Live in the Philippines

Live in the Philippines helps expats with visas, moving and other services regarding the Philippines.

Returning Filipinos

Millions of Filipinos go abroad each year!  Many go to become OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers).  Many Filipinos marry foreigners and leave the Philippines to live with their spouses abroad.

Whatever the reason, there are literally missions of Filipinos who no longer live in the Philippines, and the number continues to grow.

Many of these Filipinos who decide to leave the country hope to return one day, though, to live in the Philippines again.  Mostly, they want to retire in the Philippines where the lifestyle is less expensive and at a slower pace.

What many do not consider, though, is that moving back to the Philippines offers challenges for the returning Filipino.  Some returning Filipinos are discriminated against by their fellow countrymen, or taken advantage of.  In many cases the Filipino who has lived abroad has become used to a life that offers more conveniences, better technology and generally a higher standard of life than may be available in the Philippines.  When they move back and find things "a little behind" what they have grown accustomed to, the transition can be difficult for them.  Read the archives below to learn about the experiences that returning Filipinos have faced.

Another somewhat related topic is about foreigners who have moved to the Philippines to become expats and then returned to their home country. A fairly large number of expats give up on life in the Philippines and return home.  Others go back to visit.  It is always interesting to hear the thoughts of those who have come to live in the Philippines and then go back home.  Read about this in our Expats Going Home Archive.

Something to think about!

Money Matters, Returning Filipino, Travel

I saw this post on my news feed on my FB. It’s something for the family here to think about. Maybe they will lower the high expectations of the loved ones they have abroad. It’s a thought provoking message especially to those OFW in the States and other parts in the world. Living here for a […]

The election mess!

Business, Returning Filipino, Transportation, Travel

Last week we went to Tupi, South Cotabato for a business meeting. The trip from Davao to General Santos City took 4+ hours. The usual travel is supposed to be only takes 3 hours or a little over in the bus. Why it’s taking a long time this time is due to the road construction […]

Unsupervised kids!

Food/Drink, Returning Filipino

A couple of weeks ago, I brought my kids Chris and Nicole to church. We went to an earlier service than my other kids. After church I brought them for some snacks. The downstairs where the church service was, was mostly restaurants and other shops. Really we end up going to the food court, which is okay because […]

Simbang Gabi means “Evening Mass”

Adjustment, Holidays, Returning Filipino

For Filipinos who are Catholic, they will celebrate Simbang Gabi mean, meaning “night mass” or “evening mass” or “Misa de Gallo” (rooster’s mass). It is a nine day novena in honor of Mary the Mother of Jesus Christ the Savior. It is celebrated by going to mass everyday from the 16th of December  to Christmas eve December 24th. Most […]

It’s Christmas time again!

Holidays, Returning Filipino

Well for all Christians all over the world it’s time to celebrate the holiday season again. Christmas is a time for celebration with family, friends and loved ones. For sure Christmas is one of the big festivities all over the world. For kids Christmas gifts sure to bring a big smile to everyone kids face. […]

A salute to the teachers!

Returning Filipino

Over Thanksgiving preparation I was talking to my niece Bebe. She was helping out on cooking on some of our food. I was asking her about her younger sister (Sahara) who just graduated her BSED (Bachelor of Science in Education) a year or so ago. She now teaches in the remote area of our province in Sarangani. […]