Let the haters hate, laugh at them because you have built an amazing home, have an amazing wife and a great thing to see how you both love one another and also how you look out for each other. The boat rebuild was awesome! Seriously, do not let them get to you because you have built an amazing life there, lifestyle is off the hook! As I mentioned before, you are family as you also made us your family. These people can never have what you built and have because of who they are. Keep doing what you are doing my friend, many of us appreciate how you have shown how life could be if you take the chance.
James over the last few years I've followed a number of expat vloggers living in either the phillipines, thailand, vietnam, laos, general S. E. Asia. I've found most to run out of interesting content or doing repetitive content so I eventually move on from them for lack of interest. One thing I have noticed about most of these vloggers is there comes a time that they finally get a bit fed up with some of the negative comments that they get and many of them start pushing back verbally in their content, many on a frequent basis. Your content has been head and shoulders above the majority and for that I praise you, keep it up. As far as the naysayers far be it for me to give anyone advice as I'm not the one on the receiving end so I would just simply say keep your head above the BS and keep moving forward. From a fellow Texan.
The first video I ever remember watching of yours was one about someone thinking it was low class of you to work on your roof. I remember you we’re pretty ticked about it back then. From that point on I knew you were a guy worthy of respect. We all need to just follow our own paths and leave others to do the same. Thanks for always putting out the great content.
So this is probably the second time in the five years I have watched your channel that I comment. I have watched,learned and most of all appreciated all the time you and Mel have given of your life for my enjoyment. Even before my wife got here four years ago I have yearned to be back in the PHILIPPINES. You two carried me through the pandemic and to this very day. My business went up for sale today and I can’t wait to start spending time in the PHP. Thank you guys and ignore the hateful jealous BS that some spew.👍
Mel and James you guys don’t need to answer to or please anyone but yourselves. You run a awesome RUclips channel i and so many respect and enjoy your videos. I do have one question, now I have sold my house in the USA and preparing to purchase land in the Philippines. How long has the land prices taken to increase by 3-4 times the original price? Because just since I really started looking at land a year ago, it appears to have over doubled in price. I will be in the Philippines soon hopefully I can find something I like to buy. Thanks you guys for having a great and informative channel.
Doing a great job, I love watching your fantastic building projects, keep up the awesome work, my weekly watching schedule chilling on a Saturday morning would not be the same without my coffee and watching your great content, going to be building myself soon, and your videos will be saving me a lot of deep thinking, cast concrete is for sure the way to go, thanks again and God bless you both.
James, it's your channel, run it the way you want. Some of those people probably wanted to see where you were going with the rooftop area and what it looks like after finished, I myself included. Again James, this is your channel. You never have to explain yourself to anyone about what you do.
I loved your channel and I love the house you built. Ignore those envious people, keep doing what you love to do as we love them also. Keep up the good work. God bless you and Mel.
Please keep on keeping on with your channel your information is unique and you all are great bloggers too. Ignore the negativity and the unhappy trolls .
I've enjoyed watching all your uploads, as a whole lifestyle. It's not only You and Mel's lifestyle. It's your extended family, friends, and neighbours, that add to your vlogs. Looking forward to see more..
James and Mel , in my best filipino voice. Puck'm. They can watch something else. GeeZ, are they sitting a coffee shop bored to Gordon, filled with envy. Puck'm. You have shared your talents and I for one love what ya'll done and you have helped me in our process too. God Bless you both. That's a thoughtful, beautiful, forever home for you and your lovely wife. I don't usually comment this much but other than a flame 3 foot high the trolls burn my arse. Keep going, share the wisdom. Know your loved for it. Virginia 😃
Enjoyed this one. Thanks for taking the time to talk it all out. I am in a two story place and it is also poured concrete and we just finished the elevator. 🙂
I enjoy watching your channel and the thing you’ll do. Plan and sample it’s your life you don’t need to explain yourself to anyone. Would love to come visit you sometime
I have enjoyed all of your content of learning and the culture there. I plan a house build soon in Phil and I enjoyed your journey through it and the boat. I have a 1998 Sea as well. I’m sure your content on your next journeys will be good to watch. Thanks, Scott in Waco, Texas.
I've learned a long time ago, whether you are doing bad or doing good, some people will hate on you, I rather be blessed than stressed, you Melinda and your entire family continue to enjoy your blessings of what God has bestowed upon you and your family, smiling from one Texan to another ✌️
James, I agree with everything you said in this video. This is your channel your house build and your life. You should run your channel and your life the way you want, not how others think you should. You have a great life and are doing a great job on building your home and life. Keep doing what your doing. I really enjoy your videos. Have a great day and when you have your boat done catch a fish for me. Thank you for sharing your life with all us. Monty
It is about time, I always thought of it as this is my life as a Texan and life in the Philippines (Iloilo). Mel got a good man in her life. Good bless you both and do as you always do keeping it real.
Just keep doing what you are doing. All you can be is yourself, guess what? We subscribers just love you and your wife. This, I believe is why you are successful and why your channel has attracted so much viewers. I'm sure I speak for majority of your subscribers, we appreciate you sharing your life with us and we look forward to watching your videos on a daily basis. So keep on keeping on...🙏 Aloha 🤙🏽
Hi James just keep on doing what you want to do!! Not what some clown expects you to do. We are lucky that you share your lives there with us you just happened to be sharing it with everyone. THANK YOU FOR THAT!! you are certainly living the dream there. Keep it up.
Your life your way, comments reflect their state of mind not yours. You two are very genuine loving people. An inspiration really and we are lucky to be given access to that. People will take from it what they will. I enjoy your attitude and how you approach life with such ease and yet focus the key to life long achievement.
No need for sorries! Happy to be along for the ride!!!😊 Your Island life is beautiful and inspiring. You guys offer so much more than just a build channel. As another 54 yr old man I have learned alot from you. I appreciate your outlook on life. One thing that stands out is the time you mentioned that other friends back home were jeleous of you and knocking you for choosing to make Philippines your home. I made a connection with this as I have family here discouraging us not to move to Philippines once I retire. You motivated me to be steadfast in my decision. All that to say we are loyal followers and hope to visit one day. Love you guys. Keep it real and walk easy.😉👍🏻
I just moved into my new house in Samar, it's 10ft x 8ft, I'm at home and that's all that matters, I would be lost in yours. Missed past few months vids, internet is horrible in Philippines lol. Hope to get down to see y'all before I have to leave the Philippines. If not will when I get back.
Your timing on that house was perfection. The house is amazing. Big wave or surge comes in and just the garage gets hit. Not many good strong houses over there. Block sucks. Love the boat stuff too. Im a gold finder and finder of fancy rocks myself. Thats what i love. Keep up the videos. Love you guys and ya'll haven't even met me.
I will not speak for everyone, just myself. You and Mel got me through a rough patch in my life. Just sharing your lives and overcoming whatever you were challenged with. You are an anchor in rough seas, and I thank you.
Great channel whatever your doing i appreciate it for sure. Thanks to both you and mel for sharing a part of your lives. I hope soon to travel to the phillipines.
Hello James, I have enjoyed your videos and you have taught me much. You have given me tips on where to buy things here. I am from the Beaumont Texas area. I was 49 years old when I came here and we are in our 26th year. I could walk when I came here and used to walk and ride a jeepney everywhere. Now, because of Arthritis, I am confined to a wheelchair. That does not stop me and my wife from building and improving our home. In 2022 we installed a new roof and six months later we bought Solar. We do not have brownouts in our home. My wife and I always are doing home improvements. We have a building project now. I love living in the Philippines. Iloilo is a beautiful city. I am comfortable here. Your videos inspire me. You will be making improvements on your home for the rest of your life. That is how it is here. Thank you James. I am glad that that we got to meet you and Melinda at the Festive Mall that one time. Keep building James. Do what makes you happy. That is exactly what I am doing. God bless my friend. Regards, Steve and Vevilyn
I for one I really enjoy watching your channel when it comes to your building advise. I will be retiring in the next few years and will be building in the PI. I will definitely use your channel in assisting my build, especially since I am ignorant to building INFO. You have have a hobby and your house is your hobby. What else do you have to do? My hobby will be gardening and fruits trees and volunteering at an orphanage or VFW/American Legion. My wife's hobbies are baking and gardening....ordering me around. Do what make you all happy and keeps you both active together!
Keep doing what you're doing. I see no reason to change anything. I also see no reason for people to complain about anything on your channel. Ever since I've found your channel, I have enjoyed watching it. And I make it a point to "Like" your videos right away in the beginning so I don't forget. I still pray for Miss Mel to continue healing. You and I are about a year apart in age. Also, I never was one to sit around doing nothing. But I broke my back in 2014 and my life came to a screeching halt. I ended up losing 1/2 a vertebrae getting 3 fused into 1 and a bunch of other fun stuff. So needless to say it's been VERY challenging for me to realize I am no longer "Strong like bull"! Even now I still get reminders from time to time. There's too many things I want to do, and yet I cannot. Now I am under drs orders to lay as much as possible with my legs above my heart. I have issues with my legs and right foot. This has been going on for almost 3 years now. So I now identify as a potato. Just laying around with no purpose. God willing things change for the better soon. I'm going nuts. My asawa is an OFW now until next year all because of me bring disabled. But that's another story. That's enough about me. But I can relate in many ways with you. It is my hope to return to the PH in the next year or so. And when I do, I would love for my asawa and I to meet up with you and your bride-maybe for dinner, chat and laughs. Both of you take care & God Bless!
Your changing your format works for me. I enjoy everything g about your channel. I can see the reason for numbering g the house build ,so new people can follow it in order. But showing your lifestyle doesn't need that . I really like your channel so just keep giving g us good videos like always .God Bless you two and take care.
Our family has certainly loved watching your video's and we love your content. We do admire that you took that leap to go to the Philippines and thank you for sharing it with us! You have certainly influenced us to want to go to Iloilo and see if it is the place for us to retire as well. We see your love of the city and the island you live on and the love you have for your wife and the Philippine lifestyle and we love how you blend it all together. We hope to come and visit and meet you in another year of so. Please keep on being you, we love to turn on your videos and hear that Good morning everybody. You may not know it but your videos help some of us to escape from the rat race that we are in back in the States right now and you give alot of encouragement to others to want something better in their lives. Our Lord wanted us to encourage one another and we want you to know, we are encouraged by you and your wife and the workers there who are helping you to accomplish all you do.
I enjoy watching your channel. I appreciate the things you point out in building a house and it's a beautiful house. You and Melinda did a good job. Of course I watch the amrstrong family. I would love to live in the Philippines . Keep up the good work James I'll keep on watching bro. I think what you're doing is good. Your channel will always get a thumbs up from me. I think the most I like about your channel is that you are so down to earth country boy and us country boys aren't fake. Simply, fare, treat others with respect , and don't play favorites. Tell Melinda hi and hope she's doing well . God bless y'all
Live your life as you want. I enjoy how you are doing the builds and learning from you. Those haters are jealous of your lifestyle because they don't have it. Be happy and enjoy what you like to do. One more year to retirement and Visayas bound I will be.
I first came across your channel years back around the start of the build. I thought it was a building channel but it turned out to be so much more and I like thousands more are still here. It's your life your channel live it and run it the way you want to run it. No matter where you are texas Asia Latin america wherever you are your subscribers stick with you the ones who didn't well maybe they only wanted to see build video's but when I see thousands have watched your video after an hour or two you have most people because your video's are not only about building but also about your life your family's life your friends. I have said this before you don't need to justify your life you only have to live it.
It's also hard now on Yt to keep people interested, the house build was great to watch, as I also built 2 houses here, sold one, got 100% back for the builds and now rent the other out, convids helped a lot of channels due to boredom of people stuck at home, even me, I started my channel due to boredom, people need different content, I am also looking at filming more outside to show more on the Philippines. Your right on the prices going up, I bought land 4 years ago at 8200 peso a sqm, now its 18000 peso a sqm, going crazy, I'm sure what ever you do, your subs will continue to watch....good luck, and enjoy your house and location
Love your channel how ever you want to do it! Can’t stop watching the build, boating, and all of it. You and your wife are industrious and interesting.
I've just enjoyed the journey. Your passion for tractors back in the USA. To you buying a boat in the Philippines and totally changing out the propulsion system. I'd say it more like boys own adventure TV. Let's buy a tractor, let's build a house, let's change the engine on this boat. Take pride in your achievements. You two are a tour de force.
Enjoy life! Enjoy your journey! Your channel is your own, you have shared a lot so you do not need to worry about gossip - that will always happen. Just enjoy - house is looking wonderful - enjoy your ongoing project.
Arm chair experts seem to not have energy to do anything but complain about others that doing something with their lives. Don't let these guy get to you! You likely forgot more then they ever learned.😂😂😂
I really followed and enjoyed your build but as you said its almost done and move forward to another adventure. I really learned a lot about your place and its people and surrounding neighborhood particularly iloilo and hopefully will include it as I travel throughout the Philippines and most of SE Asia. Regards to Mel and the twins. Stay healthy and be safe, watching from the bay area in a rainy NorthernCalifornia.
Love your small house James, oh so jealous of your build and achievements, also started watching your channel because you were based in Iloilo, such a beautiful city, pity at 72, I am unable to spend many years there. Good luck for the future, maybe one day we will meet when I am there
I am fairly new to your channel and I really enjoy what you are giving us. For one I always thought this was a lifestyle channel and sometimes thought why are you numbering the build videos and the boat videos, and I figured it must just be an old thing for those that only want to watch about your home building or boat restoration. But now that you have explained it I understand and totally agree the numbering is no longer needed. I really enjoyed the couple of videos of you walking around Iloilo while Mel was in hospital and it is great that you do talk so much in all your videos as you cover things really well. And, I learn a lot about a lot of things. So keep up the great videos and don't listen to the negative people.
Sounds good 👍. I always enjoy both of your attitudes towards life and the content, regardless of whether it’s a boat, building, gardening or lifestyle vlog. Always a joy to watch 😊. Have an awesome week guys
Hello from Canada. My wife (Indonesian) and I enjoy watching your videos every week. There is lots to learn from you as you apply all your experience with building and boats that I hope to apply to our own situations. I'm sure you will miss having your team of builders as the major house building winds down, they will have learned a lot from you also. Looking forward to see what you show us next!
Pllease keep doing what you have. Been. Uniqe and interesting channel. Variety of house. Life family and life. Been watching for years you and Mel are great people.
You haven't started speaking yet, but I'm just going to say it's amazing you're able to build a sustainable life that if everyone else could do they would. You have your own food, water, electric, plenty of shelter etc...
Do what you want on your channel. I’ve always followed your channel and thought of as a nice place for information and interesting to see what other Americans are doing in PHL. We have completely renovated and improved my wife’s house that she grew up with but she has no desire for me to share this information on RUclips so I don’t. But I enjoy see what others are doing to get some ideas.
Enjoyed watching your channel for the past few years , the house build has been an inspiration for me as I hope to start building our house on our farm land in Isabela next year and your building knowledge and techniques have been very informative.. thanks for sharing your experience and giving me ideas and inspiration.. its very much appreciated..
So much noise in this world besides the tenisus I here every day, buy I've learned to ignore most of the time. Thanks for enjoyment of watching your series of videos guys. I need encouragement when I start building at my age and you've helped me in that respect. Blessings
James I am your 83 year old lady in Texas that look forward to your daily video. It is normally 2AM as I have sleeping problems. I look forward to watching you and Mel each night. I love seeing your progress I want to know about the chickens,the cow . Any thing you video will be interesting to me because of your Texas accent and straight forward delivery. I love the beautiful scenery you show and the beach . Tell Mel I prayed for her surgery and not overdue too quickly. She will be good again in no time. MeMe in Texas USA 🇺🇸
what ever you decide todo I think is fine. I look to watch what ever you produce. I look forward evevy day to watch your video's. Great, great !!!!!!!!!!!
hi james and mell good morning so much respect james i thinks just better to put everyting togather vids lifestyle so much easyer edt vid as well too but k plz keep the vid coming of whatever you choose to vid on all vid content great so love ya s take care always a joy to watch no mater what the vids are ok god bless
I've always had that thought about your channel anyways enjoyed watching you fix up the rentals in Texas also but coming in on the build was just added Bonus watching someone build a house. The boats were a very cool To the channel also down to earth kind of guy and channel
This old carcass says… Loved your build and gleaned so much information. How you used techniques from the handyman brain (pipe spacers etc) Ultimately we want to be sharing our experiences in life. Home builds are huge and populates our subscriber base, during that phase. PS we enjoyed you videos back in Texas
Hello James and Melinda Thank you for explaining your new RUclips format. I agree it was getting time consuming with your separate projects and as one or two projects get completed, it’s time for a new format such as ‘your happy lives in Philippines.’ You have already followed your construction for over a year and it’s your show! I have followed all your journey and it has encouraged me with similar ideas for my future retirement. (7years?) we completed our house two years ago and I estimate our house would cost P2m more these days. There are still great development plots and businesses around available in Philippines!
It's Mel and your life. You have been very good at letting us viewers see how you live. Hopefully you still do that for us. At one time you mentioned you may be building something else. Just wondering if you still have that thought. Anyway, I'm still a fan of your blog. Keep up the great work. Hope to meet you someday. Thanks Hightower. Both of you.
Really nice house it always been amazing from start to finish and I know you still working on it but I hope one day when me and my wife are in the Philippines we can come by and visit and see your amazing house take care God bless and thanks for all the beautiful videos❤
Let the haters hate, laugh at them because you have built an amazing home, have an amazing wife and a great thing to see how you both love one another and also how you look out for each other. The boat rebuild was awesome! Seriously, do not let them get to you because you have built an amazing life there, lifestyle is off the hook! As I mentioned before, you are family as you also made us your family. These people can never have what you built and have because of who they are. Keep doing what you are doing my friend, many of us appreciate how you have shown how life could be if you take the chance.
You got that right and you can say it again and again !!!
James over the last few years I've followed a number of expat vloggers living in either the phillipines, thailand, vietnam, laos, general S. E. Asia. I've found most to run out of interesting content or doing repetitive content so I eventually move on from them for lack of interest. One thing I have noticed about most of these vloggers is there comes a time that they finally get a bit fed up with some of the negative comments that they get and many of them start pushing back verbally in their content, many on a frequent basis. Your content has been head and shoulders above the majority and for that I praise you, keep it up. As far as the naysayers far be it for me to give anyone advice as I'm not the one on the receiving end so I would just simply say keep your head above the BS and keep moving forward. From a fellow Texan.
The first video I ever remember watching of yours was one about someone thinking it was low class of you to work on your roof. I remember you we’re pretty ticked about it back then. From that point on I knew you were a guy worthy of respect. We all need to just follow our own paths and leave others to do the same. Thanks for always putting out the great content.
So this is probably the second time in the five years I have watched your channel that I comment. I have watched,learned and most of all appreciated all the time you and Mel have given of your life for my enjoyment. Even before my wife got here four years ago I have yearned to be back in the PHILIPPINES. You two carried me through the pandemic and to this very day. My business went up for sale today and I can’t wait to start spending time in the PHP. Thank you guys and ignore the hateful jealous BS that some spew.👍
AMEN so true
Mel and James you guys don’t need to answer to or please anyone but yourselves. You run a awesome RUclips channel i and so many respect and enjoy your videos. I do have one question, now I have sold my house in the USA and preparing to purchase land in the Philippines. How long has the land prices taken to increase by 3-4 times the original price? Because just since I really started looking at land a year ago, it appears to have over doubled in price. I will be in the Philippines soon hopefully I can find something I like to buy. Thanks you guys for having a great and informative channel.
Doing a great job, I love watching your fantastic building projects, keep up the awesome work, my weekly watching schedule chilling on a Saturday morning would not be the same without my coffee and watching your great content, going to be building myself soon, and your videos will be saving me a lot of deep thinking, cast concrete is for sure the way to go, thanks again and God bless you both.
James, it's your channel, run it the way you want. Some of those people probably wanted to see where you were going with the rooftop area and what it looks like after finished, I myself included. Again James, this is your channel. You never have to explain yourself to anyone about what you do.
Very well said. I was thinking the very same thing. Some RUclips subs are not worth an explanation. Jealousy, envy and pure POS’s.
Keep doing what you are doing, Blessings
I loved your channel and I love the house you built. Ignore those envious people, keep doing what you love to do as we love them also. Keep up the good work. God bless you and Mel.
Please keep on keeping on with your channel your information is unique and you all are great bloggers too. Ignore the negativity and the unhappy trolls .
James and Mel you guys have an awesome channel. YOU DO YOU.
I've enjoyed watching all your uploads, as a whole lifestyle.
It's not only You and Mel's lifestyle. It's your extended family, friends, and neighbours, that add to your vlogs.
Looking forward to see more..
James and Mel , in my best filipino voice. Puck'm. They can watch something else. GeeZ, are they sitting a coffee shop bored to Gordon, filled with envy. Puck'm. You have shared your talents and I for one love what ya'll done and you have helped me in our process too. God Bless you both. That's a thoughtful, beautiful, forever home for you and your lovely wife.
I don't usually comment this much but other than a flame 3 foot high the trolls burn my arse.
Keep going, share the wisdom. Know your loved for it.
Virginia 😃
Just do you two and enjoy...What you have is a paradise...Whatever you choose to share is good with me...
🙏🙏🙏
👍😎👍
Enjoyed this one. Thanks for taking the time to talk it all out. I am in a two story place and it is also poured concrete and we just finished the elevator. 🙂
Looking forward to all your new content in your new format.
I enjoy watching your channel and the thing you’ll do. Plan and sample it’s your life you don’t need to explain yourself to anyone. Would love to come visit you sometime
All your videos have been great . I really enjoy your building and have always enjoyed your channel keep up the great work.
House looks mint friend. Far better than what most of us NZ’s live in.
I have enjoyed all of your content of learning and the culture there.
I plan a house build soon in Phil and I enjoyed your journey through it and the boat. I have a 1998 Sea as well.
I’m sure your content on your next journeys will be good to watch.
Thanks,
Scott in Waco, Texas.
I've learned a long time ago, whether you are doing bad or doing good, some people will hate on you, I rather be blessed than stressed, you Melinda and your entire family continue to enjoy your blessings of what God has bestowed upon you and your family, smiling from one Texan to another ✌️
James,
I agree with everything you said in this video. This is your channel your house build and your life. You should run your channel and your life the way you want, not how others think you should. You have a great life and are doing a great job on building your home and life. Keep doing what your doing. I really enjoy your videos. Have a great day and when you have your boat done catch a fish for me.
Thank you for sharing your life with all us.
Monty
I love your videos and lifestyle. Always having a project or 3 going is always interesting to me. Keep up the good work buddy.
You are both doing a great job, looking forward to what the future holds for y'all :)
It is about time, I always thought of it as this is my life as a Texan and life in the Philippines (Iloilo). Mel got a good man in her life. Good bless you both and do as you always do keeping it real.
I have enjoyed the journey. Y’all have been blessed and have kept me entertained watching. Greatly appreciated. Keep em coming.
Just keep doing what you are doing. All you can be is yourself, guess what? We subscribers just love you and your wife. This, I believe is why you are successful and why your channel has attracted so much viewers. I'm sure I speak for majority of your subscribers, we appreciate you sharing your life with us and we look forward to watching your videos on a daily basis. So keep on keeping on...🙏 Aloha 🤙🏽
I enjoyed your life-style channel, but especially the build portion❤️
Hi James just keep on doing what you want to do!! Not what some clown expects you to do. We are lucky that you share your lives there with us you just happened to be sharing it with everyone. THANK YOU FOR THAT!! you are certainly living the dream there. Keep it up.
Your life your way, comments reflect their state of mind not yours. You two are very genuine loving people. An inspiration really and we are lucky to be given access to that. People will take from it what they will. I enjoy your attitude and how you approach life with such ease and yet focus the key to life long achievement.
No need for sorries! Happy to be along for the ride!!!😊 Your Island life is beautiful and inspiring. You guys offer so much more than just a build channel. As another 54 yr old man I have learned alot from you. I appreciate your outlook on life. One thing that stands out is the time you mentioned that other friends back home were jeleous of you and knocking you for choosing to make Philippines your home. I made a connection with this as I have family here discouraging us not to move to Philippines once I retire. You motivated me to be steadfast in my decision. All that to say we are loyal followers and hope to visit one day. Love you guys. Keep it real and walk easy.😉👍🏻
I just moved into my new house in Samar, it's 10ft x 8ft, I'm at home and that's all that matters, I would be lost in yours. Missed past few months vids, internet is horrible in Philippines lol. Hope to get down to see y'all before I have to leave the Philippines. If not will when I get back.
No big deal James, people will either watch or not but it's important to be yourselves. 👍
Your timing on that house was perfection. The house is amazing. Big wave or surge comes in and just the garage gets hit. Not many good strong houses over there. Block sucks. Love the boat stuff too. Im a gold finder and finder of fancy rocks myself. Thats what i love. Keep up the videos. Love you guys and ya'll haven't even met me.
Hi from Pennsylvania USA- love you from your sister- ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉
You do you my friend 😊and do what ever makes you happy… oh and remember happy wife happy life
I have learned more from your channel than numerous other channels combined...do you and thank you!
A great video,congrats not being distracted by others❤❤
I will not speak for everyone, just myself. You and Mel got me through a rough patch in my life. Just sharing your lives and overcoming whatever you were challenged with. You are an anchor in rough seas, and I thank you.
ENJOYING all the videos
You owe an apology and expiation to absolutely no one for your hard work and success! The world needs more people like you and Mel.
Great channel whatever your doing i appreciate it for sure. Thanks to both you and mel for sharing a part of your lives. I hope soon to travel to the phillipines.
You and Mel rock on brother, much respect 👏
Hey Texas when you and Mel finish the B and b please let me know. Thanks 👍🏽
I enjoy your channel. Just enjoy what you do best.
Hello James, I have enjoyed your videos and you have taught me much. You have given me tips on where to buy things here.
I am from the Beaumont Texas area. I was 49 years old when I came here and we are in our 26th year. I could walk when I came here and used to walk and ride a jeepney everywhere. Now, because of Arthritis, I am confined to a wheelchair.
That does not stop me and my wife from building and improving our home. In 2022 we installed a new roof and six months later we bought Solar. We do not have brownouts in our home. My wife and I always are doing home improvements. We have a building project now. I love living in the Philippines. Iloilo is a beautiful city. I am comfortable here.
Your videos inspire me. You will be making improvements on your home for the rest of your life. That is how it is here.
Thank you James. I am glad that that we got to meet you and Melinda at the Festive Mall that one time. Keep building James. Do what makes you happy. That is exactly what I am doing. God bless my friend. Regards, Steve and Vevilyn
“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”. -- Joseph Campbell
I for one I really enjoy watching your channel when it comes to your building advise. I will be retiring in the next few years and will be building in the PI. I will definitely use your channel in assisting my build, especially since I am ignorant to building INFO. You have have a hobby and your house is your hobby. What else do you have to do? My hobby will be gardening and fruits trees and volunteering at an orphanage or VFW/American Legion. My wife's hobbies are baking and gardening....ordering me around. Do what make you all happy and keeps you both active together!
Keep doing what you're doing. I see no reason to change anything. I also see no reason for people to complain about anything on your channel. Ever since I've found your channel, I have enjoyed watching it. And I make it a point to "Like" your videos right away in the beginning so I don't forget. I still pray for Miss Mel to continue healing. You and I are about a year apart in age. Also, I never was one to sit around doing nothing. But I broke my back in 2014 and my life came to a screeching halt. I ended up losing 1/2 a vertebrae getting 3 fused into 1 and a bunch of other fun stuff. So needless to say it's been VERY challenging for me to realize I am no longer "Strong like bull"! Even now I still get reminders from time to time. There's too many things I want to do, and yet I cannot. Now I am under drs orders to lay as much as possible with my legs above my heart. I have issues with my legs and right foot. This has been going on for almost 3 years now. So I now identify as a potato. Just laying around with no purpose. God willing things change for the better soon. I'm going nuts. My asawa is an OFW now until next year all because of me bring disabled. But that's another story. That's enough about me. But I can relate in many ways with you. It is my hope to return to the PH in the next year or so. And when I do, I would love for my asawa and I to meet up with you and your bride-maybe for dinner, chat and laughs. Both of you take care & God Bless!
You two are great and will have a big following no matter what you have on the channel.
Awesome job thanks for the sharing of your journey 🤙 l will be starting my building next year we finally got our beach front lot aloha 🤙
I like you sharing in every thing you and your wife share 100%
watch love your channel do it as you like, I enjoy all of it,the life style, in Texas or the philipines watch everyone of your videos!
Your changing your format works for me. I enjoy everything g about your channel. I can see the reason for numbering g the house build ,so new people can follow it in order. But showing your lifestyle doesn't need that . I really like your channel so just keep giving g us good videos like always .God Bless you two and take care.
Just do as you please! Enjoyable!
Very well said .
I have enjoyed your videos and look forward to future episodes. I have learned a lot about the Philippines!
I can't wait to see a bunch of you take that big boat out and enjoy it. And maybe do some fishing
Our family has certainly loved watching your video's and we love your content. We do admire that you took that leap to go to the Philippines and thank you for sharing it with us! You have certainly influenced us to want to go to Iloilo and see if it is the place for us to retire as well. We see your love of the city and the island you live on and the love you have for your wife and the Philippine lifestyle and we love how you blend it all together. We hope to come and visit and meet you in another year of so. Please keep on being you, we love to turn on your videos and hear that Good morning everybody. You may not know it but your videos help some of us to escape from the rat race that we are in back in the States right now and you give alot of encouragement to others to want something better in their lives. Our Lord wanted us to encourage one another and we want you to know, we are encouraged by you and your wife and the workers there who are helping you to accomplish all you do.
I enjoy watching your channel. I appreciate the things you point out in building a house and it's a beautiful house. You and Melinda did a good job. Of course I watch the amrstrong family. I would love to live in the Philippines . Keep up the good work James I'll keep on watching bro. I think what you're doing is good. Your channel will always get a thumbs up from me. I think the most I like about your channel is that you are so down to earth country boy and us country boys aren't fake. Simply, fare, treat others with respect , and don't play favorites. Tell Melinda hi and hope she's doing well . God bless y'all
I watched for a while now, and I love your channel. Do as you will. I will continue to watch.😊
A home is always an on going project, unless its for sale. You built a beautiful home.
Perfect, thank you for sharing it
Live your life as you want. I enjoy how you are doing the builds and learning from you. Those haters are jealous of your lifestyle because they don't have it. Be happy and enjoy what you like to do. One more year to retirement and Visayas bound I will be.
I first came across your channel years back around the start of the build. I thought it was a building channel but it turned out to be so much more and I like thousands more are still here. It's your life your channel live it and run it the way you want to run it. No matter where you are texas Asia Latin america wherever you are your subscribers stick with you the ones who didn't well maybe they only wanted to see build video's but when I see thousands have watched your video after an hour or two you have most people because your video's are not only about building but also about your life your family's life your friends. I have said this before you don't need to justify your life you only have to live it.
It's also hard now on Yt to keep people interested, the house build was great to watch, as I also built 2 houses here, sold one, got 100% back for the builds and now rent the other out, convids helped a lot of channels due to boredom of people stuck at home, even me, I started my channel due to boredom, people need different content, I am also looking at filming more outside to show more on the Philippines. Your right on the prices going up, I bought land 4 years ago at 8200 peso a sqm, now its 18000 peso a sqm, going crazy, I'm sure what ever you do, your subs will continue to watch....good luck, and enjoy your house and location
Got me excited James, Thanks again. 55 here
Carry on Brother James with what you want to do, as you are doing a simply marvelous job sharing life experiences in the Philippines! ❤
Much appreciated
You've done a great job there I've learned a lot from your build 👍
Love your channel how ever you want to do it! Can’t stop watching the build, boating, and all of it. You and your wife are industrious and interesting.
Thank you
I've just enjoyed the journey.
Your passion for tractors back in the USA.
To you buying a boat in the Philippines and totally changing out the propulsion system.
I'd say it more like boys own adventure TV.
Let's buy a tractor, let's build a house, let's change the engine on this boat.
Take pride in your achievements.
You two are a tour de force.
Enjoy life! Enjoy your journey! Your channel is your own, you have shared a lot so you do not need to worry about gossip - that will always happen. Just enjoy - house is looking wonderful - enjoy your ongoing project.
I cannot express myself more. I have so much respect for you an your whole
family. your home and your vlog are amazing.
Arm chair experts seem to not have energy to do anything but complain about others that doing something with their lives. Don't let these guy get to you! You likely forgot more then they ever learned.😂😂😂
Nobody's damn business, you do a fantastic job in spite of the commenters who seem to think they know better what you should do.
I really followed and enjoyed your build but as you said its almost done and move forward to another adventure. I really learned a lot about your place and its people and surrounding neighborhood particularly iloilo and hopefully will include it as I travel throughout the Philippines and most of SE Asia. Regards to Mel and the twins. Stay healthy and be safe, watching from the bay area in a rainy NorthernCalifornia.
Lifestyle, life changes, maintainability...
Love your small house James, oh so jealous of your build and achievements, also started watching your channel because you were based in Iloilo, such a beautiful city, pity at 72, I am unable to spend many years there. Good luck for the future, maybe one day we will meet when I am there
I am fairly new to your channel and I really enjoy what you are giving us. For one I always thought this was a lifestyle channel and sometimes thought why are you numbering the build videos and the boat videos, and I figured it must just be an old thing for those that only want to watch about your home building or boat restoration. But now that you have explained it I understand and totally agree the numbering is no longer needed.
I really enjoyed the couple of videos of you walking around Iloilo while Mel was in hospital and it is great that you do talk so much in all your videos as you cover things really well. And, I learn a lot about a lot of things.
So keep up the great videos and don't listen to the negative people.
Sounds good 👍. I always enjoy both of your attitudes towards life and the content, regardless of whether it’s a boat, building, gardening or lifestyle vlog. Always a joy to watch 😊. Have an awesome week guys
I love watching your channel. Let the Haters Hate and wallow in their own misery.
Hello from Canada. My wife (Indonesian) and I enjoy watching your videos every week. There is lots to learn from you as you apply all your experience with building and boats that I hope to apply to our own situations. I'm sure you will miss having your team of builders as the major house building winds down, they will have learned a lot from you also.
Looking forward to see what you show us next!
Pllease keep doing what you have. Been. Uniqe and interesting channel. Variety of house. Life family and life. Been watching for years you and Mel are great people.
James, to be honest... i love watching you and Mel and the things you both do. Keep up the great videos that you put out there bud... Cheers
Btw, never cared what you were doing, enjoy your down to earth sharing of your life and knowledge.
You haven't started speaking yet, but I'm just going to say it's amazing you're able to build a sustainable life that if everyone else could do they would. You have your own food, water, electric, plenty of shelter etc...
Do what you want on your channel. I’ve always followed your channel and thought of as a nice place for information and interesting to see what other Americans are doing in PHL. We have completely renovated and improved my wife’s house that she grew up with but she has no desire for me to share this information on RUclips so I don’t. But I enjoy see what others are doing to get some ideas.
I will echo what others are saying, you guys are living YOUR lives. We just get the pleasure of glimpses of it. You do you, boo!
Enjoyed watching your channel for the past few years , the house build has been an inspiration for me as I hope to start building our house on our farm land in Isabela next year and your building knowledge and techniques have been very informative.. thanks for sharing your experience and giving me ideas and inspiration.. its very much appreciated..
So much noise in this world besides the tenisus I here every day, buy I've learned to ignore most of the time.
Thanks for enjoyment of watching your series of videos guys. I need encouragement when I start building at my age and you've helped me in that respect.
Blessings
James my friend you and Mel keep doing what you do and enjoy… life is way to short
James I am your 83 year old lady in Texas that look forward to your daily video. It is normally 2AM as I have sleeping problems. I look forward to watching you and Mel each night. I love seeing your progress I want to know about the chickens,the cow . Any thing you video will be interesting to me because of your Texas accent and straight forward delivery. I love the beautiful scenery you show and the beach . Tell Mel I prayed for her surgery and not overdue too quickly. She will be good again in no time. MeMe in Texas USA 🇺🇸
You are so sweet! BIG LOVE TO YOU
what ever you decide todo I think is fine. I look to watch what ever you produce.
I look forward evevy day to watch your video's. Great, great !!!!!!!!!!!
Keep doing what you are doing!
Just keep going man its your life❤god bless you and family👍
Well said James we love the videos and will keep watching, forget the knockers they are just jealous of the you both!!!
hi james and mell good morning so much respect james i thinks just better to put everyting togather vids lifestyle so much easyer edt vid as well too but k plz keep the vid coming of whatever you choose to vid on all vid content great so love ya s take care always a joy to watch no mater what the vids are ok god bless
I've always had that thought about your channel anyways enjoyed watching you fix up the rentals in Texas also but coming in on the build was just added Bonus watching someone build a house. The boats were a very cool To the channel also down to earth kind of guy and channel
This old carcass says…
Loved your build and gleaned so much information. How you used techniques from the handyman brain (pipe spacers etc)
Ultimately we want to be sharing our experiences in life. Home builds are huge and populates our subscriber base, during that phase.
PS we enjoyed you videos back in Texas
Cited a lot of your ideas too. Many thanks
Hello James and Melinda Thank you for explaining your new RUclips format. I agree it was getting time consuming with your separate projects and as one or two projects get completed, it’s time for a new format such as ‘your happy lives in Philippines.’ You have already followed your construction for over a year and it’s your show! I have followed all your journey and it has encouraged me with similar ideas for my future retirement. (7years?) we completed our house two years ago and I estimate our house would cost P2m more these days. There are still great development plots and businesses around available in Philippines!
It's Mel and your life. You have been very good at letting us viewers see how you live. Hopefully you still do that for us. At one time you mentioned you may be building something else. Just wondering if you still have that thought. Anyway, I'm still a fan of your blog. Keep up the great work. Hope to meet you someday. Thanks Hightower. Both of you.
Really nice house it always been amazing from start to finish and I know you still working on it but I hope one day when me and my wife are in the Philippines we can come by and visit and see your amazing house take care God bless and thanks for all the beautiful videos❤