🇺🇸🇵🇭 Why I Ditched America for the Philippines: My Surprising Reasons
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🌏 Why I Left the USA for the Philippines: My Surprising Journey
Ever wondered why an American would leave the land of opportunity to live in a tropical paradise on the other side of the world? In this video, I dive into my personal story of why I chose to move from Portland, Oregon, to BGC, Manila, Philippines. From the affordable cost of living and walkable streets to the incredible people and vibrant lifestyle, I'll share the real reasons why I believe the Philippines is the ultimate destination for expats.
🏠 Cost of Living: How I live comfortably on just $2,000-$3,000 a month. 👮 Safety & Security: Why BGC feels safer than most American cities. 🗣️ Language & Culture: The advantages of living in an English-speaking country. 🌞 Lifestyle & Community: Discover the charm of Filipino hospitality and the unique blend of modern and traditional life in BGC. 💁 Women & Dating: The truth about dating in the Philippines-beautiful, humble, and refreshingly different.
If you've ever thought about making a big move or just want to know what life is like in the Philippines as an American, this video is for you. Don’t forget to hit that like button, subscribe for more content, and drop a comment below if you have any questions or thoughts!
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#Philippines #ExpatLife #LivingAbroad #BGCManila #CostOfLiving #WhyILeftAmerica #TravelVlog
I have retired in Manila from when I was 47 after 2 decades in LA. Now, 64! I love it here. My budget us about $3,000 a month. I don't owe for housibg or car. I have 2 helpers and a driver! Why would I go back to the US?
Wait until the subway is completed. It will connect BGC to the nearby Terminal 3 airport. No more traffic for flight passengers.
I mean, geezus Brian. That was beautiful. The Dept of Tourism should pay vloggers like you. Great job.
Ang OA ng comment mo
nah. not even close. he cant even travel to other cities 😂
lol
I’ll tell ya this is a very well done video. I’ve moved to the Philippines a few months ago and while I do miss some things about the US but I don’t ever want to leave
Preach it brother! Spot on! I'll be there permanently in mid-October after a 30-day after my visit last month.
Good luck sir! Welcome!
Met my filipina wife at work in NYC and have been happily married 43 years. We talked about retiring in the Philippines almost since day 1. But I never thought it would happen… until last spring when we visited her aunt in BGC. I felt right at home from the moment I stepped out of the car after the ride from the airport. While there, we spent a day with a realtor who showed us a condo in MCKinley to building a house in the province, but nothing we were crazy about . On our last day, As I was packing for our flight my wife informed me that her aunt found another real estate agent for us to meet. It was for a condo in a new section of BGC that I didn’t get a chance to explore, Uptown. I loved it and we actually pulled the trigger on a beautiful Megaworld condo just before rushing to the airport. I’ve seen more about uptown on TH-cam than in person, so I have a lot of things to see in my retirement when we arrive. Maybe I’ll see you doing a video and stop and say hello.
are you still looking for a condo, try to watch juicy vlog at TH-cam they're selling their condo at McKinley fully furnished you can see/watch the inside of their condo👍🙂👌
Thats why women started saying men have mid life crisis but we not buy sports cars we moving to Philippines now and best thing to do
Man, I was there. We were having such a great time. I moved my whole family from LA to BGC, sold everything. Kids are going to school and wife and I going out every night while a nanny stays with the kids. We travel every month. 6th month rolls in and my daughter got really sick. Doctors and hospital at BGC were top notch and even with no insurance whatsoever, and ICU stay for a month, it did not break the bank. But my daughter needed long term care and we need to just be where we are more confident and comfortable in her care. We really had no reason to go back, she was getting better but we were scared. It’s been a year now and we are here in SC where a specialist is seeing my daughter. The south is a good place to raise kids but we miss that life in the Philippines everyday
I agree with you BGC is somewhat like a slice of New York, because I've been to New York and I've been to BGC too.
NYC is a dump
@landonic81 I was there in the mid 90's, NY was still good, safe, less homeless, and beggars less migrants no problem and worries to stroll around even in the evening, now it's a different time, and the environment . Have good memories of NY,
Bgc is what new York city is without the homeless people and druggies
bro new york is a traash
Very well said Brian, ya got me convinced I should be in BGC, WTH am I doing🤷🏻♀️ Seriously, it all sounds too good to be true and that’s a great thing bc I see how the people are when I watch you live stream, you will talk to almost anyone and they’re always receptive and willing to talk with you👍👍👍 It is very beautiful and the costs are extremely reasonable…I’m happy for you and your continued love for living in the Philippines🙏♥️💫✨👼🏻✨💫♥️🙏🇵🇭
I live in Mambugan, we got a 2 story home on the side of a mountain with a huge balcony that has an amazing view. My rent is 6,000 php or about $110 a month. We have fast internet for $18, clean water and have yet to lose power. All together my monthly rent an utilities is about $200-$225 a month. I chose to live out here because its simple and affordable but I’m right by the Light Rail Station and can be in Manilla in a matter of minutes when I want to go to the city. I would eventually like to move to BGC though
Why bgc and not stay?
Just love your life bro, you don't have to explain YOUR choices to anyone. I'm headed to Mindoro myself in a few months, coming from Texas. There will be someone waiting to judge you no matter what you choose to do in life. Just do your thing and live life. ✊🏾
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
@@Brian_The_Lion bgc soon have a subway train station that will connect up to new airport . New airport takes less than 10yrs to finish.another bgc alike northwin global city will rise near new airport
Everyone deserves a piece of their own heaven.. thank God you found yours in the Philippines..here you have a balanced life..filipinos are naturally friendly and resilient..life is better here for the most part..😇
Brian the makata. You are the best man. We Filipino are very proud of you.
Very Well Spoken. Beautiful Country.
I love every word and your story .. makes me want to go to the Philippines! 😂🎉❤
Philippines is a Home
For me, not a question of if but when and where in the Philippines. Personally, prefer a beach vibe over skyscrapers, traffic noise and shopping malls. Great vid, enjoyed your perspective and agree, Philippines can provide a great lifestyle at low cost.
Thanks for showing other side of Philippines … cheers from New Jersey
I love this video, specially your calm voice narration (it's on-point). Thank you for choosing The Philippines (BGC).
I’m Filipino who moved to the US but I still visit the Philippines every now and then!.!.
This guy is a talent,can tell a story,very ammusing!!
Mahalo Brian!!💚I appreciate you taking the time and sharing! I enjoy you and your vidz mostly ya lives..SO entertaining as well as enlightening. For some reason THIS one stood out for me and I had to let ya know. Good Words... Be Well!!
OMG what a beautiful place, what a wonderful world amazing gorgeous city of BGC maniLa ph.. 😮😊
True
You have a way with words that made me want to listen more, I agree, what's the purpose of everything when it doesn't feel like living, very apt description," charm in chaos". Manila is crowded, visit Mindanao and you will truly be charmed. Take care.
7:25 - And it's expensive in Europe and Australia too. Plus we have great beaches too.
Australia is expensive compared to the corrupt and dysfunctional Philippines. I'm returning to Australia to a better standard of living. No traffic, no brown outs, no filth.
The narration is spot on PBS style. Cool short videos!
This is the BEST BGC Vlog I've seen. And as a BGC resident for 3 years and counting, you made me teary eyed for this. BGC was my dream to live in and I have no regrets. I feel so secured and all you've said are spot on. I hope to meet you here. I'm from Uptown btw. Thank you for this vid.
What a nice storyteller this man has. It is ber season already, you will experience The longest Xmas ni the world. From september 2024 to FEb 2925
Bro I’m from LA , I visited relatives in Seattle , I stoped by Portland , I hate to say Portland is gone Tent cities from the freeway to the Cities just like Seattle and San Fran , You are not missing anything out here . Crime and loothing is rampant . In LA I used to see car jacking once a month or two , but now multiple times a day as well as burglary . It’s a Wild West out here . I’m about to bail to Philippines in a dew months and sell everything . Sad , cuz I’m filipino American and never thought I would consider leaving the State , but here I am about to sell everything and bail. I don’t think Trump can save this Country if they even let him be President . they already attempted to Assassinate him . The West and Europe is in Decline and Asia is on the rise Asia is on the rise . That is the reality of it all!!
Trump is a criminal. He has no right to crime his way thru another 4 years in the White House. Buy a brain.
Trump is a criminal and a total douche bag. No way does he deserve another 4 years in the White House. He deserves a long stretch wearing an orange jumpsuit in a prison cell.
Trump who ignored public health and allowed 1 million Americans to die? Also, who befriends dictators, use campaign funds for his legal fees, and propelled an insurrection? Hardly the guy to save the USA.
Also, I live in LA and see zero car jacking and burglary. Sure it happens somewhere in LA but LA is massive. So your over generalization is not entirely accurate.
Very good narration. BGC can be a homebase and fly to different parts of the country for a very affordable price. Long beaches and white sand beaches awaits you. One of the best diving spot in the world. Two hours drive from (BGC) metro Manila and you can see volcanos and mountains. Traffic is a mess but there is always ankas (motorbike taxis) and grab, similar to Uber.
I wished all are relax like those cats on the video.
Love the narrative! Elegant simplicity . . . ❤
Why? Look at the country it’s beautiful. Go out and explore…see all the stunning beaches out there. I would love to go back there.
Such an impeccable storyteller!
You nailed it. Excellent viewpoint with going over the top like recent vloggers. Thanks.
Freedom that's what you get in the Philippines
Hello 👋 Brian.
Great 👍 video about BGC in the Philippines with great narration.
Thanks and keep up the great work.
...and the music choice!
I’ve lived and worked in the states, moved back in the Philippines to retired. The more I stayed in the states it’s like a pressure cooker. I’m happy here.
BGC is one of the best places around in the Manila. I can't wait to be there again next week. Thanks for sharing. Aloha from Hawaii
Doesn’t look much like the Philippines I left a few weeks ago. There’s a lot of beauty there but a lot of grit too.
That's the modern face of the Philippines
Love when you said that Crown City of metropolitan Manila BGC that's why it's Trending Around the World 🌍🎉🎉🎉
U got urself a new sub surely if this video blows u will be one of the yearly nominated vloggers who promotes PH
I only watched your vids w/o subscribing now a level of convincing stuff make me click the subs. Im a Filipino, we have a proverb here "If you respect our culture we will give it back ten fold".
I am in the US but we are in south carolina… except for the opportunity to earn more, i like the philippines particularly metro manila more… where we are right now does not even have a proper and modern mall. There is no proper public transport hence you need a car, if not you are doomed. Places are not as tidy as u would inagine. Toilets in establishments are dirty heck even in the hospital. Staff in restaurants and groceries and even everywhere are dry and seems like not enjoying what they do. Restaurants are mostly burger and chicken. No fresh seafood. Frozen ones are very expensive. And safety? Gun culture here suck! One day will retire in the Philippines for sure.
seems like exactly what you would describe about the philippines outside of the wealthy areas.
@@rots.866 nothing is frozen in the province unless you buy from groceries or supermarkets. Leave that part to Manila.
@@rots.866 NOPE! Friendly people are everywhere…. Public markets where fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood are everywhere…. Public transport are everywhere…. Even provinces have modern malls… its not only modern or rich areas in manila have that!
@@jasonflores4250 when i said outside of wealthy areas, i mean areas in metro manila outside of the first-world bubbles of bgc, rockwell, eastwood or mckinley hill
I am a Filipino but I don't like living in Manila. All kinds of troubles over there. Living in provinces of the Philippines is a truly heaven. 💖
Very well said. Thanks for sharing your experience. Subbed.
Born and raised in Philippines. Never gone out of country. Why bother. It's the perfect country, except for corrupt politicians and weak public institutions. The less you deal with the government, the better.
Hard to argue with you there brother
Wow !!!! Thanks For sharing This video ✌️🙌💪👍👍👍👍👌💕🙏
I love Philippines ❤❤❤ Beautiful country and people
I miss this style of vlogging of yours brian !
Your style is fantastic. Poetry in the way you talk.
Missing Philippines 🥹
i agree with you completely
"Trying to communicate in broken Thai even for something as simple as where's the bathroom starts to feel like an Olympic event" lol.
Damn, that's somewhat poetic...
Welcome to the Philippines Brian!
You are spot on with your description of Manila!! I live in Honolulu and am planning to move back to Manila soon. Yes from Honolulu, but crazy to say. Its the same as any other city in the US. expensive!
Brian please don’t compare BGC to NYC it’s like comparing an exotic tropical flower to a manure pile.
😂
Of course it sounds like a fairytale and yes of course there are downsides, but in general I agree and say you are 100% right
Mr.Brian is seeing what others have missed. Simple yet overriding. Locals are used in seeing fat, aged, hillybilly type of americans before, but now they are much younger and smarter.
good luck bro!
Well said! Thank you for choosing our country! ❤ Might have missed it but have you been to our beaches? If not, I suggest you do so. You will fall in love even more! 😊😊😊
Great storyteller man. Kudos to you.
The transcript for this narration could be an article for a travel magazine. 👍🏽
🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴 5/5 coconut trees
I'm here in Houston wishing I could do the same ..gotta put in some more years ...im happy you made it out
HI Brian, I hope you also visit the island, the beaches. El Nido, Boracay, Siargao to name a few. There are more beautiful beaches than the popular ones. Cebu has many.
moving to bgc next year. good luck to me.
You’ll love it brother
As usual, well-written.
AWSOME LOVE IT MAN.
I'm filipino and I can't wait to replicate this game plan, immigrating soon to the US. It's only nice in this country you have plenty money and time to spare. yes, both. I do get BGC but I'd want something more energetic and younger, like near plenty schools.
Brian, listening to your experience on how you elaborate Philippines, you are one good storyteller (no pun intended). I wish i could retire in my hometown, Angeles City, Philippines like you do but anyway, enjoy BGC.
Great content 👍
Hello did u guys knw Remembering our humanitarian legacy with ‘Safe Haven: Jewish Refugees in the Philippines’
To pay tribute to the legacy of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, whose Open Door policy saved close to 1,300 Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust, twin events were organized by the Philippine Mission to the UN in New York and the Philippine Embassy in Israel.
10 Feb 2020
The Philippines upholds a strong humanitarian tradition of providing succor for forcibly displaced individuals in need of protection. Long before the Philippines had formal immigration policies and became a State party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Filipinos have embodied the spirit of compassion, solidarity, and humanity. This nation was among the first to spontaneously offer asylum to successive waves of refugees fleeing persecution since the end of World War I.
Paying Tribute
The lion is back!
Fantastic vlog, the fact that you are so relaxed living in The Philippines is a testament to just being able to communicate with others is great… I think it helps tremendously with transition from the west, looking at the Philippines and Panama for retirement, I worry about the language barrier in Panama…. Do you offer services for touring the Philippines and or relocating there??? Can you refer a reasonable person????
That’s half the reason I moved here brother the language.
Message me on Instagram if you want some advice Brianlionyt
I lived in US for over 40 yrs and will retire next year in my hometown in the Philippines. Simple life is the best. I earned good enough of money but taxes and rent is so high that the most practical way to survive here is to rent a room. Good luck young man..
Poetic😊
600 dollars? its expensive to us here in Southern Philippines you able rent below 200 dollar province in Mindanao. and cost of living is much cheaper here in Mindanao if you compare in Capital City.
Iit´s in BGC, actually 600 is a good deal
For foreigners it's reasonable price but for locals it's quite expensive but it's bgc
Easy on spending mate😊
With the changes coming to the Philippine immigration rules can you share with us how and if that will affect you?
I to was born and raised in Portland OREGON 😮
Many Americans even Filipino American become bgc a 2nd home.
Not even close to N.Y or piece of it. This is not even a city but a district. Its nice, safe with lots of malls and eatery thats it. Lacks entertainment, subway system and street performers like what you would see in the big apple. Plus the big yellow cab taxis and pizzas of N.Y are absent. No homeless and drunks though so I like it.
BGC is more clean & modern than New York City the vibes in BGC has something special that you feel you dont want to leave this modern place..Soon the Hi Speed modern Subway Train in Manila is finished it's now under construction which spanning almost all major cities in Metro Manila.
@TenCo-by9pf bgc is what new York city is in 90s but illegal immigrants and homelessness destroyed that
@@underratedgod6899 excuse me? Fyi, BGC of Philippines is the new era of ultra modern city in the world, because it's new that is why its modern and has world class designed and look at all high rises buildings in BGC all are new and has modern designed and world class, that is why many many foreign tourist are going and living in BGC Philippines even foreign bloggers..New York is old and also some of high rise buildings in NYC is old and I think not updated designed
The narration felt like I am watching Avatar.
Thank you for your wonderful vlogg.
Enjoy and wishing you happiness brother
BGC is an exemption as a place in the Philippines. Maybe there are about 10 other places which feels like BGC (lesser though). One needs to adapt the Philippines lifestyle though, because primarily of the peoples hospitality which is taught and practiced since childhood.
Stray cats are friendly too!
his online store
Eloquent
Mr. Brian your perspective in life will change as you compare the life of plenty in the US of A and the life of simplicity in Manila Philippines. Why dont you study the local language *Tagalog*, to assimilate more and immerse yourself .
Fantastic video! I have a question about the destination to the nearby beach. How do you get there and how much time does it take without a car? How's the air/water/food quality? How expensive are utilities and groceries? And the last - what about the legalization, do you renew your visa every few months? Thanks! New sub 😊
For normal filipinos living in bgc is a luxury. its expensive. I'm happy that foreigners find bgc and the philippines as their home :D But yeah bgc aint cheap for us normal filipinos just sayin'
Portland? Wow, thank goodness you made it out of there. If you are not part of the social agenda, that place is not for you. Not the same US of A that I served for 20 years. Even my beloved Navy and other services have gone the "left" way. Welp, I did my time, dear ol' Uncle Sam is already compensating me for my service via pension and I am now about to retire again this time from the civilian workforce and collect another check from my union plus SS and skeedadle outta here (Las Vegas, NV). Cheers.
Brian its Friday night LETS GOOOO OY OY OY
arigato gozaimas
People coming in with money have driven rents up. Happens everywhere. Rent is already insane for us locals. Still welcome though but DO NOT BE OKAY WITH RENTING PLACES AT A PREMIUM if ur from another country moving here. Do it for us locals. Whatever they ask u to pay haggle hard!
And also we speak english and all that but it is just so SO nice to have foreign people take the effort of learning our language. Just saying
Talaga kuya.
Haggling is fun anyway 😂
Brian the simba lion become a celebrity in bgc.
BGC looks amazing. Good video. Just found your channel. Subscribe
I was in Philippines from 1986 - 1990, best time of my life. Never got to see all the new development in manila but I can see that they did a really great job building it up. Stay thirsty
BGC is a good normie friendly transitionary spot. But if you have real money, you’d know to get out of the cities. If you got anything over $500k saved up, buy land and build a self-sustaining house in South Cebu / Siargao. Those property value will sky rocket in the future for good reasons.
Foreigners are not allowed to buy and own land in the Philippines. Please obey our laws. Foreigners like you who try to circumvent the laws of the land will be the reason why Filipinos will eventually come to hate you foreigners and kick you out of the country. Please don’t abuse our hospitality.