Escaped to the Philippines at 35
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- Starting today I will share my story in a short series of how my life landed me here in the Philippines. Today is just a overview and the following videos will go into detail.
We are a Fil Am couple sharing our lives between living in Texas USA and Panay Island Philippines. We share dealing with two different cultures, building our solid concrete cast in place home beach side and exploring/ seeking new things. We hope you enjoy and join to be a apart of a bigger family here on this channel.
Thank you for being apart of our channel and lives.
James and Melinda
jamesray080808@gmail.com
Been watching you since nearly the beginning, I'm glad I have guys like you and Marcos "in my life" my last break up is exactly why the Philippines is my plan now. I was messed up after that, I didn't care anymore, but luckily I found you guys randomly, you guys gave me a temporary escape daily while I was dealing with the hardest times of the healing period, you guys have no clue how much you've done for me, the hope you've given me, showing me that I COULD start a new life and that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and that checking out was not an option. Thank you James.
I know exactly how you feel. Man you made this ole country boy tear up just now. This one single comment just made every video I have ever made and all the hours in them worth it. Scotty there is always a new beginning every minute of every day. It is all up to you to grasp it, to make that step forward even if you fail again. Even rough roads can get you to where you need to be.
Take your time if you go there, I didn’t 1973 I was young and I rushed into it not knowing what I was about to get into it had turned into 10 years of pure hell. The singer Jerry Reid I believe his name is had a song called SHE GOT THE GOLD MINE AND I GOT THE SHAFT. Well after five years I convince myself to get back up and carry on, You see not all Filipinas are bad. My present wife is Filipina now going on 30 Years.
Yeah! Mabuhay.
@@TexasFilipino God sent you to the right place! America is soon to fall, and the world will implode, but IMO 7,300 tropical islands, and their anti-abortion laws that pleases God, and mostly a God fearing Jesus loving people will let the Philippines survive the global storm that is coming!
Nothing like landing in the Philippines for the first time (Flying Tigers flight at Clark in '84). The heat & humidity slapped me in the face & I grew up in Houston. I married my souvenir, were married for 13 years (divorced) & have 2 great kids. I look forward to checking out Iloilo for the 1st time later this year. Keep the story coming...
Hi James, you and I have a lot of similarities in our Philippines journey. I went there my first time at 37 years old after having been divorced from my ex wife in Texas for 5 years. My first real kiss was in middle school in Hawaii with a Filipina when my dad was stationed there in the late 70's and I have a lot of good memories of my filipino classmates there. We should be in Iloilo in mid to late October and look forward to meeting the expat group. Take care now.
Sounds similar to my first experience to Philippines, LOL The smells,sights and sounds! I now have been married to a Filipina for 23 years. The goal is to move back soon!
I’m Pilipina, I leave in USA for many years just working. But I pray that when I retired I will be with my family in Dumaguete. I think I can plant vegetables and keep busy . Lol
Love listening to your stories. ❤
I hope so too!
Thanks for sharing. I went the navy route in the mid 80’s. Married a Filipina in 86 and still going strong. I was last there during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. I’ve lived through the different RUclips guys dreaming of a chance to go back. Now I’m older and do the party life and frankly can’t afford the adventure part. But now I’m focusing on taking my wife back to visit. She’s been away from family for 34 years. Hopefully I can find a way to return. You grew up early and responsible enough to afford that trip at 35. Looking forward to hear the rest. Gotta have dreams.
Enjoyed your story but would please include dates and maybe a map for a reference to all the places you mention.
Please continue as this is very interesting. So many bloggers are very hush hush about their life b4 the Philippines.
Really liked your xmas video with the food for your friends and gifts for the local kids. That was a very kind thing to do.
My voyage to the Philippines, Marriage to my Filipina wife and my 2 Fil-American sons are the very best decisions of my life. Our stories have many similarities and feeling like I'm also very close to building a home for my family over there too. Thanks for the video bud!
Am glad i stumbled on your channel and i liked it. Am a subscriber now and i like your content. It is so direct, honest and lots of humor too. Am looking forward to your coming vids. Good luck. Btw, i am from davao, south of the philippines and glad you like our humble country.
I have been watching your videos for several months. I have really enjoyed and appreciate your videos. This one really hit home as I got married very young and raised a family. I have been wanting to move to the Philippines and that's what got me to watching your videos. My children are all raised now and I would like to spend the rest of my life enjoying life and it's not here in the USA. I look forward to your videos and I really look forward to hearing more about your journey that led you to the Philippines. Thank you and God bless you and your family
Man James, you made me really miss the Philippines. I was last there in 2019, Sad i can't go back unless i get the jab. The Philippines is the only reason i will ever get it. The Tarmac in Gensan was the best. Taking showers with a bucket, the best.
Actually Governor Gwen Garcia of Cebu signed an executive order allowing unvaccinated tourists to enter Cebu directly. Not all airlines know of this, so not all will allow you to board. Most have had success flying to Bangkok and Singapore and booking a separate itinerary directly to Cebu. Once in Cebu you will have to do a 5 day quarantine. From there you can fly anywhere in the Philippines.
@@airwess88 yeah, i have been watching pretty closely, i kinda want to be free with no restrictions, but if i have too i will.
Will not ever get the fake vaccine for any reason.
Never thought I would hear a foreigner miss taking baths with a bucket..you made me smile..we live an hour away from Gensan..❤️
I like the story .i'll wait for the part 2 3 4 and 5🤣🤣🤣God bless and more power👍👍👍
Thank You James ..for sharing your Story...I would love to hear Part 2...Part 3....Whatever you feel Comfortable Sharing
I'm 65 from Oklahoma City...Married to my Pinay wife almost 4.5 years...we married in Oklahoma and Also Married here in the Philippines..We live in General Trias Cavite..about 30 minutes from
MANILA...BLESSED....
THANK YOU JAMES...
Hi James like to hear your story, married at 18 first son born before I turned 19 .Fall in love with the Philippines and the people whilst visiting in the 76 with the New Zealand navy.
before early retirement, work in Hong Kong , on retirement and divorce returned to HK meet my Filipino, visted here, moved 2018,2019 got married and live happily ever after in Daraga Legaspi. Love following you ,Mel and family. Keep posting.
Thank you Jeff and thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing. You seem to have found what you are searching for in The Philippines. I lived in San Antonio for 3 years and met some really good people from Texas. I'll be checking out Iloilo next month in preparation for making the move permanent in the fall of 2024
Hi James, I have been watching all your videos. I was a builder for over 30 years and love watching your building experiences. I also have been with a filipina for over 10 years, so it seems we have some things in common. I just wanted to tell you how much this video has touched me in your candor and honesty. You are the kind of friend I would love to have and if I lived in the Philippines I would love to have you as a friend. As much as I enjoy your building videos, this one really touched my heart. I am glad you found happiness and God bless you and Mel.
glad you stayed...myself and wife will return soon..
So happy for u james u definitely love Philippines...and u slowly adapting Filipino culture and liked it i hope the next video i may hear from you how u and Mel met ..absolutely u have a wonderful life with Mel and a beautiful vacation mansion here in the Philippines. Godbless and stay safe guys🙂♥️
Thank you - all in time - this will be a multi part story telling it all. There will be some twist. Btw its not a vacation house it is our home. We are here more than Texas. This year I will have only seen Texas 2 months in 2022.
I wish I had the creativeness about me to tell these stories on RUclips. I'm just not a captive storyteller when talking to a camera, I guess. I met my wife 15 years ago on the OLD OLD yahoo messenger chat rooms LOL.. before that I was captivated with the story of the Philippines. Like you I remember taking those first steps out of the airport and taking in the new smells.. My wife and I have a beautiful daughter now and we have been living in Bataan...
That first smell however different it might be is when I think we get infected with the Philippines Virus.
@TexasFilipino
That's part of your success as a vlogger - your sense of good ol'boy humor. Sometimes you say eye openers that Crack me up! That's because I'm a Japanese/Filipino American! You're a good man Charlie Brown.
I just cross to your channel nice to watching your video .i was thought you are real Filipino guy 😀 thanks for sharing your video
Yes, please continue. Life stories are always so interesting and the information very useful. I look forward to hearing more of your life in the Philippines. God bless you all.
Very interesting story on how you ended up in the Phils. I love it. I also have a very interesting story about how I ended up in the Phils that goes way back to when I was a child. Something during my childhood had a hold of me my whole life, which I could never understand. When I hit 40, a new turn of events in my life began that eventually led me to the Philippines. Currently married to a Filipina 10 years but together for 12 years. One thing I will never forget on my first trip to the Phils is when we were on approach and looking out at all the dim orange street lights down below. I had this weird emotional moment where I teared up. You know that feeling when you've been away from your family for so long and you tear up when you finally see your family. That's what I felt upon approach looking down as we touched down. I don't know why and what it is, but on all the following 5 trips to the Phils. I got that same feeling every time. Even while travelling back there with my wife on 3 occasions. She would always ask me what's wrong, why I have tears in my eyes. And I guess the answer was and is. I feel like I am home. I miss the Philippines so much. Hoping to travel there in the next few years and start our journey of building a house. One day we will meet. You can be assured of that. Been a follower since your first few hundred members. Have a wonderful day brother. Say hi to Mel and the rest of the family.
I love what you shared and it ironically the same for me and others I have had the pleasure to talk to. For some of this this place is like a loving pair of arms saying all will be alright.
Wow 35 years old was my first trip to the Philippines back in 05. It was the greatest thing i ever did been happy with my wife and what we have become as a family. Thanks for sharing.
Philippines has been the best thing for my life ever
Glad you enjoy staying in iloilo, you are very much welcome..im.proud of my place..nice to know your stories.take care..
Yes ! More please
Yes I want to hear more it sounds way to familiar but hey one thing is for sure the Philippines are easy to fall in love with!
Definitely!!
Great story and real journey. Please continue the story. Very inspiring and even uplifting.
James, I would say continue with your story. Having a tough Dad and rambling around the world reminds me of myself except for the early marriages and children. As we get older our own story expands over time. I first set foot in the Philippines in 1979 at 29 years of age. I did a short stopover in Manila (Ermita) as I was on my way to Hong Kong to join a ship. In the end all we have is our memories as we ponder back through our life.
Absolutely loved it. Can't wait for more of this, I'm going through a lot of what you said. Just had enough james
More to come! Just remember to keep your head high and look past the ugly. It sounds so cliche to say look up but think flowers bloom high not down in the dirt.
@@TexasFilipino i hear you loud and clear james, God bless you and yours 🙏
It's was amazing story..we Filipinos love those who love and like so much the Philippines...we know you will adopt slowly when it come to become a Filipino...
I could listen to you all day. I remember the first time I landed at Manila Airport in 1977 as a 21 yr old to meet the in laws. Just like yourself, the heat and smell hit me the moment the airplane doors opened. As an English kid, I'd never experienced heat like that before and I was wearing a suit and tie LOL! The smell wasn't unpleasant, just different.
I'm so happy that you have found peace and happiness in the Philippines and looking forward to viewing all your other videos.
Thanks for sharing that Dave. I love hearing your stories as well. Like a group of friends talking.
Dave, we are a different generation (former Military) than those venturing to the Philippines. We were fortunate to have the bases over there. I was on the ship then stationed in Cubi Point.
@@davidbrink5633 I shared a few beers in the late 70s with some of your guys, when they ventured into nearby Bulacan, where my wife's family are from. Music was our common interest. I came from Liverpool, so The Beatles was a conversation point and I also loved soul music.
James I love the journey really reminds me of the story I am doing now I left usa on military contact in the middle east and just fell in love with the culture of different people and now married to a Filipina and a small son in Kuwait but am currently about to move to 🇵🇭 as my work gave me the opportunity I have been to the Philippines several times and other Asian countries but regardless to say I followed your how story with the house build and im also a southern boy from Mississippi and hopefully some time when we get settled in the Philippines I would love to meet yall take care always
The distinctive first time smell of Manila, I remember it very well.
Yours is an interesting story and the way you tell it and how you relate to the experience of it is good stuff. Keep going. I had seen your video titles bouncing around on the RUclips pages and your handle caught my attention as I am from Texas originally and then this one, escaping to the Philippines at the age of 35, I just couldn't pass up having a look at it. I will stay tuned, I want to hear the rest of it. I have been here seven years myself.
YES JAMES . ENJOY . LOTS OF STORYS SIMLER TO YOURS . I FOUND PHILIPPINES . AND LOVE THIS COUNTRY .
So many different stories Good luck to you and yours
The background sound of the coconut trees dancing in the breeze of the wind it feels like I'm sitting under the coconut tree in front of the beach and feeling the ocean breeze damp on my face...so nice🥰🥰
Your doing a good job ,keep up the story flying to the Philippines,Your story is better than watching TV .
Thank you, I will
Please continue! Parts of your story will match parts of other people's stories and will help provide some essential wisdom.
James , I really enjoyed hearing your story it sounds eerily to my story with exception I still live in states and travel there every year . I would like to visit and discuss our stories and have a laugh . While there would love to hear advice on building a house in the fashion you did . Keep on sharing.
Thanks for sharing! Not only do we share a name, but similar story and age! I First visited Cebu in 2004. Looking forwards to hearing more!
Thank you James! So we first experienced PI in the same era.
That was a very interesting and exciting story. Looking forward to hearing the rest of your journey.
I can definitely relate to what your saying James shared many of the same experiences mine were back in 1969 and with Thailand . Best times of my life and why I love your channel.
Thanks for sharing
That's life fate, , as we steps by ages we learn and grows, ,discover more on life, while sometimes got bored, , just keep the smile and feel the air, , I'm from the south of Philippines the Mindanao , we love the simple life in our land of promise called mindanao
Great story to share with everyone. It's really important to let people know especially if they are planning to make a permanent decision to move here to these islands. Thank you for being brave and opening up truthfully. God blessings James.
I enjoyed hearing your story. A totally different perspective on reasons to move to the Philippines. Thank you.
james thats a good story , yes waiting for u to continue ur life journey
Plan on moving to Palawan. My husband is Filipino & married for 38 years. Met in US. Great video.
Hi James and Mel, Almost like you I grew up around Filipino families. My Dad worked for the Navy and had many Filipino friends. I went into the Navy at 17 and 1 month after my 18 th birthday my ship pulled into the Philippines. I knew from my short time (3 months the ship had repairs) that someday the Philippines would be my home. I made many trips onboard a ship there and got stationed in Subic in 83. Met my wife in 84 and had 3 kids. Time laps to 1999 my wife and I split and I took care of the kids. I met my 2nd wife in 2005 my kids almost grown and out of the house so I dcided it was time to take care of me. We married right before the great lock down and I am to retire at the end of this month. Say hello to that swabby Tito Tim hope we can meet soon.
I love these stories. I want to hear all of your stories. We are supposed to meet up with Tim and Melanie soon. Tim is a great guy and glad we have become friends
Your story is halfway like Bud Brown, he is in Dumaguete ,he is a Vietnam War vet, im sure you seen or heard of him .
@@aurelio-reymilaorcabal9669 had you heard,? bud and gloria are moving to Baja in the new year!
@@rogergarnham3202 yes , I heard, was not sure when, going to be soon I guess, I watched his vlogg a week or two ago, he can speak Spanish do his OK language wise,and his wife probably won't mind the change. All my 9 siblings are in S Calif, I prefer the Philippines , will settle there, have to look for a place, Laguna or Visayas is OK, Dumaguete is an option but maybe too expensive, Not sure about Cebu as it is too polluted in the city, I was there in 2017 for a week, then was 1 month in Bohol.... Any Suggestions?
I felt your story was real. I can relate to it and would love for you to continue. You said a few things that hit home. I think we are of similar age, although we grew up in different parts of the country, we all experienced similar experiences. I enjoy everything you are doing and hope one day I make it down your way to meet up and share a story. Keep giving back, you are doing it right!
Hi! I just wanted to say how lovely it is to hear about your experiences early in adult life. Even though its very early, thanks for sharing your insights on it and somehow makes me imagine something for myself.
I CAN TOTALLY RELATE,I HAD SIMILAR LIFE, THANKS FOR SHARING BROTHER 👍✌️
Please continue with your story. I can relate to so much of your story. Thanks for sharing all of this.
Wow, big James, I like your story, yes cont on, your a good story teller. I been Cebu 2019 n 2020 now I plan to go back in next couple months. I was married to Filipina for almost 10 yrs in the 80s to 90s, I been Dumaguete in 1984. Anyway, Geo, a Dumaguete vlogger was just in ur area n he said he run out of time n wanted to get in touch with you. Anyway, Im 65, old Marine guy and real estate guy from Houston, n plan to retire there soon. Thanks for all you do for the new guys. Chow
I love the house building videos but this is even better I really enjoyed this video it brought back so many memories of a similar thing. Yes the smell and he heat when you get off the plane is like nothing else. I love it here I am younger then you just turned 40 and I do not ever see my self going back to live in America
Thanks so much for sharing that.
I don't recall the smells when my Filipina wife and I debarked the plane in Manila but it's coming back to me as we speak. We've temporarily returned to the states on business and after only being gone one year, we are so distraught on how the country is declining from it's principles and democratic ideology. Can't wait to come back to our new home! New adventures await!
@@TexasFilipino
Thanks James for what you do. As I posted before - you are the Iloilo/Texas McGyver. I wanna be like you when I grow up. Oops- I'm uour senior!
More James more!
Hahaha great story. Funny how it seems age has changed your father’s discipline to wisdom as you recall many life lessons imparted by your father.
I recall some horrible life lessons from my father. He taught me to strive to not be him.
@@TexasFilipino -- I lived with my Grandpa in the northern Idaho mountains when I was 12/13 and he was a jerk extraordinaire as well. After about 1-1/2 years, it was clear that I needed to leave before one of us ended up dead . . . and it was not at all clear which one of us that might have been. :) He did teach me a lot about how to build things so I'm grateful for that -- gotta' give credit where it's due. :) But like you, it was a good lesson about what one should *NOT* become as they get older.
thank you for sharing your past history. quite amusing though! been religiously following every video you and Mell. i am very much informed, entertained and felt can relate on you both! keep on sharing, that is what is life all about-to learn from our own, from others as well.
Wow, you've experienced what other forienger have not here in the phil.. You have an amazing story.
Yes James , keep the story going it might help some of us , that's planning to move to the Philippines. I just afraid I might have an anxiety attack while on that long flight.
Can't wait for the next chapter James!
Hi James
Very interesting to hear your story and why you chose the Philippines.
Feel free to tell us more about your story, your own experiences and considerations about building your second home in the Philippines.
Regards Mikael
Keep it coming Texas Yeah Buddy
I appreciate your honesty, knowledge is power, thankyou.
I appreciate that
Enjoy the personal and honest video. Always interesting to hear a person's story.
Enjoyed your story looking forward to hearing more about your life. Interesting!
More to come!
Your recollections of that first "whiff" of the PI kinda took me back to February of 1982. I left Fort Worth to frozen roads, and after 2 plane changes, and a whole days worth of flying I found the local police in Angeles bundled up and shivering on a park bench, and I was dripping sweat ! I was expecting something like Japan, or Hawaii, but seeing Juarez. It was a shock but 10 years later I did NOT want to leave, . . . EVER ! Those were by far the best years of my life, I'm honored to be back in Texas, but still get a thrill when I think of McArthur addressing the people, on the radio saying, "People of the Phillipines, I have returned !" Good video James, thanks for sharing.
I felt the same way as you, I was just looking for a place to escape. A friend of mine was married to a Filipina and he is the one that actually introduced me to the Philippines. A year later, I flew to Manila, I’ve been hooked ever since. I’d love to hear more of your story.
As a matter of fact, I met someone from Iloilo and I’ve been there and can’t wait to get back. The only thing is, I haven’t been vaccinated, I don’t want to be vaccinated, and the country hasn’t opened for unvaccinated foreigners.
You can if you choose the right airline and fly to Cebu. I am not sure how island to island travel will be after that.
Thanks James, I’ll look into it.
I heard if your not vaccinated u have to be Quarantine
James, keep preaching brother!! Much of what you said felt so familiar as to how I arrived there in 2007. I had a similar experience around the age of 20 ( around 1980, first "true love", NOT first kiss), with a Filipina I met, who was attending Emory University Medical School. I was certain she was the one I wanted to marry, but she had her heart set on returning to the Philippines and did not want to be distracted by some Kano trying to keep her in the U.S.! I look forward to hearing more, as so many similar thoughts coursed thru my mind as you recanted your first trip to the Phils. I look forward to swapping stories with you and Cap, there in the future. As always, God bless, best to you and Melinda. Ingat and stay safe! (...still waiting to hear what you brought back from Manila on your most recent trip!)😀
Nice story...thanks for sharing...also planning to retire to the Philippines soon. Looking forward to hearing your observations about the people and culture and life lessons😃
Such honest communication to an unknown audience, I think you've touched upon something in all of us , certainly me, thats an untold story that needs told . As I listened to your story thoughts went back to my own pass and made me realize there's a reason for it all .
Continue please , we've (i also have a Filipina wife) have been watching for some time . Today you made a new friend.
Thanks
Thank you very much
Ya you will be succcess here as long as you want.
This was great to listen too, I had a similar early life and once I was free I stayed free. Indonesia is the country that holds my heart but watching your vlogs has opened my eyes to a country I never looked into, the women, countryside and beaches are all beautiful..And that tropical heat and smell is something I've never forgotten...
Thanks for sharing that Ben
More like this, great content thank you for sharing
*Philippines I was thirties five years old when met my wife appreciate your videos Listening 🌟 from Mass USA TYVM 💙 James*
Your story was very interesting to me. Your father may have been rough on you but looking at all the things you can do I think he must have taught you a lot.
Yes dont be like him
@@TexasFilipino
Sorry I didn’t know.
Greetings from Corpus Christi Brotha!
I’ll Soon Pack up and Go to Philippines to Explore.
Best video yet. Nothing like hearing these stories of others.
Yes Yes Yes
I really enjoyed this vedieo James. And please do continue your story Po .Man I can really relate to your first stop in Minilla with the smells & sounds & people everywhere. I to smelled a whole new world I never knew it was very different but very intriguing to me as well .Man I remember well the first month I spent at the condo I leased in Manilla and the first smells of people cooking dried fish & spices & other local foods .I couldn't get it out of my nose 🤧.
There's nothing like your very first Trip & experience there for sure .I'm looking forward as Paul Harvey use to say on his Radio show ( The rest of the story ) Good day 👍 God bless mabuhay Po
Yes all the first but yet each return is like a new first again. Sometimes what you thought stunk you find yourself longing to smell it again because it means your back in that place you feel in love with even if there can be strong odd odors.
Thank you sir for sharing your story! Great video 👍👍👍 sounds vary similar to me 🇵🇭🇺🇸🙏🙏🙏
James we have a similar experience with marriage and early adulthood. I’m 20 yrs your senior and my 1st trip to the Filipinos was in 2013 to connect with a new found sweet heart which didn’t work out. I love the land and the culture of the people
I can’t wait for the part 2 of your story.
Much Respect for Your Sharing this Video!
I have a Lot in Common with Your Lifestyle and shared with My Gwapa Maribel.
Thank You for sharing your Experience 😉
I appreciate that
Bring it on!! We want to hear it all! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I always wondered how all of this happened. I know you are a pretty much private person, but thanks again for sharing! Bring on chapter 2!!!!
Thanks for listening
@@TexasFilipino every day!!
Good story I'd like to here more.
your story is so interesting that we arewait for more of this,, good n thank you but pls continue about that story, yes
Excited for the continuation!
I'm waiting on part 2
Ya you learn a lot here be friendly and dont be fast to be succcess gradually you need every time take one of the time thats attitude here,and welcome to philippines and hope you are in good health.
Great video james 👍 l love watching life lessons and experiences. You’re a great storyteller as well which makes it very enjoyable. Have a nice day at the beach. Greetings from Switzerland
Thanks 👍
The weather is great no sunshine just perfect overcast.
A good video James … yes continue with it
Yes Sir, please continue with your storytelling. My Asawa and myself really enjoy y'alls videos.
Interresting story James, just keep them coming!
Thanks for sharing James, look forward to hearing the rest of your adventure..I have a story too (similar).
Keep on with the story Mr. James!
I'm glad that plane expérience didn't discourage you out the bat.
Great start to a story that needs to be told to teach us what things were like back then, and updates of how you are now. Please keep this story going James, to find out more about the man you are, and how parallel things might be to many of ours my friend.
Will do!
Great story so far, thanks for sharing
Great story/info man. Creating your best life bro.
Please continue James
yes im waiting for the story about yourse;f the continuation lol see in ur next li fe story very interesting on me , take care