• Home
  • Advertising
  • Submit an Article
  • About RTTP
  • Contact Us

Retiring to the Philippines

Magazine for expats thinking of retiring to the Philippines

  • Guide
    • About the Philippines
    • Moving to the Philippines
    • Visas
    • Packing & Shipping
    • Bringing Your Pets
    • Importing a Motor Vehicle
  • Living in the Philippines
    • Culture Shock
    • Property
    • Banking
    • Driving
    • Public Transportation
    • Telecommunications
    • Hobbies & Interests
  • Travel
    • Airline News and Promotions
    • Places to Visit
    • Best Way to Get There
    • Lodging
  • Food & Drink
    • Restaurants
    • Imported Foods & Drinks
    • Home Cooking
  • Entertainment
    • Nightlife
    • Things to Do
  • Shopping
    • Where to Shop
  • Health
    • Doctors
    • Hospitals
    • Alternative Medicine
    • Insurance
  • Economy
    • Cost of Living
    • Business News & Information
    • Investing in the Philippines

Personal Safety Tips in the Philippines

September 8, 2015 by Gary McMurrain 30 Comments

Last month, the expat community in the Bacolod area was  shocked by the deaths of an American and his Filipina wife. They had lived in the area for some time and had an organic farm in Murcia, outside Bacolod City. Many of us knew the couple and some of us actually bought organic vegetables from their farm. A very sad and tragic story. The husband was reportedly found in a deep … [Read more...]

New Wonderful Experience

March 4, 2015 by Gary McMurrain 9 Comments

Panorama-Cebu-Island

To get the most out of some things, we often need someone to guide us. I had been to Cebu City several times in the past, mainly for US passport renewals at the US Consulate. Before the trip, I had gathered online a list of places to see and the names of a few restaurants I wanted to try. I was never impressed with Cebu City. Too much traffic for one thing. Too many people … [Read more...]

Why Can’t We Be Friends?

February 23, 2015 by Gary McMurrain 9 Comments

friends-in-the-philippines

I know several expats in the Philippines who do not have any foreign friends by their own choice. They told me that most foreigners here are more trouble than they are worth. I haven't reached that point but I can very well see where they are coming from. Many had bad experiences in the Philippines with other foreigners but they get along extremely well with Filipinos. I … [Read more...]

How Life Really Works

December 17, 2014 by Gary McMurrain 11 Comments

philippines-giving

I've already heard a few grumbles from some foreigners about what they will spend in the Philippines this holiday season. With that attitude, they may as well not spend anything. My wife has a large family but I am not expected to buy 1,000 gifts or feed 1,000 people. However, I enjoy giving and I always have. I don't give because I have to or because I am expected to. I only … [Read more...]

Say It Ain’t So, Gary!

September 20, 2014 by Gary McMurrain 16 Comments

lies-about-the-philippines

"It ain't so, Gary!" There, I said it. I communicate with more than 50 foreigners most days, every week in email, in my article comments, on the RTTP Forum and in personal consulting. It never ceases to amaze me about some of the things that foreigners have been told about the Philippines...by other foreigners! There is a lot of misinformation going around and a lot of it is … [Read more...]

Expats In The Philippines Thrive!

June 23, 2014 by Gary McMurrain 13 Comments

expats in the philippines enjoying the good life

When I go out to the malls and the restaurants in Greater Bacolod, I see more expats in the Philippines are gathering and joining us all the time! The word is spreading and catching on that this part of the world is a great place to retire, live, do business and even raise children. If you are not interested in doing business and if you do not have plans to raise children, this … [Read more...]

Pleased to Meet You

May 13, 2014 by Gary McMurrain 11 Comments

pleased-to-meet-you-philippines

I have learned over the past 28 years that expats living in the Philippines all have different agendas and needs. We cannot all be put together in one painting and be painted with the same wide brush! We are all unique individuals and I never met anyone exactly like me. Some expats have the need to get together with other expats several times every week to be happy living in … [Read more...]

The Kano Coconut Telegraph

October 3, 2013 by Gary McMurrain 17 Comments

The coconuts are piling up! It has been my experience over the past 27 years that there are some fabulous expats who have made the Philippines their home, however, every expat you meet in the Islands is not your friend! All expats in the Philippines do not have any intentions of being your friend and some set out from day one to cause you problems. Call it the Green Eyed … [Read more...]

The Good, Bad And The Ugly

August 13, 2013 by Gary McMurrain 7 Comments

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 … [Read more...]

Crab Mentality Is All Around

April 24, 2013 by Gary McMurrain 5 Comments

What goes up, must come down! Crab mentality is a popular saying among Filipinos and it refers to behavior associated with envy and jealousy. "If I can't have it, neither can you and I will pull you down!" I have heard many foreigners over the years complain about crab mentality while living in the islands or spending time visiting the islands. However, I have experienced far … [Read more...]

Latest Articles

  • Is Gambling in the Philippines Illegal?
  • Can Foreigners Own Land in the Philippines? Proceed With Caution If You Want to Stay Safe.
  • 5 Tips for a Healthy Retirement in the Philippines
  • How to Ship a Car to the Philippines
  • Top 5 Financial Tips for Expats in the Philippines
  • How to Live in the Philippines with No Money
  • Why I Ultimately Left the Philippines
  • Keep the IRS off Your Back! Advice for Americans Abroad
  • Are the Guys at RTTP Fascists?
  • I Never Chose to Live in the Philippines

Latest Comments

  • David-Paul Newton-Scott on Why I Ultimately Left the PhilippinesI speak Tagalog so to me the place just feels like an extension of the UK. Learn the language and...
  • James on Watching Sports in The PhilippinesI’m a grass roots track and field club athlete in Melbourne, Australia and am considering moving to the Philippines. For...
  • Charles geistel on How To Retire Early In The PhilippinesHello Everyone yes I enjoyed the information but one more year on my way back to the Philippines and yes...
  • Michael Ray Brown on Philippines 13a Visa Requirements ExplainedI will have to renew my 13A visa in December for the 1-year probation period. What papers if any do...
  • Jonnie on Philippines 13a Visa Requirements ExplainedWhen traveling in and out of the Philippines with my 13A visa. Is there any expiration requirement on my passport?...
  • Barak F. on New Courtesy SRRV For VeteransI can't seem to find a list of approved militaries. Might someone have a link to an official PRA list?...
  • Kevin on New Courtesy SRRV For VeteransThey charge $10 per year for a Annual ID. The $360 is in reference to dependents. A spouse and up...
  • Charlie Bamford on Why I Ultimately Left the PhilippinesHi Vic I live near Tacloban & worked remotely for a UK company for 8 years. Despite what PLDT &...
Want More Comments?

Sponsored Links

[adrotate banner=”14″]

[adrotate group=”5″]

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Tags

bacolod balikbayan box banking behavior business christmas cooking cost crime culture dating diving driving earthquakes entertainment expat expats festival fiesta filipinos food foreigner friends guide health holiday living love moving music nightlife philippines relationships resort restaurants retirement retiring romance safety shipping shopping superstitions travel visa weather

Discover the Secrets to Dating Asian Women

Popular Posts

  • Philippines Retirement Visa
  • Philippines 13a Visa Requirements Explained
  • How to Ship a Car to the Philippines
  • Working On The Building
  • New Courtesy SRRV For Veterans
  • Why I Ultimately Left the Philippines
  • Philippine Dating Scams

Weather in the Philippines

Copyright © 2012 - 2025 · Retiring to The Philippines · All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy · Terms & Conditions · Disclaimer