines. Living here is what you make it, most of the bad relationship videos or retirees coming here with no monthly income or very little savings are almost all bad choices by the expat. There are so many common sense red flags. Don't come here thinking because you have $20,000 savings but to young to retire, because you will run out of money, and on top of that they get their Filipina pregnant and now have to go back to the us to work. You can live in BGC for $1400 a month, but just no savings. I pay $600 on my one bedroom condo, $400 on groceries, $200 on utilities and $200 on transportation around the city. You would pay at least 2 to 3 times more in New York where I'm from to have the same life because on top of the very high rent, you still need transportation (a car) with the gas, repairs, price of food, health insurance, and utilities. And here all you have to do is live outside the city and everything just got a lot cheaper, now that guy that has $1500 a month can afford all the above and have a little savings to travel here a couple times a year. Living here is all about choices and decisions. Be smart, do your research and come here on vacation for a few weeks if possible and travel to a few different islands and I'm positive that 95% will love it here. Learn their culture, history, and treat them with respect because you won't find better people. There is a place for everyone here. If you like quiet mountains, you can live there, if you like tourist destinations you can live there, if you like the nightlife in a beautiful city you can live here. Just learn to slow down because nobody rushes here lol. My advice is to find someone online and ask all the right questions, look at their facebook, is she working, does she live at home in the province or alone in the city, does she have children, and before making her your girlfriend speak to her a a daily basis and video chat. After about 6 months to a year fly there to meet her and her family. Then you can take a chance on someone that is willing to go through all that to be with you. Anyway sorry for the long comment lol have a great day
One of the best, if not the best, video I have watched about moving to the Philippines. (Which is saying something because I have watched a LOT of videos on the topic.) I suspect the main reason why an expat would try another Asian nation or return to his home country is because he failed to find a woman that he has heard about or watched on RUclips. I say this because I believe in that meme that "love conquers all" in the sense that if a man is in a happy love-filled relationship he can pretty much endure anything. Regarding those rose-colored glasses you mention, that's correct, except I would describe them as "rose-colored LOVE glasses" that I assume just about all American men are wearing when they board a plane in Anywhere USA. And I think many of those men during the flight to Philippines are wondering to themselves: "Will there be beautiful drooling Filipinas greeting me at the airport, or does that happen only when I strut around the shopping malls. Should I give to every Filipina who eyes me one of the special cards I had printed up with my name and e-mail address, or to only the few select candidates I am considering?"
Thank you for your kind compliment. I agree with your perspective. I think most guys do find what they are looking for, or at least a more realistic version.
The Philippines will make anyone very very happy only if you are well off (not super-rich) because, for much LESS, and much EASIER, you get any service, any food, any help, and any kind of accommodation. Imagine: never needing to clean anything, drive or cook - you can afford someone to do that for you. In the USA, even the super-rich can't afford a live-in care-taker. Also, in the Philippines, you will feel more free: very few restrictions on what you can't do, as long as it's respectful and not criminal. Lastly, remember: one day you will be old and need A LOT OF HELP. It would be better in the Philippines. In any case, my recommendation is to keep a small place in your country of origin as plan-B, also for health benefits.
yes the rich do this total agree there washing done cleaned Putaway garden done cars washed groceries done they do simple nothing for me I like that but prefer do myself its called laziness how about dress them hehe in western world rich do this yes but not all,i have a friend a doctor there her mum there she has 2 girls wash the clothes clean the house she lives in sampoloc works in manila Quezon City wow first time I went there I like far out she does nothing food cooked everything done I was like this be ok but then I be lazy but hand washing she not buy a washing machine no idea why, she does nothing everything done like a gold plate wages she pays as there live in house maids 3500 peso a month each just heard 2 weeks ago she in Quezon City a rich subdivision
@@mamasita65 It's not "laziness". It's high standard of living, for those who have a bit more means. Rich people do not sit all day long doing nothing. But they do not need to waste their time driving, cleaning and cooking. Also, when you get older, you can't do many things. Laziness is mostly among the poor people who are not even trying to better their situation.
Great video. I'm filipino and am surprised at how people just don't know - social media really makes you see what you want to see. The way around this is to also search for the opposite of what you're looking for. That said, most Americans emigrate to either Mexico, Canada or India at a million a pop. The PI is a distant 5th at around 300k Americans living there. There's a reason why it's 5th.
@@WShan1966 Those are pre-pandemic numbers. Wikipedia has it between 300k & 600k. tbh, where I'm at, I'm feeling like it's 300k, and most folks have headed to Bali or Thailand, ymmv.
John the way you explained problems is not in extreme ways it becomes "challenges" not the typical americans that put in explicit complaining with harsh words. It is with deep understanding on the context i like it man.
i’ve never come across anything that says that anyone other than a Filipino citizen can own land. I’m curious where you got information contrary to this.
@@timtarr9364ex-pats need to get the “own property- land “ thing outta their craw😆😆ain’t gonna happen,plus when you’re on the last leg of your life, what difference would it make if you “owned” a house in a third world country? I married my Filipina when she was 23 and I was 63 ,8 years ago, she treats me like a king, I bought a small house for around 50,000 USD , she will always have a roof over her head, after I croak 😆😆 what’s the big deal about owning a piece of paper (deed) that says the house is in your name? if you’re obsessed with owning property, stay in your country, ain’t gonna happen in the PI 😆😆
Sorry, my man, but I don’t agree with you on the restaurant experience. It’s not that they are trying to be overly courteous by ignoring you. It is because the fact that they are lazy and they’re not getting paid enough salary to care. But your spot on on many things I totally agree with you on other points.
Very valid point Forget Why They Left and 100% true. One wise man once said: "The grass is always greener at the other side. And you know why? Because there is more shit over there." We tend to romantisize the other side while the reality is that we forgot why we left in the first place. That's why it's advicable to make a journal (video recording) when you're still in your country before leaving to the Philippines or other destination. That way you can always look back at your past conditions as a remembrance and point of reference.
It is best to snowbird here if you can afford to. I am not giving up my condo in Gainesville FL, or my 20 acre hunting camp with 3 bedroom log cabin an hour to the west of my condo. I like the hu ting and fishing in FL too much to give all the up. I am 39, single and retired and find a new gf every time I come here. When all the negative things about the Philippines ( noise, pollution, out of stock, spotty internet, monthly power blackouts) gets too much, I go back home where I hunt, fish, and smoke legal pot. When I need a new gf, I come back to my condo in Mandani Bay, Cebu City. Wash, rinse, repeat.. best of both worlds.
Now that is an interesting idea. Filipina for the trad wife, thailand for the food and exploration! Thumbs up. I need to do indepth on vietnam, cambodia, indonesia etc.
If I see something I want to eat, I send the link to my wife that sends it to our cook. Shrimp tacos, chicken joy nuggets, quesadillas, omelets, mashed potatoes, hamburgers, etc. but I like some Philippines dishes too.
Technology has made it much easier to tolerate… banking apps, grab, foodpanda, lazada, etc. Anyone complaining now has no idea how difficult it was even a decade ago. Truly the dark ages.
@@lightner6924Not really. Many small towns in the Philippines are much safer, more comfortable and more convenient for everything one could want than many supposedly more advanced countries.
Very informative, thank you! My company is trying to relocate me to PH - they have moved me all over, Netherlands, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and now there’s an opportunity in PH. I adjust pretty well and love embracing new cultures and discovering new things. I’ll be based in Makati if I take this opportunity but what is good salary to enjoy the Philippines?
Thank you very much. I'd say a good salary to enjoy is $3500 or more, but really depends on the lifestyle you want. Some people are happy with $1500 per month. Others $5000.
I totally agree that there are some bloggers who blow sunshine up your skirt and really don't show the true reality of the philippines. We are guests in the country and can be asked to leave at any time. Many people don't do their recon missions and utilize the one month visa free option to visit several places during their stay, and they don't come at different times of the year . Stay away from the tourist areas and visit cultural areas and various other affordable options. Go to baguio City and go to the beach areas. It depends on your budget and what your needs are. Make a list of wants and needs and focus on your needs first. For. Many it's good health care and shopping opportunities like malls and for others its more budget minded. Do your research, and you will find a place suitable for you.
It's much different than the USA. Some will embrace the difference, others won't. You won't know which group you're in until you experience the country for yourself. If you do come stay long enough to see if it really is or isn't for you.
The best way it works for me is to live in 2-3 countries, the PH being one of them. I love the PH but I do need to get out after some 6 months. I need different food, different people and I need to get things done business-wise. So, I stay out for some time and return. But if I have to be in the PH 365 days a year, the " challenges" start getting to me.
quality of life here is not very good. i wouldnt move here if you're from europe/australia or north america. retirees, please go to vietnam or thailand. but if you're an investor, you're welcome!
You are right PH is not for everybody and not a perfect place either. We have to struggle life here with less privileged especially on health care not like the other Western countries. But I'm proud to be a local here even though living here is a challenge, this is the place I grew up and I still live a life with content for over 5 decades and still keep going.
I love that way of waiters, the last thing I want is a waiter in my face all the time when eating out, I think that is mostly American with their tipping culture. In this, I think the Philippines is closer to Europe.
Filipinos on average live around their income line which averages $10/day. A Western expat cannot make such a dramatic change and still be happy. He has grown accustomed to air con and a variety of food and comfortable shoes etc etc. In other words, he has grown soft. Technically, he too can survive on $300/month but that is not usually realistic in terms of psychology. I try to avoid Westerners who spend a lot of money or who measure their self-worth in terms of their financial worth or ability to spend money. I want my male friends to think and act like men, not women. Gossiping, boasting about wasting money, living in fantasy...these are female endeavors. Sadly, many Western men in the Philippines have terrible values: they are proud of what is shameful, and ashamed of things they should be proud of. I tried to help these people but now see my efforts were mostly a waste of time. What Trump said about Mexico not sending its best probably also applies to those America is sending to the Philippines.
If you don’t mind saying farewell to all your favorite Aussie foods and comforts it’s not more expensive. And it’s highly dependent on location just like anywhere else.
@@whitesamurai I was looking at retiring in the Philippines last year. My wife is a filipina. What i saw last year made me aware. I like my comfort. I do not want to live in field conditions. I was planning living there 3 months at a time then back to the states. I decided I will stay in the states.
When my Filipina wife and I married in 1990 no one informed me of any potential cultural shocks but in time when my wife made the move from Cebu to the States that's when things became obvious to me. For example, her eating with her hands or while using spoons and forks to cut meat into bite-sized pieces!
I only see more and more people come to Ph so many vloges over last 2 years ! So yeah if 100 come and 10 leave Expats are not leaving they comming ! Look how many Russians Samal Isaland have 3 years ago they were not at all there
I'm not sure how those expats live but for a normal Filipino household, $500-$1000 is very much livable. At least for a family of 3. $1000 can even be considered as being well-off. It's probably their lifestyle that makes it look like it is not enough.
I have really tried with this girl . But to make a long story short...it’s a “transactionional” relationship. Even that would be ok ,except for the constant lieing ,and lack of accountability, she is very beautiful 😃. This has been my experience with a Filipina girl 2years now.
#1 the $1US goes far here not like in the USA 2. Depends WHERE you live. 3. Fuck traffic. Im done with EDSA. It has gone from bad to worse. BUT so is the 60fwy and 605fwy in CA. People are more disciplined in the US at intersections....filipinos are not. Its a free for all.
I lived in California for 62 years before retiring 2 years past. Lived in Mexico 1-year and the past year in Bohol, Phillipines. I live here with a substantially improved "quality of life" at 1/3 the price of the US. The US is definitely lacking in comparison considering its classification as a "1st World Country".
Everything in life is not about money. Is everything perfect or easy here? NO. I live here by choice. My life here is so much better in so many ways. That's why.
Most Filipinos leave the Philippines for greener pastures, but the moment they get financially established, especially when they are about to retire, they consider or even start preparing to go back home. There are various reasons for wanting to go back to the Philippines, but there are also various reasons for wanting to stay wherever they have immigrated; what is good for someone may not be good for others because no two persons or couples have exact life situations.
CLEARLY you know nothing. People leave because there are NO job opportunities here. The Filipinos are close to their families FYI. Majority will not leave if they have the choice. GET EDUCATED, BRUH do you wouldnt sound st/upid. 😊
Saying there is health insurance in PH is misleading. The cost increases with age. By age 70 it can be $1000/mo USD and that's only if you're healthy. And that cost keeps increasing. Qualifying can be impossible for people with existing health issues. That qualifying requirement is a yearly thing. To me there isn't any health insurance because it's very unlikely to be useful long term.
Generally speaking, majortiy of what you are sharing is more of you not understanding the local culture and adjusting here. None of the things you mentioned is not bad per se. Example, on bad customer service. That’s not bad customer service. That’s just how it is done.
Let's be honest is difficult in a foreign land if you just ordinary it's only if you have enough money to build a buissness then you are secured .There are no countries you can live a good life without enough money. Decent Filipino girls are looking also a decent man . They are conservative and family are also decent. They don't take advantage of the foreign people and undecent girls are not good and the family will take advantage of you. When looking a wife in the Philippine only look for a decent one.
for me I hate it here. after 9 yrs off and on, I have had it. I am tired of the loud Karaoke, constant barking dogs, crowing roosters, neighbors revving up there engines. The constant smoke from burning garbage even when they have garbage collection. It is a disrespectful and rude culture, tired of the skin tax filipinos time irritates the F out of me. Filipinos don't to tell you they are not showing up. The lazy cops and Barangay capts that won't enforce the laws. The dangerous and reckless stupid drivers. it is the most ignorant culture I ever saw. Freaking hypocrites. Go to mass on sunday and cheat you on monday. They love Gays and ladyboys. The red tape is a nightmare. It is a corrupt society. They say they are all about family, but when they become successful they are jealous or expect hand outs. They suck their families dry that work as OFWs which is nothing but cheap slave labor. The filipino employers pay cheap wages an average 400 pesos a day. That is what I can think of right now. ADIOS PI
Wherever you can find which is the best for you why shpuld you not leave. If you are not satisfied of what pHilippines can offer, you can go somewhere.
Death by 1,000 cuts is a great way to describe the customer service issue. Cultural misunderstands aside, you don't (and I'm looking at you S&R and every fast food place here) put the hot fries or pizza, or cold frosty drink on a tray when you know it will be a 15 minutes before the rest of the order will come up. I think that's the only thing that still drives me nuts.
As with everything, thorough research is important before you move anywhere and that includes scouting and trying to stay there on trial and not just as a tourist. The Philippines is not cheap, of course one can scrimp and stretch your dollars or euros here but you get what you pay for. Just be careful with our women, they're not as demure and submissive as you think. 😅
Very true about thorough research and also very true that Filipinas are not always so mindful so demure and so submissive even if the meme says so lol. It’s honestly exhausting at times to know what a Filipino is truly like here. but time and observation tells all
Maybe starting first in BGC, a western bubble, then gradually moving to more typically Filipino areas of Manila, would be the best way to do it as a solo traveler with no experience in the region. It's hard to beat the English advantage of the Philippines.
Some good points, and i would add, dogs, insect and the heat in general (and maybe rooster). But Philippines is not new york, if you need 2000 usd in philippines, then you are just bad at money management. I can live a good life on less than 1000 usd in most places in the west, and then im including traveling etc. Not sure what people waste their money on, because rent, food, traveling is not that expensive.
8 years in the Philippines for me and this is home until the end. This is not a perfect place but you can build a nice life here, have a home in the mountains, a good partner and all the material things you want. The big positive here is freedom for me. I can get on my motor with my girl, go anywhere and no one bothers me. I'm an old man now and found peace in the Philippines. Salamat.
Thank you, brother! You will always be welcome in our home country. May you continue to be blessed with happiness, freedom, and a good life. I truly respect and admire your humility and gratitude
@@entry2959 Thank you. May God bless you and your family as well. I'm grateful and blessed to call your country home.
How old were you when you moved ?
@@thylacine1004 I was 56.
Thank you
Almost 2 years now in the Philippines. This is home now and I will die here. I have no desire to live in the states again. I'll visit, but that's it.
i am romanian and my gf shes filipina i am moving there too ...FOREVER
2 years is still in the rose tinted glasses stage.
I'm just about to celebrate my first year of retirement in the Philippines. I think perspective is everything. I knew what I was getting into before I ever got here. Are there any things that annoy me about living in the Philippines? Yes. When I get frustrated, I remind myself of the reasons why I left the United States to begin with. I also reflect on the great things I do enjoy about living here which certainly outweigh the negatives. The cost of living, really friendly people, and the proximity to great travel opportunities. As far as dating goes, I think most men wouldn't have the opportunity to date someone much younger than themselves in the United States because it's not widely accepted. My own girlfriend is 30 years old without children. At my ripe age of early my early '60s, I wouldn't have this opportunity back in the United States. My stress level has been completely dialed back so much compared to living in the United States. There are so many cuisine options in the Philippines besides the local meals. The simple solution is to cook your own food if you don't like Filipino food. I shop at the wet market about once a week and it saves me money. I don't miss my expensive grocery bills in the United States for just a few bags of groceries.
congrats u doing well leaving u country and start a new life hope u have a bag of gold for u ever get sick there if u can run back u country if needed but there a lot westerns living the philippines I think more u Americans now as u country not safe people shooting each other hard to drive as someone wants a claim u rent and housing expensive I ben gone also I was in this situation but im not,im in australia its a great country to live I wouldnt give it up I been philippines I had lived in manila in 2007 a year hated it, now things have changed which ok, but u proberly right u get a few bags groceries now and wont fill up u trolley where in philippines it does fill up,i just got back the supermarket bought beef mince 500 grams spaghetti pasta and some bread magnum ice cream and some peanuts cost me $28 in philippines I can buy carton milk apple pears banana mango list go on travelling there and taxi are cheap, but if we say everything cheap the money will go quick also, but 1 thing is the city polluction traffic u cannot cross the road I tried its a nightmare and dangerous even I put me hand up locals stop but other wise boom u hot by a bike or car its bad now unless have police or a traffic enforcer u rent be costly u country compare philippines as u can choose where u want to live negatives traffic water u cannot drink u tap/faucet u say electricity keeps running fast u have to pay u bills on time or cut off shopping supermarkets check out girl to slow, traffic chaos doesnt move polluction bad u healthfulness u live in the provinces its ok fresh air me I like a holiday u say vacation but live no thanx
@@mamasita65 ... It doesn't turn out to be a place for everyone. The United States has become so expensive now. The dating market is also ridiculous with too many stupid games. But if you're happy where you are, that's great. I would love to visit Oz some day. Especially just a little town somewhere. By the way friend, you might try using punctuation in your statements starting with periods 😂
I would say, almost none of my friends in USA would be content here. It takes a special kind of person to be content here. There are many challenges. I grew up in a snow region. Every winter was a challenge you had to prepare for. So I can easily accept the challenges of the Philippines. But no matter how bad my day is, I never have to shovel snow ! .
spot on comment 👍👍👍👍
You may have forgotten about autumn leaves. I have 2 Birch, a couple of spruce trees, and a pine tree in my yard.
Oh man, the amount of leaves I have to clean up not to mention pesky pinecones. Snow is another headache.
@@4rct1c9Ic3m4n I had forgotten about leaves !
We live in the Philippines and this is true. It really is an adjustment. Though there are many positives such as ebingo and cock fighting. Plus driving is really not needed with Grab, P2P buses or Bokyo's. We drive however it's just for relaxation. It's fun to drive in the Philippines on the expressways & barrio roads. When my friends come out they're nervous to drive. You need to be a bit adventurous but it's worth it
I guess I am the weird one. I enjoy shoveling snow from our driveway no matter how high it is. I like the workout. On the other hand, I still prefer hot, humid weather over very cold winters.
This kind of reminds me of strangers visiting my home and comparing it to their bigger, fancier house or maybe a friend’s more organized place! Then they start looking for things they have in their home and getting frustrated when they don’t find them in mine. And then, despite all that, they decide to stay longer. But instead of appreciating my family's hospitality, they just continue to criticize and insult us even more. Just amazing!
I hope your patience stays strong.
Foreigners they become materialistic that is how they brought up they forgot that one day everything change and life become difficult what will they do is better to learn a simple life you will not regret in the future.
The only reason the stranger is there is because of women. If they could get younger women where they live, they would not bother to visit your home.
There are countless reasons why people visit and even stay in the Philippines-it’s a beautiful country with so much to offer. If you’re only thinking about younger women, that says more about you. Speak for yourself, not everyone has that kind of mindset.
filipino people are friendly welcoming and easy people I ever met and polite I never come across a bad one as yet when I do I say what I feel had one rich filipino thinks he could tell me what to do in cebu I told him where to go I dont care he rich or not but as I said most are great people as imn my country rich or poor we treat equal
Just stumbled on your channel. Been married to a Filipina for almost 13 years. Brought her to the states when she was 21 and I was 40. Best thing I ever did. She is from the Leyte province (near Tacloban) and I have been there many times. Patience is my biggest issue. I try to prep myself as i'm on the way, you gotta have tremendous patience there and not just there. If you marry one as I did and bring her here, it requires tremendous amounts of patience, as you have to teach them our customs, for example.... you don't just run up to the front of a line and you don't crowd people as they're paying at the cash register, you don't simply wave your hand to stop traffic to cross the street. Just simple things you have to teach them.
I subscribed and like what I see so far, keep the vids coming
hehe yes they seem to try jump in line first I hate it like on the plane and get off they want to try push first doesnt happen in western countries but they learn u need stomach to go the philippines I look forward going there but each time I do I get sick there weather or polluction crap yes but does she like u country proberly does as she proberly like to work for her parents where we dont do this as our parents look after us there learn opposite to us they dont say good morning much or when they go to bed no good night nothing no hello a lot them lot people call me Joe but thats only Americans are call this im not american but end of the day all they know so u age now 53 she 34 ok doing great Leyte hmm the wife got aunties cousins there hehe
@@gordonb1737 appreciate your support and sharing your experience
I love the Philippines. Never leaving.
Maybe because you never tried Thailand
Some people build it up in their mind and then can't take the reality. It's definitely not for everyone.
Came at 50. More girls than hefner till 60 then got married. 73, happy, daughter in sweden son in texas, 2 daughters here all dual citizens.
Cheap is available, but you get what you pay for... everywhere.
If you like hot and humid, Philippines is for you.
yup an that applies to every other country in SEA .. South America .. Africa .. Florida lol
But Philippines is so beautiful country and people are kind
@NoToYellowpigs
yes the people are the Philippines #1 asset .. very nice
Do you live in The Philippines? If not, have you visited The Philippines?
Extremely hot and very humid not nice but the people very nice friendly and gold skin women lol😊my Filipina the best wife ever 😊
Thank you for telling the truth! Philippines is for Filipinos. We welcome foreigners, but remember that you have an open door policy. You can leave anytime you want! If you were a westerner and cannot adjust, then you leave or go back to where you came from. Plain and simple.
True dont compare as to thailand or vietnam we dont care go live there philippines is not for foreigners y dont u live to japan instead or korea 😩😁
@@Missy_potato Foreigners need to adjust to the Filipino way of life in the Philippines. If they demand too much, because we know they have the buying power due to their currency and they’re not happy, they can leave at any given time. Filipinos have always welcome foreigners with open arms since Magellan’s arrival. We don’t need to adjust to them. They are fortunate enough that English is a 2nd official language and they would be helped if they ask politely. They can go to Thailand and have lady boys or Vietnam and learn the language. Philippines is for Filipinos.
As a US citizen tired of arrogant, entitled expats, I agree 100%
TRUE. In thailand, these foreigners are being spoiled. We wont do that here. Adjust, adapt... or go home
In the West, we were taught to adapt to others around us. I think that is where the attitude comes from. I know in America, if we don't accept people's complaints, we are told we are racist.
The visitors who speak positively about the Philippines aren't selling a dream - it's simply how they experience it here. They’ve found something that resonates with them.
It totally sucks there. Stop lying about it. Most just want you to think they’re smart and made a good decision.
@@jerrymylove1754 hehe a lot spend thousands dollars next thing want to sell up go home wrong thing to do
*There's too much foreigner abuse going on in the Philippines at every level and it's getting worse.
*So, once people spend enough time there, they get a chance to interact with other foreigners, experience the real deal and realize they shouldn't have listened to sugar coated information about the place.
I noticed that when I went into the areas that were more concentrated with expats that the locals just seemed to tolerate us because of the money and didn't really care about what we thought. This is not the case out in the provinces where we are few and far between. The people out on the bonduk haven't been jaded yet and do enjoy getting to know us and about where we come from.
People don't seem willing to call Filipinos out for their true behaviour. I find them rude, racist, ignorant, poorly educated, selfish, and inconsiderate. The idea that they are such friendly and awesome people is a myth they tell same as their great beaches!
Why expect rockstar treatment? Try getting that in your country.
@@archieureta2964
*What rockstar treatment???
*What are you talking about???
*Does the average Filipino get rockstar treatment???
NO!!!
*What's wrong with being treated like a Filipino???
*Aren't ALL men created equal???
-I want to pay the same price as a local.
-I want my security deposit back.
-Taxi drivers should charge me the same.
-we pay $600 for what a Filipino pays $250.
-Which average Filipino pays a salary or an allowance to his girlfriend???
-If and when they buy land and build a house, a Filipina CAN NOT steal it!!!
-Etc.. Etc... Etc..
*WHAT rockstar treatment??????????
*We're talking about foreigner abuse NOT rockstar treatment!!!!!!!
to many much more coming there now
I'm an expat in Ecuador and the Philipina reasons to exit resonate here. Sadly, some content creators set unrealistic expectations. Expats who return often do so out of culture shock, little things like they didn't like the mattress provided in their furnished apartment was low quality (it's Ecuador folks), experience a crime, struggle with the language, get sick from the food, or struggle with the language. Those who stay tend to stay long enough to work through their rose-colored glasses issues, learn enough of the language to make Ecuadorian friends, and before they know it, they get in sync with the culture and make a new life.
wow learn tagalog or bisaya isnt hard at all, people like this because there use to there own culture way living
If ur Equadorian, u speak spanish.. we have a lot of spanish vocabulary.. lol..
I don’t look around to see what the next guy is doing, I do my own thing. When I was in The Philippines, I loved it.
Very good accurate video with some excellent comments !!!
Glad you enjoyed it
When I left the US, I was living in a car that didn't run , that i was still making payments on.
It won't happen to me again. In the Philippines, I don't have a car, and I can't get credit.
??
Expatriates have different perspective , whether you like it or not the Philippines is very welcoming .... up to the point that the people or inhabitant are very hospitable with ready smile while they cross in the street and ready to help . Infrastructure is there and gradually making a new projects for the future like the subway system etc. The cost of living like food is very affordable compared to the US of A, London, UK, foreigners are coming in massive amount trying to escape the expensive life ,abandoning the american dreams and high taxes in other nation.
Speaking of if food, we have plenty of fresh vegetables, fresh meat and fish unlike in other countries where they buy and eat a lot of processed food.
@@anglumangsiklista Nonsense. Terrible food. Worst in Asia by far.
Let me make this easy: Many come for the women; many end up leaving because of the women. $$$$$$
most go there for women yes and no there a reason why the women are gone because the man wants to play around and the women might be demanding to much but this happens any country not just blame philippines
Mad Bars
The "service" expected by those of you from the USA is due to the waiter staff in the USA (not the UK or Europe) trying to get you in, fed and out as quickly as possible so they get more tips to supplement their low wages.
I Europe a meal can last 2 hours or more as you are able to relax and enjoy the meals properly.. they are not rushing you as they are not relying on a fast turnaround for more tips, they know that they will only get a tip if the service if above par, the food good and they don't rush you.
Yes, your right. It's culturally different. However, I think at some of these places where there are lots of foreigners that people know are from western countries that want a different type of service it would be smart of these restaurants to train staff about differences. I've had smaller restaurants in the Philippines and they knew there were different service expectations. In the same way, as a foreigner with businesses in the Philippines I've needed to learn the work culture to know how to bring the best out in my employees.
@WatchCaliforniaExpat Americans should walk around there with the USA flag.. that way Filipinos will be able to tell they need to rush service and let the rest of us from Europe and UK
relax over our meals there.
If you Americans are wanting to visit or live in other countries, the first thing that you should learn is to respect the locals and to relax.. go at the pace of the local culture or stay at home.
You should change to adapt to the country you go to not expect that country to change to suit yourself.
@@KeithFLOOK-wd3uwI have European friends here and everyone complains about the same things here. But good for you that you don't let these things bother you. I'm working on myself to not stress about stupid things like this. By the way, thanks for your dose of sarcasm. I can never quite get enough of it in my day.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat dffrent story at russian village samal island .no malls no high rise buildings russian live simple
@@richardunica3542 Yes, I've heard that. Seems like a nice place to live.
Excellent video!
Am on my 16th year here...I agree on everything you mention completely, Refreshing to see a truly honest and real video. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for sharing. You've been here a long time! Where have you lived over here and where is your favorite place if you don't mind me asking?
@WatchCaliforniaExpat I live in North Luzon in a major city for a good education for my teenage daughter. I travel a lot by motorcycle, recently down to Leyte and back via Cebu, Bacolod, IloIlo, Boracay, Batangas to home.
Very tough for a favourite place..I do enjoy up north around Pagudpud, I like Palawan east coast for the secluded beaches. Really for me there is too many places I enjoy, Baguio, Bolinao, Bicol region, Leyte, Negro's, Mindanao. I guess it's why I ride a bike here.
@@tremorflow3614 sorry I missed your response earlier. Thank you very much for sharing some of your favorite places.
maturity indeed hits u when u realized u cant be everyone's cup of tea, we appreciate tho ur honesty may u finally be contented to your next journey never again come back here goodbye all expat.
Nice video. First time that I came across your channel. I agree with you on your observations. I lived in the Philippines for 2 yrs in the late 80s. It took about a year to get adjusted. 2nd yr went well and I felt that I kind of belonged there. When I had to return to the US...I missed it. Felt lonely here. Nice video.
@@eriksundstrom6826 thank you for your support and sharing your experience
I like it here. Not anything close to Europe but I didn't expect it to be anyway.
yeah not many parasites aka illegal migrants, you mean
Great video John!!!! 2 thumbs up my friend!!!!
Thank you my friend!!
My take is that the Ph. nowadays is for folks who are not very direct and can hide their real feelings w/o too much effort. That's my impression of what makes you blend in, since being direct isn't a great thing here.
This together with the higher competition for young filipinas, which is driven by fb/social media/online dating sites makes "the big prize" for many westerners way harder to find.
And if you combine those two and still find dates or gfs, my impression is that it was way more attractive being an older western guy before. Now, it's single moms that still may want you, women not seldom with toxic behaviour, if you are indirect and passive aggresive you may be able to take the "hot and cold", the lies, the ungratefulness, etc, etc, if you're direct though chances are it's gonna turn bad and eventually end.
About infrastructure, food, etc, me personally, I have gotten somewhat used to it Sure, you want some western comfort, you can have that though in the cities, by renting a condo or upscale house. As for jobs here, I don't care about that, since I work remotely in my home country.
No, aside from my first two points, I'd say a third one, which is scams and it's a bit related. Since ppl seem to rely on others being indirect and conflict shy, it's not seldom used to scam you. If you rent some aptmt or house, it's never the landlords fault, and if he or she should take some responsibility, say after months of complaining, it's like they saved the world. And as for other scams, it's clearly in the "relationship-market" nowadays, I guess it's some of us guys' fault. If you connect with women online, often they'll discard you if you say you're in the Ph., cos they're not looking for a real relationship even if they say they do, they try to attract what's now known as "simps" for "LDRs", which basically means they can have a bunch of westerners they claim to have relationships with, and then regularly scam them into sending money. Another theme which can be combined with the first is they'll strip, etc, online for money.
Next you have local girls that may connect with you, it may still be scams though, they don't really want a relationship with you, chances are they already have others, but they can "impersonate" being your gf if they can get money from you.
You can counter that of course by going for older/less attractive women, who likely are more serious and looking for a real relationship. But again, the main point going here for lots of guys I think is to be able to have a relationship with a younger, somewhat attractive girl, not doing worse than at home, so I think the Ph. simply has become oversaturated with guys, not least online so the "romance"-thing is kinda ruined, unless you're willing to settle or be scammed. That's why many are leaving if you ask me.
What I've gathered, many filipinas aren't all that interested in having live-in bfs, or husbands, anymore. They have some kids with someone and the relationship falls apart and then they live close to their own family, raising the kids by themselves. Some women like that, they don't have to "share" their kids and their upbringing with an "outside guy", instead it's "all in the family", which makes it easier and you don't have to adapt to some other family and their values/rules. To come in in such a setting as a foreigner, living with some local woman who has several kids and live close to her family, I'd think is bound to fail unless you're somekinda social genius.
I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts, and its obvious you've spent a lot of time here and been very observant with how things are. Do you live in the Ph still? For me, I'm still optimistic with the possibility of finding a great partner here. But I agree its harder than ever. On another note, if living overseas and not the Philippines, where better? For me, places like Thailand has girls that are either more conservative in the rural areas or who are far more direct about expecting a financial transactional relationship. Or Vietnam seems communication and meeting someone would be more challenging.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Yeah, I've already been to Thailand and the grass ain't greener there in my opinion. I haven't been to other countries in SE Asia though, so I'll probably take a break from the Ph. and travel to some of the neighbors for a while.
On the positive side for the Ph. i'd say is the ease to exist in society. If you don't bother ppl, they'll mostly appreciate your presence.
Now as for romance, maybe you could tell I was recently burned. The problem if you're direct like me is it may turn toxic. Eventually, if I find someone, I figure she has to be quite emotionally stable if it's gonna work with me. Not that easy to find though, it seems, if you still want young and somewhat attractive.
Well, I guess it's nothing new under the sun 😅 Thanks for the vid. btw, it was good.
@@nows1567 Appreciate you sharing more. It's tough out there! I can really relate to everything you've said. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thanks for sharing that. Was really looking for a province girl that hopefully hasn't been "poisoned" with predator ideas and would like a solid secure relationship. Hmm
Great video John. This is the non rose colored glasses view! 😊😊 The honest opinion!
Thank you Jamie! Appreciate it
I have been here 13 years now, I will never move back to the U. S. A. 🎉
I understand how you feel
easy life is why u proberly getting a pension my mate lives in dipolog city 8 years built a house got married has a daughter he not coming back also he said life easy but he misses bunnings store he said if he could afford to buy house here he be back but philippines cost him $50k buy land build a house he likes it I been there once its relaxation haha he happy married all counts
Expats can come ang go as they please. Thank you anyway for visiting our beautiful county. Bye, bye.
Budget here here are highly subjective , and the other reasons you mentioned (and many more) are definitely all true.
For me , it's death by a thousand cuts. Negatives can happen here on almost a daily basis. But , With cost of living that has dramatically risen in the west.....ask yourself.....Can I now afford to move back ?
USA cant afford me. Left in 2008. Worked around globe. Settled in Vietnam. Built a 3 story beachfront house 200 meters from ocean in 2023.
Now buying a house in sapa, mountain region. Great life.
answer be no a lot them unless they never sold there home its rented then yes, why not but like this in philippines u pay rent mobile phone elect gas food travel in western world car house insurance mobile phone electricity gas water rent or mortgage land line if have car insurance u have health insurance also house insurance list go on
Well said and I agree all of this is true.
Thank you very much
I lived there over a year and it was so god awful bad I still have PTSD over it.
I wish RUclipsrs would stop putting out bad info on living here in the Philippines. Living here is what you make it, most of the bad relationship videos or retirees coming here with no monthly income or very little savings are almost all bad choices by the expat. There are so many common sense red flags. Don't come here thinking because you have $20,000 savings but to young to retire, because you will run out of money, and on top of that they get their Filipina pregnant and now have to go back to the us to work. You can live in BGC for $1400 a month, but just no savings. I pay $600 on my one bedroom condo, $400 on groceries, $200 on utilities and $200 on transportation around the city. You would pay at least 2 to 3 times more in New York where I'm from to have the same life because on top of the very high rent, you still need transportation (a car) with the gas, repairs, price of food, health insurance, and utilities. And here all you have to do is live outside the city and everything just got a lot cheaper, now that guy that has $1500 a month can afford all the above and have a little savings to travel here a couple times a year. Living here is all about choices and decisions. Be smart, do your research and come here on vacation for a few weeks if possible and travel to a few different islands and I'm positive that 95% will love it here. Learn their culture, history, and treat them with respect because you won't find better people. There is a place for everyone here. If you like quiet mountains, you can live there, if you like tourist destinations you can live there, if you like the nightlife in a beautiful city you can live here. Just learn to slow down because nobody rushes here lol. My advice is to find someone online and ask all the right questions, look at their facebook, is she working, does she live at home in the province or alone in the city, does she have children, and before making her your girlfriend speak to her a a daily basis and video chat. After about 6 months to a year fly there to meet her and her family. Then you can take a chance on someone that is willing to go through all that to be with you. Anyway sorry for the long comment lol have a great day
One of the best, if not the best, video I have watched about moving to the Philippines. (Which is saying something because I have watched a LOT of videos on the topic.)
I suspect the main reason why an expat would try another Asian nation or return to his home country is because he failed to find a woman that he has heard about or watched on RUclips. I say this because I believe in that meme that "love conquers all" in the sense that if a man is in a happy love-filled relationship he can pretty much endure anything.
Regarding those rose-colored glasses you mention, that's correct, except I would describe them as "rose-colored LOVE glasses" that I assume just about all American men are wearing when they board a plane in Anywhere USA.
And I think many of those men during the flight to Philippines are wondering to themselves: "Will there be beautiful drooling Filipinas greeting me at the airport, or does that happen only when I strut around the shopping malls. Should I give to every Filipina who eyes me one of the special cards I had printed up with my name and e-mail address, or to only the few select candidates I am considering?"
Thank you for your kind compliment.
I agree with your perspective. I think most guys do find what they are looking for, or at least a more realistic version.
This is one of the most truthful and transparent videos on YT. Thanks for your content. You are keeping it real.
I appreciate that!
The Philippines will make anyone very very happy only if you are well off (not super-rich) because, for much LESS, and much EASIER, you get any service, any food, any help, and any kind of accommodation. Imagine: never needing to clean anything, drive or cook - you can afford someone to do that for you. In the USA, even the super-rich can't afford a live-in care-taker.
Also, in the Philippines, you will feel more free: very few restrictions on what you can't do, as long as it's respectful and not criminal.
Lastly, remember: one day you will be old and need A LOT OF HELP. It would be better in the Philippines.
In any case, my recommendation is to keep a small place in your country of origin as plan-B, also for health benefits.
wise words, very thoughtful and i also agree on everything this guy said
Plan-B is what I am doing 😊
yes the rich do this total agree there washing done cleaned Putaway garden done cars washed groceries done they do simple nothing for me I like that but prefer do myself its called laziness how about dress them hehe in western world rich do this yes but not all,i have a friend a doctor there her mum there she has 2 girls wash the clothes clean the house she lives in sampoloc works in manila Quezon City wow first time I went there I like far out she does nothing food cooked everything done I was like this be ok but then I be lazy but hand washing she not buy a washing machine no idea why, she does nothing everything done like a gold plate wages she pays as there live in house maids 3500 peso a month each just heard 2 weeks ago she in Quezon City a rich subdivision
@@mamasita65 It's not "laziness". It's high standard of living, for those who have a bit more means. Rich people do not sit all day long doing nothing. But they do not need to waste their time driving, cleaning and cooking. Also, when you get older, you can't do many things.
Laziness is mostly among the poor people who are not even trying to better their situation.
Great video. I'm filipino and am surprised at how people just don't know - social media really makes you see what you want to see. The way around this is to also search for the opposite of what you're looking for. That said, most Americans emigrate to either Mexico, Canada or India at a million a pop. The PI is a distant 5th at around 300k Americans living there. There's a reason why it's 5th.
There’s 1 million Americans living in the PH…
@@WShan1966 Those are pre-pandemic numbers. Wikipedia has it between 300k & 600k. tbh, where I'm at, I'm feeling like it's 300k, and most folks have headed to Bali or Thailand, ymmv.
John the way you explained problems is not in extreme ways it becomes "challenges" not the typical americans that put in explicit complaining with harsh words. It is with deep understanding on the context i like it man.
very well said
Great video, and I can think about 2 more reasons; Being home sick, and hating the weather.
Some people aren't happy anywhere. For me as long as i have decent food, the internet, and a place to work out, im good 😂
Yes, I'm with you.
You can work out anywhere if you have 6 x 2 space
This is spot on.
southern Brazil states like SC. safe and secure, and you're allowed to own land..!
To own land , marry a pinay, get 13a visa after 12 months apply for permanent residency, once that is approved, you can own land.
i’ve never come across anything that says that anyone other than a Filipino citizen can own land. I’m curious where you got information contrary to this.
Joint ownership of the house, yes, but the land only by inheritance from the filipina spouse, which is rare because of the big age gaps.
Foreigner will never own the land it will always go to the Filipino family
@@timtarr9364ex-pats need to get the “own property- land “ thing outta their craw😆😆ain’t gonna happen,plus when you’re on the last leg of your life, what difference would it make if you “owned” a house in a third world country? I married my Filipina when she was 23 and I was 63 ,8 years ago, she treats me like a king, I bought a small house for around 50,000 USD , she will always have a roof over her head, after I croak 😆😆 what’s the big deal about owning a piece of paper (deed) that says the house is in your name? if you’re obsessed with owning property, stay in your country, ain’t gonna happen in the PI 😆😆
Sorry, my man, but I don’t agree with you on the restaurant experience. It’s not that they are trying to be overly courteous by ignoring you. It is because the fact that they are lazy and they’re not getting paid enough salary to care. But your spot on on many things I totally agree with you on other points.
Fair observation
Very valid point Forget Why They Left and 100% true. One wise man once said: "The grass is always greener at the other side. And you know why? Because there is more shit over there." We tend to romantisize the other side while the reality is that we forgot why we left in the first place. That's why it's advicable to make a journal (video recording) when you're still in your country before leaving to the Philippines or other destination. That way you can always look back at your past conditions as a remembrance and point of reference.
yes, so true and great idea about making a video recording before you leave
It is best to snowbird here if you can afford to. I am not giving up my condo in Gainesville FL, or my 20 acre hunting camp with 3 bedroom log cabin an hour to the west of my condo. I like the hu ting and fishing in FL too much to give all the up. I am 39, single and retired and find a new gf every time I come here. When all the negative things about the Philippines ( noise, pollution, out of stock, spotty internet, monthly power blackouts) gets too much, I go back home where I hunt, fish, and smoke legal pot. When I need a new gf, I come back to my condo in Mandani Bay, Cebu City. Wash, rinse, repeat.. best of both worlds.
mandani bay in cebu bullshit $400k for a condo u smoke pot u have no money buy a condo there u a dreamer
I hope to move to Vietnam with my Filipina GF. Best of both worlds.
Yes, I really get your thinking on that
Now that is an interesting idea. Filipina for the trad wife, thailand for the food and exploration! Thumbs up. I need to do indepth on vietnam, cambodia, indonesia etc.
Filipinas and White Foreigners produce Beautiful MIXED RACE KIDS!!
I love the Philippines….
If you’re not comfortable the way things are here in the Philippines just LEAVE. The doors are wide open and no one is forcing you to STAY.
True
🙄
My wife is forcing me what should I do…😢
@@josephrobi6806 Leave her and move on…
@@cershe I will stay until she get submissive…
Great info.
❤❤
If I see something I want to eat, I send the link to my wife that sends it to our cook. Shrimp tacos, chicken joy nuggets, quesadillas, omelets, mashed potatoes, hamburgers, etc. but I like some Philippines dishes too.
Technology has made it much easier to tolerate… banking apps, grab, foodpanda, lazada, etc. Anyone complaining now has no idea how difficult it was even a decade ago. Truly the dark ages.
They are complaining because rh Philippines is always far behind from other places.
@@lightner6924Not really. Many small towns in the Philippines are much safer, more comfortable and more convenient for everything one could want than many supposedly more advanced countries.
@@MichaelSmith-hr3be Small towns don't count. I couk find a small place in Brazil an Mexico that is safe lol.
@@lightner6924is Mexico safe? Not being sarcasticc, just curious.
@@lightner6924tell that to the cartels of south America 😂
this was a great video.
thank you very much
Very informative, thank you! My company is trying to relocate me to PH - they have moved me all over, Netherlands, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and now there’s an opportunity in PH. I adjust pretty well and love embracing new cultures and discovering new things. I’ll be based in Makati if I take this opportunity but what is good salary to enjoy the Philippines?
Thank you very much. I'd say a good salary to enjoy is $3500 or more, but really depends on the lifestyle you want. Some people are happy with $1500 per month. Others $5000.
I totally agree that there are some bloggers who blow sunshine up your skirt and really don't show the true reality of the philippines. We are guests in the country and can be asked to leave at any time. Many people don't do their recon missions and utilize the one month visa free option to visit several places during their stay, and they don't come at different times of the year . Stay away from the tourist areas and visit cultural areas and various other affordable options. Go to baguio City and go to the beach areas. It depends on your budget and what your needs are. Make a list of wants and needs and focus on your needs first. For. Many it's good health care and shopping opportunities like malls and for others its more budget minded. Do your research, and you will find a place suitable for you.
Very good advice for the ather foreigner 😊
All you mentioned are true
Thank you!
It's much different than the USA. Some will embrace the difference, others won't. You won't know which group you're in until you experience the country for yourself. If you do come stay long enough to see if it really is or isn't for you.
The best way it works for me is to live in 2-3 countries, the PH being one of them. I love the PH but I do need to get out after some 6 months. I need different food, different people and I need to get things done business-wise. So, I stay out for some time and return.
But if I have to be in the PH 365 days a year, the " challenges" start getting to me.
quality of life here is not very good. i wouldnt move here if you're from europe/australia or north america. retirees, please go to vietnam or thailand. but if you're an investor, you're welcome!
Yes and a lot of Marites(gossiper) in the Philippines
Lol, yes, marites (and rice) is life in the Philippines.
@ hahahaha that's why it's better to stay abroad idk why filipina have a bad reputation😂😂
You are right PH is not for everybody and not a perfect place either. We have to struggle life here with less privileged especially on health care not like the other Western countries. But I'm proud to be a local here even though living here is a challenge, this is the place I grew up and I still live a life with content for over 5 decades and still keep going.
I love that way of waiters, the last thing I want is a waiter in my face all the time when eating out, I think that is mostly American with their tipping culture. In this, I think the Philippines is closer to Europe.
My buget for living in Australia is less than 1800us, i dont get the philippines being more expensive than that?
Filipinos on average live around their income line which averages $10/day.
A Western expat cannot make such a dramatic change and still be happy. He has grown accustomed to air con and a variety of food and comfortable shoes etc etc. In other words, he has grown soft. Technically, he too can survive on $300/month but that is not usually realistic in terms of psychology.
I try to avoid Westerners who spend a lot of money or who measure their self-worth in terms of their financial worth or ability to spend money. I want my male friends to think and act like men, not women. Gossiping, boasting about wasting money, living in fantasy...these are female endeavors.
Sadly, many Western men in the Philippines have terrible values: they are proud of what is shameful, and ashamed of things they should be proud of.
I tried to help these people but now see my efforts were mostly a waste of time. What Trump said about Mexico not sending its best probably also applies to those America is sending to the Philippines.
@@whitesamurai OOUCchhhh
If you don’t mind saying farewell to all your favorite Aussie foods and comforts it’s not more expensive. And it’s highly dependent on location just like anywhere else.
@@whitesamurai I was looking at retiring in the Philippines last year. My wife is a filipina. What i saw last year made me aware. I like my comfort. I do not want to live in field conditions. I was planning living there 3 months at a time then back to the states. I decided I will stay in the states.
@@whitesamurai🤡
When my Filipina wife and I married in 1990 no one informed me of any potential cultural shocks but in time when my wife made the move from Cebu to the States that's when things became obvious to me. For example, her eating with her hands or while using spoons and forks to cut meat into bite-sized pieces!
I could only imagine both of you had a lot of new things to get used to. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I only see more and more people come to Ph so many vloges over last 2 years ! So yeah if 100 come and 10 leave Expats are not leaving they comming ! Look how many Russians Samal Isaland have 3 years ago they were not at all there
To much boom boom
I'm not sure how those expats live but for a normal Filipino household, $500-$1000 is very much livable. At least for a family of 3. $1000 can even be considered as being well-off. It's probably their lifestyle that makes it look like it is not enough.
How does one go about vetting the healthcare system options especially choosing the right hospital?
JUST GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY IN BANGKOK IS NICE
I have really tried with this girl . But to make a long story short...it’s a “transactionional” relationship. Even that would be ok ,except for the constant lieing ,and lack of accountability, she is very beautiful 😃. This has been my experience with a Filipina girl 2years now.
Yeah, I hear you. Finding a beautiful girl in the Philippines isn't too challenging, but the rest can be difficult.
So you’re led by your penis
I love cultures
Me too
If you are not happy living in the Phillipines, you can always leave, no one told you to go there.
#1 the $1US goes far here not like in the USA
2. Depends WHERE you live.
3. Fuck traffic. Im done with EDSA. It has gone from bad to worse. BUT so is the 60fwy and 605fwy in CA. People are more disciplined in the US at intersections....filipinos are not. Its a free for all.
Drivers and loud exhausts.
Loud exhaust really very disturbing & nobody seems working about it.
@@rodrigovillas3051 Noise is part of the Filipino culture...get used to it or look for another country.
When its as expensive to live in a third world country as a western one, why would you?
I lived in California for 62 years before retiring 2 years past. Lived in Mexico 1-year and the past year in Bohol, Phillipines. I live here with a substantially improved "quality of life" at 1/3 the price of the US. The US is definitely lacking in comparison considering its classification as a "1st World Country".
Are you a Democrat??
Everything in life is not about money. Is everything perfect or easy here? NO. I live here by choice. My life here is so much better in so many ways. That's why.
@@davehenson3588wtf? Mark off Dave as the ahole to stay away from. Check! 🤦🏼♂️
@@Carnivoretraveler we don't force our country to be liked by others, so don't compare. each country has its own beauty and culture.
Even filipinos leave philippines😂
Most Filipinos leave the Philippines for greener pastures, but the moment they get financially established, especially when they are about to retire, they consider or even start preparing to go back home. There are various reasons for wanting to go back to the Philippines, but there are also various reasons for wanting to stay wherever they have immigrated; what is good for someone may not be good for others because no two persons or couples have exact life situations.
The people in the US have noticed this...lol
CLEARLY you know nothing. People leave because there are NO job opportunities here. The Filipinos are close to their families FYI. Majority will not leave if they have the choice.
GET EDUCATED, BRUH do you wouldnt sound st/upid. 😊
10%. And Westerners are the only ones silly enough to be nice to these ungrateful 'people'
Because this is a crap country
It's only good if you're rich
Saying there is health insurance in PH is misleading. The cost increases with age. By age 70 it can be $1000/mo USD and that's only if you're healthy. And that cost keeps increasing. Qualifying can be impossible for people with existing health issues. That qualifying requirement is a yearly thing.
To me there isn't any health insurance because it's very unlikely to be useful long term.
Generally speaking, majortiy of what you are sharing is more of you not understanding the local culture and adjusting here. None of the things you mentioned is not bad per se. Example, on bad customer service. That’s not bad customer service. That’s just how it is done.
you know this is his 7th year here now right!!!?
Let's be honest is difficult in a foreign land if you just ordinary it's only if you have enough money to build a buissness then you are secured .There are no countries you can live a good life without enough money. Decent Filipino girls are looking also a decent man . They are conservative and family are also decent. They don't take advantage of the foreign people and undecent girls are not good and the family will take advantage of you. When looking a wife in the Philippine only look for a decent one.
It's good advice, thank you
Gonna have a lot of patience with the customer service, but the Filipino are so nice. It’s hard.
for me I hate it here. after 9 yrs off and on, I have had it. I am tired of the loud Karaoke, constant barking dogs, crowing roosters, neighbors revving up there engines. The constant smoke from burning garbage even when they have garbage collection. It is a disrespectful and rude culture, tired of the skin tax filipinos time irritates the F out of me. Filipinos don't to tell you they are not showing up. The lazy cops and Barangay capts that won't enforce the laws. The dangerous and reckless stupid drivers. it is the most ignorant culture I ever saw. Freaking hypocrites. Go to mass on sunday and cheat you on monday. They love Gays and ladyboys. The red tape is a nightmare. It is a corrupt society. They say they are all about family, but when they become successful they are jealous or expect hand outs. They suck their families dry that work as OFWs which is nothing but cheap slave labor. The filipino employers pay cheap wages an average 400 pesos a day. That is what I can think of right now. ADIOS PI
Ha ha took you to realize after 9 years... What part of the island did you stay... Poor u
My wife deals with the bank and shopping etc. She doesn't want me to get deported for blowing my top! 🤣
The ignorance and lack of understanding of appropriate business practices in the Philippines why I would never live their after my last visit.
Wherever you can find which is the best for you why shpuld you not leave. If you are not satisfied of what pHilippines can offer, you can go somewhere.
they don't rush you in a restaurant but they sure trying to rush you into the restaurant...
Death by 1,000 cuts is a great way to describe the customer service issue. Cultural misunderstands aside, you don't (and I'm looking at you S&R and every fast food place here) put the hot fries or pizza, or cold frosty drink on a tray when you know it will be a 15 minutes before the rest of the order will come up. I think that's the only thing that still drives me nuts.
Great! Leave please
Makes no difference where you decide to live. Manage your own expectations. Nobody cares more about it than you do.
At least, someone from another country is admitting it's expensive here.
what do you mean?!
Its a known fact its expensive here. Youre just not updated.
@@kristinhannah001 someone from another country**
@@lastleafofmylife in this day and age, really?? You dont have to be on THE COUNTRY to know things about the country.
@@kristinhannah001 Majority of these foreign people assume that things are cheap in my country as we are considered a third world country.
@@lastleafofmylife You missed the point. Assuming you know everything makes one ignorant. with today's technology, it is a sin to remain uninformed .
Infrastructure
Expensive
Mobility(traffic)
$$$1,000.00 is already more than enough for a single Filipino citizen like me. 😂🎉❤
As with everything, thorough research is important before you move anywhere and that includes scouting and trying to stay there on trial and not just as a tourist. The Philippines is not cheap, of course one can scrimp and stretch your dollars or euros here but you get what you pay for. Just be careful with our women, they're not as demure and submissive as you think. 😅
Very true about thorough research and also very true that Filipinas are not always so mindful so demure and so submissive even if the meme says so lol. It’s honestly exhausting at times to know what a Filipino is truly like here. but time and observation tells all
ARE YOU LIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES OR JUST TALKING ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES???
Cuz is an overrated and overpriced DUMP!!!
For some for sure, I personally love it here. Though the struggle is real with lots of things.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat So it's a love kinda hate relationship. 😂
Skidrow in LA is the same. Beverley Hills is awesome.
@@brandonscoffield9974A very low IQ point
The Philippines shouldn’t be your first rodeo, it’s not for rookies in my opinion.
Fair thoughts. What do you think is a better first country to be in at first, especially in Asia? Maybe Thailand or Vietnam?
Maybe starting first in BGC, a western bubble, then gradually moving to more typically Filipino areas of Manila, would be the best way to do it as a solo traveler with no experience in the region. It's hard to beat the English advantage of the Philippines.
@@MichaelSmith-hr3be The English piece does make a huge difference
@@MichaelSmith-hr3be Isn't BGC one of the most expensive areas? I have social security at 2200/month-will that cut it?
Man..the ENGLISH LANGUAGE ADVANTAGE MAKES THE PHILIPPINES AS---- THE BEST OPTION THERE IS IN ASIA!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
because you guys finally realize how stupid bgc really is.
You so mean 😅
Look who’s talking! Who cares of what you said, you are nobody just like me.
Some good points, and i would add, dogs, insect and the heat in general (and maybe rooster). But Philippines is not new york, if you need 2000 usd in philippines, then you are just bad at money management. I can live a good life on less than 1000 usd in most places in the west, and then im including traveling etc. Not sure what people waste their money on, because rent, food, traveling is not that expensive.