Some Disadvantages Of Living In The Philippines 

Eversince I left the Ph, I've been dreaming of being back. From the lazy days on the beach in Bantayan, the fresh fruits and vegetables in Cebu, the hustle and crowds of Manila, the crisp mornings in Baguio to the quiet stillness of Urdanetta. I miss it all. I left a part of my soul mother Philippines and I wait for my return so I can feel complete.

Excellent Paul! Philippines does have many positives which certainly out-weigh the bad. It's great to see that you can comfortably keep balance on both topics by keeping it real. Some vloggers only post the good stuff but for a long-term stay or retirement, everyone must know the realities of living here. Your info is very useful and direct.

i truly applaud you Paul on your approach to giving both sides of the picture. A lot of expat you tubers avoid the true scenario and doing that is like putting lipstick on a pig. No matter how thick you put the lipstick on it is still a pig. The burning of garbage in the provinces is nasty as well as all the other things you mentioned. For the fortunate people who can live in the upscale, western style areas of cities and suburbs it is easy to forget where you are and lose sight of the negative. Regarding the oppressive heat and humidity, I am the opposite of you. I hate it and the only place I would live is Baguio. I congratulate you for the way your subscriber numbers are growing and am always amazed at the depth of your experience living in so many other countries, as well as your knowledge of medical care internationally. Way to go and keep it up. You will have a huge channel eventually.

You are spot on! The first time I went I had to adjust to reality vs what so many vloggers omit and gloss over in their content. It’s a great service you provide to prepare people with reality. My second visit was much smoother because I knew what it was like to have brown outs all the time as well as dealing with the heat. Second time I adjusted quite well. I also knew to be very conscious of my steps because of the irregularities in the surfaces. I know I am a guest in another country. I leave the American intensity, stressfulness, ways at home. That helps also. Thank you 🙏🏼

I rented a motorbike for the month I was there and quickly learned to use a trike/car/truck as my lead blocker at intersections. Also following the public transit Vans in the province helps you make great time. I absolutely loved riding there. The only road laws are the laws of Physics. Not for the faint of heart. Very entertaining for me, but I would not ride in Cebu or Manilla. Tagbilaran and Dumaguete were busy enough for me. I am retiring there soon, present plan is Iloilo, but we shall see. Great channel Paul, thanks so much. Cam

You're right about the number of people in the PI. About 110M people jammed into a country with the landmass of Arizona (which has a population of 7.5M). Luckily, considering the population density, Filipinos are among the friendliest people around.

I believe the fact that you've lived and experienced so many different countries separates you from most foreigners, especially those leaving their home countries for the first time. As we get older we're also less inclined to put up with inconveniences. I think not knowing what to expect on a daily basis is what keeps the adrenalin pumping and makes life more of an adventure.🌋⚡🌀🏝️

Paul I believe you have a mostly accurate assessment of the Pros and Cons of the Philippines. Everyone regardless of their status be it a Tourist or Resident would do well to remember that it was their free will that brought you there. We should all do our due diligence before going outside our own country especially to a Non- Western conservative society. We may more readily understand beforehand, what we may encounter if we understand, what we can live with and what we can't. The bottom line for any one coming there for any reason is, if you like kindness, generosity, and a genuinely kind and unpretentious people that will treat you well without judgement in all you do, this could be a good fit. Money or having much less of it is what makes things very different, and yes a much more challenging environment to navigate to find your space there. It's a place much different from where you came from originally. They, through their own ingenuity based cultural beliefs, and evolutionary paradigm, have produced a rich cultural palette of its very own, unique in its history and development. It's the engine that drives many of the Pros and Cons you addressed. These are a people that keep things "Real", if you seek "Originality in life experience, uniqueness of spirit, and one that is evolving into something greater, then you have arrived at your second life's destination. We could all do well to take a page out of their way of doing things in the West. Thanks for listening to my perspective.

great video. I was in the Philippines for 2 years. the heat and humidity in the Philippines is livable, compared to the heat and humidity in Washington DC , in DC instead of temperature it was heat + humidty = what it feels like. the temp could be 90-95 but with the humidity factored in it felt like 105 - 110. everything would sweat. the Philippines monsoons - whew - 77 inches in August, following year August, 96 inches, yeah, Forrest was right, it even rained sideways. brownouts, yep, crazy motorbike and trike drivers, they got ya where ya needed to go. been awhile since I was in the Philippines, listening to ya, nothing has changed much. Thanks for the look back in my case ...

Hi Paul, your videos always have a great added value for me! Thx so much again, I can understand most of your descriptions because I experienced this exactly on my to trips to the Visayas ! Greetings again from your German follower Michael

Everyone wants to pay Filipino prices, but no one wants to make Filipino wages. most ex-pats have as a part of the reason for living in the Philippines, the low cost of living. The low cost of living only exist because of the poverty there. I wouldn’t think it wrong if foreigners paid a higher price across the board..

Very nice talk Paul. I just found your channel. Moving soon from South Carolina to Bacolod City. I prefer to hear the reality and even the negatives of living in the Philippines in addition to the positives.

I’ve been here (Bicolandia) for 17 years and have no intention of ever leaving. However, 3 things that (kinda) irritate me: 1/drivers, especially the whackos on motorcycles; 2/the tendency of people to throw trash everywhere (especially the soiled pampers that end up on the street in front of humble abode); 3/Videoke machines cranked up, especially late at night/early in the morning.

I just moved to cebu. While in Rome... do like the romans. Patience is the key.

Very detailed and helpful, doing a great job of detailing every issue...Thanks!!!

You nailed it! This is very useful content. Thank you for this upload.

Open and honest communication is important. Thanks!

Please try not to give to any beggars especially kids because might some gang members are the ones who are sending them out everywhere to beg. Should you ever feel like helping a Filipino, wait til you can see a blind person or a person with any kind of disability. Stay safe and God bless.

I would recommend Tagaytay or Benguet for cooler weather. Summers are brutal from March until early June. Makes a big difference those low temperatures. Also stay away from subdivisions. Everything is built here concrete and rebar. The heat inversion at night can be atrocious in those warmer locations. Choose mountain regions over the beaches when factoring in heat and intense sunlike. Also the roads are crap with severe potholes and destruction. However it keeps you alert.

All the Philippine islands can fit inside the state of Colorado. Could you imagine 110 million people living in Colorado? It would be very crowded.

I like the content. Keep it up! Can I suggest do a live stream? Maybe once a week. That would be epic. Definitely tune into that.

I’m from east Georgia and the temperature and humidity sounds exactly what I grew up with. The worst day I can remember is 106 F and 90% humidity. Plus I was out all day chopping trees. Those were fun times.

Animals and poverty will test me. I help as much as possible in states but the need there is so great its to be a challenge to see and know you can't save every dog or person . Good video

My biggest sadness is the animal cruelty, i feel for animals i have pets here right now and had to put one to sleep 2 weeks ago she was sick and i still feel it. The agent i am talking to in Cebu told me that in the big cities they do not have this i really hope its true. Stray dogs or stray cats i wish they would have some shelter to take care of them.

Another nice video buddy. I agree with everything. I would add littering to your list. That really pisses me off and seems to be part of the culture here. But I've been here for 18 years now so a lot more positives for sure.

Excellent. Introduce reality to all the sweetness and misrepresentations presented by vloggers

A huge budget takes away a lot of those Disadvantages

Southern Ontario in July and August it get to 30C and with humidity will feel like 40C. So the temperature here is good for me as it is about the same as home just year round and NO SNOW. The 12 hour maintenance black outs are annoying. In the west they shut down a grid at a time not a whole city plus outlying areas. 6 people on a trike? Excuse me I was on a trike the other day that had 10 people including the driver. Most trikes I have been on going home have minimum of 8 people including the driver. It all depends on the style of trike. I have had no issue with prices. Like you say most are posted but even at Valencia Market I have had the same price even when not marked. In fact I stopped at a small market in Dumaguete and got potatoes and saw the scale said 110 peso and she only charged me 100 peso. I don't have much of an issue with the beggars. They approch me and I just say no and 98% of the time they carry on only sometimes I have trouble getting them to move on. In 2017 I had my wallet stolen but other then that no issues and I even feel safe walking later in the evening.

Have visited PH a number of times with my Phillippino wife, mainly in the province. To me the biggest con is the tap water, it is unfit to drink. The water is from a well. The well water is from the ground water. There is no sewage system so each house has a septic tank. The effluent from these enters the ground water.

You cannot be so choosy if you’re retirement money can only go so far. That’s why you’re leaving your motherland.

Of course the Plus's of the Philippines out weigh the minuses. But can I add, the queues to pay bills or if your wanting to renew your visa etc. Also the water pressure is annoying as its normally too low. Also proper working toilet and plumbing can sometimes be optional along with a toilet seat.... The other thing which was not mentioned was how hard it is to find qualified and decent tradesmen of any variety. :) Just my 2 peso's worth...haha

I took my UK dog to Philippines for a long holiday with me and even though I feel guilty that my dog gets better food than most Filipinos and gets 24/7 airconditioning, I worked hard for it. I can't wait to finally move there end of September. I've had enough now of the rat race in the west.

Location location location, we say it over and over again that if you don't do your recon missions you won't know what is out there . Start out finding a suitable spot to start out that is affordable to rent then start exploring to see where is a perfect fit for you . Yes depending on what your budget is you may have to make some compromises but you can get close to where you need to be. Make a list of your absolute needs and then make a list of your wants . Don't flip them ! . If you have a woman in your life there she may try to stear you towards living close to her family which is understandable but if the province is to provincial for you then you need to let her know that you need more infrastructure than her province has . Always remember that this is your retirement and your not there to be the welfare system for her family. Do your research and keep your budget.

Before anyone make the move, list down the pros and cons and weigh in if you could tackle both.

You can overlook negatives you have to for me heat gave me second thoughts earthquakes healthcare for retired people . Living on social security income can overlook a lot of negative for many expats

Hey Paul... no one has answered this for me yet and I've asked several PH RU-vidrs, are you required to have the poison shot in order to come to the PHs?

Great Paul I have been there twice now And when I went shopping with my girlfriend in the market I just stand well back behind her And she is good and never gets ripped off with price hike See Bob has moved along a bit hehe

I always hear about lot of blackouts in Dumaguete. In Bohol, Panglao there is not that much blackouts. Since December of last year till March of this year, i have experienced only 3 blackouts just for 2 to 3 hours

Congrats you hit 8k subscribers

always someone/something that makes a place a bit harder to live at...but if you like the place enough then you will addapt...

I miss the Philippines. one of my favorite things to do is walking around the marketplace looking at all the ditfruits and vegetables. but my wife hates it when I go because then we have to pay the skin tax as you put it. I just go with the flow because I’m never there for more than a month before going back to reality. I can’t wait to go back until then I watch the vlogs.

I enjoy vacationing there for 3 weeks every 6 months, I am a city person having grown up in Boston, Massachusetts.

Aloha Paul, been on Bohol this past week...will be in Dumaguete this weekend. Hope to meet up with you soon. Great vlog as usual.

Yup! I lived in Tampa for 34 years. The weather in summer is practically identical.

Agree with evverything you said, thanks.

I Got to the Phils about a month ago now. The Thing that has made a Big impression on me is, 1) The Driving in the city I've spent most of my time so Far; A The drivers in this city Doesn't appear to follow any traffic laws, B They don't maintain a safe following distance between one another C They hardly ever signal their intent to turn in advance D They will cut someone off in a Second E Even though there are Marked out Lanes for bicycles & Pedestrians, Anyone driving something with a motor will drive in that lane & honk at you Like YOUR the one in the wrong F That also includes The shoulder of a road, We were walking today on the shoulder with Groceries & we got honked & cussed at, even though The moped had 2 lanes to drive in. G I've never seen ANY where in my 50+ yrs where a vehicle going straight has to Stop & yield to an Vehicle making a left turn in front of them UNLESS it's at a traffic light, EXCEPT here. This is just a few of the many points I could make on this topic. And to me this lack of respect toward your fellow drivers really tells me ALLOT about the people at least in this City. Because as the saying goes "Actions speaks louder than words" SO If anyone lives or has driven in a more regulated, respectful toward one another place plz Let me know where you live or have been. Because I told My GF I wouldn't live in this city even If I was given a Free house to live in.

Paul, I love the video thumbnail Subic Bay. 45 years ago, I was stationed with Alpha Company Marine Barracks Subic Bay. August 1978 it rained everyday 24/7. The rain never stop. I was never dry but overall my duty with Marine Barracks was rewarding & interesting. Semper Fi.

Yes So True..Spot On......Thanks

The smells and TB should be discussed, l think l already have both.

The waterways and garbage in them is disturbing

well said I have been there 9 times and still can't get use to it [ but it is what it is ]

Highly variable country. Most cities have taxis and Grab cars and sometimes other ride sharing apps (even ones that aren't approved), but Dumaguete does neither. That was a shock! I think it's the only city in the world I've visited with no taxis.

Gets pretty humid here in Texas in the summer. Heat index well above 100 is common for the Summer. I'm sure Dubai was worse than that, but I work midnight shift to make it thru the summer.

Baguio banned trikes because of the hills. Lots of taxis and the most honest drivers in the Philippines, but please don't move there, because there are already too many people.

Picture in your thumbnail..subic lighthouse …generally down there about twice a week. All the best.

15:17 St Theresa of Calcutta said helping at least 1 of 100 people is called sharing ☮️

The good and the bad all depend on each person. For me, being late is bad, but others are more than happy to just meander along. For some loud music is bad, for me I would just join in. Having been in the military, I've experienced all different types of weather and climates from frozen Alaska to hellish Africa, frozen tundra to burning desert, so that's not a big deal, just takes a little bit to adapt and get used to it. With all the horror stories of traffic, might be easier and better to just hire a driver. As far as skin tax, I would rather shop at a local mom&pop shop to help them instead of a big chain market that makes more than enough profit already, but if that mom&pop store is going to lie, cheat, and steal from me by raising their prices just for me, I won't shop there any more. Is that extra 100 pesos they raise the price for me today worth losing the HUNDRED'S of THOUSANDS I would have spent there over my life time because I got a good deal and continue shopping there. For supposed religious people, skin tax is a sin, they're LYING about the price and STEALING money from you by raising the price, way to show those religious values and morals. Remember, Presidential Decree No. 1563 makes it ILLEGAL to give to beggars, ESPECIALLY children. How kind will your heart be when you're locked up in a Filipino jail for trying to be nice. If you want to help, go through an actual organization or your local Barangay Police, they can make sure it's done LEGALLY and in an orderly fashion. Again, for a religious people, there are TONS of Bible verses AGAINST begging. Religion isn't Build-A-Bear, you don't get to choose which parts you follow, you don't get to choose the parts that benefit you and ignore the rest, it's ALL or NOTHING. Proverbs 13:4: The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. Proverbs 20:4: The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing. 2 Thessalonians 3:10: For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

Bravo

As for the weather, personally I enjoy it but I stay seaside and I’m used to So Cal hot weather. I think it’s better than Orlando Florida weather when I was traveling there. As for the overpopulation and poor management of the economy and infrastructure that has led to environmental problems with poor air quality and pollution of the land and water. It’s really sad and depressing. Manila has been cleaned up by the previous president and he also cleared up all the beggars and junk vendors that were just there as drug dealers. But we don’t know how long that will remain with the new government. Personally I think if you can find an oasis outside the cramped and poorly maintained areas you should consider that. Especially areas like Palawan or Siquijor.

Yes the poverty would be depressing

2 other things that will drive a guy nuts. 1.) Expecting a Filipina to be on time 2.) The Filipinas obsession with cell phones and texting.

@World Zoom ,., Paul, have you ever line up behind some people at a big grocery store or department store here in The Philippines and they break out a debit or credit card to use? does it seem to you that it took longer to process than cash? I know that in the States, it is faster than cash payments, and that's how it was suppose to be.

Having been in Cebu and Manila, when I lived downtown Vancouver I would say beggars there, and in the west can much more aggressive than anything I encountered in PH - but I was only there for 3 weeks...maybe it would be different if I was there full time.

thanks for all the honest info you give. Which would be the best area for low humidity but at the same time not too far away from nice beaches?

Starlink is now availible in PI 2699p for 288mbps crazy bandwidth . I have the solor generator and can last as long as the sun shines.

You mentioned the overpopulation and how a signal light bulb cost more than human life there. I guess it’s all about supply and demand.

Hello Paul , yes the dog thing is a problem i am surprised they don't cull them like they do in Malaysia , the other thing I found was even if they have a dog at home lots just keep there dogs in a wire gages or chained up all day and just through them scraps , garbage in some of the waterways is very bad also . Its all part of being in S E Asia we have to take the good with the bad . Even here where I live in Canada Duncan BC you would not believe how some parts look some of the native area's you would not want to set foot in or drive through . I don't know the answer to all these thing and it seems our Governments don't either. But what I do know is that being around the people of the Philippines is a wonderful experience lots of smiles and very friendly people, very little aggression. Thanks Paul .

1. beggars 2. traffic in the big cities 3. lack of strong hot high pressure showers

There is NO Paradise! I moved to Thailand from my home state of Hawaii, I've been in Thailand for 15 years, it's NOT PERFECT either, I am still trying to find out what isn't perfect...actually, as you know, it is a perfectly liveable place here in Phuket, Too many people in the tourists areas at the moment, hopefully it thins out soon. Covid was the best time to be here... I miss the lockdowns....555! Keep up the good and interesting work!

Monsoon rain only affects visayas and mindanao. Luzon are always clear or just cloudy. That's why holiday season is not ideal to go to visayas and mindanao. Those area are for summer, not holidays.

Witnessing the sheer poverty and cruelty were the toughest part for us. Within our first ten minutes outside Ninoy Aquino, we say a guy get hit and killed. Wild Wild West isn't an exaggeration. Sure, the food wasn't great, but the lack of value of life really hit a cord. Those who lack empathy or who are able to compartmentalize and live with blinders on should be fine.

There are more people in the Philippines than in all of Canada and we have the largest landmass in the world. The town I live in has a busting population of 4000 people. When tourists come it swells to almost 30,000 - 45,000. Our largest city Toronto only has 2.5 million people. I have been to London England and got used to the crowds there so I look forward to seeing Manila And Cebu. It should prove interesting. Really enjoy your channel and please keep up the good videos.

Great show, you and your wife looked alike.

Yes

Crowded darn right, here's a quick story. Hours from CDO IN Mindanao, out in the jungle, IE middle of nowhere my fiance was leading me all over in the jungle trying to find a place I could take a leak without people staring hA ha..was kind of hilarious but getting rather urgent, should I venture to tell the natives were overly curious, as to what white man got?! Earlier in the day shopping in the marketplace one lady was laughing and visayan, but I figured out what she was saying. She told my fiance, can can I borrow him to have his baby! Oh my God all this in one day... .🙏😎🙏 I can greatly appreciate how the Filipina simply says what is on their mind LOL

medical worrys is my main worry when i'm in the PI

Do you like the suski multicabs or is better to get a small used wigo or Hyundai?

Paul. I enjoy all your videos. I'm coming to the Philippines on May 3rd, with my Filipino wife from Cavite area. I'll be there for 5 & 1/2 months. What immunization shots do I need to get before I travel there? The WHO recommends about 15 that I can take but I may not need all of them. Thank you.

When I’m home I always gave our beggars foods same here in the US, we don’t know where they’re taking or using the money for and I hate to think it’s for drugs or lazy drunk parents.

God Bless

Thank for your response previously. My wife and I are planning to retire in the Phil in few years. I have very specific things I need to find out once I get there as a retiree with a small pension. How can I get in touch with you privately?

Starlink will be my first priority when I’m moving there.

Your car is a manual 👍 every time I buy a car in the US seems there are fewer manuals available

I think the poverty and animal abuse would bother me

don't forget you become a atm machine for family

DAS Dumaguete Animal Sanctuary is doing their part in helping the injured / sick street dogs with spay and neuter also

I hear a lot about fresh fruit and vegetables in the open air markets there and other countries. Does anyone know where they might range between organic and heavy pesticides?

Constantly pestered by scroungers who think alians are walking atm machines , that's a big disadvantage of living in the Philippines

I look forward to the brownouts and blackouts. I enjoy the intermittent Internet. I take my retirement very seriously.😂

Why does power constantly go out there in Philippines what's the problem unheard of here where I live in B.C. Canada

Alot of people have swamp-ass in this heat😂

It doesn't sound like anyone is reading the signs

The crime rate is way up outside Davao. Rapes, murders and robbery are way up since the pandemic. I don't know if it has to due with the very high inflation rate or th lockdowns but I do know the qverage person is v ry worried right now.

Please don’t give our beggars money instead offer foods.

Living in a condo would be optimal then.👍

Heartbreaking

Check out MEXICO!!

Gloomanddoomahguettey

There are advantages and disadvantages to most everything. Videos that only promote the advantages are a disservice.

Skin tax?😊You really have a journalistic flair!