Thank you for Watching. For those of you who have been asking how to further support this channel: PayPal is Best. PayPal markfthornton@yahoo.com Thank you! @everymanhasastory Philippines Expat Filipina passport bro
As a Black Man i am proud of this interview and how he represented me to the world, he is truly a great representation of black than we are portrayed in the media, great job in sharing our story with the world. It's Great to know that wonderful people of the Philippines is so Loving. Thanks for sharing.
I like this man! This is the kind of foreigner who typically gets along with Filipinos -- open-minded, adaptable and appreciative, not the ones who are cocky, disrespectful and insensitive, always complaining and stuff... Hope he stays in the Philippines for life . ❤
In the Philippines, I noticed that even though a dog may be very hungry, it will not resort to violence. In America, I see many dogs that are raised being well-fed and taught to be aggressive. America has a problem with aggression.
I’m a Filipino who came to the States in the 70s (I was 13). It was a culture shock for me to say the least. But I’ve adapted the American culture as a way of life here. One thing that I thought was a disadvantage to the Filipinos is that we are too friendly or too hospitable to a point that Americans or other foreigners take us for granted. But after listening to you guys, I now believe that it is one important quality that makes us stand out! I love watching your interviews and I’m glad that foreigners are appreciating the Filipinos, our culture and the country overall!
Yup! There's no mass shootings here and no serial killers here. I grew up walking 1.5 km going and coming from school and office even at night. So did my childten. I'm in my mid 50's and it's been d same for the last 4 decades.
Yup! There's no mass shootings here and no serial killers here. I grew up walking 1.5 km going and coming from school and office even at night. So did my childten. I'm in my mid 50's and it's been d same for over 4 decades.
Good things are taken for granted until the day they become scarce or extinct. In the clown world we are currently living in, every ounce of truth, love of others and faith are to be cherished, nurtured, celebrated, protected and be taught to future generations.
He is the kind of foreigner you would like to welcome the most. He adapt to our culture and not complain about the difference in his country systems with ours. He embrace our culture and adjust to it. That's how foreigner should do when they visit another country.
He "found" the Philippines, and am happy for him! Honestly, this interview made me cry when he started mentioning, Jacques Costeau, Mutual of Omaha, Wild Kingdom because that's exactly how I'd spend glued myself on TV watching shows like that growing up! Really great interview, thumbs up, way up!!! Salamat!
Although I love my country; as I do the Philippines as well. Some comments here is part of the reason I left the United States. I often feel like a man with no country. I will choose to focus on the positive comments. Thanks everyone for all the kind words. PEACE/LOVE/HAPPINESS
@@TropicalIslandBrother obviously you have a pure heart that's why you're always belong to every place where you want to be. Thanks for the great interview.
Super cool guy. My son came out black (his mom is half black and I’m 100% white) and I saw first hand since he started school how much racism and ignorance is in the USA and it shocked me. He’s 14 now , an A student and 6’4” basketball phenom. It’s all good and all the BS he put up with in the early grades has made him super resilient. My other son came out white and he is not as tough mentally. Not sure if it’s nurture or nature but my inclination is to believe that adversity makes you stronger.
That's the challenge with racism in America. Often people think it doesn't exist or isn't as bad because they will never experience it. Like a person without children will have the strongest views on how to raise a child. Or how tennagers believe they have all the answers because they lack life experience.
Or maybe love both of them unconditionally. Some kids who are weak mentally tend to be insecure and or introverts. Talk to your youngest, maybe he is having a crisis. You remind me of my aunt. She married a somalian man and had two sons. She spent so much time nurturing her eldest son and unknowingly neglected the youngest emotionally and psychologically. She didn't notice that she actually favored the eldest more than the youngest and it was a nightmare because he was contemplating suicide. My aunt also unknowingly and indirectly makes her youngest feel like he is the least remarkable child she has which caused a big rift in between her youngest. Now the youngest is 24 and barely even talks to his mother. I think you need a parent child assessment and since I barely know you but you seem to favor your eldest more so than the youngest subconsciously. Heck I hear those same words from my own mother and I don't think she even notices that she seems to dote more on the better child but in the pretense that she loves me the same as she loves my other siblings. Yeah I think you need to talk to your youngest because weak mentality and resilience doesn't rely on genetics but more on the nurture of said parents.
Him coming into the PH and getting stuck there during COVID is a great deal. Not sure how he was able to cope and handled it but he must be a strong individual and quickly assimilated to the PH way of life.
Off all the expats that you talked to this is my favorite so far, this Man is polite and he just shared his bad memories in the US where he got discrminated because his a black person his lucky to live in developing country like the Philippines because as you all know this is a country where no discrimination exist no matter what color or race you are .
There's still a discrimination in our country but not much. Based on my experience as an indigent people we are being bullied because of our color and background. Praying that it will be over soon
This is, by far, my favorite interview that you have conducted. The man was just incredibly charming and entertaining to watch, and his account of falling in love with the Philippines at first sight was both thrilling and enjoyable to hear. I truly appreciate your efforts to dispel the negative urban legends that portray the country as a waste of time and energy to visit. Your work in promoting a more accurate and positive view of the Philippines is greatly appreciated. It is truly inspiring to witness the breaking down of racial barriers and the recognition that all individuals, regardless of their race, possess equal abilities to pursue their dreams. This realization serves as a powerful reminder that we must treat everyone with respect and fairness, and work towards creating a society where diversity is celebrated and embraced. The dismantling of racial segregation opens our eyes to the beauty and potential of a truly inclusive community, where all individuals are valued and encouraged to thrive.
Filipinos are very kind and helpful. I remember speaking with a united airlines rep and I got a free premium seating upgrade offer from the airlines however I was flying with my mom and husband and I was already willing to be on a separate seat, but the filipina lady was so nice that she provided a free upgrade for my mom and husband as well on both roundtrip flights. Filipinos, no doubt, will always go above and beyond to satisfy your needs and make your day.
Wow...same happened to me! My flight back home to the Philippines was cancled and rebooked for the next day (I was so bummed out...ugh!!). Unbeknownst to my knowledge. When I boarded the aircraft the stewardess guided me to business class and champagne.
This is one of your best interviews. I particularly like his story about the librarian who helped him when no one believed him. Such a great advocate for him.
Keep doing it Cory you guys Look good and go so well together It made me feel better that someone's living A good life and getting better and better and things will get better and better I Like your videos thank you For taking the time and sharing🙂
Im 26 and live in the US, watching this video solidified my wanting to live in the Philippines. After experiencing women in the US and seeing the current direction they're going as "independent women" it feels more logical to live a good life in a place where the women actually appreciate their husbands. Even more motivated to build my remote financial stability for the move by around 30.
@@archiecruz6336 It depends where you live. If you live in the big city then the traffic and pollution comes with it. If you live in the province, there is a lot less of that. Just like the small cities of the US.
I'm a local Filipino, and I respect this man's words.. I can feel his honesty to his words he is not a perfect person but at least he is a good human being with an intelligent perception or observation to its sorroundings.
And about the helmet thing, driver's license thing here.... In my whole life experiences here in Negros Occidental, police officers are easy to please or talk to... "just be polite when talking to them, tell the truth. 90% of the time they'll gonna forgive you and let you just pass" but don't drive when your are heavily drunk----you'll have a 90% chance to be pull over and impound your motorcycle and driver's license. But it's for you and others people safety.
In the states or US, there a people who intentionally hurt asians, here in the philippines we dont do that. Pinoys are friendly and very welcoming. We love it if foreigners come here, our economy gets better
this guy is one of the handsomest guys I've ever seen and heard. So full of wisdom, love and understanding. Make me wish all foreigners to be like him... i love him Mabuhay ka! Pagpalain ka ng Diyos!
Mark, this interview was absolutely amazing. This gentleman is someone I'd definitely like to get to know better. His positive outlook and character is off the charts.
As a Filipino, I'm genuinely happy to see people who find happiness here. And he sounds truly happy. It's sort of always anxiety-inducing when some foreigners come here with unrealistic expectations or too rosy of an image of the Philippines. See them get disillusioned and then end up hating the Philippines. Not because of us, but because their expectations didn't match reality. Which is why I always advise people to tone the expectations down a bit, spend a bit of temporary time here, really try and make genuine connections with locals. And THEN decide for real.
Love his humility and respect for the people he is living with. Lots of expats move to the philippines thinking they are better then Filipinos because they carry the almighty dollar.
Great interview Mark. I got off the plane in 1984 n instantly in Love with Philippines 🙂. Here I am almost 40 years later, coming back to live in 2 weeks. Thanks again
What a BEAUTIFUL PERSON/ SOUL. He said he's not a good interviewee...lol. His insight is fascinating. I smiled listening to his experience as a child. His perception at the new school, how he cared for other kids, how he advocated for himself with reading, the pen story. All so touching. I'm watching a year later. Hope he's still passionate for the Philippines and his health is improving all the time.
In my view, the key to living happily as an expatriate in the Philippines is to leave behind any notions of superiority upon your arrival. The locals are renowned for their friendliness and generosity, and if you treat them with respect and make an effort to foster an inclusive atmosphere regardless of your ethnicity, they will reciprocate your kindness and welcome you with open arms.
of course,he has to .... when his apartment rent is only $160,he has to .... if he lives in u.s or any western city,his rent will be @ least $1,500 or $2K & I'm talking about 1 br apartment here not 2 br ......
@Sir Johnnie r.o.d I do have choices. I didn't live in a rental apartment until now. I have bought and sold three homes in the United States. My happiness has nothing to do with finances. I solely live off of wise and successful investments. From self taught investing (trial and error) I positioned myself to retire at age 55; I'll soon be 59. I can live comfortably in any country I choose; developing or Western. I live in the Philippines because I love it here.
@WHERE'S MICHAEL? ok, sir, thanks for your response, and have a wonderful evening. I'm sure you will find that special someone very soon. Seeing where you are, that could be literally very soon, unless you are on a hiatus or just deciding to stay single. I wish you all the best in life. Take care.
Ooh dear Loard! I am s black lives in Sweden and i just got to know a very poor Phillipino family. We started to communicate and just to see a part of video of their life i decided to welcome them in my life. As i am writing right now i already sent them started to support them. My big cry is what kind of small businesses that this family can do just to be able to eat, live just like other human being!? I can't sleep thinking of this and am getting more intrest even to visit Phillipinnes as soon as i out things together. That country has real good people inside their hearts. Blessings
You guys are not the only planning or had a plan to retire in Philippines. I was born and raise in Philippines, and now lived here abroad. I only have less than 10 yrs before retirement, and me and my wife already had a plan to go back home and retire because our monthly pension wouldn't enough for our monthly budget. So we figured, our pension will go far in Philippines.
When this brother said he’s a grandfather, I was like “Gtfo here!!” 😂 He looks like he’s in his 30’s.. then he started sharing childhood memories that I had, lol! The only bad part here is that we’ve lost yet another decent person to another country while we keep the miscreants here in the US 🤨 More power to you, brother 🙌🏽 Keep living the good life (hoping to follow myself with my Filipina wife when I retire!)
I am a Filipino living here in Honolulu Hawaii for almost 36 years, and I can’t wait to retire. I miss my country so much. Thank you for loving the Philippines and the people out there. ❤️
I got 1 Black American and many South African neighbors here in Las Piñas, MM and they are great people. Love that you love the Philippines. And welcome in the Philippines!
I agree with you 100%. We are polite folks from the Asian World. We are respecting all people without colors. Enjoy the Philippines!🇵🇭🎄🇵🇭 MABUHAY IN THE PHILIPPINES!❤️
As a pilipino I came to different country there is one thing I miss in philippines the positivity of people.. even how poor you are and struggling in many things but I still feel like a rich.. not by material but the positivity around me family friend even here in USA being surround with pilipina people when we have gathering I feeling is really different.. the giggling.. the happiness that I can't explain..
Never made a comment before, this is the best interview that I have seen you do. What a humble and articulate man he is. I am soon to be 58 and I go back and forth for the last 5 years to bacolod and will be building a home there or near dumaguete. Having been a peace officer for 14 years here in Canada and now being a miner for the last 14, I have seen and heard alot. Fascinating interview.
I don’t comment often on this channel and actually this might be my very first time, though I have been watching your channel since the beginning. I found this particular interview to be more interesting than most. Mike is certainly more interesting than he thinks he is and definitely a very wonderful human being. I will be coming to live in the Philippines this August and Mike if you are reading this, I hope to run into you at some point for a little conversation. Mark, I love your channel and enjoy most of your interviews, though I am definitely not as interesting as Mike, I would still love to meet you just for a short conversation, but not long enough to take up too much of your time. Till then, take care and keep up the good work!
God will guide protect when you are here in the philippines He will heal you everything you have because youre you have kind and faithful heart Sir we fipinoes are proud to you god bls
Great interview, just down to earth. This makes me want to go back to the Philippines. Went there while in the Marine Corp. Most beautiful people, loved it there.
Awesome interview. I can relate to his desire to move out of the US and start a new life. 3 years and counting until retirement. Once again great interview.
Where does Mike live? I was here last September-October. Moved to Pampanga on January 2nd. I too am a Black man but many think I’m Filipino, except the taxi drivers. Lol!
I was surprised when he's mentioning grandchildren. I thought, he's only on his 20's. Brod, you're blessed with a youth look. You're even more look younger staying in the Philippines. Hehe! Take extra careful because bad apples and tomatoes start getting crazy in the Philippines. Stay safe always. God bless!
By far my favorite interview on your channel. What a joyful soul! I can't wait to meet him when I make my big move to the Philippines. Made my week! Wow! AAA+++
Mike is a nice guy. i like this kinda foreighner. actually most foreighners that are coming here in the PH are quite cool like him and im very thankful for that.
Mike, you "found" my beloved country and so glad you are enjoying your life there. My husband is from Kansas and he also "found" Philippines to be where we will spend our retirement years. I love your Midwestern vibes, your attitude and your values, humble and unpretentious. You and my husband will hit it right off I'm sure if we ever meet some time. We will be retiring next year and are in the process of selling everything to move there. Blessings to you. Great content Mark, you did it again!
Thanks for your kind words. I absolutely love it here in the Philippines. I'm 100% positive your husband will also love it here too. I have no doubt the Philippines will be your husband's 2nd love only after you as his 1st love.
hi ive seen you were planning on retiring next year and if you have plan selling your property you may reach out to me. I know a great real realtor who can help.
Thanks Mark for these very insightful videos. This will make many Filipinos realize that Philippines is not a bad but instead a beautiful country to live in.
@@dumaguetedreaming Only the ones not proud of it. I believed no matter what, social classes has nothing to do with the question just as long as their parents; teachers; LGUs; “panatang makabayan or the Lupang Hinirang;” whoever they look up about their country’s humble-mere beauty, hospitality, great people, smiling faces, food, local places, great culture…. Is a total summation of a “beautiful country to live in.” I would prefer the PH than living in California if I was a regular person or living within a budget. The PH puts more love on their citizens esp the senior citizens than in the USA. Just look at their homelessness problem; Medicare problem; drug problem; border crisis; high inflation; fentanyl coming from China; their govt; racism still exist; Asian hate exist predominantly in the S.F. - NY - LA areas; severe crimes by knives and guns; etc. PH constitution was a copy of the American constitution with changes and thus very similar govt with a little twitch (baranggays on lower levels) but yet, it works great here.
@@edwardbondoc2550 Not sure why you focused on crime in NY, LA and SF. In deep red Jacksonville FL there have been 80 murders so far. Skinheads are spreading their hate at the NFL stadium and the governor won't use the word gay so the point is no one has been able to solve American issues. I just don't believe running from them is the right thing to do. Most expats just bring those problems with them and I wonder how long before the PI gets corrupted by them.
I am a Filipino by blood and been living here in TX for years and a naturalized US citizen. I have come across this vlog and felt interested to watch it and I was glad I did. Everything that this man said about the Phil and the Filipinos is very uplifting and it made me proud to be a Filipino. If a foreigner could be proud of the Phil and it’s people, why can’t I. I want this vlog to be watched by a lot of people of different nationalities as much as possible so that they can be enlightened about the Phil and will be interested to go to the Phil to experience it and its people.
Regular filipinos are naturally timid and shy, but they are friendly and nice, but they just dont know how to approach you or some of them might not be able to speak english very well as other filipinos do but they do understand everything in english. They stare because you look different, because most tourists who visit the Philippines are white people, they are just curious about you. I like this dude, he has great personality and very friendly. It will be a treat to be able to meet him, and be friends with him.
This is one of the most interesting interviews I have ever seen. His perspective on life, people, the Philippines, dang near everything is so interesting. Great interview, great interaction.
He said he’s not interesting, but I think he’s just very humble. I Enjoyed his philosophy on life. I liked how halfway through you were going to end the interview, but he wanted to keep talking.
He is such an honest open minded person. A real treasure. He has experienced a lot in his life and he is not bitter about the past as his medical condition must have been very challenging. Very refreshing! Does he have a YT channel? Because he is so knowledgeable and he just has a great perspective on life.
I went to an all black elementary school for a year as a child in the mid 1970's. I recall feeling out of place for sure, but I quickly made a black friend. I took him home to my grandma's house. I got a whoopin for that. I suppose that home training contributed to my lifelong interactions. In the Army 1990-2014, I felt I was even handed, if not deliberately fair to everyone. I served as an equal opportunity enforcer for half of my career. In the end, I was demolished career wise by a racist black superior, the thanks for my efforts to overcome my upbringing and peer pressure. The history each of us experienced on this subject is painfully real, but thankfully as the older people pass away, less hate is taught at home, which is a good thing. I am happy to consider myself even handed in my views, despite negative experiences, hopefully some day skin color will cease to be a topic.
This was an incredible interview. Refreshing and laid back. His demeanor is very much like a person from the Caribbean 👍. I hope to meet him when I visit.
This guy is a gem. Type of guy you want to have in your circle.Thank you for staying here in the philippines.Filipinos in general are friendly but still be cautious to those people that might take advantage of your kindness.Stay safe bro.
He is such a wonderful person, full of wisdom. You are very much welcome in the Philippines. Thank you for sharing so much positivity about Filipinos as a whole.
Best interview. Thank you. This brother had stuff to talk about that I don’t even think he realized until you gave him the space and the freedom of your platform. I hope people listen to it in its entirety. That’s why I’m returning to PH for a third time. There is something special about its people and their place in the world that doesn’t really hit you until you experience it in person.
Great interview, he hit the nail on the head when he said culture shock.. that was my experience after spending a month there and coming back to the USA .. I can’t wait to return to the Philippines in may. Short story I’ve been a over the road truck driver for over 25 years and I see everything getting worse here in the USA , crime is ridiculous, politics, social media, people in a rush to go nowhere. And it’s hard to get someone to say hello back to or wave, mostly it’s the middle finger or stink eye..
Wonderful interview with Mike & I'm happy he's finding his bliss in the Philippines !!! ONE QUESTION FOR MIKE: Where in Kansas is that fountain of youth you have been drinking from for the last 55 years !?!?!?!
Shorts, T-Shirts and Flip-Flops Bro. For the last 2 days, it was below freezing here in Omaha Ne. can not wait to go home. I am from Cebu City. I am glad most of you feel at home there.
Mike sure is a good advocate for living in the Philippines. He gave some great advice on meeting the people over there & a smile is contagious ! Great interview Mark , really like your videos.
