Expats Leaving the Philippines/Why Living Here is Not For You
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ต.ค. 2023
- Expats Leaving the Philippines/Why Living Here is Not For You@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 The Philippines is not for everyone. Jason, Goldfinger, and Myself examine the primary reasons the Philippines is not always a perfect fit for some people
Link to Goldfinger
goldfinger.g...
Some desperate old guy’s looking for fake dream wives 😅
I’m guessing they do have already
They look pretty happy to me.
They are just explaining the cultural and practical differences.
😂
My beautiful Philippina wife and I live in Australia, because we have good incomes and lifestyle here.
We are looking at buying a farm in Leyte for her family to run. She is paying for it.
We might build a house on it for our holidays there.
There is a lot of admin buying property there. It will be in my wife’s name, so I will help with the purchase and building if needs be.
dont be an ass - you are ignorant, that's all.
I bet their wives are hotter than yours though lol
My last trip over there, a wise Filipina told me this, "no one can help everyone but everyone can help someone". She told me this after she gave half her dinner to a handicapped woman in the street out front of our hotel. This was a WOW moment for me!
Your state of standard of living does not prevent someone to help somebody. That's really humanity.
JMO, people need to learn to help themselves. EVERY1 can do anything they put their mind to. They choose to be poor. My family was poor but I learned early on that I would never be like that and made the conscience decision to be more and I did. Not to brag. I know Filipinos who did the same.
don't worry....if you move here you will be helping many people. Its called your GF's families. its a package deal. seriously. you're all in or you stay single and die alone.
I bet you were footing the bill.
@@PULSEXBillionzz your a fucking moron. people choose to be poor? where did you learn that from?
I lived 6 years in the Philippines back in the 70's. I loved the simple life. I did have a hot water shower, air con, and I drove a 1974 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. The exchange rate back then was 8 pesos to 1 US dollar. 2 bedroom apartment was $75.00. The chicken fights were held Sunday morning. The fighting chickens were tied out front of house so you could look them over. The jungle chickens had beautiful feathers. That was city living. I lived in the rain forest for a while. Monkeys were a big problem. They would get in the hut and steal your soap. Many bugs, and giant lizards. I wish I could go back to the Philippines but I have poor health. I'm glad for the time I had there. Mabuhay Philippines 😊
In 1974 the peso was 6.35 Php to $1US
In the 70s there were 40 million filipinos , in 2000 around 77 million and now 117 million. Infrastructure did not follow this over population growth (schools, hospitals, jobs ... food production) Now 25 % of the rice has to be imported , fish and vegetables are decreasing in the markets . Underdeveloped waste management and the karaoke noise pollution are the daily life. The hospitality is gone. There is no more simple life. Very sad.
@@808pera6..All of these conversion numbers mean nothing unless you are taking into account inflation, for both currencies, when calculating. Prices are going up here in the Phils, but rent is still much, much cheaper than in most Western countries.
This is not the 1970s. The country has changed drastically. You might be disappointed if you lived in the Philippines now.
It is always a trade off, it comes to WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU, then if you get that IMPORTANT THING (S), then Bob is your uncle, the negatives become just a background noise.
The only thing I can add as a 15 year Expat in NE Thailand is: 1) Live 2 year's in country without making any investment. 2) In a committed relationship give your partner's family long and hard analysis. It's a familial culture. 3) Live as a minimalist and an economic pragmatist. 🙏
Sour cream make your own. Combine cream and lemon juice. Refrigerated for a few hours not too much lemon.
I'm in the electrical industry as a substation electrician. A brown out is when demand for power is more then produced. So they intentionally shed load to keep the power on most of the grid. A blackout is equipment failure spread across the grid.
Really? I think electrical engineers have different definitions. Basically if power goes out, either by system overload or equipment failure, that's a blackout. A brown can also be due to either but generally power hasn't gone out, just not enough voltage to drive appliances, so you might see dimmed lights etc. But in the Philippines they often talk of brownout when it is really a black out.
Load shedding daily in most regions in the Philippines.
If we build or buy a house there, I will have a full solar array and battery, and lots of tanked water.
I believe that when a person decides to make a move from his or her home country to another country, they have to accept the cultural and life differences of the new country. Do your research, learn as much as you can about the new country, then decide if you will be able to adapt to the changes. Don’t move to a new country just to find a life partner or rebound from a failed relationship. Stay open minded and look at changes in a positive way and you will be in a better position to enjoy your life in the new country. Take care, stay safe and best of luck.
You are absolutely correct. I am Filipina and I adopted the way u.s. does things. Adopt or leave and find your comfort zone. Life can be so simple without sacrificing what your likes. Hello from Florida.
Just like all the immigrants to 🇬🇧
Sensible advise and on point, agree with you. Anyone should adapt to a new environment/country if you can't do that then it's not for you.
Even a dirt poor European or American living in the street would never kill and eat a dog... Ciao.
@@lorenzomagazzeni5425 Are you sure about that?
Depending on where you live, the noise in the neighborhoods here in Mexico is super annoying. Dogs barking, fireworks constantly going off, loud music all night, just an endless barrage of noise. Restaurants too, especially the nicer ones, play music so loud it hurts my ears, and this is from a guy who's gone to about 200 rock concerts in my day. We moved to a nicer neighborhood, no more all night parties or fireworks. We found a video here on YT just for barking dogs, and it works like a champ. It's called "High Pitched Dog Whistle Sound To Stop Dogs Barking". Even the worst offenders quit within minutes. It's been truly a sanity saver.
Exactly - the keywords are "Depending on where you live". I lived in a couple of poorer neighbourhoods in Mexico and in those it's a non-stop cacophony - the guy who comes around calling out every day looking to buy used shoes and clothing, the insanely loud steam whistle from the corn seller's cart, the gas delivery truck with its jingle playing on repeat over its speaker several times a day, the cholos with their loud boom-boom car stereos, the older kids playing soccer in the street, the younger kids running around shouting and screaming, the dogs barking, the neighbours playing their stereos at 11 all day and night, neighbours screaming out karaoke at full volume in their houses. I also lived in some better neighbourhoods and had none of those problems.
The loud mariachi music is what I hated in Mazatlan... and this was one beach, not in a plaza. I though I could go away with the plaza mariachi music so I went to the beach but lo and behold, they were still there. Beach and those loud horns do not mix, I tell you.
Hello the 3mosketiers.
Let's talk about more serious things in the foreigners life in the Filipines
Start with the immigration : which is a black hole charging money like crazy and every month.
There is a discrimination issue with the foreigners that never have the full rights like the rest of the the Filipinos and
If you want to live in the country side or farm you cannot purchase land with a house. Only your Filipina can be in the title then you are in a trap, you are subject to abuse from them coz the stupid laws which protect the Filipina even if it's a scamer. The foreigner is abused all the way.
You loose every thing of your investments
@@user-gp7kk2he3h Then buy a condo and have the ownership title to your name. no abuse or scam then. Simple solution. Ain't rocket science.
@@bigradwolf5001 Yea, I had a circus music/ Banda nightclub in back of my house for years. With the blessing of city government ($$$).
I just watched this video. All saying good and sensible things. In my case, I had married a Filipina in 1981, in California. Learned a lot of Filipino things, visited on vacations, etc. Two kids, too. When it came time to retire, I ended up in the Philippines, single... ooppss.. I have been here 16 years and experienced all those things you mentioned. Does not bother me, so much. I had some luck, I built a home, where the karaoke in the neighborhood is seldom loud enough for me to hear... We have chickens, and dogs, mostly quiet, too. For most things 'Filipino', I let my wife manage it. She seems to enjoy that extra duty... just call me lucky...
@rlrhyatt, where are you living now in the Philippines?
I'm in the Bicol Region. Camarines Norte.
Not lucky, you made yourself to adapt. Good and sane move. Other people can't move from a bed to a cot. Will complain forever, and do nothing.
I have been there 20 times in the last 10 years. 2 crazy makers you cannot return things to a retail store 2nd wifi sucks
I dont like having such a limited variety of excellent food. Mostly pork which I hate and chicken
Everywhere. No Mexican or Greek food pizza sucks
No great American breakfast like wafflehouse and it is true Dennys here is not same as in the Philippines
Perhaps an unrelated topic but I am hopeful that you could pass on to your viewers. One of the biggest holdbacks for potential expats is health insurance. Currently there is a proposed bill in Congress; H.R. 5299 "Earned Benefits Equality and Family Recertification Act" that will allow all Medicare benefits to be allowed overseas. The Philippines is on the overseas included list.
That would be a game changer. Thanks for the update.
I think those of us still here need to contact our Congressmen and push for passage. But right now the House is pretty pathetic.
@@donald3939 I agree. The children still have not placed a new Speaker in the Congress. I have nonetheless already contacted my Congressional Representative in any event. Pressure can still sometimes make a difference.
@@tombkk1322 After reviewing the Bill, I have done the same, as well as contacting the representative in my previous District, and other Representatives which I have had previous contact.
This has been mention so many times over many years. Never went anywhere and I think it never will.
Thank you for showing the flip side of living in the Philippines. As you said before, living out of the US is not for everyone. Standards, values, laws, and social customs can be so different and sometimes not compatible.
Like having a gas driven car to an EV vehicle or vice versa.
Much better values and social customs in Philippines than USA, family values still exist here and everyone in towns help each other, the elders are respected for their experiences and held in high regard, not held in prison retirement homes and forgotten by their children, the children not only care for elders at home, the entire village cares for all elders,, American is going downhill fast,, love living in the Philippines,, just saying
I am 11 years in the Philippines everything these guys mention is true, but they are easily fixed, some things you cant change but its the good things that far outweigh the bad
You forgot to mention the lack of good American, Mexican, Italian & Chinese food!
I will send Headphones will that work I do not like noise it's very Quiet here West Virginia All most Heaven
I will address the "foreigner tax" issue, which happens pretty well all over the world. My dad worked for ten years in a South American country, and we lived near the market, where one of my jobs was to periodically go and buy fresh alfalfa for the rabbits we kept. I knew about the foreigner tax, so would wait near the alfalfa vendors for a native to buy some alfalfa, then offer the same price when that person finished their purchase. If that vendor wanted more, a nearby vendor was happy to say, "I will sell it to you for that amount", and after a while, since this was an almost daily routine, they would greet me and charge a local price.
I use to live here as you know Paul, I moved back to Australia, the noise thing is easily fixed, just live in an area that is all expats or mostly, where I lived there was no kareoke, no bike noise, no dogs or roosters, that was not the only place I found, there are many such places, paying more is common and I accept it, as long as it is not ridiculous, the bug thing, is never a problem, in Australia we are full of flys and so many ants and such, not a problem for me in the Philippines, you can live in areas where brown outs dont happen and that is fixable by a generator, medicatin also not a concern, the licence thing, I drove on my Australian licence for 11 years, I owned a car, cops dont care and I drove in Manila a lot. All the things that are a pain for a lot of expats, never was a concern for me, I love the Philippines, but saying that, I live in Australia now , and the Philippines is my visit place again. You have to find what suits you and you have to simplify your lifstyle, dont get involved in too much stuff, just chill out, the Philippines is for chilling out, my plans for the future is to live in my home country of Australia and the Philippines, Australia is only an 8 hour flight, its easy to do this
I think most of the stuff you discussed comes down to 3 things. Things you only need to do once, like open a bank account so yes having your info lost is annoying but once it is done, that is it. Other things you can do something about like removing lettuce and tomato from your burger. Other things you cannot change, like the poverty, stray dogs, service at restaurants, bugs, etc.
AC going out in the middle of the night would be a big deal for me. I have trouble sleeping if its warmer than 70-degree Fahrenheight.
Well, categorizing it doesn't really solve anything, sadly.
@@wjebel go for solar power
@@wjebel The Phillies is DEFINETELY not a place for you ;-)
@@edjones1018
Putting things in categories helps with perspectives. What can be done and what cannot, in most cases.
I.e. if you buy or build your property, then feel free to put in the creature comforts like solar power and tankless water heaters.
But no matter how much Off I wear, I get bug bites 😮
As someone who has moved from the UK to Canada. I can honestly say that the customer service issues isn't just a western/Philippines issue. You are used to what you are used to. So any deviation from that could be a frustrating experience. I've been in Canada for 4 years and the poorer (relatively speaking) customer service experience still grates on me. I expect that, in retirement, I'll be able to go with the flow more easily. My point is, these issues will present themselves no matter where you move to - Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, Europe, wherever.
This is very interesting. About some specific requests on restaurant orders, this has to do with Filipino servers' insufficient English comprehension, especially if coming from Native English speakers. If it's Tagalog spoken to them, you'll get your request exactly how you want it. Add to this some crazy owner rules of unchangeable menus. This is possible. Bugs, ants, and mosquitoes may have to do with unclean surroundings. It's the Philippines. Noise, it's the culture. Asians are normally noisy except maybe the Japanese and a couple of others. The community noise ordinances mean nothing. The Philippine leaders should be tough like the Saudi Arabian leaders. Violators ARE NOT punished. Some cops can mitigate with the problems we all know how, common in poor countries. Law enforcement is not tough by any means. NOT AT ALL. The Philippines will never ever be a First World UNLESS maybe it starts to be tough in its laws and ordinances that are geared for our betterment.
Literalness of the Filipinos: English is not our home language or everyday language, as is the case for native speakers. We don't use English slang. We only understand English words as they literally mean. We hope foreigners can enjoy what we can offer. But a foreign country will always remain foreign and may therefore be unsuitable to some foreigners.
@@miguelbalisi9952 Good points. :)
Its all Trudues fault 😉
True. self satisfaction will never be achieved if no one adapts.
I feel like the least place this could happen would be Japan, they are the service kings ! Not saying it wont happen there though. I Iive in Australia and actually had a poor customer service experience this morning its like the customer is wrong now and we should be grateful we are getting service. I run my own Painting business & put so much effort into delivering a prompt service & quality finish, it's the way l was trained like it was very critical. The world is not the same now, nobody really cares or has any pride much here in Australia, most people have no value for their health or respect for fellow man. People just like getting drunk, eating McDonalds, watching porn, driving recklessly, smoking drugs & tobacco, getting tattoo's, running away from their responsibility's. Not trying to be a pessimist or bring negativity too Paul's great channel but l feel like society is on a trajectory to collapsing.
I completely understand the complaints, Paul...I lived so long in Philippines, that I was able to block most of those "issues" out, or minimalize them quite a bit.
Dogs barking, human noise, I can handle. Loud, distorted karaoke or motorcycle noises, still piss me off...I will wear some good headsets & listen to my music or a movie in those situations. I wouldn't leave Philippines, over those issues. That's just me. I hear where others are coming from! Thanks, Paul...a very good topic! 🤠👌☕
Those guys don't know the meaning of adaptations. The country did not break their arm to come and live here.
Same for me Paul. I came here 2020.
Gradually getting used to it. It's paying bills that gets me. All cash!!
@@johnevans191 Not true, unless you don't have credit cards. I pay my gas and groceries other stuff, unless it is a small store that only accept cash where some has atm's
@@1lolofred All of us can 'adapt' to just about any situation, with varying degrees of success, but that doesn't mean we 'have to' or want to; Each of us handles the calculations about living in the Philippines and processes whether or not we want to stay accordingly at a very personal level. I personally find 'intrusive noise' really hard to handle but hopefully living on a sailboat means I can move on if it gets too much -we shall see. In the end it's all about giving yourself options.
Move to Makati, very quiet. I live in Legazpi Village, ghost town outside of rush hours and lunch time M-F.
I’ve been watching videos about moving to the Philippines for over three years. I’ve bookmarked and saved maybe 4. This is definitely one of them. Great, great video Paul.
Changed your mind?
I heard a foreign town in Cebu. I'm from the province next to Cebu. I just prefer living in our province and second is cebu. Also if you're looking for a partner don't rush into it. A lot think that they can empty your deep pocket. My province is the best to live because the typhoon rarely pass by. I think, that area in Cebu where the foreigners' town is, is also safe from typhoon.
Dear Paul, I truly loved today's video. I now know that there are no changes to the menu. I can handle that and the kid standing on the bike behind his dad. I never wore a handle growing up. The traffic, the level of poverty, and the garbage are the things I would need to get used to. I am working on that by watching videos from many different people about the Philippines. I keep returning to the Philippines because of the smiles and happiness. The people in the Philippines are honestly happy. The "brown out" would be an issue but I can handle that (hurricanes have taught me to deal without power, usually for 2 weeks or more). Thank you for being honest about your life, and what you see, in the Philippines. God's Blessings, Irish
oh please dont come you talk too much
@@RichardBradberry-os9er. No, wrong. YOU do.
I love the Philippines over the USA. Wouldn't want to live anywhere else and I've been in 13 different countries
I am 11 years in the Philippines, read my comment
Move to BGC, Eastwood, Century City, Legazpi Village, Rockwell, Salcedo Village --- all better than Beverly Hills, US.
I have been to the Philippines three times with my Filipino wife. I enjoyed my stay, but it was so good to return home to the UK where I have all my creature comforts.
Great video Paul. After 4 years here now, i am starting to settle in probabably as best as i will. You have to have a willing and easy going spirit and realize nothing lasts forever, not even this. So, try to smell the roses. There are plenty 🙏
I really like this way of getting information. Better than just one chap telling a story. It is like sitting with those guys. Thanks!
Friend of ours lives in cebu has an outdoor large oven, he bakes his own bread and expats are now asking him if he can bake for them, and the bacon he smokes his, tastes great when he pan frys it later and the oil he cooks in makes the difference , he told us that Filipinos cook with cheap sometimes reused and recycled oil hence the bad taste or bland taste, great video with the guys today excellent 😊
Possibly THE most eye-opening video I've ever seen regarding the Philippines. (And I've seen a lot: dreaming of retiring there.) Thank you guys.
Great onversation between you guys! Thank you Paul for your wisdom and hospitality!
Don't forget when they say " out of stock"... then you walk around the next aisle and there it is!
It's not the norm, maybe just coencidental experience... Filipinos were not that stupid.
@danilolabrador2595 we're not saying stupid. We're saying communication issue!
Great video guys! Paul, this is the kind of video I’ve been waiting for. Super insightful and very honest look at things in Philippines. There are other TH-cam channels that paint the Philippines only through rose colored glasses. As someone seriously considering moving to the Philippines I appreciate a video like this. Everybody on the panel did a great job.
don't come to the Philippines to retire, we don't need your whining ass!
My friend, youtubers showed the brighter sides to gain like and subscribe. That is all.
They called USA as the land of the free, on the contrary, you pay for everything here plus they tax your ass off. America is not the land of honey, you work hard to make it. I did and saved, bought a home and travel. USA and the rest of the world will give you something if you do hard work.
Good video topic. Thanks this was helpful. It would be great to watch more videos like this one from you!
Thank you for your honest appraisal.
I have a feeling that you could do a part two on the subject.
Knowing the good AND the bad or flusterating is truly valuable.
This is a very valuable interaction for someone like me. I was raised to keep your promises, and I for one, believe that the one thing that we truly own in life that cannot be taken from us is our character. Everything else... health, loved ones, assets, etc. can be taken away, so our most important asset is the quality of our character. From my perspective ALMOST ALL of these things you guys have brought up displays poor character.. not valuing someone else's time, not doing what you say you're going to do or being where you say you're going to be when you say you're going to be there, etc.. In the states we consider a person like this as flakey and/or unreliable, and in my opinion, for good reason. I have realized that you are correct, that I, for one, would never be happy living there, when the one thing that I find to have the most value (good character), the opposite is literally ingrained in Filipino culture.
We brought it up so you can make your decision
BTW
Your welcome 😁
I hear you, integrity has never made it into the Phillipine vocabulary
@@samwalker1691 Integrity in America? How is that being manifested in your current political situation?
@@lorenzosanpedro3244 There is no integrity in politics anywhere in this world. It's best not to get involved so it can't bother you! However, the many annoyances you have to live with in the Phillies are smack-dab in your face and there's no way you can avoid them.
What they consider good character traits are different from what you do....This list of yours is not as important to them, "....not valuing someone else's time, not doing what you say you're going to do or being where you say you're going to be when you say you're going to be there".....I've never been there, but I imagine they consider helping others, and especially family in need, regardless of why they are in need, as highest form of character.
I really injoyed the conversation of all three of you ❤ very interesting articles.
Love these chats really gives a good perspective on what life is really like plus a bunch of good advice.
Very interesting & informative. You 3 make a great round table group !!!! Mabuhay !!!!
When you go to the Philippines, you will be reduced to being patient, humble, simple and by just seeing little things will give you joy. In the Philippines, everything is near or in close proximity first to people, to restaurants or karinderias, to groceries and markets where you can find health foods, vegetables, healthy options. When I was in a US state, although it has a very very beautiful landscape, every time I go outside I only see empty space, little to no people, cars most of the time. This give me a realization that I love a place in which wherever I go I can see and feel lots of people passing by, the passers by smiling, saying hi hello good morning how are you. My question is, If you look back 5 or 10 years ago asking yourself what I will be like 5 or 10 ,years after which is the present time. My question is, should I did not get out and go to the Philippines and just stayed in the US, will I be as healthier as now? Happier us now? Pretty mobile as now? Having had friends from different states or countries having had healthy happy conversations like now, oh the laughs that what counts for? What will I be like right now should I did not do what I did 5 or 10 years ago? Just avoid direct sunlight. Humidity, though I feel unease, it somehow gives me a health benefit by sweating all out unnecessary fluids and bad byproducts in our body like in a sauna even without doing gym workouts and will just replenish the fluid lost by drinking mineral water with electrolytes, Philippines have that in all convenient stores and grocery stores, just look for the nutrition facts label in a bottled water (potassium et cetera). When in the Philippines, to avoid the noice, always look for a very decent house and lot for rent in a very nice exclusive gated subdivision with amenities like swimming pools, tennis court, basketball court with walking areas, plenty in the Philippines, just look for the good one, a rental house inside a subdivision far from the main highway. And there is a security guard.
⁰0
These three are just being old codger, can’t talk about women anymore in public as they will sound weird,
😂😂guys, I think you should just go for swim in the beach to cool down😂
we aren't reduced! we move to a foreign country and accept the compromises of living here Language, culture, family. its the package deal. I wont say its for everyone, BUT if you can accept huge cultural differences you can thrive here. I can still buy american things I miss but the longer you live here the less you miss them. you make great points. I prefer to be close to the locals rather than a foreign enclave. I dont need a security guard, my filipino neighbors know my friends from my foes. my gf and daughter and I are a part of the community here. In the US i knew maybe a half dozen of my neighbors. here I know probably 20 neighbors, 10 sari sari store families and mutiple public officials. different perspective from everyone.
My filipina fiance has been living in the US for 8 years now, we've only been together a year.....We went to PH back in august, this was my first time going there with her, i've been there before. She was more frustrated with the Philippines than me lol. I was like meh whatever, it's PH.....the traffic, the drivers.....man she was annoyed lol.
She got used to the USA 🇺🇸… I don’t blame her at all and would say most of them do .
She and EVERY other Filipina would prefer a good life in the West. That doesn't mean you panhandling in Chicago...a good life. No contest.
Go to Davao, no smoking, drinking, and spitting in the streets......fine or jail time.
I met my Filipina wife in the US. We both got tired of the high taxes, cost of living , and a general lack of work or business opportunities. In 3 years in the Philippines, we now have built up businesses, bought homes and land, and have a thriving social life. I like how my life has worked out. Creature comforts are easily solvable imo.
She became entitled and felt different and MAYABANG since coming to a country full of homeless and impoverished people, where mass shooting is a normal happening, Her attitude and expectations are of higher standard now. I've been living in the USA for 5 decades and love the country but never ever forget where i came from and still care. If you don't look back from where yo u came from you will not reach your destination.
Glad you guys have been able to accept these things and just roll with it. Its not for everyone!! I live in Florida and we have several retired people come here from up north. Many complain of the humidity and the bugs and go back north. Ya gotta do a trial run before moving someplace new - especially if you need to cross an ocean to get there !! I always enjoy my visits over there - and I could live there if I had to - but I prefer to live daily life here. Its all about the choices we make along our path of life !!
I can save anyone thinking of FL some time: I lived there 13 yrs. It sucks, plain and simple. From the awful grass, trees, bugs to the humidity and elderly drivers and generally halfwitted folks from around the US. If you like being trapped inside all day by the heat, it may be your dream.
I've been to Florida before and I'm convinced that the Florida Man syndrome is from having their brains baked by the heat.90 degrees in January is not normal!
@@georgewilliams4258 - That would depend on that persons life experiences and what they consider normal.
Yeah, moving to Florida would be at least a foreign to me as moving to the Philippines.
THANK YOU! When I come over I will look y'all up and let you know.
Thanks for your video, just found out about you and subscribed. I recently retired and we're planning a trip to the Philippines in January so trying to get as much information through vlogs, struck gold with yours. 👍
Watching and listening to this brought back my 3 week adventure and that was good enough for me.~ Big patience and being an extrovert is as important of an asset in Phils as money. Money might even be of lesser importance than personality type along with the right attitude for the Philippines. You all 3 have more life in you than most 40-year-olds around these parts. Rural WA. I'm happy for you guys, sincerely! 1st forecast for Snow and thinking of changing my attitude~ not that easy Gents
Same here man, a month was enough for me. Oh and much respect if you are an oil field worker. Hence roustabout, I used to drill as a roughneck.
BUT...if you were commenting about the sociopath who folks like YOU elected to the presidency of the US, yikes. Dude, you need to wake up. Trump wants to be a dictator, period. Elect a conservative but not a sociopath, malignant narcissist who would burn down the entire country to get a little power or money. He'd drown his own pathetic progeny to save his own ass....any day, any place. He is the worst American in US history. Easily the worst US pres.
@@etywrtyjfgj My handle was from the movie Roustabout but I like Kid Kalihad even more. My sleep never was in sync there...but I enjoyed the early morning walks to the mall.
Tale care @et...and we can enjoy our benefits here..and peak in on Phils and da world.
@@roustabout4fun Highly recommend Cambodia and Vietnam. Cheers brotha
@@etywrtyjfgj If you learn and speak the language quick, otherwise learn sign communication.
Yeah the foreigner tax sometime makes my Filipina wife mad and she tells me to stay in the car next time 😂 We bought rechargeable small fans so if the power goes out we can still stay reasonably cool. I plan to get a small generator soon. Government offices are scattered all over the city and further divided between old and new so you need specific instructions as to which building the old or the new one for each step in a long process. Thankfully my wife handles all of that - I would be lost on my own.
Great visdeo gentlemen, and I thank you all for taking the time to break it all down for people like myself wanting to relocate to this part of the world, I learned a lot from this discussion.
Good video guys. I'm glad that you guys have adapted and are living the good life. Long life to you.
Once you go down the rabbit hole of finding fault it's gonna be a slippery slope all the way to exiting the Philippines with a bad taste in your mouth. So if you wanna really stay and make this place your home just learn to take the bitter with the sweet! Be tolerant and compassionate and find something to do that will help your community without making too much of a fuss!
Good point
Brilliantly put, that's exactly the way.
On my world travels, I embrace & enjoy the differences, whether good or bad.
I welcome the changes from my home country.
Not a rabbit hole or slippery slope to note the problems in a country....when compared to the West. It's just reality.
Yea, it's good to know that most Islands with population have these similar problems.
To much bitter i guess is reason many are leaving.sad to say
After 23 years of meeting countless Expats moving to our town from the USA building a house for their wife and doing a permanent move only 3 have made it past the 5 year mark usually going home with nothing
That's too bad 😢
More money than brains
Now there is a point of view that deserves a lot more attention. Not may vloggers care to be quite that honest. They would lose many followers.
Facts
Thats funny actually .... Philippine's is a Man GRINDER
Great Video/Interview Paul 😊. I just cannot wait to move there. Counting down the days.
Keep the video's comin.
Stay Safe 💕 💞 🙏 🙏
Thats got to be the best vid I have seen you do, more of this please.
People that want to move there have to realize that the Philippines is not full of critical thinkers and logic is absent a lot of the time in daily encounters/transactions.
This applies to many places, we get used to a certain way of things operating and most of us resist change, more so when we perceive that change as a lowering of our standards. I spent one month in the Philippines and was somewhat mentally prepared, but I don't think I could live there permanently, perhaps long staycations. Another thing that makes the adjustment easier is to have plenty of financial resources to adjust the environment around you, and reduce the amount of annoyances, i.e. being able to afford a solar system, battery or gas generator back up power source, live in a neighborhood that it isn't very loud or properly insulate your property as much as possible to reduce noise.
Buy your own island and finnd out, Bunch of crybabies.
In other words, don’t just rely on your SSS monthly. Have at least 2 more retirement incomes to live a good life you desire (I did!).
Fascinatin conversation! Thank you😊
Paul great informative video. Thank you and keep them coming.
When I lived in the Philippines in the 70's the power went out EVERY afternoon for 3-4 hours. Didn't bother me. Just part of life. The only reason I would move back to the P.I. is if my finances collapsed to the point I wasn't comfortable in the U.S. I'm in my early 70's and my main concern would be health care.
International health care is available for you at $200 per month with no deductible.
And the hospitals in Thailand are better than the USA.
Here , they are about the same
@@-goldfinger2695hospitals in Thailand are better than in the U.S. 😂😂😂😂
That’s why royalty and leaders of countries with the resources go to the U.S. when they have a serious medical issue. I don’t see them lining up for Bangkok General Hospital.😂😂😂😊
Burnout still like in the 70th in PH - nothing changed 😂
When I was young, I visited Mexico many times and spent time with primarily poor people. I guess this prepared me to come here in my forties with my wife and then return in my mid-fifties to retire. I just rolled with it, and 15 years later, I am still happy.
Good for you ❤👍
That's how to do things instead of bitching afterward.
Wonderful chaps 🎉❤ this is one of the best conversations that I’ve heard ! Thanks you 🎉
I appreciate the well made points. I think this is a great video for it's stated purpose. Certainly useful for me. Well done!
I was recently in Cagayan Valley and there was a Mcdonalds who had the absolute best triple cheeseburgers I have had ever in my entire life. I darn near got addicted. Yeah! The Philippines has issues, many of which can drive one nuts if you let it. I am still on the fence with regards to settling in the Philippines or Thailand. I will mostly likely end up sharing time between the two to be honest. Hope everyone finds their balance during those retirement years.
I’m living on a boat with solar panels so my cure for keeping kool is two deep cycle marine batteries and a twelve volt fan.
Lol, I did the same exactly thing lol
Awesome video! Really practical and down to earth.
This was a great conversation. I really enjoyed…and learned from it. When I move there I will need to coach myself to chill on a regular basis.
Thanks for the informative content. I'm replying about the ants problem you mentioned. I'm not sure if these products are available there but the best way to get rid of ants is to mix borax powder (which is generally found in the laundry detergent isle here in the US) with honey or molasses. Mix it very thick. Thick enough that the ants can carry small chunks of it. That mixture in a Tupperware lid or equiliventt will draw ants in and they will carry it back to the colony and feed all the other ants including the queen. The borax wipes out the entire colony.
Thanks , I'll try it ❤
Don't bother with all that, do and use what we Filipinos used, the Chalk pencil. It's basically and ant killer in pencil ✏️ chalk form, just draw a line where ants go and see them disappear. Believe me, it's a miracle . S#$t works.
Borax powder were shipped from the Philippines, so you guys can use it. Try to buy something and most of them are made from Asia, mostly China.. stop implying that you have everything from where you are from. Apple, Walmart, Target, Levis and most everyday products the "Western" countries uses are all manufactured and made elesewhere.
I kept hearing Goldfinger referring to Bacon...Hey, I used to be a big bacon eater... mornings & BLT sandwiches for lunch...(I didn't smoke, drank alcohol responsibly, didn't over eat)..At age 65...I had to have a triple bypass on my heart arteries!
I'm convinced it was all that damn bacon! I haven't had 1 strip of bacon since surgery & I'm A1 fine now. Watch that greasy bacon, guys! It may/will clog your arteries big time....lower your cholesterol!!! Have fun, enjoy Philippines, &:stay healthy. 🤠👌👍
You guys are cool honest and wise . Also you are different personalities which makes a more rounded insight.
Thank you 👍
Enjoying the video. :)
For me, the power blackouts would be the greatest difficulty. I'm a Canadian and unaccustomed to sleeping in extremely hot weather. My plan is to build a house that is up to Canadian building standards and fully insulated so that air conditioning does not consume too much energy. I also intend to do a fully off grid solar system with a backup generator. Eventually I'll even do a grid tie. I am hoping that as long as I can maintain my creature comforts that I will enjoy my retirement and twilight years in the Philippines.
Try to install solar energy in your house to avoid those blackouts
just buy a generator save yourself many thousands of dollars works better lasts longer
Really don’t get blackouts in subic freeeport , stray dogs …roosters etc. But you can get back up generators with power banks if your in more province area. Filipino building standards are pretty poor.
If you are enjoying your creature comforts why would you move to the Philippines in the first place?
@@yayafan Sick of the west…and the love of a Filipina. BGC is the best place to live if ya can handle the traffic and the expense. Most foreigners go for the cheap side and the very young province girls. So they will be at the mercy of the typical problems in the phil’s ..
I'll be honest, I had a wonderful trip to the Philippines. I'm 30, I just can't stand to live there. Vietnam is a better place for me now. The frustrations of the Philippines are real. Setting that aside, the people are warm, welcoming and friendly. I just can't be in a country with lagging infrastructure and have to be in line for 20 minutes everywhere. Many little things would bother me or getting asked if I'm alone or in a relationship every other interaction, every single day it's like reverse catcalling. I would even get cat called. It felt like a hassle going to the grocery store, or for that matter anywhere. I'm not a hater and being a digital nomad, I will visit the north of the country and give maybe a weeks time in Manila area.
Much respect to the years of information from some of the great TH-camrs in this country.
So the thirst is a real thing 😂
Doesn't Vietnam require you to do a Visa run every 90 days? I imagine that would be exhausting?
Reverse catcalling. 😂😂 Never thought of that.
Digital wanker
@@jamesballard6564 Yes, but you can have the visa in hand in Vietnam and just cross the border. It's really convenient between Moc Bai border and HCM and other towns like Da Nang to do a border run. To me the pros outweigh any thing with the visa. It's not like you have to spend a few days in a different country.
Good conversation! Humorous, informative yet a learning experience 😂
Very good video. Is important concept and facts that new guys need to know and understand.
The three amigos. Good chat guys. All of those things will bug someone, probably not all will bug everyone, and the odd person isn't bugged by any of it. Isn't it fantastic if you can let it roll off your back and enjoy the positive aspects, and do what you can about the little issues when you can. Take care always and enjoy your lives without the rat race.
I only needed to go there for a few weeks to figure out that I would not be able to live under the conditions that exists in that country. I think you only scratched the surface of all the things that would be considered wrong by our western standards.
It’s the culture ..I live in Subic freeport ..no stray dogs, no roosters ..no Karaoke. Minutes from coffee houses and restaurants…the one thing which is annoying is the corruption. Corruption is my biggest bug bear..but if your a “leaner “ expat it will not affect you.
@@Eric-qm5xwWow, Subic Freeport sounds nice. I’ve been living in Bangkok for 7 years and considering a move to the Philippines. Everything talked about in this video is a no go for me. Maybe Subic Freeport is a possibility. I’m not on a low budget. Thanks.
You are too poor to live places in the Philippines with western lifestyle. Stay where you are, the Philippines don't need foreigners who bitches discomforts. The reality is most of these foreigners have income that cannot afford even the cheapest apartments.
What standards you talking about? Homeless and mass shootings? Not to mention your politics and politicians.
@@tombkk1322 lol well Thailand has far better infrastructure..I’d stick there lol 😂
I smiled as I listened to your advice. Funny and serious at the same time!
Great perspective and understanding of Philippine culture and understanding of self.
Gentlemen, you are adaptive which makes you able to live there.
Great that all three of you are passing on your perspective and wisdom.
Thank you from a Filipina in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Great interview, Gentlemen! Thank you!
- Yes, the loud noises are annoying, and that's something you have to just deal with. Lots of dogs barking, roosters crowing, karaoke singing, loud jeepneys/motorcycles, etc.. Nice thing is that the tech for active noise cancelling headphones is so good now that you can put on headphones and "drown" most of that noise out.
- Yes, bugs, mice, and rats are annoying, but there's not much you can do about it living in a tropical climate.
- Power outages aren't too big of a deal, unless you work remotely (like I do) and need power to work (or live in the province where outages often last all day). Other than that, just get battery operated fans/lights for emergencies.
- I've never heard of these 6 month Visa extensions, unless you guys are talking about another kind of Visa, because the Tourist Visas have always been a max 2 month renewal for the 5 years I've been here, as far as I've heard.
- Filipino Time: Yeah, it's another thing you have to get used to.
I still think the worst thing about living here is the poverty, and the fact that most people you interact with will try and get some money from you. That can wear on you after awhile, but there's nothing you can do about it except avoid interacting.
I get 6 months visas thru JRC, twice now .
2 months only is a local immigration problem within your city .
Just don't go there.
Just came back from 2 weeks in the Philippines and 2 weeks in Thailand. It was enough to convince me that I'd rather deal with the language barrier in Thailand until I learn basic Thai. Everything from the food to the infrastructure to the traffic was 10x better in Thailand. The people of the Philippines were extremely great people for the most part, but that was about it.
Correct…the noise of dogs..cockerels and the shitty infrastructure in Philippines is so annoying! But I can’t understand Thai English which ultimately made me stay with a Filipina.
@@ianwatson3315 Luckily, my Filipina partner loves it in Thailand too 😉
I think guys, it depends on where you stay. We have a house in the North and our house is in far from each other. Rural yet very quiet and decent.
You guys are awesome! I love seeing Gold finger, the dude is a legend!
Extremely interesting discussion, thanks!
No place on earth is perfect in all instances and circumstances. I currently own and live alone in a 2700 square ft 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house. Two cars in the 3-car garage and several motorcycles. When I want something I order it on Amazon and it shows up in a few days. I don’t expect that to be what I find in the Philippines. More than 1/2 my assets and half my retirement went away when I divorced in 2016. I am actually looking forward to getting rid of EVERYTHING and doing a life reset. I also want to be able to afford to live on my social security and some retirement assets. I visited Dumaguete in February and March. I’m going to Cebu at the end of November. I live in Spokane WA so it’s a big deal to get there 3 times a year and since I’m still working. I’m 100% commission so it’s VERY expensive to do the Boots on the Ground research I’m doing.
It's noisy because filipinos are rude inconsiderate no respect selfish below average iq. Philipines sucks
They call it a brownout because they're stupid
Everything you're describing is a low iq.. realize filipinos are ignorant
Sounds like you certainly need a reset & that's not a criticism, I do also.
So many materials & responsibilities only weighs a person down & I know only too well.
All the very best
@@keepitreal1547 In my mind I want to get down to a Suitcase and a backpack. May not be realistic but we’ll see.
I live in Lombok, Indonesia. Its funny how it's exactly the same here.
Truly amazing ❤ thank you
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Everyone should travel to as many countries as possible before you bite the big one. I would say the number one reason men travel and move to the Philippines is because you can find a child bride 30 to 40 years younger. Jayson was extremely honest when he said it was the young girls that prompted him to relocate to the Philippines, in all reality it's the main reason 95% of the expats move there. The young child brides explain exactly why old men would tolerate the dangerous traffic, infrastructure, blackouts, horrible medical, roosters, snakes, bad food, no toilet paper, loud music and the list is endless. In short, isn't it amazing what an affect and 18-year-old has on 50-60- and 70-year-old men. LOL
100% True, I live in Angeles and see it every single day here.
Not just child brides, but a partner in general. The pickins are pretty small in the US and other countries.
The fact is, 99% of foreign guys of all ages, can find a woman in the Philippines.
Most of these guys have zero chance in their home country.
@@keepitreal1547 You're right, BUT there is a huge cost involved, it's fraught with danger here. It's really a crap shoot. Any foreigner can easily team up with a much younger girl but the financial and emotional cost will always be an issue. Seen it so many times. Just my opinion.
A good friend of mine is heading back to Australia tomorrow night with 2 thousand dollars in his pocket, he is 60 years old. He came here with 170 thousand dollars 1 year ago.
@@Grahamgringo 😮all I have to say is “WOW” but I totally believe you .
Thanks for the video. After watching it, I felt a great appreciation for what I have in Arkansas and realized either you guys are really desperate, crazy or a little of both, lol. Things are getting worse all over the world, Philippines included. I am better off living with the crazy I know, than learning to live with a new kind of crazy.
Interesting comment...and from ARKANSAS.
😂 very true. Be where you can be most happy! We all are looking for somethings.
I found what I’m looking for in the Philippines I.e. low cost of living, able to live freely, more business opportunities, and travel and network more.
I now have triple citizenship and passports. One is the US. Love it.
The US is much more "free" than the PI. Cross certain lines there, and you're committing serious crimes you never heard of. Keep your head down and don't have any conflicts with locals. You'll lose.@@kabysummit5801
A few visits to the Philippines made me appreciate the USA more, and reminded me that all the Filipinos I know in the USA plan to stay.
Hello Paul and friends. Fabulous info!!! Theses are the things nobody tells us.
Just found your chanell. I live in Midsayap North Cotabato. Enjoyed this video, look forward to watching more.
I don't ever plan to live in the Phils permanently. But I definitely want to spend my Texas winters there, 3 months out of the year would be long enough for me. And then leave the flippn hot Texas summers for cooler climates. Basically stay in my Texas home 6 months out of the year. Everything is paid for so why give that up. All my basic and medical needs are met here.
Philippines sounds like it needs a Huge suggestion Box
I see my sons divorce ruin his life, she is a pig who took him to the cleaners and in America that is the norm
I think the 2 main factors for going to the Philippines, is cost and the age gap
I so appreciate the videos and great content. I've been thinking of heading out there for years and currently came across your channel. Thank you.
Very informative video 👍
I love this. Great information. I'm an Eskimo here in Canada. Culture shock is real and alive. A belief in a higher power and just letting go and let God. Acceptance. Things are the way they are supposed to be whether I agree or not. There are important life lessons in all of it for me. Heck, your retired, who cares anyway😅
I have been here 100 days. Had my SRRV in 75 days, Formed my corporation in 75 days, acquired my first 8000 sm property and will be starting construction on 16 homes next week. If you learn the rules of the game and know how to hire the right people to help you, with some tenacity you can thrive here.
Nice post, but as an old retired guy my tenacity and hard work days are over. I'm retried and loving it, but if I ever get bored I'll get a young Fiiipina GF who I'm sure will keep me on my toes!! LOL
For some, they wanted to be served hand and foot. That's Western Entitlements. I applaud you Sir and boohoo to others. The first rule of the game is adapt, adjust and learn. Including the language and local dialect wherever you are. Be well and thanks for the job opportunities to the Filipinos.
If you have the $$$$$$ you can grease the wheels to make anything go fast and smooth in the Phil's. As they say "money talks and Bull $hit walks." At least that's what I hear from a friend of mine who is married to a Filipina and lived in Davao City the past 15 years.
Love it you guys get together and shoot the breeze about a subject. Thanks
Great video I’m learning alot and want to hear more.
I was just there to check things out for 2 and a half months, and the cost to extend a visa now is ridiculous. You only get one month to start, then you have to pay a lot just for another 30 days, then you have to pay again if you want to stay more than 60. The chaos is hard to take, not that many people actually speak much if any English, but for me the worst part was the bad air and poor food. Food is horrible, quality is low, expensive, and it's real hard to eat healthily there. I was SO glad to return to Colombia.
Sorry to hear your story. About the food, I do agree. It depends on places and people. I avoided a lot of places, as a Filipino myself. If you compare the PH and US. Compare it like the money exchange rate.
I've given a strong comment on food overpricing in ph. I even said that the restaurant worker was ignorant. Just because they
're serving a foreigner, then they charged a lot. I also said,"just put your food on decoration."
Always best to cook your own food. If you have a garden, plant lettuce and onions. Make your own salad. You just need mustard, mayo, vinegar and ketchup. You use one or combination of condiments. You're good to go. Take care!
That's why you get the SRRV. Your complaints are those of a tourist visa. It's not gonna be like that once retired there.
The level of harsh living is dictated by where you live. I live in Mactan Newtown and it's very nice. No animal noise - no traffic noise - no bugs over the tenth floor - English is spoken well. Live in a resort area and life will be mostly like at back home. But there's one thing that I will never get used to as a 60 something old man - waking up to a beautiful 20 something lying in bed next to you. It's truly magical - and worth every other problematic circumstance.
Maybe??
Robbing the cradle does wonders to the libido! 😆
Not sure my girlfriend (who is 5 months older than I'm) would allow me to.
Wow this was extremely informative.. I might not be ready to handle the Philippines. Thank you.
good conversation thanks for sharing
When I was there the best thing was to just take it like Paul says: Just Adapt, Adjust and have allot of patience as the best approach and keep a friendly agreeable nature as Filipino's appreciate this no hassle or questioning because the minute you disagree or challenge then your only going to frustrate yourself. My best friend calls it like being in the "wild west" as you can basically just do as you want as the "Rules" are mere suggestions. And if you want American food then go to the Grocery and cook it yourself as that is the closest you'll get but it will cost you to have that taste.
Spot on. They’re free to leave if they’ll just complain.
You are doing fine, guys, your part of experiences would bring more thoughts and be patience. Do whatever you can do that makes you happy. Life sometimes is difficult and we are hoping for the best
Good luck, good health and God bless
Are you talking about western fast foods? Any place in the Philippines has them 7-11 all over the place McDo at whatever corner. They prepare Western foods much tastier and healthier. Speaking of WILD WEST, " MASS SHOOTING IS UNHEARD OF. Look around before you comment about foods.. Tons of them prepare your kind of food which is a lot, lot better than USA bland food.
Agree with you 100%
@@user-vl4sj6tg3t😅 0:04
Glad I'm back in Thailand.
Paul you hit the nail on the head,i get a twelve month visa coming in with my wife but i have never stay that long,two months at the most then i go out to Thailand,Malaysia,Bali etc,it works well because i feel better when i get back,i can relax,have wonderful night sleeps and get back into the Dumaguete groove and plan my next foray.
Very informative! Thanks guys! Greetings from Cyprus
I think it behooves an expat to learn the local language or Tagalog. It‘s not easy to learn a new language, but if a person wants to live in a foreign country, there are many benefits to being able to communicate with locals without an interpreter. Some men learn to speak two languages by only communicating with their wives in the foreign languages instead of in English.
Hahaha. I wish. After a half hour of trying to teach me how to say just one word, by wife just laughed and declared me hopeless. 😅😂
And for learning words, I've only ever been able to learn written words that I don't recognize when they are spoken. That's my entire life for 7 languages now. 😅😂
My wife might be right.🤣🤣🤣
Try different methods when you run into a wall 😮 until the breakthrough.
Don’t give up
@@user-zy1oh8jk7jwives don't want u to learn
Duh, English is 2nd language here in Philippines, this is not Thailand, I have no problems communicating with Filipinos here,,
@@spike2251 really?
I spent a year here getting around by trike and jeepneys before I got a D.L. and a car, it was easy to get the license. The bank part was easy, too. I went to a bank that was approved by the U.S. Government and filled out appropriate paperwork, then a few months later, my government checks hit local bank.
"A few months later, my government checks hit the bank"? How did you get your money from the US before then? Charles Schwab?
@@stanleyboothe4893 same question ... salamat
I pulled money out of my U.S. credit union through local ATM until my checks started hitting local bank. I also save 10% of my pay each month.
Great photos. 👍