Over the past 27 years, I have met many expats who are living in the Philippines. Some of the expats worked for foreign companies, some played basketball in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), some were engaging in business with their Filipina wives, some were military retirees who had spent time in the Philippines during their tour of duty and some were older retirees who retired to the Philippines.
Among the expats who retired to the Philippines, some married a local lady after their wife in their home country had passed away or else after a painful and often costly divorce. Some of the retirees have started a fabulous new life in the Philippines with a much younger wife and they are actually raising children in the Pearl of the Orient. Others have been married to the same Filipina for more than 20 years and they are enjoying their retirement life in Class & Style in one of the many islands around the country.
The Good
I am an easy-going, laid back guy from the Southern USA, who appreciates my friends and enjoy knowing my neighbors. I fell in love with the beautiful Filipino people, their vibrant culture and the gorgeous country exactly 27 years ago this month! My first trip to the Islands of Paradise and the year actually living here changed my life forever. I’ve embraced the Filipino culture with open acceptance and I am never unhappy. Sure, there are little things that can be annoying at times but those are nothing more than minor inconveniences and they do not have a major impact upon my life. Among my expat friends, the ones I enjoy hanging out with the most are those who have an attitude about the Philippines similar to mine and I know many! They are all a good bunch of guys, who are respectful to Filipinos, respectful to the colorful culture, abide by the way things are done here and because of their positive attitudes, they are also having the time of their lives in the Philippines.
I enjoy greeting the greeters! When you go to the large SM Department store, you will be greeted many times by the friendly sales staff, even as you are walking by in the store. No matter where you go in the Philippines, you will be greeted many times by the smiling locals. “Good morning, sir!” It is said as if they really mean it and most of them really do mean it.
Bad
Over the years, I have also met some expats who remind me of mean ole drunks who go to a bar looking for a fight! Whenever I meet these bad guys, they are always the same in that they are bitter and angry at the world and they would really be like this anywhere in the world. I really feel sorry for their wives who have to put up with them and instead of paradise, their lives are one endless hell.
Just the other day, I witnessed an expat scolding a waiter in a restaurant because the hamburger was not prepared the way it is in America. I have witnessed expats scolding the salesladies in department stores because they approached them and asked, “May, I help you, sir?” You can imagine their shock when the expat replied, “Hell no and get away from me and let me have my privacy to shop in peace. Run along and leave me alone!”
The Ugly
Some expats come to the Philippines to exploit the women and make money. They open bars and openly have girls for sale. Just last week in the Bacolod City area, an expat and his wife were arrested for human trafficking. They operated a cyber sex den in their home and some of the girls were age 14 and 15. When the whip comes down and these bar owners and cyber sex operators are arrested, they quickly realize that human trafficking is a non-bailable offense. Due to the slow wheels of justice turning, expats and locals alike may very well spend years in jail before their case goes to trial! Do not expect the American or other more developed country’s legal and justice system in the Philippines!
One older expat was married to a very beautiful younger Filipina and he tried to prostitute his wife to other expats for P40,000 per weekend. His wife was always crying and did not want this kind of life. One expat said this character needed to be taken out and horsewhipped. I agree!
I think we have all heard of the Ugly American and well, yep, he is here in the Philippines!
You will get a lot more mileage from your retirement to the Philippines if you are among the good guys. Regardless of one’s belief, Karma seems to always come back to us, whether it is good, bad or ugly!
Well never thought I would be leaving comments on a web page two days in a row, just so impressed by the thoughts and writing retiringtothephilippines.com, unlike most I have seen before. There are a number of people that need horse whipping and some sites as well. The beauty of any country is in its people, the cost of living in Australia is getting beyond a joke, and the society very anti social. Walking down the street smile at a nice lady and the response can be indifferent to scary. But on the brief visits I have had to the Philippines it is hard to walk anywhere without a meaningful conversation and meeting a person that shows real interest. On one occasion in Cebu I spent the entire day with a local couple from a chance encounter. Sure there are bad visitors but it is nice to know there are some great westerners in the Philippines too writing and being helpful, and inspiring me of course. Hopefully one day might even meet when I check out your recommendations. And with fingers crossed karma does bite more than a few that deserve it on the bum.
Glad you like the site Wayne and don’t feel too bad 🙂 We get a lot of guys commenting and enjoying the articles.
Gary and I work hard on the site so it’s nice to get positive feedback from time to time.
I’m sure Gary will be along soon to comment too but I just wanted to say a personal thanks!
Steve
That is great, Wayne, that you like our site. I am happy hearing it. As Steve posted, it is nice to receive your feedback. You are always welcome to post your comments as often as you like and you can also check out our forum, which is only one click away!
I certainly agree that there are some good expats in the Philippines, as I have met many since 1986.
Have a great day!
~ Gary ~
Hi, I am glad I found this site, I am 56 and retiring after the first of the year. No family in the USA any longer, so Philippines is looking good. I have a few questions however. I like shooting sports, and have a few motorcycles. Is there a size limit on motorcycles (engine size) allowed ? Also, what about firearms, ? Are they allowed, places to hunt, etc ? Thank you for your time, great site !
Dave – Thanks for your compliments on the site! Importing your bikes will be difficult if not impossible. There was a comment from another bike enthusiast the other day telling how hard it was for him and how, if he had to do it again, he just wouldn’t bother. As for firearms, a foreigner is not legally allowed to own a firearm. What most do is have the gun registered in their wives name but as I don’t have any interest in guns, I can’t give you the exact details.
Steve
https://retiringtothephilippines.com/guide/importing-a-motor-vehicle/thinking-of-bringing-your-vehicle/#comment-6722
There are several big Bike Clubs…..Central Europeans and Americans some Filipinos a mix…. The club’s get together occasionally…. Ferry to an island and then explore an island together…. Lot of gun restrictions
My wife is from Negros we have a house in Cadiz (I believe I’m one of the good guys). We live is So. Cal and have been married 21 years. We want to move to PI next year and retire, I’m 56 she’s 47. I was wondering if you could help with a few questions please. Can I get med ins.? Can I watch NFL, NBA & MLBA when I get there?