This is why it is so important to do your research and then take the time to get on a plane and go check different places out . Watching all the different bloggers and actually listen to them about the area they live in . Suburbs are great choices especially if they are close to the facilities and amenities that you desire. Now Filipinas will want to be close to their family because that is their safety net so don't be surprised if she continues to look for rentals in her province or trying to use the common sense approach to get you into a house and lot. Remember this is your retirement and is your hard earned money that you payed into for years so always let her know this and put your foot down on being where you want to be. A good Filipina will protect you and not exploit you so if she or her family thinks that you are the piggy bank then you need to find another girl because that pressure will destroy your relationship. Many Filipino men move on for this reason as well because they to are expected to take care of her parents as well as his and try to survive in the process.
I miss half and half in my real coffee, but whipping cream is a great substitute. Most everything is available in cebu, although diet soda selection is lacking. I just went to the supermarket pharmacy and asked for paracetamol (tylenol) and the pharmacist handed me a single tablet. I realized afterward that many Filipinos just can't afford a whole bottle. The more expensive something is, usually it tends to be less available or available in smaller quantities at an even higher markup.
Hi Steve. You do have to live near a bigger city to enjoy western stuff. I lived out in the deep province for about a month. No running water and just the basics at a grocery and the produce is only in wet market. I loved the nature there for sure. Can't be beat. But... if you are with a family they become protective of you. You can't go out by yourself because they don't trust others in the area. All of a sudden the garden of Eden you can see but not spend time in. Don't like those rules. Be careful guys. Some families will scam and some will try to over protect and you can't do anything. I am not sacrificing freedom and I am not giving money all of the time. My personal line in the sand. ✌
I lived in a province in Bohol for 3 months when I first got there and for the reasons you stated in the Vlog I moved to Cebu City and the first meal I had was at Kenny Rogers in Ayala 😚
Man, you make more practical sense than most who do videos here about the PI. There is abject poverty in many of the provinces, towns and barangays away from the major cities. I lived in Leyte for 2 yrs way out in the boonies. No sanitized running water, frequent brown outs, Insects galore, no fans or AC and lacking toilet facilities. It can ne misery if you cannot adjust. I could not. Old men..stay in the cities. Young men fare better in the outlying areas. To me, it was like being on Bidwack in the US army. Thank God I had experienced it there. I just want Middle aged foreigners to realize..All that glitters in these countries is not gold. To the natives, Lack of amenities is is normal. Be prepared. Great Video!
am Fil Am..been here in the U.S. 40+ years and i go home almost every year and after 3 weeks i miss my steak and bacon and egg and then when im back here i miss my longsilog,danggitsilog ang tsilog.😂😂😂
You're absolutely right Steve. I have a UA-camr I've followed for several years and who I consider a friend. When I first started watching his videos everything was positive and there was no better place on earth (or so it seemed). Lately his videos are mostly negative (can't get the food he likes, brown-outs all the time, rain almost every day, beggars at his gate etc.) and suddenly the US is starting to look really good. I totally get it. I'm a 10 - 12 minute walk to S&R, Robinson's Starmills, and SM Pampanga, and can find anything I feel like real easy. We're also about half a kilometer from a very modern medical centre, and that's something people that move out in the sticks will never have.
@@prairiemark4084 thank you. I absolutely love it here in the city of San Fernando (Pampanga) and for me anyhow I can't think of a place in the Philippines that I'd rather live.
Being close, but not to close is why I chose to live on the outskirts of Davao.Most of what I want and need is less than 30 minutes away. Hospitals are within the "golden" hour in case of heart attack or stroke. Plus Davao has a great 911 system. If I want nature, a 15 minute drive and I'm deep in the province. For me, it's a great place and I'm sure others like yourself have found your spot. God bless and Merry Christmas everyone.
I like the convenience of having amenities near to me. Also your monthly auto fuel bill is dramatically less. I go through maybe a quarter or half a tank at the most in a month. I can choose to walk to things near me. I am in a green, clean area where I literally have everything I need 10 minutes from my house.
The biggest thing I missed when I was in the Philippine province was not the food or the modern conveniences It was having a conversation with an American . But my interest is in having a small farm and live simple life .
10 years ago I miss my flight home because I had what they thought was a stroke. Turned out to be side effects to medications I was given. But when I was released from the hospital I called the airline to reschedule my flight home. I had to get a doctor's clearance because I miss the first flight for medical reasons. If they know you're sick they don't want to have to divert their plane somewhere to save you. They're not going to let you on 😎
You hit the nail on the head. I moved from the AZ desert to TX for these exact reasons. VA hospital 20 minutes Away, Walmart 5 minute, every type of restaurant 5 minutes. I'm 73 and going down hill. As appealing as the PI seems, it's not for me at this point in life.
Good video Steve. Yes I'm one of those guys who is living in mindanao. Have house and land here. It's hard to get what I like for food here in province. In order for me to get foods or good medical care It's a 4 hour ride to davao by private transportation and cost me little less than $200 usd round trip. Same is true for visa extensions every 2 months and that ends up being a very long day and I'm averaging about $500 buying foods at S & R and eating etc. I find i am spending more than I thought each month. I never figured in those things when I was estimating monthly expenses. I have nice home that is paid for and friendly neighbors and of course a loving filipina and family. I am happier than I have ever been now but if I had to do it over again I probably would have chosen to be closer to where Steve is. By the time I found Steve vlogs I already had a house and land already paid for. Good subject but my advice to those thinking about coming to Philippines think your location through carefully. Otherwise it is the best decision I have ever made. Thanks Steve.
Always have an emergency plan. People to call to rush you to a hosptial...maybe a nurse of someone in the medical field...van driver etc...teach your Filipina what to look for and what to do (give aspirin etc) in case of a heart attack...but one thing is for sure...if it's time for a massive one that is an I start killer it's just going to happen...that's what happened to my mom..was in great health and they have no idea why she had a widow maker...live your life, stay safe, and definitely don't lose yourself..stuff from back home is part of who we are..
The other issue with insurance is you can't get it after about 65. So if you have a major health incident and you're lucky enough to make it to hospital, you could find all your savings gone in one go. I'm afraid if you arent prepared to accept that then don't retire there
Just some feedback. I was reminded in this video what I find most valuable and interesting about Steves presentation which is that he’s a cataloger of expat experience, the challenges, successes/joys and failures/tragedies, and provides solid related wisdom/guidance. It’s a daunting challenge transplanting yourself from western culture to SE Asia / the Philippines. Truth is, we don’t know what we don’t know and every expat who’s been in the Philippines awhile has a list of things they didn’t see, got wrong or hard lessons they wish they would have avoided. God knows there is no shortage of Philippine oriented vlogs out there, a few are very good, entertaining with huge followings, but I don’t think anyone spans the spectrum of expat experience and provides credible useful information as well as Steve. Frankly, I don’t have the time to watch even the best of them on a regular basis, but I do tune into Steve more than any other because he’s something useful to convey. You don’t have 500 K plus subscribers but your content is hugely relevant, often gold, to an expat planning a life in the Philippines from scratch. You’ve captivated my attention and I’m pretty stingy in dolling it out. Good job my friend.
Accidents can happen in remote areas too. I remember a story where a guy was bitten by a venemous snake and died because he could not get quick assistance.
I would have a medical first aid kit and some antibiotics, anti-coagulant tablets and anti venin in an emergency kit. These days snake antidotes are multi purpose so in Australia there is no need to identify the snake, all bites can be cured. You need to do the yacht version of the medical course. Plus 18 years in search and rescue, take a portable personnel locator beacon, sat phone is cheap insurance. Can't help on the murder issues.
If a person gets nailed by a venomous snake here in the Philippines chances of survival are slim to none. There's always a chance of a "dry bite" in which case a person might say they survived a Cobra attack, but in reality they were lucky. Antivenom is hard to find and even if a person does find it the cost for even one vial is horrendous. I remember a video where a guy got hit by a pet King Cobra in the US and it took around 25 vials to save him.
Agree Steve. After doing research, I chose to live on Luzon near the cities because when I'm 80 I want to be very close to a great hospital... and on Luzon, I can travel for cheap to anywhere I want to visit. I chose my location THEN I met a great lady in the area.
This is why I'm leaning Jomtien, Thailand. I'm fit but I'm 63. The stores and retail would be walkable, as is the beach. Fitness and pool would be in my bdg. Bangkok Airport is only two hours, malls are nearby, Pattaya is 20 minutes in a Bolt or Grab. I'm moving solo- so I don't need to be up in Udon Thani or Chaing Rai. Sounds exotic- but I'm a Boston and D.C. kid. I walk (and cycle)
Great to hear you pointing out important considerations for potential expats. It brings back memories when we'd be out in the provinces, for training. An injury needing more than minor medical attention meant over an hour of very rough travel, just to get to proper medical attention. For more serious accidents, at least we had access to call in a medivac chopper. That's not an option these days, so being relatively close to proper care is an important consideration.
Our home in the Philippines is in a small town 38 miles from Cebu City. But if the traffic is heavy then it takes 3 hours anyway. We are blessed with a nice German Cafe and bakery only a 12 minute walk away. I can get a nice western breakfast for $10. I could go there and meet some expats at times. The owner was an old German who had been there for decades and we were friends. We could sit and talk for an hour most times I showed up. But he died. Many of the ex-pats were old and there were less of them each year. The younger ones tended to have a weakness for alcohol and it was hard to interact socially with them for any period ot time. My wifes family is the best I could have asked for. They are hard working, kind and caring and there are a lot of them. But still I liked to get away to an English speaking area and have a visit. The long walks in the mountains I took every day with my wife are something I will always remember. As a farmer they were special for me because I could watch how they would get four or five crops a year from a little plot of land, It was a joy. But my problem was parasites. We were careful with our water, with our food. I didn't swim in the ocean. But I could not keep them from infecting me. It was almost a whole days trip to go to the city to see a doctor and go to a lab. And the doctors were not always helpful, even the ones that taught in medical schools. There were other ex-pats I knew that just lived with the parasites. They were very skinny and had little worms in their mouths all the time. Some actually could not afford to go to the doctors either. I had one friend named William from England that was 72 years old. He had came over at 62 and married a 22 year old girl ten years ago. He had two nice boys about 7 and 9 years old. He had parasites but he was untreated. He was trying to save enough money to move back to England where he could at least have government housing and healthcare and his sons could have a good education. He loves his son's very much. His wife has a chronic illness that required medications that were $80 a month. They were cutting her pills in half because he could not always buy the full amount. His pension was only about $850/month (in USD). And he needed several thousand dollars to move. He was trying to sell his house for 18,000 USD . But no one wanted it. It was a nice cement house for that money, but it was in a swampy area that flooded and was wet a lot. Life was tough for him and he was a nice guy. I gave him a few hundred dollars when I left to help boost his savings for moving. But he figured it would take him four years to reach that goal. Williams family would not help him very much. They thought him moving to Cebu and he marriage was stupid. So he was on his own. His dream life turned out to be a disappointment after a few years. If you are going to live in the country in the Philippines, it is best to try it for six months or a year to see if an old Western guy can handle it. I could have handled it if my health held out. But I know if I return I will have to live in the city. Transportation, food choices, health-care, and loneliness and companionship can all be issues. Just adjusting to the culture and life in the Philippines even in the city, with English speaking friends and support is hard. Some guys just can't make all the adjustments required to live in the bush country of the Philippines. And I honestly don't know how you can know if you can make it until you try.
I couldn't live way out in the boonies it's hard enough living here without having to stop living like I did in Florida. I made it a point to live with all the comforts I had in the states here in the Philippines. Does it cost me yes it does but before I moved here I put money aside and setup my budget to allow for everything I wanted. We live a good life, our home is paid for, we make a 20 minute trip to the big city of Davao every Saturday to take the kids to a nice restaurant and then 🎳 Bowling. We make it a point to stock up on all the different foods i like that I am able to find at the mall supermarket on Saturday as well when we are their on our family outing. Where we live we have several restaurant in our small town of 26,000 people and as well in neighboring towns so we do eat out atleast 5 times a week, in town and out of town. I admit running all 3 aircons in our house 24 hours a day 7 days a week and it's expensive were averaging around 11,000 php a month for our electricity bill. Like Steve I too like some America foods that probably cost us a couple hundred dollars a month more but I like my America foods. I told myself when I retired I was going to the Philippines to be with my girlfriend but I refuse to give up my lifestyle I had in America. And I can say except for missing a Burger King whopper with cheese every few months I haven't missed anything else here so far, and fortunately Davao has a good Burger King restaurant 😋
nice story similar to mine when I lived in the far southern part of Cebu and I lived there my first year here back in 1990. I almost didn't survive because of lost so much weight and no other foreigner around and my wife at the time was good but between the isolation and losing so much weight I told my ex wife I had to get out of here so we moved to Cebu City and just two months later I had a stroke. I then told her get me up to the Clark AB and the hospital which she did and I survived and just in time for Mt Pinatubo to blow then another great crazy time. I now live in Cavite and I am 71 and happy with my wife and I can drive anywhere and eat better and visit the VA much easier.........No more living in the far provinces for me.....
@@rogerwilco4736 No doubt the exposure to parasites varies from site to site and resistance varies from person to person. Another factor is that many people carry parasites for decades and are not symptomatic. Many of the blood flukes and liver flukes that are problematic enter the body through the hair follicles. I have seen estimates that 30% of the worlds population is inhabited by some kind of parasites. Many do not know it. I spent 5-6 weeks a year in the Philippines for eleven years and never had a problem. And usually if you get parasites they are in the gut and are easily treated with a one to three day therapy. Other times treatment lasts for decades.
@@wildbill7081 Thanks for your comments. My experience with parasites has been the greatest physical challenge I have had in my life.And it sounds like yours was bad too. I lost so much weight I was skin and bones. Three of the first four doctors I saw were not helpful at all. One was a fake. He took a picture of my sinus's, charged me $400 USD and said I had not parasites. I did find some that taught at one of the medical schools that were helpful.
In america living 30 to 60 miles from. City is easy and relaxing. By car everything is only 30 minutes to hour away. Philpines traffic makes me think twice about living outside city
When you win the multi-million dollar lottery in the USA, they tell you to be very careful about being out and about , you are now a target for robbery and kidnaping . When you tell your girlfriend you have 100k in the bank to impress her and she suggests you move way out in the province with her, guess what?? You just got kidnapped ! That really does happen guys.
Dumaguete has it all or at least enough for me and I still consider it somewhat of a Provence area. But you are correct, we want to live some of our Western style the Provence areas will not have those from what I can tell so far.
This is some of the best advice you've given.. The problem is when the older guys meet the young girls most of the girls are expected to build for her family and so the guy settles there. Now for us we've had our houses here on biliran island for 36 years. One was for her parents and the other is ours and it is American style house strongly built with a 2 car garage with a power garage door. We have enjoyed the house for 36 years walking distance to the beach the Coral reefs are beautiful that is what I fell in love with 42 years go..Being from Miami this place reminded me of when I was a young kid snorkeling in the keys.. Our plan from 30 years ago was to live here full time for ten years while our health was at its best, enjoy the islands and the travel to other countries and so my wife could be near her family. We came here every year for 30 years, 2 months in the summer. This was I guess you call our summer house.. We knew this area was far away from big towns malls, & hospitals which are not that good any. Tacloban & Ormoc City are our best citys. Our ten years are up in 4 years we only have one more big trip and that is our 3rd trip to Singapore this time for my 65 birthday in 2 years, we're staying at the Marina Bay Sands Resort Hotel. It's a beautiful place.. Once I turn 67 I start my SS and we are going to retire to the Venice fla area. For a better quality of life for Seniors. Close by good quality hospitals lots of restaurants to choose from. Much better roads & drivers & that is very dangerous here at any age but once you get older it gets worst. A big plus for us is that part of fla. has a big Filipino population. They want the hot weather great beaches sunny days. But they don't want all the BS that comes with living or retiring here in the Philippines. That tells you something when Filipinos don't want to retire here..
Good Video Steve, I've lived here for five years and as an expat you want to be near hospitals, malls airports and so forth. I've been living in Cebu City for the last 3 and a half years. Next August I'm moving to Cavite - not too far from Tres Martires. I've already been there and am familiar with the area. As you said do your research and visit these areas. - Steve
You're spot on. I'm an older guy. I can't say that where I'm living here, although I'm way up in the Provinces, is all that remote. It has improved quite a bit over the last four decades that I've visited the Philippines. But, even here, it does require a certain amount of 'going native'. The lifestyle is very different than my lifestyle in the U.S. Up until now, I could only take the Philippines in one month chunks, this stay is for three months. We're coming up on my one month mark, and I'm holding out. I miss most, not having a car to jump in and go anywhere I want. The jeepney and tricycle hopping routine, is just not happening at my age.
Yes, I'm now 70 and I do not any longer like to ride on tricycles and jeepneys as they are not built for older foreigners who have higher weight and height than small and thin filipinos. So, I decided to buy my own jeep many years ago and now moved on to a more modern car and drive it myself.I'm now going to sty here for the future until I feel that it would be better to move more near better healthcare. It's fresh air and relative peaceful out here among the rice fields ...
I lived in the Philippines ten times for 5-6 weeks a year and I did fine. But when I stayed for a year, I found I was sick a lot and needed constant medical care. So living in the province is pretty much not an option. I will certainly want to visit our home in the province on a regular basis though.
During my last trip a few months ago, I stayed for about a month & it was my 1st visit with unlimited access to a car. That made my stay so much more enjoyable.
@@trosenvinge I have considered buying a personal vehicle as well, but, I don't think it would do me any good to drive here. It wouldn't take me long to take out about three of those annoying tricycles that stay in the left lane instead of moving over to the right for faster traffic. I figure I'm doing the Philippinos a favor by not driving. My wife has a Philippino driver's license, but I don't think she enjoys driving here neither.
Steve, great video with a wealth of information! Regarding "Aldi", that is a Germany Based supermarket found around the world. Aldi is also known as the parent company for a well-liked grocery store here in Southern California called "Trader Joes". It's kinda cool to be able to buy international products at this store. Aldi looks like more of a traditional supermarket here in the USA. It would be interesting to see how it is set up in the PI!
These older guys living out in the middle of nowhere are living out a romantic fantasy in their heads about how great it is to be living off the land without commercial life surrounding them. Like you said it's great until it isn't or they wake up from their fantasy fog and realize it was a huge mistake. I always thought it's a huge mistake to live in the middle of nowhere Philippines as you don't know the girls family and their intent. The longer you stay out there the longer they have to think/figure out how they're going to extract that money from you in a good way or bad way depending. You only have one life just remember that when making decisions in the Philippines. There's typically no safety net out there.
Tell the truth brother. I love the way you do not sugarcoat things and tell it the way it is. That is indeed my biggest fear: falling into a trap and being actually killed by the wrong family for my funds. Also, I never hear the expats bring up the subject of police corruption; how likely are you to be shaken down by the men in blue or set up for a crime you didn't commit?
Great video Steve. Been down here in Southern Quezon Province for a month and the non availability of basic resources is extremely challenging. Despite knowing a lot of the challenges before moving, the daily 0900 water outage and the frequent, multiple hour power outages are just too much for me. Heading up your way to improve my quality of life in retirement. Will keep the $80 apartment for the times we visit. Thanks for all your assistance.
Pretty much the same with any back country life. I’ve seen people here move from the city to the country, it is a shock to them all the conviencies they lose. You kind of get left on your own.
I'm not crazy about living in the bigger city's but I like to live close enough to get what I want and go home. I live on Samal Island Garden City Davao which is a 5 minute drive to the boat ramp then 15 minute boat ride to Davao city. Our other house in 10 minute outside Manito which is a 30 minute drive from Legazpi city, and we have a house in the city of Butuan so I can get medical treatment within 30 minutes of which ever location we are living at. Like you I like going to good restaurants with my girlfriend and living close to the big cities allows us to do that. I was missing a Burger King whopper with cheese the other day and went to Burger King in Davao I was amazed that they had it first of all and second of all it was very good. Good video Steve thanks again.
If you are looking for ingredients. Check the nicer hotels to see if they have it on their menu. If it's on their menu it's in the Philippines. The big hotels have a purchasing agent. They would be happy to share where they get it. Any restaurant that has a product that you want. I was thrilled to find out I can get parmigiano Reggiano in the Philippines. Still too freaking expensive though It's a must have for me 😎
I'm not one of those that stays inside all day I like to travel and go see things and while I'm there I pick up what I need and then bring it back it's very simple
Ill be living in Pamplona,Negros Oriental its an hr drive from Main city Dumaguete but Pamplona and Tanjay is very close I doubt Id live 2-3 hrs away, even in populated area doesn't guarantee getting you to hospital in time, because if the ambulance is occupied you cant get it We need to be more about their culture still, we are in their country. too many expats Ive seen are trying to force their country ideals unto the Philippines
I will only live in the city when in a foreign country I will not take a chance of any risk that concerns my well being. The rural areas I wouldn’t live in at all in my home country nor would I live in a rural area in someone else’s other country. Be smart on the journey most are older and think they’ll live forever but do your due diligence and save enough money to retire or relocate to where you don’t have to sacrifice possibly your life by improper planning.
When I "semi-retire" in Davao City I'll live in The Abreeza Towers Condos, which are close to everything, and I'll travel to less populated areas for pleasure trips.....
This is a very important video, thanks for making it. I lived in Manila (Malate) a while back, and even there the medical infrastructure still wasn’t up to par with what we have in the States. I can’t imagine what it’d be like outside of Manila in the provinces. ☠️
If you grew up in boondocks of the USA, you would do fine living in the rural of the areas of the Philippines. Boondocks is an American expression from the Tagalog (Filipino) word bundók ("mountain"). It originally referred to a remote rural area, but now, is often applied to an out-of-the-way area considered backward and unsophisticated by city-folk.
I grew up in the Adirondacks of NY dirt poor, no water, no heat, no money, and no food. We hunted deer, caught fish and burned trash. I broke the bonds of poverty as a young man and found success. I really feel in my natural world living in Mindanao, just sayin....
Interesting comment on expats in remote locations being murdered for financial benefits (insurance etc). I know of one case here in Thailand of a lady who confided in a later ex-partner that she allegedly claimed on her dead boyfriend's life insurance in Issan province. From details I was given, she claimed it was an attempted murder suicide with him being the alleged perpetrator, where he died of poisoning, not her. He apparently wanted to leave her beforehand over her alleged flirting and going out. She disliked him as well. Didn't know suicide was claimable either (I believe it usually voids the claim). But cause of death warranted a claim (was the autopsy and police reports altered to accidental?) and she bought nice plots of land from it. Motive, opportunity, ability. Very suspicious. I don't doubt foreigners here as well are murdered and local authorities change causes of death on reports. It's a Wild West here.
Trece Martries is my favorite place for many reasons, hopefully I'll be able to get your assistance. The mayor office in Bailen is referring me to the lodge in your province, also my young wife lives there.
Good points regarding the Philippines, and a good video that is applicable for moving anywhere in the world, from one moving to their adjacent neighborhood to one moving to SE Asia. The location changes but the person’s lifestyle rarely changes. If you are accustomed to steak, then you want it everywhere, reliable electricity, then you want it everywhere . . . otherwise negativity develops and it’s time to move again. Like you stated, the older a person is, the more set in their ways they are.
Howdy Steve.. sage and sound advice as always my Friend. As for Uncle Paul our place is up in Lagangiland which is about 1 1/2 hours away from Vigan City on the coast. Both places have a Hospital and clinic that take my Pacific Cross (100% thanks for the tip on it too). Decent grocery stores.. for the boonies that is lol and am able to get 65%-ish the goodies I miss at times but all in all safe area and the NPA are not even a concern. But as you said let the buyer beware and ease into it.
I’m in a populated area and they don’t have a lot of stuff that I’m used to. One example, I want to make burritos but I can’t find refried beans or sour cream here and I also can’t find sourdough bread. Another thing that I don’t see here is lunch meat for sandwiches. It would be nice to have some of these things available but I wouldn’t give up living here just because of little inconveniences.
even in the citys your gonna have a hard time buying certain staples that fillys do not really eat . like real milk cheese yogurt bread etc etc , you can also be tricked by buying what you think are American imported items , it says in big letters IMPORTED and when you get it home yah its imported ...but from Korea
I’m a Bostonian and I find Imus, Cavite to my liking for the reasons you state : medical and shopping. It seems somewhat suburban. Thanks again for your insight.
Good topic. I enjoy landlife but the next 7/11 is 5 Min.away, Robinson Mall and a good Hospital, McD etc 30 Min.away and the next Pacific Cross hospital is a 3 hour drive.
That's why I'm sticking close to Boston! In fact, I have a cat scan tomorrow. Does the Phils have world famous doctors like I have in Boston? I doubt it. I will be returning to Angeles for another 2 mo this winter. My girl lives there. Waiting for the K1-Visa to process.
You're spot on Steve. I travel a lot to Jamaica for instance, and a often expats buy properties out in the countryside not thinking they become vulnerable bc of the distance to healthcare, basic provisions, infrastructure etc. It's doable yes, but you need community around you that you can rely on and of course, must be in good health. Countryside even in Canada where I live is beautiful but rural life requires more resources I think.
I know I could live in the province lifestyle wise but I would miss the American style food. I visited my wifes province about 13 years ago and survived on rice and eggs for about 10 days. With some rice and corned beef as a dinner. yes we ate some chicken and pig but that wasn't something they usually had so by the end of my stay. I was so glad to go to Puerto Princessa and a hotel that had a hamburger and fries. So I could live there but it wouldn't be something I would choose.
I'm planning on being within an hour of the hospital I want to use. I'm going to their business office and find out which insurance company they prefer to do business with. Thank you 😎
You get out of it, what you put into it... If you want to live out in the province, and live a life like a former Japanese soldier, who is refusing to surrender, then expect to be lonely and isolated later in life. I dont want to live in Manila, but I want to be within striking distance of there so we can spend a few days in town shopping and dining, before heading back home. I guess the same could be true for Cebu City, it's just that the properties we have been looking at are a few hours drive north of Manila, and a couple of hours south of a short ferry ride from Batangas...Salamat
I think one of the biggest differences between the Philippines and America is that most places in America have a minimal level of amenities (running water, medical care facilities, etc.). The gap can be very wide in the Philippines between what's available in/near cities and what's available in provincial areas. One thing I liked about Angeles City is the cost of living was less than Manila with good restaurants, gyms, etc. Manila was only an hour away when I needed to go to immigration.
Another great video! May I suggest another topic? Things to do around Cavite. If someone is interested in living there, or visit on a vacation, it might be interesting what good and what unique things one can do around there. I do not find that many videos on youtube of that subject. I would actually also be interested to know if there are slums / really poor areas nearby. I tried to help homeless the times I have been to the Philippines, and would want to help poor people again if I visit Cavite.
But then again, let's be honest, a lot of the reasons expats have those health problems in the first place is because of the American diet. Maybe if they ate like the natives in the PH, they'd be better off. Acclimate yourself to a Filipino diet before you retire there and you'd be better off.
I agree with you when in Rome do as the Roman's do right. I moved here in April 2022 weight 235 pounds. 8 months later I've dropped my weight down to 165 pounds just by eating mostly Filipino food and exercising everyday walking 10 klm's
Fantasy is always better than the reality. We can’t change the environment that we grew up in or it’s influence over our like’s and dislikes. Why would you even try. Too many try living in the Philippines as an escape. You can’t escape yourself and as we age it’s typically not a matter of if but when we will need emergency medical treatment and that’s the moment time matters.
Good topic today Steve. Myself I'd much rather live on a farm out in the province but my bride would like to live in her hometown of Bago City, Neg Occ when we retire in a few years. Happy wife happy life so Bago City it is. It's funny you mention Filipino's and parties. There is a larger Filipino population here in Phoenix and this time of the year it is parties 3 - 4 nights a week, I don't mind a party or two throughout the month but it drives me insane trying to attend all these parties with my bride. I am hoping to get a callout at work so I can escape this evenings festivities ! :)
@@DrDlane You can hit up any of the local Catholic churches which always have Filipinos in attendance. Being the holiday season there are also a lot of unpublished events tailored towards Filipinos at these churches. There are also a few events / festivals across the valley throughout the year. Believe it or not you can go up to any Filipino out in public and strike up a conversation and you will be well on your way. Filipino's in general are very sociable people so be ready !
This is a testament to how soft western society has become. We're literally that spoiled rich kid that can't be happy unless life caters to what we think our needs are. smh
Alot of this stuff is common sense, you should know yourself well enough to know what you can tolerate and what you can't. Nobody can instruct you on this. It's kind of crazy, crazy to me anyways that many people don't know themselves very well to the point they do things they cannot tolerate. I think people make decisions based on emotion not logical, rational thinking and emotion is well known to lead you in the wrong decision. And because of emotion many people have inflated views of what they are capable of, I see this all the time.
I sure would like to visit the Philippines and you're right a lot of Filipinos seem a lot like kind of like Americans really although they're a little bit nicer usually but there's bad ones too the thing that kind of scares me or seems a little bit creepy is there they say that there's as many as 7,000 Islands which is difficult for me to believe on a world globe or a map you think you might be able to count like a hundred of them and there's I think three main parts that are separated from each other could you imagine being stuck on one little area and where there's nobody there that would be kind of almost creepy or if somebody kidnapped somebody and takes them to one of the 7,000 different Islands I know there's Filipino people are usually pretty civil pretty nice although being somebody that's older and might having a little bit of money there will be an opportunity to kids nap someone and take them to the island and to a little island out of 7,000 of them and they could get away with probably anything might be a possibility that would be scary maybe they should make a scary movie about it I don't know if that's ever happened but they might have somebody might have gotten away with doing that or maybe a group or a little gang or something
My gf wants to stay near cities for markets, malls and medical.
She is right about location
This is why it is so important to do your research and then take the time to get on a plane and go check different places out . Watching all the different bloggers and actually listen to them about the area they live in . Suburbs are great choices especially if they are close to the facilities and amenities that you desire. Now Filipinas will want to be close to their family because that is their safety net so don't be surprised if she continues to look for rentals in her province or trying to use the common sense approach to get you into a house and lot. Remember this is your retirement and is your hard earned money that you payed into for years so always let her know this and put your foot down on being where you want to be. A good Filipina will protect you and not exploit you so if she or her family thinks that you are the piggy bank then you need to find another girl because that pressure will destroy your relationship. Many Filipino men move on for this reason as well because they to are expected to take care of her parents as well as his and try to survive in the process.
I live north of Dumeguete about 62 km. I Miss the resturants. Plan on moving closer to Dumaguete.
I miss half and half in my real coffee, but whipping cream is a great substitute. Most everything is available in cebu, although diet soda selection is lacking. I just went to the supermarket pharmacy and asked for paracetamol (tylenol) and the pharmacist handed me a single tablet. I realized afterward that many Filipinos just can't afford a whole bottle. The more expensive something is, usually it tends to be less available or available in smaller quantities at an even higher markup.
Hi Steve. You do have to live near a bigger city to enjoy western stuff. I lived out in the deep province for about a month. No running water and just the basics at a grocery and the produce is only in wet market. I loved the nature there for sure. Can't be beat. But... if you are with a family they become protective of you. You can't go out by yourself because they don't trust others in the area. All of a sudden the garden of Eden you can see but not spend time in. Don't like those rules. Be careful guys. Some families will scam and some will try to over protect and you can't do anything. I am not sacrificing freedom and I am not giving money all of the time. My personal line in the sand. ✌
I lived in a province in Bohol for 3 months when I first got there and for the reasons you stated in the Vlog I moved to Cebu City and the first meal I had was at Kenny Rogers in Ayala 😚
Man, you make more practical sense than most who do videos here about the PI. There is abject poverty in many of the provinces, towns and barangays away from the major cities. I lived in Leyte for 2 yrs way out in the boonies. No sanitized running water, frequent brown outs, Insects galore, no fans or AC and lacking toilet facilities. It can ne misery if you cannot adjust. I could not. Old men..stay in the cities. Young men fare better in the outlying areas. To me, it was like being on Bidwack in the US army. Thank God I had experienced it there. I just want Middle aged foreigners to realize..All that glitters in these countries is not gold. To the natives, Lack of amenities is is normal. Be prepared. Great Video!
am Fil Am..been here in the U.S. 40+ years and i go home almost every year and after 3 weeks i miss my steak and bacon and egg and then when im back here i miss my longsilog,danggitsilog ang tsilog.😂😂😂
You're absolutely right Steve. I have a UA-camr I've followed for several years and who I consider a friend. When I first started watching his videos everything was positive and there was no better place on earth (or so it seemed). Lately his videos are mostly negative (can't get the food he likes, brown-outs all the time, rain almost every day, beggars at his gate etc.) and suddenly the US is starting to look really good.
I totally get it. I'm a 10 - 12 minute walk to S&R, Robinson's Starmills, and SM Pampanga, and can find anything I feel like real easy. We're also about half a kilometer from a very modern medical centre, and that's something people that move out in the sticks will never have.
It sounds like you have found your home!
@@prairiemark4084 thank you. I absolutely love it here in the city of San Fernando (Pampanga) and for me anyhow I can't think of a place in the Philippines that I'd rather live.
Do you know any of the stats on treating heart attacks and strokes at that medical center? Are they prepared to save a life quick?
Being close, but not to close is why I chose to live on the outskirts of Davao.Most of what I want and need is less than 30 minutes away. Hospitals are within the "golden" hour in case of heart attack or stroke. Plus Davao has a great 911 system. If I want nature, a 15 minute drive and I'm deep in the province. For me, it's a great place and I'm sure others like yourself have found your spot. God bless and Merry Christmas everyone.
Having certain amenities close by was something that I need and so that's why I chose to live where I live.
I like the convenience of having amenities near to me. Also your monthly auto fuel bill is dramatically less. I go through maybe a quarter or half a tank at the most in a month. I can choose to walk to things near me. I am in a green, clean area where I literally have everything I need 10 minutes from my house.
The biggest thing I missed when I was in the Philippine province was not the food or the modern conveniences It was having a conversation with an American . But my interest is in having a small farm and live simple life .
10 years ago I miss my flight home because I had what they thought was a stroke. Turned out to be side effects to medications I was given. But when I was released from the hospital I called the airline to reschedule my flight home. I had to get a doctor's clearance because I miss the first flight for medical reasons. If they know you're sick they don't want to have to divert their plane somewhere to save you. They're not going to let you on 😎
You hit the nail on the head. I moved from the AZ desert to TX for these exact reasons. VA hospital 20 minutes Away, Walmart 5 minute, every type of restaurant 5 minutes. I'm 73 and going down hill. As appealing as the PI seems, it's not for me at this point in life.
Good video Steve. Yes I'm one of those guys who is living in mindanao. Have house and land here. It's hard to get what I like for food here in province. In order for me to get foods or good medical care It's a 4 hour ride to davao by private transportation and cost me little less than $200 usd round trip. Same is true for visa extensions every 2 months and that ends up being a very long day and I'm averaging about $500 buying foods at S & R and eating etc. I find i am spending more than I thought each month. I never figured in those things when I was estimating monthly expenses. I have nice home that is paid for and friendly neighbors and of course a loving filipina and family. I am happier than I have ever been now but if I had to do it over again I probably would have chosen to be closer to where Steve is. By the time I found Steve vlogs I already had a house and land already paid for. Good subject but my advice to those thinking about coming to Philippines think your location through carefully. Otherwise it is the best decision I have ever made. Thanks Steve.
That's way too far away!
Always have an emergency plan. People to call to rush you to a hosptial...maybe a nurse of someone in the medical field...van driver etc...teach your Filipina what to look for and what to do (give aspirin etc) in case of a heart attack...but one thing is for sure...if it's time for a massive one that is an I start killer it's just going to happen...that's what happened to my mom..was in great health and they have no idea why she had a widow maker...live your life, stay safe, and definitely don't lose yourself..stuff from back home is part of who we are..
The other issue with insurance is you can't get it after about 65. So if you have a major health incident and you're lucky enough to make it to hospital, you could find all your savings gone in one go. I'm afraid if you arent prepared to accept that then don't retire there
Not true, you can still get insurance after 65.
You absolutely can get insurance
Just some feedback. I was reminded in this video what I find most valuable and interesting about Steves presentation which is that he’s a cataloger of expat experience, the challenges, successes/joys and failures/tragedies, and provides solid related wisdom/guidance. It’s a daunting challenge transplanting yourself from western culture to SE Asia / the Philippines. Truth is, we don’t know what we don’t know and every expat who’s been in the Philippines awhile has a list of things they didn’t see, got wrong or hard lessons they wish they would have avoided. God knows there is no shortage of Philippine oriented vlogs out there, a few are very good, entertaining with huge followings, but I don’t think anyone spans the spectrum of expat experience and provides credible useful information as well as Steve. Frankly, I don’t have the time to watch even the best of them on a regular basis, but I do tune into Steve more than any other because he’s something useful to convey. You don’t have 500 K plus subscribers but your content is hugely relevant, often gold, to an expat planning a life in the Philippines from scratch. You’ve captivated my attention and I’m pretty stingy in dolling it out. Good job my friend.
Thanks for that very kind comment 🙏🏻
Accidents can happen in remote areas too. I remember a story where a guy was bitten by a venemous snake and died because he could not get quick assistance.
no anti vemom here he would have died anyway lol
I would have a medical first aid kit and some antibiotics, anti-coagulant tablets and anti venin in an emergency kit. These days snake antidotes are multi purpose so in Australia there is no need to identify the snake, all bites can be cured. You need to do the yacht version of the medical course. Plus 18 years in search and rescue, take a portable personnel locator beacon, sat phone is cheap insurance. Can't help on the murder issues.
If a person gets nailed by a venomous snake here in the Philippines chances of survival are slim to none. There's always a chance of a "dry bite" in which case a person might say they survived a Cobra attack, but in reality they were lucky.
Antivenom is hard to find and even if a person does find it the cost for even one vial is horrendous.
I remember a video where a guy got hit by a pet King Cobra in the US and it took around 25 vials to save him.
Agree Steve.
After doing research, I chose to live on Luzon near the cities because when I'm 80 I want to be very close to a great hospital... and on Luzon, I can travel for cheap to anywhere I want to visit.
I chose my location THEN I met a great lady in the area.
This is why I'm leaning Jomtien, Thailand. I'm fit but I'm 63. The stores and retail would be walkable, as is the beach. Fitness and pool would be in my bdg. Bangkok Airport is only two hours, malls are nearby, Pattaya is 20 minutes in a Bolt or Grab. I'm moving solo- so I don't need to be up in Udon Thani or Chaing Rai. Sounds exotic- but I'm a Boston and D.C. kid. I walk (and cycle)
Wise advice
When you are over 50 especially over 65 any health problem can appear at any time
Great to hear you pointing out important considerations for potential expats. It brings back memories when we'd be out in the provinces, for training. An injury needing more than minor medical attention meant over an hour of very rough travel, just to get to proper medical attention. For more serious accidents, at least we had access to call in a medivac chopper. That's not an option these days, so being relatively close to proper care is an important consideration.
I think you're by far one of the most down-to-earth people that are online. And have the most common sense. My hats off to you my friend.
Thanks Mike 🙏🏻
Our home in the Philippines is in a small town 38 miles from Cebu City. But if the traffic is heavy then it takes 3 hours anyway. We are blessed with a nice German Cafe and bakery only a 12 minute walk away. I can get a nice western breakfast for $10. I could go there and meet some expats at times. The owner was an old German who had been there for decades and we were friends. We could sit and talk for an hour most times I showed up. But he died. Many of the ex-pats were old and there were less of them each year. The younger ones tended to have a weakness for alcohol and it was hard to interact socially with them for any period ot time. My wifes family is the best I could have asked for. They are hard working, kind and caring and there are a lot of them. But still I liked to get away to an English speaking area and have a visit. The long walks in the mountains I took every day with my wife are something I will always remember. As a farmer they were special for me because I could watch how they would get four or five crops a year from a little plot of land, It was a joy. But my problem was parasites. We were careful with our water, with our food. I didn't swim in the ocean. But I could not keep them from infecting me. It was almost a whole days trip to go to the city to see a doctor and go to a lab. And the doctors were not always helpful, even the ones that taught in medical schools. There were other ex-pats I knew that just lived with the parasites. They were very skinny and had little worms in their mouths all the time. Some actually could not afford to go to the doctors either. I had one friend named William from England that was 72 years old. He had came over at 62 and married a 22 year old girl ten years ago. He had two nice boys about 7 and 9 years old. He had parasites but he was untreated. He was trying to save enough money to move back to England where he could at least have government housing and healthcare and his sons could have a good education. He loves his son's very much. His wife has a chronic illness that required medications that were $80 a month. They were cutting her pills in half because he could not always buy the full amount. His pension was only about $850/month (in USD). And he needed several thousand dollars to move. He was trying to sell his house for 18,000 USD . But no one wanted it. It was a nice cement house for that money, but it was in a swampy area that flooded and was wet a lot. Life was tough for him and he was a nice guy. I gave him a few hundred dollars when I left to help boost his savings for moving. But he figured it would take him four years to reach that goal. Williams family would not help him very much. They thought him moving to Cebu and he marriage was stupid. So he was on his own. His dream life turned out to be a disappointment after a few years. If you are going to live in the country in the Philippines, it is best to try it for six months or a year to see if an old Western guy can handle it. I could have handled it if my health held out. But I know if I return I will have to live in the city. Transportation, food choices, health-care, and loneliness and companionship can all be issues. Just adjusting to the culture and life in the Philippines even in the city, with English speaking friends and support is hard. Some guys just can't make all the adjustments required to live in the bush country of the Philippines. And I honestly don't know how you can know if you can make it until you try.
I couldn't live way out in the boonies it's hard enough living here without having to stop living like I did in Florida.
I made it a point to live with all the comforts I had in the states here in the Philippines.
Does it cost me yes it does but before I moved here I put money aside and setup my budget to allow for everything I wanted.
We live a good life, our home is paid for, we make a 20 minute trip to the big city of Davao every Saturday to take the kids to a nice restaurant and then 🎳 Bowling.
We make it a point to stock up on all the different foods i like that I am able to find at the mall supermarket on Saturday as well when we are their on our family outing.
Where we live we have several restaurant in our small town of 26,000 people and as well in neighboring towns so we do eat out atleast 5 times a week, in town and out of town.
I admit running all 3 aircons in our house 24 hours a day 7 days a week and it's expensive were averaging around 11,000 php a month for our electricity bill.
Like Steve I too like some America foods that probably cost us a couple hundred dollars a month more but I like my America foods.
I told myself when I retired I was going to the Philippines to be with my girlfriend but I refuse to give up my lifestyle I had in America.
And I can say except for missing a Burger King whopper with cheese every few months I haven't missed anything else here so far, and fortunately Davao has a good Burger King restaurant 😋
@@leonardmarlin4330 Congrats on planning your lifestyle and then executing your plan in the real world. Few people can do that!
nice story similar to mine when I lived in the far southern part of Cebu and I lived there my first year here back in 1990. I almost didn't survive because of lost so much weight and no other foreigner around and my wife at the time was good but between the isolation and losing so much weight I told my ex wife I had to get out of here so we moved to Cebu City and just two months later I had a stroke. I then told her get me up to the Clark AB and the hospital which she did and I survived and just in time for Mt Pinatubo to blow then another great crazy time. I now live in Cavite and I am 71 and happy with my wife and I can drive anywhere and eat better and visit the VA much easier.........No more living in the far provinces for me.....
@@rogerwilco4736 No doubt the exposure to parasites varies from site to site and resistance varies from person to person. Another factor is that many people carry parasites for decades and are not symptomatic. Many of the blood flukes and liver flukes that are problematic enter the body through the hair follicles. I have seen estimates that 30% of the worlds population is inhabited by some kind of parasites. Many do not know it. I spent 5-6 weeks a year in the Philippines for eleven years and never had a problem. And usually if you get parasites they are in the gut and are easily treated with a one to three day therapy. Other times treatment lasts for decades.
@@wildbill7081 Thanks for your comments. My experience with parasites has been the greatest physical challenge I have had in my life.And it sounds like yours was bad too. I lost so much weight I was skin and bones. Three of the first four doctors I saw were not helpful at all. One was a fake. He took a picture of my sinus's, charged me $400 USD and said I had not parasites. I did find some that taught at one of the medical schools that were helpful.
In america living 30 to 60 miles from. City is easy and relaxing. By car everything is only 30 minutes to hour away. Philpines traffic makes me think twice about living outside city
When you win the multi-million dollar lottery in the USA, they tell you to be very careful about being out and about , you are now a target for robbery and kidnaping . When you tell your girlfriend you have 100k in the bank to impress her and she suggests you move way out in the province with her, guess what?? You just got kidnapped ! That really does happen guys.
Dumaguete has it all or at least enough for me and I still consider it somewhat of a Provence area. But you are correct, we want to live some of our Western style the Provence areas will not have those from what I can tell so far.
This is some of the best advice you've given.. The problem is when the older guys meet the young girls most of the girls are expected to build for her family and so the guy settles there. Now for us we've had our houses here on biliran island for 36 years. One was for her parents and the other is ours and it is American style house strongly built with a 2 car garage with a power garage door. We have enjoyed the house for 36 years walking distance to the beach the Coral reefs are beautiful that is what I fell in love with 42 years go..Being from Miami this place reminded me of when I was a young kid snorkeling in the keys.. Our plan from 30 years ago was to live here full time for ten years while our health was at its best, enjoy the islands and the travel to other countries and so my wife could be near her family. We came here every year for 30 years, 2 months in the summer. This was I guess you call our summer house.. We knew this area was far away from big towns malls, & hospitals which are not that good any. Tacloban & Ormoc City are our best citys. Our ten years are up in 4 years we only have one more big trip and that is our 3rd trip to Singapore this time for my 65 birthday in 2 years, we're staying at the Marina Bay Sands Resort Hotel. It's a beautiful place.. Once I turn 67 I start my SS and we are going to retire to the Venice fla area. For a better quality of life for Seniors. Close by good quality hospitals lots of restaurants to choose from. Much better roads & drivers & that is very dangerous here at any age but once you get older it gets worst. A big plus for us is that part of fla. has a big Filipino population. They want the hot weather great beaches sunny days. But they don't want all the BS that comes with living or retiring here in the Philippines. That tells you something when Filipinos don't want to retire here..
I have known many Filipinos in the USA, not one of them talked of returning to Philippines.
That advice goes for anywhere, even in the States. Cities also provides opportunity for better networking and contacts.
Good Video Steve, I've lived here for five years and as an expat you want to be near hospitals, malls airports and so forth. I've been living in Cebu City for the last 3 and a half years. Next August I'm moving to Cavite - not too far from Tres Martires. I've already been there and am familiar with the area. As you said do your research and visit these areas. - Steve
You're spot on. I'm an older guy. I can't say that where I'm living here, although I'm way up in the Provinces, is all that remote. It has improved quite a bit over the last four decades that I've visited the Philippines. But, even here, it does require a certain amount of 'going native'. The lifestyle is very different than my lifestyle in the U.S. Up until now, I could only take the Philippines in one month chunks, this stay is for three months. We're coming up on my one month mark, and I'm holding out. I miss most, not having a car to jump in and go anywhere I want. The jeepney and tricycle hopping routine, is just not happening at my age.
When you're older it gets harder and harder
Yes, I'm now 70 and I do not any longer like to ride on tricycles and jeepneys as they are not built for older foreigners who have higher weight and height than small and thin filipinos. So, I decided to buy my own jeep many years ago and now moved on to a more modern car and drive it myself.I'm now going to sty here for the future until I feel that it would be better to move more near better healthcare. It's fresh air and relative peaceful out here among the rice fields ...
I lived in the Philippines ten times for 5-6 weeks a year and I did fine. But when I stayed for a year, I found I was sick a lot and needed constant medical care. So living in the province is pretty much not an option. I will certainly want to visit our home in the province on a regular basis though.
During my last trip a few months ago, I stayed for about a month & it was my 1st visit with unlimited access to a car. That made my stay so much more enjoyable.
@@trosenvinge I have considered buying a personal vehicle as well, but, I don't think it would do me any good to drive here. It wouldn't take me long to take out about three of those annoying tricycles that stay in the left lane instead of moving over to the right for faster traffic. I figure I'm doing the Philippinos a favor by not driving. My wife has a Philippino driver's license, but I don't think she enjoys driving here neither.
Never let the little head do the thinking!
Steve, great video with a wealth of information! Regarding "Aldi", that is a Germany Based supermarket found around the world. Aldi is also known as the parent company for a well-liked grocery store here in Southern California called "Trader Joes". It's kinda cool to be able to buy international products at this store. Aldi looks like more of a traditional supermarket here in the USA. It would be interesting to see how it is set up in the PI!
A Colorado boy but went to Lowell for college long ago… hockey boy ! I am ready to move there now
places like Tarlac City provide that small town choice with accurate private medical care hospitals and shopping.
These older guys living out in the middle of nowhere are living out a romantic fantasy in their heads about how great it is to be living off the land without commercial life surrounding them. Like you said it's great until it isn't or they wake up from their fantasy fog and realize it was a huge mistake. I always thought it's a huge mistake to live in the middle of nowhere Philippines as you don't know the girls family and their intent. The longer you stay out there the longer they have to think/figure out how they're going to extract that money from you in a good way or bad way depending. You only have one life just remember that when making decisions in the Philippines. There's typically no safety net out there.
Tell the truth brother. I love the way you do not sugarcoat things and tell it the way it is. That is indeed my biggest fear: falling into a trap and being actually killed by the wrong family for my funds. Also, I never hear the expats bring up the subject of police corruption; how likely are you to be shaken down by the men in blue or set up for a crime you didn't commit?
all so true
It happens on occasion here
Great video Im very fortunate to live near Butuan city.Good hospitals and Malls.
Great video Steve. Been down here in Southern Quezon Province for a month and the non availability of basic resources is extremely challenging. Despite knowing a lot of the challenges before moving, the daily 0900 water outage and the frequent, multiple hour power outages are just too much for me. Heading up your way to improve my quality of life in retirement. Will keep the $80 apartment for the times we visit. Thanks for all your assistance.
You sound flexible Tim. Flexibility is needed to live in the Philippines.
Thanks Steve. I'm in Cebu City and really liking it. Appreciate your content.
I find it no problem at all I like to travel so I go and collect what I need on my travel and bring it back I see no problem
Pretty much the same with any back country life. I’ve seen people here move from the city to the country, it is a shock to them all the conviencies they lose. You kind of get left on your own.
I'm not crazy about living in the bigger city's but I like to live close enough to get what I want and go home.
I live on Samal Island Garden City Davao which is a 5 minute drive to the boat ramp then 15 minute boat ride to Davao city.
Our other house in 10 minute outside Manito which is a 30 minute drive from Legazpi city, and we have a house in the city of Butuan so I can get medical treatment within 30 minutes of which ever location we are living at.
Like you I like going to good restaurants with my girlfriend and living close to the big cities allows us to do that.
I was missing a Burger King whopper with cheese the other day and went to Burger King in Davao I was amazed that they had it first of all and second of all it was very good.
Good video Steve thanks again.
If you are looking for ingredients. Check the nicer hotels to see if they have it on their menu. If it's on their menu it's in the Philippines. The big hotels have a purchasing agent. They would be happy to share where they get it. Any restaurant that has a product that you want. I was thrilled to find out I can get parmigiano Reggiano in the Philippines. Still too freaking expensive though It's a must have for me 😎
I"m 70. I did not eat at any of those places you mentioned when I lived in the States. Doubt if I will miss them here.
I'm not one of those that stays inside all day I like to travel and go see things and while I'm there I pick up what I need and then bring it back it's very simple
Wise words! Been there and done those mistakes. Beware!
Nice to be positioned with the best of both worlds.
Ill be living in Pamplona,Negros Oriental its an hr drive from Main city Dumaguete but Pamplona and Tanjay is very close
I doubt Id live 2-3 hrs away, even in populated area doesn't guarantee getting you to hospital in time, because if the ambulance is occupied you cant get it
We need to be more about their culture still, we are in their country. too many expats Ive seen are trying to force their country ideals unto the Philippines
Very valid points Steve. Some of my other youtube friends state similar experiences.
I will only live in the city when in a foreign country I will not take a chance of any risk that concerns my well being. The rural areas I wouldn’t live in at all in my home country nor would I live in a rural area in someone else’s other country. Be smart on the journey most are older and think they’ll live forever but do your due diligence and save enough money to retire or relocate to where you don’t have to sacrifice possibly your life by improper planning.
When I "semi-retire" in Davao City I'll live in The Abreeza Towers Condos, which are close to everything, and
I'll travel to less populated areas for pleasure trips.....
This is a very important video, thanks for making it. I lived in Manila (Malate) a while back, and even there the medical infrastructure still wasn’t up to par with what we have in the States.
I can’t imagine what it’d be like outside of Manila in the provinces. ☠️
Great advice and points! And comments.
Great information. Exactly correct. In the far out areas, everything becomes hard and very time consuming with driving.
Good advice
Excellent Steve. Your message is very true and you've stated the raw facts in dazzling Technicolor.
Thanks man...
🙏🏻
Thank you so much! Really informative
training for cpr and first aid would be good for your xpat grp
Good advice Steve.
Good info as always Thanks Keep up the good work Enjoy
Thanks Steve you just crushed my iron Man persona 😁
Good talk Steve.
Thanks Steve .
If you grew up in boondocks of the USA, you would do fine living in the rural of the areas of the Philippines. Boondocks is an American expression from the Tagalog (Filipino) word bundók ("mountain"). It originally referred to a remote rural area, but now, is often applied to an out-of-the-way area considered backward and unsophisticated by city-folk.
I grew up in the Adirondacks of NY dirt poor, no water, no heat, no money, and no food. We hunted deer, caught fish and burned trash. I broke the bonds of poverty as a young man and found success. I really feel in my natural world living in Mindanao, just sayin....
Interesting comment on expats in remote locations being murdered for financial benefits (insurance etc). I know of one case here in Thailand of a lady who confided in a later ex-partner that she allegedly claimed on her dead boyfriend's life insurance in Issan province. From details I was given, she claimed it was an attempted murder suicide with him being the alleged perpetrator, where he died of poisoning, not her. He apparently wanted to leave her beforehand over her alleged flirting and going out. She disliked him as well. Didn't know suicide was claimable either (I believe it usually voids the claim). But cause of death warranted a claim (was the autopsy and police reports altered to accidental?) and she bought nice plots of land from it. Motive, opportunity, ability. Very suspicious. I don't doubt foreigners here as well are murdered and local authorities change causes of death on reports. It's a Wild West here.
Trece Martries is my favorite place for many reasons, hopefully I'll be able to get your assistance. The mayor office in Bailen is referring me to the lodge in your province, also my young wife lives there.
Good points regarding the Philippines, and a good video that is applicable for moving anywhere in the world, from one moving to their adjacent neighborhood to one moving to SE Asia. The location changes but the person’s lifestyle rarely changes. If you are accustomed to steak, then you want it everywhere, reliable electricity, then you want it everywhere . . . otherwise negativity develops and it’s time to move again. Like you stated, the older a person is, the more set in their ways they are.
Howdy Steve.. sage and sound advice as always my Friend. As for Uncle Paul our place is up in Lagangiland which is about 1 1/2 hours away from Vigan City on the coast. Both places have a Hospital and clinic that take my Pacific Cross (100% thanks for the tip on it too).
Decent grocery stores.. for the boonies that is lol and am able to get 65%-ish the goodies I miss at times but all in all safe area and the NPA are not even a concern.
But as you said let the buyer beware and ease into it.
I’m in a populated area and they don’t have a lot of stuff that I’m used to. One example, I want to make burritos but I can’t find refried beans or sour cream here and I also can’t find sourdough bread. Another thing that I don’t see here is lunch meat for sandwiches. It would be nice to have some of these things available but I wouldn’t give up living here just because of little inconveniences.
Great video!
Thanks!
Steve I like those simple curtains good match with the paint
Thanks
even in the citys your gonna have a hard time buying certain staples that fillys do not really eat . like real milk cheese yogurt bread etc etc , you can also be tricked by buying what you think are American imported items , it says in big letters IMPORTED and when you get it home yah its imported ...but from Korea
They have Aldi! 😁
I didn't come here to the Philippines for amenities I would have stayed in the states if that's what I wanted
I’m a Bostonian and I find Imus, Cavite to my liking for the reasons you state : medical and shopping. It seems somewhat suburban. Thanks again for your insight.
We have a Expat Get Together at Chilis tomorrow at Alabang Town Center Mall at 1:30.
Good topic. I enjoy landlife but the next 7/11 is 5 Min.away, Robinson Mall and a good Hospital, McD etc 30 Min.away and the next Pacific Cross hospital is a 3 hour drive.
That's why I'm sticking close to Boston! In fact, I have a cat scan tomorrow. Does the Phils have world famous doctors like I have in Boston? I doubt it. I will be returning to Angeles for another 2 mo this winter. My girl lives there. Waiting for the K1-Visa to process.
You're spot on Steve. I travel a lot to Jamaica for instance, and a often expats buy properties out in the countryside not thinking they become vulnerable bc of the distance to healthcare, basic provisions, infrastructure etc. It's doable yes, but you need community around you that you can rely on and of course, must be in good health. Countryside even in Canada where I live is beautiful but rural life requires more resources I think.
I know I could live in the province lifestyle wise but I would miss the American style food. I visited my wifes province about 13 years ago and survived on rice and eggs for about 10 days. With some rice and corned beef as a dinner. yes we ate some chicken and pig but that wasn't something they usually had so by the end of my stay. I was so glad to go to Puerto Princessa and a hotel that had a hamburger and fries. So I could live there but it wouldn't be something I would choose.
I'm planning on being within an hour of the hospital I want to use. I'm going to their business office and find out which insurance company they prefer to do business with. Thank you 😎
You get out of it, what you put into it...
If you want to live out in the province, and live a life like a former Japanese soldier, who is refusing to surrender, then expect to be lonely and isolated later in life. I dont want to live in Manila, but I want to be within striking distance of there so we can spend a few days in town shopping and dining, before heading back home. I guess the same could be true for Cebu City, it's just that the properties we have been looking at are a few hours drive north of Manila, and a couple of hours south of a short ferry ride from Batangas...Salamat
I found Christmas mince pies in Cebu city ..AND ..it was buy one get one free 👌
When I got back to the States, I ate steak for a week
This is why I will be living in central Cebu area. I will be surrounded by convenience.
I think one of the biggest differences between the Philippines and America is that most places in America have a minimal level of amenities (running water, medical care facilities, etc.). The gap can be very wide in the Philippines between what's available in/near cities and what's available in provincial areas. One thing I liked about Angeles City is the cost of living was less than Manila with good restaurants, gyms, etc. Manila was only an hour away when I needed to go to immigration.
I agree 100%
I love your content ....looking forward to my visit next month...will love to meat you if you will have the time
I can on occasion meet up if I get notice
Another great video! May I suggest another topic? Things to do around Cavite. If someone is interested in living there, or visit on a vacation, it might be interesting what good and what unique things one can do around there. I do not find that many videos on youtube of that subject.
I would actually also be interested to know if there are slums / really poor areas nearby. I tried to help homeless the times I have been to the Philippines, and would want to help poor people again if I visit Cavite.
Great suggestion!
But then again, let's be honest, a lot of the reasons expats have those health problems in the first place is because of the American diet. Maybe if they ate like the natives in the PH, they'd be better off. Acclimate yourself to a Filipino diet before you retire there and you'd be better off.
I agree with you when in Rome do as the Roman's do right.
I moved here in April 2022 weight 235 pounds.
8 months later I've dropped my weight down to 165 pounds just by eating mostly Filipino food and exercising everyday walking 10 klm's
Filipino diet isn't much better. You need to cook at home and avoid all the nasty fast food places.
Dude, You are going to shock someone into having a heart attack.
This week we have a new zealand lady been put in hospital with cancer came for a holiday the airline won't fly her home
Fantasy is always better than the reality. We can’t change the environment that we grew up in or it’s influence over our like’s and dislikes. Why would you even try. Too many try living in the Philippines as an escape. You can’t escape yourself and as we age it’s typically not a matter of if but when we will need emergency medical treatment and that’s the moment time matters.
Good topic today Steve. Myself I'd much rather live on a farm out in the province but my bride would like to live in her hometown of Bago City, Neg Occ when we retire in a few years. Happy wife happy life so Bago City it is. It's funny you mention Filipino's and parties. There is a larger Filipino population here in Phoenix and this time of the year it is parties 3 - 4 nights a week, I don't mind a party or two throughout the month but it drives me insane trying to attend all these parties with my bride. I am hoping to get a callout at work so I can escape this evenings festivities ! :)
Hey, bud. I'm in Phoenix. I would like to get involved with the Filipino culture here but i have no idea how.
@@DrDlane You can hit up any of the local Catholic churches which always have Filipinos in attendance. Being the holiday season there are also a lot of unpublished events tailored towards Filipinos at these churches. There are also a few events / festivals across the valley throughout the year. Believe it or not you can go up to any Filipino out in public and strike up a conversation and you will be well on your way. Filipino's in general are very sociable people so be ready !
This is a testament to how soft western society has become. We're literally that spoiled rich kid that can't be happy unless life caters to what we think our needs are. smh
thank god for S&R
Alot of this stuff is common sense, you should know yourself well enough to know what you can tolerate and what you can't. Nobody can instruct you on this. It's kind of crazy, crazy to me anyways that many people don't know themselves very well to the point they do things they cannot tolerate. I think people make decisions based on emotion not logical, rational thinking and emotion is well known to lead you in the wrong decision. And because of emotion many people have inflated views of what they are capable of, I see this all the time.
I sure would like to visit the Philippines and you're right a lot of Filipinos seem a lot like kind of like Americans really although they're a little bit nicer usually but there's bad ones too the thing that kind of scares me or seems a little bit creepy is there they say that there's as many as 7,000 Islands which is difficult for me to believe on a world globe or a map you think you might be able to count like a hundred of them and there's I think three main parts that are separated from each other could you imagine being stuck on one little area and where there's nobody there that would be kind of almost creepy or if somebody kidnapped somebody and takes them to one of the 7,000 different Islands I know there's Filipino people are usually pretty civil pretty nice although being somebody that's older and might having a little bit of money there will be an opportunity to kids nap someone and take them to the island and to a little island out of 7,000 of them and they could get away with probably anything might be a possibility that would be scary maybe they should make a scary movie about it I don't know if that's ever happened but they might have somebody might have gotten away with doing that or maybe a group or a little gang or something
Just go shopping in local market. Eat local food, not fast food or coffeeshops every day.