Comments

• November 24, 2011, Federico Medina writes: I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to make the adjustment when I become an expat in the Philippines. My question has to do with the finances, and I'm hoping a financial savvy reader will respond. I'm 57 years old, have my own place in Makati, and have budgeted 120,000 pesos per month for the next 6 to 7 years. When I turn 63 or 64, that will increase to 170,000 pesos per month. Will this be adequate?
• November 24, 2011, Jan writes: Federico, Thanks for visiting my website. Many expats would envie you for having such budget, especially that you have a place already. But it all depends on your daily needs and wishes. Your lifestyle is essential in answering this question. Keep your life simple and you can save every month. Live the life fully and you might be short. Do not forget that Makati is getting more expensive by the day.
• November 29, 2011, Tukaram writes: In Cebu would it be best to learn Cebuano or Tagalog? It's hard to teach an old dog like me new tricks!
• November 29, 2011, Jan writes: Tagalog is the official Filipino language, but the Cebuano is widely spoken in Cebu next to Tagalog. In shops, malls and also many people in the street speak some English, they are only shy to do so.
• December 27, 2011, John writes: Tagalog is not spoken in Cebu, silly. Cebuano is. Tagalog is the language of Manila only. Tagalog is not an official language anywhere here. Ha, ha.
• December 27, 2011, John writes: I think you mean 12,000 and 17,000. And yes you are very rich.
• January 6, 2012, Bill writes: Ultimately you will need both, but Cebuano is the first priority. I recommend to practice speaking Cebuano with friends and acquaintenances, but also spend your private study time learning to read and speak Filipino/Tagalog. "Filipino" (the national language), is similar to Tagalog (the common language in Manila and Central Luzon), but not the same. Speakers of languages other than Tagalog will appreciate it if you respect that distinction. Many people that you encounter in public will speak English, but it will help you if you can establish some rapport in Cebuano first. Often they will be very happy to practice their English with you, but it will help if you can overcome their initial shyness or lack of confidence.
• January 9, 2012, Jan writes: Bill, I agree wityh you that speaking Cebuano is fine when you live in Cebu. But do not try to use this language in the rest of the Philippines. Filipino however is widely understood, all over the Philippines. English is understood and can be used in malls, doctors offices, banks, hospitals and the like.
• January 10, 2012, Bill writes: Yes I agree. Thanks for the site, I am finding it very helpful.

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Comments

• November 23, 2009, RichaRie writes: interesting post :)
• November 24, 2009, Jan writes: Thanks, Did you also see my other posts?
• February 9, 2010, fremilou writes: Philippines is a beautiful country... Reach in culture and traits that we can be proud of. (advertisement text and picture removed by Jan)
• February 9, 2010, Jan writes: Hi Fremilou, Thanks for visiting my site. I have removed the advertisement text and the picture. If you like to advertise on my pages check: HERE for the possibilities. I allow free advertising only for Non-Profit organisations.
• February 28, 2010, Angie writes: HI, what a wonderful blog. I recently stayed on Siquijor for 9 days and loved the people, place and lifestyle so much I plan to go back to live at the end of this year. It sounds (according to this list) that (most) everything is great except for 1. corruption and 2. driving/traffic. Since I don't plan to drive there (maybe a motorcycle on the small island of Siquijor), it looks like corruption will be my biggest problem. I think it is a difficult concept to accept by those of us from North America, Europe, etc that corruption can be a way of life. Mexico, a country I'm a little more familiar with, was known for it, but is in the process of cleaning itself up, but prices are rising. I wonder if the low costs and "wild west" lifestyles are dependent on the corruption, in some way? Just speculating. Are you living in Manila? I haven't been there, and at the moment, am hoping I never will be there, although some of your photos from there are very interesting. I'm wondering how you manage in a city like that — is it away from all of the natural beauty of the Philippines? If you've moved or answered these questions elsewhere, I apologize — I haven't read all of your blog. All the best, Angie thanks so much for this informative
• February 28, 2010, Jan writes: Hi Angie, Thanks for visiting my website. And thanks for your compliments. I am trying to keep my website informative mixed with the funny and other experiences I am having. My wife and I are living in Antipolo City with is close to the National Capital Region (known as Manila, although the city of Manila is only one of the many cities in this region). I drive my own car, and it is sometimes difficult to get used to the heavy traffic and the neglection of traffic rules by practical all drivers. Corruption is a part of a Filipino's life. It is existing already a very long time and it is 'done' by almost all officials, friom Police officers to civil servants. Even Politicians are buying votes when it is election time, like it is now. Corruption makes life also a little easier if one needs to have done something. Just a few pesos and it will be done ! For larger transactions the costs for corruption can even be negotiated ;-)
• June 13, 2010, Kuleen writes: Am a local here...I cant help but to laugh with what you have written its all TRUE:))
• June 13, 2010, Jan writes: Hi Kuleen, Thanks for visiting my website. A good observation of what I am experiencing made me writing this.
• July 11, 2010, Larry writes: Hi Jan, Enjoying your blog of the Philippines. I live in NY, USA, but have been to the Philippines 6 times now, my latest was last year during the typhoon season! I generally stay above Baguio, and most of my travels are in the provinces around there. I have been to the beaches along the coast, Dagupan, San Juan, San Fernando..and have been up the coast to Ilocos Norte also. (visit Marcos' tomb) With all the things you listed, I have found the Philippines to be one of the most relaxing and enjoyable places I have visited! Costs are generally cheap, as I do not require 5 star hotels etc. A clean bed, a CR, are about all I need in a hotel. I have tried to do some medical mission work there, co-ordinated by my friend there. I have donated the materials to the provincial dentist so that she could service the school children and the locals in various provinces. Also,helped one of the midwives working with malnutritioned children. I find filipino food delicious, except for some of the fish dishes,(I don't eat things that are looking at me!lol!) and of course, some of the more exotic dishes that use some of the organs...:) Though you can cook for yourself, and there is no reason if you want your own cusine, that you cannot prepare it there. The stores are adequately stocked as most supermarkets are here. I am single now, and would love to relocate there, though I do not have intentions of marrying a filipina (been alone too long now, set in my ways! lol) Thanks for your blog, love reading the postings! God bless!
• July 11, 2010, Jan writes: Larry, Thanks for visiting my website and placing this story of yours. Many readers will enjoy it. Thanks. All the best for the future.
• November 8, 2010, Cagayan de Oro map writes: As for me, it's good to retire here in the Philippines because you'll get to enjoy a lot of beautiful scenic views, and relax on resorts and hotels.
• February 10, 2011, Edelito C. Sangco writes: I appreciate very much this post. You really presented the right perspective of our country. I have also visited other countries, but only limited to three-Singapore, Spain and Thailand. I like the discipline of the Singaporeans, but the country is too tiny to savor nature's beauty. I admired the economic progress of Spain but they cannot enjoy nature's greatness the whole year-round as they have to hide in the comfort of their homes during winter. I like Thailand because it has the same climatic set up with ours, but the Thais have a culture which is entirely different from us Filipinos. While it is true that there are many negative points about the Philippines, but the positive aspects for retiring here than in other countries far outweighs the not-so good-points.
• February 11, 2011, Jan writes: Thanks for your comment, it is much appreciated.
• April 20, 2011, charlie writes: Great blog. What gave you extra nudge to move to the Philippines? What I mean was, did you move because you didn't like the political climate from your country or because you fell in love with the Philippines?? I'm at the verge of moving right now, and my current job is seems to hold me back. It's not the people that's holding me back it's the $$ that's holding me back. Can you also please point me to a direction of where to get cargo moving company to haul my household items in case I decide to move.. Thanks a million, keep up the good work
• April 21, 2011, Jan writes: Hi Charlie, I do not know your location, so I cannot advise you in that matter, but when you search on the internet for 'balikbayan' services you will surely find some movers to the Philippines. Do not hesitate to ask them all you want to know, especially if they deliver door-to-door. Good luck in moving and keep me posted about the move. Maybe you would like to write a guest blog about it? Jan
• December 11, 2011, Mark writes: Hello Jan, THANK YOU for a VERY infomative website mate. I currently live on The Sunshine Coast ( Just 1 Hour North of Brisbane ) in Queensland AUSTRALIA and have enjoyed visiting your wonderful website many times. I signed up for your newsletter today and have a question or two to ask you and or the readers if I may please Jan ? My Wife Gigi is a Filipino and we wish to retire back in the Philippines. She was born and raised in Lagao - Legaspi region - Albay and I was wondering if you could please advise me of any website regarding developments on the Coast around these regions where Aussies also congregate and " Hang Out ". We would like to buy some Land and develop a small but up market - very nice house in time ready to move into over the next 5-10 years...where are some develeopments - land releases with views, water nearby, Malls etc you may know of please Jan or steer me to some websites like the Misibis Resort Development etc etc. I thank you and the readers for any information in advance. Thank you again Jan for a wonderful website and forum to dicuss these needs. Warm regards, Mark. AUSTRALIA
• December 11, 2011, Jan writes: Hi Mark, Welcome aboard the newsletter. I soon will create a new one to send around. About your question, I will send you a private mail. I think it is not for this website to answer private questions openly.

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Comments

• December 28, 2009, edith oducado writes: Hi, I want to ask if you can help me ship some things from the Philippines to the Netherlands. My dutch husband and I want to bring some of our things to the Netherlands and we don't know who to contact for this shipment. Thanks in advance .
• December 29, 2009, Jan writes: Hi Edith, Good that you find my website and check it out. As an answer on your question you may send a text to the balikbayan service in The Netherlands. They are also sending things to the Netherlands as far as I know. maybe they have some space. For just smaller items and single boxes you can also use Philippine Postal Services. Rob and Flora Schuyt Send your text to: 0031654320432 or 0031621449860 landline Netherlands: 0031332866126 or in the Philippines to: Cebu City: 032 4144995(fax) 032 4143284 or cell: 09272250172
• July 2, 2010, cathy writes: hi jan, we are moving to manila very soon, in fact we're packing up our house next week. a reputable moving company will be shipping our stuff but we just found out that since we are considered returning resident we are liable to pay for duties/tax on our shipment which is 50 percent of the assessed value (the value is dependent completely on the customs officials assessment and may not necessarily be the true value of the shipment!). knowing that a lot of our things have more sentimental value rather than monetary value i dread to think that i have to pay for them again when they are really old and well used... i have heard of situations where you can be exempted from paying the duties - do you have any advice on this? i have to say, that selling our things is out of the question as we don't have time to do that and we have a lot of furniture... i appreciate your help.
• May 11, 2011, Kathryn writes: Hello there, just stopped by doing some research for my site. Truly more information that you can imagine on the web. Not quite what i was looking for, but very nice site. Have a good day.

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