I am a recent arrival in the Philippines looking for someplace to plant myself for a good few years. Started out in Iloilo few a few days but had the hots for the beach after not being on one for a year. Off the Boracay ( and loved it ) but it is a limited island, beach and food and that’s it. Went back to Iloilo City after 2 months on the island. I liked Iloilo but didn’t give myself enough time to explore the outer edges which would have been my cup of tea. Anything within 15 to 30 minutes away is more my style. I didn’t have my own transportation so that was an disadvantage for exploring. Hired a few tricycles to explore but got super rained on. Next time I return it will be with my own transportation. But I found easy food shopping, lots of malls all over the place, restaurants galore……. I just couldn’t find a longer term spot that I would be comfortable in…… But the city was clean, people were WONDERFUL and the town becoming even more contemporary. I would only wish other politicians were to follow the leadership of the mayor, not just here but EVERYWHERE…!!!
Thanks sir for appreciating Iloilo. The reason why Iloilo City won to the cleanest tourist city award by South east Asian is because of the management of local government. Everyday there are sweepers in the streets before the sun rises and the people also are disciplined where to put their garbage. Every barangays or community have their own schedules every week of collecting their garbage that's why.
You forgot Guimaras... It is just across the sea, and it's just 15-20 minutes away. It's has great white sand beaches, not as well developed like Boracay but it beautiful... There is also Gigantes Island in the Municipality of Carles...
You're an Ilonggo at heart, and that's what counts. Considering half the population of Iloilo City aren't from Iloilo. They just moved for work or education and ended up falling in love with the city too.
Hey James! It is great that you chose Iloilo CIty. That is my hometown, and I am now currently living in Houston. I was just there last September 2022. Hope you have a great life over there. Couldn't be more proud of my hometown.
I’m a very proud ilonga from new lucena, I’ve been living in the USA since 2000,and am now ready to go back to my hometown for good, hopefully by next year.
Iloilo is very promising to be very progressive since it's one of the biggest provinces in the country. Ilongos should work together to achieve prosperity and progress. W3 need more mayors to fix and improve their towns. Fly high Iloilo.
Iloilo was my father's hometown. He left over 50 years ago for Canada and unfortunately has never been back. I'm excited to visit the Philippines and Iloilo for the first time in March.
Amen to keeping on the move and travelling light. Yep - prices all over the world are on the up but where u are there “Whoa”. Thanks for insight into Washington State. So serene. Tourist Bureau should be sponsoring you. 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Id love ton hear more about Iloilo. Philippine Mike used to cover everything about it, and I kinda fell in love with the place. Then he moved to Bacolod and died, I haven't found anyone to replace him with
So glad you love "our" city. Mr as ilonggo is always proud too. All I can say is the most cleanest city in the Philippines. Our people are the most descipline and thoughtful. We help each other. If someone steal from you, oh hes a dead man. In manila or other city, if someone robbed you in public..people dont care. Not in iloilo.
Iloilo ang banwa ko. Madamo gid nga Salamat for adopting and loving the town where I grew up. Was there last month, just love the ilonggo handle their driving in rush hour. Zero road rage like we have in commiefornia🥲❤️🙏
Your videos started showing up in my thread and that led me to someone else's which led me to the Iloilo boat club. I was surprised to see your powerboat and find out that there are others. I was unable to get that information until then. I am looking forward to checking out that club if I can make it out there one of these days.
I just bought an audio book called American Caesar, Its a huge biography of Douglas MacArthur. His first assignment after West Point was to survey the wharf in Iloilo City. Happy New Year !
If your interested in the Philippines you must read Americas Boy A narrative history of the USA-supported dictatorship that came to define the Philippines.
During the height of the revolution the Spanish government transferred the capital city from Manila to Iloilo City. Queen Isabella called it Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo ( The most Loyal and Noble city of Iloilo). Our Ancestors came were called the Pintados by the Spaniards when they saw them. They were great warriors and sailors that went to China and brought misery to their towns. Idk how they became loyal to King Filipe. 😂 They got rewarded in their last days. Many families especially those that has Spanish heritage in Jaro, Iloilo City became super rich as you can see in those ancestral mansions still standing there. Many of their grandchildren moved to the USA they were my classmates. Some forgot their ancestral homes and left it to rot.
they called pintados, those from cebu, bohol, leyte because they're just wearing ( bahag) & tattoos all over their bodies & they called vizayas the panay Island including romblon & guimaras because of their dress code( clothing).@@suskagusip1036
I lived in Ilo-ilo city off and on back in the 1960s working for a now-defunct company from California called Ferrell Machinery, co. We taught the local Ilo-ilo engineers how to efficiently operate machinery such as lathes and milling machines to repair sugarcane farming equipment. The city was unrecognizable to me when I went back in 1992 for a short vacation. I am happy to see it doing well.
Thank you so much for the Love you've shown to us Ilonggos.Appreciating our Values, the PEOPLE,our Community in general was such a nice feeling.Proud Ilonggo! WELCOME to ILOILO SIR💚 God bless you!🙏
you're right! the changes in Iloilo have been amazing! i can still remember when the river was all polluted and smelly! it really takes political will power and cooperation of the People
Thanks for the thoughts on Iloilo from a longer term perspective. I arrived a week ago looking for a quieter (but not province level quiet) possibility for longer term non-working life. I am still reflecting on what I see from a bit more on the ground and in the trenches view but I will look through your vlog for another perspective. Much appreciated.
Could Vote you in as Mayor James. Almost forgot who was speaking for a second. Well spoken good info and great history show and tell. Just watched the other boat video with the modifications. Smooth silent sailing. No $100 cheap 2 stroke back up 2hp china made Lawnmower engine spare? I've been looking at those on Alibaba.
That is definitely one of the areas I am going to research deeper when I come back to the Philippines, and so if you put out the videos I'll definitely watch them on Iloilo or Pinay
I love the way you vlogg, theres a story and I can feel your sincerity at the same time your great experience to a place. I lf do vlogging, I will do the same thing. By the way, Iloilo is the most cool and very clean city I visited. This march I will visit Iloilo again.
I was Iloilo born and raised up to my later teen years...partly called Guimaras home as my mother is from there when Guimaras was still part of Iloilo. Immigrated to Guam and joined the Navy until retirement....in Vegas now and ready to retire again very soon and planning to make Guimaras as my base. Been monitoring the progress of both places and seeing wonderful things, can't wait to be part of that ongoing progress. Both my mum and brother are in Iloilo now living the retirement years....cheers mate! Thanks for the updates.
Guimaras is amazing. especially when the brdige connecting it to Iloilo and Bacolod is realized. the progress there will be unstoppable but i hope the leaders will keep in mind to keep the natural resources pristine and not overtook by modernity all over
@@beachkid1 we already have real estate properties in both provinces, sir (or ma'am)...ancestral....with infrastructure already built. just holding out for a coupla more years and take advantage of a second retirement from a union. wouldn't wanna miss out on that finances i already put into the fund.
Great Video James! I have a plan in the future to visit places I saw a child and to research my Mother's history (she was born and raised in Cavite City), but outside of the more western parts of Manila, the other area I have been curious about is Iloilo (city) and surrounding areas. My research led me to the current Mayor who was the Mayor a long time ago and then served in the Philippine version of Congress, now he's the Mayor again. The amount of progress you have highlighted is amazing! Based upon your life stories (building your house, your beautiful sunsets and the closeness to modern amenities, and the wonderful people), I plan on visiting the area when I near my retirement. I hope to bring my daughter along for the trip! I've watched so many of your videos about your adventures in the PI, that I have an appreciation for the difference between the US and the PI. I'm looking forward to enjoying my time there! God bless you, Melinda and the girls! You do great work in showing us life in your part of the world!
Your content was fantastic and very informative. I miss the information the legendary Mike Casen would give about IloIlo as he traveled around on his Motorola Cycle. . Continue putting out info about that beautiful Island. I've been there (2016). I miss it. Uou just got yourself a new subscriber.
Well said sir while listening to you sir you give me ghost bump I know you telling the truth because I witness myself the development of the city you make me proud and of our city thank you for your appreciation and be safe
I have a place in Cebu but can't take big city traffic anymore. Hope to see Iloilo and Panay. Maybe we can get together sometime for a chat on building in Panay.
What I’m excited about for my city is the plan of reviving the train. I heard about it from my grandparents and it would be nice if they can make it happen again bcoz I’m sure it will help a lot to decongest the traffic and it would make the travel experience of every Ilongo and everyone who lives in Panay a lot easier.
this is a very nice video Sir! I was born and raised in Iloilo but worked in MM for more than a decade, after seeing all the improvements of my city it made me want to go back and now I'm enjoying all the things I can enjoy in Manila in a fraction of the cost of living there! Also thank u for sharing your thoughts about our city, and yes, you are definitely an Ilonggo thru and thru!
Hi been watching your videos and really enjoying the content. I came to the Philippines a few years back living in Coron Palawan not too far from you guys. We built a house on the beach just loving life. My wife and I have to split our time up between Philippines and the UK but it works. Keep knocking those videos out, looking forward to the next one..
You mentioned about "re-emergence" of the city. I've read an article in a magazine which described Iloilo City during its heyday. The author compared Iloilo City with the likes of Chicago, Sydney, etc. during its prime. Its population then, were almost the same as those mega-cities during the height of its former glory days. If Iloilo City had been able to sustain its growth momentum, it should have been as huge as the great cities of the world.
Hi James, good to find a blogger in Iloilo. I was born and raised in Iloilo, lived in New Jersey for 35 years, just retired and plan to build a house in Iloilo.
Great informative video about iloilo I thought it was very nice city and the small towns around that I had a chance to see. The city had some nice malls. I can see it being an up incoming been so many places that are still stuck in the 50s and 60s lol like where my wife from hate in ozamis
Our home is in Guimaras, I really liked your video as we shop in iloilo and know what your talking about. I am glad I found your channel just yesterday, so maybe I missed it but would suggest do a similar video with more visual highlights of the area. Because I think that would be better for views and sharing as I know many who have asked me about the area.
As an ilonggo sir, I can really say.., your a true blooded ilonggo by heart... Because you love iloilo... God bless you sir... Stay healthy and safe always...
Wow you’re driving like a Filipino now! Hahaha good job. I have a lack of patience problem… but that’s on me. I only visited Iloilo once and that was during the festival they have every year. Everyone should do that at least once but bring your ear plugs!!! What a time it was beyond amazing. At least for me! Maybe I should visit again but families being what they are I think I’m bound to somewhere near Laguna because it’s my wife’s home province. My wife’s father who is deceased worked for the railway in his town of Los Banos. Actually got a small retirement from it.
Hey brother and Miss Mel 😘😘😘... It's about time you took us for a ride... I'm glad to see their sprucing things up over there and getting ready for all of us expats to start jumping cargo ships to get there 😂😂😂... Also want to thank you for being a ambassador of your development and maybe people will catch on over there and get more up-to-date... I sure hope so we need somewhere to go and get the hell out of Dodge
I first came here in 1988, I came to visit my fiance family, ( they lived in Lapaz, very basic) I was a quite town back then With one mall, But with honest industrious people , but I remember the waterfront Squatters, Question : is the big clock on a pole still outside MacDonalds ?
that is why we love watching, and waiting for your vlog! you have an objective summation of your environment' so appreciative, even so generous at heart, simple andhumble heart just like Mell.
I have been living in Roxas city for 3 years but visit Iloilo from time to time (hoping to meet you both sometime) and would love more info of the city. We are building our home out in the province close to my wifes family, our second choice would have been out in that area close to Iloilo but having a 2 year old son my wife wants to stay close to the family, and I do not blame her.
Love the dash cam driving around videos. I have sone pictures I took of the telecom poles because I knew my coworkers wouldn’t believe me lol I just learned about BGC, reminded me of South Korea. My next trip I want to go to Cebu and Iloilo. I’m fascinated with listening to Mae speaking Bisaya with the taxi drivers lol Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on Iloilo and it’s history and re-emergence.
Are you going to put a railing on your stairs going upstairs inside. It looks great without it but for me I might walk off that in the morning before coffee.😅
Iloilo is a beautiful city and my future home very soon. I have only visited my in-laws there about 5 times in the last 6 years, but I have seen the infrastructure improvements and it will be the city to visit or live in the Philippines very soon. I’m Iloilo proud!!!
U moving there ? U know Cap got a new place , Maybe you could roommate with him 😂 Nah, bad for Cap, you’d be getting him in trouble. Day one you’d build a stage & put up a stripper pole in the Center of that big beautiful living room. Then Ud be doing recruitment for dancers 💃🏻 Ud Get U and Cap both evicted.😂🤣
Been to Iloilo several times when I lived in Bacolod City, I had friends from iloilo, it's a nice part of Ph not too many foreigners like in Dumaguete.
Fantastic blog James, thank you for sharing all of the wonderful things going on in Iloilo. I leave on a flight January 30th coming to the Philippines and I will definitely be checking out Iloilo as a potential home for myself and my fiance. Please share more about this wonderful City
Subscribed - i can't believe i just came across this. I'm also from TX (DFW area). I've been in Iloilo since 2011, when SM City was smaller and there was no Megaworld. It's been a pleasure to live and work here, watching the city grow around me for this last decade. During C19 we finally built our own house, so I guess we're here to stay. :) Thanks for advertising our great town, but let's not advertise tooooo much - no traffic or crime is pretty amazing...so shhhhhh!! :P
Nice video James! Living a little south of you on the edge of the province, SanJoaquin, Iloilo. My wife Eva & I Hope to meet Melinda & Yourself someday in the near future @foreigneronpanayisland
Such a great video! !st time seeing one of yours and subscribed immediately. You do such a great job explaining things. If you don't mind, I have a question. I am getting ready to retire to the Philippines in the next 6 month and lately have read so much good about Iloilo...are their many Beachfront properties for rent there?
I here there are not as many expats there. Actually that's okay. Is that true. And is there actually some decent beaches or beach communities you can recommend i search?
Thanks for the heart but dont leave a SEC boy hanging unless you are jealous of my DAWGS!!! LOL It seems like there are a lot more expats on line in Dumaguete. What do you think is the major difference between Dumaguete and Iloilo?
Oh can you tell Miss Mel to show us how to make chicken adobo her way... I sent her a message on her channel but I don't know if she'll get it or not... Thank you
I just watched your video on why Iloilo city? I am also from Texas and my fiancé is in Iloilo and we’ve been talking for about a year and I’m going to be flying out there in two months. I would love to meet you. You have great information on the city the culture prices of places to stay and I really like your channel I will subscribe, my name is Keith my fiancé his name is Eliza and I hopefully we can stay in touch and I could hook up with you. I am from Texas north Dallas area and I will be retiring in a year but I’m going to be moving out there soon, so thank you for your content and great videos. Keep them coming because when I get out there, I want to do videos also thank you my friend. Hope to meet you one day.
I wonder where they put those squatters Sir? Feel sorry for those ancestral houses by Manduriao when the widen the roads. We used to have a train running from the city to the provinces/towns. Hope they bring it back and build a bridge to Guimaras. 1970's Donya Paz was the biggest disaster on Christmas eve and many were rescued in our city. Hope this will not happen again. Happy retirement Sir. You're right I grew up in the 80's but growing up my parents and grandparents houses were comparable to the USA before. I should be honest not all but many. Even the towns most houses and towns are clean and has followed the zoning rules. Even the cemetery. It used to be so organized. Iloilo City and it's hayday during the Spanish and Commonwealth time was a progressive city. I'm glad the city government is reviving the city to it's hayday. I still have pictures of my parents those days in the 1920's and 1930's. PS I'm planning to get rid of them squatter in our ancestral house there.
I am a recent arrival in the Philippines looking for someplace to plant myself for a good few years. Started out in Iloilo few a few days but had the hots for the beach after not being on one for a year. Off the Boracay ( and loved it ) but it is a limited island, beach and food and that’s it. Went back to Iloilo City after 2 months on the island. I liked Iloilo but didn’t give myself enough time to explore the outer edges which would have been my cup of tea. Anything within 15 to 30 minutes away is more my style. I didn’t have my own transportation so that was an disadvantage for exploring. Hired a few tricycles to explore but got super rained on. Next time I return it will be with my own transportation. But I found easy food shopping, lots of malls all over the place, restaurants galore……. I just couldn’t find a longer term spot that I would be comfortable in…… But the city was clean, people were WONDERFUL and the town becoming even more contemporary. I would only wish other politicians were to follow the leadership of the mayor, not just here but EVERYWHERE…!!!
Good luck in your search
Thanks sir for appreciating Iloilo. The reason why Iloilo City won to the cleanest tourist city award by South east Asian is because of the management of local government. Everyday there are sweepers in the streets before the sun rises and the people also are disciplined where to put their garbage. Every barangays or community have their own schedules every week of collecting their garbage that's why.
Check the area that is not easily flooded
You forgot Guimaras...
It is just across the sea, and it's just 15-20 minutes away.
It's has great white sand beaches, not as well developed like Boracay but it beautiful...
There is also Gigantes Island in the Municipality of Carles...
I'm retiring in Iloilo on February. Nice city to walk, run or bike. The city has good hospital and universities. I'm excited !
Good place for sure
Another great example of excellent information. Great enjoyment.
You're an Ilonggo at heart, and that's what counts.
Considering half the population of Iloilo City aren't from Iloilo. They just moved for work or education and ended up falling in love with the city too.
agree..
Hey James! It is great that you chose Iloilo CIty. That is my hometown, and I am now currently living in Houston. I was just there last September 2022. Hope you have a great life over there. Couldn't be more proud of my hometown.
So cool!
thanks for the overview of Iloilo..........def on my list to visit now.
I’m a very proud ilonga from new lucena, I’ve been living in the USA since 2000,and am now ready to go back to my hometown for good, hopefully by next year.
Very interesting....thanks for sharing.
Proud Ilonggo here. Glad you chose my hometown as the best place to retire. I couldn't agree more!
Iloilo is very promising to be very progressive since it's one of the biggest provinces in the country. Ilongos should work together to achieve prosperity and progress. W3 need more mayors to fix and improve their towns. Fly high Iloilo.
Iloilo was my father's hometown. He left over 50 years ago for Canada and unfortunately has never been back. I'm excited to visit the Philippines and Iloilo for the first time in March.
oh wow that is cool your place of heritage
Indeed a very beautiful Iloilo city❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Love how you're so well informed about the wharf and port situation about Iloilo. Most locals don't even know about it.
Yes i love iloilo, i have been coming here since 2012 and i have seen the infrastructure improve 100%. People are so nice.
Was there in 2016 in IloIlo. Was lovely to see Guimaras island and the city has nice people that invited me to tour some lovely sights
Amen to keeping on the move and travelling light. Yep - prices all over the world are on the up but where u are there “Whoa”. Thanks for insight into Washington State. So serene. Tourist Bureau should be sponsoring you. 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Id love ton hear more about Iloilo. Philippine Mike used to cover everything about it, and I kinda fell in love with the place. Then he moved to Bacolod and died, I haven't found anyone to replace him with
Great informative video thanks!
Proud Ilongga here. Thank u for feauturing Iloilo❤
So glad you love "our" city. Mr as ilonggo is always proud too. All I can say is the most cleanest city in the Philippines. Our people are the most descipline and thoughtful. We help each other. If someone steal from you, oh hes a dead man. In manila or other city, if someone robbed you in public..people dont care. Not in iloilo.
Iloilo ang banwa ko. Madamo gid nga Salamat for adopting and loving the town where I grew up. Was there last month, just love the ilonggo handle their driving in rush hour. Zero road rage like we have in commiefornia🥲❤️🙏
Informative video, Iloilo is definitely on my list of places to check out 👍
Your videos started showing up in my thread and that led me to someone else's which led me to the Iloilo boat club. I was surprised to see your powerboat and find out that there are others. I was unable to get that information until then. I am looking forward to checking out that club if I can make it out there one of these days.
Some good info you shared. Looks like a wonderful place and super nice seeing the government invest in its infrastructure and future.
I just bought an audio book called American Caesar, Its a huge biography of Douglas MacArthur. His first assignment after West Point was to survey the wharf in Iloilo City. Happy New Year !
Interesting
If your interested in the Philippines you must read Americas Boy A narrative history of the USA-supported dictatorship that came to define the Philippines.
@@tommoskal9365 Great book.
During the height of the revolution the Spanish government transferred the capital city from Manila to Iloilo City. Queen Isabella called it Muy Leal y Noble Ciudad de Iloilo ( The most Loyal and Noble city of Iloilo). Our Ancestors came were called the Pintados by the Spaniards when they saw them. They were great warriors and sailors that went to China and brought misery to their towns. Idk how they became loyal to King Filipe. 😂 They got rewarded in their last days. Many families especially those that has Spanish heritage in Jaro, Iloilo City became super rich as you can see in those ancestral mansions still standing there. Many of their grandchildren moved to the USA they were my classmates. Some forgot their ancestral homes and left it to rot.
they called pintados, those from cebu, bohol, leyte because they're just wearing ( bahag) & tattoos all over their bodies & they called vizayas the panay Island including romblon & guimaras because of their dress code( clothing).@@suskagusip1036
I lived in Ilo-ilo city off and on back in the 1960s working for a now-defunct company from California called Ferrell Machinery, co. We taught the local Ilo-ilo engineers how to efficiently operate machinery such as lathes and milling machines to repair sugarcane farming equipment. The city was unrecognizable to me when I went back in 1992 for a short vacation. I am happy to see it doing well.
Thank you so much for the Love you've shown to us Ilonggos.Appreciating our Values, the PEOPLE,our Community in general was such a nice feeling.Proud Ilonggo!
WELCOME to ILOILO SIR💚 God bless you!🙏
Thank you too!
Glad i watched your video , we're planning to move there in 2years, we've got some lands to put up our house. We're from Arkansas.
you're right! the changes in Iloilo have been amazing! i can still remember when the river was all polluted and smelly! it really takes political will power and cooperation of the People
Yes it does. Everybody is so proud of the city now since it has improved
Love this video sir, Keep safe always,! ! aton ini!
You're the best, transparent, no bs,passionate, and a good human being,keep up the good work
I appreciate that
Thanks for the thoughts on Iloilo from a longer term perspective. I arrived a week ago looking for a quieter (but not province level quiet) possibility for longer term non-working life. I am still reflecting on what I see from a bit more on the ground and in the trenches view but I will look through your vlog for another perspective. Much appreciated.
It sounds like you're in a very good area... And I'm also glad cap got a new pad... Or crib depending on the era... God be with you all
I think you're a Filipino by heart James! We welcome people like you who embraces the culture and the way of life. I can't wait to go back to Iloilo.
Thank you
Thanks for the video. I was in Iloilo a month ago and loved it. I’m planning on retiring there by the end of this year.
Could Vote you in as Mayor James. Almost forgot who was speaking for a second. Well spoken good info and great history show and tell. Just watched the other boat video with the modifications. Smooth silent sailing. No $100 cheap 2 stroke back up 2hp china made Lawnmower engine spare? I've been looking at those on Alibaba.
That is definitely one of the areas I am going to research deeper when I come back to the Philippines, and so if you put out the videos I'll definitely watch them on Iloilo or Pinay
Hats off to u sir for being so proud of Iloilo. Thank u so much..
I love the way you vlogg, theres a story and I can feel your sincerity at the same time your great experience to a place. I lf do vlogging, I will do the same thing. By the way, Iloilo is the most cool and very clean city I visited. This march I will visit Iloilo again.
Well said James ! I live in luzon but to what i see in iloilo city is nothing like that in any city province here in luzon!
I was Iloilo born and raised up to my later teen years...partly called Guimaras home as my mother is from there when Guimaras was still part of Iloilo. Immigrated to Guam and joined the Navy until retirement....in Vegas now and ready to retire again very soon and planning to make Guimaras as my base. Been monitoring the progress of both places and seeing wonderful things, can't wait to be part of that ongoing progress. Both my mum and brother are in Iloilo now living the retirement years....cheers mate! Thanks for the updates.
Guimaras is amazing. especially when the brdige connecting it to Iloilo and Bacolod is realized. the progress there will be unstoppable but i hope the leaders will keep in mind to keep the natural resources pristine and not overtook by modernity all over
I would like to know your take on why someone would choose Dumaguete Vs Iloilo as there choice for living?
@@beachkid1 From my understanding you can't buy anything besides a condo unless you are married. I have had enough of marriage.
@@beachkid1 we already have real estate properties in both provinces, sir (or ma'am)...ancestral....with infrastructure already built. just holding out for a coupla more years and take advantage of a second retirement from a union. wouldn't wanna miss out on that finances i already put into the fund.
Come home. Iloilo is more metropolitan, but you would love the laid back life style of Guimaras.
I remember being 10 yrs old and waiting for my auntie at the old airport now it’s a mall. Amazing development.
Great Video James! I have a plan in the future to visit places I saw a child and to research my Mother's history (she was born and raised in Cavite City), but outside of the more western parts of Manila, the other area I have been curious about is Iloilo (city) and surrounding areas. My research led me to the current Mayor who was the Mayor a long time ago and then served in the Philippine version of Congress, now he's the Mayor again. The amount of progress you have highlighted is amazing! Based upon your life stories (building your house, your beautiful sunsets and the closeness to modern amenities, and the wonderful people), I plan on visiting the area when I near my retirement. I hope to bring my daughter along for the trip!
I've watched so many of your videos about your adventures in the PI, that I have an appreciation for the difference between the US and the PI. I'm looking forward to enjoying my time there!
God bless you, Melinda and the girls! You do great work in showing us life in your part of the world!
SUCH A KIND COMMENT
Your content was fantastic and very informative. I miss the information the legendary Mike Casen would give about IloIlo as he traveled around on his Motorola Cycle. .
Continue putting out info about that beautiful Island. I've been there (2016).
I miss it.
Uou just got yourself a new subscriber.
Well said sir while listening to you sir you give me ghost bump I know you telling the truth because I witness myself the development of the city you make me proud and of our city thank you for your appreciation and be safe
Thank you so much for sharing this video.
Tnx sir for choosing iloilo... Im proud to be ilongo.. Our city will be soon great...
I have a place in Cebu but can't take big city traffic anymore. Hope to see Iloilo and Panay. Maybe we can get together sometime for a chat on building in Panay.
Thanks for blogging sir, its true iloilo found a good leader
Meaningful and awesome review of Iloilo. Two 👍👍 Up
Cool. Your discussion makes me want to go to Iloilo again. It has been decades since I visited Iloilo. 😊
such a great place
What I’m excited about for my city is the plan of reviving the train. I heard about it from my grandparents and it would be nice if they can make it happen again bcoz I’m sure it will help a lot to decongest the traffic and it would make the travel experience of every Ilongo and everyone who lives in Panay a lot easier.
this is a very nice video Sir! I was born and raised in Iloilo but worked in MM for more than a decade, after seeing all the improvements of my city it made me want to go back and now I'm enjoying all the things I can enjoy in Manila in a fraction of the cost of living there! Also thank u for sharing your thoughts about our city, and yes, you are definitely an Ilonggo thru and thru!
So nice of you
Hi been watching your videos and really enjoying the content. I came to the Philippines a few years back living in Coron Palawan not too far from you guys. We built a house on the beach just loving life. My wife and I have to split our time up between Philippines and the UK but it works. Keep knocking those videos out, looking forward to the next one..
Very cool!
You mentioned about "re-emergence" of the city. I've read an article in a magazine which described Iloilo City during its heyday. The author compared Iloilo City with the likes of Chicago, Sydney, etc. during its prime. Its population then, were almost the same as those mega-cities during the height of its former glory days. If Iloilo City had been able to sustain its growth momentum, it should have been as huge as the great cities of the world.
I would love to see more Iloilo City videos from you.
Nice to hear from you boss 🎉
Am from the city of love
The city of love 💕 hilohilo 😂
Hi James, good to find a blogger in Iloilo. I was born and raised in Iloilo, lived in New Jersey for 35 years, just retired and plan to build a house in Iloilo.
Sounds great!
New subs here from iloilo city
Great informative video about iloilo I thought it was very nice city and the small towns around that I had a chance to see. The city had some nice malls. I can see it being an up incoming been so many places that are still stuck in the 50s and 60s lol like where my wife from hate in ozamis
Our home is in Guimaras, I really liked your video as we shop in iloilo and know what your talking about.
I am glad I found your channel just yesterday, so maybe I missed it but would suggest do a similar video with more visual highlights of the area. Because I think that would be better for views and sharing as I know many who have asked me about the area.
That is great in dumaguete nothing has change.
As an ilonggo sir, I can really say.., your a true blooded ilonggo by heart... Because you love iloilo... God bless you sir... Stay healthy and safe always...
Never forget our DINAGYANG is the #1 festival in the Philippines!!!
Wow you’re driving like a Filipino now! Hahaha good job. I have a lack of patience problem… but that’s on me. I only visited Iloilo once and that was during the festival they have every year. Everyone should do that at least once but bring your ear plugs!!! What a time it was beyond amazing. At least for me! Maybe I should visit again but families being what they are I think I’m bound to somewhere near Laguna because it’s my wife’s home province. My wife’s father who is deceased worked for the railway in his town of Los Banos. Actually got a small retirement from it.
This is my hometown. And just bought my ticket for May and found your video. Love it!!! Hope to bump into you when I’m out there 😂
Hope the same. Your always welcome to visit us. Look up Texas Filipino on google maps
Hey brother and Miss Mel 😘😘😘... It's about time you took us for a ride... I'm glad to see their sprucing things up over there and getting ready for all of us expats to start jumping cargo ships to get there 😂😂😂... Also want to thank you for being a ambassador of your development and maybe people will catch on over there and get more up-to-date... I sure hope so we need somewhere to go and get the hell out of Dodge
The Philippines is improving, I was there in 2004. Friends there tell me now, " You should see it now, getting better. " I like the OceanJet.
Have you ever been to barras beach over on guimaras, I spent 3 days there over 10yrs ago, was nice short trip out there on Thier own pump boat
I first came here in 1988, I came to visit my fiance family, ( they lived in Lapaz, very basic) I was a quite town back then With one mall, But with honest industrious people , but I remember the waterfront Squatters, Question : is the big clock on a pole still outside MacDonalds ?
that is why we love watching, and waiting for your vlog! you have an objective summation of your environment' so appreciative, even so generous at heart, simple andhumble heart just like Mell.
I appreciate that!
I have been living in Roxas city for 3 years but visit Iloilo from time to time (hoping to meet you both sometime) and would love more info of the city. We are building our home out in the province close to my wifes family, our second choice would have been out in that area close to Iloilo but having a 2 year old son my wife wants to stay close to the family, and I do not blame her.
Thank you for your info , what a good vblogs
So nice of you
Love the dash cam driving around videos. I have sone pictures I took of the telecom poles because I knew my coworkers wouldn’t believe me lol
I just learned about BGC, reminded me of South Korea. My next trip I want to go to Cebu and Iloilo. I’m fascinated with listening to Mae speaking Bisaya with the taxi drivers lol
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on Iloilo and it’s history and re-emergence.
Are you going to put a railing on your stairs going upstairs inside. It looks great without it but for me I might walk off that in the morning before coffee.😅
Iloilo is a beautiful city and my future home very soon. I have only visited my in-laws there about 5 times in the last 6 years, but I have seen the infrastructure improvements and it will be the city to visit or live in the Philippines very soon. I’m Iloilo proud!!!
Forgot to mention if you’re a golfer you have to golf at the Santa Barbara golf course.
That's impressive! You have had me sold on the area for years. Glad they are progressing and they will reap the benefits that are coming.
Come on
U moving there ?
U know Cap got a new place , Maybe you could roommate with him 😂
Nah, bad for Cap, you’d be getting him in trouble. Day one you’d build a stage & put up a stripper pole in the Center of that big beautiful living room. Then Ud be doing recruitment for dancers 💃🏻 Ud Get U and Cap both evicted.😂🤣
@@CCRider5312 lmao 🤣 sounds like you have first hand experience with NOT YA PA PA LMAO 😅
The banter here is epically great! hehe!
Been to Iloilo several times when I lived in Bacolod City, I had friends from iloilo, it's a nice part of Ph not too many foreigners like in Dumaguete.
Thank you for choosing iloilo city..my city..
It's my pleasure
Fantastic blog James, thank you for sharing all of the wonderful things going on in Iloilo. I leave on a flight January 30th coming to the Philippines and I will definitely be checking out Iloilo as a potential home for myself and my fiance. Please share more about this wonderful City
Smart man for choosing Iloilo.
Subscribed - i can't believe i just came across this. I'm also from TX (DFW area). I've been in Iloilo since 2011, when SM City was smaller and there was no Megaworld. It's been a pleasure to live and work here, watching the city grow around me for this last decade. During C19 we finally built our own house, so I guess we're here to stay. :) Thanks for advertising our great town, but let's not advertise tooooo much - no traffic or crime is pretty amazing...so shhhhhh!! :P
Nice video James! Living a little south of you on the edge of the province, SanJoaquin, Iloilo. My wife Eva & I Hope to meet Melinda & Yourself someday in the near future @foreigneronpanayisland
Well lets meet ! jamesray080808@gmail.com
please share more!!
You right sir I'm proud a ilongo too my town near iloilo city Tigbauan
That is where we live in Las Conchas Del Mar in Tigbauan
Beautiful now after they renovated them squatter areas.
Nothing can stop the progress in iloilo city because the good governance and also become more if the bridge start to build panay,guimaras and negros
Such a great video! !st time seeing one of yours and subscribed immediately. You do such a great job explaining things. If you don't mind, I have a question. I am getting ready to retire to the Philippines in the next 6 month and lately have read so much good about Iloilo...are their many Beachfront properties for rent there?
Yes you can find some. I know a couple right now. Stay in contact and come see us. We will try to help you
@@TexasFilipino Thanks so much...I will
I here there are not as many expats there. Actually that's okay. Is that true.
And is there actually some decent beaches or beach communities you can recommend i search?
new subs here
Thank you for your video. I would like to know your take on why someone would choose Dumaguete Vs Iloilo as there choice for living? Thanks
Thanks for the heart but dont leave a SEC boy hanging unless you are jealous of my DAWGS!!! LOL It seems like there are a lot more expats on line in Dumaguete. What do you think is the major difference between Dumaguete and Iloilo?
Oh can you tell Miss Mel to show us how to make chicken adobo her way... I sent her a message on her channel but I don't know if she'll get it or not... Thank you
New subs my friend from iloilo city❤❤❤
Thanks for subbing! Hope we see you sometime
Enjoyed your video. Here is the always asked question-how much income is needed to retire there comfortably?
Enjoy, retiree here in Negros
I just watched your video on why Iloilo city? I am also from Texas and my fiancé is in Iloilo and we’ve been talking for about a year and I’m going to be flying out there in two months. I would love to meet you. You have great information on the city the culture prices of places to stay and I really like your channel I will subscribe, my name is Keith my fiancé his name is Eliza and I hopefully we can stay in touch and I could hook up with you. I am from Texas north Dallas area and I will be retiring in a year but I’m going to be moving out there soon, so thank you for your content and great videos. Keep them coming because when I get out there, I want to do videos also thank you my friend. Hope to meet you one day.
Keith hope we meet you too. I am from just outside of Rockwall Texas. Heck almost neighbors
New subscriber here
The more info the better!
I wonder where they put those squatters Sir? Feel sorry for those ancestral houses by Manduriao when the widen the roads. We used to have a train running from the city to the provinces/towns. Hope they bring it back and build a bridge to Guimaras. 1970's Donya Paz was the biggest disaster on Christmas eve and many were rescued in our city. Hope this will not happen again. Happy retirement Sir. You're right I grew up in the 80's but growing up my parents and grandparents houses were comparable to the USA before. I should be honest not all but many. Even the towns most houses and towns are clean and has followed the zoning rules. Even the cemetery. It used to be so organized. Iloilo City and it's hayday during the Spanish and Commonwealth time was a progressive city. I'm glad the city government is reviving the city to it's hayday. I still have pictures of my parents those days in the 1920's and 1930's.
PS I'm planning to get rid of them squatter in our ancestral house there.
Awesome, Tks... Do you have any golf courses in Iloilo? Never mind, I will look it up... Go TCU...
Iloilo have one of the oldest golf course in Asia.
15 kilometers North of the city. Place is Santa Barbara. My brother plays there all the time. The first in Asia.
the oldest golf course in Asia is in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. a 30 minute drive from the City. it's located in the same town as the airport
@@xeechet6290Thanks...