2014 was a very good year in the Philippines. It was a very good year for my family and I and it was a very good year for the country. There were a number of economic and cultural advances made this past year.
Some foreigners are still wearing their same crap colored glasses and one foreigner recently referred to the Philippines as a failed state. As always, some writers are critical and they only see the negative things that happened during 2014. Indeed, lives were lost due to storms in the islands. Corruption is still alive but hanging on. Crime is on the rise in the National Capital Region. There are still too many people living in poverty. These are all true. What about the great accomplishments this past year?
The Year That Was
The President’s War on Corruption is paying off. There are several high profile law makers and other politicians behind bars, awaiting trial for various corruption charges. Most experts agree that corruption in the Philippines is institutionalized and it is not going away overnight, however, progress is evident in curbing corruption.
The Philippines is a much better climate for business investment than ever before. In 2014, Standard and Poor raised the Philippines Credit Rating to its highest in history, BBB. Moody’s Investor Service raised the Philippines Investment Grade to BAA2. Great news! More foreign investors have confidence investing in the Philippines with their official economic upgrades and due to the obvious war on corruption.
SM North EDSA became the world’s largest mall to be solar powered. A great accomplishment!
Vigan City, Illocos Sur, became one of the New 7 Wonders Cities of the World and a famous travel magazine named Palawan, Top Island of the World. The Philippines Department of Tourism is expecting an explosion in the number of visitors to the islands in 2015.
The Government’s Social Services agencies are reaching more Filipinos than ever before and are delivering much needed services to the poor. Assistance with housing, food, tuition, medical care, job training skills development and small business financing are helping millions of Filipinos rise above poverty.
On The Home Front
My wife, our son and I experienced a very healthy year without any significant illnesses requiring treatment. We are thankful.
My wife and I celebrated another Wedding Anniversary on December 25. Life is fabulous when you have a best friend and soul mate as a lifetime partner.
We had the best rice harvest in October 2014 than we experienced since we began growing rice in 2009. Not only that but the price of rice per sack that we sold to the rice trader reached a milestone in its record price per sack. We are blessed.
My wife made an important adjustment to her taxi franchise in making it operate smoother and with less out of pocket expenses.
We made more friends among foreigners and Filipinos in adding to our other friends. It’s great having friends you can trust.
2015 Can Be Your Year
Many people put together their personal New Years Resolutions and studies indicate that most fail in living up to those resolutions. It does not have to be that way. Don’t be afraid to follow your dream and realize that if others can do it, so can you.
Steve and I are here to make your transition to the Philippines a smoother transition. Our RTTP Forum was busier this year, answering questions and giving advice from our regular Forum contributors. Many have not because they ask not.
I am wishing all of you a very healthy and prosperous 2015.
Nice, balanced comments with a positive outlook and filled with optimism. I’m happy that things have worked out well for you and your family for 2014, Gary. Negative comments are hardly surprising from persons with tunnel vision, especially those (not all) from developed societies and who cannot resist the temptation of comparing life in the Philippines with life in their own “perfect” countries. I remember watching a youtube video of a young American who talked about why people should NOT retire to the Philippines. Yet he admits to returning to the country, time after time and remains enchanted with the country. Odd to say the least. That aside, I look forward to an exciting retirement in the country and will go with an open mind, so my horizons can continue to grow and widen. A great website this and a priceless resource for the likes of me. Thanks and keep it up folks!
Hi Alvin,
Thank you for your nice comments. A great attitude of coming to the Philippines with an open mind. Many do not and they become disappointed when they don’t find their hometown in the Philippines.
~ Gary ~
I must agree with Alvin, I am happy for you and your family’s prosperity and health this year Gary and this forum is truly a source of great information and great inspiration. Nice to hear the Philippines has hope for the future for becoming even better than it already is. Thanks again for all of your continued information and help to ex pats planning to move there in the future
Hi Calvin,
Thank you for your compliments and well wishes. I am happy that you enjoy RTTP and find it helpful.
~ Gary ~
Thanks Gary for RTTP, I look forward each time to read your articles, and stories. Happy New Year. JC
Hi JC,
Thank you and Happy New Year.
~ Gary ~
Gary, thanks for your informational website. I have spent a lot of time reading your advice and views and appreciate it.
I am American and married to a pinay. We met in the us through a mutal friend (my college buddy). She is absolutely wonderful. Her family is also wonderful and I can’t wait to live in the Philippines. She has oceanfront property in San Juan, Launion that we want to build a modest house on and retire there someday.
Have you been to this area, by chance? I think it is very nice based on my limited research and Google earth is helpful, but still wondering if you have been to San Juan, LaUnion, or heard about it.
Thanks for your time and keep on posting please!
Dan
Hi Dan,
Thank you for your kind words. Congratulations on your marriage to a wonderful Filipina.
I’ve never been to San Juan, La Union, but I know many foreigners go there for surfing. It sounds like a great place to live. I’ve never heard anything negative about the location.
I wish you all the best.
~ Gary ~
Just found this site. Slowly but surely trying to save to retire in Cebu ( about 30 miles from Cebu City) with my future wife. Initially my goal was to somehow get to $50k savings before coming. But know after reading a lot I’m thinking half that should be fine and with about maybe $800-1k social security we’ll be fine and still able to invest in small business. She raises pigs, 1-2 litters at a time, and I’m thinking expanding that to 1 litter of fattened pigs per month (or about 5 sows in rotation) will be doable for decent return.
Waiting to be able to post in forums with permissions. and ask questions.