You are Real.............thank you for that...........it comes across.......... being so brave and saying it for what it is. I just don't know how to thank you Mark from NZ by the way I love the Philipino way...... It's how We (THE WORLD) could be .....I thank you. Mark NZ.
Thanks Mark. My wife and i are born in the Philippines and had experienced living in multiple countries. We are on our 17th year here in United States and contemplating of retiring in the Philippines when our kids are on their own. I love your fair and honest evaluation of life in the Philippines. More power to you and your wife.
@@garrylafferty100 And also as a Filipino who live in multiple countries, I and my wife are good partner. We are both breadwinners yet she entrusted me with the money. Also I allow her to spend as much as she’s comfortable with which actually scares the shit out of her.🤣. We are getting old gracefully and the typical dominance or possessiveness is long gone. So not all Filipina wife turns sour. “ Everyman has his story” right?
Mark, good morning from British Columbia, Canada! Thank you for defining my country, the Philippines in a very positive way. I am glad for your positive experiences there. You are right, in most places of the Philippines, it's safer, in comparison to U.S., & the bigger cities here in Canada; as long as you don't lived in Manila. Twenty years ago, I could garden in my backyard & leaved my front door unlocked & my house, stayed safe. Now, is entirely different story. Where I lived, is a beautiful subdivision, & appears to be a safe place, but I couldn't say the same. We have so many homeless people now that came to our city from other big cities of the mainland Vancouver. So sad, but it's the call of time. There are so many jobless people now here in big cities, the pandemic is making it worst. The homelessness is due to the very expensive rentals. At least there in the Philippines, in smaller cities, there are still affordable housing rentals, & families lived together helping each others. The only negative thing that I can say about the Philippines is, I wish our govt. pays our workers, teachers, doctors & nurses & etc. a much bigger salary so we will never leave our paradise country. Mark, I miss the easy, laid back life of the Philippines. I have a good life here in Canada now & I am retired, I just wish this stupid covid will go away, so I could have my long awaited holidays. Thanks Mark for chosing my country to live. Afterall it is indeed a paradise one!
Hi mate, great vlog. I'm so glad you dispelled some of the many misconceptions about the Philippines (what we call our home). As a Single Aussie dad in Marikina / NCR who cares full-time a 5 yr old daughter alone, I'm really appreciate you spreading the truth about this wonderful country and its GEM (It's people). Keep it up mate. Cheers Jon and Maddy, Islandwalkabout UA-cam channel.... Coming soon
Glad to hear you love the Philippines. and I salute you for raising your child as a single father. I know the hardship of being a single parent. Keep strong. True, people there who we love to stay in Philippines.
The more meals made and cooked at the home, the cheaper it will be. If you eat Western style meals anywhere in Asia, instead of a local dish, it will be more expensive.
I took 5 plus myself to dinner in the Moon Cafe in Dumaguete. The bill was 39 bucks. And we ordered just about anything from the menu that we wanted. Which is cheap, but if you're living there full time, then it would add up at the end of the month. There are tons of holes in the wall places to eat, for 2 or 3 bucks. Sorry I'm not the biggest fan of Filipino fare.
I’m an RN, former coworker of Danny Noel that you interviewed and although not a man and no plans to move to the islands, I subscribed to your channel. Love the history, all your knowledge so I can have an idea of what it might be like for my dear friend Danny. I will keep watching. Take care and stay safe sir Jennifer Acosta, RN
I have lived on Mactan Island in Cebu for most of eight years. I have a small income, am married to a Filipina and have little contact with non Filipinos. There are a few things I would like to comment on. Meeting people. The first three questions I am always asked when alone are, where are you from, are you a christen , which means Catholic, and the third one is do you like Filipina. If yes is the answer to the last question, it will be followed by "Would you like to meet my sister, antie, cousin" When you marry a Filipina you marry the family as well . The family is first. No Filipino's life is complete without their family. I am American, If you want to live like a American its not that cheap. Living more in the culture, eating the food, living in the housing is much cheaper. Like you said be a good person ,be honest and respectful. This country is full of kind, loving people. Remember this is their home you'r just visiting
They won't flirt because they're shy, but try talking to them and they're easy to approach and you'll end up with more numbers than you know what to do with them. Just my impression anyway.
@@JWDREAM-d3x Agreed, the words he spewed, hi sir, do you have a GF, are you single. Are very common there. Those are my exact words I use when I'm describing to other Americans what its like meeting women in the Php. You can meet a girl in the mall so easy. You may have to say hi first. Or go to an open market and just walk around and I guarantee you someone will ask you if you are single. And not even 2 weeks ago he did a video on how these guys say you need 2 or 3k to live a month wasn't true. and how it could be done from 1k to 1500 per month. Another guy that changes his budget every week is Filipino Info Channel. That's just one aspect of everyday living in the Php that he changes all the time. If you want to live in a 100.00 apartment you should be able to live on 1,000. a month. especially driving a scooter. Are you going to take a woman in with 3 kids, NO.
Hi Mark, I just read an article in the English daily Mail newspaper that so many Filipena nurses have sadly died of Covid in the Uk because they are discriminated against working in the hospitals. They had been given the very high risk jobs looking after infected patients. At the beginning of The pandemic when there was a shortage of PPE , it was there nature not to question anyone in authority therefore putting themselves and their families at more risk. They are the most caring and hardest working nurses you would fine anywhere in the world.
I haven't read that article, but that's not how we do things in the UK. A Filipino nurse was the first in the world to give a patient the covid vaccine. We have lots of foreign medical staff in the UK who are greatly appreciated.
@@stanleybuchan4610 . Hi Stanley. I was quoting from the article in The daily mail. Very high percentage of Filipena nurses had died.. that was the reason it gave. Try to look up the article. I am married to a Filipena. My wife showed it to me.
Hi, intrigued by your comment, decided to read up on the subject. Found an interesting article by Olivia Gagan. The article is titled "being a migrant worker, being able to say no.......". Info in the article mentioned that the PPE was designed for large men - and the masks were also very big (phillipinos are petite), so the PPE were too big for the phillipinos and were not fitting properly. In addition, the phillipinos were reliant on their NHS work permits and they were worried that if they said no the mangers who were sending the phillipinos to the covid wards (red zones) they would lose their work permits. I live in the UK and worked in the NHS and trust me, bullying is absolute rife in the NHS....I am sorry to hear about the phillipino nurses losing their lives duirng covid.
Medications in the USA would be covered by insurance thus it is cheaper. But it would have been so much higher if you pay out of pocket. Outpatient doctor appointment in the Philippines is way so much cheaper. Last month when I was there I saw a doctor for $20.00. ER visit is P7,000.00 which is about $150.00.
It's funny you mentioned US authorities discriminating against the cruise ship Filipinas. They do that to everyone now. I often used to go across the border from Ontario to NY state to go skiing or shopping etc. and the border guards used to be cool. The expectation now is that I'll be pulled over, car ripped apart for drugs, and a two hour sit in the "waiting area". They literally think that anyone that is from the "outside", no matter what country, wants to come in and illegally pick berries for pennies an hour or some nonsense. The funniest part is that this area of Upstate NY is far poorer and rundown than right across the border, so one would think if anything people would be going the other way.... So I no longer spend money there.
The friendliest cruise I ever took was the Marco Polo cruise ship. Very small and all Filipino crew. They had my drink ready the very next night and remember my name. I was in heaven!
Thoroughly enjoyed your balanced perspective. And I say that having lived both here in North America and the Philippines. Yours is the kind of information non-Filipinos, especially those considering to live in the Philippines, should hear. Keep up with great uploads like this.
For bigger things, try balikbayan box, costs less than $100 with I think 28x24x18 inch or something close. It will take a while, maybe 2 months but you can stuff heavy things in there
I’m not a very open person but your welcome to interview me when I get back to town. Married to a Filipina and working in Chicago until our house gets done. Lived there for a year and visited 11 times after that.
@@Creek54 they are nice! I’m originally from Portland Maine so I prefer smaller cities. Chicago is a little too busy for me. Looking forward to my permanent move to the Philippines!
I would like to explain why many Filipinos want to marry foreigners esp those with paler skin. When the Spaniards occupied the Philippines, they kind of engraved in the mind of Filipinos that black/brown/dark skin tone/color is inferior to paler ones thus saying that Filipinos are inferior. We called it Colonial mindset. Even to this day, many Filipino women would want to have paler or white skinned children. For them it is attractive. And a tip if you want to save up especially with fruits and veggies, dont buy in the supermarkets in the malls. Explore the wet or fruit markets, they are wayyyyyy cheaper and usually fresh if you shop early.
Thanks Mark great video.........and also thank you for providing great content it really keeps my spirit up while waiting to come there. Hopefully it will be soon and in my travels I hoping to see you and say hello 👋
Thank you for the real world explanation of living in the Philippines, Mark. I was surprised that it took five months to send a Christmas card from Alabama to Silago. It took about a month to get from Silago out to the barangay. You are so right about the Filipino love of country. You do a great and needed service with your vlog.
My thought is even if i pay the same amout of money or a little more in the PI for monthly food, rent, gas, entertainment etc.....i should be having 100X more fun and relaxation. Even if women don't openly talk to you the potential is so much more than back in the states which is NILL! I'm willing to find out whenever travel opens up. Great video of reality.
Hi Mark another great video! Especially this one it’s somethings that nobody else talks about but is absolutely true! I’m Canadian still stuck in Canada but I have a Philippina girlfriend in Manila and I’ve realized that except for housing and other large ticket items most things are relatively equal in cost to here.
Really interesting Mark. Should set a lot of misconceptions straight. Very well done 👍🏼 And I think excellent info to seriously consider for anyone thinking about heading that way, like me. Thanks !!!!
Yes, it's the same here in the Dominican Republic,,,,If you want imported foods it's expensive. I buy LIDER which is NO NAME Brand. Most of the time it's as good if not better. Cracker Barrel Cheese is $ 6 and FOOD CLUB sharp new york style is only $3 and it's great. Harley Davidson which I used to build and owned 42 are very cheap in the USA now but you can't import to the philippines. Amping Mark and take care of your girl. She is a pure filipina and keeper.
Good advice. Only thing i disagree with is finding a girlfriend in the Philippines is actually sooooo easy. Even ugly western men can find a nice girl. Obviously if you’re handsome it’s easier but don’t tell me it’s hard to find a girl (non prostitute). And btw men over 60 are not handsome. There are so many old expats on UA-cam with beautiful young girls. Western guys are so fortunate cos they seem genuinely to find old guys attractive.
Mark, I love your channel. I like to play your interviews in the background while I'm working. It's fascinating to hear people's life stories - so many little nuggets of wisdom get shared. I work a rotational job in Alaska and live in Palawan during my time off (for the last 5 years). Looking to retire permanently to PI soon. Would love to do an interview with you one day. Be well. :)
A good thing living in provinces is very safe. I grew up in province of Pangasinan. People known like you are all relatives. Provinces has cheaper prices when it comes to fresh fruits. But gas and all imported foods are expensive.
I have visited Philippines many times. I am from Greece and although we have euro and the wages are higher , groceries, food etc is the same or even more expensive in the Philippines. Many times I wondered how they can live like that..btw, great video , all you said is true
3.8 liters to 1 gallons. 50 peso a liter equals 190 peso a gallon. Gasoline is definitely more expensive in the Philippines, it should hover around 1.5x to 2X at current exchange rate.
Common Sense goes a long ways. I've blown through money faster in Asia, esp. the PI, than back in the US. I was having fun and going crazy though, not trying to live frugal. So money is relevant to choices. The Greatest single point of living in PI is the laid back lifestyle if you ask me. So if anyone is going there thinking they'll live like kings on a beggars finances, they re setting themselves up for absolute failure. If you go and plan on living cheap, you can. Always Great Vids Mark, thanks for letting me sit in with coffee & listen.
@@JWDREAM-d3x i can see why he loves the Philippines. His mindset is like a lot of Filipinos. Live in the moment. If you have money enjoy it. If something bad happens just go with the flow and start over again. Reason his advice changes is because his experience is changing day by day.
My conception is that the national pastime among male philipinos is drinking and getting drunk. I don't know how accurate that is but it's my impression.
I agree. Not all Filipinos want to live in America or any first world country. Though it is beautiful and advanced in many aspects however people are mostly stressful. America, Europe are rich countries but doesn't mean Filipinos or other nationality would be happy to live there. Sometimes simplicity makes your life more meaningful and happy. I know by my experience. I am living in Japan but I still want to retire in the Philippines where life is simple yet they can smile.
Nice video Mark. Some feedback. 1. Gas is not 4 times. Gas went up since you left. Here in CA it’s about the same. It’s higher than most states but not 4 times. 2. You can have someone send you expensive/hard to get things from US using Balikbayan boxes for about $80. I fill up a box and send to my in-laws every 3 months. Use something like LBC in US.
Houses are cheap to have built but the land is WAY more expensive. As for your other opinions I believe you'd change them if you spent more time out of dumagete, it is its own little mocrochosim in the phil. With so many foreigners it's not like the rest of the Philippines
😁😁 I don't want to go to the States to become homeless on the streets. I am enjoying my independence and singlehood. I normally tour around neighboring Asian countries before the pandemic once a year because there were promotional flights offered online. I was a year-end backpacker. I enjoyed my job as well. American men can be one of those choices to become partners in life but not because they are Americans but because they happened to be men with souls just like Filipino men. Otherwise, all men are equal, it is a race of maturity and good values that matters. 👌👌
well,as long as these guys don't belong in the sexpats category then they're okay,but if they are ....... good luck with that !!!!!!! imagine, there's tons of poor filipina girls who are in relationships with these old & fat foreigners who doesn't want kids ....... these guys are selfish who only think about themselves in exchange for a small amount of money ..... like these girls are wasting their time cuz they're not gonna be young forever ...... they don't know they are trapped in a useless relationships ...... how about if they want their own kids someday,but it's already too late cuz their already past of their primes ...... most of these old guys are already been married/divorced once or twice & had a couple of kids & grandkids,so they're good ....... how about these poor girls ..... I mean,to be fair,there are good ones out there too ....... 2 great examples are "ned of my philippine dreams" & "carl,brit in the philippines" ......
I have a filipino friend I asked him about a owner jeep, how much he said about 65k if you are looking for one let me know. In Australia a honda 125 cost about 7 thousand dollare here I paid one thousand four hundred for a new one bit of a difference in price. I love it here house and land is cheap, people are friendly.
gas in the US is around and above 3 bucks in most states now, and 1 buck per liter equates to about 3.80 per gallon, so its not really that huge....Electricity is probably the biggest difference.
I remember coming back from my first visit to the Philippines in 2007 and telling people I worked with that I don't think there's an overwhelming desire on the part of Filipino women to come to America. Of course they didn't believe me because their information is 20 years old and they don't travel.
My wife is from Cebu. She sends money every month to her family to help them out. There is one big thing you left out, and that is the cost of labor. It’s way less in the Philippines so when you factor that element in, the cost can be considerably lower . For example, her mom had an electrician work all day when we helped with remodeling their house. He was $25 US to work all day. Other laborers for painting or putting up a fence, 500 pesos for an 8 hour day or about $10 US (she fed them lunch) In the country where her other relatives are, you can have a housekeeper 5 days a week for about $150 US a month. If you can provide a room and board, some of the more remote areas as low as $100 US a month. Her younger brother, just out of college with a degree and IT specialist, works for one of those big companies (like PayPal and others) that continue to set up shop in Cebu city. He makes about $400 US a month.
Yea your right on the money I've been here 2 years now and it's not the liveing costs that make it cheep to live here but the best thing I found is clymate and stress free liveing it's like stepping back in time the people here are great idd go as far to say it's as safe to live here as it was in australia Stay away from going into buisness I came here to retire and that's what I've done only thi ng I do is I make my own bacon ham and burgers and smallgoods sell to a few expats here but not looking for customers they found out and tried my bacon and it's made traditional way and is bloody good but its noot cheep itsas good as you want it to be iff you come here it's what you do and how you treat others that will improve urr life here
For all the grief For all the hunger For all the horrible poverty It is fucking amazing how safe it is in PI. Seppo is totally different with the gangs theft political bullshit. Never again will i ever go to Seppo.
Very informative for people looking to live or retire in Philippines. It has steadily got more expensive especially with the exchange rate dropping 40% since my first visit 17yrs ago.I agree also with you about starting up business in Philippines The positives outway all the negatives and look forward to my retirement there but am aware of all the negatives so will go there with eyes wide open Best wishes Jim x
Over the counter meds, Advil type, antacids are single blister pack wrapped=expensive. Ground coffee like a lb of Folgers about $40. Got dentures? Polygrip tube, about 400p, $8. Most any western foodstuff available at S&R, like a Costco are in major cities, but you will pay. Cheaper here? Rents, electricity, water and labor
Not all prescription meds are more expensive there, my wife was prescribed newer diabetes meds while on extended vacation for P850 ($19) that worked great for her and once back here in the US it’s $530 because insurance won’t cover it, so go figure. By the way gas now is at $3.50/gal. here in Seattle area so Cali is probably around $4/gal. But in general terms basic necessities and services are cheaper there so if you can live like the locals your $ goes a long way.
Thank you for the information Good news about your wife's medication. I only take BP medication. I think the rise in gas is temporary and due the the hack
@@everymanhasastory i appreciate your content, it gives me perspective and plan ahead. I can retire in 2-5 years and I made up my mind to live majority of the time in the Philippines.
Well said..it certainly isn't a cheap country to reside. But it's so far removed from the western nightmare and the opportunity to discover oneself in an uncomplicated land is worth every peso.
@@everymanhasastory Lots of expats have unrealistic dreams about living in the Philippines. They set their heart on a paradise of beaches and exotic women collapsed at their feet because they are white and western and supposedly wealthy. They eventually wake up after the dream to find themselves on the streets or at the departure lounge at Ninoy if they are lucky. They arrive in Philippines with all their emotional baggage and attempt to dump it on all around them. My experience with the Philippinos is that that they are the most generous and warm people I have ever encountered...all that is required is courtesy and respect of their culture and family and you become a King.
My experience about cheap things in the PH, labor. Labor seems to be the cheapest commodity. As far as theft, my friend had his spark plug stolen several times from his motorcycle.
Picking up some great info from you and Paul. Question, I noticed that you have not purchased a car. If $ are not an issue, what do you recommend? Car vs. bike.
Pros and cons. It's hard to find a place to park a car here. You get stuck behind slow moving tricycles and trucks. A bike is just quicker to get around. But if safety is an issue for you and or you have zero motorcycle experience a car is the better choice, And cars and gas is very expensive here.
Suggestion Mark, should you have somebody send you big items from USA like clothes, electronics, tools etc. that will fit in a 18×24 box use a BALIKBAYAN BOX. It will take 3 mos and will be received intact door to door. It will only cost 100 $ the most ( regardless of the weight). Tthe boxes has to be purchased from the balikbayan terminals. Balikbayan terminals are available in most areas in USA as long as there are Filipinos. So, from now on , tell Mom to use BALIKBAYAN BOX. Good luck to you.
Here in California gas is already 4 bucks a gallon, and you aren't going to get a burger, fries and a drink for less than about 10 bucks in most cases. Things have changed for sure!
Would you say that the relative expensiveness of living in the Philippines is based on your income? When I retire and move there my retirement income will be about $70,000 per year (government pension + Social Security). Couldn’t I live pretty well on that there?
Great video Mark! I misunderstood your comment about Lisinopril during your live stream. I did not realize you were getting a three month supply at Walmart for $12 and only one month in PI for $12. I've been paying about $8/mo here in the US so I thought $12/mo in PI wasn't so bad. I guess I need to look in to Walmart. Thanks for all the info!
I think I know that big spider, it’s scary but i haven’t heard of anyone being bitten. But a lot of spiders, kids play with them, they pit them against each other and sometimes it even turns into gambling haha, they make houses (boxes) for those spiders
Well the price of gas in Canada is at $1.25 a litre compliments of our carbon tax and our high level of taxes ! Also when it comes to safety be very aware like in Mindanao there are certain areas where it’s not safe for foreigners because of Muslims or other freedom soldiers like the PLA in Bohol and especially with election coming becoming more dangerous where foreigners be kidnapped for money to finance these different groups also like I almost got robbed in Manila within several blocks of the American embassy at the start of this pandemic and that was the third time I’ve been to the Philippines to get together with my Filipino wife hopefully join me in Canada soon after this pandemic and all the other costly obstacles my politically correct Canadian government presents me but makes it very easy for certain immigrants to enter Canada !
Thanks for the video. A joke for you.... Melinda Gates’ lawyer asked her “ why are you getting divorced”. She said “ Two simple words ... Micro and Soft”. 🤣
Just a few thoughts. 1. Young kids in Philippines have gone after me. Usually begging for money, and got extremely aggressive. One hit me in the eye when I did not give him money. This was in Manila. 2. Prescription medicines I have found far cheaper in RP than the US, perhaps a tenth the price. Not all medicines, but most. Also generics are everywhere, and no prescriptions needed. 3. Clothes in malls (AKA: Mall of Asia) are extremely expensive, far more expensive than the US. The locals can get clothes very cheap however. What is nice is that I have gotten things repaired there as shorts, shoes, etc. and extremely cheap. Quality work too. 4. Electronics: I have gotten my iPhones and electronics repaired very cheaply there, and never an issue. Quality work. Never bought new electronics there however. 5. I have been shocked by the price of basic fruits and vegs there. You'd think since there is so much land that you could find quality food inexpensively. Unfortunately, this is not the case and I do not understand why. 6. Question: I wonder if foreigners have children there if they would then move / raise the child in their home country, for the son / daughter. I believe that there are far more opportunities in the West (financially) than in RP. Also superior education.
Clothes. Guys. Here is only wear daily three pieces of clothes. Briefs shorts and tshirt. And dirt cheap yet good quality. Shirts. 200p each. T-shirts same. Briefs I buy online. They even the most expensive. Number 5. Yes! Unlike you buy real local Filipino food and eat local dishes you pay more then USA prices for Brocolli. Curly flower. Beans etc. That is my shocker coming from netherlands. If you want to buy what you want to eat then you pay more than in USA or Europe. Only if you want to eat the local vegetables and dishes you maybe cheaper. Electronics? Sure USA maybe cheaper. But be careful. Many brands don't service your stuff here. And your benefit? He. You retire for 20-30 years. Buying a device in USA for 20% less but without service in Philippines? Worth it? If your are American or European and sometimes fancy to still eat or entertain in the old way prepare for 2000$ a month. Especially when you live in or close to Manila or the typical expat places.
@@erikvandeven8344 I have brought my iPhone and other cell phones to RP for repair. They did an exceptional job. Also laptop computers which they did an excellent job repairing. It appears they are really good at repairing things there. I gave them a pair of sneakers which the bottom fell out on. They put on them literally a new tires. Jokingly was told they had a 50,000 mile warrantee on them. They're still driving.
For me this video shows how much cheaper it is to live in the US compared to Canada. Being the reserve currency of the world sure has its advantages thats for sure.
A burger and fries here in the states hasn’t been $5-6 here in over a decade. A meal is almost $10. I’ve found a lot of restaurant menu items to be much cheaper in the Philippines than in the states. You’re absolutely right about the quality though, it’s hit or miss sometimes. Everything else is on point, especially petro..so pricey
People in America are oblivious to how much they take crime for granted as a part of life. Asia is a world apart in that regard. Also, good point about people not necessarily idolizing living abroad from their own country. We seem to absorb the idea that everybody wants to come to the US, maybe because we only meet the ones who did.
You are Real.............thank you for that...........it comes across.......... being so brave and saying it for what it is. I just don't know how to thank you Mark from NZ by the way I love the Philipino way...... It's how We (THE WORLD) could be .....I thank you. Mark NZ.
Your comment made my day Mark !
Thank you 🙂
Thanks Mark. My wife and i are born in the Philippines and had experienced living in multiple countries. We are on our 17th year here in United States and contemplating of retiring in the Philippines when our kids are on their own. I love your fair and honest evaluation of life in the Philippines. More power to you and your wife.
@@garrylafferty100 nope. To the contrary she is the one who wants to go back to Philippines.
@@garrylafferty100 And also as a Filipino who live in multiple countries, I and my wife are good partner. We are both breadwinners yet she entrusted me with the money. Also I allow her to spend as much as she’s comfortable with which actually scares the shit out of her.🤣. We are getting old gracefully and the typical dominance or possessiveness is long gone. So not all Filipina wife turns sour. “ Everyman has his story” right?
Mark, good morning from British Columbia, Canada!
Thank you for defining my country, the Philippines in a very positive way. I am glad for your positive experiences there. You are right, in most places of the Philippines, it's safer, in comparison to U.S., & the bigger cities here in Canada; as long as you don't lived in Manila.
Twenty years ago, I could garden in my backyard & leaved my front door unlocked & my house, stayed safe. Now, is entirely different story. Where I lived, is a beautiful subdivision, & appears to be a safe place, but I couldn't say the same. We have so many homeless people now that came to our city from other big cities of the mainland Vancouver. So sad, but it's the call of time. There are so many jobless people now here in big cities, the pandemic is making it worst. The homelessness is due to the very expensive rentals. At least there in the Philippines, in smaller cities, there are still affordable housing rentals, & families lived together helping each others. The only negative thing that I can say about the Philippines is, I wish our govt. pays our workers, teachers, doctors & nurses & etc. a much bigger salary so we will never leave our paradise country.
Mark, I miss the easy, laid back life of the Philippines. I have a good life here in Canada now & I am retired, I just wish this stupid covid will go away, so I could have my long awaited holidays.
Thanks Mark for chosing my country to live. Afterall it is indeed a paradise one!
Hi mate, great vlog. I'm so glad you dispelled some of the many misconceptions about the Philippines (what we call our home). As a Single Aussie dad in Marikina / NCR who cares full-time a 5 yr old daughter alone, I'm really appreciate you spreading the truth about this wonderful country and its GEM (It's people). Keep it up mate. Cheers Jon and Maddy, Islandwalkabout UA-cam channel.... Coming soon
Thank you for watching and your kind words Jonathan
John...I am Phil from Mitsubishi Electric
John..this is Phil from Mitsubishi Electric days..Jason was your rep..do you remember the tour to Thailand?
Glad to hear you love the Philippines. and I salute you for raising your child as a single father. I know the hardship of being a single parent. Keep strong. True, people there who we love to stay in Philippines.
Do you remember I was your rep when you were Town&Country when Jason was on leave?
The more meals made and cooked at the home, the cheaper it will be. If you eat Western style meals anywhere in Asia, instead of a local dish, it will be more expensive.
I took 5 plus myself to dinner in the Moon Cafe in Dumaguete. The bill was 39 bucks. And we ordered just about anything from the menu that we wanted. Which is cheap, but if you're living there full time, then it would add up at the end of the month. There are tons of holes in the wall places to eat, for 2 or 3 bucks. Sorry I'm not the biggest fan of Filipino fare.
Thank you. Very informative. I really appreciate all the information 🙏.
I’m an RN, former coworker of Danny Noel that you interviewed and although not a man and no plans to move to the islands, I subscribed to your channel. Love the history, all your knowledge so I can have an idea of what it might be like for my dear friend Danny. I will keep watching. Take care and stay safe sir
Jennifer Acosta, RN
Thank you for subscribing Jennifer.
I don't have many women who watch my videos.
Your presentations are always articulate Mark. The new "recording studio" is fantastic...quiet and calming. Cheers to you and Jenn.
I have lived on Mactan Island in Cebu for most of eight years. I have a small income, am married to a Filipina and have little contact with non Filipinos. There are a few things I would like to comment on.
Meeting people. The first three questions I am always asked when alone are, where are you from, are you a christen , which means Catholic, and the third one is do you like Filipina. If yes is the answer to the last question, it will be followed by "Would you like to meet my sister, antie, cousin"
When you marry a Filipina you marry the family as well . The family is first. No Filipino's life is complete without their family.
I am American, If you want to live like a American its not that cheap. Living more in the culture, eating the food, living in the housing is much cheaper.
Like you said be a good person ,be honest and respectful. This country is full of kind, loving people. Remember this is their home you'r just visiting
Well said Robert
What happens if you're not Catholic?
@@user5812 nothing happens hehe. Just part of the usual questions Filipinos ask. And majority are Catholics.
@@user5812 You lose a point.
@@paultaylor907 Fair enough
Am a filipina and am strongly agree with ur narrative sir Mark...God Bless u always
Hi Mark, this is a great video and a good reminder to the many who have shown interest in relocating to the Philippines.
Great video. Very instructional.
I have never been in Philippines. But I really would like to go there. So, thanks for the information you’re bringing.
They won't flirt because they're shy, but try talking to them and they're easy to approach and you'll end up with more numbers than you know what to do with them. Just my impression anyway.
@@JWDREAM-d3x Agreed, the words he spewed, hi sir, do you have a GF, are you single. Are very common there. Those are my exact words I use when I'm describing to other Americans what its like meeting women in the Php. You can meet a girl in the mall so easy. You may have to say hi first. Or go to an open market and just walk around and I guarantee you someone will ask you if you are single. And not even 2 weeks ago he did a video on how these guys say you need 2 or 3k to live a month wasn't true. and how it could be done from 1k to 1500 per month. Another guy that changes his budget every week is Filipino Info Channel. That's just one aspect of everyday living in the Php that he changes all the time. If you want to live in a 100.00 apartment you should be able to live on 1,000. a month. especially driving a scooter. Are you going to take a woman in with 3 kids, NO.
Hi Mark, I just read an article in the English daily Mail newspaper that so many Filipena nurses have sadly died of Covid in the Uk because they are discriminated against working in the hospitals. They had been given the very high risk jobs looking after infected patients. At the beginning of The pandemic when there was a shortage of PPE , it was there nature not to question anyone in authority therefore putting themselves and their families at more risk. They are the most caring and hardest working nurses you would fine anywhere in the world.
I haven't read that article, but that's not how we do things in the UK. A Filipino nurse was the first in the world to give a patient the covid vaccine. We have lots of foreign medical staff in the UK who are greatly appreciated.
@@stanleybuchan4610 . Hi Stanley. I was quoting from the article in The daily mail. Very high percentage of Filipena nurses had died.. that was the reason it gave. Try to look up the article. I am married to a Filipena. My wife showed it to me.
covid has unfortunately got many front line angels!
Unfortunately discrimination still exist in UK, so far here in the US, we are all the same.
Hi, intrigued by your comment, decided to read up on the subject. Found an interesting article by Olivia Gagan. The article is titled "being a migrant worker, being able to say no.......". Info in the article mentioned that the PPE was designed for large men - and the masks were also very big (phillipinos are petite), so the PPE were too big for the phillipinos and were not fitting properly. In addition, the phillipinos were reliant on their NHS work permits and they were worried that if they said no the mangers who were sending the phillipinos to the covid wards (red zones) they would lose their work permits. I live in the UK and worked in the NHS and trust me, bullying is absolute rife in the NHS....I am sorry to hear about the phillipino nurses losing their lives duirng covid.
Gas is cheaper in Philippines then here In Canada! 149/L
I have just subscribed. Thankyou for your knowledge. Now I should go back and look and learn from your previous videos. Keep up the good work.😀
Welcome aboard. Thank you for subscribing.
Welcome aboard. Thank you for subscribing.
Thank you for helping us with this information
Thank you for the Intelligent, well informed videos!
Medications in the USA would be covered by insurance thus it is cheaper. But it would have been so much higher if you pay out of pocket. Outpatient doctor appointment in the Philippines is way so much cheaper. Last month when I was there I saw a doctor for $20.00. ER visit is P7,000.00 which is about $150.00.
It's funny you mentioned US authorities discriminating against the cruise ship Filipinas. They do that to everyone now. I often used to go across the border from Ontario to NY state to go skiing or shopping etc. and the border guards used to be cool. The expectation now is that I'll be pulled over, car ripped apart for drugs, and a two hour sit in the "waiting area". They literally think that anyone that is from the "outside", no matter what country, wants to come in and illegally pick berries for pennies an hour or some nonsense. The funniest part is that this area of Upstate NY is far poorer and rundown than right across the border, so one would think if anything people would be going the other way.... So I no longer spend money there.
The friendliest cruise I ever took was the Marco Polo cruise ship. Very small and all Filipino crew. They had my drink ready
the very next night and remember my name. I was in heaven!
I love that ship. Never had the opportunity to work on her.
Thoroughly enjoyed your balanced perspective. And I say that having lived both here in North America and the Philippines. Yours is the kind of information non-Filipinos, especially those considering to live in the Philippines, should hear. Keep up with great uploads like this.
Thanks I'm glad you found it useful. 😊
For bigger things, try balikbayan box, costs less than $100 with I think 28x24x18 inch or something close. It will take a while, maybe 2 months but you can stuff heavy things in there
Yes those boxes are the way to go.
I did not find out about them until I was here
I’m not a very open person but your welcome to interview me when I get back to town. Married to a Filipina and working in Chicago until our house gets done. Lived there for a year and visited 11 times after that.
Hey! I lived in and around Chicago for 50 years. I'm in southern Illinois for 16 years now. I miss the museums and zoos.
@@Creek54 they are nice! I’m originally from Portland Maine so I prefer smaller cities. Chicago is a little too busy for me. Looking forward to my permanent move to the Philippines!
@@SE_Asia_Traveller I'm in Herrin.
I would like to explain why many Filipinos want to marry foreigners esp those with paler skin. When the Spaniards occupied the Philippines, they kind of engraved in the mind of Filipinos that black/brown/dark skin tone/color is inferior to paler ones thus saying that Filipinos are inferior. We called it Colonial mindset. Even to this day, many Filipino women would want to have paler or white skinned children. For them it is attractive.
And a tip if you want to save up especially with fruits and veggies, dont buy in the supermarkets in the malls. Explore the wet or fruit markets, they are wayyyyyy cheaper and usually fresh if you shop early.
IN the USA, we find Philipinas exotic. You are surprised that in the PI they find us exotic?
I don't think it's a colonial mindset. It's the same everywhere in the world. There is a racial hierarchy among Europeans as well.
When I was in Davao I love wet markets and they have wonderful sea food at great prices if you like to cook. Cheap to eat there.
Thanks Mark great video.........and also thank you for providing great content it really keeps my spirit up while waiting to come there. Hopefully it will be soon and in my travels I hoping to see you and say hello 👋
Thank you Gunny. Please look me up when you get here
I have been working in the United States as an RN since 1987, but I want to retire in my home country the Philippines.
Thank you for the real world explanation of living in the Philippines, Mark. I was surprised that it took five months to send a Christmas card from Alabama to Silago. It took about a month to get from Silago out to the barangay. You are so right about the Filipino love of country. You do a great and needed service with your vlog.
My thought is even if i pay the same amout of money or a little more in the PI for monthly food, rent, gas, entertainment etc.....i should be having 100X more fun and relaxation. Even if women don't openly talk to you the potential is so much more than back in the states which is NILL! I'm willing to find out whenever travel opens up. Great video of reality.
Hi Mark another great video! Especially this one it’s somethings that nobody else talks about but is absolutely true! I’m Canadian still stuck in Canada but I have a Philippina girlfriend in Manila and I’ve realized that except for housing and other large ticket items most things are relatively equal in cost to here.
Really interesting Mark. Should set a lot of misconceptions straight. Very well done 👍🏼
And I think excellent info to seriously consider for anyone thinking about heading that way, like me.
Thanks !!!!
Thank you John. I hope I get to meet you when you get here.
Thank you for watching
Yes, it's the same here in the Dominican Republic,,,,If you want imported foods it's expensive. I buy LIDER which is NO NAME Brand. Most of the time it's as good if not better. Cracker Barrel Cheese is $ 6 and FOOD CLUB sharp new york style is only $3 and it's great. Harley Davidson which I used to build and owned 42 are very cheap in the USA now but you can't import to the philippines. Amping Mark and take care of your girl. She is a pure filipina and keeper.
Good advice. Only thing i disagree with is finding a girlfriend in the Philippines is actually sooooo easy. Even ugly western men can find a nice girl. Obviously if you’re handsome it’s easier but don’t tell me it’s hard to find a girl (non prostitute). And btw men over 60 are not handsome.
There are so many old expats on UA-cam with beautiful young girls. Western guys are so fortunate cos they seem genuinely to find old guys attractive.
Mark, I love your channel. I like to play your interviews in the background while I'm working. It's fascinating to hear people's life stories - so many little nuggets of wisdom get shared. I work a rotational job in Alaska and live in Palawan during my time off (for the last 5 years). Looking to retire permanently to PI soon. Would love to do an interview with you one day. Be well. :)
Yes by all means. I got your email. Lets schedule an interview next week.
I second the interview idea. Would like to learn more about your life on Palawan.
Palawan during time off, damn, that’s nice
Great video quality 🔥
I agree!
A good thing living in provinces is very safe. I grew up in province of Pangasinan. People known like you are all relatives. Provinces has cheaper prices when it comes to fresh fruits. But gas and all imported foods are expensive.
Love Pangasinan!
@ Van Pli Yeah .. very nice province and it a huge City and beaches are very nice too.
Hi Mark , what a great video , thank you very much !
I have visited Philippines many times.
I am from Greece and although we have euro and the wages are higher , groceries, food etc is the same or even more expensive in the Philippines.
Many times I wondered how they can live like that..btw, great video , all you said is true
3.8 liters to 1 gallons. 50 peso a liter equals 190 peso a gallon. Gasoline is definitely more expensive in the Philippines, it should hover around 1.5x to 2X at current exchange rate.
Common Sense goes a long ways. I've blown through money faster in Asia, esp. the PI, than back in the US. I was having fun and going crazy though, not trying to live frugal. So money is relevant to choices. The Greatest single point of living in PI is the laid back lifestyle if you ask me. So if anyone is going there thinking they'll live like kings on a beggars finances, they re setting themselves up for absolute failure. If you go and plan on living cheap, you can. Always Great Vids Mark, thanks for letting me sit in with coffee & listen.
@Tony Tony I can fully understand, lol
@@JWDREAM-d3x i can see why he loves the Philippines. His mindset is like a lot of Filipinos. Live in the moment. If you have money enjoy it. If something bad happens just go with the flow and start over again. Reason his advice changes is because his experience is changing day by day.
B-I-N-G-O!
@@JWDREAM-d3x I like OldDog, also.
Nice to see you Mark. 👍. Thanks for the info. All the best. Mitch 🙏
Same to you Mitch.
Filipinas are very subtle it just eye contact and a smile that's a cue to say hi....
My conception is that the national pastime among male philipinos is drinking and getting drunk. I don't know how accurate that is but it's my impression.
Actually it’s playing basketball in flip flops
Not really. Filipinos do basketball, watch boxing and most often, they do karaoke. If the local government allows, cockfighting is also a big thing.
Great info and story, thanks again Mark 👍
Thanks, personal experience backed recommendations are always appreciated. Cheers.
I agree. Not all Filipinos want to live in America or any first world country. Though it is beautiful and advanced in many aspects however people are mostly stressful. America, Europe are rich countries but doesn't mean Filipinos or other nationality would be happy to live there. Sometimes simplicity makes your life more meaningful and happy. I know by my experience. I am living in Japan but I still want to retire in the Philippines where life is simple yet they can smile.
$5.39 regular per gallons in california
Here in East bay gas price for mid level now is $4.35/gal
I grow up in the mountain and i grow up in the city. But for me i want stay in mountain with beautiful nature and fresh air and peaceful place. 😊😊😊😍😍
The authorities are actually very Sympathetic to the expats.
I agree.
Interesting
You did good for yourself Mark!👍🍺
Nice video Mark. Some feedback.
1. Gas is not 4 times. Gas went up since you left. Here in CA it’s about the same. It’s higher than most states but not 4 times.
2. You can have someone send you expensive/hard to get things from US using Balikbayan boxes for about $80. I fill up a box and send to my in-laws every 3 months. Use something like LBC in US.
Great information!
Houses are cheap to have built but the land is WAY more expensive. As for your other opinions I believe you'd change them if you spent more time out of dumagete, it is its own little mocrochosim in the phil. With so many foreigners it's not like the rest of the Philippines
😁😁 I don't want to go to the States to become homeless on the streets. I am enjoying my independence and singlehood. I normally tour around neighboring Asian countries before the pandemic once a year because there were promotional flights offered online. I was a year-end backpacker. I enjoyed my job as well. American men can be one of those choices to become partners in life but not because they are Americans but because they happened to be men with souls just like Filipino men. Otherwise, all men are equal, it is a race of maturity and good values that matters. 👌👌
well,as long as these guys don't belong in the sexpats category then they're okay,but if they are ....... good luck with that !!!!!!! imagine, there's tons of poor filipina girls who are in relationships with these old & fat foreigners who doesn't want kids ....... these guys are selfish who only think about themselves in exchange for a small amount of money ..... like these girls are wasting their time cuz they're not gonna be young forever ...... they don't know they are trapped in a useless relationships ...... how about if they want their own kids someday,but it's already too late cuz their already past of their primes ...... most of these old guys are already been married/divorced once or twice & had a couple of kids & grandkids,so they're good ....... how about these poor girls ..... I mean,to be fair,there are good ones out there too ....... 2 great examples are "ned of my philippine dreams" & "carl,brit in the philippines" ......
@@johnnier.o.d4746 very well said
You so very right Maria!
Your point about the natives not wanting to go to the west is well taken.
I have a filipino friend I asked him about a owner jeep, how much he said about 65k if you are looking for one let me know. In Australia a honda 125 cost about 7 thousand dollare here I paid one thousand four hundred for a new one bit of a difference in price. I love it here house and land is cheap, people are friendly.
gas in the US is around and above 3 bucks in most states now, and 1 buck per liter equates to about 3.80 per gallon, so its not really that huge....Electricity is probably the biggest difference.
About the food, esp American, it’s imported so it will be more expensive.
For shirts, assuming the size fits you , you can go to malls
What about the bugs and humidity? Being a tropical climate isn’t it crazy with mosquitoes and oppressive humidity? Great information, thanks!
I remember coming back from my first visit to the Philippines in 2007 and telling people I worked with that I don't think there's an overwhelming desire on the part of Filipino women to come to America. Of course they didn't believe me because their information is 20 years old and they don't travel.
My wife is from Cebu. She sends money every month to her family to help them out. There is one big thing you left out, and that is the cost of labor. It’s way less in the Philippines so when you factor that element in, the cost can be considerably lower . For example, her mom had an electrician work all day when we helped with remodeling their house. He was $25 US to work all day. Other laborers for painting or putting up a fence, 500 pesos for an 8 hour day or about $10 US (she fed them lunch) In the country where her other relatives are, you can have a housekeeper 5 days a week for about $150 US a month. If you can provide a room and board, some of the more remote areas as low as $100 US a month. Her younger brother, just out of college with a degree and IT specialist, works for one of those big companies (like PayPal and others) that continue to set up shop in Cebu city. He makes about $400 US a month.
Yea your right on the money I've been here 2 years now and it's not the liveing costs that make it cheep to live here but the best thing I found is clymate and stress free liveing it's like stepping back in time the people here are great idd go as far to say it's as safe to live here as it was in australia
Stay away from going into buisness I came here to retire and that's what I've done only thi ng I do is I make my own bacon ham and burgers and smallgoods sell to a few expats here but not looking for customers they found out and tried my bacon and it's made traditional way and is bloody good but its noot cheep itsas good as you want it to be iff you come here it's what you do and how you treat others that will improve urr life here
Well said Dave. I agree 100%
Great honest video from a great honest guy
Enjoy your day.
For all the grief
For all the hunger
For all the horrible poverty
It is fucking amazing how safe it is in PI.
Seppo is totally different with the gangs theft political bullshit.
Never again will i ever go to Seppo.
Very informative for people looking to live or retire in Philippines. It has steadily
got more expensive especially with the exchange rate dropping 40% since my first visit 17yrs ago.I agree also with you
about starting up business in Philippines
The positives outway all the negatives and look forward to my retirement there but
am aware of all the negatives so will go there with eyes wide open
Best wishes Jim x
Over the counter meds, Advil type, antacids are single blister pack wrapped=expensive. Ground coffee like a lb of Folgers about $40. Got dentures? Polygrip tube, about 400p, $8. Most any western foodstuff available at S&R, like a Costco are in major cities, but you will pay. Cheaper here? Rents, electricity, water and labor
I think electricity is more
@@everymanhasastory Electric is way more expensive in Cebu than it is here in Florida.
A new law was just signed by Duterte. It allows 100% foreign ownership of business in specific industries.
Great info! As of today a liter of Fuel in Vancouver, Canada is $1.52. Still cheaper overthere! Thanks
Great video thank you
Not all prescription meds are more expensive there, my wife was prescribed newer diabetes meds while on extended vacation for P850 ($19) that worked great for her and once back here in the US it’s $530 because insurance won’t cover it, so go figure. By the way gas now is at $3.50/gal. here in Seattle area so Cali is probably around $4/gal. But in general terms basic necessities and services are cheaper there so if you can live like the locals your $ goes a long way.
Thank you for the information
Good news about your wife's medication. I only take BP medication. I think the rise in gas is temporary and due the the hack
@@everymanhasastory i appreciate your content, it gives me perspective and plan ahead. I can retire in 2-5 years and I made up my mind to live majority of the time in the Philippines.
Well said..it certainly isn't a cheap country to reside.
But it's so far removed from the western nightmare and the opportunity to discover oneself in an uncomplicated land is worth every peso.
Well said Phil I agree 100%
@@everymanhasastory
Lots of expats have unrealistic dreams about living in the Philippines.
They set their heart on a paradise of beaches and exotic women collapsed at their feet because they are white and western and supposedly wealthy.
They eventually wake up after the dream to find themselves on the streets or at the departure lounge at Ninoy if they are lucky.
They arrive in Philippines with all their emotional baggage and attempt to dump it on all around them.
My experience with the Philippinos is that that they are the most generous and warm people I have ever encountered...all that is required is courtesy and respect of their culture and family and you become a King.
My experience about cheap things in the PH, labor. Labor seems to be the cheapest commodity. As far as theft, my friend had his spark plug stolen several times from his motorcycle.
Picking up some great info from you and Paul. Question, I noticed that you have not purchased a car. If $ are not an issue, what do you recommend? Car vs. bike.
Pros and cons. It's hard to find a place to park a car here. You get stuck behind slow moving tricycles and trucks. A bike is just quicker to get around. But if safety is an issue for you and or you have zero motorcycle experience a car is the better choice, And cars and gas is very expensive here.
Thanks 🙏 for your points 👍 (honest)
Suggestion Mark, should you have somebody send you big items from USA like clothes, electronics, tools etc. that will fit in a 18×24 box use a BALIKBAYAN BOX. It will take 3 mos and will be received intact door to door. It will only cost 100 $ the most ( regardless of the weight). Tthe boxes has to be purchased from the balikbayan terminals. Balikbayan terminals are available in most areas in USA as long as there are Filipinos. So, from now on , tell Mom to use BALIKBAYAN BOX. Good luck to you.
Yes I found out about them after I got here. When I go home to visit I will fill a few of them
Thank you!
Welcome Philippines 🇵🇭
So nice to hear birds chirping and not Roosters!
As of 5/12/21 i paid $3.89 for a gallon of gas and its getting higher everyday.
Here in California gas is already 4 bucks a gallon, and you aren't going to get a burger, fries and a drink for less than about 10 bucks in most cases. Things have changed for sure!
I've been gone for 1 and a half years. Guess I left just in time.
Would you say that the relative expensiveness of living in the Philippines is based on your income? When I retire and move there my retirement income will be about $70,000 per year (government pension + Social Security). Couldn’t I live pretty well on that there?
You can live like a king on that and have a lot of money left over
Great video Mark! I misunderstood your comment about Lisinopril during your live stream. I did not realize you were getting a three month supply at Walmart for $12 and only one month in PI for $12. I've been paying about $8/mo here in the US so I thought $12/mo in PI wasn't so bad. I guess I need to look in to Walmart. Thanks for all the info!
I think that Reekay said that the Philippines had big spiders that moved like race cars. Have you seen them?
Yes, they are slow and harmless. I saw a teenager playing with one letting it walk up and down his arm
I think I know that big spider, it’s scary but i haven’t heard of anyone being bitten.
But a lot of spiders, kids play with them, they pit them against each other and sometimes it even turns into gambling haha, they make houses (boxes) for those spiders
Well the price of gas in Canada is at $1.25 a litre compliments of our carbon tax and our high level of taxes ! Also when it comes to safety be very aware like in Mindanao there are certain areas where it’s not safe for foreigners because of Muslims or other freedom soldiers like the PLA in Bohol and especially with election coming becoming more dangerous where foreigners be kidnapped for money to finance these different groups also like I almost got robbed in Manila within several blocks of the American embassy at the start of this pandemic and that was the third time I’ve been to the Philippines to get together with my Filipino wife hopefully join me in Canada soon after this pandemic and all the other costly obstacles my politically correct Canadian government presents me but makes it very easy for certain immigrants to enter Canada !
Losartan is more available in P.I. I believe than any other Blood Press meds And available without a prescription there
Losartan is also a newer drug with less side effects.
Thanks for the video. A joke for you....
Melinda Gates’ lawyer asked her “ why are you getting divorced”. She said “ Two simple words ... Micro and Soft”. 🤣
great video
Just a few thoughts. 1. Young kids in Philippines have gone after me. Usually begging for money, and got extremely aggressive. One hit me in the eye when I did not give him money. This was in Manila. 2. Prescription medicines I have found far cheaper in RP than the US, perhaps a tenth the price. Not all medicines, but most. Also generics are everywhere, and no prescriptions needed. 3. Clothes in malls (AKA: Mall of Asia) are extremely expensive, far more expensive than the US. The locals can get clothes very cheap however. What is nice is that I have gotten things repaired there as shorts, shoes, etc. and extremely cheap. Quality work too. 4. Electronics: I have gotten my iPhones and electronics repaired very cheaply there, and never an issue. Quality work. Never bought new electronics there however. 5. I have been shocked by the price of basic fruits and vegs there. You'd think since there is so much land that you could find quality food inexpensively. Unfortunately, this is not the case and I do not understand why. 6. Question: I wonder if foreigners have children there if they would then move / raise the child in their home country, for the son / daughter. I believe that there are far more opportunities in the West (financially) than in RP. Also superior education.
Clothes. Guys. Here is only wear daily three pieces of clothes. Briefs shorts and tshirt. And dirt cheap yet good quality. Shirts. 200p each. T-shirts same. Briefs I buy online. They even the most expensive. Number 5. Yes! Unlike you buy real local Filipino food and eat local dishes you pay more then USA prices for Brocolli. Curly flower. Beans etc. That is my shocker coming from netherlands. If you want to buy what you want to eat then you pay more than in USA or Europe. Only if you want to eat the local vegetables and dishes you maybe cheaper. Electronics? Sure USA maybe cheaper. But be careful. Many brands don't service your stuff here. And your benefit? He. You retire for 20-30 years. Buying a device in USA for 20% less but without service in Philippines? Worth it?
If your are American or European and sometimes fancy to still eat or entertain in the old way prepare for 2000$ a month. Especially when you live in or close to Manila or the typical expat places.
@@erikvandeven8344 I have brought my iPhone and other cell phones to RP for repair. They did an exceptional job. Also laptop computers which they did an excellent job repairing. It appears they are really good at repairing things there. I gave them a pair of sneakers which the bottom fell out on. They put on them literally a new tires. Jokingly was told they had a 50,000 mile warrantee on them. They're still driving.
For me this video shows how much cheaper it is to live in the US compared to Canada. Being the reserve currency of the world sure has its advantages thats for sure.
Just subscribed!
Thank you 😊
If you buy product from US or Imported ones it would cost more, of course. But if you get things locally or made locally then it's more affordable.
There's millions of Filipinos in California Los Angeles area
wow, did you get a new camera? Sharpest ever.
A burger and fries here in the states hasn’t been $5-6 here in over a decade. A meal is almost $10. I’ve found a lot of restaurant menu items to be much cheaper in the Philippines than in the states. You’re absolutely right about the quality though, it’s hit or miss sometimes. Everything else is on point, especially petro..so pricey
I meant at a fast food place. MacDonalds
what type/brand of camera(s) do you use
I use my Samsun Galaxy S10 and a $20 mic.
Hi Mark. What camera are you using? New subscriber here ❤️
Samsung Galaxy S 10
People in America are oblivious to how much they take crime for granted as a part of life. Asia is a world apart in that regard. Also, good point about people not necessarily idolizing living abroad from their own country. We seem to absorb the idea that everybody wants to come to the US, maybe because we only meet the ones who did.
Good point