The only drama seems to come from vloggers, I have lived in Dumaguete for nine years, I walk on the boulevard a lot of the time, what do I see..? I see people getting on with their lives, eating, talking, laughing, kids having fun on the volleyball courts, there is no drama that I can see, maybe some people should stop thinking that they are an authority on the Philippines and get on with their lives like the rest of us..
Most bloggers are bums. They need the money from TH-cam to survive in the Philippines. That’s why they manufacture drama to raise their views. People with no lives believe it. That’s my take.
getting a lot of radiation from cellphones and computers.must detoxify themselves.there's a life outside the virtual world.the true and the reality world.😂
Cebu has it all. Central to many islands and not too far from Mike's wife's home. Mactan Newtown is refreshing. Ayala mall is awesome. Glad the jealous guys stopped picking on us older guys.
Good question. I think not as many living there and it used to be more difficult to travel there but just recently the airport was reopened there so may become easier
The parking deal there as far as condos go is actually an awesome deal. Rather than raise the price of the condo and say that parking is free-like they would with most condos here sold here in the US-the Philippines’ way of doing it allows you a choice of not having the parking included in the overall price so if you don’t care for parking you get the condo only at a much lower price!
It's to many foreigners there think they are the kings of Dumaguete, it's getting pretty stupid actually. Bashing each other and complain about almost everything
@mikesphilippineretirement it's the ones who vlog walking around and not caring if they video you or ask your permission, in coffee shops etc. Everywhere you go in Dumaguete there is people vlogging and talking and not caring where they point the cameras. Then there are the ones that badmouth the towns/cities or the country, if you don't like it or the way it is here then your free to leave.
@@blueberry7938 give me a name who puts a camera in your face with out asking if you want to be on a video...I only see me a Janet when we are doing a video...
I am almost packed, I just have to unload my car and do the health certificates for my dogs. I have never been to Dumaguete, but I lived in Thailand in the 80s and 90s and loved every second of it. This morning I have to find a hotel to stay at while I search for a house. I also have to do the import license for my dogs. I need an address for my dogs health certificates and import license. I hope that I can use the hotels. I can't wait to get over there and away from the madness that the US has become.
Can't remember the year exactly but there was a mass exodus from Bohol to Dumaguete. Maybe 2015? Some came back to Bohol, some went back to their home country and some passed away. I would go to visit. Best time was at the Red Table in Valencia.
hope mike does eventually move to Cebu, and maybe bump into him. I been a subscriber of his for-a while. Maybe when my channel grows and has better content, living in Cebu? I could be interviewed by California Expat? lol!!! liked and subscribed!
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat no, I have not since 2020. I went in March for my son's birth, and lock down began later that week. Actually the next week after her release from UC Med Hospital. And came home to San Diego in June, after the president allowed foreigners to leave the country. And I would love to tell the story on your channel when I arrive.
I just subbed. I love Mike and Janet. The video with Heidi was great. Not for the Visa info, but because it was lighthearted interview with a lot of fun back and forth. I also watched your Tampo interview video. Again, light hearted and fun. I'm from Dallas originally but moved to CA in 1978. I spent forty years there then move back home to Dallas in 2019. CA was so beautiful, until it wasn't. I'm planning to move th the Pills hopefully toward the end of 2023. I really enjoy you Channel, John.
Thank you for your encouraging feedback. I really appreciate it. I love Mike and Janet too. Very good people. I heard California changed a lot since I left in 2020. Where were you there?
Congratulations on reaching 1,000 subscribers on TH-cam! You have worked hard and put in a lot of hard work to make this milestone possible. Your determination and dedication has paid off and you should be proud of your accomplishment! Keep up the great work and keep creating amazing content for your viewers.
If I wanted continued drama in my life,, I would just stay here.. Sorry, but the last 4 months have convinced me I want no part of it,, Just being honest...When we start to make the move , we will look else where...Wish them all the best,,
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Moved from there last month. I lived there for 3 years. To much traffic, the two malls aren’t very good and to many expats. Glad to be gone to tell you the truth. Thx
Why hang around with the type of people you hated in the U.S.? That's why they turn on each other and talk trash! Dramaguete You Guys Can Have It! I Love Boring Naval,Biliran! lol
The problem is the size -now in Pattaya-Jomtien-here just less gossip too-also many different farangs (Australia-Germany-India-Russia-UK-USA) here-so it is more like the 🇺🇸-we all get along-with good infrastructure here-easy to leave -your right-the Flipino “college town”
I think most of the 'Drama' in Dumaguete comes from people outside. Most of the criticism about agegaps has been from vloggers outside. It's all just hot air.
Appreciate your input Steve. I personally feel that Dumaguete is the main place in the Philippines where I've seen expat vloggers go after each other from time to time. Though I've seen expat vloggers occasionally criticize high profile vloggers in other parts of the Philippines too. Though I'm not there in Dumaguete so I realize I have a narrow perspective. If you join expat forums on Facebook that is far more toxic in my experience. Definitely best for Expats to be good guests in the Philippines and support each other.
I like the area just outside of Baguio. Never need aircon ever. Rents are not bad and just down from the mountains you have great beaches and resorts. You can take the freeway to Angeles City area or Manila..Makati etc.. Just 3-4 hours.
California & NY is getting bad because of illegal migration arriving every week… scary now. Chicago slowly arriving those illegals… federal government will soon bankrupt supporting them.. free everything.. SSS recipient are worrying the cola they gonna give this 2024 would only be 3%. Funding is difficult. Government prioritizes migrants….depressing…
I don't blame these vloggers going after each other to create more clicks, remember some of them needs this extra income (You Tube) and most likely some of these foreigners are here beacuse they have limited income which is nor sufficient for them back home. I said SOME not all.
As a local, I noticed that most vloggers who criticize expats are new vloggers who are struggling to get views. They want attention at the expense of established vloggers. Established vloggers don't criticize other ex-pats except for very specific reasons (like that of Paul Caldwell the Fraudster). This is where the toxicity starts - jealousy and insecurities.
Alot of us that live in Durmagety are not Bloggers And don't need to rely on that as Extra income. It is a beautiful city. With beautiful people. And as a foreigner I love and appreciate the philippines
I take cash using my ATM card, transfer cash through the Wise app from my bank to Gcash, and I also transfer money from Wise to my Philippines business bank account. Feel free to reach out on Facebook if you need more info.
@@pielai719 It's an app that allows people to transfer from one bank account to another, or to gCash, which is really popular in the Philippines to pay with. Can check it out here if you want wise.com/invite/dic/johns3021
Got two good friends who were from Dumaguete, and both are highly educated. I like the city, however, with some expats who are negative, and women who talked weird things about their lives to earn views, the city's landscape has changed.
Sounds like what’s happening is Americans bringing drama / American attitude to another country and ruining it They are also doing it in South America as well .
I think it's a good place but personally I prefer a place not too densely populated with foreigners. Though most everyone I know who lives in Dumaguete likes it there.
I like Mike and Janet. I respect and admire Mike because of his style of giving honest and thorough perspectives. I'm gonna digress just a tiny bit here because Mike made it a point to mention that he doesn't watch the Filipina Pea. During a conversation regarding all of the drama that's going on in Dumaguete, he chose to highlight this fact. Nobody cares who you watch or don't watch. But this seemingly insignificant comment screams of pettiness and drama. Mike is better than this, and I truly hope he's not adopting the 'Dumaguete Deciple' mindset. Those guys are disgusting. Mike and Janet are awesome all by themselves, and the only way that we know that they are embroiled in "Dramaguete" foolishness is when they talk about it. Mike and Janet are untouchable, and it's time they realize that.
Thankful for this video...am a filipina with an american partner for 8yrs now and we are still looking until now where is the best place to settle here in PH soon ...since the plan is going to U.S THEN will be coming here in PH during visits....right now were still exploring, taking time...we used to live in our area in Surigao City but due to supertyphoons we needed to moved to another city called BUtuan city...but probably after here we will also try Dumaguete City as its always my number 1 choice to visit since I learned for awhile already that its a friendly city ....also i still love living in an area with plenty of trees☺️am someone who loves country living ....but being an island girl, born and raised yes.. also i knew that its necessary to choose a place thats accesible to good hospitals and clinics and yes for other commodities of course a .safer place and clean...and hopefully not so prone to strong typhoons ....
Paying an expensive exit tax to fly out of Cebu City is totally unacceptable. It's unfair and nothing more than a money grab. It's outrageous to think that tourists are being asked to pay a fee just to leave the city!
@@IrateMoogle Paying 3,500 Philipine pesos which is almost $64.00 US dollars for each traveler is not likely to be popular, especially for tourist groups. If the exit tax is seen as necessary to fund public services, then it may be acceptable in some cases. But if it's just a money grab without any clear benefit to the public, it certainly isn't fair.
@@IrateMoogle My comment was in response 8:48 referring to Cebu City as a hub for catching a plane and going somewhere. I totally agree, the exit tax does sound very exorbitant.
A lot of TH-camrs dont live in Dumaguete but neighboring towns or suburbs. Mark T lives in Bacong, Justin Carmack lives in Dauin so as Finn Snow. Paul old dog lives in Valencia which is cooler.
My choice would be BGC and Cebu City. Both have excellent hospitals and there is the International Airport which close by in case you want to bug out quickly.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat No, it was leading with OMG Pea left Dumaguerte! Yes, it was cleared quickly but it was still an over sensationalized drama hook.
Great video, I love the conversation 👍 one thing I would add is the crowds, everywhere is very crowded compared to the west, especially northwest Washington lol something to overcome 🤔
I'm sure you don't see many crowds in northwest Washington 😊 There's definitely less populates places you can live in the Philippines too though you don't have as many options
@@michaelmereday6791 Just turned 50. I have couple businesses here though look forward to working less in the future and enjoying more of the life here
I think that you are both awesome. I myself visited the Philippines. Many Times and I chose a place to build a house. I chose a place that did not have too many foreigners but is not far from cebu. I do enjoy occasionally talking to someone who can speak and understand English. Florelyn is a Godsend and I'm thankful her family took me in as a member. Looking forward to seeing you guys again in November.
Dumaguete is WAY overrated. I’m here now after staying years in Cebu City. Wanted to try a new place. There’s only one benefit Dumaguete has over Cebu City: bigger places to rent for less. Other than that Dumaguete is like going back in time in a bad way. The place doesn’t even have taxis. They have these antiquated pedicabs. The best hospital in Dumaguete sucks in comparison to the hospitals in Cebu City. Bottom line, Cebu City is MODERN. Dumaguete is FAR BEHIND. I’m kind of shocked why there are so many foreigners here. I think we’ll probably be moving back to Cebu City before the end of the year.
Hi Mark, it's very interesting to get your thoughts on this. What prompted you to move there to begin with? Was there something that initially attracted you that wore off after time?
We had a baby on the way. It seemed like a good place when I visited. I thought Cebu was too big of a city to raise our child but now I see it differently after staying in Dumaguete for about 6 months now. I don’t think our child can learn much here in Dumaguete. It’s too much like the province which means far behind modern society. The schools are certainly not as good as you’ll find in Cebu either. I think we can live not in the city but like what we would call a suburb back home. I’m thinking Talamban, Liloan. Something like that. Not in the city but about 15 min beep ride from the city. Not to be rude but many of people in the province are just ignorant. It’s ironic coming from me cause I’m from the South but the people here in the province a lot believe crazy stuff, superstitions about health, etc not backed by science but only passed down from generation to generation within their small town. I don’t want our child believing such nonsense.
It’s like this in the province. If their Lola told them it’s harmful to take a bath after getting hot and sweating then they believe it with their whole heart because that’s what everyone else in their family does. To me it’s just a crazy way of thinking
I just arrived in Cebu a month ago and I love it here! IT Park and Ayala are both great places to live and hang out. Pro Tip: Only the Central Bloc Cinema in IT Park has recliner sets for 100 pesos extra. The Ayala mall cinema doesn't currently have recliners.
Hi Gary, welcome to Cebu City! Are you the Gary that met with Mike by any chance? Love that movie theater at IT Park Ayala too. SM Seaside has a similar one (they have two but the executive one has the nicer seats). SM City closer to us has a nice movie theater with great seats that they just opened up too I heard, but haven't been able to make it yet.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Hi John, yes I'm that Gary. Coincidently my gf met you at Ayala mall when you were interviewing for your Tampo episode. My gf was too shy but you did interview her niece. They all got a big kick out of the video. Well done!
Yes, please. The lesser the exploitation of my beloved city, the better, I think. I was born and raised in Dumaguete. It looks trashy now. Peace, I'm just saying. 🌈🌈🌈🙏🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat No, the world is full of malls and condos, what's rare in the world is the natural beauty that the PH has in spades. I'm coming to enjoy that.
Plenty of people desperate for money all over the world, including the US. It's why there's people working full time jobs and sleeping in their car and why credit card debt is huge in the US. I don't vlog for the money, but I have respect for vloggers or anyone who does what they need to do to make more money. You don't?
I am visiting Cebu in September and hoping to move there no later than first quarter of 2024. Do you think we can get together ahead of time for a few questions I have?
cebu from what i hear is dirty my friend visited davao and ask where all trash none in davao..top notch hospitals....lots 1st class malls all amenities
Hi Tony, I went back and forth on this question for a long time before starting a second channel. My first channel is focused on business in the Philippines and it's a very niche topic. Most foreigners who come to the Philippines want to retire--not work or start a business. The main reason I decided to start the second channel is to be able to vlog about life in the Philippines more generally. And I want to cover some things I don't see other vlogs covering over here.
Solid video, good information. I guess I'll have to subscribe. BTW, who has the blog that helps old farts like me track down specific Filipinas? Maybe I'll move over there and become an Expat Magnum Private Investigator, sans the hair. /sarc
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat your advise is extremely welcome. TY! As I currently would love to connect with a specific Filipina without handing over a boatload of $$$ to a 'dating service' I thought I might be onto something. It's not like I have anything better to do... [Magnum theme playing in the backround] It's DANNO! Move over Shaft. /sarc
Hey mike, consider the weather in Cebu, you can search videos from "sunshine shoulders" where he was in cebu during & at the aftermath of a typhoon that bashed the city pretty bad, not sure they fully recovered from it yet. This kind of disasters are historically less felt down south much beyond heavy lasting rains and brownouts.
I was here during Typhoon Odette in Cebu City and it was bad for sure. Though typhoons are much rarer in Cebu than other parts of the Philippines because it's sandwiched between Luzon and Mindanao
I think that typhoons are more common in Cebu City than Dumaguete between it’s closer to the typhoon belt. Even if it’s not a direct hit Cebu City feels more of an impact from the typhoons that frequently hit Samer, Lyte. Dumaguete is farther south. Typhoons are much rarer in Dumaguete.
I agree with you John. I stay away from expats. I prefer locals. A lot less drama, competitiveness of the US and chaos. I left the US to be with locals in SE Asia.
Appreciate you commenting. There's some good guys in SEA too and I'm always grateful to make good expat friends here, though I find that doesn't happen as often as I would have thought before moving here
Because you know as well as I do that most of the guys come here to basically prey on the women and poor population. So if you’re a good person you know most who come here from the West are scumbags
Having been in the Philippines for 8 years plus, I hope those guys stay right where they are. No need for their "drama queen" lifestyle to spread and ruin it for the rest of us. Honestly, they sound like the "Marites" in the community than actual men.
John, apart from Airbnb as there so many bad / negative reports on Airbnb, is there a more efficient way of finding basic accommodations after arriving in Cebu??
I've personally had good experiences renting on airbnb for about two years in the Philippines in multiple condos. What I like is you can see ratings of past experiences. Apart from that you can find lots of place for rent in Facebook Marketplace though there's less accountability because no ratings.
Mike's Philippines Retirement -- Woohoo.
Great interview.
Thanks Paul
I can’t wait to get over there.
Coming for first visit or have you been here before
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat never
@@janitoronfireI'm sure you'll love it here
A lot of right attitude there..
Bloody refreshing..
Appreciate it
thanks for the nice comment
The only drama seems to come from vloggers, I have lived in Dumaguete for nine years, I walk on the boulevard a lot of the time, what do I see..? I see people getting on with their lives, eating, talking, laughing, kids having fun on the volleyball courts, there is no drama that I can see, maybe some people should stop thinking that they are an authority on the Philippines and get on with their lives like the rest of us..
Most bloggers are bums. They need the money from TH-cam to survive in the Philippines. That’s why they manufacture drama to raise their views. People with no lives believe it. That’s my take.
Thanks for sharing your perspective
Good comment.
getting a lot of radiation from cellphones and computers.must detoxify themselves.there's a life outside the virtual world.the true and the reality world.😂
Great comment!
Great advice gentlemen 👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you ☺️ 👍
I don't think Filipina Pea left permanently. She's just discovering the USA and making more videos here. I'm pretty sure she'll be back.
Yes, your right
Another good one Guys
Thanks Danny!
thanks Danny
Great video with two smart, impressive guys!!
Thanks so much!
hahaha..Matt you been drinking again
@@mikesphilippineretirement Caught :-)
Oh, wow! Good conversation! Very informative!
Glad you enjoyed it!
There’s a lot of places in Cebu that’s not as expensive as Cebu city.
Yes that's very true.
Cebu has it all. Central to many islands and not too far from Mike's wife's home. Mactan Newtown is refreshing. Ayala mall is awesome.
Glad the jealous guys stopped picking on us older guys.
Cebu is the best middle of the road place--not too small, not huge. And definitely central to everywhere as you mention.
Why don't hear of/can't find any bloggers that discuss Baguio?
Good question. I think not as many living there and it used to be more difficult to travel there but just recently the airport was reopened there so may become easier
Meljean Salon did a recent series on Baguio. It had some good information in it.
The parking deal there as far as condos go is actually an awesome deal. Rather than raise the price of the condo and say that parking is free-like they would with most condos here sold here in the US-the Philippines’ way of doing it allows you a choice of not having the parking included in the overall price so if you don’t care for parking you get the condo only at a much lower price!
I like your positive way of looking at that!
It's to many foreigners there think they are the kings of Dumaguete, it's getting pretty stupid actually. Bashing each other and complain about almost everything
Best for Expats to support each other
so who is calling themself King of Dumaguete??
@mikesphilippineretirement it's the ones who vlog walking around and not caring if they video you or ask your permission, in coffee shops etc. Everywhere you go in Dumaguete there is people vlogging and talking and not caring where they point the cameras. Then there are the ones that badmouth the towns/cities or the country, if you don't like it or the way it is here then your free to leave.
@@blueberry7938 give me a name who puts a camera in your face with out asking if you want to be on a video...I only see me a Janet when we are doing a video...
I am almost packed, I just have to unload my car and do the health certificates for my dogs. I have never been to Dumaguete, but I lived in Thailand in the 80s and 90s and loved every second of it. This morning I have to find a hotel to stay at while I search for a house. I also have to do the import license for my dogs. I need an address for my dogs health certificates and import license. I hope that I can use the hotels. I can't wait to get over there and away from the madness that the US has become.
nice interview😀😀😀😀
Thanks Paul!
thanks Paul
Great vid
Appreciate it!
thanks again
Can't remember the year exactly but there was a mass exodus from Bohol to Dumaguete. Maybe 2015? Some came back to Bohol, some went back to their home country and some passed away. I would go to visit. Best time was at the Red Table in Valencia.
Interesting how different places are popular for a time and then bit of an exodus to a new place
Great advice 13:39 to 14:08
Agreed thank you 😊
thank you
hope mike does eventually move to Cebu, and maybe bump into him. I been a subscriber of his for-a while. Maybe when my channel grows and has better content, living in Cebu? I could be interviewed by California Expat? lol!!! liked and subscribed!
California Bear meets California Expat. I like the sound of that interview already ☺️ Are you here in Cebu City?
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat no, I have not since 2020. I went in March for my son's birth, and lock down began later that week. Actually the next week after her release from UC Med Hospital. And came home to San Diego in June, after the president allowed foreigners to leave the country. And I would love to tell the story on your channel when I arrive.
@@CaliforniaBear619 Thanks for sharing more. Keep in touch and let me know when your coming
I just subbed. I love Mike and Janet. The video with Heidi was great. Not for the Visa info, but because it was lighthearted interview with a lot of fun back and forth. I also watched your Tampo interview video. Again, light hearted and fun. I'm from Dallas originally but moved to CA in 1978. I spent forty years there then move back home to Dallas in 2019. CA was so beautiful, until it wasn't. I'm planning to move th the Pills hopefully toward the end of 2023. I really enjoy you Channel, John.
Thank you for your encouraging feedback. I really appreciate it. I love Mike and Janet too. Very good people. I heard California changed a lot since I left in 2020. Where were you there?
What kind of business ventures is Mike looking into? Worth a video.
Not sure on that, would be a good video.
coming soon
Congratulations on reaching 1,000 subscribers on TH-cam! You have worked hard and put in a lot of hard work to make this milestone possible. Your determination and dedication has paid off and you should be proud of your accomplishment! Keep up the great work and keep creating amazing content for your viewers.
Thank you very much. I truly appreciate your encouragement.
If I wanted continued drama in my life,, I would just stay here.. Sorry, but the last 4 months have convinced me I want no part of it,, Just being honest...When we start to make the move , we will look else where...Wish them all the best,,
I understand Rick. Lots of happy people there too. Though lots of great alternatives.
Cebu n is congested and full of smog
I don't find the smog that bad, especially compared to Manila. But congested now for sure.
All these YT say they don't watch other YTubers. That's BS.They All watch other YTubers. DRAMA GUETE has to many YT. Expats have ruined DramaGuete.
Do you live there Jeff?
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat
Moved from there last month. I lived there for 3 years. To much traffic, the two malls aren’t very good and to many expats. Glad to be gone to tell you the truth. Thx
@@jeff2351 Where did you go as an alternative if you don't mind me asking?
Pea just left for a vacation. She will return.
I understand thanks
i just saw that..thank you fo the update
Cebu is a good choice. ❤️
I agree Tess
Pea is in Florida touring.
Thanks Teresa
All you guys are great!!!
Thank you 😊
Roy hahaha maybe good guys but not great
@@mikesphilippineretirement, ok Very good guys
philippines is great for a retiree like me and i would stay in the philippines any day than Arkansas
I agree with you.
Why hang around with the type of people you hated in the U.S.? That's why they turn on each other and talk trash! Dramaguete You Guys Can Have It! I Love Boring Naval,Biliran! lol
Thanks for your thoughts Glenn
someone said mark and paul are not s nice as they seem
My experience has consistently been that they are nice people, same impression as I've had from their channels
Why dumagete? Don't get it why not batangas, Cavite, laguna much decent location closer to manila
Most expats want to stay as far away as possible from Manila, though I personally like much of Manila
Most expats want to stay as far away as possible from Manila, though I personally like much of Manila
Better idea live half usa half pi
It's a great idea though I couldn't spend half the year personally in the US
Hope to meet you soon
@@markjohnson3616 Sounds good
alot of cost going back every 6 months
@@mikesphilippineretirement Hoping ticket prices go back down
Dumaguete vlogs, it's comparable to restaurants in China Town and Taco Trucks like 50 of them if there's an event. They all serve the same menu.
Lots of competition for content there with so many well known vloggers makes it challenging
Too many seppos in one place.
Toxic mix
One maybe 2 is ok ...but more.... lookout
"Seppos" "septic tank yanks" ... I miss those insults towards Americans 10 years living in Australia.
The problem is the size -now in Pattaya-Jomtien-here just less gossip too-also many different farangs (Australia-Germany-India-Russia-UK-USA) here-so it is more like the 🇺🇸-we all get along-with good infrastructure here-easy to leave -your right-the Flipino “college town”
Foreigners get along well with each other in Pattaya you mean? Definitely a high concentration of expats there. Thanks for watching
Pea is just touring the US.
Saw that now. Thank you
davao is only city to have a central 911 emergency system...and the cleaanest safest city in philippines
Yes very cool things about Davao
I think it would be more easy as a foreigner to get lost in the fray in Cebu as compared to Dramaguete.
Yes I'm sure your right
I think most of the 'Drama' in Dumaguete comes from people outside. Most of the criticism about agegaps has been from vloggers outside.
It's all just hot air.
i agree with you
Appreciate your input Steve. I personally feel that Dumaguete is the main place in the Philippines where I've seen expat vloggers go after each other from time to time. Though I've seen expat vloggers occasionally criticize high profile vloggers in other parts of the Philippines too. Though I'm not there in Dumaguete so I realize I have a narrow perspective. If you join expat forums on Facebook that is far more toxic in my experience. Definitely best for Expats to be good guests in the Philippines and support each other.
I like the area just outside of Baguio. Never need aircon ever. Rents are not bad and just down from the mountains you have great beaches and resorts. You can take the freeway to Angeles City area or Manila..Makati etc.. Just 3-4 hours.
Thanks for sharing! Hope to visit this area.
Hi I’m in Cebu are the temps really that much cooler?
@@wmurphy62 60-75 F
@@wmurphy62 compared to Luzon and Mindanao yes
California & NY is getting bad because of illegal migration arriving every week… scary now. Chicago slowly arriving those illegals… federal government will soon bankrupt supporting them.. free everything.. SSS recipient are worrying the cola they gonna give this 2024 would only be 3%. Funding is difficult. Government prioritizes migrants….depressing…
Appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts
I don't blame these vloggers going after each other to create more clicks, remember some of them needs this extra income (You Tube) and most likely some of these foreigners are here beacuse they have limited income which is nor sufficient for them back home. I said SOME not all.
I understand. Thanks for watching and commenting.
As a local, I noticed that most vloggers who criticize expats are new vloggers who are struggling to get views. They want attention at the expense of established vloggers. Established vloggers don't criticize other ex-pats except for very specific reasons (like that of Paul Caldwell the Fraudster). This is where the toxicity starts - jealousy and insecurities.
I think interesting observation. Thank you for watching and commenting!
I agree completely. There are more interesting things to vlog about than someone else's drama. 🌴 😎
Alot of us that live in Durmagety are not Bloggers And don't need to rely on that as Extra income. It is a beautiful city. With beautiful people. And as a foreigner I love and appreciate the philippines
I've heard a lot of great things about Dumaguete. Thank you for watching and commenting
So many vloggers I can’t keep track. Would hate to depend on it to survive at their age.
How do you access your finances from PI. I mean your finances that you left in the States, how do you access them from PHil islands?
I take cash using my ATM card, transfer cash through the Wise app from my bank to Gcash, and I also transfer money from Wise to my Philippines business bank account. Feel free to reach out on Facebook if you need more info.
Wise app? never heard of it?
thank you😀
@@pielai719 It's an app that allows people to transfer from one bank account to another, or to gCash, which is really popular in the Philippines to pay with. Can check it out here if you want wise.com/invite/dic/johns3021
Got two good friends who were from Dumaguete, and both are highly educated. I like the city, however, with some expats who are negative, and women who talked weird things about their lives to earn views, the city's landscape has changed.
Appreciate you sharing
That maybe true.ive been here 4 yrs and we got no issues.we pick our fri nds wisely.thats d key
Sounds like what’s happening is Americans bringing drama / American attitude to another country and ruining it
They are also doing it in South America as well .
I am American and fully agree with this statement.
sorry and sad to hear that
As an American I agree we have a lot to work on in our own country and shouldn't bring toxicity to anywhere we are living as guests
Filipinos have their own drama too. They’re not all perfect little angels 🤣
I once wanted to retire to Dumaguete but the more I watch vloggers there the less I realize that may not be where I want to retire.
I think it's a good place but personally I prefer a place not too densely populated with foreigners. Though most everyone I know who lives in Dumaguete likes it there.
We have changed our mind,,we are looking other places,,
@@pattypadulas8879 What's it like in Balanga Patty?
I like Mike and Janet. I respect and admire Mike because of his style of giving honest and thorough perspectives. I'm gonna digress just a tiny bit here because Mike made it a point to mention that he doesn't watch the Filipina Pea. During a conversation regarding all of the drama that's going on in Dumaguete, he chose to highlight this fact. Nobody cares who you watch or don't watch. But this seemingly insignificant comment screams of pettiness and drama. Mike is better than this, and I truly hope he's not adopting the 'Dumaguete Deciple' mindset. Those guys are disgusting. Mike and Janet are awesome all by themselves, and the only way that we know that they are embroiled in "Dramaguete" foolishness is when they talk about it. Mike and Janet are untouchable, and it's time they realize that.
Appreciate you sharing
Thankful for this video...am a filipina with an american partner for 8yrs now and we are still looking until now where is the best place to settle here in PH soon ...since the plan is going to U.S THEN will be coming here in PH during visits....right now were still exploring, taking time...we used to live in our area in Surigao City but due to supertyphoons we needed to moved to another city called BUtuan city...but probably after here we will also try Dumaguete City as its always my number 1 choice to visit since I learned for awhile already that its a friendly city ....also i still love living in an area with plenty of trees☺️am someone who loves country living ....but being an island girl, born and raised yes.. also i knew that its necessary to choose a place thats accesible to good hospitals and clinics and yes for other commodities of course a .safer place and clean...and hopefully not so prone to strong typhoons ....
Thank you for watching and sharing more of your story. I've been to Butuan. Great to try different areas before settling down.
Paying an expensive exit tax to fly out of Cebu City is totally unacceptable. It's unfair and nothing more than a money grab. It's outrageous to think that tourists are being asked to pay a fee just to leave the city!
Sounds unfair but also like a toll to cross a bridge
@@IrateMoogle Paying 3,500 Philipine pesos which is almost $64.00 US dollars for each traveler is not likely to be popular, especially for tourist groups. If the exit tax is seen as necessary to fund public services, then it may be acceptable in some cases. But if it's just a money grab without any clear benefit to the public, it certainly isn't fair.
@@solojourneyer yes that sounds exorbitant
@@IrateMoogle My comment was in response 8:48 referring to Cebu City as a hub for catching a plane and going somewhere. I totally agree, the exit tax does sound very exorbitant.
I think it's lower now traveltax.tieza.gov.ph/. It's not just Cebu City
A lot of TH-camrs dont live in Dumaguete but neighboring towns or suburbs. Mark T lives in Bacong, Justin Carmack lives in Dauin so as Finn Snow. Paul old dog lives in Valencia which is cooler.
My choice would be BGC and Cebu City. Both have excellent hospitals and there is the International Airport which close by in case you want to bug out quickly.
And here we are ... feeding the drama
no Drama
I get where your coming from with my title but if you watch the video I think it clears the air and isn't feeding anything negative.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat No, it was leading with OMG Pea left Dumaguerte! Yes, it was cleared quickly but it was still an over sensationalized drama hook.
Great video, I love the conversation 👍 one thing I would add is the crowds, everywhere is very crowded compared to the west, especially northwest Washington lol something to overcome 🤔
I'm sure you don't see many crowds in northwest Washington 😊 There's definitely less populates places you can live in the Philippines too though you don't have as many options
Thank you for watching
@filipinalipstick We will be back in Cebu in a few weeks...Love to inteview you
That sounds good with what's happening some volkers actually depends on income for that the key iß to arrive not needing anything
If possible definitely helpful. Though some of us still have to work
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat you have youth on your side nice
@@michaelmereday6791 Just turned 50. I have couple businesses here though look forward to working less in the future and enjoying more of the life here
I think that you are both awesome. I myself visited the Philippines. Many Times and I chose a place to build a house. I chose a place that did not have too many foreigners but is not far from cebu. I do enjoy occasionally talking to someone who can speak and understand English. Florelyn is a Godsend and I'm thankful her family took me in as a member. Looking forward to seeing you guys again in November.
Look forward to seeing you again too Culley. Appreciate your encouragement
Dumaguete is WAY overrated. I’m here now after staying years in Cebu City. Wanted to try a new place. There’s only one benefit Dumaguete has over Cebu City: bigger places to rent for less. Other than that Dumaguete is like going back in time in a bad way. The place doesn’t even have taxis. They have these antiquated pedicabs. The best hospital in Dumaguete sucks in comparison to the hospitals in Cebu City.
Bottom line, Cebu City is MODERN. Dumaguete is FAR BEHIND. I’m kind of shocked why there are so many foreigners here. I think we’ll probably be moving back to Cebu City before the end of the year.
Hi Mark, it's very interesting to get your thoughts on this. What prompted you to move there to begin with? Was there something that initially attracted you that wore off after time?
We had a baby on the way. It seemed like a good place when I visited. I thought Cebu was too big of a city to raise our child but now I see it differently after staying in Dumaguete for about 6 months now. I don’t think our child can learn much here in Dumaguete. It’s too much like the province which means far behind modern society. The schools are certainly not as good as you’ll find in Cebu either. I think we can live not in the city but like what we would call a suburb back home. I’m thinking Talamban, Liloan. Something like that. Not in the city but about 15 min beep ride from the city.
Not to be rude but many of people in the province are just ignorant. It’s ironic coming from me cause I’m from the South but the people here in the province a lot believe crazy stuff, superstitions about health, etc not backed by science but only passed down from generation to generation within their small town. I don’t want our child believing such nonsense.
It’s like this in the province. If their Lola told them it’s harmful to take a bath after getting hot and sweating then they believe it with their whole heart because that’s what everyone else in their family does. To me it’s just a crazy way of thinking
I just arrived in Cebu a month ago and I love it here! IT Park and Ayala are both great places to live and hang out. Pro Tip: Only the Central Bloc Cinema in IT Park has recliner sets for 100 pesos extra. The Ayala mall cinema doesn't currently have recliners.
Hi Gary, welcome to Cebu City! Are you the Gary that met with Mike by any chance? Love that movie theater at IT Park Ayala too. SM Seaside has a similar one (they have two but the executive one has the nicer seats). SM City closer to us has a nice movie theater with great seats that they just opened up too I heard, but haven't been able to make it yet.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Hi John, yes I'm that Gary. Coincidently my gf met you at Ayala mall when you were interviewing for your Tampo episode. My gf was too shy but you did interview her niece. They all got a big kick out of the video. Well done!
@@RealGaryGibson Very small world. Thanks for watching and hope to see you in Cebu City
Both of these guys are great
Thank you very much
HOME is what YOU make it! No one needs to swim with the sharks.
Excellent production quality 👍🏻
Thank you Aaron
Yes, please. The lesser the exploitation of my beloved city, the better, I think. I was born and raised in Dumaguete. It looks trashy now. Peace, I'm just saying. 🌈🌈🌈🙏🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰
Thanks for watching
Getting away from Malls and condos is why I'm going to the PH.
Are you saying that joking?
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat No, the world is full of malls and condos, what's rare in the world is the natural beauty that the PH has in spades. I'm coming to enjoy that.
@@johnminichielli8957 Yes very true about the Philippines. There are also so many condos and malls here, so that's why I wasn't sure what you meant
So many vloggers. How does anyone make any money. The truth is so many don’t yet they are desperate for extra income
Plenty of people desperate for money all over the world, including the US. It's why there's people working full time jobs and sleeping in their car and why credit card debt is huge in the US. I don't vlog for the money, but I have respect for vloggers or anyone who does what they need to do to make more money. You don't?
I am visiting Cebu in September and hoping to move there no later than first quarter of 2024. Do you think we can get together ahead of time for a few questions I have?
Happy to. Just send me Facebook messenger message or email hello@johnsmulo.com
Yes to much utuber's spreading bullshit
Welcome to expat TH-cam :)
Great camera work . Good info . Thanks
John needs a good camera person...sorry Janet was busy
Really appreciate it
Nice interview. 👍
Thank you 😊
thank you Bj5083
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat You're welcome. 👍
@@mikesphilippineretirement You're welcome, Mike. 👍
cebu from what i hear is dirty my friend visited davao and ask where all trash none in davao..top notch hospitals....lots 1st class malls all amenities
I don't find Cebu dirty except for some specific areas. Glad you like it there In Davao
were not craving for expats, we find it very annoying..
Sorry about that
Dramaguete
Yep
Filipina Pea is on vacation in eastern usa
Saw that now thanks 👍
Great video guys. Thank you👍
Thank you for your support
Just curious John, why start a new channel?
Hi Tony, I went back and forth on this question for a long time before starting a second channel. My first channel is focused on business in the Philippines and it's a very niche topic. Most foreigners who come to the Philippines want to retire--not work or start a business. The main reason I decided to start the second channel is to be able to vlog about life in the Philippines more generally. And I want to cover some things I don't see other vlogs covering over here.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Hi John,
Thank you for the response. I appreciate it.That makes a lot of sense.
@@tonymars1093 My pleasure Tony. Appreciate you being here.
Cebu City here I come
Wahoo 🎉
come on...it is a great city
😂😂😂
👍
Solid video, good information. I guess I'll have to subscribe.
BTW, who has the blog that helps old farts like me track down specific Filipinas? Maybe I'll move over there and become an Expat Magnum Private Investigator, sans the hair. /sarc
Appreciate you subscribing. Be careful with sarcasm here everyone takes it literally lol.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat your advise is extremely welcome. TY! As I currently would love to connect with a specific Filipina without handing over a boatload of $$$ to a 'dating service' I thought I might be onto something. It's not like I have anything better to do...
[Magnum theme playing in the backround] It's DANNO! Move over Shaft. /sarc
Thank you gentlemen!
Thank you for watching!
👍👍
Thank you
Great interview! Mike's a great source of info for the Philippines and especially Dumaguete.
Thanks Gary! Agreed. I always enjoy catching up with Mike.
Hey mike, consider the weather in Cebu, you can search videos from "sunshine shoulders" where he was in cebu during & at the aftermath of a typhoon that bashed the city pretty bad, not sure they fully recovered from it yet.
This kind of disasters are historically less felt down south much beyond heavy lasting rains and brownouts.
I was here during Typhoon Odette in Cebu City and it was bad for sure. Though typhoons are much rarer in Cebu than other parts of the Philippines because it's sandwiched between Luzon and Mindanao
I think that typhoons are more common in Cebu City than Dumaguete between it’s closer to the typhoon belt. Even if it’s not a direct hit Cebu City feels more of an impact from the typhoons that frequently hit Samer, Lyte. Dumaguete is farther south. Typhoons are much rarer in Dumaguete.
I agree with you John. I stay away from expats. I prefer locals. A lot less drama, competitiveness of the US and chaos. I left the US to be with locals in SE Asia.
Appreciate you commenting. There's some good guys in SEA too and I'm always grateful to make good expat friends here, though I find that doesn't happen as often as I would have thought before moving here
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat thank you 🙏🏼
Because you know as well as I do that most of the guys come here to basically prey on the women and poor population. So if you’re a good person you know most who come here from the West are scumbags
Having been in the Philippines for 8 years plus, I hope those guys stay right where they are. No need for their "drama queen" lifestyle to spread and ruin it for the rest of us.
Honestly, they sound like the "Marites" in the community than actual men.
Says the grown man singing Karaoke......LoL.🖕
Thanks for watching
John, apart from Airbnb as there so many bad / negative reports on Airbnb, is there a more efficient way of finding basic accommodations after arriving in Cebu??
I've personally had good experiences renting on airbnb for about two years in the Philippines in multiple condos. What I like is you can see ratings of past experiences. Apart from that you can find lots of place for rent in Facebook Marketplace though there's less accountability because no ratings.
i am looking into that. Hope to have some news next month
Hi John,..I just became a new subscriber of your channel.
I really liked your video with Mike.
Thanks and keep up the great work.
@@floribertosousa2251 thank you very much 😊