Gary McMurrain and Steve Fleming, are just two ordinary guys who retired to the Philippines. After they met, they realized there were many common questions and issues facing expats who were either thinking about retiring to the Philippines or who were already living over here. As a result, “Retiring to the Philippines” was created in early 2013. Gary and Steve often ‘pow-wow’ over a cup of coffee at Bob’s Cafe to discuss how they can make this website the best possible resource for those who desire to wake up every day in paradise.
We Will Help You to Retire in the Philippines!
This website is for those who wish to learn more about living in the Philippines and what you can expect when you decide to retire over here. A lot of questions can be answered by reading the articles that are available and checking the comments. We monitor the comments closely and are delighted to answer any questions that you might have.
Who Are These Guys?
Gary McMurrain is a retired U.S. law enforcement officer, mental health counselor and teacher. Born in Alabama, he was a Navy Brat growing up and went to school in many states. He lived in Florida for 15 years and remains a registered voter there. Gary has spent an extensive amount of time in several different regions of the Philippines since 1986. Initially, Gary spent a year with a Filipino family while studying at the University of the Philippines. It was then that he literally fell in love with the Philippines, Filipinos and their culture. Fulfilling a promise to his host family that he would be back for a visit, Gary began taking annual trips to the Philippines and more. During this time Gary met a special Filipina lady who later became his wife. Gary and his wife were teachers in Mainland China and in Hong Kong for nine years before they moved to the island of Negros in Bacolod City of the Philippines. They now reside there with their son and two dogs.
His extensive knowledge of the Philippines has led Gary to be a chief moderator and central contributor for several of the largest worldwide information sites about the Philippines for a number of years. If you are one of the many people who have been helped by Gary McMurrain over the years, you know he is a conscientious person who’s committed to helping ‘foreigners’ understand the many intricacies of living as an expat in another country. In addition, he is always enthusiastic to share his many personal experiences and adventures regarding the Philippines.
Steve Fleming, is originally from England and has lived in a number of different countries over the years including, Australia, Canada and the US.
As a computer programmer, Steve has lived the ‘internet lifestyle’ for over 20 years. In other words, he has been free to roam the globe with his laptop strapped to his back while earning a decent living wherever he decided to stop. He was never really a ‘traveller’ so much as a ‘wanderer.’ He has always been looking for someplace he could feel comfortable and at peace.
While living on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, Steve began to feel restless. In trying to find a place where he could feel more relaxed and at peace, he landed in the Philippines in December of 2004. He first lived in the busy metropolis of Manila, but then relocated to the calmer surroundings of Bacolod City in 2005. He is now settled into a quiet suburb just outside the City center. While his move to the Philippines was more a ‘lucky accident’ rather than an ingenious master plan, he quickly became settled and acclimatized to the much more laid-back way of life that is indicative of the Filipino culture.
How Did Gary and Steve Meet?
Steve discovered and then followed Gary on the various forums and expat related websites for a number of years until the two finally met in December of 2012. Both realized there were expats who wanted to live the same kind of life they had been enjoying for years, so they started kicking around ideas. Their goal is to create the best website possible to help those seeking to make the move to the Philippines. While there are a number of sites similar to this one already, none of them seem to have the most up to date information or an active community to boot.
In Conclusion:
Gary and Steve feel blessed each and every day they get to wake up in Paradise. They consider themselves amongst the fortunate few that get to live relatively stress free lives and can actually enjoy the rest of the time they have on this Planet… can you say the same thing?
We look forward to helping you take the next step to your dream of living in Paradise. Maybe one day soon, we will be able to get together over a few beers while comparing war stories about what our lives used to be like… and then reflect on just how lucky we are to be here.
Please note that as of September 2015 Gary McMurrain is no longer associated with RTTP and has chosen to pursue his writing career independently. We at RTTP wish him the best of luck with his new endeavor and thank him for all the work he produced for RTTP over the years.