Live in the Philippines

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Watch what you say and do!

Communications, Philippine Culture, Resident Visa, Tourist Visa / by

Over the years, I have told people, both through this site and also in person that you have to watch your actions here and watch what you say, because if you do or say the wrong thing it can get your deported.  Usually people accepted the advice without question, but from time to time people ask me to show “proof” of the statement, because they do not believe me.  In the past, I really could not offer them proof, although I knew what I said to be true.

The kinds of things that I am talking about are things like speaking out on Philippine political matters, participating in political rallies and demonstrations, that sort of thing.  Participating in these kind of activities can and will get you kicked out of the Philippines.  Even posting things on Facebook regarding Philippine Politics can get you into hot water.  If you go online and complain about corruption or something like that, don’t be surprised if you hear from the Bureau of Immigration and end up in Immigration court.  It can and does happen.  You may slide for years doing this kind of thing, but in the end, your comments will catch up with you.

Some people, when I tell them this respond to me that they have “freedom of speech.”  I tell them that they don’t have freedom of speech here, and they say “yes I do, it’s in the US Constitution!”.  Well, it’s important to remember, we are in the Philippines, not the USA, and the US Constitution offer you no protection or rights in the Philippines.  Freedom of speech and other rights spelled out in the Philippine Constitution are for Filipinos, not foreigners in the Philippines.  In the USA, the Constitution protects every person in the USA, citizen or not.  The Philippine Constitution protects citizens of the Philippines, not foreigners in the Philippines.

Recently, the US Embassy in Manila put out a bulletin for Americans in the Philippines, warning Americans about this very matter.  They even provided to a link to a notice that was recently posted on the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website, which reads as follows:

DON’T JOIN ANTI-PORK RALLIES, BI WARNS FOREIGN ACTIVISTS
16 September 2013

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) again warned foreign tourist visa holders against joining rallies and other mass actions protesting the pork barrel system.

In a statement, BI Officer-in-Charge Siegfred Mison reiterated that tourist visa holders taking part in these rallies may face deportation for violating Philippine immigration laws.

Mison said the bureau will seek assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP) in monitoring the presence of foreign nationals in these rallies.

“As we have repeatedly stated, foreigners have no business joining these rallies as the act amounts to violating the conditions of their stay as tourists,” the BI chief stressed.

Aside from the Sept. 13 youth-led Luneta rally, reports said more anti-pork barrel protests are being planned to compel lawmakers to give up their pork barrel funds.

Last month, the BI deported a Dutch activist who participated in a rally was photographed heckling a crying policeman at the dispersal line of last July’s anti-SONA rally near the Batasan in Quezon City.

There is only one thing that I feel is a mistake in the BI warning.  They say it applies to foreigners who are here on tourist visas.  I happen to know for sure that the same policy applies to foreigners who have other types of visas as well, such as a resident visa, SRRV or any other type of visa.  If you are a foreigner, you are not free or welcome to speak out on Philippine political matters.  It is that simple.  I know of a lot of people who have been deported from the Philippines based on this.  So, if you like living here, keep in mind that you may not be able to live here any longer if you participate in Philippine political issues.

Just a word to the wise… and this time I can offer an authoritative source for the information… both the US Embassy bulletin and also the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. An acquaintance of ours (retired), used to visit yearly with his Filipina wife. This American was well-off financially, and played golf with many of the upper level, well-connected Filipinos in the major city they visited. Because of this American’s outspoken views on politics, he no longer feels safe visiting the Philippines. Now his wife’s yearly visits to PI are made without the husband.

  2. I am against this prohibition. Democracy is for everyone. I see no reason why the democratic and civil rights that we fought for in the Philippine Revolution would be denied to foreigners when they have something legitimate to say. Denying those rights to anyone is like saying we didn’t learn anything from our history.

    • Hi normankonrad – Let me be clear, I am not saying that I agree with this policy or think it is right or correct. I am only saying that this is the law, and the law must be followed or could lead to trouble for visitors. Nothing more.

  3. Bob,
    Great advice. I’ve said many times that you check your rights at the border when you leave the U.S. This can’t be stressed enough.

    The following is written in the U.S. passport under Important Information Paragraph 6:
    Avoid violating foreign laws. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. Penalties for violating local laws, even unknowingly, can be more severe than in the U.S. for similar offenses.

    You also make a great point about the Philippine Constitution. It is a huge mistake to assume you have protected rights under another country’s constitution.

  5. Hi Norman – Thank you. Like you, I don’t agree with the policy, but it is the law, and foreigner like me simply must follow. Perhaps the day will come when the Filipino people will decide to change it and treat foreigners equally. Until that day comes, though, it is the law that I must follow. I am happy living here, and enjoy it a lot. No place is perfect, though.

  9. I hope I live long enough to see it happen. That is why I got my replica Philippine revolutionary army uniform, to remind people why the revolution happened in the first place.

  10. Hi Anton – Yes, there are so many things here that seem to be in conflict with each other. Still, it is part of the charm of the place, I suppose.

  11. Very good advice here, Bob. Perhaps the government simply does not want foreigners interfering in domestic politics or policies. Not sure if I agree with the policy, but I kind of understand why they wouldn’t want outside interference.

  15. Bob, I think I know one reason behind that sensitivity. I call it childishness. Observe little children and see if you can spot similarities. Now that I’ve said that, I expect angry remarks to come my way.

  18. Guess I better be Neutral and not support the Good Mayor of my GF’s Town anymore when re-election comes again ? I think she was a good Mayor and posted my support for her on my facebook last election ! I even wore her T-shirt with her picture and support ! Better go back and remove all those posts if still on here ?

    • Hi Turner – generally, I think that supporting political candidates is a very bad idea. As an example, I have a Ninang (Godmother) from when we got married, she is a Kagawad, a city councilor. I never support her publicly, it is not my place to do so. Also, given that elections can get violent here, if you support a candidate and that candidate loses, you could be targeted by the winning candidate. Overall, I just think it is a very bad idea.

      • Turner: You do as you wish, but something to keep in mind…. My wife’s cousin received 14 lead attitude adjustments over a dispute in the election for a minor political office this year. “Support”, as you put it, can get you killed quickly. My advice to you and every other foreigner is to stay out of politics here 100%. Period.

  23. When i was being interviewed for my 13A permanent visa – i was asked by the guy who would decide if i would be approved – why do you want to live here. I said something along the lines of – I love the Filipinos” and he said – “WELL THEY DON”T LOVE YOU!

  26. Then he told me that usually applications like mine would be on the bottom of a huge pile of them, and related to me the story of how one American just handed the keys to his car over to get his approved. basically saying to me well if you give me a car or something it will be speed up

  28. But here is the cool part – he was bragging about how he had just joined the masons. Well one of my wife’s inlaws i was doing some business with was a mason – he sent him a letter that told him to approve me – two weeks later i was a permanent tax paying resident!

  30. I worked for a company called Global tech Asia before i got my 13-A or even knew about it. My boss said – oh my brother is an immigration lawyer – he can help you get permanent residence. I thought wow – this is good i got an inside connection. When i talked to him he told me it would cost me 300,000 Pesos! Well that was way beyond me. Later i just did the whole thing myself and it only cost me maybe 30,000 after all the steps.

  34. The Toronto Star Newspaper here in Canada reported that 2 Canadian university students studying in Manila were deported a couple of weeks ago for attending a anti pork barrel rally.

  35. Hi MindanoBob, gotta agree. Don’t get caught up in the politics, or protests. If your a foreign guest/ visitor, why take that risk? Every country in the world has its issues, so who’s to point fingers? Thats not too say there isn’t serious issues in PH, its internal, and doesn’t, and shouldn’t involve foreign nationals. Why take that risk? If your going to protest, do in your home country. I realize it does seem like a double standard for some. But if your a guest in someones house, its best not to bring up politics, or religion. Likewise PH.

    • Hi David, you are right, every country has issues, no doubt about that. Sometimes, though I find it strange when I talk to Americans here and they complain about Mexicans getting involved in US stuff, then start complaining about the Philippines themselves. It makes no sense!

  36. That said as a postscript, among close friends and in-laws, politics and stuff does come up. But that’s among trusted friends and family. To spout off at the mouth, for instance, in a bar about politics, may be a bad idea. Just stick to a bad karaoke rendition of your chosen ballad, and a Red Horse™, you’ll have more fun anyway:)

  37. Bob;
    Over the years when people have tried to involve me in the politics of a country I have a standard response;. “All politicians are crooked in every country on Earth.”

  38. A timely reminder Bob, especially considering a primary topic appearing in many press articles originating in The Philippines these days. Might also be a good idea on thinking twice before ” Like (ing) ” certain topics on social media and other websites.

  39. The other thing is you just don’t know who you are dealing with. I heard a drunk American boasting how he was going to go over and kick this particular Filipinos ass in a bar because that guy was taking up time with a girl he liked. I pointed out that that guy and the 4 he was with were all with NBI and he would be making a very bad move and he should move on.

    I personally find foreigners who visit who consider themselves better than the locals to be quite annoying and the locals no doubt do as well.

    As guests, we should certainly try to behave as guests.

    • That sure is true, Daniel. Any person you run into could be somebody with power, and you don’t even know it. In the end, just treat everybody nice, it will lead to a happier life anyway!

  40. Hi Bob – An iimportant article for foriegners to understand. We are visitors here. Even if you become a citizen, you should still follow the same rules unless you feel like putting your life at risk. The rights bestowed upon citizens and visitors of each country in the world varies drastically and it is important to know them. Based on the SIR series you wrote and the articles related to saving face. It appears besides the Dutch guy violating the law, which to me appears a lesser matter, than the fact he blatently made people loose face by heckling and laughing at the crying police officer and he did it infront of the whole Philippines in the media. To what I have learnt of culture here, you can’t do much worse. I can begin to imagine how angry that would make the locals based on the importance of face. You can heckle and mock in Australia as well as many other countries, just don’t do it in the Philippines and really don’t do it in the Philippines if you are a foriegner. Great topic for an article!

    • Hi Brenton – Of course, if you are a citizen you can’t be deported… but you could still be taking your life in your hands by disrespecting people, no doubt about that. In the end, it’s just better to be happy and enjoy life… avoid the demonstrations and such, and have fun in the Philippines!

  42. Hi Bob, I fully agree with you on this topic, most of us expats are not activists either so no need to get into the politics here or anywhere else for that matter.At times my wife usually has something to say about the current political situation, demonstrations etc also when we are travelling on public transportation, BAD IDEA !! I tell her we can discuss that within the 4 walls of our home as I don´t want to be seen discussing politics as we don´t know who may be listening and equally I´m not in the least interested.
    I also tell her to be careful when writing on facebook and not write how corrupt this or that politician is if she wants to have me here in PH for the duration because all these things may come back to bite me(us) in the end and that would be a shame seeing that i´m never interested in politics in any way shape or form.
    As far as I´m concerned keeping a low profile here in PH is the name of the game.

  43. “At times my wife usually has something to say about the current political situation, demonstrations etc also when we are travelling on public transportation, BAD IDEA !! I tell her we can discuss that within the 4 walls of our home as I don´t want to be seen discussing politics as we don´t know who may be listening…” – Richie R

    Somehow this conversation is beginning to sound pretty much like the conditions in Nazi Germany during the years before and during the war when parents had to whisper to each other in their own homes out of earshot of their own children who belonged to Hitler Youth whenever they talk negatively about the Nazi Party for fear of being turned in to the Gestapo by their own children. I don’t think it’s as bad as you make it sound. 🙁

    • Hi John – I don’t think it is that bad. It is that many of us foreigners come from more stable political environments, and are also by nature more opinionated and out spoken. I would consider you are are safe unless you appear to be actively participating and expressing strong opinions about political matters. I ask locals a lot of questions to understand politics better, which seems ok. I never offer personal opinion on local matters though. Even at the recent elections I read over 35 people were killed. Politics is just a more dangerous profession in the Philippines for all involved!

    • Hi John, It´s really up to each person if he/she wants to adopt the position I´m taking. I do this mostly because I am not interested in politics. My wife is free to speak her peace about politics everywhere she wishes with her fellow citizens but not when I´m present. Sure, it may not be bad as it sounds but for me personally it´s better to expect the unexpected.

      • Hi Ritchie – To each his own is right, and I respect the position you have adopted. It’s just that when I read about foreigners’ being extra careful in what they do and say in public to the extent that they feel they are being watched, I’m sorry, but that conjures up visions of spies and Gulag in my mind. It’s prudent to heed Bob’s constant advice and the BI directive, but bear in mind, this is the Philippines, not North Korea or Myanmar.

        What a game the Broncos and the Cowboys played today! 🙂

        • And, Brenton, I hold a Philippine passport, so that makes me exempt from the BI directive, but I don’t use that as a carte blanche to criticize Philippine government policies, domestic or foreign.

  44. That Dutch guy that was deported is a communist. He was here just to go to the protest. But that’s not the reason why he was deported. He insulted and malign the man in the uniform. Even a Filipino national will go to prison if he done that.

  46. The BI directive is towards people who hold Tourist visas, that violate their terms and conditions , as tourist and study permits are for those specific terms. There are lots of foreigners who work for NGOs, and other organizations here that cater to the upliftment and progress of the country. While it is prudent not to get involved in politics, I personally feel Bob is overstating the situation, as John Reyes correctly said, Philippines is not North Korea or Myanmar. Please don’t project my country in such a bad light. People do have freedom of speech within reasonable limits and foreigners are also equally protected by the LAW, if not the constitution. I can cite several cases of officials victimizing foreigners being arrested and charged.

    • I never said that the Philippines was North Korea or anything like it. Also, unless I misunderstood, John Reyes did not say I was overstating anything. He was addressing Rich, not me. In face, John said this:

      It’s prudent to heed Bob’s constant advice and the BI directive

      By the way, what are “reasonable limits” on free speech? When you visit my country, you have no limits, and I would consider that reasonable. What do you consider “reasonable” limits on my free speech?

      • Reasonable limits is to do so within cultural sensitivity. Your country is not Philippines. Your country has another culture and mindset. In our country, you show respect to our culture, our national pride and our dignity. You are not permitted to insult Filipinos or their institutions or degrade their country. You are free to express opinions about crime, or about other matters freely here. We are a free society in our own accord. You as a Foreigner are given considerable freedom in our society. We are not petty minded to kick out a forgiener just because he expresses his political opinion as long as he does not degrade our society. Our own media can criticize and hold things to account. But small things like “raising your voice to a Filipino”, in general life can get you deported etc, is going a bit too far. Also you keep projecting that if a Forgiener is a victim to a crime, he has no rights. That is not true. The law treats all equally. Philippines is signatory to major UN conventions. All human beings are equal before the law. This is a Catholic nation that is compassionate, not a communist state. If your life is threatened, or you are under any pressure you are free to seek the help of the Filipino courts. Our courts will decide wether you are guilty or not. Don’t try to project our country as some sort of “authoritarian state with no rights to foreigners”. You confuse constitutional rights with legal rights. Please let a Filipino lawyer or an educated judge or legal society be the ultimate source of knowledge. As far as participating in rallies are concerned, the BI is right. Tourist Visa or Student Visa does not give you the right to participate in anti-Government rallies. Permanent residents are advised not to get involved in political matters. Become a Citizen. Secondly the way you say, Filipinos kill their opponents, you make us appear like a Savage society. Sorry Bob, as A filipino, I am not impressed by your writings and I am least interested in how things go in America.

        • Filipino – You need to read more carefully and comprehend better what you read. I have never in my life said that a foreigner who is a victim of crime has no rights in the Philippines. Can you please link to any place on this site (or any other site that I own) where I have said any such thing? I don’t believe you can, because I have never in my life said that. We do have rights to go to court and work through the judicial process.

          Please do not say that I said or wrote things that I did not say. If you think I said something, present proof by posting a link. It is that simple. But, to say that I said something, when it is not true is not right to do.

          Filipinos kill their opponents? I have never said or implied any such thing. You are alleging things against me that are simply untrue.

          If you are unimpressed with my writing, I have no problem with that. Just go read other writings elsewhere. There are millions of websites, go read a different one. It won’t cause me any tears, I assure you.

        • In the past, while living in the Philippines, I have been to court here twice. On both occasions I prevailed in court. So, having used the justice system in the Philippines, I have written that it works. I have never implied at all that foreigners have no rights here, in fact quite the opposite, I wrote about my experiences and showed that we indeed have rights, how I used those rights, and how the situation was resolved.

          Read these articles:
          I stand accused
          My Day in Court

          These articles show that I know and understand that foreigners in the Philippines have the right to work through the judicial system to resolve problems. I don’t know where you get the idea that I have ever said that foreigners in the Philippines have no rights.

  47. Bob you could become a citizen and have all the legal rights on paper but it will never be accepted by the average pinoy. The fact of the matter is that they don’t like kanos and only tolerate them for their money. Let’s not beat around the bush. Any particular reason why only now you decided to post this article rather than when the incident with the Dutch national occured?

    • Vinne – Over the years I have posted this warning at least a dozen times. I posted it now again, because the US Embassy issued a warning about 2 or 3 days ago about this issue, and I thought it again appropriate to post it again, that’s all. Yes, I can become a citizen of the Philippines, but this article has nothing to do with my citizenship, and frankly that is a private matter.

      I totally disagree with you about Filipinos disliking Americans, my experience has been quite the opposite.

      • Hi Bob – I agree with you that Philippine people like foreigners. How ever a white foreigner with Philippine citizenship pulled a gun on a local guard in our subdivision more recently. Listening to several locals discuss the matter, It appears clear that they feel even with citizenship, you aren’t really entitled to the same rights.

        • Hi Brenton – I don’t know what the issue was with the foreigner who was a citizen, so I can’t really comment on something I know nothing about. But, also, one incident like that also does not prove one side or the other. All I know is that I have almost always been treated very well by Filipinos.

          • Hi Bob – I know one incident doesn’t prove a point. I have always been treated well also. I only have friends here that are locals.

  48. Bob:

    You always seem to get the same responses whenever you write an article like this:

    1. Foreigners living here, most for a long time, agreeing with you that the law is the law, so why do anything to add to any problems you encounter?

    2. OFWs or former Filipinos who get their noses bent out of joint saying you are scaremongering or making things worse than they are.

    3. Expats or expats who have gone home who take the self-righteous “it’s undemocratic” or “I’ll say whatever I want” positions (and Darwin usually gets those guys in the end anyway, or they get all pissy about the country and leave).

    Funny, your article never once advocated that you agree with the law, nor did it give any opinions as to how likely it is to be enforced….You just stated the facts, plain and simple.

    In August, I experienced an incident in Turkey, where a taxi driver thought it was funny to drop me in the middle of a political protest. What did I do? I went as quickly as I could to behind the police lines (rocks were starting to be thrown)… That is the only safe and prudent thing to do. Whether I agreed with the protests or not was irrelevant… As a foreigner, my opinion DOES NOT MATTER. What matters to me? Will I get a brick in the head? Will I be mistaken for a protster or trouble maker? Will I get arrested, even just standing around and not participating? I did not want to hang around and find out. It was a domestic issue, determined by Turks, for Turks, and for their country.

    Bottom line is that as a foreigner in the Philippines, you really have no business involving yourself in politics or protests. This has nothing to do with “rights” or whether or not you agree with protesters, or whether or not Filipinos “like” or “dislike” foreigners. Your article did not say that deportation “WILL” happen… only that it “COULD” happen, and you cited examples. Now, if people choose not to heed your advice, make a stand on “principle”, or decide they can post in public whatever they damn well feel… That is their choice, as are the potential consequences.

  49. Hi Bob – Good article, however some people will not and cannot keep their mouth shut no matter how often you tell them.
    Regards.
    Jim.

    • Jim, we have a saying in the States, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. ” I think that saying applies here. 🙂

  50. Why would anyone(foreigner) want to get involved in the politics of the Philippines or any other country they may be in?

    Number 1 in my mind is that this ain’t your country.

    I think Americans, and I only speak for some, are way too busy, and have been for years, telling others how to run their affairs. I arrived back in the states about a month ago, and I can say there is a lot to bitch and whine about here. So I say come home, and let the bitchin start, and leave the Philippines the hell alone. Besides…there is a whole lot more to protest here to keep ya busy.

    You aren’t gonna change things there, and from the looks of things you aren’t gonna change things here. 😀

      • I just wish the west could kick out foreigners for the same reasons and prohibit them from exercising equal rights in our countries

          • Sorry what’s that? You’re unhappy with their laws now? I never thought i’d see the day.

            • Vinnie – No place on the earth is perfect. I have always felt that way, and written that hundreds of times here. Of course, the Philippines is like any other place. Some laws I don’t care for. Overall, I love living here, but that does not mean it is perfect. Nothing has changed, I have always felt that way.

              • Well if that’s what you think and you agree with my point then why don’t you come out and say it properly rather than sugar coating it by saying no society is perfect? I’ll say it for you. Ï think it’s a bullshit law. It’s discrimanatory against foreigners and i don’t care to commit myself to a place like that nor help out any of it’s inhabitants in need”. Laws like that against foreigners are the reason why i refuse to give to any cause over there.

              • I have nevet in my life said it is perfect here, in fact I have always said that no place is perfect. Perhaos you have not read my writing carefully. I enjoy living here, perfect or not.

                Watch your language if you wish to continue commenting, this is a family site.

  51. Lets NOT FORGET any filipino family can file a “CASE” against you and when you arrive the airport you will be detained until it is satisfied and resolved usually meaning a pay off! So lets example you meet a filipina and her family is upset with you they can go local barangy and file a complaint and you WILL BE HELD! till resolved take my word for it! BEEN THERE DONE THAT! Especially if that family knows someone of power! You are screwed even if you did nothing wrong SO Xpats beware …..

    • Hi CebuMark – I have not heard of a simple Barangay matter getting you held up at the airport, but I suppose it must be possible if you have experienced it.

  52. My own introduction to Politics in the RP may be a bit dated, but it was a wake up call. A relative of an in-law of an in-law was running for barangay captain. Knowing that I was in the military, he asked if we could provide him with a bullet proof vest. I ordered him one through the mail and shipped it to him. Sometime later we got a nice letter from him. He thanked us for the vest. He then wrote that he had lost the election, and would we please send him a silencer for a .38 pistol? We did not respond to his letter.

    Take care
    Pete

  54. Bob they enter it into the computer system now a few years ago you would have nothing to worry about ..but with the age of computers a simple few keystrokes if they have all your info can cause you alot of troubles at the airport! It just happened to me last month! So it is indeed possible now to encounter issues when a filipina family files a complaint or case! as they call it! BE WARNED !

  55. Hi Bob – Good advice for all “foreigners” in the Philippines. Thanks – there’s no way that I’d get involved with the political scene outside of “friendly discussions of daily topics with relatives over a beer”!

    While curiosity killed the cat, it keeps me hopping: I know dual-citizens are unaffected by the warning, and visa holders are affected by the warning. I’m curious as to how Balikbayans fit into the picture? Does the Balikbayan Privilege provide associated benefits beyond those of a visa, in this regard; or are the beneficiaries of the privilege similarly affected by the warning as visa holders?

    Sometimes it’s fun to be the devil’s advocate! 😀

    • I have never thought about that, Paul. Interesting. The logical thing would be that if the BB Visa holder is a foreigner, he should speak respectfully, but I don’t know what the actual policy is.

  56. Hi Bob;.. I got referred her from LifeBeyondthesea… this policy is very common in “other” democracies also. I know for a fact that Costa Rica has the same policies, they just don’t like “visitors” participating in political rallies. I assume it has to do with national pride and all that… For myself, when I travel I respect the laws of where I am… much simpler that way.

    Cheers ’til next time. Michael

  57. Hi Michael, you´re right about Costa Rica too, I lived there in Puerto Veijo (Limon Province) for a while before moving to PH…I did the same there and am doing the same here “keeping a low profile”

  58. Hi Bob… I am so very… surprised to read a non-filipino blogging or discussing Ph… Not that i think it’s bad, but usually, in my travels abroad, Philippines and Filipinos are looked down upon by foreigners, both from asian and western countries, that you, who are a foreigner, talking about how u like living in the country is quite refreshing….
    Philippines has a long history of being under foreign rule… It is a very young country in its democracy unlike other countries… We still have a lot to learn…. I guess the rule of non-nationals being prohibited to participate in politics stems from this history… It comes now from the aversity of being told, a belief being reinforced or refuted by a foreigner… We also have the culture of, we can fight within ourselves, but once an outsider say anything against any of us, we collectively, we’ll be against the outsider… Not hat im saying it’s right or wrong.. It’s just my reflection of the situation….
    Anyhow, i hope u enjoy living and the hospitality of the islands….

    • Hi Anna – Thanks for sharing your reflection. I have been living in the Philippines for more than 13 years now, and I love living here. Been blogging about living in the Philippines for nearly 8 years already!