@@CarefreeChris I hope I can meet you guys or others in the expat community when I visit the Philippines next year. Seems like a great support system with a lot of expat wisdom
We can trade gambling stories now. I got a tryout for the prop firm for $20 and blew it. Seems like I had a fight with ninja trader. I have a demo set up now to practice so it was worth the $20 for sure just for entertainment value.
Chris is quick witted, the king of one-liners. Can't imagine he would have that much trouble dating in the States, but work is always top priority in the US. Real good interview Mike... Interesting camera work on the intro. Janet keepin it fresh, nice work. Peace and Love, B Goat
Excellent video Mike, we always enjoy the interviews and Chris has a pretty cool channel as well. Good to see you all together and sharing experiences.
I did business in Cebu from 1978 until 2015. There are a lot of changes, though I like them. I rented an old cessna at the "intown airport" in 1979. A ton of fun flying around back then. Gone now. I do like IT park and the business area. Someone made some great decisions about careful growth there. I believe the growth along the Southeast waterfront is going to become a boom residential area. If I remember right, it was called Talisay. The Phiippine people are fantastic, kind and giving. I miss my mango shakes. I remember the first big hotel, Cebu Plaza up on the mountainside, above the old military installation. Only one bridge from Mactan back then.
I live less then 2km from Ayala Mall In Mandaue City. I rent an unfurnished, airconditioned one bedroom apartment in a gated complex with a caretaker, parking and a nice lawn for 10,000. No, it doesn't have a gym or a pool. I think it is possible to live here on $1,000 a month if you don't drink, cook at home, and you don't have a girlfriend, but you do need to double that figure with a girlfriend, and eating out and drinking. My perspective on money is different because I retired early at 55 and I am only receiving a small pension until I can draw Social Security at 62, although I have savings. I prefer to drive so I bought a minivan in the first month I was here, but you are correct that you really don't need a car in Cebu. I think you can live at any level you want to spend here. My situation was similar to the gentleman you interviewed, living alone in the country in America, most family deceased and not a lot of friends. I am much happier with city life in Cebu. This was a great video topic.
I believe 1k is doable but it includes 0 safety net and thats not where you want to be when you dont have insurance. I think 1400 is what I'd suggest. Slow minimal ish lifestyle + learning public transportation + putting a hundred or 2 away every month for when an emergency occurs.
Yes I agree with you, and I would not recommend that anyone retire here without significant savings in the bank. I do think $1000 is a very lowball amount, doable with savings, but if you don't already have savings too, I would say it is not wise to come here and try to survive on $1000. Having a girlfriend makes me easily spend $2,000 per month. @@just_another_bot0110
As a local, Cebu is safe or in most place when you blend with locals. As to expenses, if you want to main your lifestyle in the overseas in here, 1k is ok but you need a separate emergency fund.if youre alone with no insurance, a good emergency fund is good.
I lived in Cebu for 4 yrs in Mabolo which is close to IT Park but not in IT Park so you have more reasonable rentals. For two yrs I lived in furnished Condo units. The Airport in Cebu is less crowded and hectic, too. If you meet or date potential partners they may be from the Province and working in Cebu.
CEBU, IS A GOOD PLACE FOR FOREIGNERS & FOREIGN EXPATS....THEY LIKE CEBU, BECAUSE ITS SAFE, CHEAPS, NEAR THE BEACH RESORTS, BIG, MALLS, BIG HOSPITALS, INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT...ACCESSIBLE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION... CEBU IS GOOD FOR FOREIGNERS & EXPATS!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Mike, inspirational, witty and fun. One of (if not the best IMHO) your best vids. This friend of yours has an awesome life. Cebu? After watching this video, I think that’s where I’ll initiate my “Boots on the Ground” kick off point. Heck! I might gust stick around for a spell. Cheers, JM
Interesting as I rented a Honda PCX 160 automatic and drove half or Cebu Island and 3/4 of Negros Oriental from down to Siatan to up to Bais city and covered allot of ground and met more Filipinos and didn't rely on expats. I found the key was to get Outside of hanging around where expats who go to the same locations, restaurants verses all the businesses and places Filipinos go. As i believe you must completely be Open to new food, traffic and more procedures and red tape and Adjust, Adapt and have Lots of Patience and MOST of all Have a Good Helpful Attitude as Filipinos Love you when you are Friendly and Appreciative.
Great conversation Mike and Chris you guys covered a lot of topics. Funny funny funny also. And yes Chris absolutely no matter where you go… There you are. To all the good people out there. 👍
I travel the world on a $1000-$1500 p/m all inclusive budget, Inc flights etc. I live within the cultures of most countries, if possible. I visit all the sights & live well in clean & appropriate accommodation, but I don't care much for any western creature comforts. I use local public transport & hire a scooter if in a place for longer than a month. I self insure.
I travel the world on a $1000-$1500 p/m all inclusive budget, Inc flights etc. I live within the cultures of most countries, if possible. I visit all the sights & live well in clean & appropriate accommodation, but I don't care much for any western creature comforts. I use local public transport & hire a scooter if in a place for longer than a month.
Another great video Mike, so helpful to know the in's and out's of actually living in Cebu, what areas are good to live in, and how much one can expect to spend. Thanks to you both for your help.
I really enjoyed this video. You probably know by now that my place in the Philippines is Ormoc. I regret that there are no taxis in Ormoc. Tricycles are OK if you only want to go two blocks away, but they are rather uncomfortable for longer rides. An advantage is that traffic there is not as busy as in Cebu and I never had problems driving my own car there.
Spot on about the dating, younger men don’t get taken seriously.. it’s never the case in cebu city when I’ve seen an age “appropriate couple” couple, and the Cebuanas have already been courted and taken around the world by older gentleman
One thing I notice here in NY, maybe in other states too is, they don't usually maintain security guards. Even in malls you hardly see them unlike in the Philippines.
Wow nice video I'm back in Canada now but own a hotel on Bantayan island. I miss Cebu looks like you are at the social.Nice spot but it sucks The Social and TGIF are paying for the rights to only sell beer then jacked the prices up.One very big tip for someone new there is to book a hotel right by Ayalla and save money on the Taxi as Ayalla is the best place to go .Hotels like the Quest or Mandarin are great but there are others.Also a fantastic movie theater at Ayalla
If you stay in mactan Island you can get nice condo for $300 or actually get your own condo for less the 50k. My bills are under $150 a month and you can go to opon market and S&R for your shopping for your food needs. I can easily live and cook all the food I want for like $100-300$ . If you use grab they started to charge more and more .Avoid using grab if you can. The best buffets and nice restaurants are actually in Mactan Island. Weather is cooler and cleaner air and traffic is not crazy like in Cebu city area.
Good Info Mike and Chris, i agree with Chris on living close to the Ayala communities. There is one such Ayala areas North Bacolod heading towards Talisay ( The Ruins).
Hi Mike. Have you ever made a video on medications in the Philippines? I will be moving to the Philippines with my wife in a few years. We have everything planned but we have never heard about maintenance medications, that is, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes meds. Are the medications as good as in the US? Are they expensive? Does the Philippines have 90 days prescriptions? Thank you. We enjoy your channel.
The video I watched from an expat living in Angeles City said pharmacy sell per pill and it is more expensive than US for 90 pills. You need to be careful because sometimes they might be out of stock or not carry what you need. Which is a real hassle if you have to go to 3 or 4 pharmacy to find what you need. In fact, a few times he couldn't even find the BP med's he needed.
This is the exact lifestyle I want to avoid. Living in the tropics and stuck in an expensive city. Not my kind of retirement. I will be surfing and chilling on the beach.
Taxi cabs in the main City is on metered no hidden charges , just be ready with loose change like coins , 50,100 paper bills always in your Wallet or pocket
I liked IT park, it does have a lot to offer for sure. I did find that it was expensive and traffic is definitely a problem. Used grab primarily in the city , but when in the province take public transportation, buses, tricycles, huble hubles.
@@mikesphilippineretirement LOL I had only taken it a couple times. In the small province town that is up a mountain road that is a very common mode of transportation. Now many drivers are switching to something they call a BaoBao, basically a tuktuk. Keep up the good content Mike!!! I missed meeting you a few weeks ago but was able to meetup with Carefree Chris.
getting stared is very common even in the us especially in small town or mostly in deep southern state, asian looking people sometimes getting stared at
that budget seems excessive to me. go shop in a grocery store and cook most of your meals. why do you need to eat in a mall 3 times a day? can't be all that healthy either
Another interesting video, Mike, BUT can you name a few good spots where a guy can take his conservative province pinay on a date? I'll be meeting her in southern Cebu and she has already shown interest in a restaurant somewhere high where the entire city can be seen, so of course we'll be going there, but I'm at a loss for other dating sites and I'll be there for a month! Remember when I asked about the power there? I just purchased an adapter so I hope I'll be able to charge my phone now. Stay safe. Be well!
The restaurant sounds like Top of Cebu if you're referring to Cebu City. Great place for a date and you can also do Temple of Leah before dinner. No cabs up there so hire a taxi for the afternoon to take you around. Good luck Danno:)
Thank you @@CarefreeChris . I've never before been in a situation where I can not impress my girl. This ammo you gave me will be put to good use! Now all I need to do is find the right time to ask for her hand in marriage. HA!
Great idea @@mikesphilippineretirement . My pinay refuses to wear bikini's and I tease her about that, so she will think I'm trying to strip her down again. Girls do enjoy having men desire their natural attributes so I'll make it work. IMHO, she needs to understand how lovely she is in my eyes before I pop the question. She is more than another pretty face to me, but she likes being pursued.
Hi Mike, that was a great video. Chris is a fun guy and I hope to find fun people to hang out with like you guys. It will make the transition to moving there easier and then when I learn enough about the Philippines I will look for a girlfriend and settle in.
$3000 or so seems expensive from what I imagined. Of course, half a single man’s cost compare to my life in Dallas TX but I just imagined better deal. Thanks for all the info! May just pull the trigger and retire early as I’m tired of America.
Hi Mike I would suggest that when you are talking with somebody in your vlog sit down face to face i mean facing each other not frequently looking on your side to talk with your guest.
Speaking of lady boys, I don't know about the Phil's, but in California if a guy says he's a women and you refuse to date him you are branded as a bigoted homophobic. It's getting pretty CRAZY here in progressive liberal land. They had a pride parade in Hollywood some months ago and naked adults were walking around in front of little girls and boys. But I guess that's the parents fault for allowing the child to be there in the first place. We are the American state of fruits and nuts, literally!
Quit making crap up. No on will brand you a bigot for not dating a trans person. They will brand you for being a bigot because you ARE!. Best to stay in your safe place in America rather than spread your hate in Philippines
when i live there I eat out 3 days a week and I had snacks in my apartment or my girl cook for us. 1200 a month is good to live on as long as you are smart with your money.
The reason people stare at the foreigners , I'm sorry about to stare at you Gus you are much fair complexion and you are tall compare to the Filipino people are much shorter. Welcome in our country
This seems more like a commercial for your employer AYALA builders or for your realestate ventures? Are you trying to create a Philippine version of Sumerland,Anthem or Henderson?? Not jealous, just amazed that you found a way to make income, while living in relatively inexpensive area.
Wow Gelato is not even ice cream a he'll of alot cheaper to make Gelato Than ice cream Gelato is made from raw milk rather than cream. I do understand that milk is Expensive in philipines. But when you make Gelato it also expands just guessing but 20% at least because when it churns it adds air and freezing expands the Gelato
By the way, what is the sq meter of a studio and 1 bedrooms? I'm living in a 1 bedroom condo in southern California paying $1,400, but been here 10 years. Current rents are going for $2,000 - $2,100. My condo is 750 sq feet which is a comfortable size. Although it was a shock when I first moved here from a 2,400 sq foot house. It felt very claustrophobic! LOL
Much smaller than you're used to. Im from san diego and my 2 bed 2bath 1200 sqft would currently go for around $3600 so I know the pain The studios here are slightly under 400 sqft ish They aren't bad by any means but whatever your bathroom looks like cut it in half. It you had a bath tub probably cut it to 1/3. The kitchen? If you know what a kitchenette is.. its that. Your fridge is smaller than your normal fridge. Think twice the size of a mini fridge. You can comfortably put a queen bed and small 2 person sofa. If you live farther you get bigger / more space but you're farther. Its also cheaper BUT you will need a car/ you spend much more on transportation so that's the trade off. I prefer smaller homes but im literally a street and a half from the mall/ 20+ restaurants
Wow! $1,700-2000? I sell option premium against shares of stock and bring in about $8,000/mo. I'm 52 so I'm quite away from receiving social security but that will be around $2,400/mo. Plus my savings... I guess I'm a candidate
Maybe but sometimes the prices over here are similar to us that just depends on what you get. Bacon $8 /lb. Glad $ p70 liter x by 4 for gallon. Now you can assume Average wage in penninsula $10/day U.S.
He is correct about the price. I was with them last night at the gelato place and the second smallest serving was over $6 US. More than where I live in Texas. Weird.
Cebu has so much more to offer than duma, to me duma is a retirement home for expats, you can find a nice condo for $600 a month that's paying for elect and cable, I figure food $300 a month, Immagration. I think about $300 for 3 months I forget, I don't drink that's a big savings, maybe get a girl once a week say $100 a month, that's $1300 a month, So I'd say you need about $1500, you don't need a car or motor you can walk anywhere in 30 min,
Help answer this question. For a guy interested in not playing around but looking for a serious relationship with a more traditional woman. If such a guy visits where there are alot of foreigners wouldn't that make it harder to find a lady that hasn't been with a foreigner already? Is there a better place you recommend in order to avoid this?
Cebu Bisaya Girls are nice and respectful, I wish the foreigners don't take advantage with our Beautiful women, espicially the younger ones, The old expats senior citizens crave for this women.. Innocent women in Cebu don't know any better! foreigners want to have younger women in Cebu... Philippines is getting too over populated.
@@mikesphilippineretirement That has nothing to do with babies or single mothers , westerners will take anything with or without babies, young or old Filipina women.
Hi ' it's cool I noticed your chanel, I am trying to see how life is there ,I'm from near Houston Texas, and my brother is living there in Cebu, and he says he is definitely ready to come home ' but that he's having an issue being able to get an exit certificate "? Is there any reason that an American would have a situation where you would need pay some debts off before being able to leave and come back home ? I am so curious as to what it could be . He says he feels he can come home by this summer and I always thought he could get on a plane and come straight home and it to be that easy ? He also says it's a bad immoral place and is anxious ' to leave. Can you please let me know some examples as to what he is talking about please ", I will subscribe and begin to watch any video you post " thank you Joe from Houston "
Ayala is lady boy and free lancers heaven. I been approached so many times as I go alone and will sit on the terraces alone to eat or read and they flock to me but i am a good 20-25 years younger then you two. Way more aggressive here vs Thailand. Then again was only in Thailand a month been here 8 months now. My gf tells me story of the crime. I think we are targeted less. But ph on ph crime is cebu is really really bad. Not murder but robbing at gun or knife point. My gf been robbed and coworkers as well. The thing is its a major hassle to report it so they just go on with there day unless they get hurt.
@@mikesphilippineretirement I've realized the approaching by women mostly happens only to white foreigners. Im mexican American and unless I open my mouth most people just assume I'm a 6 foot tall large filipino. Black friends tell me they get stared at a lot but not approached though once they initiate filipinas are excited to talk because to them its like a "fun experience " or story to tell friends.
@@just_another_bot0110 100% agree with you all girls i went on dates with didn’t have anything nice to say about darker men. They all want white. Afam babies.
@@mikesphilippineretirement 38. Yes, just makes me sad when i hear a youtuber say ph is so safe i late at night walked and nothing happened. Its a law of averages eventually if you late at night walk home tipsy your going to get robbed. There are some really dangerous parts of town after dark that you will get robbed if stumbled into on accident late at night or taken advantage of by taxi drivers. Had that happen to me twice now after leaving night club they tell you that you must pay 500 peso as late night fee over the meter price. Happen leaving mango street.
had the same experience when I was staying there for 3 weeks. had lady boys stop me going to the mall and in the mall on multiple days. easily able to tell they are one haha
Some great laughs in this video 😂
it was a fun video to make
Yes. Having a good time with Mike and Janet as usual
@@CarefreeChris I hope I can meet you guys or others in the expat community when I visit the Philippines next year. Seems like a great support system with a lot of expat wisdom
We can trade gambling stories now. I got a tryout for the prop firm for $20 and blew it. Seems like I had a fight with ninja trader. I have a demo set up now to practice so it was worth the $20 for sure just for entertainment value.
If and when I ever visit the Philippines I'm gonna hang out with these fellows . Good people 🙂
Chris is quick witted, the king of one-liners. Can't imagine he would have that much trouble dating in the States, but work is always top priority in the US. Real good interview Mike... Interesting camera work on the intro. Janet keepin it fresh, nice work. Peace and Love, B Goat
thanks Billy
So much fun. Really appreciate hanging out with both you and Janet. Here's to 2024 in Duma:)
looking forward to having another GOOD vlogger and good friend in Dumaguete
Excellent video Mike, we always enjoy the interviews and Chris has a pretty cool channel as well. Good to see you all together and sharing experiences.
More to come!
I did business in Cebu from 1978 until 2015. There are a lot of changes, though I like them. I rented an old cessna at the "intown airport" in 1979. A ton of fun flying around back then. Gone now.
I do like IT park and the business area. Someone made some great decisions about careful growth there. I believe the growth along the Southeast waterfront is going to become a boom residential area. If I remember right, it was called Talisay. The Phiippine people are fantastic, kind and giving. I miss my mango shakes.
I remember the first big hotel, Cebu Plaza up on the mountainside, above the old military installation. Only one bridge from Mactan back then.
Thanks for sharing
I live less then 2km from Ayala Mall In Mandaue City. I rent an unfurnished, airconditioned one bedroom apartment in a gated complex with a caretaker, parking and a nice lawn for 10,000. No, it doesn't have a gym or a pool. I think it is possible to live here on $1,000 a month if you don't drink, cook at home, and you don't have a girlfriend, but you do need to double that figure with a girlfriend, and eating out and drinking. My perspective on money is different because I retired early at 55 and I am only receiving a small pension until I can draw Social Security at 62, although I have savings. I prefer to drive so I bought a minivan in the first month I was here, but you are correct that you really don't need a car in Cebu. I think you can live at any level you want to spend here. My situation was similar to the gentleman you interviewed, living alone in the country in America, most family deceased and not a lot of friends. I am much happier with city life in Cebu. This was a great video topic.
thanks for sharing
I believe 1k is doable but it includes 0 safety net and thats not where you want to be when you dont have insurance.
I think 1400 is what I'd suggest. Slow minimal ish lifestyle + learning public transportation + putting a hundred or 2 away every month for when an emergency occurs.
Yes I agree with you, and I would not recommend that anyone retire here without significant savings in the bank. I do think $1000 is a very lowball amount, doable with savings, but if you don't already have savings too, I would say it is not wise to come here and try to survive on $1000. Having a girlfriend makes me easily spend $2,000 per month. @@just_another_bot0110
sweet spot is between $1500-2000 with some spare. make sure you have at least $10k for emergencies.
As a local, Cebu is safe or in most place when you blend with locals. As to expenses, if you want to main your lifestyle in the overseas in here, 1k is ok but you need a separate emergency fund.if youre alone with no insurance, a good emergency fund is good.
You and Chris could be a comedy 'double act' ! What a great vlog Mike. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
Mike is hilarious and fun to joke with. Janet too:)
Chris seems like a cool guy, easy going and fun to talk to. Great video.
Glad you think so!
I lived in Cebu for 4 yrs in Mabolo which is close to IT Park but not in IT Park so you have more reasonable rentals. For two yrs I lived in furnished Condo units. The Airport in Cebu is less crowded and hectic, too. If you meet or date potential partners they may be from the Province and working in Cebu.
Thanks for sharing Steve
CEBU, IS A GOOD PLACE FOR FOREIGNERS & FOREIGN EXPATS....THEY LIKE CEBU, BECAUSE ITS SAFE, CHEAPS, NEAR THE BEACH RESORTS, BIG, MALLS, BIG HOSPITALS, INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT...ACCESSIBLE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION... CEBU IS GOOD FOR FOREIGNERS & EXPATS!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Mike, inspirational, witty and fun. One of (if not the best IMHO) your best vids. This friend of yours has an awesome life. Cebu? After watching this video, I think that’s where I’ll initiate my “Boots on the Ground” kick off point. Heck! I might gust stick around for a spell. Cheers, JM
thanks JM
Mike,great interview with Chris and have him on again if you can take care my friend.
Loved the interview, Mike! It was great that Chris helped bring out your humorous side! I’ll go subscribe to Chris’ channel, now 👍
thank you Jerry
Interesting as I rented a Honda PCX 160 automatic and drove half or Cebu Island and 3/4 of Negros Oriental from down to Siatan to up to Bais city and covered allot of ground and met more Filipinos and didn't rely on expats. I found the key was to get Outside of hanging around where expats who go to the same locations, restaurants verses all the businesses and places Filipinos go. As i believe you must completely be Open to new food, traffic and more procedures and red tape and Adjust, Adapt and have Lots of Patience and MOST of all Have a Good Helpful Attitude as Filipinos Love you when you are Friendly and Appreciative.
Thanks for sharing Paul
Sounds like an epic journey Paul. I'm looking to do something similar all throughout Negros. I love to ride:) Hope you're good there
Great conversation Mike and Chris you guys covered a lot of topics. Funny funny funny also. And yes Chris absolutely no matter where you go… There you are. To all the good people out there. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
:)
I travel the world on a $1000-$1500 p/m all inclusive budget, Inc flights etc.
I live within the cultures of most countries, if possible.
I visit all the sights & live well in clean & appropriate accommodation, but I don't care much for any western creature comforts.
I use local public transport & hire a scooter if in a place for longer than a month.
I self insure.
enjoy your travels
Nice to see you guys here in Cebu. I met Mike and his partner in the Quests elevator briefly. Take care enjoy.
thanks we remember meeting you. You still in Cebu?
I eat in Ayala almost every day. I own my own condo. I spend $3,300+ per month with travel and health insurance.
It’s not cheap. I think if I wasn’t in a studio I would be closer to 3k myself
I travel the world on a $1000-$1500 p/m all inclusive budget, Inc flights etc.
I live within the cultures of most countries, if possible.
I visit all the sights & live well in clean & appropriate accommodation, but I don't care much for any western creature comforts.
I use local public transport & hire a scooter if in a place for longer than a month.
@@keepitreal1547 to each his own. For some people a kennel is fine.
I think you and I might have the same lifestyle. Im around 2800 but im 30 so im guessing my insurance is lower. Been enjoying it here in i.t.
@@just_another_bot0110 you’re living a good life then
Another great video Mike, so helpful to know the in's and out's of actually living in Cebu, what areas are good to live in, and how much one can expect to spend. Thanks to you both for your help.
Glad it was helpful!
Happy to help Dan. Hope you’re good there.
I really enjoyed this video. You probably know by now that my place in the Philippines is Ormoc. I regret that there are no taxis in Ormoc. Tricycles are OK if you only want to go two blocks away, but they are rather uncomfortable for longer rides. An advantage is that traffic there is not as busy as in Cebu and I never had problems driving my own car there.
You’re 100% correct Chris you get what you give
thanks Billy
So true and I love that about this country. Take care there Billy.
Great interview, Mike. Lots of great information. Sounds like you like Cebu as much as Duma.
I do!
Great seeing you two guys at the same table! Enjoyed the video, as always! Mark in Dallas.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very good interview Made me smile and made me Laugh, thank you.😅😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Can we please make this a regular segment? I love the banter. Mike I will be emailing you soon to pick your brain. Thanks for the great content.
my brain has so little to pick
Great interview! You guys should do more videos together!
More to come!
Spot on about the dating, younger men don’t get taken seriously.. it’s never the case in cebu city when I’ve seen an age “appropriate couple” couple, and the Cebuanas have already been courted and taken around the world by older gentleman
Hey Mike great video with Chris. Very informative.
Thanks
One thing I notice here in NY, maybe in other states too is, they don't usually maintain security guards. Even in malls you hardly see them unlike in the Philippines.
security every store and condo
Thats why malls are very safe here , so far there are no recorded mass shootings inside the malls around the country of 110 million people
I had some real good laughs with this video this was awesome
Awesome information Mike and Chris.
Our pleasure!
Wow nice video I'm back in Canada now but own a hotel on Bantayan island. I miss Cebu looks like you are at the social.Nice spot but it sucks The Social and TGIF are paying for the rights to only sell beer then jacked the prices up.One very big tip for someone new there is to book a hotel right by Ayalla and save money on the Taxi as Ayalla is the best place to go .Hotels like the Quest or Mandarin are great but there are others.Also a fantastic movie theater at Ayalla
If you stay in mactan Island you can get nice condo for $300 or actually get your own condo for less the 50k. My bills are under $150 a month and you can go to opon market and S&R for your shopping for your food needs. I can easily live and cook all the food I want for like $100-300$ . If you use grab they started to charge more and more .Avoid using grab if you can. The best buffets and nice restaurants are actually in Mactan Island. Weather is cooler and cleaner air and traffic is not crazy like in Cebu city area.
Good Info Mike and Chris, i agree with Chris on living close to the Ayala communities. There is one such Ayala areas North Bacolod heading towards Talisay ( The Ruins).
thanks for sharing Stanley
Yeah absolutely. Bacolod is on my radar and knowing that there’s a Ayala community there is awesome
@@CarefreeChris What is an Ayala community and why is it good to be near?
@@user-bj3qp4cu9k it’s really secure as well as lots of restaurants, movie theaters, and so on.
Great interview! Good info. Excellent guest.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great friends you two, just like that movie Grumpy Old Men. Chris is a good guy.
he is that....what you see is what you get with Chris
Thank you Steven.
Hi Mike. Have you ever made a video on medications in the Philippines? I will be moving to the Philippines with my wife in a few years. We have everything planned but we have never heard about maintenance medications, that is, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes meds. Are the medications as good as in the US? Are they expensive? Does the Philippines have 90 days prescriptions?
Thank you. We enjoy your channel.
The video I watched from an expat living in Angeles City said pharmacy sell per pill and it is more expensive than US for 90 pills. You need to be careful because sometimes they might be out of stock or not carry what you need. Which is a real hassle if you have to go to 3 or 4 pharmacy to find what you need. In fact, a few times he couldn't even find the BP med's he needed.
Thanks for the great topic and interview
Our pleasure!
"Let me check your bone structure?" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA... I'll put that on my next T-shirt
hahaha
This is the exact lifestyle I want to avoid. Living in the tropics and stuck in an expensive city. Not my kind of retirement.
I will be surfing and chilling on the beach.
The fan behind you
I like Chris, I just subscribed to his channel
Thanks David. Chris is a great guy
Thanks David
My two favorite bloggers in one video. Cool.
Wow, thanks!
Thank you thank you:)
Some good info. Thanks.
Taxi cabs in the main City is on metered no hidden charges , just be ready with loose change like coins , 50,100 paper bills always in your Wallet or pocket
I liked IT park, it does have a lot to offer for sure. I did find that it was expensive and traffic is definitely a problem. Used grab primarily in the city , but when in the province take public transportation, buses, tricycles, huble hubles.
I would never take a huble huble
@@mikesphilippineretirement LOL I had only taken it a couple times. In the small province town that is up a mountain road that is a very common mode of transportation. Now many drivers are switching to something they call a BaoBao, basically a tuktuk. Keep up the good content Mike!!! I missed meeting you a few weeks ago but was able to meetup with Carefree Chris.
Good one Mike 👍
thanks Alex
Chris is a very likeable guy.
he is and so is Jo
Thank you:)
Nice conversation...a mix of seriousness and humor, and leading statement!! 😂👍🇵🇭🇧🇭
Good discussion. Thanks.
Very welcome
Awesome thumbnail/video 💯🇵🇭👍🏻
Thank you 🙌 working hard on thumbnails
Wow. You look beautiful. Don't tell my GF 🤪
@@CarefreeChris you look handsome, but I have a bf 😝
@@JustJhoanne lucky guy
this is not a dating site!!!!!
Thanks for the laughs, Mike , I needed it! And I enjoyed learning about Cebu, but, educate me a little bit... what is an "I-L" that you referred to?
i L please explain or the time stamp in the video
yes its more less stressful to use GRAB or TAXI
Very Cool video.. Thanks...
Glad you liked it!
Great Video you two!
Thanks so much!
Great video..Mike does your condo have a back up generator for brown outs??
Yes it does
most of the condos now have generators
getting stared is very common even in the us especially in small town or mostly in deep southern state, asian looking people sometimes getting stared at
yes common it Philippines also.
Human nature, curiosity. 😊
Ayala malls have the cleanest toilets among the malls
Bring your own t.p. lol
Interesting conversation. Planning to visit philippines next year.
you coming to Cebu?
Yes I am coming to Cebu
that budget seems excessive to me. go shop in a grocery store and cook most of your meals. why do you need to eat in a mall 3 times a day? can't be all that healthy either
Partly it’s because they can’t spend time alone in quiet
Chris kind of reminds me of Bruce Willis.
Good information. Much appreciated. What is the name of your complex?
Solinea
AI LIKE PHILIPPINES VERY MUCH,, BECAUSE MANY RESTAURANT AND MALL MANY MFOODS TO EAT
Thanks for sharing
Another interesting video, Mike, BUT can you name a few good spots where a guy can take his conservative province pinay on a date? I'll be meeting her in southern Cebu and she has already shown interest in a restaurant somewhere high where the entire city can be seen, so of course we'll be going there, but I'm at a loss for other dating sites and I'll be there for a month!
Remember when I asked about the power there? I just purchased an adapter so I hope I'll be able to charge my phone now.
Stay safe. Be well!
go to one of many local waterfall for a hike
The restaurant sounds like Top of Cebu if you're referring to Cebu City. Great place for a date and you can also do Temple of Leah before dinner. No cabs up there so hire a taxi for the afternoon to take you around. Good luck Danno:)
Thank you @@CarefreeChris . I've never before been in a situation where I can not impress my girl. This ammo you gave me will be put to good use! Now all I need to do is find the right time to ask for her hand in marriage. HA!
Great idea @@mikesphilippineretirement . My pinay refuses to wear bikini's and I tease her about that, so she will think I'm trying to strip her down again. Girls do enjoy having men desire their natural attributes so I'll make it work. IMHO, she needs to understand how lovely she is in my eyes before I pop the question. She is more than another pretty face to me, but she likes being pursued.
Chris seems like a smart bloke.
Ok. Now an outtakes vid 😎
no out takes ..hahaha
Hi Mike, that was a great video. Chris is a fun guy and I hope to find fun people to hang out with like you guys. It will make the transition to moving there easier and then when I learn enough about the Philippines I will look for a girlfriend and settle in.
For sure!
Great video. Keep it up guys
I stayed in BW Lex and went a lot to howlings dogs and SM City mall !!! Nice places thanks for the memories of Cebu!
$3000 or so seems expensive from what I imagined. Of course, half a single man’s cost compare to my life in Dallas TX but I just imagined better deal.
Thanks for all the info!
May just pull the trigger and retire early as I’m tired of America.
Hi Mike I would suggest that when you are talking with somebody in your vlog sit down face to face i mean facing each other not frequently looking on your side to talk with your guest.
i would need 2 cameras and a team to edit the video...I do not have the same budget as they do on 60 minutes
Speaking of lady boys, I don't know about the Phil's, but in California if a guy says he's a women and you refuse to date him you are branded as a bigoted homophobic. It's getting pretty CRAZY here in progressive liberal land. They had a pride parade in Hollywood some months ago and naked adults were walking around in front of little girls and boys. But I guess that's the parents fault for allowing the child to be there in the first place. We are the American state of fruits and nuts, literally!
Which are you, the fruit or the nut? 😜😜😜
Quit making crap up. No on will brand you a bigot for not dating a trans person. They will brand you for being a bigot because you ARE!. Best to stay in your safe place in America rather than spread your hate in Philippines
That was very helpful, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
You guys a sober awesome 🤘🏼
when i live there I eat out 3 days a week and I had snacks in my apartment or my girl cook for us. 1200 a month is good to live on as long as you are smart with your money.
Thanks for sharing! but $1200 in Cebu City is not a life I would want
Is 2500 USD or 2000 USD for a single person or to share with a wife/girlfriend? Thanks Mike.
The only issue I had in Cebu was fans and aircon. Makes me sick. Nothing to do with the philippines but it pretty much ruined my trip there.
The reason people stare at the foreigners , I'm sorry about to stare at you Gus you are much fair complexion and you are tall compare to the Filipino people are much shorter. Welcome in our country
i agree
Same around the world, people are naturally curious.
This seems more like a commercial for your employer AYALA builders or for your realestate ventures?
Are you trying to create a Philippine version of Sumerland,Anthem or Henderson??
Not jealous, just amazed that you found a way to make income, while living in relatively inexpensive area.
how have i made income?
I was hoping to find a one bedroom on the beach for 25,000 but it dosnt sound good for me
in Bohol you can find near the beach for that price
Thanks Mike
Thanks Mike.
welcome
Great vids
thank you
Wow Gelato is not even ice cream a he'll of alot cheaper to make Gelato Than ice cream Gelato is made from raw milk rather than cream. I do understand that milk is
Expensive in philipines. But when you make Gelato it also expands just guessing but 20% at least because when it churns it adds air and freezing expands the Gelato
what it cost is what it cost! Doing to do but pay the price and enjoy
@@mikesphilippineretirement ya I agree just pointing out some outrageous cllosts I hear about in philipines that's all
That are weird
Solinare? Where could I stay temporarily to see if a place works for me?
you gotta try Cebu on the hill its a great restaurant thats on top of Cebu
By the way, what is the sq meter of a studio and 1 bedrooms? I'm living in a 1 bedroom condo in southern California paying $1,400, but been here 10 years. Current rents are going for $2,000 - $2,100. My condo is 750 sq feet which is a comfortable size. Although it was a shock when I first moved here from a 2,400 sq foot house. It felt very claustrophobic! LOL
Much smaller than you're used to.
Im from san diego and my 2 bed 2bath 1200 sqft would currently go for around $3600 so I know the pain
The studios here are slightly under 400 sqft ish
They aren't bad by any means but whatever your bathroom looks like cut it in half. It you had a bath tub probably cut it to 1/3. The kitchen? If you know what a kitchenette is.. its that. Your fridge is smaller than your normal fridge. Think twice the size of a mini fridge. You can comfortably put a queen bed and small 2 person sofa.
If you live farther you get bigger / more space but you're farther. Its also cheaper BUT you will need a car/ you spend much more on transportation so that's the trade off. I prefer smaller homes but im literally a street and a half from the mall/ 20+ restaurants
26sqm for a studio and 35 for a 1 bedroom in Solinea condos
Wow! $1,700-2000? I sell option premium against shares of stock and bring in about $8,000/mo. I'm 52 so I'm quite away from receiving social security but that will be around $2,400/mo. Plus my savings...
I guess I'm a candidate
yes you are
Great video
hey grandpa i will live also in cebu in the future and will marry a local virgin. i envy you.
virgin..hmmm let me know how that works out...2 virgins in the same bed....hahaaha thanks tony we wish you the best
That ball is.....outta here! Homerun Mike! @@mikesphilippineretirement
Visited many times Cebu and yes those boy girl were weird but awesome so many there do not know still why..
Good video Mike. Chris looks a lot like Hank from Breaking Bad. 700 peso for one cup of gelato? That's like $12.50 U.S. that can't be right?
Maybe but sometimes the prices over here are similar to us that just depends on what you get. Bacon $8 /lb. Glad $ p70 liter x by 4 for gallon. Now you can assume Average wage in penninsula $10/day U.S.
3 small cups (3 people)
@@mikesphilippineretirement You have been out of U.S for a while 3 small cups for $12.50 is a deal now 😂
He is correct about the price. I was with them last night at the gelato place and the second smallest serving was over $6 US. More than where I live in Texas. Weird.
@@randydmitch Maybe milk and cream are expensive in the Philippines. There's not a lot of dairy in Asia.
Cebu has so much more to offer than duma, to me duma is a retirement home for expats, you can find a nice condo for $600 a month that's paying for elect and cable, I figure food $300 a month, Immagration. I think about $300 for 3 months I forget, I don't drink that's a big savings, maybe get a girl once a week say $100 a month, that's $1300 a month, So I'd say you need about $1500, you don't need a car or motor you can walk anywhere in 30 min,
How much is a Hair Cut?
Help answer this question. For a guy interested in not playing around but looking for a serious relationship with a more traditional woman. If such a guy visits where there are alot of foreigners wouldn't that make it harder to find a lady that hasn't been with a foreigner already? Is there a better place you recommend in order to avoid this?
Kuja J is really good.
it is...
Is there a grocery store near Ayala Mall? Thanks.
Cebu Bisaya Girls are nice and respectful, I wish the foreigners don't take advantage with our Beautiful women, espicially the younger ones, The old expats senior citizens crave for this women.. Innocent women in Cebu don't know any better! foreigners want to have younger women in Cebu...
Philippines is getting too over populated.
long b4 I got here more babies with out fulltime fathers that are filipino not American
@@mikesphilippineretirement That has nothing to do with babies or single mothers , westerners will take anything with or without babies, young or old Filipina women.
Hi ' it's cool I noticed your chanel, I am trying to see how life is there ,I'm from near Houston Texas, and my brother is living there in Cebu, and he says he is definitely ready to come home ' but that he's having an issue being able to get an exit certificate "? Is there any reason that an American would have a situation where you would need pay some debts off before being able to leave and come back home ? I am so curious as to what it could be . He says he feels he can come home by this summer and I always thought he could get on a plane and come straight home and it to be that easy ? He also says it's a bad immoral place and is anxious ' to leave. Can you please let me know some examples as to what he is talking about please ", I will subscribe and begin to watch any video you post " thank you
Joe from Houston "
Ayala Mall sounds expensive lol!
Ayala is lady boy and free lancers heaven. I been approached so many times as I go alone and will sit on the terraces alone to eat or read and they flock to me but i am a good 20-25 years younger then you two. Way more aggressive here vs Thailand. Then again was only in Thailand a month been here 8 months now. My gf tells me story of the crime. I think we are targeted less. But ph on ph crime is cebu is really really bad. Not murder but robbing at gun or knife point. My gf been robbed and coworkers as well. The thing is its a major hassle to report it so they just go on with there day unless they get hurt.
how old are you? 35?...thanks for sharing and any big city has crime.
@@mikesphilippineretirement
I've realized the approaching by women mostly happens only to white foreigners.
Im mexican American and unless I open my mouth most people just assume I'm a 6 foot tall large filipino.
Black friends tell me they get stared at a lot but not approached though once they initiate filipinas are excited to talk because to them its like a "fun experience " or story to tell friends.
@@just_another_bot0110 100% agree with you all girls i went on dates with didn’t have anything nice to say about darker men. They all want white. Afam babies.
@@mikesphilippineretirement 38. Yes, just makes me sad when i hear a youtuber say ph is so safe i late at night walked and nothing happened. Its a law of averages eventually if you late at night walk home tipsy your going to get robbed. There are some really dangerous parts of town after dark that you will get robbed if stumbled into on accident late at night or taken advantage of by taxi drivers. Had that happen to me twice now after leaving night club they tell you that you must pay 500 peso as late night fee over the meter price. Happen leaving mango street.
had the same experience when I was staying there for 3 weeks. had lady boys stop me going to the mall and in the mall on multiple days. easily able to tell they are one haha