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 abroad. They can search but they cannot or will not find some of those things.
I can honestly say that over the past 29 years, most foreigners made the adjustment, who I have come to know and some, even befriend. The main reason they made the adjustment is because they wanted to. And they realized that the Philippines is not back home. The Philippines as a whole is not trying to be the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any other location around the world.
It Is What It Is
I never really liked the term, “it is what it is,” because some use that term rather than explaining further. However, I think the Philippines is what it is. I never read a Dept of Tourism ad where they touted the Philippines as being just like your home country or your hometown, diba?
It is what it is. Like it or not and take it or leave it. Bacolod is not ever going to be Florida and I don’t expect it to be. I have long accepted the Philippines as it is. Yes, there are still growing pains. I’m just so proud to be here. I like it, I love it.
And then there are the laws. Some foreigners think they can say or do anything here and the law is the same as in the USA or as in other countries. Freedom of Speech only goes so far. Libel and Slander are crimes in the Philippines and not just Civil Offenses.
I think for the most part, the food issue has been solved in the adjustment, especially for those living in mid-size and large cities. I am certainly not going without. I can’t think of anything I want to buy that is not available in the Bacolod area.
That’s What Friends Are For
I think your life will be much more rewarding in the Philippines if you have good Filipino friends. An incident reminded me today that I know someone in our area of the Philippines who can help with anything that arises. Problems, bumps in the road, inconveniences, trouble on the rise, can all be nipped in the bud if you have a good network of Filipino friends. I have found if they don’t know what to do to assist, they know someone who does. Life is great.
Many, if not most, relatives will also become your friends. I have relatives in the USA who are not actually my friends. In the Philippines, I have relatives who are indeed good friends. Some do not have much by Western standards but what they do have, they will eagerly share with you. It is a 2 way street.
I came from a small family in America and a number of relatives were not close. It is much different in the Philippines. It was one of the attractions I recognized 29 years ago concerning the closeness of family and friends. It is such a wonderful feeling and I wanted to be part of it. I have been ever since.
One of the things we enjoy on Retiring to the Philippines is helping you adjust to life in the Philippines. We are here to help. Remember to post any questions on the Retiring to the Philippines forum and not in the comments section as they will not be published.
Hi Gary, great article. I’ve been here (Bacolod) almost four months now and really enjoying it here, the people are great and I support your reference to the “I know a man who can approach”. There have been a few challenges and surprises but everything works just differently sometimes. I’ve also come to love driving in the countryside – almost a daily occurrence now. For people coming here I’d say you’ll do most of the same things but differently and remember you aren’t in the US or wherever now.
Brian
Long live global diversity! Long live cultural uniqueness! In the end it all boils down to how we see ourselves and from that, how we see others. Yet another great piece from Gary! Let us not be carried away with the temptation of comparing all with the US. Far from it. Truth be told that the US is more of an aberration compared to the majority of countries on our planet. As you say Brian, “…everything just works differently sometimes”. Absolutely. And that is as it should be. I dread the idea that we should all be clones subscribing to the same values, the same dreams, hopes and expectations. And if we cannot allow for that, then we have no business going to countries different from our own and then whine endlessly — not so much for what those countries are, but for what we wish them to be. Accept. Respect and get busy living. And the results would surprise you. As Gary rightly states: it is what it is.
Great article I has a lot a good information for people thinking about retirement in the Philippines which my wife and I are. It takes a lot of preparation and a lot of work getting things ready for when we and other people make the BIG move. Keep up the great work you are a big help for us here in the states thinking about retirement in the Philippines
Alan P
Hi Gary,
I am happy that I’ve come into your website and blogs.
As far as I read some articles and comments, mostly mentioning about retiring from US to Philippines.
Now, my concern is what about retiring from Canada to Philippines?
I am Filipina and holding a permanent resident in Canada not yet Canadian citizen but I’m married with Canadian citizen 5 years already and we are planning to retire in Philippines.
Any ideas about VISAS?
Thank you for your kind attention.
Goldie
H Goldie,
Thank you and I am happy you like RTTP.
Before anything else, to save posting a lot for you to filter through, I have a question and we can go from there. Are you a Philippines citizen or a former Philippine citizen who will reacquire your citizenship?
Once I know the answer, I will comment.
Take care,
~ Gary ~