⌛ Why live in the Philippines ?

[QUOTE=SidfromSydney;

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

Ok, I do disagree with that one, (that's legal) but as you asked I wont tell you. Better just to leave that one alone.
Ron

 

Then I think we have said it all. Those are that are here, are here for a Reason. What Ever that reason, I Condone it, Welcome it and Support it.

If for any reason you don't like it, DONT! knock it, stay where you are..

Enough said!

Jack P. :o

 

wow, think you should really read my post!!

I think you totally didn't read my post!! I said that a couple chose to live HERE in the Philippines, as opposed to Thailand!! They get much better exchange here than in Thailand, I believe. As for me, we (from the U.S.) chose to live here because my husband is ill, and even though he had medicare in the U.S. we can still live much less stressful, for much less here. And, my husband is filipino, and wanted to come "home". Like I said, everyone has to weigh the pro's and con's before they move anywhere, even if it is just to another city.

 

Well, I will agree to some extent with your comments.

I have been going to the Philippines since 1976 and to Thailand since 1981.

I am married to a Pinay for over 33 years. I enjoy the culture of the Philippines and I also enjoy the culture of Thailand. It is true that communication is easier in the Philippines. But there are times that you may run into a Pinoy that is shy and will not talk English.

In regards to the exchange rate. The rates go up and down in both countries daily. So to plan out a budget for either country is hard to do if you are living on a tight budget. For example, if you have a certain set amount of income each month and you convert it to pesos or baht on that exchange rate for that day or week with out having a fudge room if the rate drops, you are setting your self up for problems.

BMs on here correct me if I am wrong. But I think the exchange rate for $ to php over the last four years has ranged from 42 php to as high as 50 php per dollar. I am not sure what range the Baht has done over the last four years. But I would think that it was in a range of a fluctuation of 3 to 5 Baht per $.

I am not sure what the percentages are of American expats that live in the Philippines. But I would put a guess at maybe 50% are married to a Filipina or in the process of getting married. The rest are looking or playing the field.

If I had to guess what the over all numbers would be of expats living in Thailand or the Philippines, I would say that there is more in the Philippines.

In regards to the areas you brought up with good food, hotels, power problems, etc. I will agree that it is better in Thailand for all above. No question there. But for me, I have adjusted to the Philippines, so nothing surprises me any more.

No matter where you hang your hat, PI or LOS, there are advantages and disadvantages to both locations. You have to decide what is all right for you. It all comes down to you adjusting to your new home and culture. As I read on another board, "This is not New York, London, Singapore". This is the Philippines. You have to learn to adjust to a new culture to survive.

I know there might be a few that will say then, stay away. Don't come then.

I think another factor that you left out is location, location, location.

If you decide to live in the Philippines. What would be the best location to live? A place where you can monger all the time or a place that is quite, but still has things to do like diving, etc. What type of medical insurance to you have? If you are single, what are you looking for to keep busy? Are you just going to monger or relax and enjoy?

 

Thinking some more on this topic. I've asked my self the same question with the idea that I am the same age, but single.

Now over the years since the US closed the bases in the Philippines, there have been many stories of investors trying to bring in those from the US, UK, Japan, and other countries with designing retirement developments.

I think that it is a good idea and believe there is one or two in the old Subic Bay base. It has care takers, nurses, and medical clinic on sight. Now this IMHO is not for everybody. At age 57, once in a while I think about moving to Calbayog City. It's one thing to go for a visit of up to a month, but to go for say 3 to 4 months could be hard.


Now I am not saying it would be hard because I would miss certain things or food in the US. I would miss my grandsons who are 7 and 6. Now if my oldest daughter has children, it just adds to this. I don't see my son getting married any time soon. But he better get hot so I can see who will carry on the family name.

I use the time I am visiting in the Philippines to relax and recharge my batteries from work. It is good to get away from the SOS everyday. Yes it is not easy on the island, but there is "NO" stress at all. No pressure to do anything. I just eat, nap, sleep, and have drink with the family. I am not permitted to do anything when I am there.

 

Is there any way to extend the time I am on here when I am posting? Seems that after 5 minutes or so, I am logged off creating lost replies.

Is there anyone on here that has been to Calbayog City in Western Samar?

John

 

Test.

Here is the family water hole as I called it. Asawa's cousin had her brother clear out the rocks to make it a nice white sandy bottom. Then rearrange the bigger rocks to create an area where the smaller children could swim in safety.

They built a hut with a large table in the middle and bamboo seata along the sides.

It is a great place to spend the day and chill out.

[/IMG]

 

FAILED.

I guess you can not add pics to a thread via quick reply.