I lived twenty-two years in the province in Southern Luzon, actually eighteen months, but felt like a life sentence. The food does not get better in time. I ate Mcdonalds more there than I ever did in the states. I suffered through all you described except for the mini-stroke, thank goodness. The only reason I was there was due to an eight-year relationship with a local lass who was, for the most part, just terrific. I was dying inside from boredom and aggravation not to mention regular brownouts and occasional water cut-offs. Finally, after eight years of having what I thought was a clear understanding about no children would I father or raise the inevitable, I want a baby came down with great petulance and pouting. Thank heavens. I am giving her a baby, just not by me. I was out within two weeks. I pulled up stakes and landed in Thailand. I live in Chonburi outside of Pattaya. Life is so so much better and actually not any more expensive but the value blows that mess in Pi away. A retirement visa is a piece of cake if you use an immigration attorney. The rules are different in the Pattaya office. Too much tea money involved to start following aggravating laws here. Just something for you to think about.
Excellent comment with great information, I am going to Vietnam in November for holiday and will come back through Thailand, I will be sure to check it out! Thanks again
I agree entirely. I lasted 27 months in the Philippines. I left in March 2013. I don't think I would still be in the land of the living if I had stayed. My lady and I are still friends ,but I daren't go back there.
Tim I lived in the PI for 24 months . I found that if a person didn't like fish head soup and rice fast food was your best option . Did you ever eat one of those duck eggs that they bury in the sand and dig up later and eat ?
Man you are the best, no sugar coating the experience. This is exactly what I was looking for ,someone who is gonna level with us. So glad I subscribe.
This whole video is affirmation that before moving to any place (even in the US) visit it for an extended time. I spent 10 days in Cebu City and 10 days in Dumaguete 2 years ago and am returning again for a few weeks this year. One big plus for me is that I like the local food and try to avoid Western food places. I have visited several places in the US to check out for retirement and have crossed them off the list. I like your style of talking to the listener. Keep up the great videos.
Well, I for one am glad you didn't give up. From what I can tell from your more recent videos, you are no longer the guy who considered giving up after that first 30. Seeing how you've changed over time gives me hope that I'll be able to brave my first 30 when I get there later this year.
Man, I really like your channel, it's like watching an old home movie. I've been living in Davao for nearly 19 years, was married for 16+, had 3 kids and operated several businesses. You are going through just about everything have experienced in my years, even living in Dumaguete for a while. In any case you are very interesting. Congrats man. I always wanted to start a channel like yours but life got in the wai.
I spent 3 weeks in the PI, mostly in Dipolog City, with my Filipina sweetie this past September. I was always exhausted because I was starved for oxygen. That the the most polluted place that I’ve ever been. I breathed much better in Dumaguete and Cebu. But still, I could hardly wait to get back home to Florida. Like you, I didn’t like the greasy, tasteless food, people tried to take advantage of me, the brownouts, sudden loss of water, and and and. However, now that I’m back in Florida, I find myself wanting to go back to Dumaguete.
You were with a woman. Well, some guys are bored with the women they are with. I meet those men in bars and I feel sorry for the girlfriends, because some guys are just desperate to be understood or heard by someone with a brain that they’d consider dropping their pants to be validated by Asians who can distinguish shkt from marmalade. Assuming that foreigners come to live in Dipolog, dont really go there because of the place.
Paul,your the best,keep up the good work,been in duma,5 yrs now,have learned to adjust to the slow way things are done here,i have the gym 4 days a week,that keeps me sane,married also,crazy,she is 45 yrs my jr.but it seems to work,iam like you,ive learned to laugh at life here,overall,i love it
More candid than a camera, Paul. And it's much appreciated because it is necessary to break the fantasy and introduce reality. I've only yet done research online as I plan a move to Sth East Asia. Thailand is my goal as far as box ticking goes. But I will visit first ( possibly in the worst season) to get that taste of reality. I learn from people like you to break the ground for noobs like me. I'm grateful, mate.
We had the same problem in Bozeman MT. It was a really nice place to live in the ‘70s during and after my college days. Fast forward to the mid ‘90s and beyond. People from California started to move into Bozeman and the surrounding area. They all said, “This place is just what we want. It would be perfect if you changed just this one thing, ...” Of course, everyone of them had a different “one thing”. Now the rest of Montana calls it BozAngeles (they hate the name, but it sticks). So I moved to Butte. Sounds like the same thing is happening to the PI. The only hope is that with mixture of different cultures invading the PI the PI won’t become another California. I left CA fifty years ago, and I have felt I never left anything behind I wanted or needed. Keep the videos coming. I like them. I’m old, creaky, and adventurous. I’ll be in the PI in March.
Hey man...to many negative comments from people no empathy at all. I feel u because i have been somewhat there too. Your a cool guy so dont pump ur brakes from these comments. I think ur intelligent and wise enough to live your life and that's all that matters
A fairly daunting experience, being alone and far from a familiar home. I guess a fealt a comfort level even holidaying here by coming to meet someone I had spoken to on line and was comfortable with
Hey Paul, I'm glad I saw this older video. Wow, this is exactly what I needed for my July trip to Dumaguete. I will definitely feel like be a 'Fish out of water' my first 30 days. I was thinking to stay at the " Go Hotel" until I can sort things out🤕 .Maybe I could meet up with you guys at Valencia Market or a coffeehouse to get ideas? Best regards Dave1
Paul this was a great vid, I went away for 6 weeks once and I was soo down by the first week as I encountered a few set backs right off the hop upon leaving I missed the trip
love your sense of humor as well, and way u look at things here, i came in from Toronto Canada, Dumaguete was my first choice but decided on Cebu , i will still visit Dumaguete soon
I also lived in Cebu for 9 months while my Fiancee (Now my wife of 4 years) went through the K-1 Visa process. I also experience "Skin Tax" from Taxi and Motorcycle drivers which would really piss off my fiancee! She would light them up! She let me know really quick what the fare is supposed to be for all the transportation. I would still tip a good driver that was polite and Taxi's with AC on! Salamat for the video experience.
If you live in a tourist infested area like Cebu, Panglao, Dumagete you're going to get the skin tax regularily. Go to other areas where foreigners are not all over, then that is never a problem. I live in Mindanao and pay what locals pay. I often tease my Filipina wife because I get better prices than her sometimes at the market etc,.
@@metalguru5226 That is true ! We never had ANY issues in Bohol or Davao in Mindanao. Davao was one of the cleanest and best maintained cities I saw in the Philippines. No potholes and all the traffic signals work and people actually obeyed them for the most part.
@@rosegarden0988 Actually Cebu , Dumaguete, and even Davao are still all very nice places to retire and or live. Cubu has more traffic and congestion. But "Skin Tax" exists almost everywhere for foreigner's who are all assumed to be "Rich" we know we are not (Most of us are just working folks) but being aware and not playing the "Skin Tax Game" is easy. Just say have a nice day and walk away....the next driver will likely be happy to take you for the regular price. While the one that just tried to scam you makes...nothing.
thanks for your honesty. you made me laugh there, i been over there twice and exsperienced what you are doing. but decided too stay in australia.but only tour nowdays,so much poverty, very sad.
That was good Paul. Thank you. Thank you for this and for all your videos. You sharing your life experiences there - shared exactly as they are and not sugar coated, is what I'm looking for and what is most beneficial to me. When I get there I have been invited to stay at my fiancée family's house until I find my own place. I would have to sleep on the floor and I cannot do that. My back is very bad and I cannot get down to the floor or back up if I fall. I want to live near their house though, for convenience. Rose and I met 6 years ago. I feel like her family is my family. I want to live near them and eventually I want Rose and I to have our own house near them. They live, it looks like, 2 or 3 hours away from where you and Mae are. Keep on doing what you are doing. It is very helpful and informative. God bless you and Mae.
You are a pioneer, the one who will help others have a better experience if they want to go into philippines. When i am ready, for sure i will contact you, though you give great infos here on the Tube. Again , that country reminds me of Dominican Republic in many ways.
Great Video Paul, I have never been to Thailand so I cannot say much about it, as for the Philippines I retired here at the age of 51 November 2018 and I have loved it. There are many negatives here and some of them can really get to you the longer you live here. I think I might be moving to Europe were its clean air, great food and not rubbish everywhere you look. Cheers....
I’m laughing with you imagine me being in your shoes 😅 and I’m in Florida, every summer is super hot 🥵 at least we have AC here!.. but I like the way you talk and your sense of humor 😆👍9:54😂
Imagine arriving in Mindanao, in 1991, at the age of 27, married to a local who I met/married in another country. Interestingly, when I was back, in 2015, I was still getting fleeced on haircuts, at some bars, and by some taxis/motos. The food hadn't changed, but, my knowledge of where to go to get what I want had, and I had the advantage of speaking a bit of cebuano, when necessary. If I ever go back, I figured I'd skip the more foreignerized places, like Dumaguete or Cebu, although, it is good to have a foreigner hang-out to go to when one is suffering from culture clash. In terms of the heat, I had outside metal projects going on when I was younger & used to find the odd fried scorpion on the steel plate I was using as a table, when I stopped for a breather. That's hot! Great videos you're putting together!
Hi Paul., I am still catching up on older videos, sure enjoy them. My first trip to Phils was 24 hours, I just wanted to meet her in person, say "hello" so to speak. My 2nd trip was 3 or 4 days, altogether I made 11 trips including the one for our wedding. There's not much I can add to life in Phils that hasn't already been stated, both positive and negative. We live in Vancouver BTW. Take care and thanks for your videos. /murray
i tell everyone who casually visits for a few weeks - YOU DONT REALLY KNOW what its like.... it takes 6 months FULLY IMMERSED before you earn that right and its a brutal 6 months. it will break you mentally, physically, emotionally and economically
Great video Paul! I think it’s important to do your homework before coming to the Philippines. This beautiful country has its pros and cons like anywhere else. I personally love that country and I’m planning to retire there. Yes! Do your homework before travelling there.
Hello Paul, I follow your channel but I never watched this one on your arrival. Amazing how you looked skinny and stressed. Now you look relax et your face is rounder . Makes you look younger too. Baby May must feed you well. Take care !
Love your honesty! I was thinking of trading Thailand for the Philippines. I'm not sure I could handle the brownouts, slow internet and the food. I trade for a living and eat zero carbs lol!
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 I must say, foreigners are very brave. In the past they used to arrive in third world soil to rule and take over. Now they come to the third world to complain. If everyone just stay where they are, there will be no wars. No death.
Thank you Paul, I know this is a old vid but it's the very best I have ever heard. I moved to Duma 8mo ago, all this was the same for me. I lived in Thailand before moving there, first the people were different, the food, the heat, no change, I can't eat the food. I bought sheets at Hyper Mart, there seizing was different so I had to return, took me 3 hrs and I should have just bought new ones. Then the Typhoon hit, I was living in Valencia like you. No water or electric, that separated the men from boys, my blood pressure spiked and I had a stroke. Long story short I went back to U.S. now hear I am thinking of returning returning because of how bad things have gotten here. Am I getting ready to jump from skillet to the fire? Thanks Paul
I lived in US now for 45 yrs, retired RN for 2 yrs have a home here in Austin Texas, married for 22 years with an American husband..wanted to move permanently to Florida near the beach but hubby is not fun of Florida..no Philippines for me though it's my native country due to easy life here in the US plus the medical access here is excellent, no complaints here!!
It is interesting regarding learning the ropes of the Philippines. It goes on; no toilet paper or toilet seats in the restrooms, also going to a restaurant and dealing with "out of stock". The 'no g/f" stigma. When you first arrive people will try to hook you up with someone you don't really have an interest in. However it is so difficult to navigate a new country guys will hook up with a filipina they don't want to look at, or has kids, or at worst a separated filipina. That is risky business when they try to dump her later, they usually get stabbed to death. Word to the wise; avoid women you don't want. You have to be honest with yourself. Yep, it will be difficult to live in a foreign country but, you need to take the Paul McGill route and just gut it out.
Why will you get nervous in coming here? It's good to experience what it is like living in a third world country. After losing all your patience and everything just pack up and go.
I visited the Philippines in January 2020. It was definitely a third world feel that takes some time to get used to. I did not like the food, the lifestyle and the one thing that stood out was it seemed like everyone had his hand out for money. I got propositioned twice in 10 days about my interest in a wife. I am really glad I went, but going back is not something I want to do. The men that do retire there really seem to like it.
Yes, hope you don't smoke. I am 61 and a friend of mine (same age as me) died 2 months after having a stroke because he would not give up smoking which is a major contributing factor to strokes. This friend had also had 3 small strokes several years before the one 2 years ago that took his life.
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 It really changes your perspective when friends the same age as you die in their 50s. Most of my family elders have passed in their 80s or 90s so I think I have good genes but two of my uncles passed in their early to mid 60s from their smoking habits.
Another great video Paul. I admire your perseverance! I was lucky to have Angel's help from Day 1. And there is "something about the Philippines"! I have been back in the States for 5 weeks and there is so much here that I love, my kids and fishing mostly! The other day while driving (which is a joy BTW, even while in a traffic jam) i was counting the number of days to when my halfway point in the US hits. That tells me that I am missing the Philippines!
I subscribe to your channel because of this video, very educational Indeed. Sorry to hear about the mini stroke, I think it must have been the stress and pollution that caused it.
Lol 😂 about your sheets, not measuring. When l moved to Thailand, l couldn’t sleep on our mattress as uncomfortable. Did what you did and bought a new one by just guessing. Well, got delivered and to big. The guys took it back, brought the right size back within the hour and no extra charge! I slipped them a tip anyway.
I find it really interesting how people move to another country and then think it’s going to be walk in the park ,,, life is not a walk in the park anywhere you are it’s hard work and has so much to do with your mind set , I have been going to the Philippines for 5 years now and love it ,,, yes there are a few things that trough me off some days but then I remind myself where I am and why I’m here . I have no problem with the food ( now) yes the restaurant food isn’t that good but out away from the cities you can find some amazing food , and the people in the provinces are amazing also ,, not like the people in the cities , now I have a motorbike there and when I’m not at my house I spend my time riding northern Luzon , try mountain province or Benguet . I’m sorry so many people live with eyes and minds closed off to what’s around them
Paul in the Philipines Old Dog New Tricks Yes I do I consider it home although I still work here in Canada for 4 months a year I think of myself going home to the Philippines every year
Hey Paul sorry if I sounded like I was coming down on you I wasn’t,,,, I read a bunch of the other comments and it got my dander up a little ,,, I find so many people think they are going to move to a country with a cheap standard of living and seam to expect our western lifestyle
I have learned to say no otherwise people will scam you and i have been scammed by a relative and a friend, i was running a fish farm then so i wanted goats on the side, he sold me small goats for 3000 and a bigger goat for 4000, momths later i bought a goat for 900 pesos and a bigger one for 1400 pesos, a friend borrowed 3000 pesos as he was in a bind and after that it was sayonarra so it made me tougher.
Hi Paul.....I have a couple of questions. What foods do you like/would you recommend for western tastes? Do you still ride a bike, and how do you deal with the smog situation now? Thanks.
I have found restos that have western food and can satisfy cravings for home, I still have my bike and the smog is still brutal, its more fun in the philipinnes
Hey Paul...great video. I wonder if you ran in to another old dog...his name is Steve..with a Polish last name...and several years ago would hang out at Shakeys Pizza...smoking mostly outside with his young gf name Rita or Rina...anyway tell him please Joseph says hello
Paul, I understand that Foreigners like to be Around other Expats. There is so many Foreigners its like if I went to ROSORITO Mexico. When Foreigners go all to one Area of a Country the Cost of living goes up and there is a Invisible Tourist Tax...lol...or Tourist Price.
I think you and I were separated at birth Paul lol. Our lives have taken such similar paths and one day soon in 2021 I will be in Dumaguete/Valencia. I appreciate you brother. Semper Fi.
You should have told the 50 year old doctor that she was 30 years to old for you , and that guys like you didn't come to the PI to find an age appropriate partner . You were very fortunate to have found a woman like Mae !
Hey Paul I am a new subscriber and of course I like your candid appraisals of your experiences. I've been married to two different Thai, 1st one for 15 years 2nd one only 7 years... 1st 7 years older than me, the 2nd one 20 years younger. I meet both in America and we live there, and only visited Thailand for Vacation. The communication issue wasn't a problem, both of them spoke English well. Divorce was difficult but survivable, and I am on good terms with both... But I have a question if you had the resources would you still stay in Philippines or Thailand or do both? If you chose Thailand do you think its conceivable that you could have your Philippine friend join you on the move to Thailand?
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 Sorry Paul I am a little thick in my skull. 1. Would you live in Thailand and bring your friend? 2. Or would you stay in the Philippines? 3. Or you would do both?
great vlog. Before I went to PI for first time i had learnt tagalog and a smattering of legazpi bicol. Spent a month there before I let on I spoke the lingo hahahaha --great way to find out what people think about you.People still shout" hey kano" at you but when you can shout back at them in their language that they must be crazy because you are a Brit and too damn scruffy to be a kano. Yeah im with you the food in the restraunts sucks especially if you want to eat some veggies instead of rice only way is to cook it yourself.i found a hell of a lot more people trying to take advantage of me where you are than in Bicol.
I have been to Cebu three times already, just got back December 2019. OMG. You didn't like the food? Are you kidding? I was born in US and absolutely loved the food. Lechon every day! Adobe chicken is fabulous. Sisig, marvelous. I would say the Philippines are not for you if you don't like the food. Using the Grab taxi service just a couple of times should clue you in about how much a tricycle car should cost. Very cheap. A 5-minute ride should not cost more than 20 pesos, just to start. And yes, I would always pay 100 pesos for short trips and longer ones. Sorry, you had a bad experience.
Pork and other meat all day, everyday is not what anyone who gives a shit about their health will be eating. Fried, saturated with MSG and sickening. Thai food is way better tasting and WAY HEALTHIER. No question. Philippine hospitals are overflowing with people who eat your way and the cemeteries are full of those who died young from avoidable, self-inflicted, food-borne illnesses like heart disease, stroke, T2 diabetes etc. etc,
You met the real Philippines. One way to reduce the situations you are getting taken advantage of is to have a GF. Then you have only one who takes advantage.
Ha! I lived 3 years in México (4 in Thailand too) and shops never have change in México! It's weird! When you open for business... You need the ability to give change! Very odd indeed. 🙄🙄
I am living in Mexico right now (Merida) in your opinion is Asia a better place then Mexico or Latin America. I have never been to Asia and looking at the Philippines right now Thank you in advance
@@coffeewithmike3916 Hola! That's the BIG question. Thailand used to be cheaper.. More fun and easier visas. Mexico is my choice now. In fact I'm about to leave Krabi.. Where I've been for 3 months and head back to Mexico. Mexico is now my choice.
@@onehappykamper Yeah all the guys I see nowadays they are going to Philippines or Mexico. I do like Mexico the food is great here and the beaches of course. But prices are moving here too. 5 months my beer was 35 pesos and now its 55 pesos and food in general is more money. But I like being close to the USA.but am an American I have to take trip to the USA every now and then.
Paul, I suggest that you go back taking 1 baby aspirin a day to prevent stroke or MI (heart attack) Don’t listen to the dermatologist that told you that taking ASA do you any good
It sounds as if Thailand is a lot easier. I can always get something good to eat, the infrastructure is fine, I can find a nice $110 a month apartment almost anywhere (outside of islands and Bangkok) quite easily. Language and immigration might be more of a problem, but it's reasonably rare to see really polluting black smoke vehicles. I think the cops are reasonably good at clamping down.
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I lived twenty-two years in the province in Southern Luzon, actually eighteen months, but felt like a life sentence. The food does not get better in time. I ate Mcdonalds more there than I ever did in the states. I suffered through all you described except for the mini-stroke, thank goodness. The only reason I was there was due to an eight-year relationship with a local lass who was, for the most part, just terrific. I was dying inside from boredom and aggravation not to mention regular brownouts and occasional water cut-offs. Finally, after eight years of having what I thought was a clear understanding about no children would I father or raise the inevitable, I want a baby came down with great petulance and pouting. Thank heavens. I am giving her a baby, just not by me. I was out within two weeks. I pulled up stakes and landed in Thailand. I live in Chonburi outside of Pattaya. Life is so so much better and actually not any more expensive but the value blows that mess in Pi away. A retirement visa is a piece of cake if you use an immigration attorney. The rules are different in the Pattaya office. Too much tea money involved to start following aggravating laws here. Just something for you to think about.
Excellent comment with great information, I am going to Vietnam in November for holiday and will come back through Thailand, I will be sure to check it out! Thanks again
I agree entirely. I lasted 27 months in the Philippines. I left in March 2013. I don't think I would still be in the land of the living if I had stayed. My lady and I are still friends ,but I daren't go back there.
preach brother! lol but ya know, micky dees is actually BETTER there... i cant stnd it back in the usa... i think the sweeter katchup is part of that
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Tim I lived in the PI for 24 months . I found that if a person didn't like fish head soup and rice fast food was your best option . Did you ever eat one of those duck eggs that they bury in the sand and dig up later and eat ?
Man you are the best, no sugar coating the experience. This is exactly what I was looking for ,someone who is gonna level with us. So glad I subscribe.
Joel Burrell sorry for the late reply, thanks so much for your support
This whole video is affirmation that before moving to any place (even in the US) visit it for an extended time. I spent 10 days in Cebu City and 10 days in Dumaguete 2 years ago and am returning again for a few weeks this year. One big plus for me is that I like the local food and try to avoid Western food places. I have visited several places in the US to check out for retirement and have crossed them off the list. I like your style of talking to the listener. Keep up the great videos.
I agree, it’s best to check it out first and then decide
Well, I for one am glad you didn't give up. From what I can tell from your more recent videos, you are no longer the guy who considered giving up after that first 30. Seeing how you've changed over time gives me hope that I'll be able to brave my first 30 when I get there later this year.
Paul, your a natural for doing these TH-cam’s. Keep them coming I hope.
Man, I really like your channel, it's like watching an old home movie. I've been living in Davao for nearly 19 years, was married for 16+, had 3 kids and operated several businesses. You are going through just about everything have experienced in my years, even living in Dumaguete for a while. In any case you are very interesting. Congrats man. I always wanted to start a channel like yours but life got in the wai.
It is never to late to start your life again 🙂
I spent 3 weeks in the PI, mostly in Dipolog City, with my Filipina sweetie this past September. I was always exhausted because I was starved for oxygen. That the the most polluted place that I’ve ever been. I breathed much better in Dumaguete and Cebu. But still, I could hardly wait to get back home to Florida. Like you, I didn’t like the greasy, tasteless food, people tried to take advantage of me, the brownouts, sudden loss of water, and and and. However, now that I’m back in Florida, I find myself wanting to go back to Dumaguete.
I know what you mean
Do not come back here in the Philippines 😔 it''s better there in your place
You were with a woman. Well, some guys are bored with the women they are with. I meet those men in bars and I feel sorry for the girlfriends, because some guys are just desperate to be understood or heard by someone with a brain that they’d consider dropping their pants to be validated by Asians who can distinguish shkt from marmalade. Assuming that foreigners come to live in Dipolog, dont really go there because of the place.
Paul I am a faithful subscriber to your channel and wish you and mae all the happiness .
Great video. Thanks for the authenticity.
You crack me up! Great video! I'm here now 9 months from u.s.. Great to be able to laugh about life.
Paul,your the best,keep up the good work,been in duma,5 yrs now,have learned to adjust to the slow way things are done here,i have the gym 4 days a week,that keeps me sane,married also,crazy,she is 45 yrs my jr.but it seems to work,iam like you,ive learned to laugh at life here,overall,i love it
More candid than a camera, Paul. And it's much appreciated because it is necessary to break the fantasy and introduce reality. I've only yet done research online as I plan a move to Sth East Asia. Thailand is my goal as far as box ticking goes. But I will visit first ( possibly in the worst season) to get that taste of reality. I learn from people like you to break the ground for noobs like me. I'm grateful, mate.
Really enjoy your videos.
Man 'o'man, you do a lot of videos!!
Every one as informative, and inspiring for us never fully recovered from 2009 crashes..
EXCELLENT work!
Thanks for sharing. I had many of the same thoughts and feelings. You are and were not alone. Great vlog
Thank you for making these video's Paul.
My pleasure Doug, thanks so much for supporting my channel
Great information, thanks for the video.
So Paul, since you're still there, I guess things improved for you. Good thing.
Good stuff… Thanks for the upload
All your experiences is exactly how I picture it would go for me.
We had the same problem in Bozeman MT. It was a really nice place to live in the ‘70s during and after my college days. Fast forward to the mid ‘90s and beyond. People from California started to move into Bozeman and the surrounding area. They all said, “This place is just what we want. It would be perfect if you changed just this one thing, ...” Of course, everyone of them had a different “one thing”. Now the rest of Montana calls it BozAngeles (they hate the name, but it sticks). So I moved to Butte. Sounds like the same thing is happening to the PI. The only hope is that with mixture of different cultures invading the PI the PI won’t become another California. I left CA fifty years ago, and I have felt I never left anything behind I wanted or needed.
Keep the videos coming. I like them. I’m old, creaky, and adventurous. I’ll be in the PI in March.
see ya when you get here!
Lots of good info in your videos, Paul....thanks for sharing...!
My pleasure!
I’m watching this video in May 2022. Paul, you look younger and happier two years later. 💪🏻👊🏻
Hey man...to many negative comments from people no empathy at all. I feel u because i have been somewhat there too. Your a cool guy so dont pump ur brakes from these comments. I think ur intelligent and wise enough to live your life and that's all that matters
A fairly daunting experience, being alone and far from a familiar home. I guess a fealt a comfort level even holidaying here by coming to meet someone I had spoken to on line and was comfortable with
Very good insight and information for those of us who are planning to move there.
When do you plan to move here?
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 January I am thinking
Hey Paul, I'm glad I saw this older video. Wow, this is exactly what I needed for my July trip to Dumaguete. I will definitely feel like be a 'Fish out of water' my first 30 days. I was thinking to stay at the " Go Hotel" until I can sort things out🤕
.Maybe I could meet up with you guys at Valencia Market or a coffeehouse to get ideas?
Best regards Dave1
Brutal honesty a good warning to the naive
Paul this was a great vid, I went away for 6 weeks once and I was soo down by the first week as I encountered a few set backs right off the hop upon leaving I missed the trip
love your sense of humor as well, and way u look at things here, i came in from Toronto Canada, Dumaguete was my first choice but decided on Cebu , i will still visit Dumaguete soon
Stop by and say hello when you are in town
I also lived in Cebu for 9 months while my Fiancee (Now my wife of 4 years) went through the K-1 Visa process. I also experience "Skin Tax" from Taxi and Motorcycle drivers which would really piss off my fiancee! She would light them up! She let me know really quick what the fare is supposed to be for all the transportation. I would still tip a good driver that was polite and Taxi's with AC on! Salamat for the video experience.
If you live in a tourist infested area like Cebu, Panglao, Dumagete you're going to get the skin tax regularily. Go to other areas where foreigners are not all over, then that is never a problem. I live in Mindanao and pay what locals pay. I often tease my Filipina wife because I get better prices than her sometimes at the market etc,.
@@metalguru5226 That is true ! We never had ANY issues in Bohol or Davao in Mindanao. Davao was one of the cleanest and best maintained cities I saw in the Philippines. No potholes and all the traffic signals work and people actually obeyed them for the most part.
@@robertmarion6454 That's good to know...re where are the better places to settle in. Tks for the info!
@@rosegarden0988 Actually Cebu , Dumaguete, and even Davao are still all very nice places to retire and or live. Cubu has more traffic and congestion. But "Skin Tax" exists almost everywhere for foreigner's who are all assumed to be "Rich" we know we are not (Most of us are just working folks) but being aware and not playing the "Skin Tax Game" is easy. Just say have a nice day and walk away....the next driver will likely be happy to take you for the regular price. While the one that just tried to scam you makes...nothing.
Just discovered your channel. Great stories.
Thanks Stephen
thanks for your honesty. you made me laugh there, i been over there twice and exsperienced what you are doing. but decided too stay in australia.but only tour nowdays,so much poverty, very sad.
That was good Paul. Thank you.
Thank you for this and for all your videos. You sharing your life experiences there - shared exactly as they are and not sugar coated, is what I'm looking for and what is most beneficial to me.
When I get there I have been invited to stay at my fiancée family's house until I find my own place. I would have to sleep on the floor and I cannot do that. My back is very bad and I cannot get down to the floor or back up if I fall. I want to live near their house though, for convenience.
Rose and I met 6 years ago. I feel like her family is my family. I want to live near them and eventually I want Rose and I to have our own house near them. They live, it looks like, 2 or 3 hours away from where you and Mae are.
Keep on doing what you are doing. It is very helpful and informative.
God bless you and Mae.
I really appreciate that! thanks a lot for watching the video. Best wishes for you my friend. God bless!
Love your content Paul
Thank you Sigma
Good video, keep up the good work. Miles n Karl Nakonechy.
You are a pioneer, the one who will help others have a better experience if they want to go into philippines.
When i am ready, for sure i will contact you, though you give great infos here on the Tube.
Again , that country reminds me of Dominican Republic in many ways.
Great Video Paul, I have never been to Thailand so I cannot say much about it, as for the Philippines I retired here at the age of 51 November 2018 and I have loved it. There are many negatives here and some of them can really get to you the longer you live here. I think I might be moving to Europe were its clean air, great food and not rubbish everywhere you look. Cheers....
Sounds great!
I’m laughing with you imagine me being in your shoes 😅 and I’m in Florida, every summer is super hot 🥵 at least we have AC here!.. but I like the way you talk and your sense of humor 😆👍9:54😂
4 years ago and still going strong 💪
Imagine arriving in Mindanao, in 1991, at the age of 27, married to a local who I met/married in another country.
Interestingly, when I was back, in 2015, I was still getting fleeced on haircuts, at some bars, and by some taxis/motos. The food hadn't changed, but, my knowledge of where to go to get what I want had, and I had the advantage of speaking a bit of cebuano, when necessary.
If I ever go back, I figured I'd skip the more foreignerized places, like Dumaguete or Cebu, although, it is good to have a foreigner hang-out to go to when one is suffering from culture clash.
In terms of the heat, I had outside metal projects going on when I was younger & used to find the odd fried scorpion on the steel plate I was using as a table, when I stopped for a breather. That's hot!
Great videos you're putting together!
Thank you sir
Watching ❤️
Hi Paul., I am still catching up on older videos, sure enjoy them. My first trip to Phils was 24 hours, I just wanted to meet her in person, say "hello" so to speak. My 2nd trip was 3 or 4 days, altogether I made 11 trips including the one for our wedding. There's not much I can add to life in Phils that hasn't already been stated, both positive and negative. We live in Vancouver BTW. Take care and thanks for your videos. /murray
Thanks so much!
i tell everyone who casually visits for a few weeks - YOU DONT REALLY KNOW what its like.... it takes 6 months FULLY IMMERSED before you earn that right and its a brutal 6 months. it will break you mentally, physically, emotionally and economically
Great video Paul! I think it’s important to do your homework before coming to the Philippines. This beautiful country has its pros and cons like anywhere else. I personally love that country and I’m planning to retire there. Yes! Do your homework before travelling there.
Absolutely!
My good friend Rodriguez, what me to live there . All you talk about in on your videos and others show it to b e a nice place.
Hello Paul, I follow your channel but I never watched this one on your arrival. Amazing how you looked skinny and stressed. Now you look relax et your face is rounder . Makes you look younger too. Baby May must feed you well. Take care !
Love your honesty! I was thinking of trading Thailand for the Philippines. I'm not sure I could handle the brownouts, slow internet and the food. I trade for a living and eat zero carbs lol!
Foreigners will put out with brownouts and lousy anything for a good piece of brown pinay. Thats moral of the story.
Internet is very sketchy and carbs aplenty
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 I must say, foreigners are very brave. In the past they used to arrive in third world soil to rule and take over. Now they come to the third world to complain. If everyone just stay where they are, there will be no wars. No death.
Federico Baena your complaining about complaining, I hope you don’t start a war with all of your complaining about complaining
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 hahaha :)
Thank you Paul, I know this is a old vid but it's the very best I have ever heard. I moved to Duma 8mo ago, all this was the same for me. I lived in Thailand before moving there, first the people were different, the food, the heat, no change, I can't eat the food. I bought sheets at Hyper Mart, there seizing was different so I had to return, took me 3 hrs and I should have just bought new ones. Then the Typhoon hit, I was living in Valencia like you. No water or electric, that separated the men from boys, my blood pressure spiked and I had a stroke. Long story short I went back to U.S. now hear I am thinking of returning returning because of how bad things have gotten here. Am I getting ready to jump from skillet to the fire? Thanks Paul
OK my friend got you .
Good story Paul
very honest talk,,,, i feel similar here and i know Philippines is not for me ! Will go back to Brazil soon and just enjoy my life there as before
Wait, is the 50 year old doctor still available? I know I'm late at this, but man, seems like a catch, lol!
Everyone stared at me my first month, I think I had that deer in the headlight look too. Lol
Cant stop laughing🤣. its the complete opposite when i moved here in the USA. everything is just so convenient and my asthma was gone.
I lived in US now for 45 yrs, retired RN for 2 yrs have a home here in Austin Texas, married for 22 years with an American husband..wanted to move permanently to Florida near the beach but hubby is not fun of Florida..no Philippines for me though it's my native country due to easy life here in the US plus the medical access here is excellent, no complaints here!!
Luling Texas BBQ is missed all the way from Gingoog City Mindanao lol
It is interesting regarding learning the ropes of the Philippines. It goes on; no toilet paper or toilet seats in the restrooms, also going to a restaurant and dealing with "out of stock". The 'no g/f" stigma. When you first arrive people will try to hook you up with someone you don't really have an interest in. However it is so difficult to navigate a new country guys will hook up with a filipina they don't want to look at, or has kids, or at worst a separated filipina. That is
risky business when they try to dump her later, they usually get stabbed to death. Word to the wise; avoid women you don't want. You have to be honest with yourself. Yep, it will be difficult to live in a foreign country but, you need to take the Paul McGill route and just gut it out.
Your story really made me laugh, and at the same time a little nervous when I move there
You will be fine!
Why will you get nervous in coming here? It's good to experience what it is like living in a third world country. After losing all your patience and everything just pack up and go.
Great information new friend here
I visited the Philippines in January 2020. It was definitely a third world feel that takes some time to get used to. I did not like the food, the lifestyle and the one thing that stood out was it seemed like everyone had his hand out for money. I got propositioned twice in 10 days about my interest in a wife. I am really glad I went, but going back is not something I want to do. The men that do retire there really seem to like it.
I enjoy your vlogs you talk and review things that I'm concerned about keep it up
I like Dumaguete i found a cheap argon condo box for cheap. Good vid.
Thanks Barry
I am sure I bumped into you in Cebu paul 2 years ago December.I was visiting my brother .
Yes, hope you don't smoke. I am 61 and a friend of mine (same age as me) died 2 months after having a stroke because he would not give up smoking which is a major contributing factor to strokes. This friend had also had 3 small strokes several years before the one 2 years ago that took his life.
So sorry about your friend
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 It really changes your perspective when friends the same age as you die in their 50s. Most of my family elders have passed in their 80s or 90s so I think I have good genes but two of my uncles passed in their early to mid 60s from their smoking habits.
same as me. two of my uncles passed from leukemia, a blood cancer you get from smoking--they both smoked like chimneys
Another great video Paul. I admire your perseverance! I was lucky to have Angel's help from Day 1. And there is "something about the Philippines"! I have been back in the States for 5 weeks and there is so much here that I love, my kids and fishing mostly! The other day while driving (which is a joy BTW, even while in a traffic jam) i was counting the number of days to when my halfway point in the US hits. That tells me that I am missing the Philippines!
Is that your next door neighbor's boom box blasting away I hear non stop... you have more patience than me lol...
Glad to see you are laughing at it now having adjusted yourself with the culture.
Thank you Nina
I subscribe to your channel because of this video, very educational Indeed. Sorry to hear about the mini stroke, I think it must have been the stress and pollution that caused it.
Agreed, I was very stressed, thanks for joining the channel!
Lol 😂 about your sheets, not measuring. When l moved to Thailand, l couldn’t sleep on our mattress as uncomfortable. Did what you did and bought a new one by just guessing. Well, got delivered and to big. The guys took it back, brought the right size back within the hour and no extra charge!
I slipped them a tip anyway.
Dam old dog! You really had a bad first 30 days😢 it's a wonder you didn't get back on that plane! But look at you now😊
OMG!!! Are you kidding me , a stroke. Wow !. But when you think about it, you had all that stressful experiences going on simultaneouly
your funny in parts of this video. lololol This is a great video. I encourage guys to hear this. He is right on.
I find it really interesting how people move to another country and then think it’s going to be walk in the park ,,, life is not a walk in the park anywhere you are it’s hard work and has so much to do with your mind set , I have been going to the Philippines for 5 years now and love it ,,, yes there are a few things that trough me off some days but then I remind myself where I am and why I’m here .
I have no problem with the food ( now) yes the restaurant food isn’t that good but out away from the cities you can find some amazing food , and the people in the provinces are amazing also ,, not like the people in the cities , now I have a motorbike there and when I’m not at my house I spend my time riding northern Luzon , try mountain province or Benguet .
I’m sorry so many people live with eyes and minds closed off to what’s around them
Do you live here?
Paul in the Philipines Old Dog New Tricks
Yes I do I consider it home although I still work here in Canada for 4 months a year I think of myself going home to the Philippines every year
Hey Paul sorry if I sounded like I was coming down on you I wasn’t,,,, I read a bunch of the other comments and it got my dander up a little ,,, I find so many people think they are going to move to a country with a cheap standard of living and seam to expect our western lifestyle
A walk in the park Paul…clearly this town compares favorably with Seattle. If a doctor ever grinds on me, I will ask her for a discount.
How long to tune out the roosters ?
I have learned to say no otherwise people will scam you and i have been scammed by a relative and a friend, i was running a fish farm then so i wanted goats on the side, he sold me small goats for 3000 and a bigger goat for 4000, momths later i bought a goat for 900 pesos and a bigger one for 1400 pesos, a friend borrowed 3000 pesos as he was in a bind and after that it was sayonarra so it made me tougher.
Hi Paul.....I have a couple of questions. What foods do you like/would you recommend for western tastes? Do you still ride a bike, and how do you deal with the smog situation now? Thanks.
I have found restos that have western food and can satisfy cravings for home, I still have my bike and the smog is still brutal, its more fun in the philipinnes
Hey Paul...great video. I wonder if you ran in to another old dog...his name is Steve..with a Polish last name...and several years ago would hang out at Shakeys Pizza...smoking mostly outside with his young gf name Rita or Rina...anyway tell him please Joseph says hello
If I see him I will do that
Curious if you see this, why did you decide to go to Dumaguete instead of staying in Sebu? Maybe an idea for a video :)
Paul, I understand that Foreigners like to be Around other Expats. There is so many Foreigners its like if I went to ROSORITO Mexico. When Foreigners go all to one Area of a Country the Cost of living goes up and there is a Invisible Tourist Tax...lol...or Tourist Price.
There has been an increase in prices last year
Haha, appreciate the honesty.
Merry Christmas
I think you and I were separated at birth Paul lol. Our lives have taken such similar paths and one day soon in 2021 I will be in Dumaguete/Valencia. I appreciate you brother. Semper Fi.
Oh wow!
Wow what a story
Yeah
Crazy
Paul what is you're email or are you not sharing that?
why dont you check out malaybalay city. its cooler there because its elevated. its part of bukidnon in mindanao
Very true. I went to Thailand two years ago and I really loved Chiang Mai.
Stay there!
You should have told the 50 year old doctor that she was 30 years to old for you , and that guys like you didn't come to the PI to find an age appropriate partner . You were very fortunate to have found a woman like Mae !
Hey Paul I am a new subscriber and of course I like your candid appraisals of your experiences. I've been married to two different Thai, 1st one for 15 years 2nd one only 7 years... 1st 7 years older than me, the 2nd one 20 years younger. I meet both in America and we live there, and only visited Thailand for Vacation. The communication issue wasn't a problem, both of them spoke English well. Divorce was difficult but survivable, and I am on good terms with both...
But I have a question if you had the resources would you still stay in Philippines or Thailand or do both? If you chose Thailand do you think its conceivable that you could have your Philippine friend join you on the move to Thailand?
Yes, absolutely
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 Sorry Paul I am a little thick in my skull.
1. Would you live in Thailand and bring your friend?
2. Or would you stay in the Philippines?
3. Or you would do both?
T.D. PHILLIPS 3
great vlog. Before I went to PI for first time i had learnt tagalog and a smattering of legazpi bicol. Spent a month there before I let on I spoke the lingo hahahaha --great way to find out what people think about you.People still shout" hey kano" at you but when you can shout back at them in their language that they must be crazy because you are a Brit and too damn scruffy to be a kano. Yeah im with you the food in the restraunts sucks especially if you want to eat some veggies instead of rice only way is to cook it yourself.i found a hell of a lot more people trying to take advantage of me where you are than in Bicol.
I'm not good with language, I really wish I could speak the local lingo but my small brain just Dosent go there, oh well
I have been to Cebu three times already, just got back December 2019. OMG. You didn't like the food? Are you kidding? I was born in US and absolutely loved the food. Lechon every day! Adobe chicken is fabulous. Sisig, marvelous. I would say the Philippines are not for you if you don't like the food. Using the Grab taxi service just a couple of times should clue you in about how much a tricycle car should cost. Very cheap. A 5-minute ride should not cost more than 20 pesos, just to start. And yes, I would always pay 100 pesos for short trips and longer ones. Sorry, you had a bad experience.
Pork and other meat all day, everyday is not what anyone who gives a shit about their health will be eating. Fried, saturated with MSG and sickening. Thai food is way better tasting and WAY HEALTHIER. No question. Philippine hospitals are overflowing with people who eat your way and the cemeteries are full of those who died young from avoidable, self-inflicted, food-borne illnesses like heart disease, stroke, T2 diabetes etc. etc,
You met the real Philippines. One way to reduce the situations you are getting taken advantage of is to have a GF. Then you have only one who takes advantage.
I feel Thailand is the better and safer option.maybe slightly higher budget needed than the Philippines depending on your lifestyle
Ha! I lived 3 years in México (4 in Thailand too) and shops never have change in México! It's weird! When you open for business... You need the ability to give change! Very odd indeed. 🙄🙄
It’s just crazy
I am living in Mexico right now (Merida) in your opinion is Asia a better place then Mexico or Latin America. I have never been to Asia and looking at the Philippines right now Thank you in advance
@@coffeewithmike3916 Hola! That's the BIG question. Thailand used to be cheaper.. More fun and easier visas. Mexico is my choice now. In fact I'm about to leave Krabi.. Where I've been for 3 months and head back to Mexico. Mexico is now my choice.
@@onehappykamper Yeah all the guys I see nowadays they are going to Philippines or Mexico. I do like Mexico the food is great here and the beaches of course. But prices are moving here too. 5 months my beer was 35 pesos and now its 55 pesos and food in general is more money. But I like being close to the USA.but am an American I have to take trip to the USA every now and then.
@@onehappykamper why not Indonesia ?
Paul, I suggest that you go back taking 1 baby aspirin a day to prevent stroke or MI (heart attack) Don’t listen to the dermatologist that told you that taking ASA do you any good
I revisit this video Paul, as I just love your recurring 'Did I mention it was hot'😃😊
Aloha 🤙🏽
Any thoughts or knowledge about Leyte and/or Tabango?
No sir
that is my plan also
Really surprised you stayed 😂
It sounds as if Thailand is a lot easier. I can always get something good to eat, the infrastructure is fine, I can find a nice $110 a month apartment almost anywhere (outside of islands and Bangkok) quite easily. Language and immigration might be more of a problem, but it's reasonably rare to see really polluting black smoke vehicles. I think the cops are reasonably good at clamping down.