Making the move to the Philippines

[stevewool]

There are a few members who have made the move in the last year or so and seem very content in what they have over in the Philippines,
So has it lived up to what you was or are expecting, is it cheaper then you thought or so much more then you had planned,
I am not saying we are all the same in what we are wanting but it would be nice to hear what you thoughts have been so far about the great escape ,
Many of us have ideas about what we may have or not and no matter how much you plan these things, things can turn out better or worst then you thought, so if you have time to spare tell us your life so far warts and all

[Terpe]

There are a few members who have made the move in the last year or so and seem very content in what they have over in the Philippines,
So has it lived up to what you was or are expecting, is it cheaper then you thought or so much more then you had planned,
I am not saying we are all the same in what we are wanting but it would be nice to hear what you thoughts have been so far about the great escape ,
Many of us have ideas about what we may have or not and no matter how much you plan these things, things can turn out better or worst then you thought, so if you have time to spare tell us your life so far warts and all

Well Steve, it'll be 1 year for me this Saturday. Can't believe how time has flown by so fast.

I'm still learning. It was, and still is, culture shock in many ways. There's really a very big difference in my view between holidays and residence.

We're living exactly the retirement life we always planned for. Quite and low profile.
I could probably write a book even after 1 year on the cutural differences I've found.
I'll say no more other than there's a lack of 'cultural progress' here and sadly I can't see that changing within my lifetime. But hey, why should I even care when I know how to manage it and still be happy.

Steve, let me ask you to be very honest. Why would you want to live here?

I've said before financials should be the prime driver. Even though the basic cost of living here is very cheap there's more to retirement life than surviving. IMO

What do you believe would enhance your retirement in the Philippines more than other places that might be on your 'list' ?

Personally I would still put Japan on top of my list, but that's just too difficult as a retirement destination
I'd would also have liked to live out my life in a little village in Alsace. But that just would't have been a practical financial solution.

So here I am, happy, contented and at peace in the Paradise Islands with my wonderful very best friend and wife who is also happy, contented and at peace.
Therein lies the ingredients for a perfect recipe :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[imagine]

yes it is very different to being on holiday, there are things you will like and there are things you hate, there are things you will miss and things you wont, its all down to you and what you want,

for me , i miss my daughters , grand children, im missing them growing up,
i miss my food, i miss long days of daylight, i miss the changing seasons, its nice to feel the heat, but there is no break from it here,l you will never know if its really for you until you try

[Fil/Am Art]

We made the move here to the Philippines 17 1/2 yrs ago in 1998 from Northern California. Sta Rosa, Laguna in NCR of Luzon is where we live today to be exact and we're still here enjoying our retirement lifestyle.
Even though I was born in the Philippines, I personally lived and worked my entire adult life in Northern California for 42 yrs until I retired in 1997 at age 49 before retiring to the Philippines with my wife in 1998.
I guess it makes a difference us being both Filipinos and living here, because it's much easier for us to adapt and or adjust to our way of life here, but I'm actually an American in behavior, attitude and thought, but I reverted easily to the Filipino way of life.
Yeah, it's all about adjusting and or adapting to one's surroundings to make a go of it in a foreign land. The Philippines isn't for everyone, especially for foreigners out of their elements from where they grew up in their perspective home country.

[stevewool]

Thanks boys, i was hoping you both would come along soon,
I understand what you are saying about holiday and retirement mode, i have only been on holiday mode once there, also the culture yes that would take some getting use too,
Peter being honest about me wanting to be there , well if Ems had her way it would be in many many years time, she loves it here, the weather , her work and her friends, but we came to some sort of date and that i know is very flexible,
The Philippines well what do i know about the place , not much, but i think i maybe a little like you, keep my head down and just watch and take everything in,
I am not expecting much but somewhere safe, a base in which we have, then its all about seeing what we can when we can,
I am tired and i feel myself getting older now and i dont want to think so many years more at work, i am realistic on what i can and cannot do and what i and Ems needs, that is why the dates are so flexible , really it sounds like i am rambling on but thinking on i just dont know what our future plans will be or when they will be , but i am really trying to find those answers

[imagine]

i dont think you will actually find the answers untill you try for yourself, it is the only way, everyone is different as you know, whats suites one doesnt suit another, ideally if you can set aside a 1 year span to live here, try it out, without burning bridges, and be tight with ur money when you do lol,

[Arthur Little]

Steve ... you've obviously thought long and hard about the future - what it holds for you and Ems; indeed, I can see you're still thinking about it - very, very carefully.

........ :yeahthat:'s no bad thing - weighing up the [many] pros & cons - AND, even though, for Myrna and I, living in the Philippines isn't really an option, due to family ties and, not least (on my part) declining health arising from the onset of old age, :olddude: ... I wish you BOTH all the very BEST in whatever course of action you'll [eventually] decide to take as a couple. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[stevewool]

Arthur i think i will always be thinking hard about this, i have a figure in my mind what i would like in the bank before i make any move , not there just yet but will be soon, until then i will keep looking listening and talking to people who have gone before me too,
But hopefully i still will be here telling you all my plans boring a few most probably too :biggrin:

[Terpe]

We made the move here to the Philippines 17 1/2 yrs ago in 1998 from Northern California. Sta Rosa, Laguna in NCR of Luzon is where we live today to be exact and we're still here enjoying our retirement lifestyle.
Even though I was born in the Philippines, I personally lived and worked my entire adult life in Northern California for 42 yrs until I retired in 1997 at age 49 before retiring to the Philippines with my wife in 1998.
I guess it makes a difference us being both Filipinos and living here, because it's much easier for us to adapt and or adjust to our way of life here, but I'm actually an American in behavior, attitude and thought, but I reverted easily to the Filipino way of life.
Yeah, it's all about adjusting and or adapting to one's surroundings to make a go of it in a foreign land. The Philippines isn't for everyone, especially for foreigners out of their elements from where they grew up in their perspective home country.

Yes Art, I can believe living in the US for so long that you're still American in many ways.
That's why, for me, it would be interesting to learn how easy/difficult it is fit back into the jigsaw of filipino culture.

I spent 20 years living and working in Japan before returning to UK. Even that was a culture shock.
The difference in outlook and behaviour here in the Philippines is huge.

[Fil/Am Art]

Yes Art, I can believe living in the US for so long that you're still American in many ways.
That's why, for me, it would be interesting to learn how easy/difficult it is fit back into the jigsaw of filipino culture.

I spent 20 years living and working in Japan before returning to UK. Even that was a culture shock.
The difference in outlook and behavior here in the Philippines is huge.Probably the main reason why we have lived here where we live today is because we have found our perfect place (our niche) that has everything we would ever need just within a 1/4 mile radius and or of walking distance and our gated community is clean, safe and quiet. It's also just my wife and I living in our own home and far enough away from family and relatives. We tried living close to family and relatives long ago, but it wasn't to my liking, too many family drama and it was always about money and so I convinced my wife to move further way, hence to our own little niche we now call home.

[Terpe]

Art, there's a missing link.
I am a foreigner. I look like a foreigner.

[Harry T]

Sorry to hijack your thread Steve.

Hi Peter, I know you only know me on here, but hey that's all you really want to know lols :biggrin:

I was looking to PM you but seems I am unable to do so, I wanted to ask a favour of you, I need a property looking at in Marietta sub division, Tibbungco, Davao City, and you are the only one I know who may be able to help. :Erm::wink:

[stevewool]

No problem Harry,
Peter will be along soon to answer your question

[stevewool]

I too will look like the foreigner , you are not alone Peter

[stevewool]

Thankyou Arthur, so kind of you for the rep :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

Sorry to hijack your thread Steve.

Hi Peter, I know you only know me on here, but hey that's all you really want to know lols :biggrin:

I was looking to PM you but seems I am unable to do so, I wanted to ask a favour of you, I need a property looking at in Marietta sub division, Tibbungco, Davao City, and you are the only one I know who may be able to help. :Erm::wink:

Hi Harry, I injured my knee last Saturday. I'll not be going anywhere for a while. Made it downstairs today so at least some improvement.

Tibungco is in the very north of Davao. It's quite a far distance from Davao City downtown areas.
You'd probably need some form of transport or you'll be stuck with hobson's choice of tricycle and Jeepney. I have no idea if Marietta sub-division allows public transport in/out. Many of the safer communities do not.
You'll be OK for jeepney as Tibungco has the main Highway running through.

There's a reasonable public market.

It's actually not too far from the airport and also the upmarket shopping of SM Lanang

Tibungco is a highly industrialised area.

[Harry T]

Thanks for that info Peter, I didn't realise that you have an injury so heres hoping that you have a speedy recovery and are up and about quickly. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Michael Parnham]

Hi Harry, I injured my knee last Saturday. I'll not be going anywhere for a while. Made it downstairs today so at least some improvement.

Tibungco is in the very north of Davao. It's quite a far distance from Davao City downtown areas.
You'd probably need some form of transport or you'll be stuck with hobson's choice of tricycle and Jeepney. I have no idea if Marietta sub-division allows public transport in/out. Many of the safer communities do not.
You'll be OK for jeepney as Tibungco has the main Highway running through.

There's a reasonable public market.

It's actually not too far from the airport and also the upmarket shopping of SM Lanang

Tibungco is a highly industrialised area.

Hope you're beginning to heal up Peter, what happened to cause your injury?:Erm:

[Terpe]

Hope you're beginning to heal up Peter, what happened to cause your injury?:Erm:

Cycling during a heavy downpour Michael :doh

Went out today for a short hobble as I was going crazy stuck in the house.
I'm not a very patient patient.

[fred]

Cycling during a heavy downpour Michael :doh

Went out today for a short hobble as I was going crazy stuck in the house.
I'm not a very patient patient.

Ouch!!
Hope you feel better soon.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Michael Parnham]

Cycling during a heavy downpour Michael :doh

Went out today for a short hobble as I was going crazy stuck in the house.
I'm not a very patient patient.

Bless you, I'm sure it won't be long you'll be hopping instead of hobbling, get well soon!:xxgrinning--00xx3: