The only VPN I trust and use personally: Surfshark get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=934&aff_id=17091&url_id=1320 ---------------------------------------------- The Only Dating Website I recommend to meet serious Filipinas bit.ly/RecommendedDatingSite ------------------------------------------------------------- An awesome free Philippines dating site with 500+ new members joining daily! www.pinalove.com/?ai=3494&cid=1 ----------------------------------------------------------- How I receive my mail overseas safely: travelingmailbox.com/?ref=1384 ----------------------------------------------- Need a Throw away ticket, look no further $16 for a valid ticket ( I use this all the time). onwardticket.com/giointhephilippines -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wise get your first transfer for free: wise.com/invite/dic/giovannis229 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Travel Medical Insurance I personally use: safetywing.com/?referenceID=24748534&Ambassador ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Need a visa for your Filipina, check it out: www.filipinovisa.com/?partner=1210 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like to buy me a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/italiagio71 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact Michael Onstead for Medical Insurance for The Philippines: FB: facebook.com/monstad1 or e-mail: michael.onstad@loc-consultants.com ------------------------------------------------- Gio's Essentials Traveling List (Must have items for living or traveling in the Philippines) Order today! www.amazon.com/shop/giointhephilippines ------------------------------------------------------------------ Visiting or moving to The Philippines? 1 on 1 Consultation with Gio: Contact me at: giointhephilippines.com/ (For a free consultation join my patreon today) ----------------------------------------------------------- My Patreon account: Over 80 Exclusive videos not found on TH-cam and free consultations and apparel with silver level and higher. www.patreon.com/giointhephilippines JOIN as a Member to get exclusive videos not shared on the main channel! th-cam.com/channels/lMlXTxpTNMZRE4AEjlc5RA.htmljoin ------------------------------------------------------------- Check out my website for more information on the Philippines. giointhephilippines.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Book your hotel when traveling with my link for the best deals: bit.ly/38CvDgr -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like to help support my channel: paypal.me/GioSanTeaching ---------------------------------------------------------- Contact Information: Instagram: instagram.com/gio_in_the_ph/ FB: facebook.com/GiointhePhilippines Contact me by visiting my website and clicking contact Gio giointhephilippines.com or giointhephilippines@gmail.com AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning, at NO additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe.
I have been in Cebu city, population 1 million, for 6 years. I also refused to be flexible and date someone from another island as I own a condo in the city. Physical resources, malls, food, gyms, and security come first. The girl is coming along for the ride or she is not. I never compromise my deal breakers.
So much gaslighting in the provinces of the Philippines. Expats are too embarrassed to say their life in the province isn't what is all cracked up to be, so they paint a rosie picture on how great their life is.
I liked Mactan and you sold me on the idea of condo life. But after Odetta, everything changed about Mactan. I remember you thinking about renting a house in Bohol. So I started checking Bohol out. Ended upon in Anda for the last year. Just finished a beach house build not far from there. Took 5 months, no drama. Great advice from you, pick place you like, meet a girl there. Don't jump in all the way take it slow. Your insurance recommend. Getting water shoes. Wished I had gotten wise, remitly, gcash when I was in USA.Because my cards are there, they flag it here. Glad I did get Charles Schwab. Life saver built a house using a ATM. Yours has always been good advice, much happiness comes your way Gio I pray.
Go visit the "Ruins" there in Bacolod City. Bacolod is also called "Sugar City" ( due to all the Sugar Cane corps and Mills in the area) as well as you know "City of Smiles" their theme.
If vloggers in the Philippines painted a true picture and gave real advice they would be run out of the Philippines. Vloggers show what they show and say what they say for VIEWS. If you like someone on youtube then watch for the entertainment value. Its like when the youtube crypto guy gives the disclaimer "nothing i say should be taken as financial advice."
I plan on going to where my girl is, but she already knows I am going to travel and she is all in on that so far . We will see over time how this plays out but it will not change my plan as of this post. Plans may change over time and that is just a natural part of life. Thanks for keeping it real Gio!
Thanks for showing us different options Gio. Everyone has different tastes in places. I really look forward to the beach video. Cant even spell the place mentioned so haven’t found it on a map yet but you have me intrigued. Nature and beaches are target criteria for me. Thanks, John
Great content Gio! Bacolod was not even on my radar when I came here a year ago, but my wife is from here and that's why I am here. Bacolod is a good place but it does have its downsides...like everywhere else.
Hey Gio, Last New Zealand winter l spent three months in Valencia. Leading up to my trip l took notes from all the Dumaguete Vloggers which made my first experience in the Philippines such a easy transition. Stayed at Go Hotels first week 1 minute walk to maul. Hired scooter through who you recommended on second day and had a great condo with beautiful swimming pool and gardens in Valencia booked within the week which l stayed at for the next three months which was recommended by another Vlogger. I am a outdoors person so from all the content l saw l knew Dumaguete would be a place that suited me before l arrived. I knew where the markets, gym, sports clubs where, all the best restaurants to go to, and all the outdoor nature activities to explore and this was all due to just watching Dumaguete Vloggers such as yourself. I think the key as you quite rightly said is to work out are you a person that enjoys the big city lifestyle or more into outdoors. Looking forward to spending this New Zealand winter in Bohol.
LOL! I would come for a three-month stay with a list of 6-8 places, a 10-day stay in each. I know I need a place with decent mass transit and medical care. I also would need a mall or two, markets, etc. I'd take copious notes and spend time weighing the pros and cons. I'd then return for six months, splitting my time between the top 2 or 3 places, and then make my choice.
Bacolod was once a winner of Cleanest & greenest city in the Philippines, its slow-mid pace Highly urbanized city, its a city that is good for raising, nurturing a child & raising a family, & it is also close to nature resorts & beaches..
There's supposed to be a hidden bar in Bacolod. I wonder if it's still around. If I remember correctly it was a magic-themed bar with magician's paraphernalia scattered throughout. They served craft beer.
Hello Gio, I'm half Cebuana, half Ilongga, Bacolod City Negros Occidental is our City... I'm glad you love our City Bacolod, Be safe! God bless you...🙏😊
I spent 3 years researching where I wanted to end up in Philippines before I came. Boracay met all my needs and I love it here. If you need to go to big city Iloilo is not far away and Manila is a short flight. If I had the money I'd buy my own island but this is the next best thing! lol
This is no different than anyone in their own country. People live in NYC, Minnesota, Toronto, London, Sydney because they were born there and for no other reason. You really do have to travel and see what you like. There are millions of people in NYC that have never even considered living the city limits let alone travel around their own country. To each their own.
A lot of vloggers upsell to the point of what they say is eighty percent B.S., I found that out AFTER I left the US. I guess greed get ahold of them, so they do it to increase revenue. I'm in Mexico right now, but coming back to SE Asia this spring. I get where you are coming from, there are places in Mexico people swear is paradise, but to me, they’re total hell on earth! They guy that was kinda blaming you was just too damn lazy to do his homework.
so much great info out there. combined with actual physical visits (pretty much mandatory for a correct choice). if someone makes the wrong choice, it's totally on them. blaming a vlogger is babyish. (Gio, you will like Sipalay! it's peaceful. we Stayed at Easy Diving Beach Resort in October 2023. Great place! many nice reports right along that small strip of beach (1 mile?).
Vloggers can provide some helpful information, but they shouldn’t be your only source of information. They may like something that you’ll end up hating. They may hate something that you might like. They may not mind barking dogs 🐶. I have my own retirement plans and some vloggers might add to what I have planned. No one should base their future solely on what they see on TH-cam.
I and gf settled in Lapu-lapu renting a house. I watched hundreds of video for 3.5 years before coming over for 8 months meeting my gf in person. Now 7 years in relationship and back in Lapu-lapu renting house with gf. Great low rent in secure subdivision. This is my final move.
@stevenrichards7902 17k or $291, plus electricity,water and hoa for great armed security. So total package just under ,$500. Got a gated parking for car/motorcycle. Very safe. Plus we we eat well, setting 30k pesos or $514 for groceries, sodas and other items.
I think that my first city like Cebu City or Davao del Sur is just a starting base for me to organize, as you said, all the things you need for a longer stay like a home base, hotel condo, woman dating for serious people Relationship etc. I also think that this is not my final place to live because no one knows where and how life will continue.
Hi Gio, I always tell people who want to travel around the islands to stop at one of the local, Provincial or National Travel information Offices in that area. One, they are some of the friendliest people you will meet, but they will have information on Fiestas and other tourist sites. Great people to meet. Happy and safe travels.
Expat 37 years I think 6 months is long enough to know if a place is a good fit for you. Gio is always candid and honest but tends to sugar coat things.
That Lagoon park used to be very dangerous. Happy to see it is looking way better now because behind that used to have a lot of slam areas. Bacolod is really going a long way now. Proud of it
thank you sir for atleast promoting the city.. im going home soon i work in a ship im a seaman living in bacolod hope to see you around sir in the city of smile
You are so right. Like us, we only want to live in duma because we need to enroll our son to silliman university. But other than that, as soon as he is done, we are out. Or maybe just consider Bacolod or Iloilo. Thats why we are going there this year to check 4 cities first.
Gio, 888 mall near the Lagoon has lots of cheap stuff ( knockoffs:) - you dont have to go online to buy clothes. My American hubby likes to go there everytime we visit.
Looks tranquil when it's real hot and maybe on the weekend! But the air is good at 6am when the zumba gang shows and later in the evening and stinky busy traffic in-between!:)
I totally agree that you do need to do your homework and do your recon missions. To many people only go to the tourist traps or the expat bubbles and don't actually get to see the real philippines. A person really needs to sit down and figure out what your needs are and then what your wants are, then fit that into your budget. Focus on your needs first and maybe after that some simple wants and go from there. Don't over extend yourself and never make your budget your income . I would make my budget around 75 % of your income and put the rest away for that rainy day that's sure to come. Don't come to the philippines for a woman ever , go for yourself and other reasons beyond another person because you will fail.
31 flavors exists because there are so many tastes, Air & water is good for life, all else needs to choose what it likes... Thank you for your videos :-)
It greatly depends on the vloggers. And who's their intended audience is. I credit a few for getting me to finally get off my ass and make the move to the Philippines
I spent 6 weeks there 2 months ago. Makati, Baguio, Cebu, Iioilo, Barbaza and Dumaguete. I did not like anything about the Philippines. I lived in Thailand for 2 years, loved it. Vietnam visit for 2 months loved it. Now in Cambodia and love it. The Philippines is high priced hotels, bad customer service, not the greatest food and the people in general are not the friendliest, and English is not really spoken well, and it just felt unsafe. The Buddhist culture is more honest, forgiving and kind. Of course this is just my opinion and experience. I think most men go to the Philippines because they met and have a girlfriend or wife there. And I do partially blame the bloggers for giving the impression that the Philippines is such a great place to live, it is not IMHO. And before you blast me, I was married to a Filipina for 23 years, so I know the culture and the mindset of a Filipina quite well. ✌️
You can also watch The Traveling Tutor's vlog to have a glimpse of the comparison between Iloilo City and Bacolod, coming from the perspective of a long time expat resident of Bacolod
If you have time to vlog you have time to respond to your followers. Because of your followers is how you make your money. So basically if you cant respond to your followers then its all about posting as much content as you can so you can get paid.....smh
Gio. Its not your fault if someone comes where you are and not like it. There is a place for everything because we want and like different things. So its his fault not yours you just gave the information
Problem is that a blogger will say that where they are living is good, that the girl they chose is great, the shops are good, etc. And a lot of it is done to get subs. I’m not sure they even believe it themselves and most sit around in one place and don’t know any different. An even bigger issue is that you get the impression that the Philippines is a great place and that lots of guys live there but neither of these things are true if you compare to Thailand for example which is far better in every respect. For every foreigner in the Philippines there are 50 in Thailand, so what does that tell you ? So not only don’t follow a blogger and live in a particular city in Phil , don’t follow them to Phil at all. Look around Asia more widely and other destinations too. And never follow a woman anywhere. Choose your location first and be happy with it. You can always find a woman. Just don’t marry one and don’t build or buy property. A lot of guys married to a Filipina building a house and telling you how fantastic it all is. In reality it’s a 99% disaster. Don’t buy or build anything in the Philippines, don’t marry a Filipina. Make sure you keep your assets and income safe from Filipinas as most just want to milk you dry. It’s better not to even have a gf as she will use the relationship to get money out of you. Better get a monthly rental girl. RENT PROPERTY AND RENT WOMEN , AND HAVE AN EXIT PLAN.
I have a dilema, I am older in age but some of the places in Thailand i have been in are overflowing with old Men, it is honestly kinda sad, I will be going to Vietnam next, then maybe The Phils. Hoping I will find a place that has room for one more (older) expat. If not back to Nicaragua.
Check out Siem Reap if you haven’t been here. I prefer it over the Philippines, I lived in Thailand 2 years, great but retirement visa is a hassle. There are many places in Thailand that don’t have a lot of expats. I lived in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Udon Thani and loved it. Stay away from Pattaya, its a hell hole IMHO
My vote is misleading hype. Most vloggers have not spent enough time in Asia to really know what is actually going on. Most vloggers become vloggers out of financial necessity. So they pretend to know what is going on and dub themselves as "experts." Then they document very rookie mistakes, and the viewer should consider I shouldn't be following this guy's advice.
🌴 That looks like a nice clean city I like it where it’s nice and clean and organized that tells me a better class of people live there the problem with Vloggers the way, they post is misleading trying to suck you in to watch their videos 🌴 anyone with common sense wouldn’t relocate on what a Vlogger is stating 🤔 Vloggers are like women there’s good ones and bad ones 🤔 proceed with caution when it comes to cities and women
It's all different strokes, for different folks Gio... I'm waiting to hear a bit about your gym. Is it the closest to where you live, or the gym with the best equipment nearby? Salamat
Nobody will know better what you like the most than yourself.. Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and today is a gift... That's why its called the Present...
I live here 5 years, Most TH-cam live in a fantasy world, Get outside your touristy Areas/City’s and you’ll see reality. Two very different worlds. Most my time is spent with the province, Most are Very, Very poor. As you all are known as Joe, I actually am called by name.
Tik Tok was banned only for one day in the US. Also no need for an intro anymore. That was a thing at one point, but many people usually skip that anyways to get to the content.
After watching PI vloggers for the last 9 years, when there were only 5 or 6 good channels. Gio and Henry and a few others… now with literally dozens of channels, the content has been regurgitated and distorted many times over, just for views and likes. Everyone’s experience will be different….get off your couch, come see for yourself!!
One man’s taste is another man’s distaste. You have to visit yourself. Listen to advice regarding infrastructure safety and stuff. You need to do a reconnaissance
Looking at this place for me looks very dead and far away from Cebu where the life is. For 30k you can easily get accommodation in Cebu so can't see whats the point going to an isolated place. For me Cebu is just so much the best place in the Philippines and would never travel to a province for a girl,no way.
I'm sitting here, taking all this great advice about moving to the Philippines, then, behind Gio, on the left side of the screen at 8:10:00 a rat runs across the screen. :)
😎🇺🇲👍 So..... what you're saying is...... use common sense? 😏 That's like seeing a vlogger in a cool hoodie and the vlogger things it's a great hoodie. So you buy 20. Then realize you can't wear only the same hoodie. Yes boots on the ground is the best and only way to figure out what's up. Chasing a girl usually leads to disaster. Find your own way first and the girls will come later. Cheers Man ✌️
it seems nice but isolated unless you have transportation and exciting girl friend it might get old. you said you loved Maylasia my guess in 1 year u might leave. by the way, in Chaing Mhai, Thailand (not Bangkok) you can get a beautiful 2 bedroom condo, almost twice the size of yours for about $350 But no wonderful Filipino women
I'm coming to the Philippines but it looks like it's going to take a couple of trips, especially doing a retirement Visa. There's a lot to it and it's going to take a minute, with a lot of very careful planning.
The only VPN I trust and use personally: Surfshark
get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=934&aff_id=17091&url_id=1320
----------------------------------------------
The Only Dating Website I recommend to meet serious Filipinas
bit.ly/RecommendedDatingSite
-------------------------------------------------------------
An awesome free Philippines dating site with 500+ new members joining daily!
www.pinalove.com/?ai=3494&cid=1
-----------------------------------------------------------
How I receive my mail overseas safely:
travelingmailbox.com/?ref=1384
-----------------------------------------------
Need a Throw away ticket, look no further $16 for a valid ticket ( I use this all the time).
onwardticket.com/giointhephilippines
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wise get your first transfer for free:
wise.com/invite/dic/giovannis229
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Travel Medical Insurance I personally use:
safetywing.com/?referenceID=24748534&Ambassador
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Need a visa for your Filipina, check it out:
www.filipinovisa.com/?partner=1210
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to buy me a coffee:
www.buymeacoffee.com/italiagio71
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Michael Onstead for Medical Insurance for The Philippines:
FB: facebook.com/monstad1 or e-mail: michael.onstad@loc-consultants.com
-------------------------------------------------
Gio's Essentials Traveling List (Must have items for living or traveling in the Philippines)
Order today!
www.amazon.com/shop/giointhephilippines
------------------------------------------------------------------
Visiting or moving to The Philippines? 1 on 1 Consultation with Gio: Contact me at: giointhephilippines.com/ (For a free consultation join my patreon today)
-----------------------------------------------------------
My Patreon account: Over 80 Exclusive videos not found on TH-cam and free consultations and apparel with silver level and higher.
www.patreon.com/giointhephilippines
JOIN as a Member to get exclusive videos not shared on the main channel!
th-cam.com/channels/lMlXTxpTNMZRE4AEjlc5RA.htmljoin
-------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my website for more information on the Philippines.
giointhephilippines.com/
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Book your hotel when traveling with my link for the best deals:
bit.ly/38CvDgr
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to help support my channel: paypal.me/GioSanTeaching
----------------------------------------------------------
Contact Information:
Instagram: instagram.com/gio_in_the_ph/
FB: facebook.com/GiointhePhilippines
Contact me by visiting my website and clicking contact Gio
giointhephilippines.com or giointhephilippines@gmail.com
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning, at NO additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe.
Oh and thanks for the videos Gio, I've been in the background looking at them for a while now.
OMG! Did you see that rat @ 8:08! Yep a lot of “nature” around there. 😂😂😂
Small one compared to the one's in New York
lol. that was not small.
@@MikeMuniz615 The truth. Seen rats chase dogs and cats. Harlem boy here!
Good advice Gio! Also love the rat photo bomb at 8:11 right when you’re saying “look at this area it might seem nice on the video etc etc”. Lmao
LOL, I saw the same and made the same comment. Gotta love the comedic element of nature.
I saw your comment just as I saw the rat too. I was like OMG
Hilarious right? I didn't see it till I was editing and initially I was going to edit it out but decided it was funny.
@@GiointhePhilippines good call! I hope it goes viral now. Much better video now
The presence of rats and flying cockroaches have never been mentioned by any foreign vloggers, well… the rat decided to remind your viewers 😂😂😂😂😂
I have been in Cebu city, population 1 million, for 6 years. I also refused to be flexible and date someone from another island as I own a condo in the city. Physical resources, malls, food, gyms, and security come first. The girl is coming along for the ride or she is not. I never compromise my deal breakers.
Maslow's time-tested Hierarchy of Needs
So much gaslighting in the provinces of the Philippines. Expats are too embarrassed to say their life in the province isn't what is all cracked up to be, so they paint a rosie picture on how great their life is.
Exactly right
It's a much slower life.
Well they’re retired there while we are still working over here. So there’s that.
I live in the jungle Love it
Very true 😂.. we Filipino are also zip coz actually we don't know how to say it 😂😂😂❤
I liked Mactan and you sold me on the idea of condo life. But after Odetta, everything changed about Mactan. I remember you thinking about renting a house in Bohol. So I started checking Bohol out. Ended upon in Anda for the last year. Just finished a beach house build not far from there. Took 5 months, no drama. Great advice from you, pick place you like, meet a girl there. Don't jump in all the way take it slow. Your insurance recommend. Getting water shoes. Wished I had gotten wise, remitly, gcash when I was in USA.Because my cards are there, they flag it here. Glad I did get Charles Schwab. Life saver built a house using a ATM. Yours has always been good advice, much happiness comes your way Gio I pray.
Go visit the "Ruins" there in Bacolod City. Bacolod is also called "Sugar City" ( due to all the Sugar Cane corps and Mills in the area) as well as you know "City of Smiles" their theme.
If vloggers in the Philippines painted a true picture and gave real advice they would be run out of the Philippines. Vloggers show what they show and say what they say for VIEWS. If you like someone on youtube then watch for the entertainment value. Its like when the youtube crypto guy gives the disclaimer "nothing i say should be taken as financial advice."
I plan on going to where my girl is, but she already knows I am going to travel and she is all in on that so far . We will see over time how this plays out but it will not change my plan as of this post. Plans may change over time and that is just a natural part of life. Thanks for keeping it real Gio!
My best advice is to stay in vacation mode for a while then find a place you feel comfortable in.
Thanks for showing us different options Gio. Everyone has different tastes in places. I really look forward to the beach video. Cant even spell the place mentioned so haven’t found it on a map yet but you have me intrigued. Nature and beaches are target criteria for me. Thanks, John
Great content Gio! Bacolod was not even on my radar when I came here a year ago, but my wife is from here and that's why I am here. Bacolod is a good place but it does have its downsides...like everywhere else.
GIO WE SAW IT .. ITS EPIC 😂😂😂❤❤❤ we keep playing it and we laugh ..it was funny 😂😂😂🎉
My favorite city is Cebu City it has everything, Near Airport, Pier, gyms, restaurants, nightlife, Bad thing about Cebu to many American Expats.
LOL! What do you expect?
Hey Gio,
Last New Zealand winter l spent three months in Valencia.
Leading up to my trip l took notes from all the Dumaguete Vloggers which made my first experience in the Philippines such a easy transition.
Stayed at Go Hotels first week 1 minute walk to maul.
Hired scooter through who you recommended on second day and had a great condo with beautiful swimming pool and gardens in Valencia booked within the week which l stayed at for the next three months which was recommended by another Vlogger.
I am a outdoors person so from all the content l saw l knew Dumaguete would be a place that suited me before l arrived.
I knew where the markets, gym, sports clubs where, all the best restaurants to go to, and all the outdoor nature activities to explore and this was all due to just watching Dumaguete Vloggers such as yourself.
I think the key as you quite rightly said is to work out are you a person that enjoys the big city lifestyle or more into outdoors.
Looking forward to spending this New Zealand winter in Bohol.
LOL! I would come for a three-month stay with a list of 6-8 places, a 10-day stay in each. I know I need a place with decent mass transit and medical care. I also would need a mall or two, markets, etc. I'd take copious notes and spend time weighing the pros and cons. I'd then return for six months, splitting my time between the top 2 or 3 places, and then make my choice.
Sounds like a great plan!
"...but for me, I think there's lots of nature around" as a rat runs across the background. ( 8:11 ) BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Bacolod was once a winner of Cleanest & greenest city in the Philippines, its slow-mid pace Highly urbanized city, its a city that is good for raising, nurturing a child & raising a family, & it is also close to nature resorts & beaches..
Great advice thanks Gio!
There's supposed to be a hidden bar in Bacolod. I wonder if it's still around. If I remember correctly it was a magic-themed bar with magician's paraphernalia scattered throughout. They served craft beer.
Hello Gio, I'm half Cebuana, half Ilongga, Bacolod City Negros Occidental is our City... I'm glad you love our City Bacolod, Be safe! God bless you...🙏😊
Wikipedia has loads of info including infrastructure and transportation details. Even the smaller towns have basic info to add to your research.
Very true. We checked out Cebu City after watching vlogs and definitely not for us, but loved Makati.
I spent 3 years researching where I wanted to end up in Philippines before I came. Boracay met all my needs and I love it here. If you need to go to big city Iloilo is not far away and Manila is a short flight. If I had the money I'd buy my own island but this is the next best thing! lol
This is no different than anyone in their own country. People live in NYC, Minnesota, Toronto, London, Sydney because they were born there and for no other reason.
You really do have to travel and see what you like. There are millions of people in NYC that have never even considered living the city limits let alone travel around their own country. To each their own.
A lot of vloggers upsell to the point of what they say is eighty percent B.S., I found that out AFTER I left the US. I guess greed get ahold of them, so they do it to increase revenue. I'm in Mexico right now, but coming back to SE Asia this spring. I get where you are coming from, there are places in Mexico people swear is paradise, but to me, they’re total hell on earth! They guy that was kinda blaming you was just too damn lazy to do his homework.
so much great info out there. combined with actual physical visits (pretty much mandatory for a correct choice). if someone makes the wrong choice, it's totally on them. blaming a vlogger is babyish. (Gio, you will like Sipalay! it's peaceful. we Stayed at Easy Diving Beach Resort in October 2023. Great place! many nice reports right along that small strip of beach (1 mile?).
Vloggers can provide some helpful information, but they shouldn’t be your only source of information. They may like something that you’ll end up hating. They may hate something that you might like. They may not mind barking dogs 🐶. I have my own retirement plans and some vloggers might add to what I have planned. No one should base their future solely on what they see on TH-cam.
Your advice is always top notch, Gio... Thanks...
I and gf settled in Lapu-lapu renting a house. I watched hundreds of video for 3.5 years before coming over for 8 months meeting my gf in person. Now 7 years in relationship and back in Lapu-lapu renting house with gf. Great low rent in secure subdivision. This is my final move.
If you don’t mind, how much do you pay for your gated place?
@stevenrichards7902 17k or $291, plus electricity,water and hoa for great armed security. So total package just under ,$500. Got a gated parking for car/motorcycle. Very safe. Plus we we eat well, setting 30k pesos or $514 for groceries, sodas and other items.
I think that my first city like Cebu City or Davao del Sur is just a starting base for me to organize, as you said, all the things you need for a longer stay like a home base, hotel condo, woman dating for serious people Relationship etc. I also think that this is not my final place to live because no one knows where and how life will continue.
Your area looks very clean, if I ever moved I would probably go there. Been to Cebu, Bohol. Liked it but would prefer a cleaner, better planned area.
Bacolod sounds like a wonderful place to start a family with your Filipina.
Hi Gio, I always tell people who want to travel around the islands to stop at one of the local, Provincial or National Travel information Offices in that area. One, they are some of the friendliest people you will meet, but they will have information on Fiestas and other tourist sites. Great people to meet. Happy and safe travels.
Expat 37 years I think 6 months is long enough to know if a place is a good fit for you. Gio is always candid and honest but tends to sugar coat things.
That Lagoon park used to be very dangerous. Happy to see it is looking way better now because behind that used to have a lot of slam areas. Bacolod is really going a long way now. Proud of it
funny looking squirrel at 8:10 lol. great vid gio!
Not a squirrel… a rat! Unless Gio shaved that squirrel .Lol
Brazenly hanging out in broad daylight 🤮
Hilarious right? I didn't see it till I was editing and initially I was going to edit it out but decided it was funny.
Lots of nature around,and a bloody great rat running across in the background
thank you sir for atleast promoting the city.. im going home soon i work in a ship im a seaman living in bacolod hope to see you around sir in the city of smile
You are so right. Like us, we only want to live in duma because we need to enroll our son to silliman university. But other than that, as soon as he is done, we are out. Or maybe just consider Bacolod or Iloilo. Thats why we are going there this year to check 4 cities first.
Travelling is a personal experience, very subjective. Some people may like a place, some others , not that much. Keep enjoying life cousin ❤
Gio, 888 mall near the Lagoon has lots of cheap stuff ( knockoffs:) - you dont have to go online to buy clothes. My American hubby likes to go there everytime we visit.
Always good advice.
To each their own good job
Looks tranquil when it's real hot and maybe on the weekend! But the air is good at 6am when the zumba gang shows and later in the evening and stinky busy traffic in-between!:)
great video
Good advice 😎✌️
What festival in that beach, what’s the name of the beach??
I totally agree that you do need to do your homework and do your recon missions. To many people only go to the tourist traps or the expat bubbles and don't actually get to see the real philippines. A person really needs to sit down and figure out what your needs are and then what your wants are, then fit that into your budget. Focus on your needs first and maybe after that some simple wants and go from there. Don't over extend yourself and never make your budget your income . I would make my budget around 75 % of your income and put the rest away for that rainy day that's sure to come. Don't come to the philippines for a woman ever , go for yourself and other reasons beyond another person because you will fail.
31 flavors exists because there are so many tastes, Air & water is good for life, all else needs to choose what it likes... Thank you for your videos :-)
It greatly depends on the vloggers. And who's their intended audience is. I credit a few for getting me to finally get off my ass and make the move to the Philippines
Excellent advice again Gio
I spent 6 weeks there 2 months ago. Makati, Baguio, Cebu, Iioilo, Barbaza and Dumaguete. I did not like anything about the Philippines. I lived in Thailand for 2 years, loved it. Vietnam visit for 2 months loved it. Now in Cambodia and love it. The Philippines is high priced hotels, bad customer service, not the greatest food and the people in general are not the friendliest, and English is not really spoken well, and it just felt unsafe. The Buddhist culture is more honest, forgiving and kind. Of course this is just my opinion and experience. I think most men go to the Philippines because they met and have a girlfriend or wife there. And I do partially blame the bloggers for giving the impression that the Philippines is such a great place to live, it is not IMHO. And before you blast me, I was married to a Filipina for 23 years, so I know the culture and the mindset of a Filipina quite well. ✌️
Bacolod and iloilo seem similar from vlogs... can you say where Bacolod had the edge for you?
You can also watch The Traveling Tutor's vlog to have a glimpse of the comparison between Iloilo City and Bacolod, coming from the perspective of a long time expat resident of Bacolod
I guess Bacolod area is for the slow living slow paced lifestyle😁
If you have time to vlog you have time to respond to your followers. Because of your followers is how you make your money. So basically if you cant respond to your followers then its all about posting as much content as you can so you can get paid.....smh
Brilliant comment 👏 👌
Almost 70k subscribers, how many would you reply to? Keep shaking your head, it may help Corporal
Gio. Its not your fault if someone comes where you are and not like it. There is a place for everything because we want and like different things. So its his fault not yours you just gave the information
True
Problem is that a blogger will say that where they are living is good, that the girl they chose is great, the shops are good, etc. And a lot of it is done to get subs. I’m not sure they even believe it themselves and most sit around in one place and don’t know any different.
An even bigger issue is that you get the impression that the Philippines is a great place and that lots of guys live there but neither of these things are true if you compare to Thailand for example which is far better in every respect. For every foreigner in the Philippines there are 50 in Thailand, so what does that tell you ?
So not only don’t follow a blogger and live in a particular city in Phil , don’t follow them to Phil at all. Look around Asia more widely and other destinations too. And never follow a woman anywhere. Choose your location first and be happy with it. You can always find a woman. Just don’t marry one and don’t build or buy property.
A lot of guys married to a Filipina building a house and telling you how fantastic it all is. In reality it’s a 99% disaster. Don’t buy or build anything in the Philippines, don’t marry a Filipina. Make sure you keep your assets and income safe from Filipinas as most just want to milk you dry. It’s better not to even have a gf as she will use the relationship to get money out of you. Better get a monthly rental girl.
RENT PROPERTY AND RENT WOMEN , AND HAVE AN EXIT PLAN.
I have a dilema, I am older in age but some of the places in Thailand i have been in are overflowing with old Men, it is honestly kinda sad, I will be going to Vietnam next, then maybe The Phils. Hoping I will find a place that has room for one more (older) expat. If not back to Nicaragua.
Check out Siem Reap if you haven’t been here. I prefer it over the Philippines, I lived in Thailand 2 years, great but retirement visa is a hassle. There are many places in Thailand that don’t have a lot of expats. I lived in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Udon Thani and loved it. Stay away from Pattaya, its a hell hole IMHO
My vote is misleading hype. Most vloggers have not spent enough time in Asia to really know what is actually going on. Most vloggers become vloggers out of financial necessity. So they pretend to know what is going on and dub themselves as "experts." Then they document very rookie mistakes, and the viewer should consider I shouldn't be following this guy's advice.
Mr. Banana has spoken 😂
🌴 That looks like a nice clean city I like it where it’s nice and clean and organized that tells me a better class of people live there the problem with Vloggers the way, they post is misleading trying to suck you in to watch their videos 🌴 anyone with common sense wouldn’t relocate on what a Vlogger is stating 🤔 Vloggers are like women there’s good ones and bad ones 🤔 proceed with caution when it comes to cities and women
Thats right roam the Philippines! First.
A couple of years just wandering. Minimum 😂😂😂
It's all different strokes, for different folks Gio...
I'm waiting to hear a bit about your gym. Is it the closest to where you live, or the gym with the best equipment nearby? Salamat
How long does it take Amazon to deliver
Is that a rat scampering across the walkway at 8:10?
Nobody will know better what you like the most than yourself.. Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and today is a gift... That's why its called the Present...
I decided on a city that fits my needs althought my Inday has a lot of sway
I live here 5 years, Most TH-cam live in a fantasy world, Get outside your touristy Areas/City’s and you’ll see reality. Two very different worlds. Most my time is spent with the province, Most are Very, Very poor. As you all are known as Joe, I actually am called by name.
Tik Tok was banned only for one day in the US. Also no need for an intro anymore. That was a thing at one point, but many people usually skip that anyways to get to the content.
I’m curious why I’ve never run across any vloggers that live in Baguio. Sounds like a cool place 😜
I shop at Lazada but have no luck buying clothes. Everything is way too small. Other stuff is fine.
At 8:10 did you have somebody release that rat just as you said there’s a lot of nature around? LOL
Hilarious right? I didn't see it till I was editing and initially I was going to edit it out but decided it was funny.
After watching PI vloggers for the last 9 years, when there were only 5 or 6 good channels. Gio and Henry and a few others… now with literally dozens of channels, the content has been regurgitated and distorted many times over, just for views and likes. Everyone’s experience will be different….get off your couch, come see for yourself!!
One man’s taste is another man’s distaste. You have to visit yourself. Listen to advice regarding infrastructure safety and stuff. You need to do a reconnaissance
8:11 big rat runs across sidewalk as gio says lots of nature around love it😊
Looking at this place for me looks very dead and far away from Cebu where the life is. For 30k you can easily get accommodation in Cebu so can't see whats the point going to an isolated place. For me Cebu is just so much the best place in the Philippines and would never travel to a province for a girl,no way.
I'm sitting here, taking all this great advice about moving to the Philippines, then, behind Gio, on the left side of the screen at 8:10:00 a rat runs across the screen. :)
Hilarious right? I didn't see it till I was editing and initially I was going to edit it out but decided it was funny.
8:11 is that a squirrel 🐿️ I see running in the background? 😂
That would be a Rat
Sugar Beach oh yeah.
Just when you were talking about nature, a rat ran behind you
That rat at 8:10 👀 lol
Their is a zoo at the side of that park he can check that out
You might want to check out Taka-Tuka, sugar beach but keep that a secret!😁
😎🇺🇲👍
So..... what you're saying is...... use common sense?
😏
That's like seeing a vlogger in a cool hoodie and the vlogger things it's a great hoodie.
So you buy 20.
Then realize you can't wear only the same hoodie.
Yes boots on the ground is the best and only way to figure out what's up.
Chasing a girl usually leads to disaster.
Find your own way first and the girls will come later.
Cheers Man ✌️
Lots of nature around lol
it seems nice but isolated unless you have transportation and exciting girl friend it might get old. you said you loved Maylasia my guess in 1 year u might leave. by the way, in Chaing Mhai, Thailand (not Bangkok) you can get a beautiful 2 bedroom condo, almost twice the size of yours for about $350 But no wonderful Filipino women
Loved the huge rat that ran across the sidewalk behind you at 8:11 of the video :-)
I suppose you know that there was a mongoose behind you coming to check you out! 😮
I've heard that the PH does have squirrels but they're only found on some islands like Palawan. Anyways that looked more like a rat.
Hilarious right? I didn't see it till I was editing and initially I was going to edit it out but decided it was funny.
Gio as soon you mentioned lots of nature around I believe that was a rat that ran across the walkway
Was that a large rat running across behind you? at 8:12
Is that in capitol lagoon , Gio ?
No, it's just called the Lagoon next to Ayala mall
I'm coming to the Philippines but it looks like it's going to take a couple of trips, especially doing a retirement Visa. There's a lot to it and it's going to take a minute, with a lot of very careful planning.
You are absolutely right, it is a lot of work.
duma is overrated
Oh here we go!
So, what is the nightlife like in Bacolod?
I have to ask are there a lot of Rats in the Philippines, and do they bother you
Don't find another Maya. Use the F*F policy
Is Gio laying an escape route from Bacolod? Buyer's remorse?
Jbs blogger really don't like your blog JBS blogger is a nut case
I hear a citizen can go to an imagination office and report you as being rude and undesirable, and you could be unable to reentry .
I think there has to be a lot more to it. Video evidence even.
@GiointhePhilippines You never know in these countries. Everyone is related, lol
Good advice Gio! Also love the rat photo bomb at 8:11 right when you’re saying “look at this area it might seem nice on the video etc etc”. Lmao
Hilarious right? I didn't see it till I was editing and initially I was going to edit it out but decided it was funny.