It's nothing to brag about , but I've been here 4 years, and I haven't yet said , "Hello," to another expat. I might be the biggest loser in this country, but that doesn't mean I want to associate with losers. I was retired from the Navy , collecting 100% from the VA for a mental disability in 1975. I was so helpless that most of the money the VA gave me was stolen from me every month , I came here with $2,000. When I left the US, I was living in a car that didn't run and that I was still making payments on. I really have recovered a lot in the last 3 years, but I literally lost 40 years of my life. I couldn't go where I wanted to go, do what I wanted to do , say what I wanted to say, and oftentimes, I couldn't even think what I wanted to think. I literally lost 40 years of my life. Whenever I see someone my age , I remember he had 40 years of life to do things , have things , and become somebody that I never had.
I have never been to the Philippines, but I appreciate your honesty and straightforwardness in your videos. I am enjoying the content and find it informative.✌️😎
I've lived overseas in India and Malaysia plus watched a ton of this weird 'expat' ie economic.migrant/economic refugee goings on in the Philippines...You really nailed it here. Great insights. This video should be compulsory viewing for anyone (especially older, white males) who has even the wisp of a thought about escaping to 'Paradise'. Well done for removing the veils of self serving denial, grandiousity and entitlement that is the norm in this YT genre. Also, what is the gimbal you use in your walk and talk content?
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment AnimalJustice. I use the DJI Osmo Action 4 which seems to have built in stabilization. I use the standard included handle with the Action 4. I previously used the Pocket 2 but felt the device was fragile and it broke on me.
Great video and observations. Thank you for being courageous, thick skinned, and eloquent enough to share this much needed topic. Of course you are going to get negative comments, and those will be from just the people you are talking about. I too worry about these types of people and that they will ruin the kindness and welcoming spirit of the Filipino people to expats.
Thanks for the kind words. It is a sensitive topic. I am glad you enjoyed it. It will absolutely attract people who are looking to come here and commit harm and don’t want anyone to be educated on their behavior patterns.
Hey Alex, stay blessed and make today always better than yesterday. Small gestures over time, multiplied over time could transform an entire culture. And change begins with accountability, but it thrives on persistence. Be a good Human.
Oh no....this is going to trigger a few folk! 😂😅😅 They will cry, that Alex ruined their morning.. 😢😢 They will resort to childish name calling. A "Bob" for sure! 😅😂😅
I appreciate the work you put forth to educate people accurately. I fell in love with the Philippines after a volunteering trip in 2001. In general the people are a very loving, patient, compassionate...things you may see very rarely in the U.S. anymore. The philippines is not an amusement ride..Dont take their kindness as weakness. Appreciate with humility the fact that you have the opportunity to visit and or stay. Please keep your entitled arrogance to yourself because unfortunately you will leave an impression which does not represent all americans well.
I agree with you 110% when I first came here I lived in Subic Bay area for awhile and seen some expats behaving badly, and you soon learn who is who to be with. Living in my province for nearly 14 years, I have been to many filipino gatherings,weddings, birthday parties over the years and when I knew filipinos felt relaxed being in my presence I started asking questions about their thoughts on foreigners living in the Philippines. Their answers were, foreigners look down on us, foreigners think they are so high almighty building big homes, foreigners think they are better than us and this is our country. Then there Is the other side of the coin, I have watched videos by foreigners making out that the filipinos are all so friendly all of the time. I will say that is BS, as filipinos have the same attitudes as western people, some are very rude, some will say how nice you are to your face but talk about you to other people. some are jealous of what you are doing and are waiting for something bad to happen to you. But there are a lot of great people who treat you as a good friend, you just have to choose your friends here. A great video mate I enjoyed it
Spot on analysis. Before I became an expat, I had the conception that all expats were above average because of the logistics and planning involved. I was wrong. Mind you, most of the fellow expats I have met are wonderful people ... but the minority of bad ones stand out quite a bit. It's true that a lot of expats are running from or leaving something. It's not necessarily criminal, but also leaving a culture that doesn't align with their values anymore. I made it a point to leave my negative feelings back in my native country. It becomes a broken record and people don't want to hear it. Some expats are also financial train wrecks. That surprised me at first. Traditional gender roles is not a license to treat women badly. I don't associate with expats who do that. I've also encountered a significant number of expats who want to tell you exactly how you should live your life in the Philippines. You have to do it all their way, or you are wrong and it will end in disaster. They are people of absolutes and try to apply those absolutes to you. They are often also the ones who complain about everything here. It's one thing to complain about your home country, if you are stuck there, but nobody is forcing them to stay here. I've met a number of the high conflict personalities. One expat here has been shot several times by the locals. Of course, he says it is all their fault ... but come on. It takes a lot to piss off Filipinos, so I'm pretty sure he went out of his way to do it and then doubled down afterwards. Overall, I am selective about what kind of expats I associate with. If they inject negativity into my life, I don't need that. I came to the Philippines to leave the West and its culture that no longer fits my values. Embracing the values here is part of that.
That's an important point - I think it's really smart to be selective about your expat friends. Thank you for this wonderful comment. I appreciate your input Josiah.
I know it's crazy when people say, foreigners can't work in the Philippines. Foreigners can work in the Philippines. You just need to get a work permit. It's that simple. Duhhhh....
Taking a few "test drive" trips to a country you're considering retirement in should be mandatory. I believe those who show up with no prior exposure are more likely to become unhappy or dissatisfied with the outcome.....even if they have all their finances and health concerns dialed in. The Philippines is a country I have enjoyed visiting several times, but I don't see things through rose colored lenses like I did on my first trip to Cebu. When it comes to overseas retirement to some part of SE Asia, I will look elsewhere for a home base with better infrastructure and healthcare options then come visit the Philippines whenever I get itchy feet to explore for a bit.
One thing you're learning is that the Philippines has the magic sauce of drama. The combination of factors- near permanent heat, poor people (especially women), cheap alcohol, huge culture clash obscured by the illusion of a shared language, normalized transactional age gap relationships, loads of first time overseas travellers deciding on lust to transplant. The wild wild east.
@@EasternDreamer615 in all your travels I'd bet you've never seen so many "expats" with only one country stamps in their passports. A few years in the brave ones go to Thailand for a trip. To me that's the central problem in the expat communities there. When you've got an A-Z length list of places you've been to compare, & a proactive disposition, your attitude is polar opposite to that of these guys who only know America & American perceptions of the Philippines.
I couldn't have said it better myself! You have helped inspired me to make some notes for a video. I'm not sure when it will get in my queue for filming but this is something great to cover if I can figure out how to do it tactfully.
@@EasternDreamer615 business opportunity maybe we could build a team on like "Bald & Bankrupt wants to migrate". A one stop shop for wannabe expats with global input + spectrum within each country. The arguments between guys who've both never been anywhere else about "you can't live on $500 a month" & "you need $4+k" ridiculous case in point. Fact is in third world countries you can do both.
I agree with you, Brother. But there are many ex-pats from many places around the world that are great individuals that live here in the Philippines. I would also concur, but there’s a handful of douche bags that would never in a million years be able to pull this quality or caliber women in their own country 😜
I Don't think people running away from criminal background would get in here and they are not anti social if they have Done 50 or 60 years in there own country before moving to Philippines
@@chrishughes887 depends totally what's the crime. There's a lot of felony level crimes in the USA which are of no interest to Interpol or border authorities or international treaty special forces. They might be enough that you're nearly unemployable at home but can still leave the country without your record following. All countries should stop issuing passports to convicted PDFs would be much better than the current debacle of it depends what country they are from whether there's resources to capture & convict.
@@EasternDreamer615 there's at least some serious international effort at capturing international PDFs, Australia has 270 federal police stationed in SE Asia, the USA probably 3,000+, & recently a lot of red tape has been removed making these overseas police more able to act. Often the creeps being caught have been at it for years beforehand.
It seems you have a psychology degree or background. I adopted 3 boys in the west and they are grown men now. But over the years I had taken them to physicalogist and l learned a lot from them and read lots on different physiological conditions 😮
Thanks for the comment, you’re right I do have a background in studying psychology, not a degree but a minor in it. I also worked in sales and found it valuable to understand and have it in my back pocket.
In the comments Jasper said he’s living in my head rent free. Which was a sick burn about 10 years ago. But fine maybe he is. 😂 I actually don’t have an issue with him. I do think it’s rich that he does a series of videos literally attacking his fellow expats and declaring his superiority to them, but if you dare criticize HIM you’re some sort of obsessed troll. 😅 That’s the times we live in it is what it is. But why don’t these “young” guys get a job and try working for a living before they go on UA-cam and start lecturing people who’ve actually earned a living and had actual life experiences?
Can you play back your own video and hear what's it like? The content is great in fact wonderful. But you should pause ...and slow down a little...its hurting my ears listening continuously. Just my thoughts for your improvements...thank you
I guess I made a stir by responding to your last video in a negative but otherwise reasonable way. You’re right and everybody else is wrong. 😅 You guys just can’t handle an honest conversation when you meet resistance to your stereotypes.
@RetirePhilippines A "reasonable" conversation and constructive criticism can be had without "negativity". In fact great leaders, teachers, coaches, etc have proven that in the past. Learn to criticize without the negativity and you wouldn't get such replies back. But, oh wait, such a long winded negative comment is just what a attention hound wants and usually gets. But, as Jasper said, thanks for supporting his channel through viewership and continuing the conversation.
You’re a bit all over the place with your psychoanalysis bordering on astrological vagueness. It would be more interesting if you gave specific examples. Personally I admit I dislike group dynamics where there is an alpha and everyone else falls in line with their roles established by the group. But otherwise I am moderately successful in my career at least in my older years. Less so in my younger years. I’ve fallen for a lot of narcissistic females that didn’t work out. But I have five beautiful kids to show for it. I hope to retire at 62. We’ll see. One correction on what you said about running away from child support. That’s very hard to do especially if your passport expires. As much as I dislike groups deciding who and who not to include (I’m an independent person who is content inside or outside of a group), BUT I also dislike scammers, crooks and entitled acting expats. But you just ramble to the point it comes off that you’re just talking out your a. My advice, take it or leave it, is to narrow your topics and use more specifics. Your rambling gives off the impression fair or not fair that you’ve been alone with nobody to speak to for long stretches of time. To the point you’re just flowing from point to point (some true or truish) and on to the next before the listener can even digest it. And you’re very judgmental to the point of it comes off as a psychological issue. Peace. You have potential as a blogger but I’m not sure who your audience is. Are you pandering to Filipinos? I don’t get it. Until next time, Mr. Chairman
@RetirePhilippines Just because you can eloquently respond either orally or written doenst mean you are not exactly one of the individuals he is talking about. So what if his audience is Filipinos. He is just saying their culture deserves respect. His audience is also those who agree with his assessment. Who cares if he rambles and had to do some editing to get his point made. It needed to be said!
I was living in the Dominican Republic for a while. All of these expat issues are the same. It's a steep learning curve.
💯
It's nothing to brag about , but I've been here 4 years, and I haven't yet said , "Hello," to another expat. I might be the biggest loser in this country, but that doesn't mean I want to associate with losers.
I was retired from the Navy , collecting 100% from the VA for a mental disability in 1975. I was so helpless that most of the money the VA gave me was stolen from me every month , I came here with $2,000. When I left the US, I was living in a car that didn't run and that I was still making payments on. I really have recovered a lot in the last 3 years, but I literally lost 40 years of my life. I couldn't go where I wanted to go, do what I wanted to do , say what I wanted to say, and oftentimes, I couldn't even think what I wanted to think.
I literally lost 40 years of my life. Whenever I see someone my age , I remember he had 40 years of life to do things , have things , and become somebody that I never had.
Thank you for your service, you are a tough cookie and your experience really resonates with me.
Ideally, one shouldn't self-diagnose, yet I suspect I live at the intersection of every category that you mentioned.
Jasper is a great example of #1. It's hilarious.
Jasper # 1 Narcissist hands down. Boom you're banned b t c h !
@@Wabu1don't wound poor Jasper's 6'8" ego.
His own family removed him from their will 😮 Remember when he first started what was that all about 😮
I have never been to the Philippines, but I appreciate your honesty and straightforwardness in your videos. I am enjoying the content and find it informative.✌️😎
Thanks for the support! I'm glad you're enjoying the videos.
I've lived overseas in India and Malaysia plus watched a ton of this weird 'expat' ie economic.migrant/economic refugee goings on in the Philippines...You really nailed it here. Great insights. This video should be compulsory viewing for anyone (especially older, white males) who has even the wisp of a thought about escaping to 'Paradise'. Well done for removing the veils of self serving denial, grandiousity and entitlement that is the norm in this YT genre. Also, what is the gimbal you use in your walk and talk content?
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment AnimalJustice. I use the DJI Osmo Action 4 which seems to have built in stabilization. I use the standard included handle with the Action 4. I previously used the Pocket 2 but felt the device was fragile and it broke on me.
Reekay Velez keeps repeating : "Vi knows I'm the authority"... I think he belongs to one of the groups Alex is referring to (#2 or #3).
Yes Reekay is actually a slob 😮
Great video and observations. Thank you for being courageous, thick skinned, and eloquent enough to share this much needed topic. Of course you are going to get negative comments, and those will be from just the people you are talking about. I too worry about these types of people and that they will ruin the kindness and welcoming spirit of the Filipino people to expats.
Thanks for the kind words. It is a sensitive topic. I am glad you enjoyed it. It will absolutely attract people who are looking to come here and commit harm and don’t want anyone to be educated on their behavior patterns.
What @@EasternDreamer615
putting this on my "must watch" list before traveling...ty
I hope it is helpful :)
Hey Alex, stay blessed and make today always better than yesterday.
Small gestures over time, multiplied over time could transform an entire culture. And change begins with accountability, but it thrives on persistence. Be a good Human.
I agree Kyle :) Filipinos deserve respect.
Oh no....this is going to trigger a few folk! 😂😅😅
They will cry, that Alex ruined their morning.. 😢😢
They will resort to childish name calling. A "Bob" for sure! 😅😂😅
You’re toxic. Funny when the commenters are exactly the guys he is describing in the video 😅
Absolutely Dan, so many are desperate for attention but don’t have the capacity to vlog
Enjoyed the indepth analysis of expats /traveler life. Keep up the good work
Much appreciated!
I appreciate the work you put forth to educate people accurately. I fell in love with the Philippines after a volunteering trip in 2001. In general the people are a very loving, patient, compassionate...things you may see very rarely in the U.S. anymore. The philippines is not an amusement ride..Dont take their kindness as weakness. Appreciate with humility the fact that you have the opportunity to visit and or stay. Please keep your entitled arrogance to yourself because unfortunately you will leave an impression which does not represent all americans well.
Thanks for your insightful and thoughtful comment.
I agree with you 110% when I first came here I lived in Subic Bay area for awhile and seen some expats behaving badly, and you soon learn who is who to be with. Living in my province for nearly 14 years, I have been to many filipino gatherings,weddings, birthday parties over the years and when I knew filipinos felt relaxed being in my presence I started asking questions about their thoughts on foreigners living in the Philippines. Their answers were, foreigners look down on us, foreigners think they are so high almighty building big homes, foreigners think they are better than us and this is our country. Then there Is the other side of the coin, I have watched videos by foreigners making out that the filipinos are all so friendly all of the time. I will say that is BS, as filipinos have the same attitudes as western people, some are very rude, some will say how nice you are to your face but talk about you to other people. some are jealous of what you are doing and are waiting for something bad to happen to you. But there are a lot of great people who treat you as a good friend, you just have to choose your friends here. A great video mate I enjoyed it
Thanks for the support! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Spot on analysis. Before I became an expat, I had the conception that all expats were above average because of the logistics and planning involved. I was wrong. Mind you, most of the fellow expats I have met are wonderful people ... but the minority of bad ones stand out quite a bit. It's true that a lot of expats are running from or leaving something. It's not necessarily criminal, but also leaving a culture that doesn't align with their values anymore. I made it a point to leave my negative feelings back in my native country. It becomes a broken record and people don't want to hear it.
Some expats are also financial train wrecks. That surprised me at first.
Traditional gender roles is not a license to treat women badly. I don't associate with expats who do that.
I've also encountered a significant number of expats who want to tell you exactly how you should live your life in the Philippines. You have to do it all their way, or you are wrong and it will end in disaster. They are people of absolutes and try to apply those absolutes to you. They are often also the ones who complain about everything here. It's one thing to complain about your home country, if you are stuck there, but nobody is forcing them to stay here.
I've met a number of the high conflict personalities. One expat here has been shot several times by the locals. Of course, he says it is all their fault ... but come on. It takes a lot to piss off Filipinos, so I'm pretty sure he went out of his way to do it and then doubled down afterwards.
Overall, I am selective about what kind of expats I associate with. If they inject negativity into my life, I don't need that. I came to the Philippines to leave the West and its culture that no longer fits my values. Embracing the values here is part of that.
That's an important point - I think it's really smart to be selective about your expat friends. Thank you for this wonderful comment. I appreciate your input Josiah.
I know it's crazy when people say, foreigners can't work in the Philippines. Foreigners can work in the Philippines. You just need to get a work permit. It's that simple. Duhhhh....
💯
You can't get that to compete with Filipino. If you can, enjoy your 12 hours days for $10-15.
The fact is, some expats are lazy or incompetent or unable to start a decent business or even a UA-cam channel
Taking a few "test drive" trips to a country you're considering retirement in should be mandatory. I believe those who show up with no prior exposure are more likely to become unhappy or dissatisfied with the outcome.....even if they have all their finances and health concerns dialed in. The Philippines is a country I have enjoyed visiting several times, but I don't see things through rose colored lenses like I did on my first trip to Cebu. When it comes to overseas retirement to some part of SE Asia, I will look elsewhere for a home base with better infrastructure and healthcare options then come visit the Philippines whenever I get itchy feet to explore for a bit.
They have a need to project superiority I live here (philippines)because I'm poor back home USA I was homeless & mexico has become to expensive
I'm sorry to hear that Michael :/
One thing you're learning is that the Philippines has the magic sauce of drama. The combination of factors- near permanent heat, poor people (especially women), cheap alcohol, huge culture clash obscured by the illusion of a shared language, normalized transactional age gap relationships, loads of first time overseas travellers deciding on lust to transplant. The wild wild east.
You explained it better than I can Ghekko :)
@@EasternDreamer615 in all your travels I'd bet you've never seen so many "expats" with only one country stamps in their passports. A few years in the brave ones go to Thailand for a trip. To me that's the central problem in the expat communities there. When you've got an A-Z length list of places you've been to compare, & a proactive disposition, your attitude is polar opposite to that of these guys who only know America & American perceptions of the Philippines.
I couldn't have said it better myself! You have helped inspired me to make some notes for a video. I'm not sure when it will get in my queue for filming but this is something great to cover if I can figure out how to do it tactfully.
@@EasternDreamer615 business opportunity maybe we could build a team on like "Bald & Bankrupt wants to migrate". A one stop shop for wannabe expats with global input + spectrum within each country. The arguments between guys who've both never been anywhere else about "you can't live on $500 a month" & "you need $4+k" ridiculous case in point. Fact is in third world countries you can do both.
Great points Ghekko
I agree with you, Brother. But there are many ex-pats from many places around the world that are great individuals that live here in the Philippines.
I would also concur, but there’s a handful of douche bags that would never in a million years be able to pull this quality or caliber women in their own country 😜
I need to do a video covering some examples of good guy expats :)
@ sounds good brother when I get back into town in January love to meet you for a coffee or something 🙌
I Don't think people running away from criminal background would get in here and they are not anti social if they have Done 50 or 60 years in there own country before moving to Philippines
@@chrishughes887 depends totally what's the crime. There's a lot of felony level crimes in the USA which are of no interest to Interpol or border authorities or international treaty special forces. They might be enough that you're nearly unemployable at home but can still leave the country without your record following. All countries should stop issuing passports to convicted PDFs would be much better than the current debacle of it depends what country they are from whether there's resources to capture & convict.
Sadly Ghekko is right
@@EasternDreamer615 there's at least some serious international effort at capturing international PDFs, Australia has 270 federal police stationed in SE Asia, the USA probably 3,000+, & recently a lot of red tape has been removed making these overseas police more able to act. Often the creeps being caught have been at it for years beforehand.
I'm glad to hear that these efforts are being made!
You assumed that all criminals have a criminal record. I assure you that this is a false assumption.
True, when you don’t have a source of income or money that would be a problem. You need to budget your money.
Agreed :)
The disappearances sometimes happen for a fee. It's crazy cheap to make happen.
All I can say is yikes! and fishing's good for what ails you. When fishing is good, you'll want to throw some back. 😆
You got that right! :)
Nice video... well done
Appreciate the feedback :)
It seems you have a psychology degree or background. I adopted 3 boys in the west and they are grown men now. But over the years I had taken them to physicalogist and l learned a lot from them and read lots on different physiological conditions 😮
Thanks for the comment, you’re right I do have a background in studying psychology, not a degree but a minor in it. I also worked in sales and found it valuable to understand and have it in my back pocket.
In the comments Jasper said he’s living in my head rent free. Which was a sick burn about 10 years ago. But fine maybe he is. 😂 I actually don’t have an issue with him. I do think it’s rich that he does a series of videos literally attacking his fellow expats and declaring his superiority to them, but if you dare criticize HIM you’re some sort of obsessed troll. 😅 That’s the times we live in it is what it is. But why don’t these “young” guys get a job and try working for a living before they go on UA-cam and start lecturing people who’ve actually earned a living and had actual life experiences?
Can you play back your own video and hear what's it like? The content is great in fact wonderful. But you should pause ...and slow down a little...its hurting my ears listening continuously. Just my thoughts for your improvements...thank you
Thank you for the feedback! I’ll keep this in mind moving forward.
I guess I made a stir by responding to your last video in a negative but otherwise reasonable way. You’re right and everybody else is wrong. 😅 You guys just can’t handle an honest conversation when you meet resistance to your stereotypes.
Thanks for supporting the channel through your viewership
@RetirePhilippines A "reasonable" conversation and constructive criticism can be had without "negativity". In fact great leaders, teachers, coaches, etc have proven that in the past. Learn to criticize without the negativity and you wouldn't get such replies back. But, oh wait, such a long winded negative comment is just what a attention hound wants and usually gets. But, as Jasper said, thanks for supporting his channel through viewership and continuing the conversation.
@@chriselmore1969agree to disagree but I will think on it 😉
You staying in duma or moving somewhere else
Duma
You’re a bit all over the place with your psychoanalysis bordering on astrological vagueness. It would be more interesting if you gave specific examples.
Personally I admit I dislike group dynamics where there is an alpha and everyone else falls in line with their roles established by the group.
But otherwise I am moderately successful in my career at least in my older years. Less so in my younger years. I’ve fallen for a lot of narcissistic females that didn’t work out. But I have five beautiful kids to show for it.
I hope to retire at 62. We’ll see.
One correction on what you said about running away from child support. That’s very hard to do especially if your passport expires.
As much as I dislike groups deciding who and who not to include (I’m an independent person who is content inside or outside of a group), BUT I also dislike scammers, crooks and entitled acting expats.
But you just ramble to the point it comes off that you’re just talking out your a. My advice, take it or leave it, is to narrow your topics and use more specifics. Your rambling gives off the impression fair or not fair that you’ve been alone with nobody to speak to for long stretches of time. To the point you’re just flowing from point to point (some true or truish) and on to the next before the listener can even digest it. And you’re very judgmental to the point of it comes off as a psychological issue.
Peace. You have potential as a blogger but I’m not sure who your audience is. Are you pandering to Filipinos? I don’t get it.
Until next time, Mr. Chairman
Touche'! "Thou protest too much!"
Sounds like he triggered you a wee bit
@@San_Dee LOL... actually, he does.
@RetirePhilippines Just because you can eloquently respond either orally or written doenst mean you are not exactly one of the individuals he is talking about. So what if his audience is Filipinos. He is just saying their culture deserves respect. His audience is also those who agree with his assessment. Who cares if he rambles and had to do some editing to get his point made. It needed to be said!
I happily live rent free in this guys head. He watches ads and gets triggered to spend time with me. Meanwhile, I wouldn’t recognize him at all.