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Almost 6 Months in The Philippines and It’s Just Not For Me.

The Roger Sands Show

9,935 views

After a little over five months living in Palompon, Leyte, this is officially my last week on the island and my last week in the Philippines for a while. In this walk-and-talk video, I’m reflecting on my time here, explaining why I realized I'm simply not a good fit for provincial life, and sharing what’s next for my family.

Living here was a necessary step to marry my wife and spend quality time with my stepson, but daily friction—from infrastructure issues and long delays to a lack of control over basic daily routines—has made it clear that I need to return to the US. I also outline our future plans, including the visa process, adjusting to life in Northern California, and how we hope to strike a balance between the US and the Philippines in the long run.

Whether you're considering moving to the Philippines or navigating your own expat journey, I hope sharing my honest perspective gives you a helpful side of the story.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Everyday Frustrations in Small-Town Philippines
00:55 – My Last Week in Palompon, Leyte
02:05 – Showing the Other Side of Expat Life
03:15 – Personal Standards & Daily Expectations
04:30 – The Healthcare & Waiting Game (Dentist Realities)
06:05 – Advice for Anyone Moving to the Philippines
07:50 – Family Responsibilities & Why We Stayed in Leyte
09:30 – Do I Regret Moving Here?
11:05 – The Constant Worry & Lack of Control
13:00 – Moving Plans: Bringing My Wife & Stepson to the USA
14:35 – Finding a Balance: 9 Months in US, 3 Months in PH
15:30 – Final Thoughts & Reading Your Comments

#retireinthephilippines #expatphilippines #livinginthephilippines #retireabroad #leytephilippines

20 Comments

@philllycheese1245 2 months ago

Of course she is gonna enjoy Cali. Thats the whole point of marrying you.

@marrtinsharp9030 2 months ago

You married someone who supports her whole family Genius 😅

@Josh-Yep 2 months ago

I also lived in the province for a year. It's terrible. I now live in a high end area in the city, it's quite nice but certainly not cheap

@Rogers-Travel 2 months ago (edited)

American YouTubers have oversold the Philippines for years, less than half is true
Just take a good look at the foreigners, they are aging faster

@Ujara 2 months ago

I've heard a lot of stories of guys bringing their wives to the USA and they leave them shortly after. Just don't be blindsided if it happens.

@philipnicolle6240 2 months ago

Good guy. He doesn't like it here. That's not a weakness. He's leaving.
He's honest. No problem

@alexbrownpdx 2 months ago

As soon as she makes friends, you are cooked 😂😂😂

@steve-k4c7f 2 months ago

I wasn't a good fit for the province. My wife and I moved to New Zealand. It was too cold for her in the winter and she missed the Philippines but we ended up with an obvious compromise. Once we made enough to support ourselves, about 14 years in total, we retired to Manila. Manila has its own set of issues but is more livable for me than the province and I got to retire 15 years early. My wife really didn't complain, just got on with it even though winter made her Sad. Today is our 16th wedding anniversary. I'm settling in well, I don't complain, I just get on with it. My point is that there are many ways to skin a cat and I'm sure you will work out a way where you can both be happy.

@expresso66 2 months ago

I may be wrong, but don’t get surprised if she’s not as excited as you about everything running on time, exact day trash pickup, and just occasional karaoke at a Philippine birthday party. She’s accustomed to her world like you’re accustomed to yours. I hope all works out for you.

@NoFenks 2 months ago

Foreigners moving to some undeveloped corner of the Philippines to squeeze every last dollar out of their tiny American savings or retirement checks always seem convinced they've found paradise, right up until the reality of boondock life slams into them like a freight train. Watching the fantasy evaporate is strangely entertaining.

@MichaelSphar-tk3nc 2 months ago

Very well articulated and thank you for sharing your thoughts!!

@hectormunoz6498 2 months ago

people trying to live the cheapest life than complaining about how it actual looks

@RL.YT.Handle 1 month ago

This is like someone who moved to rural South Dakota say “I don’t like America. There aren’t a lot conveniences.” Try BGC or one of the beautiful beach towns. El Nido or Batangas? Lots of nice modern places with beautiful nature and plenty of Western conveniences. Even Ayala Alabang near Manila looks modern and beautiful. You can also buy your own electric generator if you have a house, maybe solar panels etc. 😊

@LuigiUngureanu-m9b 2 months ago

Good for you bro...telling the truth. Take care.

@thecasualpodcast4496 2 months ago

Great video I appreciate the honesty, can’t trust the YouTubers that swear everything is perfect over there. Also don’t worry about the haters no matter what they are always going to be there

@deenegron6328 2 months ago

I wish you all the luck and many blessings in your lives 🙏🏼❤️

@rayray_x2 2 months ago

Good luck bro I hope you best wishes. Your decision is yours

@eddie9076 2 months ago

Sounds like a good plan my friend. Go for it and good luck to the both of you.

@adrianmoore4095 2 months ago

Roger, I respect what you are doing, I am 77 now and lived in many countries. One lesson I learned in life is that stuff happens sometimes, and if you can learn to accept it and deal with it as it crops up you will be more relaxed. You are a very capable person and can do this, it comes with experience and patience and will develop your character making you a more capable person and will pay off in many unexpected ways for you. If you want US standards in the Philippines then go where they are such as BGC, no power blackouts and solid internet but you pay. Malaysia, KL or Penang may be a better fit for you and your family, great healthcare, standards of great accommodation, internet, schools, transport, English speaking and easy for your wife to visit her family, go and check it out while you're in the area. It could give you the quality of life you are looking for and much more affordable and safer than the US. I do wish you well, do not give up, your place is out there, it's an adventure to find it. Adrian.