Hi John, Jim from California…thank you for this video. I’ve been combing YT since 2020 and looking for the perfect landing place when I arrive in the Philippines for an exploratory trip. Davao was on my list but it really does fly under the radar which is a very good thing. Now I’m convinced it is the best place to begin. It really appears to be an intelligently managed city-especially around the road construction and trash efforts. Plus, it is home to the Tim Tebow CURE Hospital that I want to visit. John, the highest compliment I can pay you is that I TRUST the information you share on YT. You are a great asset to the Philippines and may be the best thing (other than the weather and natural beauty) left with California in it’s name! Thank you!🇵🇭💜🇺🇸
Yes, Dabawenyos are shy and polite and reserved in general. Never saw an instance where foreigners felt mistreated in Davao. The growing number of Indian nationals as medical students can squeeze in the jeepneys with locals without fear of discriminated. They are treated just like any locals.
Home is where your heart is. I’ve lived in busay for eighteen years and that’s where my heart is. I really like the area plus my wife also likes it here. If she’s happy I’m happy. I’m just grateful. I’ve never been this happy and content. Sorry for being so gushy.
Davao is probably the most well-balanced city in the Philippines in terms of: 1. Modern amenities like hotels, healthcare and Large private and public hospitals, Shopping malls, etc. 2. Good standard of living with lower cost of living than any place in Visayas and Luzon. 3. One of the Safest and Cleanest cities. 4. People ate generally polite, but are more more frank than other Filipinos which I actually prefer. 5. Good quality beaches, hill and mountain resorts are very easy to travel for quick staycations. 6. Most places and roads are clean. 7. Lots of Main Roads and highways outside the Central downtown are wide; usually 6 to 8 lanes.
You have that typical California accent 'how-evuurr' 🤣 So cool that you opened few business in the Philippines. I hope your succes will grow even further and make people happy there. I have visited LA in 2001 January but only for two weeks. It was a very special experience for me that I never forget.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat back then the world was a different place. It was my first time I saw a mobility scooter and obese people 😅 But now so many years later we have it everywhere.
Hi John, I recently ran across your channel and am so grateful that I did. I love your content. Your content is level headed, intelligently presented and your kindness and gentleness comes through loud and clear on every single video. Thank you for the refreshing change in the dialogue about the Philippines. -Michael
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Hi John, thank you for the note. We have 2 homes in Davao-one in Illumina Estates and a condo at SMDC next to SM Lanang. We travel to Davao once per year for about 2-3 months every year. We’d love to relocate there full time and we may….In which (general) part of Davao do you live? And most importantly, what restaurants do you recommend? 😀
@@michaelsetliff1276 It's good to know more! Do you rent your places out or keep them empty for when you are here? I'm in Bajada near Abreeza and my office is also in Bajada in Davao City and Lahug in Cebu City. When will you be here next? Some favorite restaurants are Bramble, Bondi & Bourke, Soul Kitchen, and the Vegan Dinosaur.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Hi John, Thanks for the follow up. We have a maid that lives at the Illumina house and takes care of things while we are not there. Our condo just turned over to us and we are going thru the process of building out the inside in the configuration that we want. That will probably take several months to complete. Hope to have that done soon. Not sure if we’ll rent it out. We got the condo because the traffic from Buhangin (where the house is) to SM Lanang and other points near the city center can be a grinder sometimes. Btw, I watched your video about your divorce and it took a lot of courage to put that out there. Your discussion of that event in your life was both tactful and kind. Also, I can relate to the situation of sharing a business with a spouse. I am a CPA and my wife is a 50% partner in my business (she’s a CPA too, but works for a large energy company full time). It can be challenging situation when work and personal situations mix. Also, I’ll be coming there mid-May (about 4 weeks ahead of my wife and daughter). Maybe we could meet for coffee and a chat? Do you have an email address that you could share? Thanks much.
Thanks for talking about my hometown- DVO! 😂appreciate the great comments. Planning to retire in DVO in 7-10 yrs.Condos are becoming expensive but I owned one so we can stay longer & worked there too during kids vacations. The only thing I noticed is a lot of people now but less taxis. Thanks for featuring my hometown-just missed it! From Cali of Bay Area
Hi John, I’ll be visiting Philippines for the first time…specifically Davao at the end of this month. Needless to say I’ll probably be like a deer in headlights when I first arrive there .. but it’s an adventure I’m looking forward to in my otherwise dull and monotonous life here in Portland Oregon. Like most people I’ve met a Filipina online and we’ve been chatting for about a year. I’m not quite sure what that’s going to turn out like :). Anyways I figure I’ve watched enough youtube videos on Phillipines to think I’d like to give it a try as a possible retirement destination. I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest usa for most my life although I was born in Kathmandu Nepal…so I’ll probably blend in with the locals as long as I keep my mouth shut 🤣 At any rate I won’t bore you with details but I’d sure love to meet up the first week of April if you were inclined. I’d love to pick your brain about expat life in Davao. I’m there for two weeks :). Again, it’d be nice to meet you but no worries if you’re busy. Cheers, Ben
Most of the buildings you see in Davao City didn't exist before 2010 except for Marco Polo hotel. Davao City used to be empty, flat and dusty but it was very affordable and less traffic back then. 2011 Abreeza opened, 2012 SM Lanang opened, 2013 s&r opened and the city keep growing and growing. Those were exciting times and still is.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat definitely Ecoland. The first SM in Mindanao. It was so crowded when it opened in the early 2000s. People from far flung provinces even came just for SM. And people had to walk from Ecoland to MacArthur highway just to get a jeepney. I know because I used to live nearby at that time.
@@ayantorcasitas1989 you forgot nccc mall ma-a(burned and under construction)>nccc buhangin>gaisano grand buhangin>vista mall>sta. lucia.... plus gaisanos from toril, calinan, mintal etc....
Hello!.. hmmm..Luv you mentioning Samal Island which is just a 30minute Hop-on Boat ride away from the hustle-bustle of Davao City,..but you forgot the Southern part of the City where for just an hour,you will almost be right at the foot of Mt.APO!-- the Tallest Mountain in the Philippines,where the Philippine Eagle lives,and the famed Waling-Waling thrives abundantly along with the Durian and other local produce...It really is true,..You just have so many options here in Davao City!
Hello, thank you for this wonderful presentation of Davao. I was born in Davao City, but my family left Davao during Martial Law. My memories of Davao is not that great, back then Davao City was killing field and that is why we left. On December, after 50 years I am returning to Davao. I am excited to see the big change, I bet I will not recognize the city and I will definitely have a hard time finding my way. In 4 years I will be retiring and I plan to move back to the Philippines and probably settle down there. Do you have any suggestions in which area it is good to settle down? My dream is to find a land by the beach and build a Nipa Hut. :) I would be greatful if you can recommend a nice place where me and my husband can enjoy our retirement. Wishing you success on your newly build business in Davao. ❤
Thank you sharing some of your life story. You went through a lot when you were younger and I hope that when you visit Davao City again it will be a healing and wonderful experience for you. I would recommend you consider Samal Island just a very short ferry ride from Davao City. You and your husband are very welcome to be in contact by email or Facebook if I can help in any way.
Good afternoon from Florida John. Great video. I appreciate sharing your experience of Davao brother 🐸✌🏽 What is the approximate rental price for a condo or one of the homes?
Appreciate you watching. Lots of factors involved but for a one bedroom condo around 45k pesos in the heart of the city and less in areas further away. Houses are similar but more space.
Hi John, Jim from California…thank you for this video. I’ve been combing YT since 2020 and looking for the perfect landing place when I arrive in the Philippines for an exploratory trip. Davao was on my list but it really does fly under the radar which is a very good thing. Now I’m convinced it is the best place to begin. It really appears to be an intelligently managed city-especially around the road construction and trash efforts. Plus, it is home to the Tim Tebow CURE Hospital that I want to visit. John, the highest compliment I can pay you is that I TRUST the information you share on YT. You are a great asset to the Philippines and may be the best thing (other than the weather and natural beauty) left with California in it’s name! Thank you!🇵🇭💜🇺🇸
Thank you for your very kind words and support. I hope to meet you when you visit
I love Davao City 🦅💚 One of the safest city in the world.
I love Davao too
Yes, Dabawenyos are shy and polite and reserved in general. Never saw an instance where foreigners felt mistreated in Davao. The growing number of Indian nationals as medical students can squeeze in the jeepneys with locals without fear of discriminated. They are treated just like any locals.
Thank you for sharing po
Okey, I like, subscribe because you appreciated and even said, something you love about our CityDavao. Thank you, Blessings,
Thank you so much 😊
Home is where your heart is. I’ve lived in busay for eighteen years and that’s where my heart is. I really like the area plus my wife also likes it here. If she’s happy I’m happy. I’m just grateful. I’ve never been this happy and content. Sorry for being so gushy.
I'm happy for you my friend
More power Sir.
Appreciate it! 😊
Davao is probably the most well-balanced city in the Philippines in terms of:
1. Modern amenities like hotels, healthcare and Large private and public hospitals, Shopping malls, etc.
2. Good standard of living with lower cost of living than any place in Visayas and Luzon.
3. One of the Safest and Cleanest cities.
4. People ate generally polite, but are more more frank than other Filipinos which I actually prefer.
5. Good quality beaches, hill and mountain resorts are very easy to travel for quick staycations.
6. Most places and roads are clean.
7. Lots of Main Roads and highways outside the Central downtown are wide; usually 6 to 8 lanes.
Davao -My kind of Town!❤🇵🇭🫶🏻
Mine too 😊
My husband he love in Davao how it’s clean and friendly people in Davao ❤
Yes I agree
You have that typical California accent 'how-evuurr' 🤣
So cool that you opened few business in the Philippines. I hope your succes will grow even further and make people happy there.
I have visited LA in 2001 January but only for two weeks. It was a very special experience for me that I never forget.
Hahaha it's in my genes as a Californian to talk like that 😂 Glad that you had a good experience there.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat back then the world was a different place. It was my first time I saw a mobility scooter and obese people 😅 But now so many years later we have it everywhere.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat I enjoyed the Burger in 'n Out, best burgers in town. So many things I've seen there and adventures, haha.
Thank you for your kind observation with regards to our city , Davao City. Madayaw.
Thank you Stella!
Hi sir..I'm watching your video here in the Middle East....Salute to all Filipinos around the world
Thank you ☺️
Hi John, I recently ran across your channel and am so grateful that I did. I love your content. Your content is level headed, intelligently presented and your kindness and gentleness comes through loud and clear on every single video. Thank you for the refreshing change in the dialogue about the Philippines. -Michael
Thank you for your support and kind words. Means a lot to me. Are you here in the Philippines?
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Hi John, thank you for the note. We have 2 homes in Davao-one in Illumina Estates and a condo at SMDC next to SM Lanang. We travel to Davao once per year for about 2-3 months every year. We’d love to relocate there full time and we may….In which (general) part of Davao do you live? And most importantly, what restaurants do you recommend? 😀
@@michaelsetliff1276 It's good to know more! Do you rent your places out or keep them empty for when you are here? I'm in Bajada near Abreeza and my office is also in Bajada in Davao City and Lahug in Cebu City. When will you be here next?
Some favorite restaurants are Bramble, Bondi & Bourke, Soul Kitchen, and the Vegan Dinosaur.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Hi John, Thanks for the follow up. We have a maid that lives at the Illumina house and takes care of things while we are not there. Our condo just turned over to us and we are going thru the process of building out the inside in the configuration that we want. That will probably take several months to complete. Hope to have that done soon. Not sure if we’ll rent it out. We got the condo because the traffic from Buhangin (where the house is) to SM Lanang and other points near the city center can be a grinder sometimes. Btw, I watched your video about your divorce and it took a lot of courage to put that out there. Your discussion of that event in your life was both tactful and kind. Also, I can relate to the situation of sharing a business with a spouse. I am a CPA and my wife is a 50% partner in my business (she’s a CPA too, but works for a large energy company full time). It can be challenging situation when work and personal situations mix. Also, I’ll be coming there mid-May (about 4 weeks ahead of my wife and daughter). Maybe we could meet for coffee and a chat? Do you have an email address that you could share? Thanks much.
Thanks for talking about my hometown- DVO! 😂appreciate the great comments. Planning to retire in DVO in 7-10 yrs.Condos are becoming expensive but I owned one so we can stay longer & worked there too during kids vacations. The only thing I noticed is a lot of people now but less taxis. Thanks for featuring my hometown-just missed it!
From Cali of Bay Area
Sounds like we traded places. I was in the Bay before coming here haha. They are adding more Grab taxi licenses this year, which should help
There are enough taxis sir but the problem there is a driver shortage..
@@AkilesAmonte-xh2ie I'm surprised to hear that. Thanks for sharing
Davao is just chill
Agreed. I enjoy it
You have a goof choice place
Thank you po
Omg!! Thank you featuring Davao❤
Thank you ☺️ Are you based here too?
I love this video, obviously because Larry and I live here by choice! ❤ Happy for you that you've made Davao your home. 😊🏠
Thank you!! 😊 Hope to see you guys again soon
Hi John,
I’ll be visiting Philippines for the first time…specifically Davao at the end of this month. Needless to say I’ll probably be like a deer in headlights when I first arrive there .. but it’s an adventure I’m looking forward to in my otherwise dull and monotonous life here in Portland Oregon. Like most people I’ve met a Filipina online and we’ve been chatting for about a year. I’m not quite sure what that’s going to turn out like :). Anyways I figure I’ve watched enough youtube videos on Phillipines to think I’d like to give it a try as a possible retirement destination. I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest usa for most my life although I was born in Kathmandu Nepal…so I’ll probably blend in with the locals as long as I keep my mouth shut 🤣
At any rate I won’t bore you with details but I’d sure love to meet up the first week of April if you were inclined. I’d love to pick your brain about expat life in Davao. I’m there for two weeks :). Again, it’d be nice to meet you but no worries if you’re busy.
Cheers,
Ben
Hi Ben, I love Portland but I think you'll like it here more 😊 I'd love to meet when you come to Davao City. Send me an email or Facebook message.
Thanks John,
I’ll contact you either way when I get there. Wow…I’m traveling to the Philippines!! 😃
Most of the buildings you see in Davao City didn't exist before 2010 except for Marco Polo hotel. Davao City used to be empty, flat and dusty but it was very affordable and less traffic back then. 2011 Abreeza opened, 2012 SM Lanang opened, 2013 s&r opened and the city keep growing and growing. Those were exciting times and still is.
It's really grown a lot over that time. Was Abreeza or Ecoland the first mall to open?
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat definitely Ecoland. The first SM in Mindanao. It was so crowded when it opened in the early 2000s. People from far flung provinces even came just for SM. And people had to walk from Ecoland to MacArthur highway just to get a jeepney. I know because I used to live nearby at that time.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Gaisano Center (closed)-> JS Gaisano(burned and rebuilt)->Victoria Plaza->GMALL->SM Ecoland->Abreeza->SM Lanang
@@ayantorcasitas1989 you forgot nccc mall ma-a(burned and under construction)>nccc buhangin>gaisano grand buhangin>vista mall>sta. lucia.... plus gaisanos from toril, calinan, mintal etc....
Sooo SPOT-ON with Davao & Cebu comparison!.. Loving Davao & Cebu equally.
Thank you very much
Great video John!
Thank you ☺️
Thank you for living proud here in davao.take care always
So nice of you
Nice John!
Thanks brother
spot on😀😀😀
Thank you ☺️
Hello!.. hmmm..Luv you mentioning Samal Island which is just a 30minute Hop-on Boat ride away from the hustle-bustle of Davao City,..but you forgot the Southern part of the City where for just an hour,you will almost be right at the foot of Mt.APO!-- the Tallest Mountain in the Philippines,where the Philippine Eagle lives,and the famed Waling-Waling thrives abundantly along with the Durian and other local produce...It really is true,..You just have so many options here in Davao City!
Thank you for sharing more about the area!
Enjoyed this vlog, lot of info for me in Toronto Canada!
Glad you enjoyed
❤
Thank you
Great video
Thank you very much
I visited one and right of the bat. Its a clean city than than others.
thank you for sharing
I wish i had made the choice to settle in Davao. I regret not making more effort to examine and pursue staying there.
Always can come here
Hello, thank you for this wonderful presentation of Davao. I was born in Davao City, but my family left Davao during Martial Law. My memories of Davao is not that great, back then Davao City was killing field and that is why we left. On December, after 50 years I am returning to Davao. I am excited to see the big change, I bet I will not recognize the city and I will definitely have a hard time finding my way. In 4 years I will be retiring and I plan to move back to the Philippines and probably settle down there. Do you have any suggestions in which area it is good to settle down? My dream is to find a land by the beach and build a Nipa Hut. :) I would be greatful if you can recommend a nice place where me and my husband can enjoy our retirement. Wishing you success on your newly build business in Davao. ❤
Thank you sharing some of your life story. You went through a lot when you were younger and I hope that when you visit Davao City again it will be a healing and wonderful experience for you. I would recommend you consider Samal Island just a very short ferry ride from Davao City. You and your husband are very welcome to be in contact by email or Facebook if I can help in any way.
Yeah, we booked a week in Samal, it seems there are so much to see and experience in that island. 😍
@@ELOISAandKURT let me know what you think of it ☺️
I surely will, I'll share my experiences with you and my thoughts about seeing Davao after 50 yrs. 🙂@@WatchCaliforniaExpat
Hows the quality of heathcare and hospitals?
I am planning on moving to Cebu, unsure about Davao was told it’s quiet, can be boring & more spread out
?
It depends on what you are looking for in a city. I love it here
Cebu is trash . Davao will surpass cebukid Soon
@@ZamorasEmpire. matagal nang na surpass... 496gdp 2022 probably 600gdp 2023
IT is on the earthquake belt / fault line
hahahaha you're a loner i guess, sad life
Yes it is
Davao quite cheaper compared some city of provinces
For some things
Good afternoon from Florida John. Great video. I appreciate sharing your experience of Davao brother 🐸✌🏽
What is the approximate rental price for a condo or one of the homes?
Appreciate you watching. Lots of factors involved but for a one bedroom condo around 45k pesos in the heart of the city and less in areas further away. Houses are similar but more space.
@@WatchCaliforniaExpat thank you brother 🙌
Do you think AI will replace call centers?
I think it will replace some of the current call center jobs, but smart call centers will replace those jobs with others
John, I have heard the women of Davao tend to have darker skin than the women further north in the Philippines. Do you find that to be true?
Seems the same to me