Something has been happening in recent months. Something kind of unexpected, for me at least. It is certainly something good in my view, though.
So, what’s been happening?
A number of people who read this site have actually been moving here to actually Live in the Philippines! It’s kind of rewarding to me to see this happen too. While I don’t think, nor will I claim that I am responsible for them moving here, but I would like to think that I played a small role in helping them make the decision.
Too many people think that they just can’t do it. They dream about it. Everyday they think about it. They read about it here and on other sites about the Philippines. But, in the back of their minds, most people are silently thinking that it’s a wish, but very difficult to do. It’s too scary for some to do. It’s like venturing out into an unknown world.
Why are people scared? Well, maybe one of the big reasons is because it’s not a normal thing to do. What percentage of people leave their country of birth and move overseas to another country? Well, I don’t know the answer to that question, and it’s more of a rhetorical question anyway. But, what I do know is that the number of people who do it is a very small number. When you make the choice to move abroad, you get all kinds of strange looks from people. So many people think that you have absolutely gone insane. “What is he thinking,” they seem to say.
As I say, when you move abroad, people think that it’s crazy. They think that if you move from the USA to France or Britain. When they hear you say you are going to move to the Philippines they think that you are a certifiable nut job. I mean, it’s a poor country, the third world, corruption, crime, terrorism… these are the thoughts that they have, and many people even voice this to you! I know, I’ve been there myself!
Over the past few months several regular readers have moved here to the Philippines. Also, I am aware of several other readers who are in the stages of packing and preparing for the move as I type this. Still others have told me that they plan to make the move later this year. I am seeing increased momentum in people actually making the move instead of just thinking or dreaming about doing it.
Over the years of writing this site, there have been a number of times that Feyma and I have talked on this subject. The conversation has gone something like this:
Bob: You know, there are a lot of readers on that LiP site.
Feyma: Yeah, I know. A lot of them seem interested to move to the Philippines too!
Bob: Yeah, they are interested, but the vast majority will never make the move.
Feyma: Very true, probably just a couple of readers will actually do it.
Well, it’s true that only a small percentage will actually move to the Philippines. But, to be honest, I am pleasantly surprised at the numbers who are now going through with the dream. It’s satisfying to me also to see it happen.
Now, on the other end of this “rainbow” is that I have known a couple of people who moved here and hated the place, stayed 6 months or a year and went back home to the USA. Mostly, these people could not handle the Culture here, and instead of giving themselves a chance to adjust, they just left with a good degree of hatred in their hearts. Hey, we all have our own freedom of choice, and some of us choose paths that are different than others.
Anyway, the thing is, it is just really satisfying for me to see some people making the move. Making a move to a life that they feel will make them happier. Chasing after their dreams. These are all great things, and something that I am very happy to see!
How about you? Will you be joining us soon?
See you in the Philippines!
I don't think most people are necessarily scared to move to the PI, I think the majority want to insure they will have a steady income to support themselves such as retirement pay, savings and Social Security etc. Keep up the good work!
mayongbuntg bob
i have been to mindanao 3 times now and i also know that when im ready to retire it will be in the davao area.
i think the most thing that keeps me from being there right now is not being able to sustain my lifestyle there as my work is here.
me and marygrace were just married yesterday and we are so happy now.we have been through alot of obsticles but love surely endured.
my wife and son have adapted very nicely here in maine,,,ahhh well i will give you a update in january as to how much she likes maine hehehehe,,i do think that alot of people have insight into the philippines thanks to you and feyma and all the writers on lip.
i actually wish i found this site before i came to mindanao the first time.but better late then never right,,,
i do believe that alot of people have so much more info on phil now then compared to when you first come to phil huh bob.
i bet if alot more people who are ready to retire knew more about philippines that it is a great choice compared to living here in usa,price of living,medications,hospitals and so forth.
thanks for the great article my friend.
salamat bob
Hello RonW.,
Congratulations to you and Marygrace!! I hope she enjoys Maine too!!
Ingatz,
Danny 🙂
hello danny
thanks a million,this island where we live is very nice,alot of seafood for sure and million dollar views
thanks again.
we did put pics of our wedding here in the photos section
Kamusta ka Bob,
Bob, if I were a rich man, I would be there right now, and if I had no responsibilities that need to be taken care of before I come over, I would be sipping coffee and eating durian with you right now.
I've already passed the mindset of moving to a different country, and culture, and look forward to that.
I am just glad I have a very patient and understanding woman. She understands why I can't just fly right over to the Philippines right away. Some things take time, especially something like a big move like this. I wish I were there right now starting my new life, but it will be soon (pohon, pohon!!).
I do believe because of this site LiP, that you have helped the few that have made the move, make it a lot easier and more informed about the move to the Philippines, and I believe because of this site, there will be many more to come in the future, me included!!
Ingats, ug salamat kaayo,
Danny 🙂
Sounds like a great place Ron, I will check the pics out,I am so happy for the THREE of you!! Enjoy your life!!
Hi Bob(HI) – I wanted to move to the Philippines for several years. When I finally sold my house, I was scared to death! "What am I doing? Is this the right thing to do." I also get tons of e-mails from people, and believe me, a lot of people are very nervous to move here! Of course, things like income are always a concern too.
Hi Ron – Congrats on the Wedding. I'm glad that the weather cooperated this time! It will be interesting to see how marygrace handles the Maine winter coming up a few months down the road!
Yeah, when I first moved here… I basically had no information about living here! Now, there are tons of websites like this one!
Hi Danny – You wouldn't be eating durian with me right now! Too early in the morning right now for me! 😆 Just kidding… I know what you mean.
I know that you are very excited for your upcoming move!
Hi Bob – You know my position (sitting amongst the boxes!). 🙂
The move will be quite involved, with business transactions between here and there, but we'll make it and love it. It appears our arrival there will be just as involved. We got word the other day that our katulang, who has been watching over our house, is going to get married! Ninong & Ninang, here we come (wonder if we get the rope?). 😀
Hi Paul – Wow, all kinds of exciting events in your life! Congrats to your katulang!
i will be there as soon as i get things straightened out. sell the house and car and a few small comittments. hopefully shortly after the first of the year.
thanks for all the info it has helped a lot. there is a lot to know about, before you move there and hard to find all the info you need. but im getting it togeather thanks to you and a couple other sites
w.c. (bill) page
Hi Bill – Nice to hear of another person who is on track to make the move! Good luck to you, and if I can do anything to help you, please let me know!
Hi Bob
I will be headed to my house in 2 weeks I am excited 99% finished for
moving there, well the house is done now I will build my savings,and
hope to be a permenent resident in 3 to 5 years, but it is a scary
thing some time but I have been working and living in the middle east
for 6 years if I can overcome that, living in the philippines will be
my dream come true.
Hi Bob..Yes you did contribute alot with all your writings published here..I met a woman on the internet here ..while living in the USA.. Funny never thought in a million years I make such a move..I am a professional Car Man and Poker player..So you know I am what you might call "Cool" by that meaning… Have enough intelligence to do the right thing in making decisions…Any way Being a "people man" in life I knew right off in meeting this girl she was one of the specials.(like your Feyma)..and after 1 1/2 years of communication decided was time to come to the Philliphines and be with her..I never even gave a thought that we would not be compatiable selling everything and moving. I had never met her in person I just knew she was the one…. I found a home in the Manila area thru the internet and that was a chore many hours of looking … we met at the airport… she was from Davao…and we have been together here now 1 year…Everything is beautiful and life is sweet…I did worry about troubles who wouldn't??.. But I researched alot of hours via the internet and came to the conclusion that the suburbs of Manila and Davao where the safest places to live…You have to research the weather alot in making a decision of where to live.. keep that in mind if your planning to move here ..I live very resonable here …it takes about $800.00 amonth at 12,500p house rent ($250.00usd) anything you have over the $800.00 is fun money..I eat good live good and have great neighbors the people here are great…I do take cautions though…I never get dropped off at my door…if riding a taxi or other transportation… generally a block away so no one really knows where I live.. but thats just me being cautious.. maybe no reason to do it… but thats just the Italian in me …… The Malls are second to none ..And If your thinking about the ocean and a house on the beach as I was ..I changed my mind about that… as it seemed those places might be a little dangerous to live… We just go places like that for 3 – 4 days and have fun… I see the simple way of life here and the hard way also… but also see real people unlike the USA where people become so stressed and lose the simplicity and meaning of everyday life..you only see this if your here and looking back and your not trapped in it… Your writings here helped alot and i am still reading your site… take care all of you and God Bless
If I could duplicate what I have here ( and that is really not all that much compared to a lot of people ) and place it in a similar surrounding there, it might be something worth considering for a future time but lets face it, things are just not that easy. For me I don't really see much of a cost saving when " All " things are considered.
I like a regular job ( if there really is such a thing ) with a predictable and regular income, I like to own and not rent, and I am reasonably well contented with what I have and where I live, so for me there is no immediate need to go somewhere else.
I have had some incredibly fantastic visits and look forward to more in the future. I have also made what I consider to be some genuine friendships there as well. As it has been mentioned on this website, and others, visiting and having a great time compared to actually living there are two entirely different things. For me, I would rather not, at this time, want to in any way tarnish the feelings and impressions I have had from my visits by taking a chance on moving there and having it become a dissapointment. With the technology we have today I can " virtually Visit " every day if I like and look forward to real visits in the future.
Now I would not go as far as saying I would never entertain the thought of living there on some kind of permanent basis. I think the major thing that would deter me from that is in the reality of questioning would I really have the patience to endure some of the differences of living here, and living there.
Hi James – I know you are really looking forward to making the move! Well, try to do it in 3 years instead of 5… that sounds much shorter! 😉
Hi Lenny – You can play Poker here too! There are a number of poker clubs in Davao! 😆
It sounds like things are going nicely for you, and I am happy for that. I'm glad that you've found the site helpful, and I hope that everything continues going well for you!
Hi Bob – Everybody is different and has their own desires. I have been self employed for about 20 years now, except for a brief stint. I wouldn't consider going back to a "regular job" – difference is what makes the world go around! 😀
Yea Bob you are doing a good job here as far as i can see ,and that is not to far with all the banana trees around my house 🙂 (just a joke )you started out with about 5-15 comments a article and now you get up to 50 to over a 100 and from people of all walks of life ..like me 🙂 more people are reading the comments and leaveing good replys a lot may never move here but they still will visit cause of the comments they read here .. then they will say I can do this and move here or not..and I can say with all honesty cause of your site is what hepled me move here so I say "Thank you Bob for every thing you have done " ….Phil n Jess
Bob, don't be so modest, you and Feyma had an intrical part in helping at least myself in making the decision to move here, you have always given me honest straight forward information and none of it sugar coated to make it seem nothing like it truly is and for that i am forever grateful not only to the both of you but Dave and John and JohnM and all the other who unselfishly give thier time to answer the truths about living here in the Philippines. I absolutely love it here, it is a challenge of course for me but it makes me a better person. I love the culture, the people and the whole ambiance about this place. Like i said before if it weren't for my wife and her need to explore our beautiful planet this is where i would spend the rest of my day's. I am so not surprised allot of people are making the move here i mean why not it's an affordable place to live with real old world values. To me it's like living the 60's all over in the sense of great things happening. so anyway again thanks Bob and Feyma and the gang … Mabuhay !
There may be tons of websites, but yours is certainly among that elite group at the top!
I have moved around much of my life. One of my moves was in 1980 when I moved to the Olongapo area. I lived there for about 5 years. I loved it,but it took me about 2 years to get over the home sickness and make my new life my own. I have always told family and friends of my 2 year rule. Any major change in life, you need to live 2 years in your new life to adjust. I do believe I again will live in the Philippines, but this time I will understand my 2 year rule to really enjoy my new life!!
Hi Phil – At least with the banana trees you can keep some food to eat! Ha ha… that's one of the benefits of living out in the boonies.. grow your own! 🙂
Thanks to you, Phil for always participating actively on the site!
Hi Tommy – Ha ha… well, I'll let you toot my horn instead of tooting it myself! Thanks for your nice comment. I'm glad that you are enjoying your life in the Philippines!
Thanks, Tom! I do my best! Most of the time anyway! 😉
Hi Evelyn – I totally agree with your 2 year rule! Feyma and I set up a rule like that when we moved to the Philippines, except we made it 5 years. We agreed that we must stay for a minimum of 5 years, even if we didn't like it! Thankfully, after a "breaking in period" we both love it here.
Hi Bob
Although you did not persuade me to move to the Philippines (we already decided to move before I found your website). Your website (& other similar websites) have confirmed that I'm doing the right thing.
We plan to rent our house in UK for between 3 to 5 years while living in Bacolod. During that time we would have adjusted to 'Filipino ways' and hopefully know for sure if I will end my days there. Also by then UK house prices would a better price (hopefully?) so we can sell up completely.
In the meanwhile, I've enjoyed peoples reactions to various issues about life in Philippines. Can't wait to go…..
Keep up the good work.
hi Bob,I've decided to live in the Philippines after staying here for 8
months.The idea of coming here (initially for 6 months )was to see if I would enjoy it.There is no way of knowing in advance as the experience is completely different from the one you get by just being on holiday for a few weeks.I've been living in a pinoy area and found it very easy to adapt.I recommend to anybody planning to move here to try first living here for a few months and see how it goes.I know it's not easy as you have to ask for a long break from work or, in my case, resign.
I am going back to Europe in July and then I'll be in Cebu in September.
Thanks for your website.
Jean-Louis
Hi Bob, I was having a discussing yesterday with some friends about moving to the Philippines, which is my Big Dream. Some of them said if you do so you will be jeopardising the future of you children (who are 6 and 7), meaning the level of schools in PI isn't up to par (compared to schools in Europe of the US of course). I think you have addressed this topic before. But what would be your comment on that. Best regards, Ronny
Hi Bacolod Barry – I know that I made the right choice for myself. We are all different, and the right choice could be different too. I'm glad that this site and others helped you confirm that you had made a good choice for yourself.
Hi jean-louis – Wow, coming to stay for good in September! That is right around the corner! Good luck to you, I hope that all goes as planned!
Hi Ronny – There are schools here in the Philippines that are sub-par, no doubt. There are also good schools that are at least on par with foreign schools, even advanced. My kids have cousins in the States of the same age, and when I compare the education of the kids, the US cousins and my kids are not much different. I think that the schools that I send my kids to are excellent. If I thought that living here was bad for my kids, I wouldn't be here.
Mayon buntag Bob
ok it could be mayon gaabi when you read this, but i am trying to learn the language hehehe.
I do tend to agree a lot with what you say,Only for my finacial circumstances I would be writing this from the philipines now,One thing that I would imagine is a big drawback for most and to some degree I would say it is where the philipines shoots itself in the foot (so to speak), there tends to be no provision for a forigner to be able to make his home in the philipines, explaining that a little more your not allowed to work unless you have a visa or married to a national, you cannot own land or estate etc.I would agree that there are no doubt some who find ways around these laws e.g. flying out every 16 months or so on a visa run but in saying that I would also imagine that this type of living for an ex pat would eventually become a bind. I say this knowing most ex pats are in the philipines because they are seeing a filipina (or filipino),Modern day living brings with it modern day problems one big problem is because of circumstance it is not possible to marry ( philipine family law) this presents a problem of living from day to day, you cant work to support the girl( boy) and any family, your finances dwindle and i would imagine it soon leaves no alternative but to leave.I am not intending to paint a black picture of life there but I would say that the philipine gov do start addressing this area of life. After saying all that though I can hand on heart say nothing will stop me from being in the philipines with those I love. I just thought i would raise the point for debate.Once again I hope i havent offended anyone by doing so.
Hi Dave – the things you are saying have some truth, but also in the day we live in they can be not correct at all. If you have some kind of business in your home country that you can run over the internet that is a perfect solution. The Internet makes it possible to work no matter where you live, and without running afoul of Immigration laws too. So, in today's modern times, with the types of resources we have at our disposal, I don't see work as a big problem. Of course, YMMV.
Hi Bob,
As I read your artical today, I get so excited in me, as I am one who will be starting to live my dream of living in the PI. the years have gone by, and only got 48 working days, and a total of 107 days altogeather before I get on the plane. Packing my last 2 boxes, and waiting. Some days the time is draging, and then one day you relize wow another month gone.
And its funny when you say people think you are crazy when you telling them you going to move to a forgein country. I those loks, you know what i mean.
Hope to meet you when there. Be safe God Bless
Kenney
Hi Kenney – What great news! You have an exciting few months ahead of you! I hope that everything goes smoothly! Where do you intend to settle down in the Philippines?
I can give you one bit of first hand information as I handled the paperwork for this myself. A Philippine student who had earned a Bachelors Degree at a university in Mindanao, was contemplating comming to the USA to earn his Masters Degree. In many situations, when a foriegn student applies to a USA College or University their educational credentials must be " converted " to USA equivalents. There are many independent services that perform this. The student I am talkiing about here, sent the paperwork to me and I submitted it for review to World Educational Services in New York City. After a complete review and assesment , the Philippine students Bachelors Degree was certified as being equivalent as if it were earned at a USA College or University.
When I visited Mindanao, I was quite surprised of finding so many educational facilities, of all kinds , that are available. Obviously some are better than others although that is true in any other country as well.
I have personally toured a few facilities and in the future I shall take a look at a few more. In one of the more well known Universities I visited I toured the entire campus, all of the buildings, spoke with students, faculty and the University Chancellor. I was rather impressed.
Hi Bob- I have not contributed to your web magazine, but I have been reading your web sites for the last 3 years. I will be moving to Davao to retire in just a few years when I retire. It just takes a little time to work out the details of such a move. I would not be moving to Davao if it were not for you, actually I would not even considered it. I met my wife in Cebu, but she was from Davao, so we made a three day trip to Davao to meet her family, and even though I really liked Davao on that first trip I thought I was lucky to get out of Mindanao with my life, from what I had heard. That all changed when I started reading your website. So, thank you Bob. You have already had a big influence in my life, and I am sure that is true of many other readers out there.
I was in Davao one year ago today on a trip to buy our building lot at the largest subdivision in the Toril area, but a US bank problem in wiring the money, so the deal did not go through, and I don't think I want to live that far out Davao. I am a private pilot and I have a light sport aircraft (Airborne XT-912) that I would like to bring to Davao. So there is a lot to work out, but I will make the move with or without the aircraft, I may just have to return to California every summer to fly, but I would like to work it out so as I can, find a hanger and get permission to fly out Davao International. There is a lot to work out but I will will see you in Davao soon. Take Care Ted.
Hi Bob,
My decision to move is in place, boxes are being packed and, I should be there in August. Well Bob thanks for the advise on your site, it was quite instrumental in me making my decision.
Tony……
We will be living in Lunocan. It about 30 min outside CDO.
Manolo Fortich area.
Thanks for that confirmation, Bob.
Hi Ted – Wow, I am humbled! Honestly, though, I just don't think that you need to have any worries about living in Davao, and I am happy that my writing has made you think so too. I appreciate your kind words, Ted.
On your attempted land purchase in Toril… well, I pretty much agree with you on that – Toril is too far from the City for me.
Hi Tony – Wow, a lot more people are jumping in here and saying "I'm on the way" – I am actually even more surprised to read this! Great news, and good luck to you, Tony!
That's great, Kenney. I love that area! If you ever have a chance, go enjoy a steak at the Del Monte Clubhouse in Manolo Fortich! It's a great meal.
Hello Bob and Feyma,
Just a quick note to let you know how helpful your site is and
you are doing such a wonderful job. I'm on here virtually every
day.
I'll be in Davao sometimes soon just for a visit and I would love
to meet you, and your wife.
Thank you,
Cina
Hi Cina – Thanks for being a regular visitor! We would be happy to meet you when you are in Davao!
Dear Bob!
Your right Bob – people think "we are nuts" being Europeans to move in our age (64 & 61) to the Philippines – but not us 🙂
We love the PH and our very precious Davao daughter-in-law!
As you know us already – we are reading your LiP every morning now for "breakfast" 🙂 all your advise from your books and LiP websites are first class for our dream to retire in Davao. We still have to get things sorted out over here in Germany, after all, this will be our last big move in our life time, we guess.
Our decision to retire in Davao still stands very strong 🙂 We cannot wait to go…..
Again Bob – Thanks for all your comments and advise. Keep up the good work.
Kind regards across the miles to you and Feyma from Rudy & Ivy
Hi Rudy and Ivy – The way you talk about your daughter in law, you should like my parents talking about Feyma. If the day ever came when Feyma and I would have to divorce, I can assure you that my parents would have kicked me out of the family and taken Feyma in! Ha ha…
I'm glad that you have found my site, books and such very useful, Rudy! It really makes me feel good to hear that!
I will do that. I was there, but we just sight seeing, and were a little pressed for time. But that will be changeing soon. Thanks for the tip.
No problem, Kenney! See you sometime soon!
Hey Bob, I know you haven't been back to the States for a while, but I think you would be suprised how much it has changed in the last year and not in a good way. I wouldn't be suprised if that is one of the main reasons a lot more people that were on the edge, but not quite decided to move have. I'm retired Navy and have 15 more years to go for a second Federal retirement, but here lately me and my wife have been talking more seriously about early retirement of 5 or less years and getting out of here to go there, I'll bet a lot of people are feeling the same way.
hi, i would be there already but my wife likes the usa ,and she is to worried about money over there. eventually one day i will just announce that i am going to move there without her.she doesn't want me to sell our house here! we have three property's in Cebu we could move to ,one that already has a house on it! the other 2 we need to build something.one of the lots is on the ocean.i told her i would build a native hut on that one with a generator if need be !i hate the rat race in the usa especially knowing i could be hanging out at the beach everyday literally when i wake up!
Hi Ed – Wow, 15 more years! That's a long time, my friend! For me, early retirement would certainly be an attractive option! Good luck to you.
Hi mike – I understand your wife's concern. Feyma was much like that too. There have been times when I would say that her concern about that was justified too, but we've always made it through and ended up prospering to some extent. Give her time, she will come around!
Bob
This is the end of my first week in the Phils now.
People back home were in shock about my choice to move out of America.
I did it for love.
Also,I find that now am am relaxed like never before in my home land.
The streets here are full of people.Back home I had neieghbors for years and we never spoke to each other.Here I have made more friends in one week than I had in 10 years back home.
Working 9 to 5,not.
Hi erik – It sounds like you are doing great! I hope that you really enjoy yourself here. Keep in mind that it won't all be easy, there will be some hard times ahead, but just keep an open mind. I know, because I've been there myself, and I've seen it in every other expat that I know. But, you will make it if you keep an open mind. Good luck!
You can add my name to the list of crazy people.. I catch my flight there in July. 🙂 Going to settle down in the Cebu/Mactan area. Start with a studio and then upgrade if I find something nicer for the same money. I’m a single guy with a wonderful girlfriend who has flown to the US to be with me several times for two years. I anticipate there will be challenges, but I believe the benefits will be worth it in the long run.