One other big advantage in Lipa is the expressway access to the resources of Manila, especially the airport - Duma is certainly not as easy to get into or out of from abroad.
I did like Dumaguete and the surrounding areas too. But when we went to Iloilo last year I found it to be a growing and progressive city that is well run by the Government. That would be a good place o live too.
Hello 👋 James and Ness! Thanks for this video, Dumaguete is one of my favorite destinations when I travel to Visayas. We’re planning to have our vacation next year God willing! Have fun and enjoy your stay in Dumaguete!❤
Dumaguete looks like a great place to visit! Especially liked your final thoughts, covered it very well. For the same reasons we chose to live in Lipa City.
Hi James..great video.. We are building our house in Valencia area for main reason that it is elevated and way cooler than Dumaguete..the property has ocean view of Siquijor in front and mountain view in the back.. We also are able to purchased a land in Dauin overlooking Apo Island.. I bought it 2 years ago for 350 pesos per sqm for the 2,000 sqm.. Now it is inflated to 2,000 per sqm.. as influx of foreigners/retirees choose Negros Oriental.. I also found dining in restaurant in Dumaguete very affordable and the quality is great. Once we build our home please come stay with us.
Thanks so much Anna. The same for property here has really gone up over the years since we bought ours. We're just grateful we have our little piece of paradise while we could afford. Thanks also for the invite. We hope to visit again!
Overlooking lots over Dauin, most of the time with a poor view, or only in the front area, when 5 minutes from the Highway or more, only 5 to 600 PHP/sqm.... Of course, there are clever Filipinos trying to sell at 2k, and maybe some stupid expats paying this price or a bit less.... But it's only a wish or mirage... Not real... Price is still around 500 and this is logical as the offer is very high... A lot of farmers willing to sell their land to buy a Toyota Hilux....(What a pitty...) and most of the Expats coming here have no money !... The same in Valencia where they try to sell at 3,5k, when real price is under 2k and less if not "walking distance" from población... Every day, adds in FB, downpricing properties... I guess many Real Estate agents thought that after Covid the region would be "invaded" by rich Expats... I guess, that are now realizing that it was only a dream !...
Good morning James, thank you for sharing your vacation video. It was really nice I just sit down at work nothing to do but watching your video cannot wait to come to Philippines again I will sell my property in koronadal. I am going to buy another property in maylabayla My wife said it is much cooler and it is very good for my dogs.
HI ! Dumaguete is the city I've choose for my retirement soon.I hope for the end of next year . I have Philippinos friends in Negros Oriental in the city of Vallehermoso not far with Dumaguete.Leaving France is my plan for going in The Philippines. Salamat for the vidéo and mabuhay Philippines ! Greetings from France.
ValleHermoso est à 150 Kms. de Dumaguete, ce qui signifie 4 heures de route para voiture. D'un autre côté, Dumaguete n'est plus la ville charmante d'il y à a peine 5 ou 10 ans. Maintenant, c'est chaos de circulation, pollution, et le pire, une vague d'Expats, généralement américains ou anglo-parlants, la plupart pauvres de mauvais aspect et manières. Les philippins sont de plus en plus "agressifs" a cause de ces gens qui ne les respectent pas. Ils sont également mécontants de voir qu'à cause des Expats, les loyers ont fortement augmentés. Ce n'est plus la ville paradis d'avant... Scènes d'Expats alcoolisés dans la rue, ou même se bagarrant entre eux, sont malheureusement de plus en plus fréquentes. J'ai l'impresion que les Expats qui viennent dernièrement le font car attirés par des Vloggers qui racontent des merveilles, entre autres la possibilité de trouver des jeunes femmes attractives désirantes de relations avec des étrangers. Sachez que pratiquement aucune femme avec un niveau correct d'éducation est intérésée à ce genre de relation. Seule les femmes pauvres, venues des villages de campagne, sont celles qui cherchent "in situ" ou "online" des étrangers pour fuire de la pauvreté... Ici, c'est le tiers monde... Ne l'oublier pas ! Venez ici pour quelques semaines avant de prendre décision... Bonne chance
@@danielgruffat1801 Aaah les Vloggers,oui oui mais je suis un grand garçon qui ne tombe pas dans ce piège,je laisse ça aux autres. Mes amis à Vallerhermoso ont des filles,des femmes ou des nièces aussi jolies les une que les autres mais comme j'ai un très grand respect pour les femmes ce n'est certainement pas pour ça que j'irai là bas . Après je ne vais pas polémiquer concernant les yankees ou autres,ils ont toujours considéré les Philippins comme des "jouets " malheureusement ces pauvres Philippins sont imnobulés par ces Anglos et autres et pourtant ils sont à l'origine de la ruine de ce pays merveilleux. J'ai appris un peu l'histoire du Negros grâce à mes amis . Pour info, une grande partie de la famille de Vallehermoso fait partie de la PNP et il y a même une colonelle en retraite qui faisait partie de la SOCO,. C'est une famille très bien ,si vous connaissez un peu Vallehermoso,tous habitent face au poste de police local ! Il est clair que je ne vais pas quitter le pays comme ça du jour au lendemain avec un avenir incertain,je pense déjà y aller quelques semaines voir et après on verra. il y a également la géopolitique qui a son importance,c'est assez tendu quand même . Merci de vos points de vue et conseils . Bien cordialement.
@@danielgruffat1801 Wow, love to learn French myself, but I guess it's a difficult language. My tongue would probably get twisted.😝 Spanish is easier to learn for me. Wish this was translated to English, so everyone would know what he is talking about.:) I guess some of the vloggers here speak French.😊
Wow such a big UA-camr was in Dumaguete and I never knew it. That's because as you saw expats by the thousands in town, we are tripping over each other. You thought the restaurants were more affordable? Guess I would not be happy in Luzon because for me eating out in Dumaguete is quite expensive but I have been here more than 15 years so i know what it was like before Robinsons went in. Growth has been crazy and I don't think it will end. Being a transportation hub is the biggest advantage Dumaguete has over a lot of other destinations and of course we are not running out of Dive shops or resorts. Do you plan to check out any other expat destinations anytime soon?
We did observe and spoke with both locals and expats alike about what's considered overpopulation of expats in the Dumaguete area. I'll leave it at that. 😉 Ness and I will continue to share our travels but not with the specific objective of "expat destinations". If expats are there and willing to share their experiences we'll surely lend an open ear. Thanks for the great comments!
Hi James, I used to see your videos years ago, as you were building your pool, because I also was about to build one… I always appreciate your friendly and well educated style. I stopped watching your channel end of 2021 as I had not much more time to dedicate watching YT videos. But I always remember your Vlogs with affection. I casually received a few days ago a “Thumbnail” of your first video in Dumaguete, and was very interested to see what a wise man like you would tell. First, and I feel bad writing this, the videos were disappointing to me. These are the typical videos that someone makes when visiting a place for a couple of days. The "real estate agent" minutes were very boring and out of context. Regarding the question you raised, as you rightly say, it is naturally a decision for each person to make. Now, I would like to paint a more realistic picture of this city. Dumaguete would be just as chaotic and almost as unpleasant as any other city of the same size in this country without its seaside promenade and Boulevard. Traffic jams, disorder, and pollution are the darkest points here. Taking in account the evolution in the last few years, I believe that in 5 years or less, it will be impossible to enter or leave this city by car. Dumaguete is known as "The city of the gentle people," but unfortunately, while Dumagueteños are very friendly and always good-natured, the situation is worsening. I have been able to observe in comments on Facebook groups and on the streets that more and more local are using the expression "If no good here, go back to your country," and it's not surprising. Conducting a mini social study, I would say that here, in the Dumaguete triangle, which includes Dumaguete, Valencia, and Dauin, there are a dozen or two of "rich" Expats. They are the ones who came more than a decade ago and set up successful businesses. (Sea side/diving resorts, hotels, etc). Then there are perhaps 20 or 30% of Expats who are couples like you and Ness, well-educated people with their own homes, good incomes, and who live peacefully on their properties. The remaining 60/70 % are often English-speaking, poor, poorly educated, and frequently aggressive single older men. Many have come in the last year, attracted by the wonders that a few established vloggers in the region apparently describe. Stories about young, beautiful, and docile Filipino women (many compare them to our mothers from the 1950s) have attracted and continue to attract many desperate men. We have to see more and more drunk men on the streets, near the bars they often visit to drink all day long, and these places have become authentic "ghettos." We even saw a video circulating last week of two of them fighting in the middle of the street. It was a shameful spectacle. Adding to this, as you mentioned, rental prices seem to have gone up, so you can imagine that slowly but surely, the locals are not as happy to have so many Expats around. My opinion is, therefore, not very optimistic or positive because of the Expats who are, I sincerely believe, vulgarizing this city. I'll even go further in my thinking: If prostitution were allowed here, Dumaguete could quickly resemble Laguna City or Pattaya. I have heard enough conversations among these men over the years to be sure of my words. Many are here to take advantage of the poverty of country and village girls to have sexual relations, promising them a better life... Even if one doesn't associate with these kinds of men, I assure you it's not pleasant to feel their presence and have to see them around. The spectacle is embarrassing and unpleasant. And this is unfortunately also what Dumaguete now is. That, dear James, is the reality of a higher percentage of the Expats' circle in this area. I have since a few weeks a new American friend that arrived 2 months ago… He already laments that he can't find anyone, or almost anyone, with whom to have a minimum of interesting conversation... Of course, Dauin is a fantastic place for sea and diving enthusiasts. Valencia is a good place to live surrounded by magnificent vegetation, undoubtedly. Any of those place, if you can afford to buy or build a house, will give you much in return, but driving as few as possible to Dumaguete… Anyone who wants to build here should also know that if they do it with a builder, they will pay a high price in relation to the quality of construction. In the northern part of the country, where you live, there are probably very good professionals, but here it's almost impossible to find professionals (carpenters, welders, etc.) with even a minimal level of expertise. There are also no stores with quality construction materials. You have to go to Bacolod or Cebu City to find better quality materials, and then the cost adds up significantly. As for restaurants, surprisingly, there is an enormous number of interesting places with varied cuisines, both Asian and Western. However, only few offer real good quality and service. Also interesting is the existence of a few supermarkets offering all kinds of Western foods. Likewise, some of the Expats have created small businesses where they sell their own products, such as deli meats, bakeries, etc. All of these are positive points for those who long to enjoy their own delicacies. For culture enthusiasts, the situation is depressing. Only the "Silliman University" offers some activities, but after Covid, the program is rather poor. By the way, in the Auditorium, with capacity of 500 spectators or even more, you never see more than half dozen of foreigners... This shows how low, the cultural level of the Expats here is... Unfortunately, only two art galleries... Another plus point is that due to the University, there are a lot of young people around. They bring in town a very dynamic and positive feeling. It's pleasant to see them all over the place. I sincerely believe that Expat couples looking for a beautiful place to retire in the Philippines are making a mistake by investing their money in the vicinity of Dumaguete, except for some exceptions. They should first rent a place 6 to 12 months before to decide to spend their money here... They may be hypnotized by all these Vloggers who only tell things to get viewers. Those UA-camrs, to keep going, always have to make people believe that they are knowledgeable and that they know what's best, even for us. They are a danger! Foreigners should erase from their mind what they were told on YT and discover by themselves if the reality is equal to those videos... What I describe is real, and the situation can only get worse, both in terms of the city's quality and the influx of Expats coming here. If the dynamics continue on the same trajectory as in recent years, Dumaguete will become an unlivable city and an "Expat ghetto", with less and less “Gentle peoples” towards foreigners, in less than 10 years. Anywhere in the world, the massive arrival of budget tourists or larger Expats colonies destroys the essence of these places. Dumaguete is precisely in this danger zone. I spent most of my life not far from such a place destroyed by mass tourism and larger expats colonies... I know very well what I am talking about. I've seen other places in Negros or nearby that are much more authentic, clean, and peaceful, and these are the ones that will remain truly Filipino in the coming decades. In our case, and it won't surprise you, we will probably keep our house for "holidays" but we will return to Europe. Either to Tenerife (Canary Islands), where I spent most of my life, or in the South of France.
Once again, congratulation for your good job those years.
Sir, thank you for your detailed and comprehensive comments about this video. I do wish to pass on to you that we also observed comments from both locals and expats alike that there are too many foreigners that call Dumaguete home and shared with us your observations of how some of these of these foreigners practice poor judgement with respect to their moral alignment within the Philippine culture. I also agree with you that many are moving to more remote locations like Dauin and Valencia to buffer themselves from such exposure. As far as my decision to show a property in this video I make no apologies here as I was only doing so at the request of the property owner who went well out of her way to host our visit and driving us to many beautiful locations around the Dumaguete area. As it appears you spent quite a bit of time in the Philippines you should be well aware of the term "utang na loob" or translated "debt of gratitude". This was our way of thanking our host for all the kind efforts put forward to us during our stay. To conclude, you and I agree on many points with regard to the inappropriateness of how foreigners conduct themselves while abroad. The Philippines hosts approximately 70,000 foreigners of which only a small minority exhibit the poor judgement you mention above. Unfortunately social media platforms such as UA-cam and other platforms empower and give visibility to those who are trying to generate revenue from such behavior. The best thing all of us can do is to not support such behavior by avoiding channels like these and condemning such behavior. My philosophy from the beginning has been to embrace and adopt the culture rather than the other way around. It's been my successful strategy for happiness. Finally I guess I got really lucky with my decision to call Lipa City home. There are many wonderful places around the globe to retire and here in Lipa I found my balance of Filipino kindness, climate and affordability that I find priceless. Best regards and wishes with your retirement! ~jaMes
@@MyPIDream First, I want to thank you for your lengthy response and the time you dedicated to it. I could immediately notice that someone with goodwill took you to the best places around Dumaguete, and I understand perfectly that you wanted to show your gratitude to these people. Perfectly correct, and you have absolutely no need to apologize! Indeed, being in places like a good resort in Dauin, with young couples, nature lovers, and healthy minds, is like being in paradise... But it's not the reality of Dumaguete. I have no doubt that the majority of the 70,000 expats in the Philippines are decent and educated people. Unfortunately, Dumaguete seems to have the misfortune that for many who live or want to live here, the keywords are "Cheap”, “Cold Beer” and “Young women". What concerns and upsets me is not so much the current situation but what this city will become in a few years if the arrival of this particular type of foreigners continues. I have no doubt that Lipa is a better place for many reasons, and I'm glad you feel happy there. During the lockdown times of Covid, your videos, your smile, and kind face, watching the bond with your wife, were moments of escape and first-rate "therapy" for me. I will always hold you in high regard and affection in my memory. Have a good day ! Daniel.
We're lucky to be on the eastern side of Taal. We rarely ever get any effect from the volcano since the winds normally carry debris from east to west of south to north during monsoon season.
@@MyPIDream I'm very surprised that people are willing to pay prices like that. Guess renting is much better then bulding. Even in 50 years it will be cheaper to rent a house then build one.
Beautiful place to visit. Dumaguete
thanks for sharing James
One other big advantage in Lipa is the expressway access to the resources of Manila, especially the airport - Duma is certainly not as easy to get into or out of from abroad.
Great point of view upon retirement, always enjoying your vlogs🎉
I did like Dumaguete and the surrounding areas too. But when we went to Iloilo last year I found it to be a growing and progressive city that is well run by the Government. That would be a good place o live too.
😊
What a nice and relaxing place Dumaguete is! Thank you James and Ness for taking us there. 🙂
Not really, there is a lot of activity and vehicles all the time. You have to go out of the city before its starts to quiet down.
The night time on the boulevard looked nice. The hotel looked fantastic.
Looks like you had fun.
Beautiful area.
Very nice. it is already added on my list of place to visit when we will be retired
Hello 👋 James and Ness! Thanks for this video, Dumaguete is one of my favorite destinations when I travel to Visayas. We’re planning to have our vacation next year God willing! Have fun and enjoy your stay in Dumaguete!❤
Awesome video James. The drone footage really shows a lot of the area. That might be one of the spots on my next trip with Chris & Nelia.
Dumaguete looks like a great place to visit! Especially liked your final thoughts, covered it very well. For the same reasons we chose to live in Lipa City.
Great adventure. 👍🏻
Good evening James and Ness😊😊
Hi James..great video.. We are building our house in Valencia area for main reason that it is elevated and way cooler than Dumaguete..the property has ocean view of Siquijor in front and mountain view in the back.. We also are able to purchased a land in Dauin overlooking Apo Island.. I bought it 2 years ago for 350 pesos per sqm for the 2,000 sqm.. Now it is inflated to 2,000 per sqm.. as influx of foreigners/retirees choose Negros Oriental.. I also found dining in restaurant in Dumaguete very affordable and the quality is great. Once we build our home please come stay with us.
Thanks so much Anna. The same for property here has really gone up over the years since we bought ours. We're just grateful we have our little piece of paradise while we could afford.
Thanks also for the invite. We hope to visit again!
Overlooking lots over Dauin, most of the time with a poor view, or only in the front area, when 5 minutes from the Highway or more, only 5 to 600 PHP/sqm.... Of course, there are clever Filipinos trying to sell at 2k, and maybe some stupid expats paying this price or a bit less.... But it's only a wish or mirage... Not real...
Price is still around 500 and this is logical as the offer is very high... A lot of farmers willing to sell their land to buy a Toyota Hilux....(What a pitty...) and most of the Expats coming here have no money !...
The same in Valencia where they try to sell at 3,5k, when real price is under 2k and less if not "walking distance" from población...
Every day, adds in FB, downpricing properties...
I guess many Real Estate agents thought that after Covid the region would be "invaded" by rich Expats...
I guess, that are now realizing that it was only a dream !...
Good morning James, thank you for sharing your vacation video. It was really nice I just sit down at work nothing to do but watching your video cannot wait to come to Philippines again I will sell my property in koronadal. I am going to buy another property in maylabayla My wife said it is much cooler and it is very good for my dogs.
I remember your vlog in Hawaii showed a lot of beautiful views of Hawaii, and of course it is in the U.S. But the views here in Dimaguete is also nice
HI ! Dumaguete is the city I've choose for my retirement soon.I hope for the end of next year . I have Philippinos friends in Negros Oriental in the city of Vallehermoso not far with Dumaguete.Leaving France is my plan for going in The Philippines. Salamat for the vidéo and mabuhay Philippines ! Greetings from France.
ValleHermoso est à 150 Kms. de Dumaguete, ce qui signifie 4 heures de route para voiture.
D'un autre côté, Dumaguete n'est plus la ville charmante d'il y à a peine 5 ou 10 ans.
Maintenant, c'est chaos de circulation, pollution, et le pire, une vague d'Expats, généralement américains ou anglo-parlants, la plupart pauvres de mauvais aspect et manières.
Les philippins sont de plus en plus "agressifs" a cause de ces gens qui ne les respectent pas.
Ils sont également mécontants de voir qu'à cause des Expats, les loyers ont fortement augmentés.
Ce n'est plus la ville paradis d'avant...
Scènes d'Expats alcoolisés dans la rue, ou même se bagarrant entre eux, sont malheureusement de plus en plus fréquentes.
J'ai l'impresion que les Expats qui viennent dernièrement le font car attirés par des Vloggers qui racontent des merveilles, entre autres la possibilité de trouver des jeunes femmes attractives désirantes de relations avec des étrangers. Sachez que pratiquement aucune femme avec un niveau correct d'éducation est intérésée à ce genre de relation. Seule les femmes pauvres, venues des villages de campagne, sont celles qui cherchent "in situ" ou "online" des étrangers pour fuire de la pauvreté...
Ici, c'est le tiers monde... Ne l'oublier pas !
Venez ici pour quelques semaines avant de prendre décision...
Bonne chance
@@danielgruffat1801 Aaah les Vloggers,oui oui mais je suis un grand garçon qui ne tombe pas dans ce piège,je laisse ça aux autres. Mes amis à Vallerhermoso ont des filles,des femmes ou des nièces aussi jolies les une que les autres mais comme j'ai un très grand respect pour les femmes ce n'est certainement pas pour ça que j'irai là bas . Après je ne vais pas polémiquer concernant les yankees ou autres,ils ont toujours considéré les Philippins comme des "jouets " malheureusement ces pauvres Philippins sont imnobulés par ces Anglos et autres et pourtant ils sont à l'origine de la ruine de ce pays merveilleux. J'ai appris un peu l'histoire du Negros grâce à mes amis . Pour info, une grande partie de la famille de Vallehermoso fait partie de la PNP et il y a même une colonelle en retraite qui faisait partie de la SOCO,. C'est une famille très bien ,si vous connaissez un peu Vallehermoso,tous habitent face au poste de police local ! Il est clair que je ne vais pas quitter le pays comme ça du jour au lendemain avec un avenir incertain,je pense déjà y aller quelques semaines voir et après on verra. il y a également la géopolitique qui a son importance,c'est assez tendu quand même . Merci de vos points de vue et conseils . Bien cordialement.
@@danielgruffat1801 Wow, love to learn French myself, but I guess it's a difficult language. My tongue would probably get twisted.😝 Spanish is easier to learn for me.
Wish this was translated to English, so everyone would know what he is talking about.:) I guess some of the vloggers here speak French.😊
💗
Wow such a big UA-camr was in Dumaguete and I never knew it. That's because as you saw expats by the thousands in town, we are tripping over each other. You thought the restaurants were more affordable? Guess I would not be happy in Luzon because for me eating out in Dumaguete is quite expensive but I have been here more than 15 years so i know what it was like before Robinsons went in. Growth has been crazy and I don't think it will end. Being a transportation hub is the biggest advantage Dumaguete has over a lot of other destinations and of course we are not running out of Dive shops or resorts. Do you plan to check out any other expat destinations anytime soon?
We did observe and spoke with both locals and expats alike about what's considered overpopulation of expats in the Dumaguete area. I'll leave it at that. 😉
Ness and I will continue to share our travels but not with the specific objective of "expat destinations". If expats are there and willing to share their experiences we'll surely lend an open ear.
Thanks for the great comments!
Dumaguete James😄 a la Indiana Jones
I presume that you will stay in Lipa City to permanently retire.
Thanks
Mark
Yes, we are quite happy with our retirement in Lipa 😍
Hi James,
I used to see your videos years ago, as you were building your pool, because I also was about to build one…
I always appreciate your friendly and well educated style.
I stopped watching your channel end of 2021 as I had not much more time to dedicate watching YT videos.
But I always remember your Vlogs with affection.
I casually received a few days ago a “Thumbnail” of your first video in Dumaguete, and was very interested to see what a wise man like you would tell.
First, and I feel bad writing this, the videos were disappointing to me.
These are the typical videos that someone makes when visiting a place for a couple of days.
The "real estate agent" minutes were very boring and out of context.
Regarding the question you raised, as you rightly say, it is naturally a decision for each person to make.
Now, I would like to paint a more realistic picture of this city.
Dumaguete would be just as chaotic and almost as unpleasant as any other city of the same size in this country without its seaside promenade and Boulevard. Traffic jams, disorder, and pollution are the darkest points here.
Taking in account the evolution in the last few years, I believe that in 5 years or less, it will be impossible to enter or leave this city by car.
Dumaguete is known as "The city of the gentle people," but unfortunately, while Dumagueteños are very friendly and always good-natured, the situation is worsening. I have been able to observe in comments on Facebook groups and on the streets that more and more local are using the expression "If no good here, go back to your country," and it's not surprising.
Conducting a mini social study, I would say that here, in the Dumaguete triangle, which includes Dumaguete, Valencia, and Dauin, there are a dozen or two of "rich" Expats. They are the ones who came more than a decade ago and set up successful businesses. (Sea side/diving resorts, hotels, etc).
Then there are perhaps 20 or 30% of Expats who are couples like you and Ness, well-educated people with their own homes, good incomes, and who live peacefully on their properties.
The remaining 60/70 % are often English-speaking, poor, poorly educated, and frequently aggressive single older men.
Many have come in the last year, attracted by the wonders that a few established vloggers in the region apparently describe.
Stories about young, beautiful, and docile Filipino women (many compare them to our mothers from the 1950s) have attracted and continue to attract many desperate men.
We have to see more and more drunk men on the streets, near the bars they often visit to drink all day long, and these places have become authentic "ghettos."
We even saw a video circulating last week of two of them fighting in the middle of the street. It was a shameful spectacle.
Adding to this, as you mentioned, rental prices seem to have gone up, so you can imagine that slowly but surely, the locals are not as happy to have so many Expats around.
My opinion is, therefore, not very optimistic or positive because of the Expats who are, I sincerely believe, vulgarizing this city.
I'll even go further in my thinking: If prostitution were allowed here, Dumaguete could quickly resemble Laguna City or Pattaya.
I have heard enough conversations among these men over the years to be sure of my words.
Many are here to take advantage of the poverty of country and village girls to have sexual relations, promising them a better life... Even if one doesn't associate with these kinds of men, I assure you it's not pleasant to feel their presence and have to see them around. The spectacle is embarrassing and unpleasant. And this is unfortunately also what Dumaguete now is.
That, dear James, is the reality of a higher percentage of the Expats' circle in this area.
I have since a few weeks a new American friend that arrived 2 months ago…
He already laments that he can't find anyone, or almost anyone, with whom to have a minimum of interesting conversation...
Of course, Dauin is a fantastic place for sea and diving enthusiasts. Valencia is a good place to live surrounded by magnificent vegetation, undoubtedly.
Any of those place, if you can afford to buy or build a house, will give you much in return, but driving as few as possible to Dumaguete…
Anyone who wants to build here should also know that if they do it with a builder, they will pay a high price in relation to the quality of construction. In the northern part of the country, where you live, there are probably very good professionals, but here it's almost impossible to find professionals (carpenters, welders, etc.) with even a minimal level of expertise.
There are also no stores with quality construction materials. You have to go to Bacolod or Cebu City to find better quality materials, and then the cost adds up significantly.
As for restaurants, surprisingly, there is an enormous number of interesting places with varied cuisines, both Asian and Western. However, only few offer real good quality and service.
Also interesting is the existence of a few supermarkets offering all kinds of Western foods. Likewise, some of the Expats have created small businesses where they sell their own products, such as deli meats, bakeries, etc.
All of these are positive points for those who long to enjoy their own delicacies.
For culture enthusiasts, the situation is depressing. Only the "Silliman University" offers some activities, but after Covid, the program is rather poor.
By the way, in the Auditorium, with capacity of 500 spectators or even more, you never see more than half dozen of foreigners... This shows how low, the cultural level of the Expats here is...
Unfortunately, only two art galleries...
Another plus point is that due to the University, there are a lot of young people around. They bring in town a very dynamic and positive feeling. It's pleasant to see them all over the place.
I sincerely believe that Expat couples looking for a beautiful place to retire in the Philippines are making a mistake by investing their money in the vicinity of Dumaguete, except for some exceptions.
They should first rent a place 6 to 12 months before to decide to spend their money here...
They may be hypnotized by all these Vloggers who only tell things to get viewers. Those UA-camrs, to keep going, always have to make people believe that they are knowledgeable and that they know what's best, even for us. They are a danger!
Foreigners should erase from their mind what they were told on YT and discover by themselves if the reality is equal to those videos...
What I describe is real, and the situation can only get worse, both in terms of the city's quality and the influx of Expats coming here.
If the dynamics continue on the same trajectory as in recent years, Dumaguete will become an unlivable city and an "Expat ghetto", with less and less “Gentle peoples” towards foreigners, in less than 10 years.
Anywhere in the world, the massive arrival of budget tourists or larger Expats colonies destroys the essence of these places.
Dumaguete is precisely in this danger zone.
I spent most of my life not far from such a place destroyed by mass tourism and larger expats colonies... I know very well what I am talking about.
I've seen other places in Negros or nearby that are much more authentic, clean, and peaceful, and these are the ones that will remain truly Filipino in the coming decades.
In our case, and it won't surprise you, we will probably keep our house for "holidays" but we will return to Europe. Either to Tenerife (Canary Islands), where I spent most of my life, or in the South of France.
Once again, congratulation for your good job those years.
Sir, thank you for your detailed and comprehensive comments about this video. I do wish to pass on to you that we also observed comments from both locals and expats alike that there are too many foreigners that call Dumaguete home and shared with us your observations of how some of these of these foreigners practice poor judgement with respect to their moral alignment within the Philippine culture. I also agree with you that many are moving to more remote locations like Dauin and Valencia to buffer themselves from such exposure.
As far as my decision to show a property in this video I make no apologies here as I was only doing so at the request of the property owner who went well out of her way to host our visit and driving us to many beautiful locations around the Dumaguete area. As it appears you spent quite a bit of time in the Philippines you should be well aware of the term "utang na loob" or translated "debt of gratitude". This was our way of thanking our host for all the kind efforts put forward to us during our stay.
To conclude, you and I agree on many points with regard to the inappropriateness of how foreigners conduct themselves while abroad. The Philippines hosts approximately 70,000 foreigners of which only a small minority exhibit the poor judgement you mention above. Unfortunately social media platforms such as UA-cam and other platforms empower and give visibility to those who are trying to generate revenue from such behavior. The best thing all of us can do is to not support such behavior by avoiding channels like these and condemning such behavior. My philosophy from the beginning has been to embrace and adopt the culture rather than the other way around. It's been my successful strategy for happiness.
Finally I guess I got really lucky with my decision to call Lipa City home. There are many wonderful places around the globe to retire and here in Lipa I found my balance of Filipino kindness, climate and affordability that I find priceless.
Best regards and wishes with your retirement! ~jaMes
@@MyPIDream First, I want to thank you for your lengthy response and the time you dedicated to it.
I could immediately notice that someone with goodwill took you to the best places around Dumaguete, and I understand perfectly that you wanted to show your gratitude to these people. Perfectly correct, and you have absolutely no need to apologize!
Indeed, being in places like a good resort in Dauin, with young couples, nature lovers, and healthy minds, is like being in paradise... But it's not the reality of Dumaguete.
I have no doubt that the majority of the 70,000 expats in the Philippines are decent and educated people. Unfortunately, Dumaguete seems to have the misfortune that for many who live or want to live here, the keywords are "Cheap”, “Cold Beer” and “Young women".
What concerns and upsets me is not so much the current situation but what this city will become in a few years if the arrival of this particular type of foreigners continues.
I have no doubt that Lipa is a better place for many reasons, and I'm glad you feel happy there.
During the lockdown times of Covid, your videos, your smile, and kind face, watching the bond with your wife, were moments of escape and first-rate "therapy" for me. I will always hold you in high regard and affection in my memory.
Have a good day !
Daniel.
Hi James, or should I say Indiana Jones'k . Are you affected by the fallout from Taal volcano?
We're lucky to be on the eastern side of Taal. We rarely ever get any effect from the volcano since the winds normally carry debris from east to west of south to north during monsoon season.
Can I ask for the 2000 m2 property cost they purchased in Dauin? Looks quite nice and more importantly, quiet.
The property in that area is selling for P2k/sqm.
@@MyPIDream Omg... That is so overpriced in my opinion. I was thinking more like 300-400 php per sqm.
Prices for desirable properties have really increased over the years. It's not uncommon to see prices for lots in gated communities above P30k/sqm.
@@MyPIDream I'm very surprised that people are willing to pay prices like that. Guess renting is much better then bulding. Even in 50 years it will be cheaper to rent a house then build one.
Sir are you guys retiring here in Dumaguete?
We retired in Batangas 7 years ago.