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Has Dumaguete Changed? Paul Tells It Like It Is!

Mike's Philippine Retirement

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Paul in the Philippines Old Dog New Tricks talks with Mike's Philippine Retirement - Life Abroad After 60 / About Dumaguete and has it changed a lot over the last 8.5 years — but not always in the way people claim. In this interview, I sit down with my friend Paul (“Old Dog” in the Philippines) to break down what’s really different today: crowds, cost of living, expat life, the post-pandemic vibe, and why Dumaguete still feels like home. We also talk about the biggest surprise for newcomers, the “rock star” illusion some channels still sell, and the one thing Paul says has never changed — the people.

If you’ve been thinking about moving to Dumaguete (or you’re already here), this one will help you understand what’s real in 2026.

Comment below: Has Dumaguete changed for better or worse… and would you still choose it today?
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00:00 Intr
00:28 First Impression of Dumaguete
01:58 Why Did You Choose Dumaguete
03:16 Reasons Dumaguete Felt Like “Home”
06:44 What Has Changed The Most In Dumaguete
08:48 Has The Cost Of Living Changed
12:49 Has Dumaguete Become More Crowded
15:10 Has The Expat Community Changed
17:29 What Do You Still Love About Dumaguete
18:20 What Would Surprise Someone Arriving Today
19:44 Would You Still Choose Dumaguete Again

20 Comments

@bobbascom3385 7 months ago

Hi guys, we're one of those couples that came here upon retirement, its was 12 years ago, she's a Manila (family) based Filipina (Mindoro originally), I'm 75, she's 67 and the big city works for us in our age/situation after living in NY/CA. We travel a lot, annually to the States for 2-3 weeks, Luzon/Mindoro R/T's, and other adventures. Anyways, we work it all on $1500 to $2000 monthly. Such a joy seeing your videos all these years, we both are regular viewers, and in true local tradition say "God bless"

@johnnynephrite6147 7 months ago

Its great to see two old goats throughly enjoying their golden years. Someone has to do it. 😆😂🤪

@garytibo 7 months ago

Nice to see the two of you...THANKS😇

@Franklin-x2o 1 month ago

I was around 26 years ago working on the power grid, if I remember correctly GE paid 23 dollars a month for my condo, I'm back here now, been here 2 months and man it has changed big time.

@JosephBanys 3 weeks ago

Paul is so cool

@tc2425 7 months ago

Last time in Dumaguete City was summer 2023 and we noticed there were alot more new fully loaded pickup trucks than in the Angeles Clark area ...a good sign of the middle class ............

@charlesanderson6986 6 months ago

That’s great content guys

@tomlarsen6502 5 months ago

Paul has a lot of wisdom and streetsmarts. He would fit in anywhere he goes it seems. I wish more people had his wisdom! 😊

@Danll-zw8sf 2 weeks ago

Enjoyed listening to you guys.

@markmitera4521 7 months ago (edited)

It has changed in just the one year I have been here. Like Paul, I have to say that the Philippines has also changed me for the better in this year, also.

@smoozerish 6 months ago

Paul is a great guest. Such an easy listen

@Wilfredos_ 7 months ago

Hi Mike and Paul, this is your Puertorican friend leaving in Mexico. I follow both of your channels. Is great to see you two together.

@anthonymiriello5029 4 weeks ago

Hey Mike, great seeing you with the old dog. Great video

@TheMikeLifePH 7 months ago

My biggest problem in Dumaguete is the traffic. So many motors on the road and i think so many don’t have license or registration. So look at the hundreds of bikes pulled over if there is a checkpoint ahead. That tells me that there is an incredible amount of illegal driving.

@BruceCinader 7 months ago

Always good to see you two doing a vlog together. I see there is a genuine friendship between you two.

@papadougsadventures 7 months ago

I was taken aback when walking down the beach in Roxas City and being surrounded by 6-7 kids all younger than 8 and all were genuinely curious about me. It was not expected so i moved on quickly. Walked to the Canadian Beaver for my first visit.