On several websites I have found a number of reasons if someone should retire in the Philippines or not. Here is a shortened mixed list of these reasons. Some truly hit home while some are mere exaggerations. You be the judge. Advise: Read this article with a smile.
So let us start and look at a couple of reasons why you should retire in the Philippines or not.
- If you want a very good infrastructure, the same like in your home country,
- If you cannot stand temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius,
- If Swiss precision and reliability is a must in your life,
- If your well being depends on traffic lights and speed limits on the road,
- If delicious local food – like in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Lebanon, France, Italy or any other gourmet country on this planet is your daily food requirement,
- If you like to do everything the “right” way, (Everything can be forged in the PI)
- If you hate traffic, (Driving 4 km can take as much as four hours)
- If you hate seeing fast food restaurants,
If you do not like the above:
then the Philippines is most likely the wrong country for you !!!
The Philippines
- Where cigarettes and alcohol are a necessity, and where the lottery is a commodity
- Where soap operas tell the realities of life and where the news provides the drama
- Where actors make the rules and where politicians provide the entertainment
- Where people can get away with stealing trillions of pesos
- Where being an hour late is still considered punctual
- And where everyone wants to leave the country!
Where:
- Fast food is a diet meal
- Where the definition of traffic is the “non-movement” of vehicles
- Where traffic signs are merely suggestions, not regulations
- Where water can only be classified as tap and dirty
- Where clean water is for sale (25 to 35 pesos per gallon)
- Where Floodwaters take up more than 90 percent of the streets during the rainy season
- Where the honking of car horns is a way of life
- Where people can pay to defy the law
- and where Starbucks coffee is much more expensive than gasoline
And if you like:
- freedom to move around
- Islands of tropical beauty, surrounded by thousands of miles clear deep coastal waters and mountains up to 2700 m above sea level
- clean warm tropical ocean, year round about 26 – 29 C°
- year round air temperature of 28 – 33 C° or more
- lush vegetation and millions of whole year round blossoming flowers, orchids and bushes
- sweet and delicious sun ripened tropical fruits, like some of the really sweetest and most delicious mango on this entire planet, papaya, coco nuts, year round strawberries and seasonal blueberries from the mountains of Baguio city, star apples, avocado and many more tropical delicious natural jewels
- affordable cottages or apartments – or even really affordable houses with garden or beachfront
- freedom to enjoy life, sing or be loud and happy
- tropical mountains and more than 7100 islands to walk, explore and enjoy
- millions of smiling eyes, friendliness toward all foreigners and to be truly welcome – more than in most other countries in the world
- affordable recreation, food and drinks – with other words affordable life in general
- … and quality of life within your heart is of only true importance to you
then Philippines may be a country of choice for you !!
Filipino time:
interesting post
Thanks,
Did you also see my other posts?
Philippines is a beautiful country… Reach in culture and traits that we can be proud of.
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Hi Fremilou,
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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
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
Am a local here…I cant help but to laugh with what you have written its all TRUE:))
Hi Kuleen,
Thanks for visiting my website.
A good observation of what I am experiencing made me writing this.
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!
Larry,
Thanks for visiting my website and placing this story of yours. Many readers will enjoy it. Thanks.
All the best for the future.
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.
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.
Thanks for your comment, it is much appreciated.
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
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
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
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.