Paul you are 100% right brother. Before I left America I was dead mentally and just about physically . When I finally did leave America it took me about 6 good months to get everything back. My mental outlook did a 180° turn and my physical health improved tremendously . The Philippines saved my life literally, and I still thank God every day for Him and my Dear sweet Wife !!!. God bless the Philippines her beauty and her awesome beautiful people !!!🙏❤️👍
I have 11 months until retirement. Going to Chaing Mai, Thailand. The Groundhog Day life here in the States is wearing me down. The infighting, the materialism, the disrespect of the elderly, and the inability of folks to just say hi to a stranger or even smile at someone walking down the street is killing me slowly. I don't really have the strength to stay here, so it really is time to change the channel and get happy for a change. And yes, travel to Angor Wat, the Philippines, Viet Nam, and other places are on the agenda. Time to live instead of merely existing!
Sounds to me you didn’t need move to the other side of the planet but simply to a sleepy lil rural place within the US. These lil meccas are literally everywhere. Open your eyes, get out explore. They are there in every “red” State in the US.
@@briandumont7272 , I have a small fruit farm in southeast Thailand in Chanthaburi province and Smokey day were bad a couple weeks ago, better now, it’s because of all the burning sugar cane and rice fields every year in Laos, Myramar , and Thailand too
I came 5 weeks ago - it took every bit of strength I could muster to shed my old life for this new one. Moving here has changed my life in ways I can't describe.
Wow! Your story sounds so familiar! My wife died on my 70th birthday and I changed jobs thinking that would help with the lonely! I continued to work for 3 years, but I felt stuck... Plus I had hurt my back. My health was going downhill, and my children didn't seem to care much about me, so I did some research and found the Philippines to be the best economical choice. Then started chatting on a dating site with a Filipina who seemed to match my personality! I decide I had to get out of my current situation before my health was completely shot! I got my money together, called my cousin, the landlord, and told her I was leaving. I told her I had no energy to take care of my possessions, and she could have them. I packed my bag, left absolutely everything I had accumulated in my life and got on the plane! Here I am, 6 years later, fully recovered from my injury, happy to say the girl was and is perfect! We have a large property and a house in the norther province of Cebu, 5 dogs, a car, a bike and a very simple life! I'm treated like a King, and I've never been more content with life!
Awesome!! Truly inspiring. It hit me hard to read your words. I have been dreaming of moving, of living a simpler life. My finances are in order but I feel overwhelmed by having to deal with situations at home and things I own. (what if I come back??). Your bold decision is truly inspiring and I think that is the way to deal with life. Congratulations!!
@@Oceanofsand1981 Now after six years, I sometimes wish I had brought a few things, like my optician tools and one of my suits! Tools to do small repairs and the suit to be buried in! (it was tailor made) But I have no regrets about moving here! 🤗
@Oceanofsand Why not have it rented while you’re away/testing waters in PH, Thailand, Laos or wherever it may be, renewable every 6 mos so in case you return, you still have it? At the same it’s earning, passive income. Good luck! 🙏😊
A great story! Could you please tell me the cost of a small, comfortable house on some land in Cebu? I’d be satisfied with 500~600 or so square feet. I’m a single Canadian living in Japan right now with several cats. I’d bring my cats with me. I’m surprised you have 5 dogs. Did you buy them or were they strays? I like all animals. Wanted to be a veterinarian when young.
Very excellent talk Paul. I moved from Canada 5 years ago. Still can’t believe how it changed me. I’m married again , something I said I would never do again. Still can’t believe how happy I am.
Hi Randy. I’m a fellow Canadian living in Japan right now, but considering the PH now or even returning to Canada 🇨🇦. I’ve heard most expats eventually return to their home country. Will you ever return to Canada 🇨🇦 or will you live out your remaining life in the PH? What worries me is the cost of re-establishing myself in Canada in the future if and when it comes time I need healthcare in my later years or if I simply decide not to stay in the PH forever.
Good for you! Pushing yourself to do new things will, no doubt invigorate you and now you're able to do them freely, without any major concerns or 'what ifs'. I must say the last few videos you looked a little bored to me or lack luster..... you get the drift. So yes, hey, give it a try, enjoy and make memories! Personally I have no intention of leaving the US, I have a good life here in Florida, everything I need, but I find your videos fascinating and love the wisdom and humor you dispel. The Philippines holds no magic for me, but some of your subscribers genuinely enjoy your character and observations. You could be anywhere in the world actually and do the same thing and I would still watch. Keep on keeping on Paul...
Thanks Paul, an interesting talk. I am moving to the Philippines about October, out of all the people I have told I was moving only one congratulated me, everyone else was negative and all about themselves and how they would be affected. Gave me more reason to stick to my decision. Yes, we need to get out of our comfort zone, that is how we learn and progress forward in life.
Wow!! That was an incredible talk. Paul has reached a new spiritual level in this human existence to be able to look past the hate and see that there is more going on, he’s a good man. I have watched him for many years in this video journal of his and it’s amazing to see how he has evolved. He has went from Living to Die to Dying to Live an inspiration on how we should live our lives and if a plain Joe, like Paul can do it then it gives us hope that it’s never too late to change our own path through life.
Fine words, Paul. Speaking for myself, it took me some time to rediscover my inner strength and act on my plan to come to the Philippines. Although I knew I wasn't happy with my situation at the time here in Australia, I also had reservations of the unknown. The old andage, the grass isn't always greener, Better the devil you know, kept playing in my mind. But I was fortunate to meet Michelle, and she provided the emotion safety net so to speak, that gave me the courage to pull the trigger and make that leap of faith. It hasn't been all smooth sailing but I'm now in a better place. We can all find ourselves in difficulty and despair at any given time. But with a little encouragement we can find the strength and self belief required to continue this journey we call life
Good going Paul...nice to see kindness...and am glad that the Philippines has that ability to change people's hearts. The things you hear about the States are true...bickering, arguing, fighting, crime, violence, homelessness, no justice and all the negative stuff is going way out of control here. I'm from Phoenix, AZ, and am wondering when everything is going to go totally out of control...Be safe and God Bless!
Hi, I'm from England, my girlfriend lives in Cebu city and we have been seeing each other for over 4 years now, I have visited, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Philippines, with my job as a lorry driver I have traveled all over Europe including North Africa, I just except and respect the culture of the country that I'm in,it is not up to me to push my way of life onto them and and expect them to change just for me, I have met all of her family and friends, her brothers who live in the wooden shacks like some of her friends, there is one thing I will not do is look down on them and to think that I'm better than them, I treat and respect everyone as I like to be treated, no one is better than the person next to them.
Thanks Paul, this is one of the best videos you've done. One of the best 'from-the-heart' videos on RU-vid. Thank you for the inner resolve to do it. You handled this guy the best way, you took the high road and used compassion to win people over. Cheers,...
It is a scary thing making a major move like coming the Philippines permanently but after being here in the Philippines I need to go back the the USA to take care of business and I am really not looking forward to going back. I am looking forward to seeing people I have not seen since I left but I do want to make the time I spend in the USA short.😊
Strength is the right word. When you're stepping into the unknown, especially at our age, it does take strength. We get very attached to our ways of doing things here in America and having the support systems in place. Walking away from that does take some strength.
Paul, your ability to self reflect in a clear way is one of your best traits. Your best trait is that you are a positive, caring, good person. Thanks always for your sharing.
Thanks again Paul. Very good story. I wish you all the best in the new location. And sir, if you had any idea what it's really like here in the US now, you wouldn't believe it. It's much worse than you mentioned, esp for men. But no need to go down that rabbit hole, we, as men, must find the strength to move on, and then find the courage to open our hearts to the possibility that some people are still good people.
Yep! Shit show now in America! Im a victim of Targeted Parental Alienation from my ex wife. I raised my son in a single parent home until he was 15 years old. He's now 18 and not one text at Christmas for 3 Christmases in a row. I told my son every day of his life I love him. I stayed single through the prime of my life with the silly idea of honoring my wedding vows that I made to my family and to God. Now I'm a broken down physical and mental mess at 56 years old. You should have seen me at 46! Literally tuning down gorgeous 18 year olds at the lake, both were so beautiful! I knew the mother of one of the girls and she came up to me and said her daughter wanted to meet me and also let me know to be good she'll be keeping an eye on me. Lol Seems like yesterday in my mind but my body that's now starting to betray me thinks it was 30 years ago. Life sucks
@@johnathanhurd3561 a lot of same sex kids (Dad/son, mother/daughter) boot off to the other side in their teenage years. Most wise up by 24. Leave the door open and don't be cranky with them and all should be good in the end.
Finding that inner peace no matter where you land is the key to the whole thing while also living in a place that provides all-around comfort e.g people, friends, conveniences, and a sense of community is also important especially if you're retired. Good on you Paul and Ms. or now Mrs. Mae, may you continue to extend your happiness no matter where you land.
With a disposition like yours, Paul, I could not imagine anything, but peace and success wherever you choose to land. Best of luck, and wonderful wishes with your journey.
Hey Paul. I finally made the move in September 22. Got rid of everything except my clothes and things I would need here. I already had a house and girlfriend waiting for me. That was my main reason. However the political destruction of the usa was killing me to watch every day. I find myself still following what is going on in America now. I don't miss the divide there and enjoying my life here in Philippines and I have enough money every month to get by and still have money in my checking account. Ants seem to be my biggest challenge here. So many different kinds. Not sure when I will go back to see my family again but other than small challenges I have a life that I feel loved.
Absolutely agree about the ants. I have small ants out at my beach lot living in the saplings that have a bite that lasts for a week. I found ants in my freezer! The seemed to love my vitamins. It took about a month to get my house “mostly ant free”. Totally agree about the rest. My biggest problem now is paying my US taxes. I do my 1040 as married filing single so I don’t have to worry about filing all those stupid forms for expat reporting requirements.
Best cure for political stuff is just turn off the damn news. Problem solved. You'll never bother to care anymore and add years onto life. People who watch because miserable old people quickly.
Ants?? Spray sevin if it's outside the house and inside the house under the sink or any part just buy baygon chalk ( and write off limits to ants joke) seriously its effective
You know Paul honestly you're right The Philippines showed me I still have love in my.... actually more so the people of the Philippines gave me my soul back.... they're gracious, beautiful, welcoming and full of humility and acceptance The chip on my shoulder is still there but from my three months in the Philippines it is substantially whittled down Nothing but love for the people of the Philippines and congratulations to you and Mae I'm saying this as my heart tears from being back in the US where that chip on my shoulder wears on my soul....I have hope now Paul whereas before I was honestly venting from a broken heart....I had lost everything here and as a result was directing my pain outward and brother no one needs that.....all good wishes to you and Baby Mae and nothing but gratitude for your honesty
Dear Paul, Thanks for sharing man! Very moving words and thoughts. Best to you and Mae. May life continue to be a grand adventure for you. Blessing and Peace to You!
I have a message to those who wants to come here . Most Filipinos are living in a very simple way . We are contented what we have . We don't look for more . If you have Filipinos you're lucky because we treat you like a king & queen . We are satisfied what is given to us in above . Come men & women ! If you're looking for a simple happy life , you will find it here especially in the province . 110 percent i swear 🇵🇭⭐⭐⭐❤️❤️❤️
This is powerful Paul. My daily routine is also a drain on my strength. I am no longer even trying to maintain, just survive. Thank you for this conversation.
Great video Paul. That’s the beauty about the Philippines, you can just pack up and go and start a new adventure, share your wisdom and enjoy life. Take care.
I love your channel. You're so inspiring. Anyone who bashes you is either miserable or jealous. Because of vloggers such as yours, I will be visiting Philippines this July for the first time. Keep up the positive vibes man.
Inspiring video. I made the leap from corporate to running my own business when I was 42. Now at 77 with prospects of living a healthy 20+ years, I am inspired to make another wild, crazy departure from what has become a boring set of expectancies. Good on you.
We were in the grocery store recently and I saw a tall young Caucasian guy yelling to not at his Filipina partner. I smiled thinking oh he is new here. Speaking loudly is unseemly here in the Philz. I know because it took my wife telling me the second time that I embarrassed her by being too loud because I was frustrated with something 😊. It has taken a year of letting go of stress and western expectations.
Thank you for posting this video. A very grace filled video for this Good Friday. My son made it out of the hospital. Thank you, Mae and everyone else that prayed for us
I moved abroad 20 years ago, but I still enjoy returning to the USA and may return to live one day. Before I left the USA, I asked my self "What's the worst that can happen?" Answer: "I'll just return to the USA" 😁😁
The way you explained it makes perfect sense. Just the daily struggle and routine dealing with the life style, and the building drama in the US, just makes me want to pack up a few things and bug out. Just having to wait for all the pre-move actions to get squared away seem to drag on forever. For me, moving to other countries isn't really the issue, having done so most my life. It's the determining when it's time to 'move on' and tying up all the loose ends to do so.
Hey Paul I’ve been watching your channel for a while now I’ve kept quiet just watching your channel watching your content you have been helping me on my journey I’m a few months away from retirement now!! I look back and I’ve planned this for 104 months over 8 years keep up what you are doing (I’m probably not going to be in Duma my friend lives in pasay we will probably stay in Luzon but I won’t forget the indirect help you have given me don’t ever let any of these guys get you down or worry you because you have friends and people like me who don’t know you directly but have your back
It took me back as well and my first thought was, strength brought me to the US and weakness made me leave after 20 years. Then again, a hunger for adventure and life played an equally big part to emigrate for a second time. If you are retired and your finances are set up, it really doesn't take that much guts to give it a shot.
I think I'm ready to make the switch. I've been to the Philippines 9 x Dumegete 6 x . The US is not the same country prices are through the roof on everything and I'm still working at age 67. I'd sell my house I'm married already to a fillipina and her family is from Sibulon. They don't ask for money and I could start enjoying retirement
Great video again Paul ! I am the same age as you , retired in Australia , did not work for me in the Philippines, but now married to a professional Thai lady , building a house in Isaan on her one acre block , even have free health care and a dentist , because she works for Thai government. It has paid for me , not engaging with young bar girls any more and going for a 49 year old in the province . Your attitude is the best , it helped me , big time. Cheers , your subscribers are growing ! 😊
Exactly, you went for a real Thai lady. That is the best advice and I hope the men on this channel listen to your example. I think though in the Phillipines because of the no divorce laws it would be hard to find an older unmarried lady. A good friend of mine married a lady from Thailand his same age. They were truly in love. Her heart was so beautiful. There are good women in every country.
Why are people so desperate to find a women ..and pay pay pay live on your own.get a women when you want and enjoy..not travel half way around the world..to find a 50 Yr old .May as well stay at home
Great 👍 video Paul. I agree totally with you in that, there are places in this world especially the Philippines that can "change" and "open up" one's mind and many times find "yourself" again.
I subscribed to your channel very early on because of your journey of being an ex-pat in the Philippines. That part was wonderful. Then I unsubscribed because I decided to look at Mexico or Ecuador as an alternative. Now I've re-subscibed because I'm fascinated with your growth as a man,father and now, new husband! You're a very cool dude. You sold cars for a living? Damn, you created a whole new you! That takes big balls. You are inspiring. You finally found the right job. And the universe rewarded you with the perfect mate. Well done.❤
Why not? I'm not telling you to go night clubbing but getting out of your comfort zone and checking out other places is a great idea. Whatever you decide I'll be along for the ride!🏖️🏝️🇵🇭
I have a house and property on Siquijor. Do Dumaguete trips all the time and have family there. Saw you in Tom's one time. Currently in the states but will be back in May for a while. I totally understand you when you said you didn't have the strength to stay.
Paul, I too had a bit of a strange reaction to your first subject - the man who couldn't bring himself to leave America. If it weren't for family issues holding me back I would have been here years ago - at least part-time. A one month vacation here would change his mind. You don't know until you do, right?...There are some things I miss about the States. Like being able to get in a car on a whim and take a 1,000 mile x-country trip. What I don't miss is the $500 in gas it'll cost me. Or the other high parasitical costs of driving there - like insurance. Or the road rage I will experience along the way. Or the $150 a night hotel where tweekers on homeless vouchers are slamming the furniture around upstairs all night and having a domestic dispute. Or the food that makes you nauseous...But, some people can't cut the chord, and that's fine, because otherwise this place would be overrun with tall people with anger issues and phobias left and right. America is still a beautiful country, but as soon as you get around civilization there, it's shockingly dystopian...Hey, getting out with your new wife and seeing the territory sounds like a great idea. Do it before the rainy season hits though. I don't think I would suggest a complete uproot though - why leave where you're happy? Comfort isn't a bad thing you know...Take care guys, and have fun!...Mabuhay!...
Paul , you are a bigger man than the person you have mentioned. There will always be hate as it is easier to produce than love, content or reasonable information. Keep on helping those who appreciate you and swerve the dodgy participants. Love to you and your gorgeous wife xxx
Best thing I ever did was get on the plane to live here. It helped to come here on vacation for over 20 years, so it wasn't that big a stretch to make that jump. I have just enough strength to go back to the states for a few months a year to see what's changed for the good or bad. Reconfirms my choice thank you God. 27 years later waited for the woman of my life Cherrie Dee and I will be married on May 27th 2023. Good video Paul.
Yep!!!! Things are definitely going south in the US. Much less stressful in the Philippines. Good video like usual Paul. Your very easy and enjoyable to watch. By far your my favorite youtuber. Take care of you and May God Bless.
Hi Paul, over a year ago I made a comment on one of your videos that I probably never would make it to the Philippines for the same reason I was in my way!!!.... So you know, I just got here , I'm in Santiago City, and things are going better than ever for me. Your videos are truly inspiring ! Take care my friend!
hey, Jackson have been looking for somebody that's moved to Santiago City, how is it up there? housing and all that? shoot me a reply if you can. I've been seriously looking at the north for some time now..TY my friend
@@im_a_ukie8951 The reason I am in the North, is there is much more affordable housing because there are hardly any foreigners, you can get a fully furnished apartment for $10,000 pesos a month+ water and electric. Take care my friend
I’m 51 retired and tired of life in America. It’s definitely a big move moving 8000 miles away. My solution to give me peace of mind is because my house is paid off I will rent it for 5 years then if I don’t like the Philippines or wherever I end up after 5 years I have my house to come back to if I absolutely love it overseas I will return to sell my home. I figured keeping my house will help me keep a clear head knowing if it doesn’t work out im one flight ✈️ away from going back to my regular life.
Smart idea! Keep your home. A lot of foreigners ended up going back to their homeland. Philippines is not for everybody. I’m a Filipina married to a Caucasian for 30 years. But hubby and I will just go to the Philippines for a short vacay. 😂
I was a couple years older than you in a similar situation, I leased my home for 5 years. I got a seasonal "fun" job Dec - April and spent the rest of my time in Thailand. I sold my home before I finally fully retired a couple years ago. If you are looking to move to southeast asia the Philippines will be the most comfortable for you from the perspective of language and culture. I chose based on standard of living, health care, food quality, infrastructure, and the availability of things I like to do. Cons: little english spoken, Government's attitude towards foreigners changes frequently, but in reality I can convert my visa to a 20 year VIP and at my age I am not worried beyond that. I predict your only regret will be having to go back to sell your home. Best of luck to you
Do it. I am a Brit and I too retired to the Philippines at 51 and have no regrets. I wasn't living in the UK - I left when I was in my 20s - but I was living/working in Hong Kong, which is London on steroids. Find a decent place to live. If you have/meet a girl you can trust and you like it here buy a property in her name. You may find it hard to adjust to the slower pace of life, cultural quirks and lack of immediacy over here, but in the end, I have found the move to be worth it. Good luck.
Why would you want to go back to a life you saying your tired of sell up pal and take the plunge u s a will be worse in 5 yrs than it is now..plus you will be older
Hi Paul you know I pass a cemetery everyday going to work it's the same one my mom and dad' are at and my whole family have a spot waiting there and that's fine but I don't plan to go any time soon lol but I think every day I have been working sense the age of 12 I'm 61 now will be 62 this year and I can't wait to retire and I plan to move to the Philippines for one reason I really want to the other reasons you can't live in the United States on just social security and I don't want to be one of those guys that is still working at a Walmart are some place like that just to survive I want to retire and just do nothing unless I want to do it just live a simple life and enjoy life before it's all over
As an expat myself I've met quite a few others but mostly couples. People have told me I'm brave to go and live in a strange country on my own but like you, my previous life was not sustainable, in my case due to back pain. I moved from UK to Hungary, then to Croatia. At one point I was offering my house in Hungary for rent and there was a woman in UK interested in taking it. We exchanged several detailed emails but in the end she "chickened out" and stayed in UK.
I’ve been traveling alone for about a year now. Every month somewhere different. I’d probably enjoy it more if I had someone to travel with like you do. But this is way better than sitting alone in the US doing nothing with my life except working.
Paul you are a man on a mission and you covered some things that I've been thinking about in my life and that was a great video thanks for taking the time all right happy travels and God speed
Thank you brother I needed that just to slap me out of the toxic environment I have to deal with every day. This helped me to see the glimmer at the end of the tunnel! So I'll be good for another 6 months. Love all around an God bless ya'll peace!
In the US, it is like that classic movie "Groundhog Day". You feel like a hamster getting on that hamster wheel and doing the same thing continuously. For me personally, the day when I retire and move to another country permanently is when I get off that wheel!
Paul, you are such a great storyteller, why don't you write a short book story about being a expat living abroad, I bet that's gonna be a best seller for an expat. Just what is currently happening here in the US has changed dramatically , should we start listening and sing the Beatle's song " All we need is Love " '🌎🌄✌🤘
Probably you think your audience is generally from USA.. but it's definitely not the case. Hi from Turkey 👋 Thank you for the inspiration and influence.. will probably be there in a year. And one more thing: the way you laugh is contagious. I find myself laughing with you 😊 Thanks for the effort
Paul. You certainly nailed a couple of notes on my playlist. I am in that rut you mentioned but it is so very hard to break that well known adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I heard someone once say, that they searched all over the world in search of themselves, only to ultimately discover that where they were in the beginning, was where they were suppose to be. The moral of my comment is that, I wish I could fine what you and Mae have found, right here where I currently am.
Good one Paul I felt your Ernest concern for your audience. I must be the odd guy. I really love my Philippine family and the Philippines but I’m still happy in the States. Maybe cause I don’t watch the news. Haha. Maybe someday it will change for me. Good luck on the adventure I’ll keep watching you. God bless.
I found the strength to get on the plane in 2016 because of the little brown doll that was waiting for me in Mindanao. August will make 7 years of marriage for us. We are retiring back to the Philippines this October. I have no regrets for getting on that plane.
US is a total hate culture now. Been here in the Philippines almost 4 months now and some of that is washing away. So happy to be here now. Thanks for your channel and take care there Paul.
I went back to the Philippines to start a new life after my late Filipina wife of 41 years died of cancer. I met another lovely Filipina, brought her to Vegas, and wed her. We currently reside in the Philippines and intend to do so for some time.
It's easier for me to be 8000 miles away retired in the Philippines watching America self destruct than to live in America living the self destruction.
I lived in Thailand for 5 years,Covid/issues sent me back to America. I’m just trying to figure out how Let go completely of America. It is a difficult thing to do but living in Asian I understand the peace that it brings me. The Philippines just makes sense due to the visa issues. It’s so much easier.
Paul, another great vlog. You are right about the "comfort zone". The Philippines is a HUGE country with so many varied places to live or just visit. There are always new places to check out and expats to meet that are good people. Change is good and all the reasons you mentioned are great reasons to affect change. We all look forward to see how your journey plays out and if you stay in Duma or look for different pastures....
