⌛ Why live in the Philippines ?

Over the last few months I have been wondering "why live in the Philippines" ? What are the advantages here and disadvantages ? Sorry if I upset a few people but there seem (to me) few advantages.

I am writing this from Chang Mai, Thailand, where I am now visiting, having visited this and other Asian countries many times in the past. I would ask the following questions, in relation to if you decide to live in a foreign country.

Food, you eat three times a day so good food is important. Thailand (for example) has good food, at cheaper prices than the Phil. I don't eat out in the Phil. as generally I find the food over priced and poor quality.

Accommodation, hotels and guest houses here seem about 1/2 the cost of Phil. Here in Chang Mai its 250 baht for a large CLEAN room with fan. Similar accommodation in the Phil. is twice that. In fact a day use nippa hut at a local beach resorts is similar cost to overnight good rooms here in Thailand. Rental accommodation appears cheaper in Thailand also.

Services, rotating blackouts in Panay, 2 or 3 hrs everyday just before I left. The police here seem alert and disciplined and when I have asked them a question the reply has been helpful and friendly. When asked to stop at "police" check points in the Phil. I find it safer to ignore them and drive on, as do other foreigners.

The question has been asked, "will the situation improve in the Philippines in the future" ? That's interesting and hard to answer, however here are a few thoughts,

Over the last 4 or 5 yrs there does not seem to be an effective government in the Philippines, with corruption being recognised as "hard wired" into Philippine society. By any measure the Philippines is still going backwards, from a country that 20 or so yrs ago was the wealthiest and most dynamic in Asia, to one of the poorest and most corrupt.

Now the country can not sustain itself, it imports food to feed its people (rice), and borrows heavily. The population growth is out of control, and will be difficult to manage in years to come. The education system now (only 10 yrs compared to other countries 12 yrs) can not provide for the children of today let alone the future. So the Philippines will end up with 120 million people in a short time, largely uneducated. That's not good for employment opportunities or the countries growth or social "harmony" to borrow a phrase from China.

Don't tell me the Filipino people are honest, friendly and sincere. I have lived there long enough to know the answer to that.

Anyone got any useful comments in relation to a few of the above ideas and thoughts ?

 

Here is a cut and paste from todays "Manilatimes.net"



Failure to curb human trafficking and to win convictions in court have put the Philippines on the verge of being downgraded to a category with countries like Somalia, according to a US Department of State report. The government said that the report was unfair.

Citing the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report by the US State Department, Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, president of the Visayan Forum Foundation, said that the Philippines was in “a very alarming stage” when it comes to its human trafficking.

The Philippines is currently at the Tier 2 watchlist.

“Exploitation in the Philippines is massive . . . Unless efforts are made, or the President [Benigno Aquino 3rd] signs a waiver [to ask for consideration] from US President Barrack Obama, we will be downgraded to Tier 3,” Flores-Oebanda said during the Dialogue on Human Trafficking between Civil Society and Leaders in Government held at the G Hotel in Manila.

 

The financial situation in the world is in bad shape.
Almost every country in this same world see tourism as an easy form of income.
And most country's are working hard to please tourists exept the Philippines where personal income is far more important than building a future for this country.
But every Philippino knows his National anthem because this is the sign of National unity.

 

Haven't been to Thailand, but I was told before that the cost of living there was more than the Philippines, sounds like that ins't the case now. One thing for sure, communication is easier here. The majority of people with at least a high school education speak English.
Ron

 

No denying everything you said. Really, if one is not happy in the Philippines, why live here?

Inspite of all this, I find retiring in the Phillippines after the rat race in the US, gives me an almost stress free living. It maybe because this is the land of my birth.That probably makes all the difference !

 

Interesting

I find this post very interesting because I know a couple who just moved here after living in Chang Mai for several years. It would be interesting to know all of their reasons for choosing here over Chang Mai. I know one big reason is the exchange rate for their UK money is better here than in Thailand. And, as mentioned by another poster, they said it was very difficult to communicate with the people there. They probably have other reasons for choosing the Philippines. I am sure there are pros and cons either way. Gotta weigh all of them for your own situation, and it cannot be generalized for all, that is for sure.

 

Why? is it that when we have a Thread like this it always comes down to Money, The British and the Americans dictate what is happening around the world and yet WE! either side of the Pond, look for easier ways of living. I live here because I married my pinay wife and made a decision. My reason is love and contentment, nothing to do do with exchange rate which will fluctuate daily, I did a lot of Home work before I decided, WE! decided that the PI was the best bet and all things considered. For the Doubting Thomas's here, either it suits you Financially or it does not. Me! I am happy and have plenty of health Insurance and live very well. If Thailand suites better cos you get and extra 3 cents to the dollar then stay there and be Misunderstood, or stay here in the PI and get 5 cents less but are understood and made welcome.
Just my 5 cents worth, Sorry if I offend.:o:o

Jack P.

 

It seems like most of the foreigners living here (in the PI) are married or having a relationship with Filipinas no matter what the financial state is.

I think it is better though to stay in Thailand or any other parts of the world where you are having your family. If you got a girl in Thailand, would be best for you to stay there.

For those who are employed in other parts of the world who are having their Filipina wives, they simply take the wife to the country where they are assigned.

And for those who are not married to a Filipina or not having any relationship with one, and those who both are seniors trying to enjoy their pension away from the hectic life of their country of origin, would be best to consider medical care and safety above integrating into the society. Thailand and Singapore I bet they have good hospitals.

Wherever you are, local people will always find time to 'communicate' with you. And when you have time and eyes to appreciate the culture and the way of life they have, you will be part of it...then you can enjoy your stay the most.

 

Also mentioned in this thread is, almost stress free living, communication. patriotism (National unity), Possible future problems that need attention and more.

I live in the Philippines by choice with my family and very happy. We have no plans to ever move to any other country to save any amount of money, or for any other reason that I can think of. That would be giving up a lot.

That being said, I'm still curious to see what other people are doing and it's also interesting to see how much stuff costs somewhere else. A common topic of conversation in public gatherings is, how much does something cost where you come from? I really don't think anyone is here solely to save P10 or even P1,000, But there is an exception to every opinion. LOL

That's the abbreviated version of why I live in the Philippines.

Ron

 

Yes you did to me a bit my dear JP .....by stating this:
"The British and the Americans dictate what is happening around the world " :D:D
I know that Canadians do well, Brasil is going stronger, all are indeed Americans.
It looks that the USA also will recover soon from a deep depression...
'Dictating what is happening in the world' ? ...... maybe you are right but probably on a different way as I do see it.
Also ..... sorry if I offend . You know I like sometimes to be stingy like a real jellyfish (who told that ?).

But on topic now: It has been said by many before here and I personally can't disagree:
Woman, cheap living, diving , sunny , .....however in a different order of priority for each of us.