The Apparel I wore in this video: website : www.geeksoutfit.com/collections/best-selling/? 25% off discount code: gio20 --------------------------------------------------------------- The Only Dating Website I recommend to meet serious Filipinas bit.ly/RecommendedDatingSite ------------------------------------------------------------- An awesome free Philippines dating site with 500+ new members joining daily! www.pinalove.com/?ai=3494&cid=1 ----------------------------------------------------------- The only VPN I trust and use personally: Surfshark get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=934&aff_id=17091&url_id=1320 ---------------------------------------------- How I receive my mail overseas safely: travelingmailbox.com/?ref=1384 ----------------------------------------------- Need a Throw away ticket, look no further $16 for a valid ticket ( I use this all the time). onwardticket.com/giointhephilippines -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wise get your first transfer for free: bit.ly/2Z4xxfZ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Travel Medical Insurance I personally use: safetywing.com/?referenceID=24748534&Ambassador ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like to buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/italiagio71 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact Michael Onstead for Medical Insurance for The Philippines: FB: facebook.com/monstad1 or e-mail: michael.onstad@loc-consultants.com ------------------------------------------------- Gio's Essentials Traveling List (Must have items for living or traveling in the Philippines) Order today! www.amazon.com/shop/giointhephilippines ------------------------------------------------------------------ Visiting or moving to The Philippines? 1 on 1 Consultation with Gio: Contact me at: giointhephilippines.com/ (For a free consultation join my patreon today) ----------------------------------------------------------- My Patreon account: Over 80 Exclusive videos not found on RUclips and free consultations and apparel with silver level and higher. www.patreon.com/giointhephilippines JOIN as a Member to get exclusive videos not shared on the main channel! ruclips.net/channel/UClMlXTxpTNMZRE4AEjlc5RAjoin ------------------------------------------------------------- Check out my website for more information on the Philippines. giointhephilippines.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Book your hotel when traveling with my link for the best deals: bit.ly/38CvDgr -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like to help support my channel: paypal.me/GioSanTeaching ---------------------------------------------------------- Contact Information: Instagram: instagram.com/gio_in_the_ph/ FB: facebook.com/GiointhePhilippines Contact me by visiting my website and clicking contact Gio giointhephilippines.com AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning, at NO additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe.
Yes, spot on. Having lived here in the Philippines eight years when I go back to the states, the things I miss most are: 1) Driving on open highways in the West. 2) organized infrastructure. 3) Availability of goods and services 4) Availability of healthy food items. 5) ability to take long walks and hikes in cooler clean air with no sounds of chickens, barking dogs, or loud karaoke. What I miss most about the Philippines when I’m in the US . 1) The smiles and courtesy of the Filipino people. 2) Not being invisible at 47+ years old. 3) The prices for a meal in a decent mid range restaurant. 4) Filipino customer service in a mall or department store. 5) The traditional values of Filipino people.
The provinces are actually wonderful places to go for drives on a motorbike. I ride a dirt bike in the Philippines when I am there. They are more agile, more powerful and the suspension can easily absorb hitting a dog. Benn there done that with zero issues. Overall, they are much safer than a scooter. I love the back country roads in the provinces. Many are not paved and the people living there are super kind people. Many have never seen a foreigner. So, my advice: go on those leisure trips deep in the provinces. It's a delight.
The biggest issue for me ( there are many more) is the weather, it's horrible, and relentless. Being hot and sticky 24/7 is not a good quality of life in my opinion. I love my Pinay, we will live in the USA, Philippines has way too many cons for me.
Thank you for being patient and accustume to our culture and especially now you married a Pinay. Thank you for choosing the Philippines as your second home. I hope you'll have a good life coming soon. God Bless.
@@jemezfun9767Florida is hotter and just as humid. You’ll be acclimated. The expats arriving from the Northern United States, Canada,Europe, the west coastal region where they are cooled down by the cold Pacific waters will have a rougher time. Southern and Southeastern regions of the U.S. will prepare you for the Philippines. I’m From Texas and live the Philippine climate. I feel that Texas has a way worse climate.
🙏 Amen to that. I had to do the exploratory travel throughout SE Asia to learn that my hate of the oppresive heat and humidity is stronger than my love of the local food. Same for the rainy seasons. The flooding is way too frequent.
Softees and complainers wont do well here. Built a house here in Manila 2yrs now and love it here. Prices, restaurants and bakeries beat the US anytime. 😂
But any kind of "guy" could just have said those words at some occasion, some moment, somewhere in his life. Especially when travelling through countries with lower economical life standards. But it sure takes a Coconut with arms and legs to make such words feel as if almost biblical proportions ( l.o.l. ).
If you have tinnitus.... BRING EARPLUGS !!! It is sooooo loud in the urban areas !... and smells... vicks under the nose helps... You will get used to it all b4 long
Actually, the heat in the Philippines is rarely hot. Cebu almost never gets above 88 degrees and usually is in the lower 80's maximum. Humidity is more of an issue than heat. I used to live in Kona Hawaii when the volcano was erupting. There was a lot of VOG which kept the place very humid. Much worse than the Philippines. But I am thin and I hate being cold so both Hawaii and the Philippines have wonderful weather for me. If you are not thin, you might try it. You will live longer and be able to enjoy the awesome beaches in both places.
I live in Northern Europe and for us anything over 25 is pretty unpleasant in the Philippines 32 is the norm Constantly sweating for us feeling tired and dirty 😀
Totally agree. Was only going to live here 6 months, then move on. Here now 18 months and love it. Yes, there are some hassles, but BGC (and parts of Makati) are as Western as you can get in the PI. However, it is expensive to live here as opposed to the provinces. So there are trade-offs.
The biggest thing in my mind is he year round heat/humidity. It was in the low 80s here today, which is nice for this time of year, but I barely tolerate it. Next week it'll be in the 90s. The infrastructure in a lot of places there, the traffic, the cash based everything, ugh. I don't like to drive here, it's a necessity in a lot of places, but I consider it "ground transportation", a necessary evil. i am a private pilot and have an ancient lil old Cessna to putt putt around in on nice days, I don't think I could do that there...But there are always trade offs, pluses and minuses, in everything. As a kid in 7th grade I lived on Guam for a year, and they had just gotten actual milk that year - prior to that it was either condensed canned milk or the powdered stuff. TV shows were a week delayed as the tapes were flown over. A lot of similarities I see.
All true. Maybe thats why so many divorced men are here. If you can tolerate a feminist and her divorce lawyer, then you can tolerate the Philippines.😅
On my two trips there I’ve driven a car all over Cebu and bahol and driven a motorbike around Bayawan, Santa Catalina and up in the mountains. I will say that it takes a little time to get use to the absolute chaos but once you do you just become part of it and it’s not that bad. I was however offered a motorbike to ride around Manila by my girlfriend’s brother and I did decline that😁
Thanks to you and the Filipina Pea I know it is not for me. Nice beaches and beautiful young girls (although with more problems than anywhere ) but for the rest I will stick to Thailand and Vietnam. In fact most countries in the SEA.
Some more great insight/advice, Gio. I get frustrated a couple times a week living here, but as you said I just don't let it bother me. I just remember why I chose to live here - the people, the environment, the life balance. The pros far out weigh the cons. If the things that frustrate me were different, I think many of the things I love about the Philippines would change as well. Love the videos...keep 'em coming.
Your comments are 100% correct. My only point is that sure the little things are irritating ( traffic etc) but after a while they add up to such an extent you just need to get out of the Philippines - well I do. I cannot live here full time otherwise all the points you mentioned just ' do my friggin head in'. So I live 6 months back in Australia with my Filipa to get the normality back in me !!! Anyway, so important what you say especially don't MOVE here permanently until you live here for at least 4 months.
I moved from San Pedro,Laguna when I was 12 years old and live in NYC. Definitely thinking about moving back to retire there with my husband eventually. I hear Eastwood City is a nice place to soft land.
Gio, you have summed up a few of the problems in the Philippines very well. I have been married to a Filipina for almost 34 years now, and we have lived in the USA for 32 years. She gets more frustrated with things when we visit the Philippines than I do sometimes. I don't think we will ever live there for more than several months at a time.
Approach it from the other end. Wow its possible to do this here !!!!yippee. !!! And ask old timers. Foreigners who been round the block. Back in the day achieving one thing is a win win. The longer you live in PI the more you feel for the poor.
It jumps off that you look glad to be back. I live in Central Florida, and I luckily met a lovely Filipina here in Florida last year. She is a young widow, who has been in the US for just 7 years. One thing that I am slowly getting accustomed to is that they understandably do not typically know or comprehend the thousands of expressions we use in the US. For example, if I said, "Lets shake a leg," she would not know what I meant. I then will let her know. Have you ever found yourself challenged by things getting lost in translation so to speak?
@@GiointhePhilippines Yeah, I'm getting used to it and I'm learning to both edit myself and simply explain sometimes. At first it felt like I was pulling teeth! Lol. But I am mindful and respectful when I hear her chatting in Tagalog or in her local dialect from her province which is 1 hr. north of Iloilo City. It sounds so difficult to me. When she is chatting with her pals, I feel like Im on Gilligan's Island! Be well Gio.
Thanks Gio, good video. The noise wouldn't bother me as I sleep through everything. And I love animals so that would be fine too. One day I will get there.
My doctor visits are definitely pretty quick, but I do remember, in the past, having to sit a long time in the doctors office for an appointment. Am thinking Philippines or Colorado for a permanent retirement location, will have to visit both to make a decision. Thanks for the video, Gio...Jim
I'm a staunch supporter of the try before you buy approach. The move from the West to Asia or any contry that's so different is not a decision to take lightly. I'd want to visit several times spend time looking at different Islands. Vloggers such as yourself give boots on the ground insight into places you and they have tried. Ultimately we have to see for ourselves and personally I wouldn't burn any bridges at home in a hurry.
Everyone is different. Unless you actually go to the country you think you will want to live, you really don’t know. Things that might bother you, doesn’t bother the vlogger, and vice versa. The guys who “fly by the seat of their pants”, are usually the ones who do not last.
Gio, Can you mention how the Charles Schwab account is working out? What was the actual name of that financial product? Was it "Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking"???
Just stay calm and take it. That is why nothing improves. That is worldwide. When there is no reason to do better then nobody does better. No incentive, no result.
My opinion, After living here for over 12 years. Regarding Driving in the Philippines I found the best economical and convenient plan is to hire a Trike owner/driver and plan your trip. When you want to go anywhere simply call them and they can take you to any local area of your choice or a transportation center where you can catch a AIR CONDITIONED bus for a few dollars. Take the time to learn basic TAGALOG *Before* you come here. MAKE FILIPINO FRIENDS. Pay a little extra, give generous tips, gift them with respect and homemade food products, $$ and PATIENCE. What is the RUSH? RELAX. Let someone else do the driving. If you own a car your costs are going to be 10+ times the cost, plus you have to fight the traffic, pay tolls and GOOD LUCK finding parking at your destination site unless going to a large mall. SLOW DOWN.
Totally agree, hire a trustworthy local, take care of them and they take care of you. Having been there 7 times now, not sure when I permanent move there if we get a car or not.
@@JimboandGhen Exactly! Anytime we want to go anywhere We simply call our Friend and we pay him the fare from his location and then to our destination. It might cost $1! A air-conditioned bus from Rosario Batangas to Manila is about $3. We can watch the big screen TV in the bus or access the free WIFI or go to sleep. The same trip in a private car is going to be over $20 with gasoline, tolls, and frantic driving and traffic jams. We rarely wait for any length of time waiting for buses, trikes or various other transportation. The SM mall parking garages have HUGE choices for your trips.
True, I let my chauffeur drive me around metro Manila. But outside of it I do the driving. Just love it, I get to drive like a nut and police don't ever stop me or I never get the finger or shot at.
Trial run is a great idea! Get your boots on the ground and check out how it realy is. You might not like dumaguete like those that you watch but only way to find out is to see for yourself
Hey Geo, I’ve been watching you and Paul and quite a few other RUclipsrs for a while now and I am planning on retiring to the Philippines now I have been to Thailand a couple times I’ve been to China and I’ve also been to Japan and the Philippines, but those were vacations What I would like to do is be able to talk to one of you guys that actually live there and bounce some things off of you and get your opinion. I can’t figure out how to contact you guys by email and I can’t find the Facebook group that Paul recommended, how would I go about contacting you guys?
Totally understand brother I lost my patience yesterday. I noticed when you’re traveling here people want to find you a taxi and grab your luggage. and then when I say no thank you I can handle it myself. They get pushy grab my luggage anyway while I’m trying to put it in the trunk expecting a hand out of pesos and always look down when you’re walking. It’s like hiking in the mountains trip hazards everywhere keep your head on a pivot….
I'm a former G.I., but this video made me realize that, wherever in the World I was, I was always in a "bubble" community. The exception was when I took my Mom to Israel. We were part of a tour, but for the last week we were on our own in Jerusalem, and I loved it. When I take the step of checking out the P.I., I would like to see the mountains because I think they would better suit my climate desires. Are there any cities or sizable towns in the higher elevations?
Baguio city, and mountainous cordilleras surroundings, Tagaytay area, not far from lake Taal, and on mindanao Malaybalay city and surrounding central Bukidnon towns. Baguio city is more expensive because of it's reputation as city receiving lots of visitors for many decennia and all in the infrastructure roadside, goes highly and heavily up and down, at times steep even. No flat plateau that is.
If you're seriously considering moving to the Philippines, or anywhere else an exploratory trip first would be in order. The longer the trip the better.
Thank you,Gio.You tell it like it is.I have visited Philippines 3 times and have expierienced for myself.I currently live in Chicago now,but will probably wind up retiring in the Philippines in the long term.Im 52 now,so I still got time.lol Im looking at Cebu,or Dumeguete as options for retirement options.I would still go back to US when retired thou occasionally for family reasons,and to take care of odds,and inns.
Patience is not one of my virtue's, but I would never be rude or disrespectful to a Filipino. I could definitely learn to be more patient and laid back about things in the Philippines by living there.
You're retired and you really have no reason to get anything done in 15 minutes. I just keep my expectations super low and expect just about everything is going to take the entire day.
I live in Naval, Biliran and there are plenty of roads you can relax and drive on without running off the road by unsafe drivers! lol LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION lol
Did you fly economy or premium economy? I've only flown a couple of times in my life and flew economy since it was a short flight. I was wondering if the premium economy was worth the upgrade since the flight of the pacific is much, much longer.
I can't answer for Gio, but I'll be taking my first trip to the Philippines (first out of the country period) in August. I went ahead and bought premium econ to be safe. I think it will be worth it. I may even try to bump it up to business a few days before the flight. 16 hours is a long time in an airplane.
I love your educational videos been watching you since you interviewed the Filipino P before she had 1000 subscribers. You have inspired me to change my life around. Recently divorced and retired from the military at 41, and finishing up grad school. Hope to meet you in person one day. you also inspired me to start my own RUclips channel although I’m hesitant to publish my first video. Thanks Gio Kevin Wear.
Cost of living !!! --- Not sure if it's a ''good fit'' or not ? --- No winter is a good deal ! --- Retired and no need to be in a hurry. - - - For me -- I need to try on Cambodia for "goodness of fit" - their cost of living is incredible - their people are just as friendly & many speak English where I want to be. (?) A terrific retirement destination - for my liking - has to be Siem Reap ! A gem of a city - just beautiful with international food available - cheap delicious street food & 50 cent beer (!) - just a big enough city - but not too big. - - - My 1st choice in the Philippines will be in the Tagaytay 'area' for the somewhat cooler - more comfortable weather. > Several small towns in the nearby vicinity are also at higher elevations - cooler - yet remain only an hour to either the beach or Manila airport for fun or quality medical if needed ?!? ❤🙏👍👌🍺
Great vlog Gio. Having lived there back in 1986-1990, I learned to adjust to the slower pace of life. The Philippines may not be perfect, but it is a wonderful place with fantastic people. I miss it.
Gio, I hate to ask this question, but....How hard is it for a 60-year old guy too meet a Filipina 50-60 years old? I really don't want to meet/dayte someone more than 10-years younger than me. Are there single, widowed, divorced woman close to my age?
Very hard because most are all married but you can find some widowers that are looking. I recommend Christian Filipina. www.christianfilipina.com/?partner=1210
@@GiointhePhilippines thank you Gio! I have never done the online dating stuff, but I'm learning. I was married for over 20-years and just ended a 10-year relationship. American women are not for me....
hit the nail on the head here, definitely not a place to sunday drive or cruise. Also your even going to find places even like Jolliebee and Kenny Rogers are out of items at times, atm machines not working or out of money, people cutting in line in front of you get used to that dont lose your cool
Please don't tell me that Kenny Rogers will be out of items. I've been waiting 20 years to eat Kenny Rogers Roasters again, and that is my planned first stop when I hit Cebu.
Yes, I’ve noticed the large amount of unhealthy stray, barking dogs, free range chickens, roosters, and ghetto towns that are accepted as “normal” living.
Philippines is the best place on earth for Pakeha! Which is not good in the Philippines I can deal with it easy. You wonder what Pakeha means, well in New Zealand Maori means white skinned as an ethnic group so no racism involved!
Tommy I'm in Cocoa, just returned from the pi I really enjoyed the mountain trips, 15, 20 minutes and all the beaches. Considering 50/50 living or just a mountain house and scooter ride. Our drivers suck here and going over the bridges lately is a pita Similar temps though huh Take care
Seems like most people go there because the US is expensive. Last winter we had a very cold/icy winter & my gas & electric bill was $250. I pay $90 for water, etc. I am a homebody & love staying home. Most times I see western guys with western style setups & a partner. I do own a home & my plan is to get a roommate here so I can leave all my stuff here. Then come try it. I'm tired of everybody complaining about money here, then seeing the airports packed with (poor?) families every holiday. Spend, complain, broke & spend more. It's got to only be America. Attitudes are so negative. Although, shit is expensive, haha.
People are more important than material posessions. In the West dead objects has been given a higher status than organic human beings. Society has become narcissistic which is still far less prevelant in many parts of Asia. But ofcourse, the more Asia is connected to the West via the internet the more they are under influence of modern Western toxicity. Many can relate to that if they compare their Asian experience with 20 years ago.
I was married to a Filapina in the US for 44 years, till she passed from cancer in 2017. In all that time we never visited the Philippines. Never figured out why. She had family there. But we visited Thailand numerous times, she loved it there. After a long readjustment moved to Thailand. With a great Thai partner. Life is great here. Would never return to the matrix, aka the US.
If u have money doesn't really matter where do u live☺️Short story end... I like Thailand and only chiangmai /chiangrai area or maesai...but life is hard without u speak English ... Filipinas can speak English fluently wnd thats all of the advantages... I dont know who saud that bullshit Filipinas are more loyal or family oriented or serious... My best friends are thais and they never accepted me to treat them,they wanted to pay ☺️ Its hard to find good friends or good relationships in every country
Gio, Yes, driving here in the Philippines is terrible. I hate it but, what else this is Pinas that never been colonized by driving. I hate driving here. its true. now, I'm in Alberta, Canada driving is really good but finance and living is getting expensive. we might be going home soon.
Smog test and insurance on a motorbike here in the Philippines?????? I’ve been here since 2004. I’ve never smog tested or ever had insurance on any of my motorbikes probably had about seven of them since 2004.. I live in Cebu city neither one of them are required for owning a motorbike unless you’re just choosing to do so
Western women, especially pet lovers, may have a hard time adapting to the way Filipino's treat pets. Filipino's will never relate to paying $5000 vet bills here. And what I miss most when go back home - the bum gun!
They're straight up lazy when it comes to work I put it off as much as possible that's why I'm thinking about going to Cambodia are Vietnam instead I don't want to play the little games of jumping through the Hoops for them every time you need something done but I want your money😅 I'm surprised you don't have to pay to sneeze
Having retired in thailand a long time and visited the phils on 2 short visits over 40 years you would have to pay me to live there its awful a real cesspitt terrible food accommodation plain girls beggars on and on an endless list of negatives massively overated and overpriced dump
I have found the vast majority of drivers on 4 wheels to drive very safely. However... at least half of them on two wheels here are clinically insane. Complete disregard for the law, personal safety, and basic common sense. Absolute chaos, anarchy at its finest. Took me maybe two weeks to adjust to their unique style of kamikaze riding. When in Rome... 😂😂😂😂
I imagine the vast amount of foreigners come to the Philippines hoping to find a younger beauty like Gio did. And I imagine the vast number of these foreigners will be disappointed.
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Yes, spot on. Having lived here in the Philippines eight years when I go back to the states, the things I miss most are: 1) Driving on open highways in the West. 2) organized infrastructure. 3) Availability of goods and services 4) Availability of healthy food items. 5) ability to take long walks and hikes in cooler clean air with no sounds of chickens, barking dogs, or loud karaoke.
What I miss most about the Philippines when I’m in the US . 1) The smiles and courtesy of the Filipino people. 2) Not being invisible at 47+ years old. 3) The prices for a meal in a decent mid range restaurant. 4) Filipino customer service in a mall or department store. 5) The traditional values of Filipino people.
The provinces are actually wonderful places to go for drives on a motorbike. I ride a dirt bike in the Philippines when I am there. They are more agile, more powerful and the suspension can easily absorb hitting a dog. Benn there done that with zero issues. Overall, they are much safer than a scooter. I love the back country roads in the provinces. Many are not paved and the people living there are super kind people. Many have never seen a foreigner. So, my advice: go on those leisure trips deep in the provinces. It's a delight.
Spent 4 months this month between Dumaguete and Valencia and I absolutely loved it. Be back soon. Let's have a coffee.
The biggest issue for me ( there are many more) is the weather, it's horrible, and relentless. Being hot and sticky 24/7 is not a good quality of life in my opinion. I love my Pinay, we will live in the USA, Philippines has way too many cons for me.
I am a retired middle school teacher, I thought that I had patience until I came here, but I am learning...
Plz explain
Thank you for being patient and accustume to our culture and especially now you married a Pinay. Thank you for choosing the Philippines as your second home. I hope you'll have a good life coming soon. God Bless.
Thanks 😊
For anyone who is a serious outdoors person, you need to consider the constant oppressive heat.
Florida summers are HOT and super humid. I wonder how it compares to the Philippines.
@@jemezfun9767 you said summers, it is usually hot and humid year round,,,,
@@jemezfun9767Florida is hotter and just as humid. You’ll be acclimated. The expats arriving from the Northern United States, Canada,Europe, the west coastal region where they are cooled down by the cold Pacific waters will have a rougher time. Southern and Southeastern regions of the U.S. will prepare you for the Philippines. I’m From Texas and live the Philippine climate. I feel that Texas has a way worse climate.
@@jemezfun9767. Filipina Pea says very similar. The difference is from Nov-Apr we get a break from the heat in Fl
🙏 Amen to that. I had to do the exploratory travel throughout SE Asia to learn that my hate of the oppresive heat and humidity is stronger than my love of the local food. Same for the rainy seasons. The flooding is way too frequent.
Softees and complainers wont do well here. Built a house here in Manila 2yrs now and love it here. Prices, restaurants and bakeries beat the US anytime. 😂
"They don't care, they just don't care." ~Regular Guy
yup
But any kind of "guy" could just have said those words at some occasion, some moment, somewhere in his life. Especially when travelling through countries with lower economical life standards. But it sure takes a Coconut with arms and legs to make such words feel as if almost biblical proportions ( l.o.l. ).
If you have tinnitus.... BRING EARPLUGS !!! It is sooooo loud in the urban areas !... and smells... vicks under the nose helps... You will get used to it all b4 long
It can be loud in the province, too ... Very loud.
The oppressive heat there is enough to stop me retiring there 😮
Actually, the heat in the Philippines is rarely hot. Cebu almost never gets above 88 degrees and usually is in the lower 80's maximum. Humidity is more of an issue than heat. I used to live in Kona Hawaii when the volcano was erupting. There was a lot of VOG which kept the place very humid. Much worse than the Philippines. But I am thin and I hate being cold so both Hawaii and the Philippines have wonderful weather for me. If you are not thin, you might try it. You will live longer and be able to enjoy the awesome beaches in both places.
I live in Northern Europe and for us anything over 25 is pretty unpleasant
in the Philippines 32 is the norm
Constantly sweating for us feeling tired and dirty 😀
I live in the biggest bubble, BGC, but I love the bubble because It's easy to travel outside of the bubble when I choose.
Absolutely
Facts!!
You have everything at BGC. Even a nice modern Immigration, 8th floor by a mall.
Mabuhay
I'm considering BGC once I am able to make the jump. I currently have pension income totalling $4500 a month so I should be ok.
Totally agree. Was only going to live here 6 months, then move on. Here now 18 months and love it. Yes, there are some hassles, but BGC (and parts of Makati) are as Western as you can get in the PI. However, it is expensive to live here as opposed to the provinces. So there are trade-offs.
The biggest thing in my mind is he year round heat/humidity. It was in the low 80s here today, which is nice for this time of year, but I barely tolerate it. Next week it'll be in the 90s. The infrastructure in a lot of places there, the traffic, the cash based everything, ugh. I don't like to drive here, it's a necessity in a lot of places, but I consider it "ground transportation", a necessary evil. i am a private pilot and have an ancient lil old Cessna to putt putt around in on nice days, I don't think I could do that there...But there are always trade offs, pluses and minuses, in everything. As a kid in 7th grade I lived on Guam for a year, and they had just gotten actual milk that year - prior to that it was either condensed canned milk or the powdered stuff. TV shows were a week delayed as the tapes were flown over. A lot of similarities I see.
100% the heat is a positive but can be equally oppressive. Keep in mind if you are the outdoors and active type. It is not often spoken about.
All true. Maybe thats why so many divorced men are here. If you can tolerate a feminist and her divorce lawyer, then you can tolerate the Philippines.😅
On my two trips there I’ve driven a car all over Cebu and bahol and driven a motorbike around Bayawan, Santa Catalina and up in the mountains. I will say that it takes a little time to get use to the absolute chaos but once you do you just become part of it and it’s not that bad. I was however offered a motorbike to ride around Manila by my girlfriend’s brother and I did decline that😁
Thanks to you and the Filipina Pea I know it is not for me. Nice beaches and beautiful young girls (although with more problems than anywhere ) but for the rest I will stick to Thailand and Vietnam. In fact most countries in the SEA.
Some more great insight/advice, Gio. I get frustrated a couple times a week living here, but as you said I just don't let it bother me. I just remember why I chose to live here - the people, the environment, the life balance. The pros far out weigh the cons. If the things that frustrate me were different, I think many of the things I love about the Philippines would change as well.
Love the videos...keep 'em coming.
Thank you
Your comments are 100% correct. My only point is that sure the little things are irritating ( traffic etc) but after a while they add up to such an extent you just need to get out of the Philippines - well I do. I cannot live here full time otherwise all the points you mentioned just ' do my friggin head in'. So I live 6 months back in Australia with my Filipa to get the normality back in me !!! Anyway, so important what you say especially don't MOVE here permanently until you live here for at least 4 months.
I moved from San Pedro,Laguna when I was 12 years old and live in NYC. Definitely thinking about moving back to retire there with my husband eventually. I hear Eastwood City is a nice place to soft land.
Gio, you have summed up a few of the problems in the Philippines very well. I have been married to a Filipina for almost 34 years now, and we have lived in the USA for 32 years. She gets more frustrated with things when we visit the Philippines than I do sometimes. I don't think we will ever live there for more than several months at a time.
Approach it from the other end. Wow its possible to do this here !!!!yippee. !!!
And ask old timers.
Foreigners who been round the block. Back in the day achieving one thing is a win win. The longer you live in PI the more you feel for the poor.
I like your new T-Shirt - welcome back
Great stuff Gio. I am giving it a "trial run" in around 8 weeks. I going to try 6 - 8 months and see how it goes.
It jumps off that you look glad to be back. I live in Central Florida, and I luckily met a lovely Filipina here in Florida last year. She is a young widow, who has been in the US for just 7 years. One thing that I am slowly getting accustomed to is that they understandably do not typically know or comprehend the thousands of expressions we use in the US. For example, if I said, "Lets shake a leg," she would not know what I meant. I then will let her know. Have you ever found yourself challenged by things getting lost in translation so to speak?
Every day,! They don't typically get idioms and sayings that we use often.
@@GiointhePhilippines Yeah, I'm getting used to it and I'm learning to both edit myself and simply explain sometimes. At first it felt like I was pulling teeth! Lol. But I am mindful and respectful when I hear her chatting in Tagalog or in her local dialect from her province which is 1 hr. north of Iloilo City. It sounds so difficult to me. When she is chatting with her pals, I feel like Im on Gilligan's Island! Be well Gio.
Thanks Gio, good video. The noise wouldn't bother me as I sleep through everything. And I love animals so that would be fine too. One day I will get there.
My doctor visits are definitely pretty quick, but I do remember, in the past, having to sit a long time in the doctors office for an appointment. Am thinking Philippines or Colorado for a permanent retirement location, will have to visit both to make a decision. Thanks for the video, Gio...Jim
Apples and oranges in my opinion
Welcome back,, thanks for share!
I'm a staunch supporter of the try before you buy approach. The move from the West to Asia or any contry that's so different is not a decision to take lightly.
I'd want to visit several times spend time looking at different Islands. Vloggers such as yourself give boots on the ground insight into places you and they have tried. Ultimately we have to see for ourselves and personally I wouldn't burn any bridges at home in a hurry.
Very smart!
Everyone is different. Unless you actually go to the country you think you will want to live, you really don’t know. Things that might bother you, doesn’t bother the vlogger, and vice versa. The guys who “fly by the seat of their pants”, are usually the ones who do not last.
Great topic Gio! IT might be good for a vacation but to live there might be too much for someone to handle
Gio, Can you mention how the Charles Schwab account is working out? What was the actual name of that financial product? Was it "Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking"???
If you can afford to stay in Makati or Bonifacio with occasional trips to Palawan, etc., it wouldn't be a bad experience.
Just stay calm and take it. That is why nothing improves. That is worldwide. When there is no reason to do better then nobody does better. No incentive, no result.
My opinion, After living here for over 12 years.
Regarding Driving in the Philippines I found the best economical and convenient plan is to hire a Trike owner/driver and plan your trip. When you want to go anywhere simply call them and they can take you to any local area of your choice or a transportation center where you can catch a AIR CONDITIONED bus for a few dollars. Take the time to learn basic TAGALOG *Before* you come here. MAKE FILIPINO FRIENDS. Pay a little extra, give generous tips, gift them with respect and homemade food products, $$ and PATIENCE. What is the RUSH? RELAX. Let someone else do the driving. If you own a car your costs are going to be 10+ times the cost, plus you have to fight the traffic, pay tolls and GOOD LUCK finding parking at your destination site unless going to a large mall. SLOW DOWN.
Totally agree, hire a trustworthy local, take care of them and they take care of you. Having been there 7 times now, not sure when I permanent move there if we get a car or not.
@@JimboandGhen Exactly! Anytime we want to go anywhere We simply call our Friend and we pay him the fare from his location and then to our destination. It might cost $1!
A air-conditioned bus from Rosario Batangas to Manila is about $3. We can watch the big screen TV in the bus or access the free WIFI or go to sleep. The same trip in a private car is going to be over $20 with gasoline, tolls, and frantic driving and traffic jams. We rarely wait for any length of time waiting for buses, trikes or various other transportation. The SM mall parking garages have HUGE choices for your trips.
True, I let my chauffeur drive me around metro Manila. But outside of it I do the driving. Just love it, I get to drive like a nut and police don't ever stop me or I never get the finger or shot at.
I've been here since June 5 in Dumagutue been going to places with tour guide good guy didn't know they had lakes here on top of mountains pretty cool
COOL shirts! 👍🥰 and matching caps.
Yes! Thank you!
👏ALWAYS GREAT INFORMATION 👏
Trial run is a great idea! Get your boots on the ground and check out how it realy is. You might not like dumaguete like those that you watch but only way to find out is to see for yourself
No, Thailand, better food, better culture, better accommodation
yes but no speaking English
Hey Geo, I’ve been watching you and Paul and quite a few other RUclipsrs for a while now and I am planning on retiring to the Philippines now I have been to Thailand a couple times I’ve been to China and I’ve also been to Japan and the Philippines, but those were vacations What I would like to do is be able to talk to one of you guys that actually live there and bounce some things off of you and get your opinion. I can’t figure out how to contact you guys by email and I can’t find the Facebook group that Paul recommended, how would I go about contacting you guys?
For me I have a website to contact me. Www.giointhephilippines.com
Does the Philippines have golf resorts with rental properties?
I love it here! I live in BGC and fly to Boracay every 2 weeks for a few days. $3k every month for all these luxuries.
Oh wow!
Totally understand brother I lost my patience yesterday. I noticed when you’re traveling here people want to find you a taxi and grab your luggage. and then when I say no thank you I can handle it myself. They get pushy grab my luggage anyway while I’m trying to put it in the trunk expecting a hand out of pesos and always look down when you’re walking. It’s like hiking in the mountains trip hazards everywhere keep your head on a pivot….
Great Video. There are two times world time and Philippine time 😂 learn to relax, kick back and go with the flow. Enjoy your life.
Welcome back Gio.. Happy Father's Day to you, Mike and Travis.
Good advice Gio. Welcome back
I'm a former G.I., but this video made me realize that, wherever in the World I was, I was always in a "bubble" community. The exception was when I took my Mom to Israel. We were part of a tour, but for the last week we were on our own in Jerusalem, and I loved it. When I take the step of checking out the P.I., I would like to see the mountains because I think they would better suit my climate desires. Are there any cities or sizable towns in the higher elevations?
Try to include Baguio in your plans. Higher, cooler city.
Baguio city, and mountainous cordilleras surroundings, Tagaytay area, not far from lake Taal, and on mindanao Malaybalay city and surrounding central Bukidnon towns. Baguio city is more expensive because of it's reputation as city receiving lots of visitors for many decennia and all in the infrastructure roadside, goes highly and heavily up and down, at times steep even. No flat plateau that is.
If you're seriously considering moving to the Philippines, or anywhere else an exploratory trip first would be in order. The longer the trip the better.
I love (adore) expat bubbles. I live in one in the Cayman Islands. (But it is an expensive bubble)
Thank you,Gio.You tell it like it is.I have visited Philippines 3 times and have expierienced for myself.I currently live in Chicago now,but will probably wind up retiring in the Philippines in the long term.Im 52 now,so I still got time.lol Im looking at Cebu,or Dumeguete as options for retirement options.I would still go back to US when retired thou occasionally for family reasons,and to take care of odds,and inns.
Bohol is the place. Best island in the Philippines hands down. Has everything.
Hong Kong Singapore and San Jose are the biggest bubbles
Some of the negatives are actually a positive, like slower pace, patient people, .....
Patience is not one of my virtue's, but I would never be rude or disrespectful to a Filipino.
I could definitely learn to be more patient and laid back about things in the Philippines by living there.
You're retired and you really have no reason to get anything done in 15 minutes. I just keep my expectations super low and expect just about everything is going to take the entire day.
I live in Naval, Biliran and there are plenty of roads you can relax and drive on without running off the road by unsafe drivers! lol LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION lol
Did you fly economy or premium economy? I've only flown a couple of times in my life and flew economy since it was a short flight. I was wondering if the premium economy was worth the upgrade since the flight of the pacific is much, much longer.
I can't answer for Gio, but I'll be taking my first trip to the Philippines (first out of the country period) in August. I went ahead and bought premium econ to be safe. I think it will be worth it. I may even try to bump it up to business a few days before the flight. 16 hours is a long time in an airplane.
Personally I am likely to only spend 1 or 2 months as a tourist in the Phillipines In Japan amd Danang 5 months each
Another great one Gio 🤘👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🫡🇺🇸🇸🇽🍺🥃
Medellín is a better fit for me.
I love your educational videos been watching you since you interviewed the Filipino P before she had 1000 subscribers. You have inspired me to change my life around. Recently divorced and retired from the military at 41, and finishing up grad school. Hope to meet you in person one day. you also inspired me to start my own RUclips channel although I’m hesitant to publish my first video.
Thanks Gio Kevin Wear.
Thank you so much, I appreciate that.
Gio😂,I believe that I have the patience, but will I be able to adjust to the lack of infrastructure?
only you will know :-)
Im from davao city ,life is more mellower and wayyy less traffic than quezon city areas
My biggest concern are brownouts and I would venture to say you didn’t experience one when you were here?
Cost of living !!! --- Not sure if it's a ''good fit'' or not ? --- No winter is a good deal ! --- Retired and no need to be in a hurry. - - - For me -- I need to try on Cambodia for "goodness of fit" - their cost of living is incredible - their people are just as friendly & many speak English where I want to be. (?) A terrific retirement destination - for my liking - has to be Siem Reap ! A gem of a city - just beautiful with international food available - cheap delicious street food & 50 cent beer (!) - just a big enough city - but not too big. - - - My 1st choice in the Philippines will be in the Tagaytay 'area' for the somewhat cooler - more comfortable weather. > Several small towns in the nearby vicinity are also at higher elevations - cooler - yet remain only an hour to either the beach or Manila airport for fun or quality medical if needed ?!? ❤🙏👍👌🍺
I will find out in September 😂
Same. November.
Come in to the country with an open mind. Make an honest assessment after your trip not while during the trip.
Same, but October for me LOL
Great vlog Gio. Having lived there back in 1986-1990, I learned to adjust to the slower pace of life. The Philippines may not be perfect, but it is a wonderful place with fantastic people. I miss it.
Well said
September can't come soon enough. The Philippines will be my 43rd country.
Curious, have you been to the Azores?
Gio, I hate to ask this question, but....How hard is it for a 60-year old guy too meet a Filipina 50-60 years old? I really don't want to meet/dayte someone more than 10-years younger than me. Are there single, widowed, divorced woman close to my age?
Very hard because most are all married but you can find some widowers that are looking. I recommend Christian Filipina. www.christianfilipina.com/?partner=1210
@@GiointhePhilippines thank you Gio! I have never done the online dating stuff, but I'm learning. I was married for over 20-years and just ended a 10-year relationship. American women are not for me....
There are no divorced women in the philipines
Our neighbor is recently widowed and has indicated she'll be looking for a new mate when the time is right. So they're out there.
hit the nail on the head here, definitely not a place to sunday drive or cruise. Also your even going to find places even like Jolliebee and Kenny Rogers are out of items at times, atm machines not working or out of money, people cutting in line in front of you get used to that dont lose your cool
This cutting in line is a new one. Everbody up to you have said the opposite, they go outta the way to let older go ahead....
Please don't tell me that Kenny Rogers will be out of items. I've been waiting 20 years to eat Kenny Rogers Roasters again, and that is my planned first stop when I hit Cebu.
@@MS-oz2wuyeah they cut lines, at least I've experienced it here in Manila. I do the same. Lol
Never saw people walking dogs in Philippines, no vet clinics to be seen.Saw it all in Bangkok, a sign of civility.Say no more.
Yes, I’ve noticed the large amount of unhealthy stray, barking dogs, free range chickens, roosters, and ghetto towns that are accepted as “normal” living.
Metro Manila, many vet clinics to choose from. I have several puppies and our vet is 5 min tricycle ride, depending on time of day
I walk mines everyday, where you at? Vets in every square mile where I live, you must have live in the jungle. Lol 😂
Philippines is the best place on earth for Pakeha! Which is not good in the Philippines I can deal with it easy. You wonder what Pakeha means, well in New Zealand Maori means white skinned as an ethnic group so no racism involved!
It’s same way in Hawaii also The people don’t grumble
How does your health and heart feel? Us vs phil?
I am healthy and heart is fine. US vs PH as far as what? healthcare?
Waiting hours in line to speak to a bank teller 🧐in Thailand i was in and out in around 15 minutes
Do you ever loose your patience there?
Yea, I have.
👍👍👍
BROTHER NOT FOR ME NICE PLACE TO VISIT WILL BE BACK 🤟ONLY LIVING IN FLORIDA DOWN TOWN COCOA BEACH RIGHT OUT MY DOOR IS THE BEACH 24/7 ❤🏴☠️😎🏴☠️❤
Tommy I'm in Cocoa, just returned from the pi
I really enjoyed the mountain trips, 15, 20 minutes and all the beaches. Considering 50/50 living or just a mountain house and scooter ride. Our drivers suck here and going over the bridges lately is a pita
Similar temps though huh
Take care
OK Gio, what is the upside to living in the Philippines ?
women
Stupid cops pulling you over for suspended registration. Not once have I got pulled over here and I'm the crazies driver in the road. Lol
How do you renew your drivers license if you no longer have an American address.?
You need to maintain an address, a relative or friend. Plus I use Traveling Mailbox. travelingmailbox.com/?ref=1384
Thanks Gio, great video
I plan move there for retirement
Best of luck!
Seems like most people go there because the US is expensive. Last winter we had a very cold/icy winter & my gas & electric bill was $250. I pay $90 for water, etc. I am a homebody & love staying home. Most times I see western guys with western style setups & a partner. I do own a home & my plan is to get a roommate here so I can leave all my stuff here. Then come try it. I'm tired of everybody complaining about money here, then seeing the airports packed with (poor?) families every holiday. Spend, complain, broke & spend more. It's got to only be America. Attitudes are so negative. Although, shit is expensive, haha.
People are more important than material posessions. In the West dead objects has been given a higher status than organic human beings. Society has become narcissistic which is still far less prevelant in many parts of Asia. But ofcourse, the more Asia is connected to the West via the internet the more they are under influence of modern Western toxicity. Many can relate to that if they compare their Asian experience with 20 years ago.
Did any part of you wish you lived back there gio?
For a few things, yes. My sons mainly. I really miss driving, organization, and food choices.
@GiointhePhilippines yer definitely miss my son! Scared when I go back to Australia in few mnths il miss it!
Luckily, my eldest son wants to go to college here so that would be great for us.
@GiointhePhilippines yer I seen that that's awsome! Trying to get my son to do the same..
I'm just afraid he might make me a grandfather quickly lol
I was married to a Filapina in the US for 44 years, till she passed from cancer in 2017.
In all that time we never visited the Philippines. Never figured out why. She had family there.
But we visited Thailand numerous times, she loved it there.
After a long readjustment moved to Thailand. With a great Thai partner.
Life is great here. Would never return to the matrix, aka the US.
i suggest spending a few months at a time if you're able
Respect your opinion. Thanks
If u have money doesn't really matter where do u live☺️Short story end...
I like Thailand and only chiangmai /chiangrai area or maesai...but life is hard without u speak English ...
Filipinas can speak English fluently wnd thats all of the advantages...
I dont know who saud that bullshit Filipinas are more loyal or family oriented or serious... My best friends are thais and they never accepted me to treat them,they wanted to pay ☺️
Its hard to find good friends or good relationships in every country
When in Rome you do what the Roman’s do isn’t that right?
That's right :-)
Gio, Yes, driving here in the Philippines is terrible. I hate it but, what else this is Pinas that never been colonized by driving. I hate driving here. its true. now, I'm in Alberta, Canada driving is really good but finance and living is getting expensive. we might be going home soon.
An occasional trip back home to enjoy the driving is nice but I am happy to be here.
Love driving here in the Philippines. No where else can I block, honk and overtake anyone anytime without getting the finger or get shot at. Lol
Smog test and insurance on a motorbike here in the Philippines?????? I’ve been here since 2004. I’ve never smog tested or ever had insurance on any of my motorbikes probably had about seven of them since 2004.. I live in Cebu city neither one of them are required for owning a motorbike unless you’re just choosing to do so
If the Phils is first world country, then a lot of us won't be able to live there with our pensions.
True
Western women, especially pet lovers, may have a hard time adapting to the way Filipino's treat pets. Filipino's will never relate to paying $5000 vet bills here. And what I miss most when go back home - the bum gun!
Funny, that is what I missed too :-)
They're straight up lazy when it comes to work I put it off as much as possible that's why I'm thinking about going to Cambodia are Vietnam instead I don't want to play the little games of jumping through the Hoops for them every time you need something done but I want your money😅 I'm surprised you don't have to pay to sneeze
Don't go to the Philippines if you like hygenic, quality delicious foods.
Having retired in thailand a long time and visited the phils on 2 short visits over 40 years you would have to pay me to live there its awful a real cesspitt terrible food accommodation plain girls beggars on and on an endless list of negatives massively overated and overpriced dump
Seems to be my take on it too.
Little harsh. People are kind and hardworking, sure food sucks, but kindness is a a beautiful attribute
I have found the vast majority of drivers on 4 wheels to drive very safely. However... at least half of them on two wheels here are clinically insane. Complete disregard for the law, personal safety, and basic common sense. Absolute chaos, anarchy at its finest.
Took me maybe two weeks to adjust to their unique style of kamikaze riding. When in Rome... 😂😂😂😂
When in Rome my friend :-)
Renue the passport and head to the Philippines and get a baby doll.
I imagine the vast amount of foreigners come to the Philippines hoping to find a younger beauty like Gio did. And I imagine the vast number of these foreigners will be disappointed.
your imagination is incorrect
😎👍🇺🇲
Filipino time is a thing... Not a problem... a thing... you are in their country not ours !
I would get a Gio in a speed o shirt 😮😂 😮 so the goverment there duse not mind you paying taxes late then 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂