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Retiring to the Philippines

Magazine for expats living or retiring in 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
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  • Travel
    • Airline News and Promotions
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    • Best Way to Get There
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  • Food & Drink
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    • 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...]

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Latest Articles

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Latest Comments

  • Robin Litchfield on A Personal Story of Life in the PhilippinesI am trying to locate a little girl that was born there the summer of 1983. Her Mom's name is...
  • Neil on Why I Ultimately Left the PhilippinesBut the state pension is roughly £165 per week £660 per month would not support a single retiree then ?...
  • Norma Bartram on Philippines 13a Visa Requirements ExplainedHi, you can get your husbands balikbayan visa (one year to stay )at the airport when you arrive. be sure...
  • Bon on The Catfish HunterHi Gary, Is the Negros Sport Fishing club still active? Can’t search them in FB.
  • Eric on Getting Around Like A LocalI am coming to PI with my philipina wife...do I buy a one way ticket to use the balibayan rule...
  • GARY L LAFFERTY on Why I Ultimately Left the PhilippinesYour right I never move Philippines have children or care for a wife least witout 1500$ a month in retirement...
  • Dennis on Philippines Retirement Visai live in Thailand now.....I must pay every year a fee to renew my retirement visa .... is there a...
  • Donna Malec on Philippines 13a Visa Requirements ExplainedHello! I'm a Filipina that is married to an American and we really wanted to apply for 13A visa. However,...
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