How do you personally define being rich? Is it strictly financial, or do you consider factors like personal fulfillment, relationships, and life experiences as part of that definition?
Your right what's important I think family values are higher here ,I think less bad people in general they face adversity with better attitude character and pride of the people is an upgrade in general most seem thankful and happy to be alive
Depends but for me it’s an upgrade in lifestyle. As far as my home in California was much better but in happiness and lifestyle I love my life in the Philippines. There you go happy new year John.
This is my 8th day in the Philippines so I cant add much as I have not been here very long. I have only been to Mactan Newtown and I am staying in Cebu IT park now. I am from Orange County Ca. The Ayala mall in where the Social is located is top notch. Its on par or better than a lot of malls in CA. The area around the Business Park and IT park is really nice and way better than I expected. The people have been wonderful and the service I have got so far has been good. You do have to waive people down as they dont seem to ask if you need anything. The only issue I have had on my whole trip is the humidity. Today is nice but if there is no breeze I start sweating after about 5 minutes of walking around. The food has been pretty good as well. I have been eating at nicer restaurants though with a few casual places thrown in. On a few occasions I have ordered food that had sugar added to it, like in the burger sauce, which I did not care for. I could live in Cebu for sure but will be travelling around to see other areas. One thing that suprised me here is the cost of food is quite high compared to places like Thailand. I see a lot of 5 to 10 dollar meals where you can get 2 to 3 dollar meals in Thailand. I am interested to see if the food cost drops down once I get out of these areas. Anyways I am super glad I came here and looking forward to exploring the Philippines!
@HunkyMan, From NZ as well and had a 4 month exploratory trip to Phillipines in our NZ winter last year and would definitely recommend particularly if you are a single guy. Returning again this year and although l really enjoy Philipines for a holidays there is no way l would want to live there long term. Standard of living far superior in NZ.
Generally speaking it's an upgrade. t depends what you want/expect. I used to live in HK where property is exorbitant and the cost of living is about 7x what it is here. I sold my apartment in HK. I bought 3 residential and 3 commercial properties in the Philippines with change. I miss the efficiency and modernity of HK but I can live with that. I have a decent 6 figure peso monthly income, around half what I was earning in HK although I don't need to work and the reduction in income is offset by the much cheaper living costs. I have never had an issue with my bank - we have a big chunk of cash in both USD and PP in our accounts, plus investments that garner a decent income. When we were looking at investments/health insurance/education plans for the kids, the bank sent staff to our home. I live an easy life, get on well with my neighbours and locals in general. The only thing that really bugs me is the littering. There seems to be no pride in the environment, with people just chucking their sh*t anywhere, as long as it's not their own house.
Places like Cebu IT park and BGC are probably closer to SF/LA California. Weather, healthcare, schools, parks, and things to do are other important factors. Of course the location in either country makes a huge difference. It all depends on your budget and stage of life.
*I challenge ANYONE to talk to 10 foreigners off camera man to man asking the hard questions! *By my estimation, I'm bold enough to say that up to 80% of foreigners would do things differently if they had more income and/or weren't so deeply vested in the Philippines. That includes marriage, retirement location, kids and real estate. Their words NOT mine!!! *That's telling and ANYONE who has been to the Philippines who's willing to be honest and straight forward without fear of backlash due to saving face culture (off camera and off social media) will tell you! Except for those who are biased and tooo sensitive. *There's a difference between REALITY and alternative reality, delusion, toxic positivity and negativity. *Acknowledging and accepting the TRUTH doesn't make you a bad person but it makes you courageous. HONESTY is very appreciated! *I'm NOT talking down to anybody and IT IS WHAT IT IS. Peace and Love! Cheers 🙏
Stay in your home country! We Filipinos don’t really need more foreigners moving to our overpopulated country. The Philippines is for the Filipinos only!
For me the Philippines is a big upgrade from Australia. There is a lifestyle for every budget fyi my 2 bedroom apartment on the edge of Cebu city is 5000 pesos or less than 100$ Usd. I can still get to the city and there is a large sm mall 10 minutes away. But i get the bonus of more local options omg the lempo is so good. for internet i am on 100 mbit fiber connection. great video John
Visited the PI in September , didn’t totally feel safe . Also had to watch out for scams. That said had a nice time . Language was great w English . Most people were nice . Eventually will go back but couldn’t live there .
One more additional comment. I would imagine coming from San Francisco and adjusting to the heat index of the Philippines, especially the summer season of March thru May would be brutual. Though you picked it appears a great location of Cebu, I'm just curious why you overlooked Tagaytay or twin lakes, or BGC Makati, or Nuvali, given software development. The cooler weather compared to Cebu, in Tagaytay, is monumental. Ingat po.
We built our custom home here in the Philippines. So for spaciousness and amenities, our home was nicer than America. No stairs to climb. The disadvantages is the electrical grid and rates. The advantages is the topography of the land is beautiful with fruit bearing trees and a small stream. You can spend more time outdoors and utilise the land compared to many areas as Arizona, where it's all just colored gravel rock. So for our personal residence an upgrade. When we leave our place and are on barrio roads, America is better. When we're in Nuvali, similar to America. When on the expressways similar to America with some areas more scenic than America. When in Makati, Taguig, BGC, Tagaytay, either way. Though we don’t have road rage, drive by shootings, smash n' grab, brake checking as compared to America. Filipinos for the most part are better drivers.
Military Disability Retired. Rounded down 4k monthly income.. All I seem to see is more condo's.. I am curious about a NICE house (even though I know it seems high for there based on what I have seen) rent about 1k. Would this be possible in a nice neighborhood safe maybe gated? Also I would be looking to Golf and maybe have a boat.. Is all that possible with that income for the wife and I? Any info is great!
Increase in affordability Decrease in options If you work from home or don't go out much it's a giant upgrade due to how much money you save compared to u.s. If you like the night life it's still there but the amount of options compared to a large u.s. city. If you love the great outdoors this place amazing because you can choose how short or long you want to get lost for. Newbies should hire a guide*
"Your Dollar Goes a lot Further" But the Phil "Infrastructure" incl Air Quality, Water / Food Safety, Econ Standard of Living, Quality of Bldg - Structures, Utils, Service "delivery", Health, Education, any system "you name it;" though making great progress, Phils is a "Developing Country" (50 yrs behind the West) ..
Filipinos cannot live without air-conditioned supermalls. It's like a cellular phone to them (you can't live without a phone these days 😅). During summer, where the scorching heat is unbearable, the supermall is the ultimate savior >> especially if the personal aircon has conked out (needs to be repaired ASAP) or, when there's a 3 to 7 hour maintenance brownout, unless the condo or village has a back-up generator.
Disclosure: I've never been to the Philippines, but I have a trip booked. I think it should be noted that when you talking about how the Philippines ranks, it sounds like you're talking about the cities. The provinces are entirely different.
Yes that's true. I am focused on talking about cities. 90% of expats dont live in smaller province areas unless they are close to at least a small city
It was a significant downgrade for me. I am retired military and I have rental properties in Hawaii and California for almost 20 years. No debt. So finances was no problem for me. The incessant noise made it so I could never sleep. The unprofessional and rude staff, horrible service, oppressive heat and humidity, overcrowding everywhere you go, lack of green spaces, terrible gyms, people staring at you all the time, gossiping, and just the general bureaucracy of dealing with immigration where every time you go it’s a different and additional charge. No sidewalks, and flooded streets. Hostile expats. Loneliness and nothing to really do. Especially, if you are younger and fit and don’t drink, smoke, do drugs or gossip about people all day. I mean I could literally go on and on. Not to mention it’s not even the cheapest option there with the lowest quality.
@ yes, and I didn’t like the corporate soulless vibe of it all. It’s like living in the business district of a big city in the states. Tagaytay was so boring I nearly died of boredom. Also, it’s super congested.
Jerry, i wish you well. It's a pity you find our country like hell, sorry for that. Ours is not for everyone, it's still developing but our people are happy enough having some simple meals and a modest roof over their heads. It's not surprising that you people from first world countries find our way of life so inconvenient. Just stay away from here. Hope you find that perfect haven for you.
Medical/and housing Comfort/food safety. Major downgrade. Stress and happiness major upgrade. I live on a 1500budget. I made bad life choices financially if i had made smart ones and like my friends who live on retirement 6k -10k budget i would 100% not be here.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for all you do, John!
I appreciate that!
If you're rich, The 🇵🇭 is a downgrade. If you are poor, it's an upgrade.
Sure is... Sure beats a tent on Venice Beach..
that is a nice "in a nutshell" take, thanks!
@@MoralHazard-g1e yes exactly. Or if you have any kind of self respect or standards.
I disagree. I was rich in HK and I am richer now that I live in the Philippines, owning property that is increasing in value
How do you personally define being rich? Is it strictly financial, or do you consider factors like personal fulfillment, relationships, and life experiences as part of that definition?
Your right what's important I think family values are higher here ,I think less bad people in general they face adversity with better attitude character and pride of the people is an upgrade in general most seem thankful and happy to be alive
Depends but for me it’s an upgrade in lifestyle. As far as my home in California was much better but in happiness and lifestyle I love my life in the Philippines. There you go happy new year John.
peoples republic of Califronification.
Thanks for sharing!
Anyone who thinks the Philippines is an upgrade is nuts...I'd hate to see where you came from.
This is my 8th day in the Philippines so I cant add much as I have not been here very long. I have only been to Mactan Newtown and I am staying in Cebu IT park now. I am from Orange County Ca. The Ayala mall in where the Social is located is top notch. Its on par or better than a lot of malls in CA. The area around the Business Park and IT park is really nice and way better than I expected. The people have been wonderful and the service I have got so far has been good. You do have to waive people down as they dont seem to ask if you need anything. The only issue I have had on my whole trip is the humidity. Today is nice but if there is no breeze I start sweating after about 5 minutes of walking around. The food has been pretty good as well. I have been eating at nicer restaurants though with a few casual places thrown in. On a few occasions I have ordered food that had sugar added to it, like in the burger sauce, which I did not care for. I could live in Cebu for sure but will be travelling around to see other areas. One thing that suprised me here is the cost of food is quite high compared to places like Thailand. I see a lot of 5 to 10 dollar meals where you can get 2 to 3 dollar meals in Thailand. I am interested to see if the food cost drops down once I get out of these areas. Anyways I am super glad I came here and looking forward to exploring the Philippines!
Definitely think it would be an upgrade for me, much better than life in New Zealand
@HunkyMan,
From NZ as well and had a 4 month exploratory trip to Phillipines in our NZ winter last year and would definitely recommend particularly if you are a single guy.
Returning again this year and although l really enjoy Philipines for a holidays there is no way l would want to live there long term.
Standard of living far superior in NZ.
Generally speaking it's an upgrade. t depends what you want/expect. I used to live in HK where property is exorbitant and the cost of living is about 7x what it is here. I sold my apartment in HK. I bought 3 residential and 3 commercial properties in the Philippines with change. I miss the efficiency and modernity of HK but I can live with that. I have a decent 6 figure peso monthly income, around half what I was earning in HK although I don't need to work and the reduction in income is offset by the much cheaper living costs. I have never had an issue with my bank - we have a big chunk of cash in both USD and PP in our accounts, plus investments that garner a decent income. When we were looking at investments/health insurance/education plans for the kids, the bank sent staff to our home. I live an easy life, get on well with my neighbours and locals in general. The only thing that really bugs me is the littering. There seems to be no pride in the environment, with people just chucking their sh*t anywhere, as long as it's not their own house.
Places like Cebu IT park and BGC are probably closer to SF/LA California. Weather, healthcare, schools, parks, and things to do are other important factors. Of course the location in either country makes a huge difference. It all depends on your budget and stage of life.
*I challenge ANYONE to talk to 10 foreigners off camera man to man asking the hard questions!
*By my estimation,
I'm bold enough to say that up to 80% of foreigners would do things differently if they had more income and/or weren't so deeply vested in the Philippines.
That includes marriage, retirement location, kids and real estate.
Their words NOT mine!!!
*That's telling and ANYONE who has been to the Philippines who's willing to be honest and straight forward without fear of backlash due to saving face culture (off camera and off social media) will tell you!
Except for those who are biased and tooo sensitive.
*There's a difference between REALITY and alternative reality, delusion, toxic positivity and negativity.
*Acknowledging and accepting the TRUTH doesn't make you a bad person but it makes you courageous.
HONESTY is very appreciated!
*I'm NOT talking down to anybody and IT IS WHAT IT IS.
Peace and Love!
Cheers
🙏
I hear ya, comments section is a reasonable place to see the somewhat unfiltered takes
Happy New Year.
Happy new year!
For me it is NOT an upgrade OR a downgrade..
Just different..
Sometimes a little weird understanding BUT different..
Have GOOD 2025 MATE..
❤❤❤❤❤
Happy New Year, John! I'm moving from California to Cebu IT park in March, would welcome your insights on good/bad condos there.
Stay in your home country! We Filipinos don’t really need more foreigners moving to our overpopulated country. The Philippines is for the Filipinos only!
For me the Philippines is a big upgrade from Australia. There is a lifestyle for every budget fyi my 2 bedroom apartment on the edge of Cebu city is 5000 pesos or less than 100$ Usd. I can still get to the city and there is a large sm mall 10 minutes away. But i get the bonus of more local options omg the lempo is so good. for internet i am on 100 mbit fiber connection. great video John
Visited the PI in September , didn’t totally feel safe . Also had to watch out for scams. That said had a nice time . Language was great w English . Most people were nice . Eventually will go back but couldn’t live there .
One more additional comment. I would imagine coming from San Francisco and adjusting to the heat index of the Philippines, especially the summer season of March thru May would be brutual.
Though you picked it appears a great location of Cebu, I'm just curious why you overlooked Tagaytay or twin lakes, or BGC Makati, or Nuvali, given software development. The cooler weather compared to Cebu, in Tagaytay, is monumental. Ingat po.
We built our custom home here in the Philippines. So for spaciousness and amenities, our home was nicer than America. No stairs to climb.
The disadvantages is the electrical grid and rates.
The advantages is the topography of the land is beautiful with fruit bearing trees and a small stream.
You can spend more time outdoors and utilise the land compared to many areas as Arizona, where it's all just colored gravel rock.
So for our personal residence an upgrade. When we leave our place and are on barrio roads, America is better.
When we're in Nuvali, similar to America. When on the expressways similar to America with some areas more scenic than America.
When in Makati, Taguig, BGC, Tagaytay, either way.
Though we don’t have road rage, drive by shootings, smash n' grab, brake checking as compared to America. Filipinos for the most part are better drivers.
Military Disability Retired. Rounded down 4k monthly income.. All I seem to see is more condo's.. I am curious about a NICE house (even though I know it seems high for there based on what I have seen) rent about 1k. Would this be possible in a nice neighborhood safe maybe gated? Also I would be looking to Golf and maybe have a boat.. Is all that possible with that income for the wife and I? Any info is great!
Increase in affordability
Decrease in options
If you work from home or don't go out much it's a giant upgrade due to how much money you save compared to u.s.
If you like the night life it's still there but the amount of options compared to a large u.s. city.
If you love the great outdoors this place amazing because you can choose how short or long you want to get lost for. Newbies should hire a guide*
Condos in Fl are getting huge bills now for maintence after that one collapsed.
"Your Dollar Goes a lot Further" But the Phil "Infrastructure" incl Air Quality, Water / Food Safety, Econ Standard of Living, Quality of Bldg - Structures, Utils, Service "delivery", Health, Education, any system "you name it;" though making great progress, Phils is a "Developing Country" (50 yrs behind the West) ..
I spit out my water when you said how much you were paying for an apartment in SF. Mind you I was renting in Alameda in 1993.
Filipinos cannot live without air-conditioned supermalls. It's like a cellular phone to them (you can't live without a phone these days 😅).
During summer, where the scorching heat is unbearable, the supermall is the ultimate savior >> especially if the personal aircon has conked out (needs to be repaired ASAP) or, when there's a 3 to 7 hour maintenance brownout, unless the condo or village has a back-up generator.
Disclosure: I've never been to the Philippines, but I have a trip booked. I think it should be noted that when you talking about how the Philippines ranks, it sounds like you're talking about the cities. The provinces are entirely different.
Yes that's true. I am focused on talking about cities. 90% of expats dont live in smaller province areas unless they are close to at least a small city
upgrade if you want beaches and peace and quiet
I found the opposite. Trash filled beaches and never ending noise day and night.
It was a significant downgrade for me. I am retired military and I have rental properties in Hawaii and California for almost 20 years. No debt. So finances was no problem for me. The incessant noise made it so I could never sleep. The unprofessional and rude staff, horrible service, oppressive heat and humidity, overcrowding everywhere you go, lack of green spaces, terrible gyms, people staring at you all the time, gossiping, and just the general bureaucracy of dealing with immigration where every time you go it’s a different and additional charge. No sidewalks, and flooded streets. Hostile expats. Loneliness and nothing to really do. Especially, if you are younger and fit and don’t drink, smoke, do drugs or gossip about people all day. I mean I could literally go on and on. Not to mention it’s not even the cheapest option there with the lowest quality.
Did you check out BGC, Makati or Tagaytay?
@ yes, and I didn’t like the corporate soulless vibe of it all. It’s like living in the business district of a big city in the states. Tagaytay was so boring I nearly died of boredom. Also, it’s super congested.
@@jerryG-p3w Frankly, corporate soulessness appeals to me :) I'd have loved living in NYC.
If you don't like the greedy soulless vibe, stay away from Dubai
Jerry, i wish you well. It's a pity you find our country like hell, sorry for that. Ours is not for everyone, it's still developing but our people are happy enough having some simple meals and a modest roof over their heads. It's not surprising that you people from first world countries find our way of life so inconvenient. Just stay away from here. Hope you find that perfect haven for you.
Letsmeet Gwapo
Medical/and housing Comfort/food safety. Major downgrade. Stress and happiness major upgrade. I live on a 1500budget. I made bad life choices financially if i had made smart ones and like my friends who live on retirement 6k -10k budget i would 100% not be here.
I wouldn't know but better than being homeless.
Honestly, the biggest plus is female companionship, all other things being equal. Lower cost of living, but high for the quality received.
The PI sux