Live in the Philippines

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Are there a million reasons to live in the Philippines?

How to Move to the Philippines, Money Matters / by

A few days ago, I got an e-mail through my contact form here on LiP.  The e-mail was from a reader named Kevin.  Kevin had a question in his mind that he wanted to hear what LiP readers thought about.  The article that sparked his interest was the article last week that was written by LeRoy, Retire in the Philippines, is it for me?  In his article, LeRoy wanted to get help from LiP readers to help him decide if he should think about retiring in the Philippines.

Well, when Kevin read the article, a question came to his mind too, and Kevin wanted to know what other LiP readers thought.

Here is Kevin’s question:

If you had $1 Million, would you still choose to live in the Philippines?

I am sure that the answer will be different for everybody.  Let me share my own personal view on this.

I have never had a million dollars before, at least not at one time.  I suppose that over the course of my life I have had more than a million dollars, but when it is spread out like that, it doesn’t exactly afford you the opportunity to do the things you could do if you had a cool million in a pile in front of you.

For me, moving to the Philippines was never about money.  A lot of westerners who move to the Philippines do it because they can live here more cheaply than they can in the States.  But, that was not a factor for me.

Why did I move to the Philippines?

Well, the answer is a multi-folded answer.  Here are a few of the reasons:

  1. Adventure.  I had grown tired of the mundane life that I felt I was experiencing in the States.  I wanted a little adventure.  Having married somebody from the Philippines, and having visited the Philippines many times over the years, I felt that the Philippines was the perfect place to find the change of pace and adventure that I was mission in my life.
  2. Weather.  I lived in the Pacific Northwest of the USA for the last 15 years or so that I lived in the States.  There were a number of things that I liked about the area, but the weather was sure not one of those things.  Basically, in Oregon or Washington (I lived right on the border of the two states) you get 9 months of rain and snow.  It is constant.  During those other 3 months, which are supposed to be summer, you have about a 50% chance of rain most of the time, it seems!  It gets old.  I wanted to experience some nice tropical weather, and I got that when I moved to the Philippines.
  3. Extended Family.  Feyma and I have a son who has a handicap.  Taking care of our son could be very time consuming, difficult and tiresome in the States.  We got a bit of help with this from my family in the States, but only a limited amount of help.  I do not blame my extended family for this, people are busy in the States.  Other thing have priority, like feeding your own family and working to do it.  Here in the Philippines, there is help from the extended family to help somebody like my son.  That is greatly appreciated, and it played a role in our decision to move here.

So, those are the main reasons why we decided to move.  None of those reasons are financial in the least.  So, to answer Kevin’s question, in my own case I would certainly still choose to live in the Philippines, no matter how much money I had.  Whether you dumped a million or even a billion dollars in my lap this afternoon, I would still stay in the Philippines.  There is no doubt in my mind about that.

What about you?  If you had a million dollars, or even more, would you still choose to live in the Philippines?  Leave a comment below, and let Kevin know what you think!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Well Bob, cost of living was never a consideration for us…and still isn’t. We had other reasons, mostly related to Rebecca’s family. We weren’t looking for “paradise” or a place to retire, either.

    Would I live here were those reasons different?

    Possibly. I find the Philippines like anywhere else, including the USA… You take the good with the bad.

    My company made the decision to locate in Thailand, and it is about 90% chance that in the next six months that Rebecca and I will need to make the decision as to whether we relocate there or I commute back and forth. It is not an easy decision to make, and quite honestly, cost of living is not even a concern… Things cost what they cost. (Thailand is roughly the same as the Philippines as to cost of living… Minor differences, but they tend to even out)

    Much more important are Juanito’s schooling, cultural differences, Rebecca’s family obligations. Whatever we choose, though, we will make the decision that is right for us.

    Now, were money no object (and USD 1MM isn’t that much), and I had no work restrictions or other constraints, I would choose New Zealand in a heartbeat.

    • Hi John – Your thinking and mine are along the same tracks! Finances would not make a bit of difference to me when it comes to deciding whether to live here in the Philippines.

      Hey, I didn’t realize that your company had decided to locate in Thailand! Too bad that the Philippines missed out on that deal. You gotta go where the benefits for the company are best, though!

      Thanks for stopping by, John.

      • Bob: It was a difficult decision between the Philippines and Thailand. The deciding factor was the tax advantages for the investors in Thailand… Specifically tied to the investment visa on offer there. Though the Philippines offers some decent incentives at the investment level we have at the corporate level, the personal incentives for the investors were lacking.

      • Sorry Bob …I score it 1 yes, 1 no

        Mr. Miele’s last line is what I was looking for (Now, were money no object (and USD 1MM isn’t that much), and I had no work restrictions or other constraints, I would choose New Zealand in a heartbeat) …

        let’s just say 1 million is more than enuff to live comfortably anywhere.

        I am predicting for every yes there are 3 no’s …i think they would visit the Phil’s but not live there

        • Hi Kevin – Go over to my Facebook where I posted an announcement of this article… there are a ton of comments there, and 100% are YES. In fact, most of them are like “I wish I had the money so that I could make the move” ha ha… it’s a good question.

          • ok Bob, i am surprised at all the YES votes there. I figured someone with money would visit the Philippines but never want to live there year round. It seems I read so much about what’s lacking there (some common foods, fruits, beef, veggies). And I read about all the begging from family and other people trying to take advantage of you. Why not live in some other country where they have a lot more comforts (USA, Bahamas, Canada, Bermuda, Australia…I don’t know about those countries but prob nice Switzerland, Sweeden…). Gawd, so many people are going to pick at me now lol I am not being mean, I just want opinions. I want to move there, I WILL MOVE THERE. But if I had a million dollars I would stay in the USA 🙂

            • Hi Kevin – Fruits lacking in the Philippines? I don’t think so. There are some types of fruits that are not here, but some types not available in the US or other countries too. Vegetables are pretty much available here too, just different varieties. I enjoy life here. Yes, there are some things lacking, there are some things extra. It’s the variety of life.

              You could not pay me enough to go back and live in the USA. It’s just not for me.

        • Hi Bob
          Where in NZ are you from, I did my schooling in Nelson but my working life was military so I got posted around a lot.

          • Hi Murray – Sorry, you misunderstood me. When I said me too, I meant that me too, I am very happy here! I am not from New Zealand, I am from the USA. I do several business clients in NZ, though! 😉

      • I moved from the Philippines to New Zealand and have never been happier. Nothing to do with money and everything to do with education of my children.
        That said, I moved from Saudi Arabia to Japan and have never been happier.
        Then from Japan to the Philippines and I still regard that as the best and happiest decision in my life.

  2. Like Bob and John we did not move here for financial reasons but for quality of life. It gets more than a little cold in Northern Canada for a good chunk of the year. My work entailed working away from home so where I live does not actually matter other than length of flight.

    So no, even with a million US I would still be here, 10 million now that would be another story……

      • ok ok , to me, a million dollars is a lot of money. Kyle’s last line again says he would not live in the Philippines if he had money. Bob, you are the only one to say you would be here no matter what …..

        1 no, 2 yes

        • I think my $1 Million dollars is throwing things out of whack lol

          let’s just say 1 million is more than enuff to live comfortably anywhere.

          • ok Bob, you are correct

            3 YES, 1 NO
            isn’t a million dollars a lot of money? I remember my boss telling me he is FINALLY a millionaire (B4 recession of course). He is still a very wealthy man.

        • Well you can add another “yes” here, Kevin. As with several who have already responded, my wife and I did NOT move to the Philippines for financial reasons.

          In fact I counsel people frequently NOT to move to the Philippines because it is cheap. Moving to the other side of the world to save money is false economy.

          Likewise it is foolish to move here for the reason of “I’m unhappy with my life”. Guess what. Wherever you go, there you are. If you don’t like yourself in the USA, you won’t like yourself in the Philippines either.

          We were living quite comfortably in the US, and we could move back to the US tomorrow and still live comfortably again.Why don’t we? Simple, we have tried living both in the USA and the Philippines and we enjoy living in the Philippines much better. Cost of living has very little to do with it.

  3. I live in the Philippines and I am working on my second million. Gave up on the first million. If I had a million US dollars most likely Meriam and I would move to France. Health care would be the main reason.

  4. Hi Bob

    Acquiring a million dollars would not make a difference to me. I would still choose the Philippines over anywhere else.
    The only difference would be that I’d get the James Bond speedboat that I’ve really wanted, and maybe a ton more orchids..Seriously though, for me money was never an issue either, the lure that we’ve always had for the Philippines would not change for us.
    If it happened we’d share the wealth though!:)

    • Maybe that’s the lure that the Philippines has been for for us?
      What’s really appealing I think about the Philippines:
      Every day is an adventure, and that can go either way!
      Great sultry weather in Cebu
      Family ties and a simple more laid-back, bucolic lifestyle in the province
      Living kind of like a queen, or being able to re-invent myself which would not be possible in the US
      Fresh seafood, fruits and flowers
      Handsome Filipino men!

  5. Being a Brit I would prefer a million pounds (£) to dollars ($) on the other hand with or without I’m here to stay as long as I have my health and can afford to do so. Mind you having a million bucks to dispose of would make life just that little bit more luxurious.
    Regards.
    Jim.

  6. Another yes vote from me. I have a million, and am planning to move to the PI when I retire several years down the road. I actually wish I would have made the move for my children’s sake when they were younger. At this point it is not viable.

    I doubt that New Zealand or France has the values that my children would learn from living in the PI. I am hoping to get them to attend a PI university when I retire (second marriage, second set of children). It may not be too late for them, yet.

    Like Bob, having family in the PI (my wife’s) is also a big incentive. But what is really the clincher, is getting away from the hustle and bustle, also known as the rat race, that is so prevalent within the cultures of modern, western societies.

    • Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jamie. Your clincher thought about getting away from the hustle and bustle also works hand in hand with my thinking on the matter. I think you make good sense!

      • Just thought I’d point out that true, a million isn’t what it was, but it somewhat is if you’re 85 yes old. The closer you are to the end of the game, the less of a leading score you need.

        A 40 year old hoping to live on his million til end of life is taking quite a risk.

        In an obliquely similar way, a 70 yr old with 5 million has other concerns — crime, be it white collar or the fact that a big house is more a target than a small one.

  7. If I had a million dollars, It would move my 5 year plan to move to the Philippines to NOW.

    Why

    1 family
    2. Weather
    3. Culture
    4. Proximity to Japan

    I enjoy the family units of the Philippines and want my child to be part of having a close family. The weather is great regardless of typhoons. You cant beat the cultural events around the country, evey week there is a festival somewhere. Last but not least it is 2 hours to Japan, which is my favorite place in the world…..

  8. whos handing out the million? if they sent it my way there is no doubt on my mind my son and i would be on the first plane outta Missouri to the Philippines. so for us, two big Yes’es. no hesitation .

  9. HI BOB

    A good posting mate and yes iff i had that milllion i would still live in the php and if u ask me why for one mate it is my dream to go there and help out all i can mate be it my own famliy or some one that needs my help and i see them every time i walk the streets off manila city a men here a boy there or a famliy that dont know where there next and full off food will come from there is a lot off way that sort off money can help them that need it mate for god as call me to do just that to help them that canot help them self god bless mate…..peter martin tassie

    • Hi Peter, I can really understand what you are saying. Helping the needy here is something that brings great joy to my life. You can bet that if I had that million a lot of it would go to that.

  10. Good, thought provoking question. Although, I bet if it actually happened plans would work out differently for many people than what they speculate beforehand. A million is nothing like it was decades ago before the inflation of the 1970’s (for example, here in Australia). A dollar then would be worth probably five now. So that would be $5million! I live very frugally and I could invest a million and live off the proceeds (maybe eating into the capital minimally over time). I would tend to think that I could use the Philippines as a base or one of my bases and move around a bit. Something we will never know though unless it actually happens to us (please, please, let it happen to me)! Have a good one Bob & Kev.

  11. About the only thing a million would do for me is make the airline trip easier to pay for. Yes on the PH for me.

  12. Let’s see:

    1. low morals vs high morals
    2. runaway taxation vs minimum taxation
    3. weekly school shootings vs wonderful school atmosphere
    4. cold weather vs tropical
    5. insane pace of life vs laid back
    6. keep up with the jones vs simple life styly
    7. AGAIN WEEKLY SCHOOL SHOOTINGS VS PEACEFUL CONDITIONS

    ahhhh…….YES

  13. Bobbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb, what the heck is going on in the Philippines ???? Even with all the bad I read about there no one will leave ??? Awesome !!! But we only just begun, half the world is sleeping. See u all thursday. Kapayapaan ! Peace 🙂

    • Ha ha, I don’t think the results will change very much Kevin, but only time will tell! Really you keep mentioning all the bad stuff in the Philippines. What bad stuff are you talking about? I agree there are some bad things here, but way more good than bad. There are bad things everywhere, even in the States.

  14. Two years ago my wife and I spent our vacation in Aruba. It was absolutely wonderful. The weather is fantastic, warm year around and a constant trade wind that prevents it from getting too hot. Average wage is about the equivalent of $5.00 per hour so prices for most goods are quite reasonable. English is spoken everywhere, even more so than the Philippines. Excellent roads and infrastructure, no pollution, good water, no brown-outs, very little litter, etc . Good food, seafood, fruit vegetable all at good prices. The people we met were all very nice.

    Even if I had the million, I would still move to the Philippines (hopefully this year). That is where my new family is, that is where I am loved, that is where people smile in welcome. I love the people, I love the fresh food, I love the culture, I love the family values. The Philippines is not perfect by any means, but that is where my heart is. The heart wants what the heart wants, and the Philippines is where Lani and I will living.

    • Just a side note about Aruba. Everything you said about Aruba’s infrastructure, no pollution, no litter, etc. are true. Thirty miles from Venezuela, Aruba and the other two island territories of Bonaire and Curacao (ABC) in the Caribbean are a possession of a western power – the Netherlands. My wife and have been to all three islands as ports of call during our cruises, and I find that most of the inhabitants in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are, in fact, European in origin and English-speaking, unlike many of the other islands in the West Indies. You can say that ABC is a slice of Europe in a tropical setting. As such, there really is no comparison with the Philippines in terms of infrastructure. If you stayed at a resort there, especially in Oranjestad during your vacation, you will agree that it is very expensive as compared to other resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico because Aruba has a higher standard of living. Still, I wouldn’t trade the Philippines for any country in the world. With or without a million.

  15. I would definitly live in the Philippines if I had 1 million dollars. People always ask me why would you live in the Philippines. I tell them that, here in the USA there is opprotunity. But in the Philippines life is different. There is just a different life style that suits me. Like Bob said, there is a feeling of family that is more connected. There is a feeling of joy, in the fact you are free from the so called american dream. the dream is the same in the Philippines, but different. It is more exciting. It is really hard to describe unless you have been there for an extended period of time. I guess you can say, “the Philippines is more vibraint.” You feel alive.

    • PS

      I will be moving to the Philippines in June of 2014. My family will stay there and I will work 6 months out of the year here in the states. You see, I have a job that allows me to work when I want, and doesn’t care if I choose not to work for an extended amount of time. So, I will spend 6 monts in the states, and 6 months in the Philippines. My wife and daughter have duel citizenship. My daughter was born in Cagayan De Oro. There is just a better life there for people like us.

  16. Our decision was based on finances. It was 2009, and I was under employed. I told my wife that if we could find a place where I could raise a few head of livestock, I’d be perfectly happy to retire in the Philippines. We found it, and are on schedule to make our move soon. A million dollars is not really enough to do the same things we are able to do in the RP for much less. A farm near my childhood home is up for sale. The guy wants a million dollars for it. The million would be spent, and I’d still have to pay taxes, insurance, buy livestock, and maintain the place. I’d be stuck having to work an outside job to support the farm. So, it’s the Philippines for us!

    Take care,
    Pete

  17. Okay, so if I had that Million pile in front of me right now, and it was all disposable; I’d be there in a flash, then after a few months I’d be back in Oz for some sunshine, some Opera and some great wine, till I was once again sated…then I’d be back in the Phils again to luxuriate in a simpler life. For a few months…then….I’d head to NY for some Jazz and some frenetic living for a week or two, then off to Africa for some safari and travelling/exploration….then it would probably have run out and I’d have to start working again! In short, the Phils would be home for half the year, every year!

  18. For me to move to the RP is simple …… I love the country,the people,the food and the adventure of living there! sure you got to take the bad with the good but all in all that’s anywhere you go! Money can go either way more the better but if i had a million or not i still would choose to live in the RP. As for my wife being she’s had a taste of the good life per say from what she had in the RP before coming to the states she’s in no hurry! But she does tell me when I’m ready (retired) she will be as well because she doesn’t really care where she lives as long as it with me! So will be there in RP again many times (Vacations) before moving to the RP for good! I just hope we can make the transition like Bob,Feyma and the kids did? So put me down for a (yes) for living in the RP!

  19. Well I quess i should put my 2 cents worth in..There’s not much I haven’t seen or done in life (from the USA) But here I find a completely different lifestyle and culture and it’s peaceful and tranquil …you think after living here for awhile about the good ol days when grandma was still alive .. and how things were… thats what I feel here … Modernization I feel is a killer of lifestyle…The woman are completely different here… by that i mean soft… compassionate ..clean ..good.. friendly and look for a completely different type of man than one would expect … and if they find that man she will be the wife of all wifes….etc the men are also very good here…. always a hello .. always friendly…and you just can see within all of them… how they were raised.. beautiful beaches … Islands …..beautiful weather….. beautiful people…Many thing to do and see in beautiful country………………………….. What can u buy for a million????

  20. What many of us consider as a ” Millionaire ” I have heard that these days you would really need about 10 Million to reach the ” Millionaire state of mind “. The 1 Million that this topic started with it was not said if that is the gross or net amount, so I will go by 1 Million net.

    I think the first step I would make is to arrange to spend 6 months in Ph without having to sell what I own here in the USA. I like where I live now but being able to afford to stay here if or when I ever retire is something I am going to have to consider more carefully as that time approaches. The ever increasing taxes and cost of living are what squeeze many retirees out of my area. Fortunately I have a comparatively smaller and more affordable place in that respect.

    I can say without hesitation, best vacations I have ever had are in The Philippines although vacation visits and actually living there could be quite different. There are many things there that bring back memories of how things were here in my part of the USA when I was a kid growing up that no longer exist. A mental fountain of youth ? A trip down memory lane ? In some respects yes.

    I have met and made friends with many good people there. Sure, there are other than good people just as there is anywhere else but thats life. Food ? From my own experience there is plenty of that and probably a lot fresher that what I get here in the supermarkets. Many of the independent owned and operated restaurants can serve up some great meals at a moderate cost and I think I could easily put on a lot more weight that I’d like to. There are plenty of fast food places too.

    Visiting is one thing but being there on a full time basis I sometimes wonder if my welcome would wear out and after I have seen and done everything I’d like to, would I still find things of interest to do or participate in ? With so many organizations and events I see happening on the internet from there each week it seems like just about every week it is a celebration of one thing or another.

    A major thing that I would really have to consider is would I have the patience it may require to adapt into the lifestyle. There have been a few situations that to me have seemed quite absurd and I wonder if I am just being given a ” dumb foreigner ” story. I eventually research these situations and more times than not I find these things are normal for The Philippines. That does not indicate that these things are negative or bad, just very different from where I have always lived. You could also run into similar situations in other parts of the USA.

    If I had the Million, I think I would try to invest a good part of it and have the dividends give me a source of income if possible. If I could duplicate what I have here, house and property wise in the place in the Philippines that I know, and without having to sell out my place in the USA ( at least at first ) I would say Yes, I could go for that !

    • Always open for an adventure, Bob, that’s you! I agree about your welcome wearing thin. I often tell people that Filipinos will cut you some slack if you are a visitor. If you come here to live, they will do so to a much lesser degree, because they will then expect you to learn and adapt to the culture here.

  21. If i had $1Million, i put it in the bank for time deposit to earn interest and i give papaduck free tour in singapore. But the problem is where do i get A $Million
    Dollars.

      • Hi Bob.

        Well of course, being a filipino , i choose my own country with or without a $million
        but to be honest, i have a second choice where to live, i want to live in singapore
        whatever people says, for me, i think the way of living in singapore is not expensive, it is depends on your lifestyle.

        • Hi Anne – thanks for sharing that. I don’t know, I don’t really have an interest in Singapore, but if you desire to live there, I hope it works out for you.

  22. Say no more ……..this sure woke me up! I have read more than a few comments over and over. I certainly was missing something when I presented my reasons for staying in the USA. Everything and almost everyone spoke about the people of the Philippines and how special they are. The People !

    I speak with people in my own neighborhood and the first thing we say is how mean people are.This person, that person, those people… they said this, they did this…rarely is it ever about how nice they are. That is all I read about here. That’s important coz money can buy a lot of things but you need people to really enjoy life.

    I got to thinking about the fruits…hell, just about every fruit (blueberries, peaches, plums, strawberries…) in my store now is imported from Chile, Guatemala, Peru or some other Latin American country. Bob, you’l have to turn me on to Durian lol .

    Still looking for more comments from people….BUT,

    If I had $1 Million dollars I would move to the Philippines. 🙂

    • It would appear that your question has pretty much been answered, Kevin, at least for those who read this site! I think the results turned out a little different than you expected, right?

      • Bob , the results were totally different than what I woulda guessed. I am a gambling man and I woulda bet my house the results would be 3 to 1 that people would NOT live in the Philippines if they had $1million dollars. AMAZING!
        Thanks for responding everyone and I owe each and everyone of you a beer or a boat drink (love that saying haha) when I get there

        • Hi Kevin – I had a very good idea of what the results would have been. It is almost universally yes. Now, if you moved this post over to a different site, it might be more mixed. Some sites are more positive than others. Some sites are frequented by positive people, some are frequented by people with negative attitudes, complainers and such. In many ways it depends on the owner of the site, or the publisher and how they present their feelings.

          Anyway, I am wondering, Kevin… based on some things you have said, I suspect that you have never been to the Philippines, am I right?

  23. In my opinion the question isn’t worded properly . A more precise question would be: For those of you who do have a million dollars, do you live in the Philippines now or are you planning to relocate to the Philippines?

    Life is about choices. People who have other options will think long and hard before choosing the Philippines. Their are many other locations with a lot more to offer. So far, I have chosen to vote no. That may change as I learn more.

  24. If you had a million dollars living in the Phl with extra money allows you to avoid some of the things that bother some people about the Phl. For example:

    When typhoons come through your area go stay in a hotel

    When extended brown outs occur (e.g. after a typhoon) go and stay in a hotel. Even though you already have a generator at your house.

    Have a driver.

    Have maids.

    Take care of 99% of all your in-laws, nieces and nephews expenses. So they don’t need to bother you for money.

    Buy a new house. Let your in-laws, nieces and nephews (and a couple of cousins) live in your previous house instead of living with you.

    Pay people to get things done for you.

    Permanent resident visa? Pay the OIC in the local office to handle all of the paperwork, interview, etc. in Manila.

    Doctor check-ups? Don’t wait to get tests done. Pay the P50,000 at Makati Med for the one day check-up and get to cut in line for all of the tests.

    Don’t ever go to the market. Have people do that for you. Maid, driver, brothers-in-law, etc.

    Run the aircon in at least 1 room 24/7 so that you always have a place to go that is cool.

    I know a guy from the U.S. who does the above. He’s retired and lives in the Phl because he married a Filipina he met here.

    • You certainly don’t have to be a millionaire to have many of the things you are saying, Gary, although a million never wold hurt!

      For example, lots of folks have generators, to brownouts just don’t affect them, except the cost of buying fuel for the generator.

      We have maids, most everybody here with a little money has maids. I have a driver in the past, but found it stressful compared to driving myself.

      Going to the market is something I enjoy doing, so that would be a do for me.

      Ha ha.. good list, and good reasoning, though. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Gary.

  25. dear Bob,
    nice to read and learned a lot from all of you foreigners, who want to live in my country. I do wish i can convince my friend from Portland to marry and live with me here with or without 1 Million. But he always says money counts in life nowadays…really? for a filipina like me its not only all about being happy but most important is a future with a good relationship that is not worrying about how long it will last, when it will or won’t end, and enjoying every moment possible together.

    • Hi Germs – Well, I can see your point and also your friend’s point. Money is important, to a point.. you need enough to survive and have an enjoyable life. Then again, there are things more important than money too. It is up to you and him to find the right balance that works best for you! Good luck on that, I hope that you find the right mix.

  26. Thanks to all who have responded or will still respond. You have really opened my eyes.
    One special thanks to Robert G. What he said just hit me hard…..
    “There is a feeling of joy, in the fact you are free from the so called american dream. the dream is the same in the Philippines, but different. It is more exciting”.

    Isn’t that what we all want to experience? I stopped dreaming in the USA. Life is a grind. Working 5 days a week to pay taxes and insurance. Robert G., I want to climb on board with you and the rest of the people in the Philippines.

    • Kevin, let me say I have really enjoyed what I have read here, both from you and from the many other valuable comments from others. When this discussion first started I (wrongfully) assumed, “Oh boy here’s another guy with his mind made up who doesn’t want to be confused by the facts”. Boy was I wrong, and I am glad to admit it.

      One thing we have sad lack of in both the USA and the Philippines are open minded people who don’t live their life based on assumptions and prejudice. All the best to you, wherever you wind up living. My prediction is, you’ll do well, wherever.

      And if you do decide to visit the Philippines, look me up … I can show you plenty of both the good and the bad, and you’ll be your own judge.

  27. Kevin, I think you’ll have to read my “never happier’ posting also as a YES vote. O.K., I made the move 30 years ago and a million dollars was a lot more in those days. It was also easier to open a bank account.
    We are still debating whether it is a good idea to go back in our old age, when the temperatures in Cebu relieve the old arthritis-pains, but just being there in the winter months looks like a good compromise for now.

  28. I agree with you guys 1,000%, I been here 2 years this Monday and this is my new home, I have a girlfriend here and a little girl, we have our own business and I have my retirement to live on, one could live very comfortable here if you know how to budget your money and invest it correctly. Where we live is pretty cheap but if you live in the main city of Manila then it is almost the same as living in some cities in the US maybe a bit cheaper but not much difference. We plan on expanding our business and opening a store later this year so one could make a million pesos in no time and even a million dollars as well with smart investing and planning, that if you want to, but many expats live here on their retirement and live very comfortable, one just have to be smart and spend their money wisely and stay away from the bars and bar girls, there are plenty of beautiful and great women here who will help you grow if you find the right one which here there is no shortage. That is my take on this wonderful country. Take care and God bless.

  29. Hi bob, i drop in to your site from time to time to read all the news and views from the philippines.i wrote to you around 3 years ago about pagadian airport,at that time you said it was closed. Thank god it is now open and has been extended which is great for us as my wife is from pagadian,and we live in ireland which is quite a hike.we used to fly in to ozamis,and it was around 3 hours by bus to pagadian,but it is only around 15 mins to the family home now the airport is finished. Keep up the good work bob love reading your site. God bless, john ireland.

  30. If I had a million dollars cash sitting in front of me right now would I still move to the Philippines? I love the Philippines for many of the reasons mentioned in all of the above articles. I am still in the process of deciding if and when we will move to the Philippines million or no million. I think to be honest I would not make the move. That does not mean I don’t like the Philippines it just means I would take advantage of some other options I find appealing. New Zealand perhaps but my eyes would be on Bali or a beautiful city called Hobart at the south of Tasmania. I would appreciate being close to the Philippines for frequent visits. Since of course I will not have a nice million dollar in front of me if I moved to the Philippines I would use it as a base to visit Bali and Hobart on a regular basis. So either way I look at it million or not the Philippines will still be at the center of it all one way or another.

    • Hi Ron – We all have to do what we feel is right for us. What is the best place for you may not be the best for me, and vice versa. Variety is what makes the world go around!

  31. A million would want me to stay in Philippines even more! We’ve been busy for the past year and a half building our retirement home and have gotten engrossed with every aspect of every project in our home. You don’t need a million to set yourself up for a comfortabe life here in the PI. We are taking it slow and every ‘build’ is going to last our lifetime and the lifetime of the grandkids who will be visiting us and hopefully retire here, too. Alot of people like to settle instantly here in the Philippines so they can ‘live’ their easy life and end up losing a chunk of their savings. And, alot come here to ‘live’ instantly like the well-to-dos of the PI; and they still complain about the sweltering humidity, the relatives’ dire needs, the brown outs, etc.

    Kevin, there are common foods, fruits, beef, veggies found in the Philippines. If common for you is grapes, apple, oranges, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, then, you can find these anywhere here in the street corners of PI. But, I enjoy my common foods of lox/lachs (smoked salmon), fresh arugula, fresh herbs such as rosemary, dill, oregano, terragons, different lettuces, cream cheese, cheeses, bagels, capers, etc, etc., right here in the Philippines.

    We don’t have a million but we know what we want and prioritize (actually not…) to enjoy what we want!! Good luck on finding the million reasons to live in the phillipines. (and, oh by the way, they do have air conditions with inverters here that’ll save you alot of power, fridge with inverters, great washing machines and dryers, toilets big enough for an American stature, any appliance that’ll give you basic ‘comforts’ that you are accustom to — all within less than 1/10 of what you are thinking and still do some goodwill projects for the community…

      • Bob, We definitely are enjoying life to the fullest here in PI. So many enjoyments, so many possibilities, so many opportunities in making dreams into realities…

          • Bob,
            Initially financial, lifestyle, culture and family atmosphere were my reasons to move there. But now financial is totally out of the equation. I would live in the Philippines as my home no matter how much money i had. A million dollars would just increase the amount of travel i do and have a higher level of living and give me more options. Have a nice day

  33. Hi Bob, I am never lucky at the Lotteries, I have never had any rich relatives die and leave me money, so the million dollars is irrelevant.

    As Mike Johnson said above “The Philippines is not perfect by any means, but that is where my heart is” describes my position. I love it here, and have loved all my adventures in the past year here – mainly because of the warm weather. I feel healthy here. I am now 67 and tomorrow a Filipino friend and I are biking 100+ kms on our bicycles to explore the country. I feel healthier here than I have in any northern hemisphere country exposed to cold, warm, more cold and damp weather.

    Plus, last year I married a lovely Filipina and we are looking forward to setting up a household in my favourite town of Dumaguete in April. Life could not be better with or without the million dollars. Another definite YES Bob!

    • Hi John – I am really happy to hear that you are feeling good and that you are enjoying your life here. You and I feel much the same! Keep having fun and staying healthy!

  34. This all makes me so envious I have been married to my filipina for 26 wonderful years and living in Australia have built a nice house in Binangonan Rizal I am desperate to move and live there and have no financial worries but my wife is concerned about my health and security even though we gave been on holidays numerous times.

    Good luck to all you happy blokes and lady’s I wish I could join you but my time is running out at 67.

    • Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. My advice to you would be simple… at 67 years old, you are already a big boy. You should be able to decide where you will live. If your wife is worried… well that is just irrational. I have been living in the Philippines for 13 years and never had a safety issue. Bad things happen to people no matter where in the world they live. There is no reason why it would be any more likely in the Philippines than in Australia where you live.

      Good luck to you, brother.

  35. hi bob,

    great post, good read as always. wish i had enough time to read LiP daily like i used to!

    cheers,

  36. Two days ago, I came upon this site and started reading the different posts….very informative. I’m a Filipina, however, migrated and lived in the US for almost 20 years now and I could honestly say that I long to go back home and live in the Philippines again with my family. There is much for me to re-learn about my native country and by reading your posts encourages me to do just that.

  37. Thank you, Bob! The main reason why I want to do this is to give my son a chance to have the same upbringing that I had….. respect for elders, closeness and camaraderie he will eventually develop with his cousins, and of course, great private schools at an unbeatable price. I may have learned to be fiercely independent here in the US but there’s always been a part of me that somehow knew I’d go back. Iba pa rin ang Pinas! Sa Bisaya pa, ‘Mingaw na jud ko sa Pinas’, oi! 🙂

    • Hi Violet – Unfortunately, a lot of things are changing these days, and much of what you experienced growing up probably is not the same anymore. But, your son can still have a quality experience here, I think. I know that I feel it is good to raise my kids here. Good luck.

  38. Thanks! At my age (37), it’s quite a daunting task to embark on a ‘ new adventure’ yet again, but I know it’s for the best!

  39. Bob is basically correct about the weather in the N.W. US (WA & OR) I live in the same area as he used to, but the weather pattern has changed drastically. Less and less rain per year and more and more high heat! Have seen it snow only once per year down here by the Columbia River and only maybe 1 inch and usually gone the next day. Cold? yes! getting colder and colder every winter, so that’s the time to get out of Dodge and head to the Phils.
    But back to the original question, would or wouldn’t I? I would have to say that I would devide my time between there and here in the beautiful Northwest. I love the seasons, even the snow and the rain!well, you guys get a heck of a lot more rain there than we do here, plus NO TYPHOONS, mudslides and obnoxious fumes. Would have to have two permanent homes, one there and one here, would just have to bring whoever back and forth with me!

    • Hello Heinz – Nice to hear from you! Yes, I have heard that the weather in the PNW has changed, and I hear from my Mom that it has gotten colder there since I left.

      BTW, I live in Davao.. we don’t have typhoons here either, so that is an advantage for us compared to most of the Philippines. Obnoxious fumes? Ha ha…. let’s not talk about that! ha ha…

  40. This is a very interesting article.

    Funny thing is my wife plays the lottery every now and then and she has told me, if she wins. She will be will on the first plane back to Cebu.

    And I guess I will be in the seat next to her. LOL

  41. Well Of course we are not waiting to win a million dollars in a lottery, we are not even waiting for me to retire and get some pension that I don’t have. We will do it when we are young enough to enjoy ourselves but I thought it was a funny thing that my wife play’s the lottery. So if she would win I would be a “KEPT MAN” I would have so much fun, when people say “are you sure she didn’t marry you for the money” I could say,” well she has all the money, and decided to keep me anyway, I wonder why?”

    So don’t matter how much I have, would still choose the Philippines to live in.