@@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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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
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.
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. 👍
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.
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.
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
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).
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.
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.
@@mikesphilippineretirement good for employment opportunities and peace of minds , deterrent to commit petty crimes , directional guide to tourists where the location of a specific Store , restrooms , Concierge ….😊
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.
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!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
One this that I rarely see on all of the Philippines Expat videos is part-time residency. Many Expats (especially from countries that have free health care) must remain in their own country for six months a year. I work in a field that allows me to work hard for six months and make pretty good coin, then travel for the remaining six months - frugally, I might add. The beauty of this is that I don’t have to wait until retirement age, I can start my south East Asian exploration while I am younger. Can you give me some advice on this.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Hey guys I will be comingbto Cebu to complete my srrv visa March 2025 I been looking and saw solinea tower do you know of any vacant that would do a 3 month lease ?
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.
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 "
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.
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?
$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.
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.
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
I watch a lot of videos discussing this as I am planning a trip to the Philippines or Thailand early next year. Not a full move but to see if retiring there would work for me. 90% of the people claim they will never move back to their country of birth, typically a "western" country. What never seems to get asked and what I would like to know is if you had a comparable lifestyle in the west, would you still choose the Philippines? Strictly lifestyle, not true conversion. It seems a $4000 lifestyle over there is comparable to a $500,000 dollar lifestyle in the states. By lifestyle I mean either a nice condo in the heart of a metro downtown with entertainment districts or a condo overlooking a pristine beach. Bedroom fun access to beautiful women. Your choice of entertainment. $4000 usd here or over there is a no brainer. $500,000 here or $4000 over there, do you still choose over there?
@@mikesphilippineretirement i didn't mean it in the truest sense of monetary conversion. More like if a genie granted you the ability to live the life you want in any 1 country do you choose the Philippines.
I live like a king and do not spend $1000 a month a bought a unit about 30 mins from the airport for around $40k. I’ll love to cook so doesn’t cost me much. I do go out to eat at the buffet sometimes and example Korean buffet is around $10. There are still lots of places to get meals for under $5 . I have traveled all over Philippines and been flying to Philippines for 18 years and have given advice to many Filipinos in USA and Americans. Today I went to Open market to buy fruit and veggies came back with enough fruits and. Veggies to last me 3 weeks and I only paid $20 . You can wheel and deal with the locals. I totally avoid Cebu city area the exception I take the new bridge to NuStar and Sm seaside once in a while. Once or twice a month I go toS&R which is basically Costco. You can find some of your Kirkland products there. Imported meat from USA and Australia. The meat is high quality compared to any other place in Cebu area and much cheaper than going to Sm or Roberson’s or Gaisano markets. I can easily say I can eat like a king like Salmon , Halibut, Lamb, ribeye ,Fresh Tuna and so on me not spend $100 a month on meat. People here are super nice and super safe but Manila is a different story .Bad air and pollution mega crowded many snatchers and cost of living is expensive. Davao City would be the ideal place but the past 7 years none stop earthquakes. My 2 cousins and I encountered 10 strong earthquakes in just 4 days. This was not the case before. Also the cost of the condos went from 16k to 75k in just a few years.
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
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.
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 🙂
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
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!
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.
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
Hey Mike feel like taking the plunge myself cebu sounds great . How is the weather when it comes to typhoons ?
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
LOVE this dude
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.
Chris seems like a cool guy, easy going and fun to talk to. Great video.
Glad you think so!
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
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
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 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:)
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
:)
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
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.
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.
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
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?
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
Mike,great interview with Chris and have him on again if you can take care my friend.
I had some real good laughs with this video this was awesome
Great seeing you two guys at the same table! Enjoyed the video, as always! Mark in Dallas.
Glad you enjoyed it!
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?
@@Dan-l2y2r it’s really secure as well as lots of restaurants, movie theaters, and so on.
Great interview! You guys should do more videos together!
More to come!
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
Very good interview Made me smile and made me Laugh, thank you.😅😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great interview, Mike. Lots of great information. Sounds like you like Cebu as much as Duma.
I do!
Awesome information Mike and Chris.
Our pleasure!
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
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
Great interview! Good info. Excellent guest.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hey Mike great video with Chris. Very informative.
Thanks
Thanks for the great topic and interview
Our pleasure!
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
@@ceburockhead love this.
@@mikesphilippineretirement good for employment opportunities and peace of minds , deterrent to commit petty crimes , directional guide to tourists where the location of a specific Store , restrooms , Concierge ….😊
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.
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.
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!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
yes its more less stressful to use GRAB or TAXI
Good one Mike 👍
thanks Alex
Good discussion. Thanks.
Very welcome
My two favorite bloggers in one video. Cool.
Wow, thanks!
Thank you thank you:)
One this that I rarely see on all of the Philippines Expat videos is part-time residency. Many Expats (especially from countries that have free health care) must remain in their own country for six months a year. I work in a field that allows me to work hard for six months and make pretty good coin, then travel for the remaining six months - frugally, I might add. The beauty of this is that I don’t have to wait until retirement age, I can start my south East Asian exploration while I am younger. Can you give me some advice on this.
thanks for sharing
I like Chris, I just subscribed to his channel
Thanks David. Chris is a great guy
Thanks David
Interesting conversation. Planning to visit philippines next year.
you coming to Cebu?
Yes I am coming to Cebu
"Let me check your bone structure?" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA... I'll put that on my next T-shirt
hahaha
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
Very Cool video.. Thanks...
Glad you liked it!
Nice conversation...a mix of seriousness and humor, and leading statement!! 😂👍🇵🇭🇧🇭
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.
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
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 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
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
That Mall is the nicest thing about that city and that’s pretty damn sad now isn’t it! If you cannot make it back home Fellas well go for gold 👍🏼
Great Video you two!
Thanks so much!
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.
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
I stayed in BW Lex and went a lot to howlings dogs and SM City mall !!! Nice places thanks for the memories of Cebu!
Ok. Now an outtakes vid 😎
no out takes ..hahaha
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. 😊
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!!!!!
The fan behind you
That was very helpful, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video..Mike does your condo have a back up generator for brown outs??
Yes it does
most of the condos now have generators
Chris kind of reminds me of Bruce Willis.
Solinare? Where could I stay temporarily to see if a place works for me?
Great video. Keep it up guys
Is 2500 USD or 2000 USD for a single person or to share with a wife/girlfriend? Thanks Mike.
Now structure and number one,the Adams Apple
you gotta try Cebu on the hill its a great restaurant thats on top of Cebu
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
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
Chris is a very likeable guy.
he is and so is Jo
Thank you:)
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
Visited many times Cebu and yes those boy girl were weird but awesome so many there do not know still why..
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!
Good information. Much appreciated. What is the name of your complex?
Solinea
Hey guys I will be comingbto Cebu to complete my srrv visa March 2025 I been looking and saw solinea tower do you know of any vacant that would do a 3 month lease ?
Thanks Mike.
welcome
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?
Ayala malls have the cleanest toilets among the malls
Bring your own t.p. lol
most of the Gaisano malls (the old ones) have dirty or bad smelling toilets
AI LIKE PHILIPPINES VERY MUCH,, BECAUSE MANY RESTAURANT AND MALL MANY MFOODS TO EAT
Thanks for sharing
Great vids
thank you
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 "
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
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.
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?
$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.
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.
How much is a Hair Cut?
You guys a sober awesome 🤘🏼
Great video
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 seems like a smart bloke.
I watch a lot of videos discussing this as I am planning a trip to the Philippines or Thailand early next year. Not a full move but to see if retiring there would work for me. 90% of the people claim they will never move back to their country of birth, typically a "western" country. What never seems to get asked and what I would like to know is if you had a comparable lifestyle in the west, would you still choose the Philippines?
Strictly lifestyle, not true conversion. It seems a $4000 lifestyle over there is comparable to a $500,000 dollar lifestyle in the states. By lifestyle I mean either a nice condo in the heart of a metro downtown with entertainment districts or a condo overlooking a pristine beach. Bedroom fun access to beautiful women. Your choice of entertainment.
$4000 usd here or over there is a no brainer. $500,000 here or $4000 over there, do you still choose over there?
4k does not = 500k in the US yes i do choose the Philippines
@@mikesphilippineretirement i didn't mean it in the truest sense of monetary conversion. More like if a genie granted you the ability to live the life you want in any 1 country do you choose the Philippines.
thanks for explaining
I live like a king and do not spend $1000 a month a bought a unit about 30 mins from the airport for around $40k. I’ll love to cook so doesn’t cost me much. I do go out to eat at the buffet sometimes and example Korean buffet is around $10. There are still lots of places to get meals for under $5 . I have traveled all over Philippines and been flying to Philippines for 18 years and have given advice to many Filipinos in USA and Americans. Today I went to Open market to buy fruit and veggies came back with enough fruits and. Veggies to last me 3 weeks and I only paid $20 . You can wheel and deal with the locals. I totally avoid Cebu city area the exception I take the new bridge to NuStar and Sm seaside once in a while. Once or twice a month I go toS&R which is basically Costco. You can find some of your Kirkland products there. Imported meat from USA and Australia. The meat is high quality compared to any other place in Cebu area and much cheaper than going to Sm or Roberson’s or Gaisano markets. I can easily say I can eat like a king like Salmon , Halibut, Lamb, ribeye ,Fresh Tuna and so on me not spend $100 a month on meat. People here are super nice and super safe but Manila is a different story .Bad air and pollution mega crowded many snatchers and cost of living is expensive. Davao City would be the ideal place but the past 7 years none stop earthquakes. My 2 cousins and I encountered 10 strong earthquakes in just 4 days. This was not the case before. Also the cost of the condos went from 16k to 75k in just a few years.
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
Chris it looks like you have a. Halo on your head with the chaiR your sitting on
Is there a grocery store near Ayala Mall? Thanks.
There is a big supermarket/grocery inside the mall
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.