I really enjoyed watching your video because you were honest. You didn’t just bash the Philippines—you explained why it wasn’t the right fit for you. I respect that.

One thing I hope everyone takes away from your video is this: the Philippines is not for everyone, and that’s okay. That’s why I always tell people not to come here for a two-week vacation and think they know what it’s really like. Live here for a few months, explore different provinces and cities, and find the place that truly fits your lifestyle. Every part of the Philippines is different.

I’ve been living here for 12 years, and I live in the province surrounded by many of the same things you mentioned—burning trash, roosters crowing, stray dogs, occasional power outages, and simple provincial life. To me, those things are just part of living here. I actually enjoy this lifestyle. It’s peaceful, the people are kind, and it has given me exactly what I was looking for.

I’m in my 60s now. I’ve already had two careers, and before retiring here, I spent three years living in the Philippines to make sure this was where I wanted to spend the rest of my life. My wife and I have been married for 43 years, and together we’ve built a wonderful retirement here. We’re financially stable, we’re happy, and we truly love the life we’ve created.

For someone your age, with so much life still ahead of you, I completely understand why you want something different. Bigger cities like Cebu or Iloilo may be a much better fit, or maybe even returning to the U.S. Everyone’s journey is different, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

To anyone thinking about moving to the Philippines, I encourage you to watch this video with an open mind. Don’t just focus on the negatives or the positives. Listen to his experience because it’s real. Then come here, experience the country for yourself, and decide what fits your stage of life and your expectations.

As for me? I love it here. This beautiful country has become my home, and if God allows it, I plan on living the rest of my life—and one day taking my final breath—right here in the Philippines. 🇵🇭❤️

Get out of there. You are making the right decision.

Thanks for being honest.

Your wife already texting 10 other guys

I completely agree. I have been living here for two years while awaiting my wife's visa interview. During this time, I have realized that the local lifestyle and cultural environment are not a good fit for me personally. Im a southern American and I miss the country and all our American traditons

I don't like the pollution and state of disrepair. The trash strewn about makes it unpleasant. The noise pollution of traffic and motorcycles with no mufflers, the blasting music, and the barking dogs. The state of disrepair with so many things old and broken, and dirty from the dust. The holes in the sidewalk with exposed rebar. Just a lot of unpleasantness that detracts from the natural beauty.

Thanks for having the courage to talk frankly ,so many sugar coated it because there afraid.

I'm settled in manila (not BGC), it has its problems but I enjoy it more than the province for long term living. I enjoy the benefits of condo living, mid priced restaurants and lots of supermarkets. I know city life is more expensive than province life but it still offers me better value.

14:53 - I am with you, during my 10 years oversees in the military, I have seen some crazy stuff, but animal cruelty is one thing that I will not tolerate. Wishing you the best!

Dog neglect/abuse was a primary reason I left Valencia/Dumaguete after five years living there. Disgusting. Even the educated rich upper-class treats their dogs like Snit.:face-orange-frowning:

You bring your wife to the USA that might the best or worst decision you ever make! If it was me i would just keep the relationship in the Philippines! 🇵🇭  USA … western society Has a way of changing people and relationships.

Good that you're honest to yourself. After 47 years in the USA, I went back and I have the same problems you mentioned that I don't like in the Philippines. Too much bureaucracy and everything you need to do in both private and public sectors takes so long to do because they still do things manually. Just for name spelling correction requires heavy bag of extra documents that cannot just be done online. It took them 6 months to correct as they repeatedly makes mistakes. They waste their time and people's time at your expense with no clear direction in English or Filipino language.  Also, I don't think it's for retirement either since hospitals lacks state of the art equipment and emergency facilities and ambulance, especially in provinces. They make patients wait for hours just for a check up (like in Dumaguete). There are also open sewers everywhere that are smelly because the weather is hot and muggy. These poor conditions of the country can be traced back to corruptions and mismanagement. I can go on and on but I still go back because of the people I wanted to see.

Appreciate your honesty

It's good you woke up.

I undeestand your feeling ...🇵🇭❤️🇦🇺

I came to the Philippines from Phoenix in 2018 at the age of 59. Worked remotely for my company back home, retired at 62 and haven't had a desire to return to the US. With that being said, I am sure I couldn't have assimilated had I tried at your age, or even at 50. It's not for everyone, that's for sure. FYI: Capone is dead 😂

My husband is Filipino from Manila and I love  Philippines… from afar….:). I was helping him with a business (accounting and taxes) there, and it was beyond miserable 7y experience…. I ended up being absolutely obnoxious and rude with people there, but to my disappointment and bewilderment, it solved most of my problems. Believe it or not, I was able to manage it remotely. Covid forced us to close it.   Something good came out of Covid for me. My husband is already retired and spends there 6 months a year, I will be spending these 6mo in Russia when I am retired.

Thank you for your transparency.

Awesome video Brother. Hate to see you leave the Philippines. But you’ve been here a lot longer than me. I just got back July 17 and take care, brother.

Its good to see someone speak the truth