That is the big question many foreigners have, as time is growing near for them to retire to the Philippines. What to take with them and what to leave behind? I remember those days in 2009 when my wife and our son began the countdown to paradise living in the 'Land of Smiles'. It was easy for us to decide what to ship, sell and give away. Winter clothing was given away and … [Read more...]
Adjustment To Life In The Philippines
There are indeed adjustments to be made to Life in the Philippines. Depending on location and personal attitudes, it may not be a walk in the park for some. The transition was easy for me. After being away for so many years and living abroad, even some returning Filipinos cannot make the transition. They are still looking for the things here like where they lived many years … [Read more...]
A Guide to the Philippines for First Timers
Thinking about retirement can be stressful, and overwhelming at times. It becomes even more overwhelming when thinking about retirement in another country. However, there is a reason people retire in other countries. It gives you the opportunity to live a life you wouldn’t otherwise be able to in your home country. The Philippines is one of the easiest and most enjoyable … [Read more...]
Fresh Off The Boat
Are you excited about retiring to the Philippines? Feeling anxiety? Are you nervous? If you have newly arrived, do you feel like you are fresh off the boat? In 1986, I moved to Metro Manila to live for a year. Back then, there weren't any forums or even internet to seek advice from other expats in the Philippines. I did not have a Filipina girlfriend or a wife in those days. … [Read more...]
More Needful Things!
I've heard it said and read many times about foreigners' opinions that are simply wrong! One such myth is that you simply cannot buy quality appliances, electronics or furniture in the Philippines. I think they were working with a limited budget that they were willing to spend on household goods and they bought the cheapest crap available. Well, I agree, that is not going to … [Read more...]
Needful Things!
You are ready to make the move and you are deciding what you should bring from your home country to make your life more comfortable in the Philippines. Right? I knew it! I was faced with that dilemma once and I remember it well. If there is something you know that you absolutely cannot live without, it may well be the deal breaker once you get to the Philippines! If you are … [Read more...]
Bend Me, Shape Me, Anyway I Want Me
I remember back in the early 1970's when a cousin moved from small town Alabama to Atlanta and she told the family she was trying to 'find herself'. Some of the family, who were born and raised in that same small town in Alabama, had a good laugh about that and they thought she had lost her mind! As it turned out, she had broadened her horizon, met a man she later married, both … [Read more...]
Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
All through the ages, Man has the urgency to new discoveries. Well, not all men but at least Adventurist Man! Hey, that's me! I am a lifetime member of that Club. Amazingly, a number of my high school classmate still live in the same area of rural Alabama where they were born, raised and studied. It has been a long time since Graduation and last year, I connected with a few of … [Read more...]
Dreaming Different Dreams
Ever since I was a little boy, I have always been a dreamer! Back in those days, in the 1960s, my dreams were not actually realistic and were child-like in some respects. As a teenager, a young adult and as a middle age adult, I still had dreams and the dreams became more realistic with time. I think everyone should have a dream because dreams have a way of making life more … [Read more...]
How To Retire Early In The Philippines
How to retire early is something that many folks think about at some point in their life. When most people think of retirees in the Philippines, they think of someone over 62 years of age, however, I have personally met a number of retired expats here who are not even age 60 yet. Or age 50 for that matter! They still consider themselves retired because they no longer work for … [Read more...]
Paradise Or Pair A Dice
Maybe your idea of paradise is living near the strawberry fields of Baguio? When many people think about the Philippines, they often conjure up an image of lounging on a beautiful white sandy beach with an ice cold tropical fruit cocktail. Others think about trekking around one of the breathtaking mountain resorts found on a number of islands. Yet, others visualize dancing with … [Read more...]
Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe
With so many islands to chose from, it can be overwhelming to those who are about to make their first journey to the Islands of Paradise. I heard of one expat putting the names of 5 locations in a hat, where he intended to visit in the Islands, and he visited each one in accordance to the order the names were drawn. I guess that is one way to do it! Chatting with other … [Read more...]