Nope. Not at all overrated but it depends upon where you live. I have lived in the Phillipines with my wife and family for 5 years. However, we live in an area that is not an ex-pat enclave, but it is by no means remote. We have property, a business and a decent income. The kids are at university/school, our income exceeds our expenditure. I've lived/worked all over the world but I would say that I am probably most content in the Philippines.
The Philippines is definitely under-rated. I've been returning to the Philippines every year since 1975 when i married my first Filipina wife. We were married for 41 years until she passed away from cancer two years after we retired here. I am a permanent resident here and remarried to a younger Filipina who was once my caregiver. I don't plan to return to the US.
his first wife is same country. He had good experience with his first wife. Good for him. don't be offended. but.. there is no perfect race in the world. all I can say . Good luck to your 2nd marriage . your first is a good one/ partner.
@@mpoiya My young Filipina is actually making more income than me. She is an MD (medical doctor) in the Philippines with a degree from John Hopkins. She worked at the Mayo Hospital for five years before returning to the Philippines to expand her career and use her skills as an international PA (physician assistant) in three countries including Japan, Singapore, and Dubai. She also owns a Mango plantation and her family is very well off. My first wife was also a nurse and cared for me when i was medivac from Vietnam in 71 to Cubi Hospital in Subic Bay Naval Station. My apologies for flexing but both my wives are amazing and deserve it. And I feel blessed to have them and to be able to enjoy this beautiful culture of the Filipina. If you go to any hospital in most of the world you will find a beautiful Filipina nurse or doctor working there.
As a Filipino myself I like all their insights about Filipinos especially the country. To me ít doesn’t matter if it’s negative or not as long as it’s true. Thanks for the video.
I'm with you on that world communities need to know the truth as Filipino myself I left 4.5 decades ago currently residing in the good ol USA 🇺🇸 as we all knew destitute are all over the world however Makati Manila is like .Miami Florida In addition provinces small towns outside,honestly speaking it needs attention meaning investors good job,sometimes it's frustrating thinking about it too much discrepancy the country has been abandoned for a long time and it's not gonna bounce back anytime soon,sad to say perhaps 25 years
Yeah, sana all, kasing open-minded mo. May mga pinoy OA magreact sa mga negative reactions ng mga tourist. Negativity should be used as a motivation to improve.
That's why I appreciate a realist, which gives a more balanced viewpoint. Phony optimism is almost as annoying as pessimism. When you buy a product, it is best to read the 'negative' reviews first. Some are irrelevant, and it generally easy to see which is which. No place on this earth is 'paradise' (unless I missed something). Pleasure will not lead you to a lasting happiness, which more money can provide. You will get tired of the same p8ssy and/or luxuries after a time. So, I believe paradise, as referred to in these vlogs, is more or less relative. A spoiled child, retired or otherwise will never be 'happy.'
Very interesting guests. The German fellow is very wise. Filipinos are very friendly, but beware of the one shaking your hand with a smile on his face, with a knife in his other hand ready to stab you in the back. I'm Filipino and know many of these individuals.
There are over rated and under rated aspects just like anywhere else. But, you're free to participate in or avoid any part of the culture that doesn't work for you personally. Being in a country doesn't mean that you lose your right to choose what is good for you and what is not. I've been living here since 2015, in Palawan, and there is a lot to enjoy. But, there are many negative aspects to life that I have either simply avoided or found an alternative option to get the things I want/need for my family. Is it paradise? Absolutely not. Is it hell? Of course not. It's just like every other country in the world. Good and bad can be found everywhere, the Philippines is no different.
JUST DONT EXPECT TOO MUCH DONT COMPARE OUR COUNTRY TO YOUR COUNTRY WE ARE DEVELOPING COUNTRY YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEAN AND ABOUT HOT WEATHER ONLY VAMPIRE AFRAID TO THE SUN HEHHEHE PEACE
@@JEPOYHEROBLOGG I've had the benefit of living in numerous countries in my life. I've never had any "expectations" of any place. I take things as they are. One thing I can say is that the condition of a country is based on the determination and willingness of it's citizens to work hard and make it better. The Philippines has exactly what the Filipinos have built, nothing more and nothing less. I grew up in southern Georgia in the US. The summers there are much hotter than the "Dry Season" here so the heat isn't a problem for me. Overall, I enjoy most of the experience here. :)
The main goal for going places like the Philippines is to live more life for less money. I recommend you work on yourself first doing your homework before making the move overseas. Go overseas for the right reasons leaving all your bad habits behind. Don't go overseas repeating the same old mistakes. If you respect the Filipinos and their culture you will have a wonderful time. Never rush to find love taking your time in finding the right partner. Most Filipino women are more traditional seeking a long-term relationship. A women place is under your wing and never under your boot. When traveling don't become a victim of your bad choices. You can't keep drinking the sewer water expecting not to get sick. I try to live each day that makes yesterday jealous. You have bad people all over the world so be smart staying safe. No where is a perfect paradise with always having its compromises. Remember you are responsible for your own happiness in life. I have traveled since 1993 finally moving to Thailand in 2013 mainly for medical reason. I am happily married considering everything else a blessing that comes my way. Have the courage to find your happiness never letting anyone destroy your peace.
I enjoyed the Irish gentleman's thoughts. Very honest. There are a lot of thirst trap video's about the Philippines right now, reaching a feaver pitch. Please be wise in big life choices.
These are great answers from these people Alex I enjoy it here in the Philippines and the fact that English is understood here from almost anyone is a huge advantage
I'm a retired Filipina when my husband & I retired in USA we choose to go back in our native land phil. Although we have 3 kids left in USA they are grown up I could say stable enough to live on their own I think we choose the right decision to go back coz lesser stress especially financially although we miss our family. But we have to choose😊😊😊.
Do not expect western country comfort you will experience here also. Places vary depending on your budget. Just come here with good intentions and experience the culture.
I find a lot of Americans are too judgmental when they go to the Philippines. If you grow up in the Philippines will have a different outlook than an American I believe people just enjoy the country for what it is and what the greatness is has to offer.
Great insight with residents and visitors to the country! I have never been there before. I have met people from there in Australia, and most are friendly, hardworking and giving. Not all human beings are the same in character, personalities, wants and needs. I think everywhere in the world there is an underated and overated aspect according to lifestyle upbringing and social status.
The main reason why people are able to enjoy their stay in the Philippines is because they are able to see the beauty of the Philippines. Every country has their own negative side and its dangers. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There might be so much poverty but imagine if the Philippines is as rich as Singapore, Japan or Western countries, then I doubt you have as friendly and as hospitable as the Filipinos. If Filipinos have it all, then the world will never have nurses, engineers, cruise ship crews etc. Philippines definitely is underrated and the beauty of it is that when they discover that Philippines is better than expected then people gets impressed fast. Good thing also that Philippines is lest touristy than other countries is that were able to preserve our spots
This was a great crossection of subjects; Australian, French, German, English; married, unmarried. Young and old. Great perspectives and question. More on this same question would be good. I will be visiting Cebu, Duma and Siquijor next month on vacation from US; also recon for retirement.
Nice video. I will be visiting Philippines for the first time in two weeks. I've been to Thailand, Japan , Indonesia, and China. It will be an interesting experience.
It's what you make of it and to have realistic expectations. You can live a comfortable life here amongst friendly and kind people. Also there are certainly nice areas to live in.
Pilipino is the same like the other country specially now young generation have everything ,drug drink to much alcohol ,lots of young even adult have no respect to other people .always beware where ever you go people is not the same like before .
We Filipinos loves those appreciate our uniqueness.well okay every one have different views in life .but if you are a foreign tourist just be respectful and you will be respected in return.thanks for this content ...be safe always here in our beloved philippine country. ❤❤❤
Don't let these SPOILED BY THEIR HOME COUNTRY BASTARDS make YOU FEEL BAD about where you come from. They are guest(s) in your house. The entire Philippines is YOUR HOME!!! I truly mean it. My ex wife is Filipina (Cebuana) she's educated but let me know a lot of the culture and these people HAVE THEIR OWN DEMONS and weird perspectives expecting it to be LIKE THEIR HOME COUNTRY and 1000% percent.
Very honest observation😁 we do have good and bad things to see in my beloved country but its up to every foriegners own eyes and experience to answer in positive or negative point of views...but thats my Country... people will always appreciate or not depend on what they want or expect🎉❤
From my own experience and perspective in comparison to the responses received in this video, I think the Philippines 🇵🇭 is underrated. It all depends on the likes and views of what you’re looking for. When it comes to nice women, the abundance can never be overstated. 😊
Good video thank you! I appreciated hearing from a cross section of people, not just Americans because people from different countries bring a different perspective.
You get what you paid for. Trashy beach or clean beach. Full toilet or buhos/tabo/common toilet. But food is mostly overrated cos they're mostly fried in bad oil that will clog your arteries, or you'll be eating intestines as streetfood. Friendliness is overrated. The girls laugh and giggle a lot because their English is being tested, and not because they like you. Lots of air and noise pollution even in the countryside becos of tricycles or notorbikes. Now is that under or over rated? It really depends on which part of the world you came from and your global travel experience for you to give a benchmark on ratings.
A great video.I am married to a Filipina.With 2 children of our own.I have been to philippines 3 times.A beautiful country lovely people.Awesome hospitality and culture.I am looking forward in retiring in the beautiful philippines.
The Philippines has two major problems: infrastructure (including tourism infrastructure) and lack of manufacturing. As for the high population, the good news is is that the population growth rate is slowing down. And, back to the infrastructure, it may be less developed than many of its Southeast Asian peers, but at least it's getting better.
Yes both the roads here and also the diver's are very bad here but what do i know I have only lived in the Philippines for 33 years @@dsrrellgriffith1161
Most appear to have a positive overall perception of the country. No place is perfect so far as I can tell. Only unrealistic expectations might lead to tremendous disappointment. -?- "IDEALS AND REALITY - CAN BE MILES APART" - in the real world. - - - It really all depends on your 'perspective' and tolerance for their specific short comings ? > Every place has some challenges for people to deal with and people deal with them differently. And - "one man's trash - is another man's treasure" - so there's that too ? Meaning a case could be made for either one ! = Beauty is is the eye of the beholder.
Definitely still underrated!! Philippines is usually the last country someone from a western country would travel to if it’s his first time traveling to Asia.
Self reflection is difficult for anyone, even more so for a culture. People get accustomed to these habits and after a few generations see nothing wrong until the shoe is on the other foot
Visitors perception vs. foreignors who live here will have a diff perspective. Fiipines is underated for visitors and overated for those that live here.
For me, it is under-rated for holidays. I got officemates here in the UK who’s been to Thailand and Bali and they rave so much about them, not considering that Phils has so much more to offer if you want some nice holidays.
Location makes a huge difference. I live up north in pangasinan in the baraguy. Infrastructure is horrible, crowded streets, filth, bad smells, smoke in the air constantly, and not many good options for schooling our children. Since there are only a few expats the shopping is fine for locals but nothing much imported so no comforts of home. It's on me mostly but I can't speak the local language so I struggle to socialize but would very much like to make friends. Having visited other areas the grass is certainly greener in other areas of the country. My advice to people visiting with thoughts of retirement here is to check out lots of different areas, then decide where and if it's right for you. If my wife didn't own land and build a custom home where we are I'd definitely live elsewhere. Angeles near Clark, Iloilo, Valencia, Cebu, or Baguio would top my list of great places to live depending on your hobbies and needs.
I would recommend checking out different islands of the Philippines. The whole Philippines is not the same. If you only visited one area your not able to judge fairly. Each area or islands can have very different experiences.
I'm a Filipina who was born here in the Philippines. I came back as a balik Bayan after almost 36 yrs. I've been dreaming about eating authentic filipino food for years. I couldn't find any authentic pinoy food. Everything contains sugar. ( I'm diabetic) There's so much scam everywhere you go. Me and my husband's got scams at the Dampa. We also got scams going to Puerto Galera by tricycle drivers. My favorite part of the Philippines besides than fruits is President Marcos. ( Junior and Sr as well) Marco's parin. Still ❤ Philippines. I also love all those Filipinos who are honest and work hard for living.
The German guy tells you that he had come to the Phils for work decades ago and you did not ask him what kind of job. A big WHY? .Yet, it is still an interesting video...
I want to be fair, there are good aspects to the Philippines. But reliable electricity and Internet is not one of them. Sure some areas can be better than others but I don't want live anywhere near Manila Metro even if the elec stay on there. But I can also recognize the other side, if you have a lifestyle in which you don't really need electricity all of the time nor care about connectivity then the electricity issue is not such a negative. For me ? I've been in the Internet industry and a user since 1995, I do almost everything I can using the Internet. I love it. It's my library, my TV, my banking, etc. I need the Internet to do my thing therefore I've given up on living full time in the Phils in my retirement, I'm going to visit and say for weeks at a time but I"m setting up my retirement in Thailand this year where things work maybe 300% more & better than the Phils. That number is just my assessment, not a scientific proven measurement. But that is just me, does not mean others are not happy to live in the Phils. Since Thailand and Philippines are very comparable it's not a bad thing to visit both countries and learn what works best for any given person.
@@kathymc234 No offense but that's a statement without any and I mean any pre-thought. Foreigners can't own property outside of condos in the Phils. So renting a property and investing thousands, full cost as no subsidies in the Phils, to install solar on a property? Fine, make no difference, when the power goes down the internet goes down also, it's not like the USA where telcos put UPS/Battery failover generators at every switch station and cell tower. not so much so as I see it. So if you a renter, are you going spend 7K USD to put in solar & a battery bank on a property you can't own? LOL No disrespect intended.
Been to australia for the first time last nonth. And i got thinking, what are these aussie dping in the phils? They have such a beautiful country filled with cool people. I would not have gone home if not for my children waiting for me back home. Such a beautiful country… i wish i live there but i cant
Mothers are attached to their children by an invisible umbilical cord. They need to be close to their children. The average mother thinks if their children a 1000 times a day. A short vacation (one or two months) is tolerable.
Sometimes in other interviews . the comments are not realistic.. Just to please the country or do not want to leave the country or get bash after . 😅. . thats all i observe . i understand why.
Look, whatever country you're in as a foreigner, just don't be an ass. Follow the rules and regulations. Just because you're a foreigner from a first world doesn't meant that you can act entitled in other countries.
We had a holiday in the Philippines in August 2023, the stuff I purchased were definitely a lot lot cheaper, compared to the price of products in the UK.
Filipinos selling stuff/wares 0:03 in Boracay and other tourist destinations are very insistent or demanding to buy their products to the point of losing your patience.
YES and its people don't seem bothered by the great divide 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ Most think being hospitable and friendly are enough and equate it to life saving / quality of life impacting achievements... you know, things that really matter if you think you have something to be proud of collectively as a race. Pinoys pray a lot but are okay with extortion. Loves the family but burden the eldest with responsibilty. The dirt poor have the latest iphone. Squatters blast the loudest speakers in their homes. Loves getting drunk on the one-way streets not caring for the smell of feces of their own dogs decomposing for days (also in front of the house). Content with no savings as long as the 3 meals a day is completed then same people question singles why they haven't been married yet and encourage married couples to have more child to care of them when they are old, a child as the retirement plan in mind. Well, that's just the vast areas in Metro Manila as I have observed. I am glad I am from the rural area up north.
THat is Catholic culture. You do know PHilippines is majority Catholic. Filipinos are taught to live for the day because God will provide , being ambitious is bad and you make your treasures for heaven which is eternal ,not here on earth which is temporal. So now maybe you know a little bit of the culture and you might understand , why it is the way it is.
Short answer: Yes, it is. Not by much, but it is not a tropical paradise. Having been in the Philippines for a few years now, it's NOT overrated if you do your research, so here are some things to consider. There are plenty of women to date, and the culture is very nice and welcoming to foreigners. But it is a poor country, garbage and pollution are everywhere, and there is absolutely no evonomic safetynet. Healthcare is decades behind the West, and that is a substantial factor to consider for retirees. The water is NOT safe to drink. Although drinking alcohol is the national pastime, I would say that drinking is the wrong thing to do for expats. I can honestly say that every American I know here who has stumbled into a bad relationship or a horrific scam was a serious drinker. You will always be the Foreigner here. You can't own property, you can't protect your home with a gun, if there is ever a car crash or an accident of some kind the first thought in the responding police officer's mind is that you are the guilty party, and there is no such thing as a right to a speedy trial here. You start out in every situation with that discrimination working against you. Most people generally have a good time here, but lower your expectations. And definitely visit before you decide to move here. Dear God, it can be a disaster if you do it any other way.
Do not expect it like the exact copy of the US society. Our laws aren't exactly like US. Though our laws has borrowed some principle ftom US, some are spanish in origin and many are uniquely local. As of gun ownership we filipinos are the only ones who can legally own gun. We are the who can own land too. Why? It is because once upon a time, you came, subjugated us and took our land and treated us badly. You left your negative influences and practices and many inhabbitants picked it and here you come back to and complain.
The only ones who stay are the ones who have no choice..most wake up after 6 or 7 years of bullshit. Once the novelty of being called sir and the abundance of easy pussy wears off
I too think Bali is over rated. If you go to Northern Luzon you will see more beautiful natural beauties than Bali. The only thing that made Bali nice are those areas planned by big international hotels where trees and flowers were planted but when you go outside those areas they are as messy as any third world country. Baguio in the Northern Luzon, you go to Camp John Hay, it is beautiful because everything was done according to American standard however the city center is still beautiful with nice architectured buildings to see, sidewalks well paved in the city center for good morning walk or evening walk though traffic and people are up to your face. The public market is a mess and a few streets close to the city center are still undesirable but the general look is beautiful.
Im a Filipino and when it comes to friendliness just recall what smeagol of The Lord of the Rings said "we be nice to them if they be nice to us" 😁😁 Filipinos are friendly to foreigners until we realize they are not nice. Just be polite and all will be well with you when you come visit.
I wonder where you got the idea for this video topic because it's not a simple yes or no question and I found even a lot of the interviewees asked "what do you mean" when you asked them
First he doesn't want a yes or no question. That is not an interesting video. Second, some of his interviews were English as a Second Language. Not everything translates as easily as one may think.
@alanm03 it's great if you're in major cities in developed areas but really poor anywhere outside the city center. Most hotel wifi I'd horrible. I have no issues where I stay. However if I were to rate the entire country, it's the worst in SE Asia
Friendly until you make them angry. Respect everyone and every thing and it will be returned to you 3 folds. Dont be an arrogant douche and you'll be good for the most part. Don't be stupidly naive either. Be nice but cautious. There are a lot of beautiful sceneries to explore but pls do not exploit. Have fun! 😊😊
