The three overwhelming things that happy people have in their lives, especially from Ex-Pats in the Philippines, are faith, family, and exercising every day. The mental effects of exercise alone are the best antidepressant I have experienced. Adding family to that equation is called a super combo. If you are having mental struggles. Find an exercise program that you enjoy. Experiment with different programs and end each workout with a thirty minute stretch. In the West, we have been conditioned to suffer in order to have a good life. That is why we Westerners are amazed that people with so little, in the philippines, are so happy. Begin your day with a prayer and show gratitude for another day to be alive. Workout and stretch every day. Spend time with family. If family is not available. Build strong relationships with friends and show kindness/compasion to strangers. I hope everyone reading this is healthy, happy, and blessed...
FYI: I’ve only commented on the first 10 minutes of this video. On my way to work now. Have a good day! Very important topic that isn’t talked about enough.
Words of wisdom about retirement anywhere... Greetings to you both from a community in Canada made better by our Philippine residents who work and live here. I want to let you that my community is better because of people like Wilma who make a huge sacrifice.
Been here in Anda Bohol for 6 months now. I spent 10 minutes talking with foreigners. I go to church and know plenty of people. Glad a few speak real good English. Yes it is boring but I like the quiet life.. Very little blackouts no internet issues no big stores right here but good market. Not a parade of Filipinas like in a big city or town. But no foreigners either. Nobody hustling me. I have always been comfortable in my own skin so no problems here. Hope everyone can find a place they fit in with. Peace
Jus t finished the whole video! I can relate with Wilma for I also migrated in the states for many years and adjusting back is scaring me just thinking about it. But me and my husband have shared the same goals and we’re excited but also expecting the worse. Very good topic Wilma and Greg! Kudos to both 💗
Definitely miss having an English conversation with someone other than your spouse. Lol bee-line to any foreigner to have an English conversation but so true.
Good video! Adapt is the right word. It is harder for me than my hubby. But we are plugging along been here 6 months now. My hubby is very happy here in Davao. This is for us kinda our final destination. If you happen to come and visit Davao give us a call would love to meet you! Take care both!
If you always looking for someone else to make you happy or what other people have compare to what you have, then you will nevr be truly happy. Of course having a good partner or enough money to live 'comfortably', it helps alot....this is a simple way of puting it, but those who have some wisdom and life experience, will understand.
Good evening Greg & Wilma, I’ve experienced exactly the same as you when you were in Leyte. I’ll tell you, what I miss the most living in the Japan countryside is intelligent conversation. The locals speak no English at all here. Plus, even though I speak basic Japanese, most locals are not open to having relationships with foreigners or are too busy working. Consequently, I have no friends in Japan and I happen to be an extrovert who enjoys meeting and talking to people. I have really enjoyed the country life growing my own fruit and vegetables and having my hobbies, etc., but I’ve decided when I relocate to the Philippines in the future, I really want to develop relationships with not only locals, but expats too. Again, where I live in Japan, there is no close expat community. Everyone lives their own lives in their own separate area. It is very normal for me to not even see another expat for sometimes 6 months, 1 year or sometimes longer. I never knew parts of Japan would be so isolating socially. This is my key reason for finally wishing to leave Japan.
@@buildingthephilippines Exactly. So true. Many animals, but not all, are social creatures as you say including us humans. Dogs for example are pack animals. I’ve heard the very worst thing you can do to a dog is force it to live alone. I can believe it. Even something as simple as not greeting your dog or even cat when you arrive home can significantly hurt their feelings and cause them discomfort and stress. After all, many animals are sentient beings just like us.
Your point about having conversations is an excellent point! I found that as an issue when I was there a few months ago. Lol you look forward to a conversation, even if you normally are a quiet person. Great video
How was I supposed to count the rooster's crows? It was continuous! 😂🤣 I like the idea of boating with dolphins! 👍 That was on my birthday bucket list for when we come back to Duma in early September!
I don't mind a rooster or two, but next door to my wife's mother's house the neighbor has about 50 roosters and they go all day and all night. I've found that roosters sound off more, the more roosters that are in an area. Other than that, I love the PI.
my 61 old asawa has been in the states over half her life and just heard greg say that thing about filipinas readjusting back to the philippines ..she said " you got it dude" lol
So glad to see another interesting video ❤. Anyway, I agree that one should emerse themself at The community they plan to retire to test The Waters. One should be realistic about How they really feel And have a sound mind of The whole change. Thank you Greg And Wilma For helping And reaching out to people that has many questions about moving to a foreign country not to mention “developing country”. Can’t wait For The next video. Aloha from Hawaii 🌺🌸
Good advice video. MY wife and I have been living part-time in CDO for about 5 to 6 months a year since 2018 except 2020.(covid). And for me, I still can't imagine going full time there. It's nice to come back to the US and get a break from living there. I do love my extended family there, but full-time is probably never going to happen. People selling the farm and moving there is not recommended. You must stay 6 months to a year minimum to make that kind of decision. I know CDO is probably not the best place in the PI to settle, but we only live there part-time because of family. The Philippines is definitely an adventure, and we do get out and about when we visit there. So for us, for now, part-time is good for us.
Wow, good point about the language barrier in Leyte. Sounds like the over the road truck drivers we would meet that just wanted to talk to someone because they have been on the road for 3 days with no one to talk to...lol. Definitely going to try renting in any area that the Filipina wife and I are contemplating buying. Still hoping to visit next year before making a permanent move there (would be my 4th time there). Great video. looking forward to part 2. Thanks, Wilma and Greg...Jim
Another informative topic, I’ll be retiring in 2years and I already bought a piece of land in Bohol,and I want to explore more on the Philippines and neighboring Asia countries
I totally understand your frustration about not being able to have a conversation. I was on Luzon in my wife's province near Metro Manila (Bulacan). We were there a few weeks. Her mom speaks some English, so I could talk a bit with her - but there was a lot of misunderstanding. When we went to the American Embassy for her K-1 interview, this was before we were married, it was like a cool glass of water in the desert to hear real American English for a change.
Yes, ‘adjust’ is a good word. I have met so many expats here in Japan over the years who after 10 years of living here told me lightheartedly they were still adjusting. As for me, after going on 14 years in Japan, I’ll admit I’m still adjusting (lol), although realized years ago I’ll never be satisfied without completely accepting aspects of the culture that are often opposite to the west. You are so right. I regularly tell myself, I need to be satisfied and happy with my life in Japan otherwise I’ll never be satisfied. Adjusting to the Philippines will no doubt be another huge adjustment surely in many ways. I’m hoping in some ways considering the language and friendly people, some parts of life there may be somewhat easier. David in southern Shikoku.
Thanks for the comment. Cultural changes are a huge factor. Adjustment are necessary, then accepting your own circumstances is a must. Happiness is from within.
If you were miserable before you moved to the Philippines, you’re probably going to eventually be miserable there too. You can already see it with the drama that some expats are creating. They are living in a tropical climate, much lower cost of living, they are retired/don’t have to work, they’re dating women that are 20+ years younger than they are, etc… and they’re finding something to complain about or are seeking conflict. Why? You have to find happiness and peace within yourself. If you rely on someone or something or some place to make you happy, eventually you’re going to be disappointed. How many marriages do you know that broke up because one of them blamed the other one for “not making them happy” anymore? Some people have a tough time taking a realistic look at themselves. If someone is not happy, the problem might be looking back at them in the mirror.
I like your house though I was surprised its a two bedroom and loved your vid about your solar install etc was great thank you. My land is on Samal Island near Davao and they're building a bridge right now and the int airport is very close so that said im hoping the geographic area is good , wish me luck, give your opinion good or bad.
Our home was built as a 3 bedroom. We just did not buy a bed for it. It has the same wardrobe as the other bedroom. We just put a couch and 2 chairs (instead as a bed).
@buildingthephilippines you did a great job with your home build. I've seen some builds in the Philippines and they're either too big for retirement or the design was too funky. Your home was beautiful in it's simplicity. The fact that you came in under budget is an added bonus. Although, did i read you're putting up a solar system? If so, wouldn't that'll push you out of budget? Solar system and wood floors are the only things I would have done differently. I prefer wood floors that aren't directly on top on the slab floor because it's not as hard on the back and joints compared to tile floors. Anyway, great job on your home.
How about the hospital in you area?? Are they modern, great MD, how far?? Do you have PhilHealth or private Philippines Health Insurance?? Do you still continue your Medicare in the U.S.?? Thanks
Wow! 3 percent of population in dramaguete are foreigners? Good reason for me to stay away. I love our place in Mindanao. I rarely see any foreigners. Maybe less than one tenth of one percent. A true Philippine lifestyle. No drama from the western world. I do enjoy a visit to the bigger cities and beaches but always try to steer clear of anything from the western world, especially the people. Cheers to you both!
The bottom line is, needs a good health, complete vaccination, enjoy your vacation, bring a lot of money, credit card, travel insurance, medications refills, networking, no girlfriend yet, explore, then decide if you want to retire here or not, anywhere you go, there’s a crime, scammer. The beauty in the Philippines is we speak English and cost of living is little cheaper, that’s our advantage, very hot here!!!, but Philippines is a paradise!!! There’s no place like home
