It seems that in recent months the expat community in the Philippines is shrinking. I personally know about a dozen expats living here in the Philippines who either have already left the Philippines in recent months, or will be doing so shortly.
It’s not a big surprise to me in most cases, most of the people whom I know of that are leaving are people that I did not expect to make it here anyway, so it’s not shocking to me. On a couple of people, particularly one who lives in the Visayas, I was a bit surprised to hear that he was going home, but for the most part, I expected it to happen sooner or later anyway.
Living the the Philippines is not as easy as most think
For those of you who have never lived in the Philippines before, you have visions of San Miguels while sitting under the Coconut Trees on the beach and such, but life here is not easy.
Both Feyma and I have said in the past that you need to give yourself 5 years to adjust to living here. I know a number of people who have chuckled when I have told them that, thinking that I am crazy, and life here is nothing but pleasure. But, in almost every instance, these same people come back to me after a while here and told me that they were surprised to see that I was right.
What do you have to adjust to? Well, almost every part of life. Some of the things that I can think of, and in no particular order, would include:
- Financial. Everybody instantly thinks that life is cheap here. It is true that life can be cheap, but if you want to live cheap you must adjust the way you live to more “local standards,” and that is not an easy adjustment to make. For those who want to live a “western lifestyle” they will not realize how quickly their funds will become depleted, and soon panic will set in when they realize that money is about to dry up. For those who come here with a sustainable income from a business back home, a pension or some other means of income, they are in the best position financially. For those coming with only savings, or not much of a financial plan at all, it usually doesn’t take long before they end up leaving the Philippines in total disillusionment.
- Culture. At first glance, many westerners think that the culture here is “just like back home.” But, the longer you live here, the more you find out how wrong that thinking is. The culture here is very hard to adjust to, and it takes an effort. If you don’t make an effort to understand and adjust to the culture here, you will find yourself getting angry regularly, not understanding the things that are happening to you, and probably you will end up leaving the Philippines. I have personally lived here for nearly 10 years, and in that time I have tried to be a student of the local culture and learn things about how to live here. Even so, I still find that I regularly learn new things that I didn’t realize or understand previously. If you want to learn more about how the culture here works, you might check out my book, Culture Clash. The basic element of culture in the Philippines is SIR, which means Smooth Interpersonal Relationships, and it is important to learn the aspects of SIR so that you can get by and also so that you can understand the things happening around you.
- Loneliness. A lot of expats living here find themselves very lonely. You need to have some friends, and have some things to do, or you may wind up crazy with loneliness. A lot of expats end up isolated in their homes and rarely socialize. Loneliness can come from any of the reasons above. For example, if you are having financial difficulties you may not have enough money to get out and socialize with your friends. If you are having difficulty with the culture here, you may not want to go out where you always seem to end up having troubles. It’s important to overcome these problems, because loneliness can be a serious problem and lead to depression and such.
- Climate. I know a lot of expats, sometimes including myself, who experience problems with the extremely hot weather here. It’s important to give yourself an opportunity to adjust to the climate. Make sure that you use sunscreen to stop sunburns from occurring. But, the main thing is to force yourself to adjust to the climate. Spend some time outside. Start out with short periods out in the hot climate, and increase it gradually. If you spend all of your time in air conditioning, you will find it difficult to go back out and spend time in the hot climate.
- Language. A lot of expats experience difficulties in adopting to the fact that they have difficulty in communicating with some parts of society. Most people here can speak English to some extent, but some cannot at all, and you must either accept that, or make an effort yourself to do something about it. About the only thing you can do other than just accepting it would be to learn a bit of the local language. It can really help improve your life here, and I highly recommend it. You don’t have to become fluent, just learn enough to get by, and you will see a marked improvement in your lifestyle here.
These are a few of the reasons why expats have a hard time adjusting to living in the Philippines.
While I don’t have any scientific data, and I doubt that such data exists, I would estimate that more than 50% of expats who come to live in the Philippines end up leaving within just a few years. It may be much higher than 50% in my observation, but I think that 50% is a safe figure to use. If you don’t want to be part of the 50% who end up leaving in frustration and anger, it is important to look at the factors that I listed above and make a plan of how to deal with each of these aspects of life here.
In the past, I have mentioned many times that when Feyma and I moved here, we agreed in advance that we would stay here for a minimum of 5 years no matter how much we disliked the place. As it turned out, it was a wise thing for us to do, because there were a number of times during that initial 5 years when we wanted to go back to the States, but given our previous agreement, we stuck with it and made it through the adjustment period, and we now find ourselves very happy with our life here.
I have kind of been surprised over the past few months at the sheer number of expats that I see “bugging out” and going home. Like I said earlier, most of these people are people that I kind of expected would not make it here, but I didn’t expect such a volume of people to suddenly decide to leave, and seemingly all at the same general time.
One thing I know for sure, though, is that I won’t be leaving any time soon, and probably I will never leave. It is not something I foresee happening, at least no time soon. How about you?
To all those who are leaving the Philippines, I truly hope that you find happiness and a better life, no matter where you are going. Remember, if things don’t work out, you can always return, but the downside is that you will have to go through all of that adjustment all over again.
Mabuhay, and bon voyage.
Hi Bob;
One more point to your valid list of reasons I’d like to add. A sense of humor, if you can find the humor in a situation that is bothering you here, you can calm yourself down and figure out a proper solution, also learn to laugh at yourself. You will avoid depression and anger which are both known killers of the Kano. Your five year plan is a good idea, if they’ll just give it a chance. Puerto Rico had the same types of people coming to live that beach (Jimmy Buffett) lifestyle and left disillusioned. The Philippines offers much to those who’ll accept it on the Philippine’s terms. (I have a landscaping crew coming today to plant my new “Grasses” and I know I’ll get enough humor out of that to write an article about it soon.)
Hi Paul – I agree wholeheartedly! A good sense of humor is a must, and can really save you when you start feeling down, as you inevitably will. It reminds me of a friend and I, we used to see things here, and one of us would say “that’s stupid the way they are doing that.” After a few years of that, we decided that we wanted to have a better outlook and a better attitude. We started saying “that’s fascinating they way they are doing that” when we would see something that was different than we would expect. It did make us feel better, gave us a more positive outlook, and we would always have a good laugh – both at things we would see and at ourselves!
Yes Bob;
Like leveling with a plastic tube of water, I was fascinated by that the first time I saw it, and then learned how to use it. Last week I watched my neighbor treat his roof with vinegar prior to painting? The Philippine’s have some tried and true methods of doing things, without all the high tech gadgets that we need.
Hi Paul – over the years, I have seen so many amazing and fascinating ways of doing things, as I am sure you have. Seeing some of the things that the people can do here with only simple rudimentary tools simply amazes me a lot of times.
Vinegar ‘etches’ GI sheets,gives the paint something to cling to.
Hey Paul;
Just came across your comment on this post and made me go out to my garage to look for my “hose leveler” and found it! A hobby of mine going back some 30 years has been outdoor construction and I can remember using a garden hose to level fence posts some 30 years ago. Some things aren’t entirely unique to the Philippines…it’s just that it may be more common. In the western world, a surveyors transit has replaced the hose in all commercial applications. Us southern poor folk (and many rednecks) still use a hose. 😉
Hey Paul;
Just came across your comment on this post and made me go out to my garage to look for my “hose leveler” and found it! A hobby of mine going back some 30 years has been outdoor construction and I can remember using a garden hose to level fence posts some 30 years ago. Some things are not entirely unique to the Philippines…it’s just that it may be more common. In the western world, a surveyors transit has replaced the hose in all commercial applications. Us southern poor folk (and many rednecks) still use a hose. 😉
Hose leveler? I have to ask………………………how does it work?
Hey Paul& Bob
I’ve noticed that the philippino has a very unique way of doing some things, creative I guess you can say. Sometimes we can learn alot from other cultures. Just remember paul, with sod…It’s green side up 🙂
Green side up, hudson? OMG! That explains my difficulties! 😯
Hudson;
After reading “Green side up” I went outside and joked with the crew, they all got it and were still laughing when I left.
Oh, come on, Paul! You thought that was a joke? 😆
Great article Bob, sage advice from a qualified ‘mentor’. Listening to people who have rowed the boat is invaluable to those who will listen.
Hi brian – Good morning from Davao, or good evening to you, I suppose! Your last words are the key to your comment, brian “those who will listen.” Most won’t! 😆
Right on Bob. You hit the nail on the head. Now for me I only wish more of the so called Missionaries and Ministers living off the backsides of their churches support would be on the next boat home.
I have issues here as well but am learning to adapt. I bitch and complain like many others but do so because I actually love this cvountry and am sick and tired of the politics as usual and can’t do anything about it.
P.S.Add to your list that some of the expats leaving here are going in pine boxes having suffered from illness that finally caught up with them.
Hi richard – I used to be where you are today – often finding things to complain about. It left me feeling bad, and gave me a negative attitude and a negative life. At some point, I decided to stop complaining and stop hanging out with people who complained. My life improved a lot when I did that.
Actually I really don’t complain that much anymore. My wife and I discuss issues that affect us and for the most part we adapt quite well and find solutions. The fact that the country is slowly moving into the 21st century is a big plus with many more conveniences just in the past 2 years making life much more enjoyable. I only get riled up about the politics and corruption here like I do in the states. This is a subject that will always torment me. And now that we are in Dumaguete I don’t have to worry about brownouts anymore hahahahah
Hi richard – Ah, OK.. I only said about complaining because in your previous comment, you said that you “bitch and complain” so I thought that you meant that it was a problem for you. Politics and corruption are a problem in many countries, but I don’t let it bother me, because in the end neither really has a direct impact on my life.
Climate – a topic we don’t seem to touch on much, but is extremely important. When I arrived in Davao in 1991, I had been living in southern Taiwan for 10 months. despite this, it took me about 7 more months to become aclimatized. I used to go through a flat of cokes each day, while working on my boats and other welding/fabricating projects. Most days, by about 5pm, my throat would be so constricted from dehyration that I couldn’t swallow. Remember; I was in my late 20s at this time. If I attempted the same level of work in Davao, today, I’d probably “stroke out”. As it was, at every party we went to, I was the foreigner with the sweat pouring from my head/face in buckets, even if I was just sitting quietly in the shade. Last summer, my wife developed pneumonia, while visiting The RP & ended up in the hospital a few times. One doctor suggested that it was caused by repeatedly going from air-con rooms to the natural environment. Food for thought.
Mike2
Hi Mike – Adjusting to the climate is probably the first thing that most who move here have to deal with. Basically, there is no choice. The other issues arise at a later time. So, dealing with the climate is certainly an important issue, but is also something that can be overcome.
It also depends on physiology – some people’s bodies like the heat,others don’t.
That’s very true, Gary.
Hi Bob – Not being an expert expat exhorting examples ( 😆 ), I have to rely on observations and search for clues that aid the adapting and adjusting.
One observation that you have indirectly mentioned in other comments, is desire. It appears that those who are willing to undergo transformation via adjustment to this new, wonderful environment have an easier and more agreeable time adjusting IF they have a fervent desire to adjust, accept differences and rechart their personal plans for living in the Philippines.
Way up here in Ilocandia, I’ve noticed that a majority of those who have left (in the short time I’ve been here) did so because “things did not pan out.” That’s their way of saying that things didn’t fit their mental picture and/or didn’t change to better reflect that picture. Their unwillingness to accept change or differences and their expectations of the world adjusting to their presence doomed their experimenting with life in paradise.
I must admit that those who’ve stayed here are “adjusters and adaptors” in the true sense of those words’ definitions. While meeting fellow “Kano” residents isn’t easy, those I’ve met are embracing life here with the knowledge and desire to adjust and change when necessary.
“Ya gotta want it bad enough to get it!” 😉
Hi Paul – I think you hit the nail on the head. You gotta want to change, or at least be willing and open to change. If you are not, it will be very difficult to make a go of living in the Philippines.
Bob:
The climate gets to me sometimes, and I’ve lived a good portion of my life in hot climates, at least over the last 10 years. Conversely, when I travel places over the winter, I sit there freezing, feeling it far more than the locals(Europe this December wasn’t fun).
Adjusting here was not easy… I’m still adjusting every day.
I think this is a very common scenario:
1. guy meets girl on Internet and they chat for a few months. Maybe divorced or has hard personal life.
2. Guy visits RP, is shown a good time by her family and treated like a king. Decides he wants to move here.
3. Guy goes home, stuck in run of the mill daily job grind. Paying bills and big mortgage.
4. Winter comes and that vision of beaches and palm trees is strong.
5. Guy comes back here and gets married. Wants to stay.
6. Instead of living in that beach resort, ends up living somewhere else.
7. Daily grind starts to intrude.
8. Bloody Filipinos! Why can’t this be like back home?!
9. Back to whence he came.
Certainly, everyone is different. Many people stay here quite a while. I’m not knocking anyone’s choices. However, it may be just me, and not scientific, but I see the above scenario quite often.
The reasons for wanting to move: Treated like a king, bad winter, dead end job, pretty girl, resort living, paying bills… They are powerful incentives that can distort reality.
Hi John- I love your list! It is spot on! I have seen that pattern so many times now that I’ve got it memorized! 😆
I feel your pain on the climate thing… I am sure I would freeze my buns off in the States now!
Paraphrasing “Uncle Remus”: “Throw me in that briar patch”! 😆
😯
Brer Rabbit Bob- Brer Rabbit !!! lol
Of course! 😉
Hey John, commenting on this old post, I’m currently somewhere between number 4 and 6 on that list. Number 5 occurred 26 years ago. 😆
Having lived here for about 2 years in the late nineties, I can attest to “you will have to go through all of that adjustment all over again.” It’s not quite “starting from scratch”, but it’s not “where I left off” either. There are certainly more western conveniences in Gensan now, but all the items you listed are very valid.
I have no idea how long we are going to stay here. Would we move back to the States someday? Maybe. When people ask me “are you here for good?” I often answer, “well, I’m not here for bad.” I’m comfortable with our decision, and as Paul K says, desire (and effort) is key…
Hi Gary – I totally agree that for somebody who “used to live here” – you don’t pick up where you left off when it comes to adjustment. In fact, a lot of people have a dream of living here over the winter months, and back “home” (wherever that is) during the summer months. I always feel that it will be very hard to do that, because I feel that it will make it very, very difficult to ever be able to adjust to living in the Philippines. Especially culturally.
Ah, the snowbird lifestyle. Year round dream of hammocks, lazy afternoons, cold beer in two countries =P
Ha ha ha… yep! That’s the one!
When I came here, I really wasn’t shocked to what I came to. This is probably because I researched and looked up photos and vids of Davao for about a year. It killed pretty much most my first impression, as if, I had came to a place somewhat familiar. It was odd compared to when I headed to the DR with no clue what it’d look like.
I guess people can make assumptions on things and be proven wrong (as like when I went to the DR), or suck up to reality by research (as I did with Davao). The worst of it is being proven wrong when you set up some kinda hopeful dream on it, which, I always make sure I never do. THis is what I see as that Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffet looking idea in someones head. Its touristy to me, and a false assumption, which is why I come off negative when I don’t wanna be associated with some of the “Average Joe” characteristics. Its like a guy walkign around and thinking all to the Bahamas is all that beer and ocean. There is a culture there that you cannot see in those tourist hotspots. I guess some Kanos come thinking it’ll be like those hotspots and their hope gets killed?
Culture I had no major issues with. Besides that KKB thing, fear of my gf’s mom, and that dancing incident, I cannot think of others. Maybe its because I’ve been friends with Filipinos and maybe because how I grew up. I dunno.
Heat seems to be the same as summer back home. I haven’t really had any problems with heat here though, which is ironic. Back home I hated it cause it made me sick and gave me headaches. Here I don’t mind. My gf complained when I decided to walk around with her out in the sunshine cause of the heat. Haha.
Lonliness I have no problem with either. I have friends here, who, maybe I don’t really see that much, but I’ve been a loner much of my life so it is nothing new. What’s new is that I am forced to be more social here.
Language barrier is actually fun to me. Its difficult, but I like trying to explain in some other way. I guess I like the challenge. Haha.
The money thing is the only bother to me in the list. Its cause that doggone visa fee took a chunk outta my account and I had to keep my lunch down to P50 per meal if I wanted to shoot my account back up.
Another bother to me is the crowd of people. Well, two reasons: #1- if I wanna hug my gf, there is no place I can hug her. Privacy seems to not exist, and I’d be too embarrassed to even do it in public cause I am too councious to PDA. #2- When i am trying to get somewhere, I don’t like anything to get in my way. I usually set the destination in my mind and walk fast to get to it. Its all I have in my head, so when crowds of people are walking opposite and I cannot even walk anywhere up the stairs, or if they are walking too slow infront of me, that is the only time I have gotten annoyed. Usually because I am anxious over time I have left for destination purpose.
Hey Jawz – Ha ha… those things that you list at the end… those are cultural issues! 😆 It does sound like you are doing pretty well in adjusting! Keep it up!
Jawz, your age give you a huge advantage over most of us. For most of us, the older we get, the more set we are in our ways.
That’s right, David…. you can’t teach an old dog new tricks! 😉
Bob – excellent post.
This goes to a very important point. The Philippines is most definitely not just another Asian country. It is unique in the world. It’s between the West and the East, but doesn’t fit in either. Yes, culturally, there are many eastern cultural aspects a Westerner must learn there. And, there are many western cultural aspects an Asian must learn there.
So, Westerners see this as a cheap paradise. Well, depends on what you need. If you need Western standards of basic services (electricity, internet, Western law enforcement standards, etc…) you are in for a major adjustment.
On the other hand, Filipino society is gregarious, charming and very friendly by nature. Many Westerners are superficially disarmed by those qualities, without understanding all of the aspects of the culture. There is so much that is good in the culture, that it leads to unrealistic expectations because Westerners really want to believe in paradise. They want to overlook those difficult parts.
The bottom line is that this is a society caught between the first and third world. There is a lot of both in it, but for now, you won’t get all of either. The truth is, it’s more third world than many Westerners can accept…but on first impression, seems very first world. It isn’t…and nobody knows if it ever will be. The Filipino people are working on it…they’ll get back to you.
It takes some time, for some more than others, to figure that out. And, for many of the latter, they have made major life decisions based on their first impressions. That’s always a mistake. Take your time and decide what is important for you in life, before you commit to something you think you understand.
I guess I would sum it up this way. There are long-term tourists and long-term residents. The long term tourists will never make it there unless they have deep, deep pockets and are infinitely adaptable…that may be a dozen people. It’s not easy for a Westerner to live in the Philippines long-term, unless they know what they are getting in to. And that takes some hard lessons and hard work. And nobody likes hard lessons and hard work in paradise, if they can avoid it.
Hi rc – I enjoyed your comment, and I found it to be quite accurate in many ways. I will sum it up in one sentence… I came here thinking I was coming to a paradise on earth, but I have since learned that there is no paradise on earth!
Well when I first came to Manila my thing to get over was being sick alot for about 3 weeks i was sick with a fever and upset stomach but after a while it went away.I lived in miami for about two years in lil cuba so getting used to a new lifestyle and language wasnt so difficult but I do admit I was a lil scared of my surrounding at first as i had never been to a third world country before I was also concered about if my wifes family would like me or not cause I had never met them before.But I think the biggest killer for expats is isolation and also not being able to think in pesos they allways think in dollars so thier cost per month is very high and from what i have seen watching some forginers near where I live is they dont want to adapt and really have bad attitudes and they are not nice to the locals.
Hi jason – I have to agree with much of what you are saying. Getting sick here can be very hard to shake off, and you have to take care of yourself to avoid that. I know, because I have gone through that a few times in the past 10 years, and it is not easy.
Hi Bob – Great post. Just one observation though, why all of a sudden do you think so many expats are deciding to leave?
Hi Nicholas – Actually, I have an article coming up on Friday that goes into one of the main reason why people are deciding to cut and run, or at least why I think they are. Of course, one reason doesn’t cover everybody, but a lot of expats are, in my view, doing it because of a lack of financial resources. They came here with some savings, or expecting to “get a job” here (something that is almost impossible to do), and things did not work out like they expected. So, now they are going home to get work. Problem is… there are no jobs in the USA anymore, or at least for now, so I don’t expect that decision to work out for them either. Economic times are tough. It looks like the USA economy is starting to turn around, but in many ways the recovery is jobless so far, and somebody who has been out of the workforce for a few years will be one of the last hired, so that could take years before they find any kind of job that will pay much money.
Good question, Nicholas. I’ll explain more on Friday what I think is going on, and why it’s important for people to get their ducks in a row before making the move to begin with!
Bob,
In your forthcoming article, if you highlight financial problems as the reason for the return to the US, you should mention the exchange rate, particularly in US dollars. I’ve seen the dollar as high as 55 pesos/dollar. Now on the order of 45p/$. AND the rate of inflation in the Philippines is above that, often FAR above that, in the US. So our dollars are buying fewer pesos and our pesos are buying fewer real goods (beer, meat, rent and so on). If I had to guess, I’d say that the relative cost in the Philippines (and this is the relevant cost, since many ex-pats are on fixed incomes or ones fixed in relation to US inflation) has increaswed 40% in the past six years.
Hi ProfDon – Got it covered! My upcoming article indeed deals with each of the things you mention. Watch for it on Friday! 😉
Bob, in your article on the impact of financial issues on ex pats levaing, you should include the impact of the rise in the peso against the dollar and the much higher inflation here in the Philippines. My estimate is that the two taken together has increased the cost of goods in the Philippines for American ex pats by about 40% in the past six years. (Sorry if this is a repeat of a prior comment. I pushed the wrong button before.)
I too know a few ‘longish-termers’ who are quitting Davao.Their reason – spit it out man – Davao’s going down the tubes.
Hi Gary – I am on the verge of giving up on Davao myself. I love Davao, but it is simply becoming too urbanized for my taste. Too much traffic and unbridled growth.
Exactly – no control. – and that’s my P20 of SmartBro credits for the day.Byeeeeeee.
Have a good one, my friend.
Hi Bob
I have to say that all you said today is excellent advice to anyone thinking of moving to The Phills. I have experienced all of this first hand
Regards
Malcolm
Hi Malcolm – Thank you, I am glad to hear that you agree. Like you, I have been through each of these problems myself at one time or another, but thankfully I’ve also been able to work my way out of them!
Hi bob i like what mike had to say about the climate there , when i was in townsville the army gave you about 3 months to aclimatise to the tropics i was in davao for about a month last trip and was starting to get used to the weather when i had to leave but when i first got there i was standing in front of the aircon in our unit all the time , we went to a birthday party at one of my wifes friends homes here in the middle of summer it was over 40 celcius the house was packed with philipinos the heat didnt worry them and as mike said i was the one with buckets of water pouring out of my head , her husband is a doctor and he was quite concerened for my welll being ,i was fine but mikes comments just made me think of that occasion is your book in american dollers as i am interested to look at some of them
regards chris
Hi chris – dripping sweat in a social occasion like that can be embarrassing, I’ve had the problem myself from time to time.
Yes, my book, “Culture Shock” is $29.99 US Dollars. It is more than 400 pages of examples of cultural adjustments that a person will need to make and deal with when moving to the Philippines.
Timely post Bob given the increasing number of posts I’ve read lately in a Yahoo group along the lines of “I’ve had enough of the USA it’s turning socialist; I’m going to move to Phils.”
I think moving to another country just to get away from the one you are in now is a poor reason and will usually end in tears. I believe anyone who gets so agitated about politics they let it disturb their peaceful enjoyment of life will find more to stress about here than in the USA.
On the main issue: it’s well-established that everyone who moves to a new environment goes through a number of stages of acculturation. They are honeymoon period/disorientation/irritability and hostility/adaptation/bi-culturality. My guess is that the people you know who are heading back couldn’t cope with the third stage.
It would really help if people knew they were going to experience these phases and understood what to expect. It would help them to grit their teeth and persevere, knowing that eventually they are likely to get to the final stage where they have developed a whole new set of values and attitudes that incorporates elements of both their old and their new cultures. That’s when they finally start to feel ‘at home’.
But as others have said, you really need to have positive reasons that make you want to live here. Just thinking “I hate what those guys in Washington are doing to America” isn’t sufficient.
Hi Ken – Thanks for visiting.
Yes, there are lots of people who want to get out of the USA now, many people disagree with what Obama is doing on many fronts. Like you say, though, that is not a good basis for starting a happy life in the Philippines. It takes more than that to be able to make the adjustment, and to be happy in your upcoming life. Some will be able to make the adjustment, some will not. Every person trying to make the move, though, will go through stages of adjustment, and it can be quite difficult.
I am hoping that years of sailing in & out 3rd world countries and islands have prepared me. I can imagine how bad it would be with little, or no income coming in. I can imagine how bad it would be to isolate yourself for a number of different reasons.
An open mind can overcome the reality of the change. Humor?, that’s one of the most important survival tools I know. The Phils aren’t much difference than the BAHAMAS, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Even the language is similiar to what is spoken in Mexico. I don’t understand the comment about beer & ocean. Heck the beer & ocean are in the Phils too.
I will be anything but isolated. I will help my wife in her family business as a grunt. Sail from island to island meeting locals as I have always done in my sailing travels. Many of my wife’s friends are already my friends, and of course her family is mine too. What would thrill me most would to build some small sailing bankas, and open this world up to some youth program. Possibly boredom ran away some ex-pats. I don’t think that will be my problem.
As far as weather, and acclimating. I did that for years living here in Florida. Carrying 5 gallon jugs of water, and fuel for the boat in Miami, and Bahama summers will do that to you. Sailing isn’t about the front of slick magazine covers. Those are only the rewards. Sailing is dirty, hot, and sometimes brutal work, and especially if you do it in the tropics.
As always time will tell if I can make the adjustments. I have already has some great training in making them. At times I compare sailing to the pioneers crossing the little known continent. There are easy days, and there are some tough ones. You have to be self suffecient in many different ways……i2f
Hi imagine – it sounds like you are on the right track toward having a successful adjustment to life in the Philippines.
Bob,
Great article. This website has helped me a lot with my understanding of the culture. The advice from you, Feyma, American Lola, Paul T, Paul K and John is invaluable. I have read and re-read the postings on SIR and I have learned something new each time.
Can I get Feyma or your advice on adjusting to life in the USA? Juramie passed the interview and I will be bringing her, Kient and JJ to Maryland in early June.
Hi Jack – Thanks for your kind words. Adjustment to life in the USA is also tough. Feyma went through a lot of homesickness for several years when she came to live in the USA. There is language, culture and such to deal with in the US, just like it is for us here. She will make it, though, just be supportive, and give her a shoulder to cry on when she needs to do that. Time is the most important thing that Juramie will need!
My missus didn’t like the UK – cold,spuds instead of rice,definitely inferior crabs !
Hi Jack & Bob – Congrats Jack & Juramie! Happy & safe trip!
Another item on the “getting adjusted” checklist for the USA is finding others around you with similar stories/backgrounds and trials.
See if you can find a Phil-Am group nearby, or at least try and find someone (preferable a lady asawa) who comes from the same province, island or general area as Juramie.
Jack, your shoulders may be the broadest, softest, most loving that Juramie may find, but she’ll need a Kabayan shoulder from time to time as well as the uplifting a “little bit of home” will bring in a strange and foreign land.
Again – wonderful news. Congrats to all!
Great advice Bob and Paul. Juramie has a good friend from Mahaplag, Leyte in Virginia and I met someone from Isabel, Leyte over the weekend. Isabel is very close to Tagbubunga. I also have a good friend from Tacloban living close to us here and I have made her promise me to check in on Juramie, Kient and JJ often. I am lucky to live in the Washingtion DC area and I am sure she will have many new friends here. But I realize that when the excitement wears off, she will get very homesick.
Don’t forget to check out the Fort Washington, MD plus the Arlington and Springfield VA areas – lots of Kabayan! (We lived in Gaithersburg, MD for a few years in the early 1990s.)
You are so right! 🙂 There are a lot (I mean a LOT) of Filipinos in MD/VA area, esp. in Fort Washington. Even in McD, young Pinoys are the servers. I was like is this McD or Jolibee? 🙂
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great article Bob. I remember reading captions on sites about the Philippines claiming you could live like a king on a $1,000 a month. I suppose it’s true if you read the fine print. The average filipino family gets by on less tha $100 a month so having ten times that amount would be a fortune. The problem arises when one brings a set of first world expectations along with them. The king in the articles referred to one living much better than the average local population, it didn’t mean living like a king by first world standards. If you come with an open mind and a willingness to adjust it makes all the difference in the world.
Hi David – It sure is possible to live here (even like a king, but only a king of a small poor country!) for $1,000 per month. But, it is not necessarily easy to do so, you still have to adjust to a different way of living! As the financial situation changes, as I have seen over the past 10 years, living on $1,000 is getting tougher, though, and in a few years it will take more than that for a single person to live here.
Bob;
The $1,000.00 a month is doable if prior planning was accomplished first. My biggest and only monthly living expenses are my electric bill Approx 8,000.00 Pesos per month, and gas for the car approx.3,000.00 to 4,000.00 Pesos a month, then food and beer. Unexpected expenses I have savings to cover that. I live off my Military pension and bank the others. It can be done, but I only live like a Duke.
Hi Paul – One of the big keys there is that you own your house, though… if somebody has to pay rent… well, that will really eat into that $1k!
Yes Bob;
Owning the house was a large part of my retirement plan. Not knowing when rents would go up. My expenses for gasoline are increasing as we are having more and more brownouts. Just now I had to start the generator to finish this comment. It’s been averaging every other day with it off for 5-6 hours each time.
Hi Paul – Brownouts… I don’t even want to think about it… There is no end to the brownout problem in Mindanao. I hope things are better up north!
Bob;
I think its Country wide now; we figure we’re providing power to Mega Manila during peak usage due to the high heat index. We’re proud to do it for our betters!
Yes,you have to own the house and no children – then $1000 a month is easy.
Oh – and not be sick !
Ha ha… you are right on the kids too, Gary. Kids are expensive!
Oh how I yearn for the days of 55:1 LOL
Hi richard – I even experienced 56 for a while… I’d be happy now if we could get back to 50!
Bob,
I have waited to comment to see some of the others. Yes, I am one of the Expats planning to return to the US.
I wonder if I gave up too easily 2 years ago when I packed up and moved here. I was 54 then and was depressive in losing my job. In my field jobs were hard to find, so I packed up and came here.
What I did not reline was it is almost impossible to get a job here and you need a lot of money and business knowledge and luck to open a successful business here.
Some make it sound easy to make money off the internet, but you need to have a strong enterprising mind and know how to work the system. More have lost then made on the internet. You, Bob, are smart how to work the system.
Most of the Expats that last here either have a comfortable pension income or can go more native living with less. I am not extravagant, I do not go to the expensive restaurants often, do not play golf or have expensive hobbies and it is still tough.
I do not know what will happen back in the States but I will do my best to find a way to survive since I have learned how to live with less.
Hi Bruce – You don’t need a lot of money to start a business. Honestly, I have never spent more than $100 to start any of the businesses that I have, and I have many businesses. Hard work and commitment are the two biggest things you need in order to succeed in a business here. Yes, you need to be smart and to work smart. Luck? I don’t believe in luck. There is an old saying from Thomas Jefferson that goes:
Hard work is the key, Bruce, not luck. Perseverance and commitment make the difference. What I mean is that even when the business is not making money for you, keep working at it, keep trying, and the money will come. What can I say, it has worked for me over and over again.
Good luck to you Bruce. I hope you make it.
Bob,
Thank you. As I have told you, your work and thoughts of how to use the internet for businesses is amazing, I wish I had the same ability.
Good luck to you too.
Thanks Bruce.
Bruce: I took a look at your website when I read your comment… I’m sorry that things didn’t work out for you here, but I wanted to share the following with you.. I hope I’m not out of line:
Yes, there are many Internet gurus out there talking about getting rich using the Net. What Bob, and Dave Starr, and others do is different, though. The Internet is a tool… nothing more. There is no magic about it or voodoo. The problem is that there are many people who make it out to be something that it is not. As with any business, you need to serve a need and have a plan. Business savvy is only a small part of the picture. Hard work is 90%.
Looking at your background, I see many things that you could do… You were an architect by trade in the States? Did you ever notice how many expats on this board talk about building houses here? Ever notice the complaints about construction quality and so on? Different ideas you could try (I came up with these in 10 minutes):
1. How about offering a construction inspection service for expats? Use your contacts locally to make sales leads and publicize on the net.
2. Construction supervision. Again, targeting expats. Act as a “supervisor” to the local contractors.
3. A building supplies consolidator. Have expats send you required specs and purchase the building materials, ensuring quality or difficult to find items.
4. Since you are probably licensed in the States, offer design services for expats, designing homes to tropical conditions? Use your experience.
5. Apply to teach architecture and drafting at one of the local trade schools. Better yet, offer online courses.
The point of all this is that business is only limited by your imagination. The Internet is just a way to facillitate those ideas and help them become reality… Nothing more.
Driving a taxi in the States may work out well for you… I did it myself for a couple of weeks when I was in Uni. It is a tough way to make a living, though. I wish you all the best.
Hi John – I agree with you. With Bruce’s skills there are a LOT of opportunities to get work like what you are talking about. Also, US companies, while they don’t have a lot of jobs, are looking for ways to cut costs. Being able to offer then the kind of skills Bruce has is a natural, and I know, beyond a doubt that there is a huge market for Bruce’s skills.
Bob,
Most residential architects want it directly under their supervision and the other architects that outsource want a group that can design, draft, structure and give them a finished product. I am not at that level.
Here there are qualified people and do not want to pay the high rate an Expat is looking for.
Hi Bruce – That’s exactly what I am talking about… there are qualified here – you could set up a business by hiring them to do the work, you just supervise it to make sure it is done right…. you are in a perfect position to take advantage of the talent here and make some money for yourself.
John,
I was an Architectural Project Manager running projects, I am not a licensed Architect.
As for making a business in Architectural supervision, construction management or things in the field. I worked with some and never got paid and my designs were stolen.
As for supervision, most expats that contacted me, none went to construction. Most times their Filipina has a cousin or uncle that will do it for them cheaper. Yes they get lower quality work but they are trying to cut corners and get what they are paying for.
What ever, it is moot now.
WELL BOB,
I have recieved a ton of insight here too. Thanks to you and all that contribute………i2f
I’m glad that you found this article useful, imagine!
some us just wish we were there at the moment. our flight has been cancelled for over a week because of the icelandic volcano. looking forward to joining you all if even for only a reduced stay now.
Ha ha… I feel your pain, Paul! That volcano has caused all kinds of trouble!
Truly quite fascinating to read the comments ( fascinating as the subject is immigration and the people talking are mainly American immigrants to the Philippines. Normally immigrants have America as a destination)
I spent about two months after Christmas in the Philippines and I am back here in the States for some medical testing. I would not live in the Philippines on a full time basis. My main gripe about the Philippines has to do with pollution.
Personally I think it takes about ten years to truly come to grips with the fact that you have left your native country. After ten years or so one can start thinking about settling in. Immigration is a long process and the first few years are a real roller coaster of a ride.
Jody
Hi Jody – I believe there is some truth in your statement about taking 10 years to come with grips about having left your native country. I have been here only a couple weeks shy of 10 years now, and I have been recently experiencing different emotions and feelings about having left the USA behind. In many ways, I am feeling very liberated, and have shed many of my feelings about “home”.
Once again an excellent article. It should be a must read for everyone that is leaving home for paradise.
It always seem to me common sense would tell you that vacationing and living in your paradise of choice are two different things. Yet, I am constantly surprised at those that listen to the heart and not their mind when moving here.
A few years back I was invited to Marco Polo for dinner with some people from Texas. The couple told me they only had five more years then they would be living in Davao. I advised them to come and stay for awhile before they sold their home and furniture in Houston to move here because they need to see if they could adjust to living in a Third World Country. They both spoke up at about the same time and said,”We have already adjusted we have spent our last four vacations in Davao.” I ask them if they always stayed at Marco Polo Hotel when they came to Davao and they said, “Yes.” I ask if they plan to live in Marco Polo Hotel when they moved permanently here and they said, “Oh, no. It would be too expensive.”
Now why would intelligent people and they were both professionals think staying in Maraco Polo Hotel with a staff to serve their every need would be the same as living in a condo, apartment or home in Davao? I tried to point out some things to them, but it seem to irritate them so I just let them go on with their fantasy.
I have recently been thinking of returning to the States and have been looking at property on the Internet to buy. My concern is being single and not in good health reaching a point where I cannot care for myself or make decisions for myself. In the States I could find an Assisted Living Facility or Nurshing Home Facility before I needed one and make arrangements to move there. I do not have but one relative in the States so there is no family to return to. That is my only concern about staying in the Philippines.
I also would like to comment on the “cheap living” I to have found if you want to maintain your Western life style the living is not all that cheap. Yes, it is cheaper than the States, but this stuff you read “live like a King in the Philippines for $300 a month” is not true. My medicine monthly cost me over $400 a month.
I guess perhaps I want to have too much control over my situation, but I would not move any where without knowing about banking, medical care, security, housing, shopping, transportation, real cost of living, etc. I sometimes envy those that are more carefee than I.
Hi Tom – I have to say, your comments about things like the cost of living and such are spot on. You know, in the 10 years that I have lived here, many things have tripled in price! It shocks me. It’s not nearly as cheap to live here as it was 10 years ago, I know that for sure.
The couple that you mention who is planning to move here, and always stays at Marco Polo are in for some surprises. I tell people all the time that vacationing here and living here are completely different things, but often they just laugh and tell me that I don’t really know what I am talking about. “Well, OK,” I tell them… but it is usually them who is surprised after living here for a year or so.
Thanks for your comment, Tom, I enjoyed hearing from you!
Tom’s point about assisted living is very much an example of what I had in mind when I said people should come to Philippines for positive reasons, not negative ones. My experience is the opposite of Tom’s; I moved here because in Australia I would risk ending up a cranky old man in an ‘aged care facility’ (even the label is dehumanising) whereas here I will have a loving partner and extended family to provide warmth and companionship no matter what happens to me. To me that will always be a terrific reason to grin and bear the problems of adjustment.
I agree with you, Ken. Having people here who care about me and will help take care of me or other family members who might need it in the future is one of the great things about living here. In Tom’s case, I believe, he does not really have family here. I could be wrong on that, though, because although I have heard about him before, I really do not know him personally, but that is my belief. So, I can understand Tom’s point, although I agree with you that the care part of the equation is one of the best things about living here.
Hello Everyone,
Took the time and read evey post on this article and it really hit home. So I sat back and really asked myself why do I want to retire to the Philippines with my wife after being in the states for twenty plus years. Remember I was stationed there for 4 yrs in the Navy in the 80’s. It took me 2 years back then to adjust and that was with a military presence. Now the Navy is gone and all you have in Subic are some old friends that stayed, some new expats, and the locals.
After some serious thinking I came up with a few solidid reasons why it would be good for us.
1. My wife really misses her family there and wants to spend as much time with them as she can. Her mother and 2 brothers have already passed.
2. I enjoy her family and when I was there the locals it was fun talking and being with them.
3. With my 2 pensions and my wifes ssn we can live well (Like a Duke as Paul T puts it)I will live on one and bank the rest you never know what will happen in the future. So I figure about 2000.00 at 40:1.
4.Start a small business for her family so they can earn a living
and not ask us for money all the time. It will also give my wife something to do.
5. For myself buy a house and renovate it to the way we want it that will keep me busy for a while.
6. Reconnect with our old friends and socalize with a group of new high quality friends locals and forgeiners. This will take time because I’m very picky when it comes to friends. But Paul T and Bob,and John M lunch is on me.
7. And travel around the Philippines and near by countries and enjoy life.
8. Almost forgot have Paul T. come over and help me build my man cave.
These are some of the main resons why moving there will be a good
thing. We live all over the world and adjustments take time we know this, But going back home to the Philippines has been a burning desire for us ever scince the day we left in Dec of 86.
Great artticle really made me ask myself some hard questions.
Hi Michels – The things you say make a lot of sense… except for #4. In my years living here, and knowing a lot of expats, so far I never saw anybody successfully pull off that one. A lot have tried. They all crashed and burned. I tried 2 or 3 times myself (I have a thick skull and it took that many times for me to figure out it was impossible!) and failed each time.
Good luck!
OH YEA Bob!!
I know #4 is a strech but my wife insists we try one more time.
We tried twice before when we were their and they crashed and burned.
But hey if it makes her happy maybe third times a charm LOL.
Ha ha.. Bruce… good luck! You will need it! 😉
Hello Bob,
Great article! I have been coming and going from Cebu for several years now. When I eventually come back it will be for good and I would not forsee going back to Canada. I know several expats whom have left recently for some of the above reasons. Some think too big when they want to do business and fail without a doubt. I always told my wife that if you wanna do business in the Philippines, think small and local and when successful expand! I have adjusted very nicely to the filipino culture and I am even having fun learning Bisaya!!! Fellow expats learn to open your minds to everything paradise has to offer otherwise you will just end up going back home…
My 2cents as always.
Hi Jason – Nice to hear from you. I’m sure glad to hear that you are enjoying learning Bisaya, I know that it is something that I enjoy a lot too!
I found your website by accident. I have been part of the Philippines since 1982 when I was in my early twenties. I divide my time between London and Laguna. My tips are these:
1.Embrace the culture and learn about it.
2.Learn Tagalog.
3.Do not rely on your savings
4.Localise a business
5.Don’t bank on it and keep it simple
6.Do not get involved in politics or religion
7.Do not show off
8.Keep your dignity when others lose theirs
9.Don’t get stupidly drunk
10. Respect your hosts
I do not advise anyone suddenly upping sticks to live in the Philippines without doing major research and living for at least six months to test the water. Even that is not sufficient.
The dream is not the reality, but with care and conviction, the reality may become the dream.
Hi Paul – Thanks for stopping by and for commenting, I appreciate it. I have been coming and going from the Philippines since 1990, when I was 28, and I love it. I’ve been living here full time since 2000. I reside in Davao City.
I must say, your list of tips is really excellent. I only disagree with one of them – #2. I totally agree about learning a language, but disagree that it must be Tagalog. I live in the south, and most people here speak Bisaya. I started studying Bisaya myself 3 years ago, and I do quite well with it. I am not perfect, but would consider myself to be nearly fluent. So, I would change #2 to “Learn the local language” – in the Philippines that may or may not be Tagalog, depending on which part of the country you live in. The whole idea is to make it possible to communicate with the local people where you live.
Thanks again for your comment. I hope you drop by more often!
That’s a fair point – I agree with you. But Tagalog is (dare I say!)the principle language and medium of instruction besides English in the Philippines, and the average visitor is more likely to encounter it simply because they are prone to head for Manila and its conorbations. There are of course other languages in Luzon, for example up in the mountainous provinces like Benqeut and the Cordillera regions, but they are mainly tribal and whilst they should be encouraged, unfortunately Tagalog is taking over due to economic discretion.
It’s a pleasure to make your acquantance!
Hi Paul – Nice to meet you too! I just went over and looked at your blog and left a comment there as well.
The thing is – up north, yes, Tagalog is the way to go. Down south of Luzon, though, Tagalog is not what you encounter much. In fact, if you go to Cebu, the people there are very resentful of Tagalog, and they would rather speak English than Tagalog. Speak Bisaya to them and you will be welcomed like you are from heaven! I know, because I’ve experienced it! Ha ha… Really, Tagalog is not widely used on the streets here in Davao. Yes, in business offices and such you will hear Tagalog or English, but if you go out on the street, you won’t hear Tagalog here. That is why I chose to learn Cebuano instead.
Anyway, that’s a discussion for another day….
Thanks for the comment on the blog. I look forward to continuing this discussion with you another day…perhaps under a Durian tree, if not before…
Regards
Hi Paul – Ha ha… you gotta be careful sitting under a durian tree. People get killed when one of those things fall on their heads! 😯
Well, I’ve got over 200 coconut trees so I’m used to dodging missiles, although I did castrate a few to produce Lambanog once, and that really gave me a headache!
Ha ha… there are two differences between coconuts and durian though…. most coconuts weigh a lot less than a mature durian, and the most important thing is that coconuts don’t have all of those nasty spikes on them! 😆
True, but coconuts fall from a greater height, so spikes or not I suspect they are equally lethal. Maybe the durian would gas the victim prior to impact 😉
Ha ha…. I take it, then, that you have not seen a really mature durian tree. Davao is the durian capitol of the Philippines. We have durian trees here that are way taller than coconut trees! Ha ha… 😯
My trees are bigger than yours! So nuts to you!! 😉
Anyway, great banter…
until next time..
all the best
Paul
My rough research tells me that Durian trees can grow from 80 – 165ft depending on species. Coconut trees can grow to 100 ft, so I shall follow my own durian tree with mounting interest. I’m not sure what my variety is, but I will endeavour to find out.
By the way, I received a comment this morning on one of my Squidoo lenses from a hotel owner in Davao. That wasn’t you by any chance was it? If not, its a remarkable coincidence. It looks like a great hotel, regardless.
Hi Paul – Nope, it was not me who left the comment at Squidoo. I am not a hotel owner. I may well know the person, though, as I know a lot of business owners around Davao City. Coincidence indeed!
There are so many varieties of durian, it is amazing. My favorites are Arancillo, Puyat or 101. The first two are very easy to find. My absolute favorite is 101, though, and it is very hard to find! Good luck with your endeavor of growing durian!
It was from “My Hotel” San Pedro St. Odd name for a hotel. Imagine asking Tourist Information:
“Where can I stay in Davao?”
“I recommend My Hotel”
“Where’s your hotel?”
“It’s not Your Hotel, its My Hotel”
“Erm..OK…so where’s your hotel?..etc etc”
The interior looks very pleasant, but the exterior reminds me of a slice of Battenberg cake!
Hey, Paul… Who’s on first? 😉
Bob.
I am so grateful that I stumbled across your site during a Google search. I have read many of your articles, with special attention paid to the SIR series. We visit our house in Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque, Metro Manila (My wife Marita inherited it) the Philippines once a year and now many of the things I noticed now make sense. (Like, eat, eat, eat. I remember I grew very irate the first time I encountered that, I just wanted to scream “I’m not hungry dammit, leave me alone). It also makes sense one of the first phrases my brother in law taught me was “Walang Pera”.
I set aside a period of each day to read past article and the responses which are very informative and entertaining themselves. Your Bon Voyage series was very though provoking. While I don’t want to say that it dampened my looking forward to retiring there in fall of 2012 it did make me think. (the purpose of blogs maybe?) What would be the proper forum to describe our plans and ask for feedback on their feasibility? As a young soldier I was always taught to ask the First Sergeant on how to go about things the proper way. Like it or not, you guys are the Veterans lolol! Thanks for reading and I look forward to future post and maybe even contribute a little. (not to mention reading all your books)
Scott
Hi Scott – Thanks for visiting, I’m glad that you found the site useful and informative! I would enjoy hearing more from you in the form of a future article, as you mentioned! 😆 Take care.
don’t expect much and believe on what the media tells about Philippines, you might end up frustrated.
Hey Bob,
I got use to the climate fast. My then fiance rented a NON-aircon apartment around the corner from her mom’s with her family all around the area. All I had was a fan. I only slept 2-3 hrs on plane, figured if it was going to crash needed to pray some sins away I guess. So when I finally got there and took a nap got use to the heat quick.
That’s one way to do it, Ronin! 😆
Hi Bob,
I read this and what people have said on here with ideas and how to make it there, As most like someone posted people go there to find a good woman and have a great time while there and think it will be the same when they move there. As you and many others have pointed out it not like that, First off it takes money to make money especially if your not Computer savoy like you. I was an auto mechanic for 25 years and now in Maintenance a Supervisor to be exact so I’m good with my hands not my mind and here i make a lot of money but at the same time i have a lot of bills too so it average out not to be so much money at the end of the month. So to be honest I’m an average stiff living in America and I can live without the nice house,cars and all the other nice things we have but like i have said before my Filipino wife would have been happy for me to go there and live instead of coming here. But i told her i couldn’t support us there. I love it there but i’m a horse trader buying things and resale it like cars and motorcycles. I think i would have a hard time doing that there. We would like to set up an apartment/store combo that’s the plan anyways. Got any advise for a mechanic, maintenance man horse trader to make a living there. And buy the way i bought your book as well. Thanks
Hi Todd – The very best advice I can offer you is to do something that you enjoy and have a passion for. If you do that, you will always enjoy what you do, and have a great chance for success. It is a matter of finding that right thing that you have passion for and will also make you money. Good luck to you.
Hi Bob, I am very please to come across your website. You forget to mention about medical cost in the Phil. Medicare does not pay in the Phil. Social Security is just enough to pay living expenses. Medicine is expensive to very expensive in the Phil. Old age will come to everyone sooner or later. No one can work during their old age in poor health. Our health will decline sooner or later. Then the bill for medical cost come from where…online income? It is not possible to work during old age in poor health online or offline. Have you considered this stage of life on how to generate income? I have this covered for myself with my pension, Social Security and real estate rental income (US).
Hi John – For me, the key to this is to produce online income during your productive years. The good thing about earning online is that you can create residual income that will keep on paying for years after you can no longer work. For example, if you have a website with thousands of relevant articles, even if you can no longer write, that site will continue to produce ad income for many years down the road.
Hi Bob, your quote “For example, if you have a website with thousands of relevant articles, even if you can no longer write, that site will continue to produce ad income for many years down the road.” I say this. The site traffic will go down down and down if you have no new articles posted on your site. People will stop coming to your site if there is nothing new and the same old thing year after year. Remember, your wife will get old with you together. You will have double the medical expenses. Medicine alone can cost up to P20000 a day for major medical issue in additional to other charges such as doctor, hospital room, lab test, surgery…etc. My girl friend’s grand father had a major medical issue before. He needed P20000 a day just for medicine. I am quite surprise by the big medical cost for elderly. I must say that your strategy to generate income online does not work during old age. Your site traffic will go down big time if you have nothing new to post online after a while. When sickness come during old age then what is the next step…? Medicare does not pay in the Phil.
Oh my… I guess I’m totally screwed, John! Maybe I should just give up now.
You have a pretty negative outlook. Ever heard of saving money? Also, there is no reason why you cannot write in your old age. Sites do continue to earn money even after they do not get fresh content.
Anyway, your outlook and mine are different, John. I have no problem with that. Apparently you do.
Yes Bob, may be I am a little uptight perhaps to a point of paranoid. My father pass away Feb 6, 2013 at age 90. My Dad’s medical bill is tremendous large. He has been in poor health for the past 11 years. My Mom has Alzheimer. She is on the way down too. My Mom’s medical bill is large too. I hope you can write to your old age. But only if you don’t have my Mom’s issue. Alzheimer patient cannot write anything. Anyway, we can pay our parent’s medical bill but my parent has eight children all earning professional wages in the US. My negative comment comes from reality not imaginary. All the best.
Hi John – I am sorry for your loss. Remember, though.. you don’t know me. You know nothing about my savings or my retirement planning. You really have no reason to judge me, and I have not judged you.
Bob, I think you miss understood. I post to see how other expat handle old age finances in PI. I never say anything about your saving is enough or not. Judging you does not help me to go forward on addressing the old age medical finance issue. It is a big challenge to handle old age finance especially medical cost. There are quite a few expat who die in PI because they cannot pay their medical bills. One expat in CDO cannot pay funeral cost and he owe the hospital a big sum when he die. These are mostly old age expat. I have been to the Phil 4 times. I have been planning retirement in PI for the past 15 years. Two more year and I am done working. I have this old age medical finance issue that is not water tight. Oh well, all the best.
Couple questions. I’ve been to the Philippines six times over the last 10 years, usually staying about a month each time. It seems like I’m always dripping with sweat, no matter if I’m just sitting and not exerting myself. None of the locals seem to sweat like that. Does the body ever adjust and why don’t the Filipinos sweat like that? I’m a tad overweight, maybe by about 20 pounds, so maybe that plays a part? Also mosquitos. It seems all the mosquitos within a quarter mile radius seek me out and bite the heck out of me. I don’t see that with the locals. Do we smell or taste different? Thanks for any answers. I’m retiring in a few months and plan to make the Philippines home.