Popular places to live?

I have friends livng in Bayawan City and Basay on the west side of the Island of Negro, Oriental.

Nice people living there to. Now also a vulcano eruption of the Canlaon vulcano on that island in the Northern part close Bacolod and Bago.

Keep these people in your prayers.

God bless you.

I have friends livng in Bayawan City and Basay on the west side of the Island of Negro, Oriental.Nice people living there to. Now also a vulcano eruption of the Canlaon vulcano on that island in the Northern part close Bacolod and Bago.Keep these people in your prayers.God bless you. - @go2marko

This is an interesting thread about good places to live here in the Philippines so are you recommending Bayawan or the Mt. Canlaon areas as places to live? Bayawan is fine. I wouldn't worry about the Canlaon volcano events affecting Bacolod that much as it is a good distance away. Dangerous parts of Canlaon were evacuated weeks ago but I am sure most people here wouldn't choose to live there anyway (there is hardly anything there including internet and cell phone service). People communicate by unlicensed ham radio.

I will throw my hat into the ring and simply ask, good places to live or good places to visit. It really depends on what the individual is looking for, while some like the hustle and bustle of a city life with traffic jambs and pollution, higher prices, many chose a quieter life away from a city.

I would question mentioning Palawan as that is no different to saying Visayas or Mindanao, perhaps the author meant Puerto Princesa?

Choice and OMO.

Cheers, Steve. 

1. Maybe people might like the full story available on the website quoted above ..
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3. https://ownpropertyabroad.com/philippines/best-places-to-live-in-the-philippines/
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5. Here's the additional information ..
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8. 1  Why Manila is the best place to live in the Philippines:

    Outstanding healthcare facilities: Access to esteemed hospitals and high-quality healthcare services gives residents the assurance they need.

Sophisticated shopping and eating outlets: Manila caters to every preference and taste, whether it’s luxury malls or varied cuisine options.

Rich in cultural attractions and lively nightlife: Residents can immerse themselves in the city’s historical tours during the day and delight in the lively nightlife activities after sunset, promoting a well-balanced lifestyle.

Various accommodation options: Manila is the best place to live in the Philippines, with various housing offerings to suit different needs and budgets. Residents can choose from comfortable suburban homes to luxurious city residences.

Efficient transportation infrastructure: Manila’s developed public transport system ensures easy commuting within the city, making daily travel and urban exploration hassle-free.

2: Top reasons why Cebu is the best place to live in the Philippines:

    Natural attractions and activities: With its famous beaches and distinctive islands such as Malapascua and Moalboal, Cebu is perfect for those who love the ocean, offering everything from swimming and diving to various watersports.

Contemporary conveniences: Achieving an ideal lifestyle balance, Cebu is one of the best places in the Philippines due to its vibrant food scene, exceptional healthcare, and international schooling options, addressing the diverse needs of its community.

Thriving social scene: The city’s dynamic nightlife and social gatherings give expats plentiful opportunities to connect and find their community, making the transition to a new country smoother.

Soothing yet lively atmosphere: Cebu offers a more laid-back feel than other major cities in the Philippines, ensuring a peaceful living environment while providing all the necessary urban perks.

3 Why Davao is an ideal home for foreigners in the Philippines:

Safety: It’s the number one safest city in the Philippines.

Nature: There are wildlife sanctuaries, gorgeous waterfalls, and stunning islands to explore.

Adventure: Davao is the best place to live in the Philippines for adventurers who want to dive, explore shipwrecks, and climb mountains.

City perks: There’s an international airport, many places to eat, and big malls for shopping.

Cultural mix: The city welcomes a fun blend of locals and foreigners, adding to its rich culture.

Community life: Davao offers a diverse and lively living environment that suits many interests and lifestyles.

4 Top reasons to live in Dumaguete in the Philippines:

Beachfront living: The city boasts serene beaches that offer relaxation and leisure.

Rich cultural experience: A diverse community brings life to local customs and cultures.

Natural attractions: One of the most popular places in the Philippines is the Sandbar, home to the sea turtles on Apo Island.

Friendly community: The warmth of Dumaguete’s residents makes settling in easy for foreigners.

Historical and modern blend: The city combines its Spanish colonial charm with the comforts of modern amenities.

Ideal for retirees: Dumaguete is specifically recognized as the best city in the Philippines due to its peaceful atmosphere and supportive community.

Small-town charm with global connectivity: Despite its small size, Dumaguete offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle, allowing residents to enjoy the best of both worlds.

5  Why Palawan is fantastic for expats in the Philippines:

Gorgeous surroundings: With some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and rock formations, Palawan is a must-see for anyone who loves to be wowed by the outdoors.

Easy to get to: The island is easy to get to, thanks to its many ports and airports, making travel and settling in much simpler for those from other countries.

Various food choices: Whether you’re into the local seafood hits or want international flavors, Palawan’s eateries have something to satisfy every craving.

Neighborly vibes: The island’s locals, Palaweños, are hospitable, making it easy to slip into the community and make lasting friendships.

6 This is why Makati is the best place to live in the Philippines:

Multinational environment: Makati’s population is a lively tapestry of cultures, making the city’s atmosphere open and friendly to people worldwide.

Markets and job openings: Makati, the Philippines’ financial hub, offers many job and business chances for foreigners.

Excellent city living: The city is famous for its modern infrastructure, high-end shopping malls, and best neighborhoods.

Dynamic social scene: Makati’s clubs and bars make it the best city in the Philippines to meet new people and mingle at night.

Quality facilities and services: Makati provides excellent services for a high standard of living, ranging from medical care to fun and education.

7  Top reasons why Subic is the best place to live in the Philippines:

Suburban experience: The wide-open homes and yards provide a suburban-like feeling that many foreigners may miss from their home countries.

Outdoor activities: For those who love nature, Subic offers beaches, scuba diving, and theme parks, among other activities.

Duty-free shopping: Shopping lovers will enjoy many duty-free stores offering great deals on international brands.

Excellent infrastructure: Subic is one of the best places in the Philippines which has dependable utilities, such as stable electricity, steady internet, and efficient garbage disposal, ensuring a comfortable living environment.

Traffic and cleanliness: The local government’s strict traffic rules and dedication to cleanliness make Subic the safest place in the Philippines.

Education and entertainment: With international schools and many leisure activities for kids, Subic is the best place to live in the Philippines for families.

8  Why Boracay is the best place to live in the Philippines:

Island with beautiful nature: The island’s white sand beaches and beautiful sunsets make it a great place to live.

A warm and welcoming community: People from other countries can easily settle in and feel at home because everyone is calm and friendly.

Various activities: Everyone can always find something to do, from yoga lessons and health camps to different water sports.

International community: The island’s foreign community allows locals and visitors to easily meet people worldwide, building a sense of world connection that makes living there more enjoyable.

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       Calling Manila transportation and daily travel hassle free is a bit of a stretch.

Using Grab for travel within Manila, Quezon City, NGC, MOA, NAIA is pretty affordable and convenient. The most I paid in one ride is 500 pesos. I developed a dislike using taxis since my experience with them aren't pleasant. Dirty, A/C not working and they ask for extra fares. Some also used a longer route.

@PalawOne

Regarding Dumaguete where I live, aka "dramaguete":

Living here can cost around $925 a month making it the best place to live in the Philippines for retirees.

I am wondering if perhaps this might be older data. Although it would certainly be possible to live here on that, I wouldn't recommend that for "retirees". If you are single and want a good retired life, not rich by any means bit OK, you would really need to go for $1.5K or 2K if you go out and drink a lot.

If all you have is $925.00, no problem as long as you have an iPhone and a laptop. In that case you can supplement your income as part of the youtube dramaguete scene. All you have to do is mention "Philippines" in your channel title, (it guarantees lots of foreign views), even better if you can add "expat" and show thumbnails of young ladies. Actually there is a lot of truth in this 😆.

Dan writes, Regarding Dumaguete where I live ... you can supplement your income as part of the youtube dramaguete scene. All you have to do is mention "Philippines" in your channel title, (it guarantees lots of foreign views), even better if you can add "expat" and show thumbnails of young ladies. Actually there is a lot of truth in this 😆. - @danfinn

Thanks for this about your home town Dan.

Must say, from what I have heard, seen and read, lots of people seem to agree with you about Dumaguete.

It sounds like a great place to settle down and a cheery place to live.

Truthfully, if my wife wasn't from Palawan, either Dumaguete or Iloilo would be our town of choice.

We find Australia is great, but there is a magic, and living life is more fun in the Philippines. It's truly a wonderful place with warm, sincere and kind hearted people everywhere

Jackson4 replied . . . .Using Grab for travel within Manila, Quezon City, NGC, MOA, NAIA is pretty affordable and convenient. The most I paid in one ride is 500 pesos. I developed a dislike using taxis since my experience with them aren't pleasant. Dirty, A/C not working and they ask for extra fares. Some also used a longer route.

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Before I moved to Manila (Pasig City) I was thinking about buying a car. A ride from the airport changed my mine. I have been using Grab and it is very reasonable. Only twice I've used public taxi's. Both were filthy and one driver long hauled me. What an idiot. It was a ride from Landers to our house, taken many times before. I always tip our Grab drivers. So comparing the fare including tips, this taxi driver received P10.

If I drove in Manila within five minutes I would be guilty of road rage.

Yes Bob Grab is very good and generally 2/3 the price of a dirty taxi and not beaten up, when we lived in Manila I learnt very quickly to ask the driver,,,,,, Meter? Before I got in, a few times after a block or 2 I would ask the drover to stop and let me out, you pay me 500 pesos and I stop,,,,,, Mate stop or I'll break your neck, stepped out of many cabs and simply grabbed another.

Jeepneys and tricycles never a problem and yes if we lived in Manila there is no need for a car but most there seem to think it's a status symbol. Easy to grab a long haul A/C bus to go further afield, unfortunately too busy for us but plenty love it.

Cheers, Steve.

@PalawOne

It was an interesting post that you pasted. Apparently that company offers a consulting service for people who wish to buy property overseas, thus the generally positive references and living costs perhaps a bit underestimated. There are only a few places in Dumaguete City that I would recommend as a retiree and those places would be on the boundary with adjacent towns like Valencia (my top recommendation)  Dauin and Bacong. But there are a few low cost places that lower earner expats might like in the downtown area, closer to the (one) disco and the sports bars. For me. I definitely prefer the cooler mountain temps and more spacious living aeeas in Valencia.

Dan writes,.. There are only a few places in Dumaguete City that I would recommend as a retiree and those places would be on the boundary with adjacent towns like Valencia (my top recommendation) Dauin and Bacong....For me. I definitely prefer the cooler mountain temps and more spacious living areas in Valencia. - @danfinn

Yes, from all I've read, both Valencia and Dumaguete sound like wonderful places.

Besides many advantages, maybe your geothermal power plant adds considerably?

As you and others are probably aware, Docs Travels for example, gives a great score

https://docmckee.com/travel/valencia-a-thriving-expat-haven-docs-passport-score-83/

Doc Travels

Valencia: A Thriving Expat Haven (Doc’s Passport Score: 83)

Welcome to Valencia, a picturesque municipality nestled in the verdant province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. From its lofty perch on the slopes of Mount Talinis, this tropical town rewards its inhabitants with panoramic views of Dumaguete and the Bohol Sea.

Valencia is not your average vacation spot – it’s a unique blend of natural beauty, warm locals, and a bustling expat community that makes it one of the best cities for expats seeking an affordable, offbeat home.

+ Affordability (14 out of 15)

Your dollar stretches far in Valencia. From the cost of living to affordable property, the town provides remarkable value. While not as inexpensive as some Southeast Asian cities, you’ll find prices generally lower than in the US, Europe, or Australia. Even with a modest income, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

+ Safety & Security (13 out of 15)

The low crime rate in Valencia creates a sense of safety that’s cherished by its residents. The town is peaceful, with a tight-knit community where everyone looks out for each other. Like any other place, petty crimes do occur, but violent incidents are rare.

+ Natural Beauty & Outdoor Recreation (5 out of 5)

If you’re a lover of the outdoors, you’ll find Valencia to be a paradise. The lush forests of Mount Talinis offer exciting treks, while the Pulangbato Falls and Red River Valley are a short ride away. The nearby sea provides opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

+ Expat Community & Services (5 out of 5)

Valencia’s growing expat community is diverse and welcoming. Many businesses cater to expat needs, and there’s even an active Rotary Club. Social events, language exchanges, and sports activities are common, creating a vibrant social scene.

+ Availability of Emergency Medical Care (4 out of 5)

Dumaguete, a fifteen-minute ride away, hosts Silliman Medical Center, a reputable institution with a 24-hour emergency room. However, for specialized treatments, one might need to travel to Cebu City.

+ English Language Accessibility (10 out of 10)

English is widely spoken in the Philippines, making communication a breeze for most Western expats. From business transactions to daily conversation, language is rarely a barrier in Valencia.

+ Climate (4 out of 5)

Valencia’s climate is tropical – warm throughout the year, with a rainy season from June to October. The town’s higher altitude brings cooler temperatures than the coastal cities, making it a pleasant place to live.

+ Proximity to a Good Airport (7 out of 10)

Dumaguete Airport, a 20-minute drive from Valencia, offers flights to Manila and Cebu. However, for international travel, one would need to take a ferry to Cebu and fly from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

+ Food, Dining & Social Scene (4 out of 5)

Valencia’s dining scene is humble but satisfying. The town’s weekly farmers market offers a bounty of local produce. A handful of restaurants, including some owned by expats, serve a variety of cuisines. Nightlife is limited, but Dumaguete is a short ride away for those seeking more excitement.

+ Public Transportation and Infrastructure (6 out of 10)

Jeepneys and tricycles serve as the town’s primary public transportation. Infrastructure is improving, but expect occasional power outages and road work. Internet services are decent but can be inconsistent.

+ Availability of Internet (6 out of 10)

Internet access is available but inconsistent. The town has several service providers, but speed and reliability can vary. Internet cafes can be found in the town center, and most restaurants offer WiFi.

+ Cultural, Recreational Activities & Entertainment (4 out of 5)

Valencia offers cultural events like the local Fiesta and Sinulog. For recreational activities, there’s the nearby Forest Camp and Tejero Adventure Park.

But for a more varied arts scene or entertainment, you’d need to head to Dumaguete.

https://www.docmckee.com/travel/dumaguete-the-perfect-place-to-live-the-passport-bro-life-docs-passport-bro-score-90/

+ Final Results

While Valencia may not score perfect tens across all categories, it has a sold Doc’s Passport Score of 83. Its strengths in affordability, safety, natural beauty, and a strong expat community make it a worthwhile consideration for expats on a budget. However, the town’s somewhat remote location and limitations in medical facilities and infrastructure might not suit everyone. As always, it’s best to visit and see if Valencia’s charm and tranquility resonate with you.

It’s worthy of note that Gio of Gio in the Philippines

https://www.youtube.com/@GiointhePhilippines/videos

ranks this city as #4 on his list of 5 Best Retirement Cities in The Philippines video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XZ7h4gEN28

Note: This evaluation is geared towards expats seeking affordable living arrangements and not those looking for vacation spots or other purposes.

Doc Travels

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@PalawOne

Given your extensive research abilities I wonder what you can find on my area,,,,,, where we live.

Bacnotan La Union. First class province but no where near a city.

Then perhaps Tondo Manila, that will open a can of worms.

Thanks for your tireless reporting.

Cheers, Steve.

bigpearl said to . . . . @PalawOne
Given your extensive research abilities I wonder what you can find on my area,,,,,, where we live.

Bacnotan La Union. First class province but no where near a city.

Then perhaps Tondo Manila, that will open a can of worms.

Thanks for your tireless reporting.

********************************

Steve can you give us a condensed version of PalawOne's manifesto? My attention span doesn't allow me to finish it without hunger pains, requiring me to go to the kitchen for my daily imported dose of Balut from Tondo.

Yes Bob it's easy to quote off diatribe posted by these sites and the authors have probably never been there. As we say boots on the ground and not hypotheticals. Most posting/contributing to these online sites could be bias to their own beliefs and no idea the realities. What quality of life/living does not seem to come into the equation let alone the realities of living here, actual costs, service, amenities, traffic, pollution and the list goes on.

Post for the sake of look what I posted, another feather in the cap?

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

@Enzyte Bob

requiring me to go to the kitchen for my daily imported dose of Balut from Tondo

Don’t forget the Pagpag Bob

Lotus Eater said to me . . .  Don't forget the Pagpag Bob

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I was thinking about opening a Pappag Emporium, but I'm still waiting for my Swedish investor.

Steve writes,I wonder what you can find on my area,,,,,, where we live.Bacnotan La Union. First class province but no where near a city. Thanks for your tireless reporting. Cheers, Steve- @bigpearl

No worries Steve, it's interesting reading the history of various places in the Philippines. Just give us some time, yes?

Turns out the area that you mention, Bacnotan La Union has a very long and glorious history,

The area was officially created only just over a 100 years after Columbus discovered America.

And turns out, almost exactly 60 years ago, the Philippines President asked for the nomination and appointment of a mayor and council for your area, and apparently, they're still waiting?

Sounds like there might still be an opportunity for a responsible and mature man-of-the-world there Steve :-)

For eg: https://launion.gov.ph/city-and-municipalities/bacnotan-la-union/

The town of Bacnotan was forrmally founded in 1599 as part of Ilocos Sur.

In 1785, during the administration of then Governor-General Jose Basco, Bacnotan became a part , of Pangasinan.

When La Union was created in 1850, Bacnotan was one of the original twelve towns that made up the province.

In the past, Bacnotan was a vast expanse of virgin lands inhabited by a group of natives with a simple government. There was one time when it was ruled by a despotic chieftain who had absolute control over all his constituents. Disobedience to his directives meant severe flogging for the culprit. After several years the chieftain was overthrown and flogged to death by the people. The word “bakunuttan” had become a byword among the inhabitants, hence the name of the town.

During the Spanish period, the name of the town was changed from “Bakunutan” to “Bacnotan” as evidenced by the communications that are still kept intact at the National Archives in Manila.

The town’s history is linked with the deeds of the heroic men who fought, bled and died for their own native land.

For example, at the turn of the century, during the Spanish – American War, Dumarang (now Quirino) was a scene of much carnage and plunder.

Also, in December 1941, the very first organized resistance against the Japanese invaders that landed in the north in their advance southward to Manila was at Barrios Baroro and Bacsil.

The young soldiers, mostly in their twenties, valiantly defended the Baroro Bridge against the advancing Japanese enemy forces. Unfortunately, a large number of these young soldiers died in battle as the Japanese forces held the advantage in number, arms, and ammunition.

The civilian populace suffered much during the Japanese occupation, but did not submit themselves to the invaders.

Instead, numbers of them fled to the mountains and joined the brave underground movement.

After the war in 1945, Bacnotan became the provisional seat of the provincial government. San Fernando was then in ruins.

As a consequence of this transfer, the La Union High School followed afterwards. The transfer of the provincial high school in Bacnotan resulted in the establishment of the North Provincial High School.

In 1949, the vast mineral deposits for cement production were discovered in Barrio Dumarang  (now Quirino). Within a year, a huge cement factory, then called Cebu Portland Cement (CEPOC) was established in the area.

On May 11, 1957, the CEPOC, a government-owned corporation, was turned over to the privately-owned Bacnotan Consolidated, Industries (BCI). The BCI was and is the manufacturer of the famous “Union Cement”.

On June 18, 1960, by virtue of RA 2692 sponsored by then Congressman Francisco Ortega, the La Union Agricultural School was established. Nestling cozily at the foot of the mountains in Barangay Sapilang, the 600 hectare agricultural school underwent phenomenal progress and was later named Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU).

In 1965, an attempt was made by the Provincial Board of La Union to create a municipality out of the town of Bacnotan to include Barangay II, Quirino, Ballogo, and Narra.

Then President Diosdado Macapagal acted favorably to the proposal by issuing an executive order on November 29, 1965 which provided that the new municipality be created upon the appointment of a mayor, vice-mayor and councilors. However, no appointment of a mayor and municipal council was made, hence no new municipality was created.

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@Enzyte Bob

I was thinking about opening a Pappag Emporium, but I'm still waiting for my Swedish investor.

🤣

That's thrilling P1 and read all that years ago on wiki, Now? 2025?

We have had a municipal council here for God knows how many years, you are simply quoting old sh1t from 80 years ago and longer, anyone can read that. I simply asked my area now, current. You only tell what you read which we can all do and no experience from you, simply something to copy and paste.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

The information you question came directly from your local government website. Look for yourself. Suggest you take any issue you have up with them

Yes P1, read all that 10 years ago and plenty more. I was hoping you could enlighten me and interested readers  with something new but thanks for your input.

Cheers, Steve.

bigpearlsaid. . . . Yes P1, read all that 10 years ago and plenty more. I was hoping you could enlighten me and interested readers with something new but thanks for your input.
Cheers, Steve.

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Steve come back in 10 years (2035) maybe P1 will cut & paste something from 2025.