This website, Live in the Philippines, has been around for a little over 2 years now. It has been built up to a fairly sizeable repository of information about living in the Philippines. Back when I made the decision to live in the Philippines there really were no such resources available that I am aware of. As any of you can see, in almost all the articles on the site, there will be quite a number of comments, people asking questions and such. This site has turned into a nice community where a person can get information that they need in order to decide if the Philippines is a place where they really want to live.
That said, though, for anybody who is considering making such a life change, as moving to a different culture, different lifestyle, different country, making that choice is a major life decision. As such, it is a decision that should not be taken lightly, and demands a major amount of consideration. I believe it is also important to travel here to check the place out before making such a substantial decision.
Over the years that I have lived here, before this site existed, I would get e-mails from people inquiring about coming here to live permanently in the Philippines. I would often ask these people if they have visited the country before, and I would be so surprised when many such questioners would reply to me that they had never set foot here before, but still were planning to make the move. To me that is a very dangerous move. I love living in the Philippines. However, I know other foreigners who hate the Philippines, and wouldn’t even consider living here, even having visited a number of times. How can a person know which camp they fall in if they don’t even come for a visit before deciding to move here?
The other day, I was reading the blog of a regular LiP reader, My Move to the Philippines. Dan had an article about this very topic, and it just got me thinking of all the times that I have been asked this question by people. In Dan’s article, he talks about a person who moved here, and found out that it didn’t work out for him, thus moving back home again. Don’t let this happen to you! Honestly, though, I do believe that the fact that a person is reading this site is a good sign that he is being proactive in learning about the country, which is a good thing.
Living in the Philippines is not necessarily an easy hurdle to get over. It took both Feyma and I years before we came to love the place like we do now. And, we did a lot of research and spent a lot of time in the Philippines before we decided to move here.
Know before you go – the only way to do that is by research! Don’t sell yourself short.
Common Sense is not so common anymore. People will jump into something with both feet and/or burn their bridges and then when problems arise they are multiplied geometrically because that person feels "trapped".
Hi BrSpiritus- Very true. I wonder…. was common sense ever common?
kamusta bob.
maayongbuntag. i can tell you i looked around the web alot for info about the culture there in phil before my first trip there.i found nothing as in depth as the lip magazine to be truethful.i can relate to alot of articles you write my friend.i would recomend anyone wanting to come to philippines to come to this site for general info in living and even visiting there.i was really nervous of mindanao till my first trip there and when i returned to usa i found your site and i been hooked ever since.thanks for the great articles and keep them coming.
salamat bob
Hi Ron W- Nice to hear from you! Maayong gabii. I'm glad that the LiP Magazine has been helpful, affordable and enjoyable for you. Whether it be LiP or some other source of knowledge, people really need to learn about the place before making the big move!
I also have been looking the web over for accurate information about Mindanao. I came across the LIP site when you first started and did not come back again untill the other day. Wow how you have grown! This site would be intertaining and informative now even if I was not planning to visit. I have learned more in just a few days than in quiet a few years of searching the net. Or to clairify more of the information I was really looking for from people who would be closer to shareing my view point! Philippinos will tell you some useful information, but often it is from a differant view point or they don't seem to understand the questions in the context that I am asking .
Thanks for a great sight LIP
When I first became interested in visiting the Philippines, I spent a considerable amount of time reasearching it on the web. Your websites were amoungst the first of them that interested me. Two years later and after two successful vacations in Mindanao, the accurate information and commentary on Bob Martins websites have been a major contribution in making my visits amoungst the best vacations I have ever enjoyed.
Hi Bob – Another visit for us coming up in five days! 😉 Hopefully it will be the last visit before the final move. Over the years, we've taken care of the "this's and that's" each visit (not doing too much at once & leaving some time to have fun) and used the visits to make sure the final move is the dream we want to come true.
Just like a new car: while one can find out a lot of information about the Phils on-line, there is nothing like being there and trying it out before you buy it. 😆
Hi Tim Payne- Thank you so much for your glowing review! Indeed, this site has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 2+ years.
Hi Bob New York- Happy to be of assistance! I know that you did major research before even visiting, and it appears to have paid off big time for you!
Hi Paul- I'm sure you will have a great visit! And, the coming move… you'll be in heaven!
I do find that LiP Magazine has some of the most useful information of all … I've eeb involved with the 'wanna move to the Philippines' movement for quite some time now … but Bob has actually lived here all that time and it certainly makes a difference.
I am now in my third actual year of living in the Philippines and no regrets. But I do often think seriously about just going incommunicado because the questions pepole ask and the planning most people seem to do seem to only involve one thing … money.
Sometimes I'll open an email and just bark out some four-letter expletive or another and walk away from the computer, fuming, because in spite of the treasure trove of information here, on my site and on many other sites. I still get question after question that reads 'how much will it cost to live there'? What about all the other things that need to be considered?
Quite frankly, I have no idea what it will cost someone else to live here … it's pretty much up to them … and more importantly the cost of living here is about the least most important thing to consider if planning such a big move. If you can fford to live where you live now, you certainly can afford to live here … that's the easy part.
The hard part is what Bob aptly wrote about above … don't jump into something because of something Bob wrote, I wrote or anything else you read online. Becuase _you_ are a unique person, _your_ experience here will not be the same as anyone else's … think it through.
Bob,
with this article and BrSpiritus reply, I think that gives me reason to write one about my recent thoughts.
Hope all is well.
Hi Dave-
You mean I'm not the only one who does that? 😉
Hi Bruce- I'll look forward to reading your article.
I understand the question of how much will it cost??? Because it is still hard to get the value factor of what is what there locked into my mind. But then again that is starting to get the same way here in the states. I have sold to the public for years and could just look at something and name a price out of my head. NOT ANY MORE!!!! The prices of some things are jumping at light speed as I'm sure they are there also.The balence of what is worth what is not the same here and there either. A plumber rates up with a doctor in pay here, but I was told by a Cebu supply house that plumbers did not earn alot there in the Philippines. I will have to keep working at something if I come as I have no retirement or funds comeing from anyplace else but my own hands. As for the other things to be considered for my part just reading the current and past articles and post here have helped me begin seeing the personality?, nature? or what would be the best word for it? For lack of a better way to say what I am thinking I will just use the old stand by word CULTURE!
Hi Tim Payne- The problem with the question "how much does it cost to live there" is that we all have different lifestyles. The things that you like and enjoy are likely quite different from what I like and enjoy. And the things that Joe Blow likes are different from each of us, most likely. There is one question that will answer 80% of the people who want to live here. That answer is:
It costs less than it does in the States.
Now, even that could be wrong, though. If you come here and all you want to eat is food imported from the States, and all you want to buy are imported goods of all times, then it probably costs 3 or 4 times as much to live here than back in the States. That is true, 100%. Imported items are expensive. So, for example, if you love Ritz crackers and refuse the eat Fita, the locally made equivalent, then the cost of your snacks are going to be quite high.
You say that in the States a plumber makes as much as a doctor, but in the Philippines a plumber doesn't make much. Well, a doctor in the Philippines doesn't make much either, comparatively. You can go for a checkup here for only P300 or so. Can't do that in the States. I know some doctors in the Province who take chickens in trade for their services. Not many stateside doctors would do that.
This is a different world. If you are willing to shy away from imported items, go with locally produced goods, etc, then you can live here fairly cheaply compared to the States, no matter your lifestyle. But, what it costs me to live here probably will be different from what it costs you. Just for one example, I have 10 people living under my roof, so I doubt your grocery budget will match mine. 😆
I hear ya Bob and I'm trying to be a good study, but from what I see so far, and knowing my own soft heart and personality, I could inherit ten or more heads after I do get there if I don't watch myself. I hope you see the humor intended,lol
Hi Tim Payne- It's not hard to do. I have myself, my wife, 3 sons, one niece that we have adopted as our daughter, 3 nieces that are older (18-25) and a nephew who all live with me. It can be expensive, but it is also a fulfilling life.
Bob and Dave: Your comments here are the best responses you could give someone. I know that before I moved, your advice on culture was far more relevant and useful that the old "money and costs" section I "think" you had on the old site. Moving to the Philippines is not like moving from Miami to Tampa or from London to Manchester. There are very real cultural, lifestyle, and career differences. For people getting married, or meeting a girlfriend, or such, there are serious cultural differences related to family, relationships, and everything else that need to be dealt with. Some were amusing or entertaining. Some presented very real challenges that if I weren't committed, I would just say "screw it".
For example, when I set up my home office, things simply took far longer to accomplish. The company was paying, so expense was not an issue. In the States, if you get substandard service, you simply move on. Not necessarily the same here. The issue was value of time, not money. A very different concept completely unrelated to "How much does it cost?".
For my part, and I'll say it once again, this site was, by far, the most valuable resource in my decision to move. There are numerous other sites online, most simply going on and on about beautiful ladies and tropical beaches. Those things are important, for sure. But the sites are always lacking in describing the realities of life here.
Bob, you should be proud of the useful, and I feel, unbiased resource that you have created. Thank You. (And Dave, I thorougly enjoy your postings and blog also!)
Hi JohnM- Thanks for what you said, that is high praise indeed. Keep in mind, though, the site would not be nearly what it is without the contributions of you and all the other writers as well.
Hi Bob – I have expressed my thanks to you in the past for helping me to decide whether or not I could live in the Philippines, and I hope many others who are contemplating the same, can find you and learn from your website the answer that suits them personally.
Best wishes to you and all your family.
By the way is there a word to describe being addicted to the LiP website?
a Bobaholic? a Lipaholic? Hmmmmmmmm?
Hi Anthony- Hmm… Lipaholic. I kind of like it! 😆
Thanks for your nice words, Anthony.
Hi Bob,
You have an outstanding site in terms of the quality of the information provided, your journalistic skills, your well grounded passion for the Philippines but also in the quality of your readership and their input to the site. That is very important because there are a lot of blogs and forums frequented by verbal thugs and complete idiots who destroy the experience for serious visitors.
I knew very little about Davao before I found your site but now through your insights I feel quite familiar withe place and attracted particularly to Samal Island. Previously I have avoided visiting Mindanao even though my wife's family is from Tacurong City because of the incessant security warnings – I made a number of trips to Bali the last not long before the Kuta bombings but people from my home town were among the 88 aussies who lost their lives and others were badly burnt. This made me cautious but now I feel happy to travel to Mindanao next time and that is because I have confidence in your observations about security there.
Being comfortable with visiting the family home is very important to me as it has felt in my heart like something is missing. I have really wanted to experience the place and people where she grew up and developed into the wonderful person she is now.
Thank you Bob.
Hi Michael- Thank you! I am happy that I have had some influence in making you feel comfortable in visiting Mindanao. I am passionate about Mindanao, it has a special place in my heart. It saddens me that so many people are scared to visit here.
I have been to Tacurong many times myself, and I think that you would be safe and comfortable there.
It is very unfortunate for the Philippines that the Sari nightclub bombings occurred, as well as Indonesia. Anyone looking at the Australian Governments travelsafe website, would at 1st glance think the Philippines is rife with kidnappers and terrorists. My own mother based her decision not to come to my wedding here on advice in that website.
As far as I am aware, what happened with the Bali bombings (when there were no serious warnings on the same Australian Government website) was that the Government decided to be way over the top with it's warnings, lest the same kind of thing happen again (without warning).
There is an ancient saying_ "When in Rome…"
Personally in Muslim countries and regions, I choose to let my beard grow a little, refrain from alcohol and nightclubs as well as learn the local version of "Allah Akbar".
To Tim, when I 1st came her a friend came too; he is a 'jack of all trades' including being a plumber on the Aboriginal community I was recently working.
He was offered free accommodation in the resort he stayed at to keep the plumbing in good repair! ( a twenty room resort).
Every house I have been in here has leaky taps or connectors and plumbers are hard to find, in Zambales at least.
I suggest you could train up a group of guys here, train them how the basics work, quote each job yourself for a while then run a viable business in basic maintenance.
You might only charge a couple of hundred (pesos) for each leak fixed, but your guys will only cost twice that for each day. Assuming thaey can do ten jobs a day, that leaves an 80% profit margin.
Let me know if you are in southern Zambales; I have work for you NOW!
Hi Bob,
The issues raised in "Know Before You Go" cannot be emphasised enough when discussing any impending move to the Philippines. The contributions of you, the other writers, and of the many contributors of comments makes LiP by far the most comprehensive website around for information on living and succeeding in the Philippines.
I also hope people who are interested in starting a small business in the Philippines will visit LiP and remember to "Look Before They Leap" into business. There's lots of great small business information on this site, as well as many contribtuions from informed, successful individuals who choose to add their own comments to the different articles written by you, Dave, myself and others on small business issues.
Thanks for all of your efforts, Bob!
And here I was, only interested in the beautiful women and the beaches…..
Bob, I think your site is one of the most unique websites worldwide when it comes to trying to connect the nuances of a local culture to a more Westernized culture. And insofar as someone actually spending time in the Philippines before actually moving there? How could anyone with even one half of a brain even contemplate such a thing ? (rhetorical question !)
hi bob – greetings from san miguel de allende, mexico. yes, i took the plunge and moved to this quaint city in central mexico.
just wanted to drop in & say that, as a filipino (and a dabawenyo at that), your site is the best source for someone needing information about moving to the philippines. you've heard this many times already, but you do an excellent job.
i'm understanding more of what you felt about the transition in a different culture.
it's strange that mexico has similarities to my home culture yet i cannot speak the language or that there are cultural nuances that i have yet to learn (i think that last sentence can be made by an american too). so far, i am loving my new home city & can't wait to explore more of it in the future.
by the way, lipaholic's nice, but i like lip reader – see what i did there? 🙂
Hi Martin- Thank you so much, Martin! You are building up a nice "Small Business File" too, and it will certainly develop into a great resource for those considering doing business here in the Philippines.
Hi Spencer- I certainly didn't intend this column to turn into a way to toot my horn! You guys are really saying some nice things, and I thank all of you for those.
Hi macky- Wow, you took the plunge! Congrats, Macky! Is this a permanent move, or are you kind of testing the waters right now? Any plans for Spanish lessons?
I am certainly looking forward to hearing more about your adventure!
Thanks for your kind words about this site. They are much appreciated.
hi bob – the plan is to stay a year & enjoy a different lifestyle. i am however loving the change & may extend those plans so who knows.
i don't speak spanish, but my tagalog/bisaya has been a huge help. each dialect use certain spanish words as you know. there have been some awkward moments, but not bad for a newbie – and most likely the only filipinos in the city.
the people are warm & understanding. my wife will be taking lessons & i will be learning from her for now since my sked is quite busy at the moment.
i'm even going to an expat get together tomorrow & try to learn a few things. interesting how the tables have turned.
on lip – you deserve all the compliments you get here. lot of hard work certainly has paid off.
Hi macky- I am quite excited for you! What a wonderful adventure for you and your wife. I hope that you will keep me posted on your activities,either here on LiP or via e-mail.
Enjoy the experience!
I guess it's time for you to start another business Bob – TAPE ( Bob's Travel Agency for Prosective Expats).
HI Bob
Thanks for the mention in your article my readership has jumped up on just that post alone. Anyway the guy I was talking about who moved there without ever visiting first does have a website I don't want to tell here but he has posted videos of his stay and even after a few months of being there he still looked uncomfortable and like he wasn't enjoying himself. I just hope that he doesn't use that experience to judge the Philippines.
Hi David S.- I think that is kind of what I already have here! Only thing is – it's free! 😆
Hi Dan Mihaliak- Happy to send a few readers over!
Hi Bob ,
for me , in the last 20 years i visited 6 times in iligan [ mosly 4-5 weeks ]
the first times lived in a nipa hut , later a small house and when the kids growing older , small hotel.
I thaught that i know a lot of the live there.
But is was only since i read your webside that i know about a lot of practical things , like insurance , medical , buying house etc.
For sure it will help me a lot , when i come to retire there, over a year of 2 .
Because for my family in law , being poor , living in the mountain ,
know nothing about such things.
And every morning , one of the first thing i do ,
is visit your webside , see your mindanao photo blog and
look at the iligan webcam.
Gr. Anton
Hi Anton- I am happy that I can help add a little more information for you in your quest to retire here! The time is getting closer for you!
Hi Bob and all the others, as BrSpirtus mentioned: Common sense is no more common… . And, many aliens, who came to the Philippines, just came here without any knowledge about the country and its people. Bob, very, very well said: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO….!
Hi Klaus- Yes, I think that educating yourself before making such a move is very important.
I came to this nice site through google while searching for an info about balikbayan boxes, I know it's kinda not related, but hey, I really got hooked. I find myself reading the recent posts and also find myself reading through the comments up to the last one.
I'm not really related to any Foreigner lol, my brother is in the US that's why I'm looking for balikbayan boxes info, but what makes me interested here is that, as a Filipina, It's really great to hear errr read people from other countries appreciate what we have, can relate on the things that we are experiencing, might be good or bad.
Well, all I wanna say is thank you haha….Hope you'll enjoy your stay here… I'm from Manila and never been to the south, but I've been wanting to visit some of the great places there 🙂
Hi Amy- I'm glad that you found my site and that you enjoyed it. Take time to visit Mindanao sometime! You'll be glad that you did.
Hi Chris:
I just now seen what you said above. Hahhaha so you need a plumber huh? I don't work cheap! But i'm real good,,lol
Hello, Bob and everyone!
Like Amy, I stumbled upon this very remarkable site while "googling" about the Philippines even though I live here! As a local, I share the same sentiments with Amy. I really wish you and those who did decide to move to this country success and contentment in life, in general. We all agree that life in this country is not all "peaches and cream" and there are frustations at times especially for foreign guests (By reading this site often, I can see why!). But that's life! (Ces't La Vie! as the French say it, if I'm not mistaken.) Anyway, I really believe you are more than qualified to tell all about how really living in our contry is, both in an international and local perspective. Sometimes, even as local I get bewildered by own country's culture and the state of things here! Well, good luck to you and more power! Cheers! 🙂
Hi JR Tingson (a.k.a. ProudPinoy, Jr.)- Thank you very much for your kind sentiments. When it comes to culture, I am still learning, and always will be.
Bob – Hi I live in IL and im on ssid and can’t work, im getting $1000 a month . I had to move in with a frend just to get by can I still get my disability if I move over there? I have talked to the ssi offices and I get the run a round, seems nobody realy knows. Can you help me?
thank you for your time James Crawford
Hi James – It is my understanding that you can get your SSI while living here, but you need to get the word from them to make it official! Good luck.