Lots of people tell me that they want to live in the Philippines, and rightly so. The tropical and laid back lifestyle is really wonderful, and is something that I’ve come to love. However, once you have decided to live in the Philippines, you have yet another decision ahead of you! Where in the Philippines?
The Philippines consists of some 7,107 different islands, not all of which are inhabited. As a matter of fact, the number of islands even varies along with the tides. So, out of all of those various islands, which one will you live on? And, even further beyond that, once you settle on an island, which City will you choose?
MoneySense Magazine, a Philippine publication, in it’s March/April 2008 issue has a feature about “The Best Places to Live” in the Philippines. It seems that this topic is always popular, and readers can never get enough information, so I thought I’d have a look! For this article, the magazine lists the top 20 Cities in the Philippines, in terms of livability. They go further by doing a write up about each of the top 10. In other words, there is a detailed article about each of the Top 10 Cities, with a mention of the second 10 as well.
Let’s have a look at the Magazine’s choice as the Top 10 Cities to live in, and the reasons that make them great (followed by the remaining of the Top 20):
- Bacolod City: Friendly people, laid back lifestyle, easy access to nearby vacation destinations. (Population 454,000)
- Makati City: Financial and business center, cosmopolitan culture, excellent infrastructure. (Population 471,000)
- Davao City: Low crime rate, clean environment, great schools and hospitals. (Population 1,725,000)
- Marikina City: Clean streets, squatter-free environment, plenty of residential subdivisions. (Population 479,000)
- Iloilo City: Top schools, natural wonders, strategic location. (Population 366,000)
- Las Pinas City: Plenty of residential subdivisions, excellent social services. (Population 366,000)
- Pasig City: Urban living at a lower cost, major commercial and entertainment center, access to good schools. (Population 505,000)
- San Fernando, Pampanga: Strategic location, great food, many business opportunities. (Population 212,000)
- Mandaluyong City: The other half of Ortigas, plenty of residential options, good schools. (Population 278,000)
- Quezon City: Plenty of residential areas, good schools, access to hospitals, lots of entertainment centers. (Population 2,174,000)
- Manila
- Batangas
- Cagayan de Oro
- Muntinlupa
- Angeles
- Baguio
- Lipa
- Calamba
- General Santos City
- Cebu
Now, remember, this is the list (and the order) put together by MoneySense Magazine. It is not necessarily what Bob Martin would list, and particularly the order of the list would be different for me. Frankly, that’s human nature, and probably every person reading this would put together a slightly different list and a different ordering of the candidates. I find it interesting, though, to see a Magazine in the Philippines put together such a list.
What changes would I make? Well, firstly, a number of the Cities listed are in Metro Manila, and I simply find that area too crowded for my liking. Along with crowding, that brings along other problems like pollution and such. So, a lot of the parts of Metro Manila simply would not be on my list. In addition, when I look at the list, and particularly the reasons for the placement and I see a reason like “plenty of residential areas,” that simply would not be a qualifier for me. Just because a place has a lot of residential areas, that doesn’t mean that it is a great place to live. Another major change that I would make is that I’d have more rural areas on my personal list. Now, I say that while living in (and loving) Davao City, which is the second largest City on the list. However, even though it has a large population, Davao has a small town feel to it. You just don’t feel that you are in a City of nearly 2 Million people.
Here is a list of my Top 5 Cities where I would want to live in the Philippines:
- Davao City: No doubt, Davao is my home and I love it. I have no plans of leaving!
- Iligan City: I have a lot of good friends in Iligan City, and the town is quite nice. I could see myself living there, if I ever decided to move from Davao.
- General Santos City: I lived in GenSan for 2 years when I first came to the Philippines. Since that time the town has improved a lot, and there are things that I miss about the place.
- Tagbilaran, Bohol: While I have yet to visit the place, what I know about it sounds inviting. I certainly would want to check it out more before living there, but it is a place that attracts me.
- Cebu City: The drawback with Cebu is that it is becoming it’s own “Mini-Manila.” While the crowds and traffic and pollution are a turn off, there are a lot of services available too. Cebu is also becoming a costly place to live, though.
How about you? What would your top destinations be? Why not leave a list of your Top 5 places to live in the Philippines. Just post it in a comment below, and let’s see what kind of consensus we can come to!
I’d like to thank Matt for pointing me toward this article. Matt is a reader who happened to find out about this article from another website, and e-mailed me to tell me about it, at which time I had a look and decided that it was a great topic for my column today. Thank you very much, Matt!
Hi Bob. Mine will be Malaybalay, Baybay (Leyte), Surigao, Catbalogan (Samar), Ormoc.
Hi Dr. Long – I really like Malaybalay a lot, and I think that living there would be possible for me. The only drawback would be that getting a nice supply of goods could be difficult because it is rural, you might need to go to CdO on a regular basis for some supplies.
Hi Bob my would be
1)Zamboanga City I lived there by thay way for almost 2 years
2)Davao City
3)Pillar Siargao Island
4)Cebu
5) Cagayan de oro
Factoring in where I've been and where my wife would want to live:
1) IGaCoS – well that's where we plan to retire.
2) Davao City – would prefer to live a little outside the city but I like Davao a lot.
3) Bacolod City – haven't been there but my brother and wife are planning to retire near there and I've heard good things about it.
Would not live in or around Manila, Quezon City, Makati (the places I have spent the most time) – just too much.
Hi Michael – Your list is a lot like mine – mostly concentrated in Mindanao! I was very tempted to list CdO on my list as well! 😀
Hi Bob,
Have a short list that I'm happy with. All locations have a combination beach & rural atmosphere, with "potential" for future greatness. One large factor that sways my listings is the people – some of the friendliest and helpful in the world. All share the "small-town" flavor:
Pasuiquin, Ilocos Norte – home!
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte – voted "Best Beach in Asia" (Saud).
Marivelles, Bataan – quiet, business-friendly.
Subic Area, Zambales – developing while eco-friendly, watersports.
Clavaria & Aparri, Cagayan (tie) – beaches, sport fishing, watersports.
My list will probably reflect the "odd-ball" choices. 🙄 That's okay with me, though – more for me to enjoy! 😆
Hi Randy C – Even though I know that technically Samal and Davao are not the same, I tend to lump them into one. Certainly, Samal Island (IGACOS – Island Garden City of Samal) is the place that tops my list, and I do intend to live there (and the sooner the better for me!).
Hi Paul – Interesting list! I don't think your choices are "odd-ball" I think they are just your favorites!
Bob do you find that when u write about specific citys in the RP to retire in the amount of traffic and comments increase by a large amount? I have an idea I'm working on and some tidbits of info about your web traffic would be of immense help.
Hi brian – Not really. My traffic on this site grows almost daily, on a constant (so far) upward trend. However, the subject of my columns doesn't seem to influence the amount of traffic. I just know that I get a lot of e-mails and comments asking for this type of information, though.
hi bob your am life saver
after reading the choises fromMONEY SENCE MAGAZINE i was let down because i did not see iligan city on list but good man bob came through i am going to live in iligan because my wife to be live there now with parents…… i studied iiligan and decided i like it here..my second choise is cagayan de oro…you made my day bob thanks again joey
Interesting post! Here's my list:
1.) Cagayan de Oro (I am content to be here now) Good water, stores, restaurants, etc. Traffic and infrastructure improving.
2.) Davao
3.) Surigao City
4.) Cebu
5.) Antipolo (if I had to live in the Manila area)
Hi Joey – Happy to oblige! Ha ha.. I really do like Iligan a lot. One of my factors in choosing Iligan would be the number of friends that I have there, but the town in general just has a nice feeling to it, IMHO.
Hi AmericanLola – I like CdO, and I probably should have put it on my list too. I think that I would probably move there ahead of Cebu. As a matter of fact, Feyma told me after reading my list – "I'm surprised that you didn't list CdO!" Ha ha… I do feel that CdO has a better selection of Restaurants than Davao does. Traffic is my biggest downside for CdO, but you say that is improving, so that would move it further up for me. I have only been to Surigao City one time, and I found that I had a hard time finding stuff to do there. What do you think?
Bob:
Glad you were able to use the article!
I don't understand the level of interest in the National Capital Region (Metro Manila); apart from the fact that a lot of people have in fact chosen to live there, and apart from the perspective some may have that "bigger is better," I think the negatives of life there would outweigh the positives for many. If nothing else, the constant pollution and traffic can be crushing.
One reflection on a visit to the cities of Manila, Calamba, and Iloilo (all on this article's long list) can be found here:
http://royalsontheroad.blogspot.com/2007/04/city-…
An outsider's view, to be sure; I like both Calamba and Iloilo, but for very different reasons. Hope to visit some of the other cities on this list (like Davao) someday.
Hi Matt – I enjoyed reading that blog that you linked to, thanks for sharing that. I had no idea that Iloilo used to be the Capital of the Philippines! When was that, do you know?
Thank you, as well, for pointing me to the article upon which I based this article. Much appreciated.
A Filipino's own list:
1. Baguio: Pine trees. Cool weather. Forest-y, Midwestern feel. Great coffee. Mountain views. Independent culture scene. Countless bed and breakfast joints. Uh, horses, too.
2. Davao: I don't know, Bob, there's something special that makes me want to go back there, over and over. It's certainly not durian.
3. La Union (Poro Point): Secluded beaches. Thriving business area. Quiet places nestled on cliffs. Mediterranean feel. Exciting summer activities.
4. Subic: Tourist-friendly. Beautiful people. Eco-zone. World-class resorts. Not far from Baguio.
5. Tagaytay: Breathtaking views. Terrific food. Laidback lifestyle.
I wonder where Manila falls on my list. Ha!
Thanks for the wonderful piece, Bob!
Hi Migs – Interesting list! Baguio is one place that I would like to check out myself. By the way, we have plenty of horses in the Davao area too!
Actually, Migs, if I combine all of your criteria into one, it sounds like you are describing Samal Island! 😆
I don't remember where I first read it, but I do remember reading that it had been… perhaps during colonial times, perhaps temporarily during a time of war. Wikipedia doesn't list it among the Philippines' historic capitals, which on the one hand gives me pause; but on the other hand, that's Wikipedia for you.
I'll see if I can find a reference. In any case, Iloilo has (to me) some wonderful historic architecture downtown if one takes time to look.
(Oh, here's a reference… this matches what I thought I remembered; late 19th century, after Manila fell from Spanish control.)
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife…
"Not too many people know that, toward the end of the Spanish colonization of our country, Iloilo was made the temporary capital by the then-Spanish Governor General Diego de los Rios, after Manila fell to the Americans."
There's a lot of Spanish influence remaining in Iloilo; the locals sometimes still use the Spanish words for numbers as well as the English and Hiligaynon words. (One only very rarely hears Tagalog used.)
Hi Matt – Very interesting, I always enjoy learning something that I was not aware of! I appreciate your effort in documenting that. I would bet that most of the readers of this site had no idea that Iloilo had been temporarily used as the Philippine capital in the past!
Thanks again for sharing!
Yes, traffic is improving as they finish more bridges over the river. They are now redoing some bad roads in the center of town, so that makes it worse, but hey, it's not even an election year and they are repairing roads!
Surigao? Well, it is a back water without all the imported stuff, but it has a nice small town feel to it, unpolluted, no billboards (do you get the feeling I have a thing about that?), good cement roads, nice scenery. Of course I haven't been there in a typhoon, which I hear are frequent there. Maybe I would actually not like living there, but I like the looks of the place.
When i was reading i was thinking that Iligan belongs on the list and then further it was on yours.
My list would be :
1…Iligan City , especialy the Dalipuga area
2…Cebu , easely go to iligan by night boat , great mall's
3…Dumaguetty….know some people there
4…Cagayan, maybe , because close to iligan for my wife's family
they are the only places i visited [ except Manilla ]
And that's that. Greetins Anton
another pinoy's take:
not really the same list, but includes places i'm curious about living there too (lifestyle, culture & still be able to work).
it's also not in order:
-Vigan (UNESCO site. scenic culture & rich history. spanish feel)
-Baguio (a city on a mountains. indigenous past mixed with western appeal. weather.)
-Bohol (amazing sites & great reviews)
-Dumaguete (laid back, university town by the water)
-Laguna or Tagaytay (comfy weather & lifestyle, UP Los Banos)
-Puerto Princesa (Palawan. UNESCO sites & perfect beaches)
-Davao (hometown. perfect except that it's might not be a real adventure for me right now.)
-Boracay (beach life, people watching, great eats … too much exposure/popular?… will never get any work done!)
my list would be
Davao
Baguio
Mindoro
Dmgte city
cebu i agree with bob turning into a mini manila
Davao wins hands down for me though.
I wonder what San Fernando in Pampanga has that makes it a good place for business opportunities? i will have to research 🙂 😕
My list would be
1. Marikina City – Marikina is one of the places with least dust. Don't get me wrong its just that my skin and dust just don't go along.
2. Baguio City – cool, earthy place, small community
3. Olongapo – a city near the beach
I like Iligan but I just can't live with the limited number of products there. I also can't stand the bahala na and pwede na yan attitude of most people from the south. I also don't like Cagayan de Oro because of the traffic and it's dusty everywhere. I also won't consider living in Davao because forgive me for generalizing, but my encounters with Davao people have never been pleasant.
Hi AmericanLola – Yeah, I would be worried about typhoons in Surigao.
Hi Anton – I figured that you would be one of our Iligan supporters here!
Hi Macky – You have an interesting list there. I find all your spots interesting, except for…. Boracay! I don't even desire to go there as a tourist, let alone live there!
Hi graham – A lot of you folks seem to be keying in on Baguio! I considered it when I chose my top 5.
Hi isel – Very sorry to hear that you have had bad experiences in dealing with Dabawenyos! I certainly have not experienced that myself. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Bob,
You might want to explore the changes the new Mayor is making in Tacloban City, capitol of Leyte province. He has significantly increased the police force to provide enhanced security and crack down on crime, which is resulting within the past year of a much lower crime rate. He has changed traffic and parking regulations and patterns to relieve traffic congestion and has street cleaning crews that are working 24 hours a day to clean the city area. Robinson's is building a large mall there and many other franchises are moving in as he is working to build an environment for business investment in the area. The Mayor has been successful is adding flights through the local airport facility and is working on plans to upgrade the airport in a major way to give it international status. Tacloban City is working to become the cleanest and safest city in Philippines and appears to be making some significant progress during the most recent 12 months toward this goal. It is a city certainly working checking out.
Joe
Hi Joe – It sounds like Tacloban's Mayor is trying to pattern himself after Davao City's Mayor, Rody Duterte! Most of the things that you mention are things that Mayor Duterte has already accomplished over the years! 😆
It will be interesting to follow the progress in Tacloban! Thanks for letting me know.
Hi Bob. Malaybalay will be it. It's nice to walk at 9 o'clock at night and it's all eerily quiet. You can sleep at 11 at night up to 9 a.m. without airconditioning. Yes, CdO is adequately far enough and not too close for discomfort either.
Baybay- It's nice to walk at the beach at 4pm and wait for the fishermen come home for the catch of the day….with your 'oling' already fired up for a fresh tinap-an (grilled mackerel)…with your San Miguel of course or Bahalina (stay near LSU)….then sit back to watch the most beautiful sunset in the world.
Surigao- will be a boater's heaven. If I have a boat I will stay in Surigao and ply acrross towards Southern Leyte towards Liloan and Sugod. Surigao is indeed very scenic (as AmericanLola featured). If one likes Seattle or Key west….Surigao is the one.
Catbalogan- Post #27 just revealed the best city in the Philippines- Tacloban. I feel though that it's going to be another Cebu in 20 to 30 years so I will go across the San Juanico bridge and stay in Catbalogan where the mussels are sweet and the grouper is to die for. Go south and all the harvests the Pacific Ocean can give are all displayed fresh in Guiuan.
Ormoc- If I want Cebu but do not to like live there I will settle in Ormoc. For me it's the cleanest city in the Philippines and only two hours away form Cebu. The view of the Palompon mountain twin peaks overlooking the sea is Southern France or Marin County (California) or Acadia National Park (Maine).
My theme is the above cities is what the Philippines all about—small, quiet, clean, uncongested and most of all affordable….and yes (if you don't have a college student) $1000/month will set you up for a very cozy lifestyle.
If you want Cebu in the 1950's….a Davao in the 60's…a Cagayan de Oro City in the 70's……then check out those cities…I'm sure you'll love them!
Cheers!
Hi Bob,
Coming from a Waray woman, I am glad to hear positive comments and endorsements of my birth province. It's been over 30 years since I last visited but it would be great to see the whole province again. I wonder how Carigara, Leyte is progressing? I was born in one of the barrios back in the woods long, long, time ago 😆 I have a sister still living there but the source of communication with her is very limited.
Thanks again!
Great post Bob! I'm curious about the infrastructure available on Samal Island. Do cell phones and Internet connectios work there? Is there a municiple water supply? How dependable is electricity? Do you have to rely on water wells? I realize there aren't any malls but what about stores in general? Any large towns on Samal?
Hi Dr. Long – Thanks for your detailed explanation on each place! Quite interesting information there!
Hi MarcelinaWW – I never had much desire to visit Leyte, but I'm not sure why. Perhaps because I know nobody in that region. Maybe I'll have to check it out someday, though. 😉
Hi David S. – Samal is developing more all the time. In answer to each of your questions:
1. Yes, Cellular Phones work virtually everywhere on the island.
2. Yes, there is internet connection available on Samal. I am waiting for the day when broadband will be available there, and I don't think that will be too far off.
3. Oh yes, there is an excellent municipal water supply.
4. Very good and dependable electricity.
5. No need for water wells, as the city water supply is excellent.
6. There is a large Warehouse Club on Samal (in Pinaplata). NCCC (the mall in Davao) is building a small outlet in Samal too. In addition to these, there are many local stores too.
7. Samal itself is a City! The entire Island comprises the "Island Garden City of Samal" or "IGaCOS" for short. It is a chartered city. The island is mostly rural, although there are two major Barangays of the City – Babak and Penaplata, which are like small towns in their own rights.
Hi Bob,Being a country boy at heart,no surprises for my no 1,but have included some city alternatives. 1,MALAYBALAY CITY,peace and quiet,cool nights,stunning views,NO Malls,easy access to CDO. 2,Valencia city,Mindanao 3,Dumaquete city 4,CDO 5,Davao city
Hi chas – I like your places of choice. Bukidnon is one of my favorite places in the world, so your choices of Malaybalay and Valencia are both right up my alley. I would choose Valencia ahead of Malaybalay personally, but we all have different choices.
Speaking of Bukidnon being one of my favorite places in the world… another of my favorite places is Montana, in the USA. Quite a bit of similarity between the two! Bukidnon has one advantage – it doesn't snow there! 😆
Hi Bob,
Not having been in the Philippines yet, I can't make a list yet. But was disapointed not to see any cities from Leyte on there. Although I see someone mentioned Baybay, as one of there choices..that is encouraging.
I plan to move to Maasin City, sometime next year, and if God willing live there and be able to support myself and future family there. If not I will find a place there in Philippines to do so.
I am very happy that I have found this site and it has been very helpful in learning more about becoming a resident of Philippines.
Thanks Bob and to all of your contributing writers for all of there help.
Take care, Danny
Hi Danny – Welcome aboard! I'm happy to have you participating on the site! Don't worry too much about Leyte getting limited coverage, that doesn't mean it isn't a good place! We all have our own varied opinions, and because of that, every listing will turn out differently. You may find that Maasin City is the perfect place for you! 😀
Hi Bob!
Am glad to find out that your 2nd home Gensam is included among the TOP 10.
The city is not competing with other cities in the region but wants itself to be known as the GATEWAY TO SOCCSKSARGEN, since it boasts of a world-class airport and a modern wharf now undergoing another expansion.
Other than that, things are really looking up for the Tuna Capital. Consider these:
SM is now in final negotiations for a 50-year lease on an 8-hectare property within downtown Gensan while Robinsons has just applied for Environmental Clearance for their own 6-hectare lot.
NCCC Davao has just opened their Warehouse Club here to test the waters. Toyota Davao is inaugurating its P120 million display and service center next month. And Gaisano Mall of Gensan is now trumpeting the opening of National Bookstore at their upper ground floor.
Hopefully, next year, Gensan will move up the ladder in Moneysense Mags' list.
Thanks for this update Kumpare! 😆
Hi bariles – Nice to hear from you, Pare. Please note, that GenSan is in my top 3! Much better than top 10. Thanks for all the updates about GenSan, much of that stuff I did not know. Regarding SM, do you think it will really happen? They have been talking about that for decades now, it seems! 😆
I do enjoy visiting GSC, and I'll look you up next time I'm in town! Hey, I noticed on your blog, you have links to all (or a lot) of SOCSKSARGEN bloggers… you should include Feyma in the list! She is a native of Patag, Sarangani. 😉
Oh… will do that. Regards to Kumareng Feyma.
If and when SM really signs the lease deal, will herald it on my blog. About time, don't you think?
See you soon Bob. Orman's been exercising daily now. You might want to see him in his new sexier figure. Hehehe!
Let's have coffee soon… Ciao!
very interesting topic Bob, as always. Most of my time in the Philippines has been spent in my wife's home island of Leyte, Cabu, and Manila. My choices at this point would be
Cebu: because it has all the advantages of Manila( malls, theaters, restaurants etc.)
Baguio: because of the wonderful climate and those delicious strawberries.
I do appreciate Dr. Long's nice comments about Baybay, my wife's hometoen where we have a house and plan to retire to. Take care
Hi Richard Wilson – Nice list there, Richard. When you say that Cebu has all the advantages of Manila, others might say that it also has all the disadvantages too! 😆 Ha ha…
Good point Bob. I meant o add that it has the disadvantages of Manila, but maybe not "quite" as bad(trafic, polution ETC.,). 😀 lol! Thanks. Richard
Hi Richard – Very true. Cebu is headed in that direction, but not there yet.
My wife was bon in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon…I haven't been there yet. But, I do plan to visit sometime in the future. The only thing I know of Bukidnon is they have Del Monte Philippines plantation and a lot of caves… I am an avid spelunker as well as motorcycle enthusiast. How about you Bob? ha-ha maybe we could take a tour of the area on the way to visit Davao after the baby is born.
Hi Mike K. – I love Manolo Fortich, and it's so historical too. Did you know that Douglas MacArthur spend a lot of time there, and left from there by flying a plane, taking off from the Del Monte golf course? That is when he retreated to Australia. Manolo is a great place, I think you'd like it.
I didn't know that General MacArthur spent time there. I am not surprised though. He did love that part of the RP. I do plan to visit there and see the sites. I also have some relatives there on my wife's side. Ha-ha I am planning for a month long tour of the Philippines starting in Bagio and working my way down to Davao. From there I will decide where to build my next home. We have decided to start a business w/ small house in Panglao as that area is building up fast and furious do to the new airport being built. I would recommend this area for anyone looking to start a business in RP.
Thank You,
Hi Mike K. – I feel that there is a lot of opportunity for good business all over the Philippines. Honestly, it is something that attracts me to live here.
Bob i can say i like Talusay is 1 for me then Gingoog 2.. Illigan is 3 been to Manila ,Cebu and Cdo to big , noisy and smells for me …country boy here … 😀
Hi Phil R. – Yep, I can tell you're a country boy based on your list! Ha ha… I don't blame you!
Tagbilaran, Bohol- Nice little city. Not much for the night life, But there is a small group of expats that tend to get together at least once a week. The oldest church in the Philippines is a short drive away, a lot of sites through out the entire island and getting things done is relatively quick and painless then of course there's Panglao Island and Chocolate Hills that attract a lot of visitors. Gives you a country feel in a small city.
Hi Mike K. – Thanks for sharing that info about Tagbilaran. Everything you say makes it sound even better to me! I still do love Davao, though! 😉
Howdy Bob! I currently live in Pasig City with my Filipina asawa. We both agree this is not where we want to stay indefinately because crime is on the rise, the city is dirty, I mean trash, sewage, the canals are hideous with garbage etc. However it is home for now because we currently live with my wife's family. I am by no means wealthy but retired and happy and I love the Philippines. I am an American as you must have guessed ha ha! Any suggestions that you and other readers may have for us would be greatly appreciated.
Take care,
Rob and Beth
Hi Rob Faircloth- I am a big supporter of Davao City. I really believe it is the best place to live in the Philippines. Everybody's opinion varies, though.
I love Davao. I've been there in the early 90's. The people are so warm and friendly. I like the small town feel and the amenities of a city. I also like it for its proximity to the beaches.
If I have the money, I'll buy land in Samal. I still enjoy reminiscing my visit to Pearl Farm, and if I have a piece of land in Samal, I will probably put one of these, overlooking the view:
http://bambooliving.com/homes.html
Aah, it's nice to dream! at least, it's free (dreaming that is). 🙂
I also like Baguio for its climate, clean air and the forest, although I think it's getting congested. Last I heard SM is already there, but the scent of pine is just too strong to ignore. 🙂
I would probably consider Subic, but I'm not 100% on this. What I notice in Subic is that it's the only place I've visited where people have broom in their hand early in the morning and most throughout the day to clean their surroundings. The jeepneys, believe it or not, follow the rules. This was back during the time of Mayor Richard Gordon. I don't know if Subic is still as clean as before.
I've been to Cagayan de Oro, a loooong time ago, I think when I was in 6th or 7th grade. Stayed there for a month during the summer. I don't remember any traffic but I remember the small town feel with a bit of city life. I think I should visit CDO again so I know if I should put that on my list. 🙂
Just to have a fifth place to mention, I'd probably consider Tagaytay City because of the climate, good view, laidback atmosphere but close enough to the city if I need some city life.
Cebu is not in my list as I had just been there last year and I agree that it's becoming a mini Manila. Anywhere there is an SM or Ayala mall or Robinson's, I think it's fair to say, that one can expect congestion.
Manila or Metro Manila or suburbs of Manila is definitely NOT in my top 5 places to live in the Philippines.
I want to visit Bacolod, Iloilo, Tagbilaran, Iligan, Palawan and the Cagayan/Ilokos region to expand my list. 🙂
Hi Beth- For me, there is nothing better than Samal! I can't wait to live there! 😆
If you like Baguio, but want to avoid the crowds… consider Mindanao's Baguio – Bukidnon Province! It's a wonderful place, lovely nature, cool temperatures.
Don't miss my column on Friday for some possible bad news about your top 5, though…