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.

A friendly advice!

Expats, Returning Filipino

I was just remembering a friend that died a few years ago now. He was dear to me and Bob because his half brother really is so close and the best friend of Bob here, that they treat each other like true brothers. He is so close that I felt that I had 2 husbands. […]

Are you willing to compromise?

Adjustment, Expats, Returning Filipino

I am writing and asking you guys that live in a house with multi-culture environment, are both partners willing to give and take or learn from each other? I am going to give more about Bob and I as an example. When Bob and I were writing to each other, before we were married, I was so […]

A good women talk!

Relationships, Returning Filipino

Myself, Bebe (Bob’s Bisaya teacher) and one more lady were talking a few weeks ago about getting together just to meet up for girl talk over lunch or coffee. We were set to meet up a week ago. But I had to bail out since I had a friend who came here from Manila. The […]

Have you tried Ginataan? How about binignit?

Food/Drink, Holidays, Returning Filipino

I am writing here about one of the famous dessert “The Ginataan in Tagalog Binignit in Bisaya”. It is  one of famous dessert in the Philippines! Made most especially during All Souls Day and All Saint’s Day. You probably wonder what’s that event I’m talking about? Really it’s the day to remember and honor the […]

Prejudices in the US & here!

Returning Filipino

I’m writing about the prejudices that I’ve experienced in the States while living there for 10 years. Not really too many instances but it happened to me. It’s not really shocking but in many ways I also wonder why would some people do that kind of thing. Really it happened to me when Chris was about a […]