Did you come to the Philippines for a visit? Did you come here to visit family of your wife? Maybe you came for business trip? Just for holiday? Very rare for person to come here for holiday if they have no connection to the Philippines.
Motorized Banca
Coming here to the Philippines for any of those reasons is very dangerous, and you must consider this before your travel.
No, I am not talking of bombs, kidnapping or guns. What do I mean? Philippines is addictive!
Why is Philippines addictive? I mean, in my life I travel to many countries for holiday or for job purpose. Every country I visit, I enjoy it, but I go home to Spain (or Ireland), get back at my work and just hold on for fond memories.
Since first time I visit Philippines, though, it goes in my blood. I can’t stop thinking: Philippines, Philippines, Filipinas! Ha ha, sorry I must throw in about the Filipina, because I love the ladies so much. But, true, when I go home to Spain after first visit to Philippines, I spend my time on Internet sites to learn more and read more about Philippines. Oh, yes, I also spend time looking pictures of many Filipina on my computer too! But, you see my meaning?
Why is the Philippines addictive for us? Why we can’t get enough Philippines? When I go to Hungary, I am not searching sites for Hungarian Sausage! No, I just go home and forget about Hungary. But, not Philippines.
Warning for all traveler to the Philippines: You may never be able to leave. If you do leave, maybe just temporary. Philippines will haunt you for a long, long time.
About Carlin
hola carlin
i know just what your talking about my friend.i also got addicted to philippines,philippines,filipinas also hehehehe.im just recently married to my filipina.
she is now livin in usa with me and im not so quick to come back to mindanao but it still on my mind alot.wish i was rich so i could live there full time.someday if i ever retire or become rich and famous like bob it may be possible.
nice to see your article here because i thought you had trouble with motorbike or accident or mabe kidnapped by alot of filipina my friend hahahahahaha
salamat carlin
Hola Carlin, It’s true, everyone shpuld be warned about the Philippines. For so many reasons, if you come to the Philippines, you’ll never forget it, and if you leave, all you’ll be able to think of is getting back there sooner or later. Even some readers here on the site in the process of coming, are addicted already! Be warned!
I usually only take one vacation per year. Last year I visited The Philippines for the first time and went to Iligan City which I found to be quite an amazing place. A few months later and I was back there again. Although I brought home hundreds of pictures and some unique souveniers, it is the memories of my visits that I find priceless.
Como esta Carlin,
I won’t have to worry about terrorists, bombs and guns. If I look at too many filipina’s, then I will have to worry about MY FILIPINA Rose!! Otherwise I will be living in the “dog house”..lol. Just in case keep room open at the Carlin casa..lol.
I really hope the Philippines is addicting!!
adios,
Danny
hi carlin
what brought you to the philippines the first time and may i ask, how do you support yourself to be able to live there? i think alot of people want to transplant living there just have to figure out the money.
The Philippines may be addicted, but what a sweet addiction this is my friend. Coming back again in September to spend some time with my sweet Juliet. I can`t wait to finally make the move to the Philippines already, but I must wait till probably the end of next year or the year after that. Take care mi grande amigo!
i love P.I cant wait to move there , i told my wife if she doesn’t want to move back to Cebu she can stay in the usa and i will stay with her family in mandaue city and bring our son with me and put him in private school she can send me money every month to support us hahahah!
It was a Filipina that was my first reason to visit. Most by now know I enjoy sailing. Flying over the Phils made me weak in the knees. Oh the possibilities are endless with anchorages. I have visited Manila, Baguio, Sagada, Banaue, Cebu City, Malapascua, Samal, Davao, Mt. Apo, by foot, jeepney, a/c buses, air, trike, and all I can say is what a beautiful diversity the country has. I have come to call it home already. I am impatient for the final move……i2f….John
Carlin you must be ashame of yourself!! For not warning sooner, about the Philippines to me and others.I met a very nice young lady on line from a place call the Philippines, and had to meet her in HongKong where she worked.She took evrything I had and that was a broken heart..She fix it and gave it back to me, with no strings atached..When I went back to the states, I could not get her out of my mind and hart. So I went back to see her again at her home in Manila, the best time I ever had..That was 2005,I’ve been back four times now, and yes when we came back the last time, we were as husband and wife…J.C.
yes the philippines are addictive the people the food the life i do think about the philippies ( mati )where my wife is from.its a whole new world i like to see there faces im 6’5″ 330 in weight my wife 5’3″ they say wow he’s sooo big i love playing basketball with then they like to see me dunk the ball.and eat
Hola Carlin, not that I dispute ur claims & I’ve never been to Zamboanga or anything but I seem to think that you only stay there. I guess my point is Zamboanga is not the Phil. Why Zamboanga only? Do you feel like a kid in candy store there? I bet you’re popular w/ the ladies there & maricons?.
I visited the Philippines for the first time when I was 16, in 2000. My father had settled down in the country when he retired, so he invited me over. I went back once in 2005, two times in 2008 and in January 2009. Will be visiting again in the middle of August 2009.
The Philippines to me, is a place to relax completely. To get away from the hectic work at home and forget about all my everyday worries.
Hello :
Well I’m not sure about ANYTHING !! at this time of my life .
I just turned age 62 and now Social Security is forcing my to tale RETIREMENT at age 62 Because I’m getting SSI and when you are getting SSI the USA Govt. can FORCE you to RETIRE at age 62 .
If I had waited until age 66 I would be getting $700+ every month ,, but NOW I will only get $375 every month until I Die or the Govt. goes BROKE ,, which ever comes first .
I like the USA and I also like the Philippines .
If I sell my home I might get $125,000 ,, so If I budget my money and live on between $700 to $900 a month then MAYBE I would have enough $$$ to last me 17 to 19 more years in the Philippines ,, I think ?? But I’m not sure of that .
Because I would want Airconditioning 24/7 in my Bedroom and DSL Internet 24/7 .
Then RENT a nice 2 bed 2 bath Apartment or House ,, I do NOT want to live in a Garbage type place ,,, it has to be nice !!
I would like to live in a nice CONDO that has a swimming pool and a Elavator because I can NOT climb stairs .
So is all this possible on my Budget or is it just a DREAM !!
At age 62 ,, with a Bad Back and Diabetes type 2 I doubt that I would live more than 10 to 15+ years ,, Hell I might Die tomorrow ,,, because you NEVER know the Future !!
Regards
Bill
PS ,, all Suggestion and Info will be appreciated . Also I do NOT Smoke or Drink ,, But I am addicted to a Pain Killer drug named Methadone .
I’m living here now Carlin ,What else can I say ..Phil n Jess
its easy to realize why Carlin chose zamboanga city because its beautiful,its near the beach its relatively cheaper then a lot of citys financialy and they speak chavacano(which is a dialect that resembles spanish) so its easier for carlin to communicate because he is a Spaniard !
hello Carlin, You are so right. I came for two weeks to meet lady and take photo’s for K-1 visa. That was year ago and although I am not with Lady any longer I am in Philippines. Different Lady and different Island but still here. You come to visit and you want to take it all home with you. You can’t do that so the only choice is to move here. The addiction is much stronger than any drug. The lady I am with now told me ” you cheat I cut your d–k but is ok for me. I am not as young as you and one is enough. hehe
Hola Carlin & all. So I have a question here, after a couple of visits to Cebu, Manila, Baguio, Angeles as well as Thailand I am considering a retirement somewhere abroad. I am a 6 ft. 200 pound very light skinned guy (definitely a Westerner) & experienced traveler, but my question is Isn’t Zamboanga & vicinity more dangerous than most other PI locations for westerners because of the muslim unrest as well as the poverty petty crime? Wouldn’t someone like me always be looking over my shoulder to see whose checkin me out? And is Gen San City any better/worse (I read here where it is regularly bombed)
Thanks!
I know what you mean Carlin. I’m looking forward to my next trip there and my last one was far too short. I hope to live there at least part of the year sometime in the future.
Oye Carlin, seems like I’m posting to your site everytime you write a new article now. I read yours 1st before anyone else’s. Maybe Senor Bob will let me place my picture on here one of these days. A year ago at this time I was in the Philippines for a month. I really didn’t want to leave. On a daily basis, I think of the possibility of living there, even 1/2 the year maybe. I know for sure, however, that I wouldn’t want to live in the Metro Manila area. Que horror! I assume your chavacano is pretty good now after living there for some time. You need to teach me. It shouldn’t be hard since I know spanish and tagalog.
I know I mentioned it b4, but don’t you think marketing Zamboanga as a tourist destination for Spanish-speaking countries is a big potential market? I bet many Chilangos from D.F., Mexico and Madrilenos would travel there if they knew how beautiful it is, how safe it is & that there is a very common language that makes it quite easy to communicate with the people. Zamboanga is probably one of the only places in the Philippines that can be promoted this way. My grandparents are from Cavite & I’ve been around that area. There is not a lot of chavacano being spoken like it is in Zamboanga. TV Patrol is even broadcasted in Chavacano there. I am dying to watch an episode of that! When the tourism department calls it “Asian’s Latin City,” however, I think they need to not just hang those signs around town, but try to get them into key markets in the Spanish speaking world. These markets also includes all the Hispanos in the U.S.
Carlin,
You are exactly right. I’ve been living here for almost seven years now and STILL love it! Sure, I get frustrated with some of the stuff and issues here but what the heck; its still better and far more fun and interesting than back home in the states.
I got “hooked” on the Philippines on my first trip here in 1996. Kept comming back and cried like a baby each time I got on the plane to return to the US. Finally realised I had to do something or go nuts! So finilly move here and got married in 2003. I’m still hooked on the country and it’s people and would never even concider returning to the US of live anywhere else.
Hola RonW: Very, mucho addictive! No trouble of motorbike, I just busy riding!
hola queeniebee: Warning! Warning! Philippines unforgetable! I never forget, I never leaving Philippines!
Hola Bob: Amazing, amazing the Philippines. Memories, pleasure, some pain too, but always memory.
Oh Danny, Hola! Oh, you be careful of Rose, you make her angry, she give you Filipino haircut! You know that one? Plenty space Casa Carlin!
Hola Maria: I already answer your question many times, I think you not reading my article!
I come here Philippines for special woman. For earnings, I own apartments building in Spain.
Hola Adrie: You enjoy time September, amigo! Very lucky you are.
Ha ho! Amigo mike, good good plan! You de man!
Hola amigo John: Impatient? Make your move now, man. Just do it!
Mi amigo j.c. : I very shameful! I warning you, but not strongly I think. You already in the hook now!
Hola tonka: everything in Philippine addictive to me. I love Philippine.
Hola roy: sometime I thinking you not nice guy, Roy. Sorry, it just seem that way. You attack a lot people. No, I not Zamboanga only. You, only Chicago? You no see America? Why only Chicago? You never also visiting Spain? Why? You have candy store also at Chicago? Maybe you popular to the men there? I feeling sick to you roy.
Hi Carlin, sorry if you feel that way. There was no ill feeling w/ my question. What my comment tried to articulate (but failed misearably) is I cannot understand your fascination to Zamboanga. I have never had anybody in my circle been to Zamboanga so imagine my interest how a foreigner like you chose to stay in Zamboanga, w/o any fear of motorbiking in the highway. I just added that maybe you’re enjoying there as if you’re a child in candy store.
That said, I should point out that I do not attack people here in LiP. If I argue on some points, it is because I also like to process the infos, ideas, impressions I read here.
I hope i did not ruin your day, Carlin.
i could see where you’re coming from, Roy. maybe, just maybe, carlin had just misinterpreted the meaning of your message… maybe, the message was not interpreted in the same context as yours? it happens most of the time especially when there are cultural differences, etc. what the americans would find humorous may not seem humorous to us, and vice-versa. and i have never seen you attacking people here in LiP, either, you seem to be a very open-minded and unprejudiced person. And i see your point in joking that maybe carlin is popular with the ladies and maricon because i have experienced that first-hand. my husband is spanish and very handsome, if i may say. wherever we go in the philippines, ladies and maricons alike would always turn their heads twice or thrice and call him guapo, pogi, etc. but my husbans stays cool… as if nothing happened. i think, carlin, that’s what roy would want to say with the joke. no malice nor offence meant. it just implies that your being a good-looking guy makes you the center of attention of ladies and maricons alike which does not necessarily mean that you like the maricons, of course. the message seems to be a good-natured one to me…
Gracias roy. I sorry also if misinterpret your comment. I felt you made insult of me. OK, no problems. Of course Spaniard like Zamboanga becuase Zamboanga is Latin City of Asia.
Enjoy Philippines Adamite!
Thanks Ensueno, you bring a very impt point on cultural difference on how Fil shows their interest to other people. I, for one, stare when I see something interesting. Westerners find this rude. Recently though, I came upon Amish people in a greyhound bus stn. As I was furtively looking at them, they were also openly staring at another family w/ kids crying.
Hi, Bill.
It’s nice to know that you are considering Phils. as your retirement haven. I could not share to you an exact estimation of the living cost in the Philippines as I am currently living abroad (but i am basing my ideas in Davao where I just had my vacation (dec 2008 till feb 2009)but I hope to give you at least an idea so you can draw your own conclusions.
renting a condo unit might be more expensive than renting a house, even in an exclusive subdivision, etc. pros of condo unit might be the elevator, etc but inside an exclusive subdivision, there are also swimming pools, security guards, etc. It’s almost always cheaper if you try to look for property to rent by yourselves as real estate agency charges commission to the property owner which the property owner would get from your rent, so that would result to higher rental fee. If you would want airconditiong 24/7 in your room that might also cost you a lot since Phils. has one of the most expensive electricity rate in Asia, if i am not mistaken. DSL internet 24/7 for eg PLDT with telephone calls might cost from 1000 to 1500 pesos a month. Actually with 700 to 900 dollars a month for yourself alone is more than enough, with that budget you can eat out, go out to have some fun, pamper yourself, etc. Everything goes down to right finance mgt which i am sure you are more than capable of handling. If you are going alone and staying alone in the Phils,esp. in the beginning when you are still trying to adapt, it’s better if you have someone you know recommend to you a good person as your house helper who can clean the house for you, go to the market (since if you do it yourself, some people might take advantage jacking up the prices, etc.) and besides, there is nothing wrong with a little help. With your budget, you can still indulge yourself to a weekly or bi-weekly shiatsu massage, etc. In the philippines, the health care is not as good like in Spain(free health care) so it’s better if you consider a private health insurance or always have extra money on hand for emergencies. I think, with the laid-back pace of life in the Philippines, sooner or later you wouldn’t be needing anymore Methadone (I hope).
I hope that this has helped you a little with your dilemma.
Have a good day, Bill. And don’t let your worries and doubts ruin your dream of having a happy, peaceful and full of fun(why not!) retirement!
God bless!
Hola Carlin,
Buenas noches,,whatever time it is in the Philippines, hello!!! I agree with you Zamboanga is like a spanish speaking City…they called it chabakano or mixed spanish language. I, too, worked there in Zamboanga del sur(Pagadian)…and I find the place most fascinating..there are muslims, catholic..it’s kind of diverse culture. I’m very glad that you like it there…Whatever you do, wherever you go, may God always protect you. Peace Brother.
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