New members of the Philippines forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024

I am food a blogger from UAE.

Hello Michael-Cisnero,

Welcome to Expat.com

How can we assist you please?

Feel free to ask your questions if you have any.

Cheers,

CHeryl

Expat.com team

Welcome Michael.

@Cheryl thanks for the warm welcome Cheryl

Hello all.

I'm 61 years old from the US and making my second trip to the Philippines this coming week and staying for 3 weeks.  Planning to return in January when I retire and stay as long as I am enjoying my life there.

I've been staying in AirBnBs but would like to find a cheaper longer term living situation when I return in January.  Both of my trips have been to CDO in Mindanao.

Welcome Bannor, sounds like a good plan. It's relatively easy to find 6 month leases that will be a lot cheaper.

@deepapradhan

Hi everyone! 👋

I’m Rene Leandro Padilla, and I'm excited to join the Philippines forum! I’ve been living in the Philippines for a while now, and it’s been a wonderful experience. If you're new here or planning to move, I’m happy to share tips and insights about life in this amazing country. 🇵🇭

Looking forward to hearing your expat stories and helping each other navigate the journey of living in the Philippines.

Yes, please. I plan on visiting Cebu in January 2025 to check things out with the intention of a permanent stay in the near future. Any advice on how I can make the visit more pleasant or how I can make the transition smoother would be greatly appreciated.

@Julien

Hi, i am French, i guess i am on the wrong page

, the site seems much better intuive in english and i am too old to have been born with internet a d digital.  Never mind, I understand english fair

@deepapradhan

Good question, same 4 me^^

@cyrilk972

Hello and welcome !

The thing is that you chose "English" as language when you created the account. I have changed that to french. You will be redirected to the french speaking forum : https://www.expat.com/forum/viewforum.php?id=4240

Regards

Bhavna

Newbie here - My name is Genesis,  - I was reading the other forums and most of the topics here.

Hi! I'm Kristine I'm new here. I've seen a lot of people wanting to move in to the Philippines which is great! I have a condo in the heart of the city (10 to 15 walk to Mall of Asia, Pasay Phillippines to be exact) that is open for lease to anyone planning to visit and stay in this location. Also, willing to welcome new friends!

@Hower you better book now.  Sinulog (which is one of the largest festivals in the Philippines) occurs during the third week of January. Hotels will all be sold out or very expensive if rooms remain.  also difficult to travel during this time

Sinulog takes place in Cebu, to celebrate Santo Niño. Probably won't affect Manila much.

@Julien

Hi I am Mike and married my filipina wife in 2021. She wants to return to the PH to be with her family so i am preparing to use the SRRV to retire there next year. I just made a new post to ask more about the process and in particular the police clearance.

Thanks

Michael Mess said. . . Hi I am Mike and married my filipina wife in 2021. She wants to return to the PH to be with her family so i am preparing to use the SRRV to retire there next year. I just made a new post to ask more about the process and in particular the police clearance. Thanks

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I was in the same situation, I married my Filipina wife in 2007 and she wanted to return to the Philippines to be with her family. We returned in 2018.

I decided not to use the SRRV.

Upon you & your wife entering, your Balikan privilege is good for one year, which I used.

Then you can go through the route ACR-1 and then 13A which I did.

You have time to think about it and make your decision.

Hello, I am married to a beautiful Filipina and we have kids. Planning to move there soon and retire early. Focusing on getting ready, will probably take about 2 years.

@mreugenekrabbs

welcome!

@mugteck

Thank you!

Hello,

I am just new in this website but I already stay here long time ago since 2006, now I already know how to speak local dialect

Cheers,

Dodski

Welcome Dodski, glad to have you.

You are far ahead of me with your language abilities!

Hello, my name is Steve

Originally from England but have lived in Canada now for 34 years. Im a retired health care worker and also a published author of children's books.

Next year in March 2025, I am planning to retire in Cagayan De Oro (CDO) Philippines.

Last year I vacationed in Davao and loved it. After a lot of research and watching Vlogs on YouTube, I have decided to start my new adventure in CDO.

@Bannor

Hi Banner

Im going to retire in CDO as well, but closer to mi March. I was in Davao last year for 2 weeks and loved it.

All the best mate

Steve

Hi, everyone! I'm Tamika and new to this forum. I’ve recently relocated to Cebu for work, though I lived in Manila for some time before making the move. So excited to explore everything this amazing place I’d like to call home has to offer. If you have any tips or must-see spots in and around Cebu, I’d love to hear them!

Happy to be here and looking forward to connecting with you all. 😊

Welcome Steve, I have heard good things about CDO.

Welcome Tamika, glad to have you here. I lived in Cebu City for several years. There is a lot to see for sure. Do you have a car or motorbike?  I'm sure you've been up to Tops already but also check out West 35 for fantastic views along the spine of the mountain range. Good food too. A bit further afield - a  nice overnight is to go to Bohol and/or Panglao, off the southern end of Bohol Island. It is about two hours to Tagbilaran by fast craft.  Lots of things to see and do there.

Cheers

@pnwcyclist

Thank you. Appreciate it. I heard CDOs economy is second only to Manila. So I guess good things are happening there.

@pnwcyclist
Thank you. Appreciate it. I heard CDOs economy is second only to Manila. So I guess good things are happening there. - @stevesayoo

Hi and welcome to the forum, I would ask though what bit of Manila are you comparing CDO to? Tondo or Makati?

Again welcome to the forum.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl

I have no clue. The article i read mentioned Manila but no specific locales. So I really don't know.

Thanks for this site. Looking forward to using it.

A bit of my own background. Coming to the PI in January from Texas. Retired Navy (submarine force enlisted). 72 years old, divorced with no ties to anyone now, feeling like I 've been put on life's shelf to collect dust so I'm moving on. If things don't work out in the Philippines, I've got a Plan B to implement.

Looking to go to Zamboanguita initially, Get my feet planted solidly on the ground and then figure out what I want to do from there.

I know zip about the Philippines except what I've heard over the years and from watching YouTube channels. So any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks again.

JohnnySocket

I studied Psychology, Philosophy, English, Law, and Statistics

@peterahern1

peter take one step at a time nice and slow I’m settling now here just enjoy the fruits before you plant a tree

@renegadesric529

Slow and easy wins the race. Thanks for the advice.

Hello, I am new to Cebu from America. I live near Talisay. I have a nice, spacious 120sqm rental for 20,000 pesos. It has a nice gated yard for my dogs to roam.  I get a lot of stares from the community but they are getting use to me. Many do not recommend it but I am interested in owning a business  here.  Any business suggestions?

@Julien

Newbie here. My name is Neil. I plan to retire in about 5 years. I will be about 62. I have heard great things about Cebu Island as a place to retire. I have a lot of questions and hope to meet new people here who can help.

Thank you!

Neil

@islanddoll

Let me know what you learn as I am considering Cebu as well.

Thanks!

Neil

            Welcome Neil, many people on here can help answer your questions about retiring on Cebu.  Sounds like you will not be seeking work, which will make your life easier.  Have you ever been to the Philippines?  It will help people help you if we can know your in person experiences in the islands.  Of course some retire here as their first visit.  Best of luck, a lot of things can change in 5 years.

Thank you! I have not been to the Philippines but I am thinking of coming to Cebu this summer to explore the possibilities and get a sense of things. It sounds like the process of getting a retirement visa for the Philippines is not that difficult.

Thank you! I have not been to the Philippines but I am thinking of coming to Cebu this summer to explore the possibilities and get a sense of things. It sounds like the process of getting a retirement visa for the Philippines is not that difficult. - @lakeman23

Good idea, but realize you are coming during rainy/typhoon season.  Most agree the best time to come is October through February, but if you are thinking to retire there then perhaps you need to see all 12 months at some time.