Retirement haven?

it was listed in the top 12 lately

I'll have to re-search.  I was just going over several listings today...didn't find Philippines.  Can you tell where should I look to find Philippines in the Top 12?

Thanks

My educated guess would be that part of the lack of public awareness of the Philippines in general is the not-so-good work in terms of public relations and international diplomacy until the recent administration increased the pace.

People who know the Philippines are aware of all the awesome things, it has to offer - but not too many people know about the Philippines. Maybe that's why.

best
Sven

Come to think of it, Sven, I'd rather keep the Philippines a secret haven...and not make it so popular that foreigners would flock to this beautiful country with their wealth and spoil it all for those who seriously want to live there.  I think it is better that only a few be aware of the potential of living comfortably and rather well...in the Philippines.  I won't wonder why the Philippines is not on the top 10 or 12 list anymore.  Thanks...your reply got me to think about this.

Frederic

it just made #12 in international income index,what t
your talking about is whats happening with boracay,but im sure theres other treasure hiding some where in philippines,i consider it my 2nd home,im sure ill live there in the not distant future.Im just worry about the conservation of its natural beauty.My dream is of helping the poor there someday somehow.

i got the info from this link,http://finance.yahoo.com/news/8-great-places-to-retire-abroad-175538395.html?desktop_view_default=true

Borilove: I understand where you're coming from.  After the exhiliration and joyful sensations of living in the Philippines wears out and life goes back to routine...one has to find ways to keep the momentum moving so as not to be complacent and bored.  Of course, I have not gotten to that point with all the years I've lived in the Philippines.  I admire your noble desire to help others...and I feel this is the right way to go after one has settled and enjoyed all there is to enjoy.  You don't have to wait for that "someday" to help others...you can do it now..anytime.  I did and found it most satisfying to be able to help someone...in anyway one can.  Even if just to talk to someone in despair, encourage a student who's having a tough time making it in school, feed someone who's hungry but can't afford to buy food....anything at all. The Philippines doesn't need handouts from other countries...there are more than enough fotunate ones in the country who should be sharing their abundance with others who have less.
As I read once somewhere:  There's more than enough for everyone's need...but not enough for everyone's greed.

Wow that was powerful,currently im helping 2 collage students they are about to graduate later this year,i encourage them to pass the blessings to others in need.Im waiting for the right moment,because im soon to start a small bussiness for extra income,when it happens ill take a portion to help the needy,but ill do it outside of Manila,i have everything plan out.I have a small house in Siquijor thats where ill start,but ill be moving around the islands accordingly.

Government places its m0ney 0n new roads, building virtual charity instituti0ns, virtual schools, improvement on stuff and anything else that they fill their pockets with bundles of hundreds of thousands of pesos... merely recognizing the FACT that Philippines is one of the m0st beautiful countries all over the world. If they put m0ney into tourism, advertising and creating a bit of a n0ise pr0m0ting our wonders, we will be included in top 5.

but what about the people in general?I dont want to see a country booming when thier people are starving?there must be a balance somwhere,one day karma will reach those corrupt politians etc.Imagine a Manila without ,beggers,snachers etc it will be like paradise?

Borilove:  Philippines is not the only place you'll find beggars or poor people. Everyday...right in our big town of Bellingham, Washington...you'll run into beggars at street corners with hand written signs...HARD TIMES.  NEED MONEY.  or HUNGRY, need food to eat.  In this case I think those people are just lazy...because many stores in town are always looking for people to work!  So it's not that they can't find employment...I believe they're just lazy.  Once, in Dallas, Texas...I was on my way to lunch when a beggar approached me with a sign HUNGRY!  So I invited him for lunch with me.  He refused...told me..."Why can't you just give me money?"  If he was hungry...he needs to eat right?  Obviously, he needs the money to buy drugs or booze...not food.  I have no sympathy for those people and I don't give them anything.  Those that give them money are only encouraging them to continue begging.  Easy way to make money...and not pay taxes.  And they look pretty healthy to me.
  Don't forget...those poor people may very well be controlled by a "pimp"...a leader who sends out people to beg...and the pimp only provides them with a place to stay...and maybe some food.  The pimp gets his cut of the take at the end of the day from all the beggars under his control...and maybe...gives the one who begged a little something.
I observed a lady once in Manila on a busy street...at noon...carrying a newborn baby...running after cars and knocking on windows to beg...the poor baby was burning red from the heat of the sun.  It turned out, that was not her baby.  It was only being used by a ring leader who orchestrates a number of beggars placed at strategic locations to beg.  Once I gave a little girl selling sampaguita necklaces a hefty tip...believe it or not...I gave her 50pesos!  Before she could even turn the corner...a big guy approached her and grab the money.  That was the ringleader keeping an eye on his wards.  Before you feel pity...make sure they are really destitute, poor and helpless...and not controlled by a ringleader.  And it's not only in the Philippines...I've watch this scenario over and over...from Seoul to Bangkok, and as far away as Amsterdam.  Sorry to paint such an ugly picture about the poor beggars.  But you just have to be careful nowadays.

I was talking in general,not refering to th Philippines alone,but in this country theres no need to beg with all types of programs,as i said i hope one day in the future i can help the poor/needy,but i didnt refer to those who take advantage specially here in usa,normally i dont give money i just help in a indirect wAY.When ever i will personally help,but im also not a fool to fall for people who take advantage including family members of people that i know,i will only take care of someone very dear to me.If i feel the need to help someond and i could ill do it,but not because someone just asked me.In Spanish theres a saying:haz el bien y no mires a quien,which mean do good and dont look at who you help,so those who take advantage wont seee not even one centavo from me,im sure God sends rain for evevybody,its what you do with it that counts.We have those beggers who take advantages here in NYC,but its not easy finding a job like before,well me i cant work anymore so i just pass my blessing to others that i know for a fact are truly in need.Sorry if any one felt offended it was not my intentions,theres poor everywhere but some people look the other way to help,even if thier bank accounts are over flowing,which is not my case.Take care and lets keep this forum alive with good positive stuff.Mabuhay!and WEPA.....

It would be a miracle if someday Manila will be free of beggars, thieves, bag snatchers, etc.  But that may never happen...as long as there are those who have...and continue to want more than they need.  All greed-driven societies have this problem. It's those who flaunt their material possessions that's making others jealous...wishing they can have those nice things.  Our advertising you see everywhere does excactly the same.  The objective is to make people WANT a particular product..and they make it look and sound like YOU MUST HAVE IT! Those who can least afford it...are made to believe...YOU CAN BE JUST LIKE THOSE GLAMOROUS PEOPLE AND LOOK RICH!  YOU NEED TO BUY THIS PRODUCT SO YOU CAN BE LIKE THEM...is the main message.  And if they can't get it legally...they'll try to get it illegaly, of course.   If I earn enough to have a small, comfortable place to live, decent food to eat everyday, and a little extra to put aside...why would I want more?  If I have anything left above and beyond my basic needs...I'll give it to someone who has less than I have.  For whatever reason, greed, want, survival instinct, people have to come up with whatever works for them...to get what they need...and want (beyond need).  Work, steal, cheat, even kill someone for something they want...or beg, if it comes down to that.  Survival does not demand moral ethics.  I am fully aware that for some...it is not their fault.  Circumstances, cruel events, disasters, financial downfalls, or just being born in such poor condition, may have caused so many to be destitute, poor..and hungry.
  The best we can do is be active in social movements.  Those that will bring about opportunities for misfortunate others so they can pull themselves out of their miserable circumstances.  The rich are often reluctant to let go of what they think they worked very hard for.  But there are others who were born into wealth...and never had to work for a living.  We...and others who think the same, have to rally together to convince those who have more than they need...to share.  Or else, there will be more disgruntled "have nots" lurking about...ready to pounce on them (those who have too much) at every opportunity.  Think back in history...what happened when the very wealthy refused to share even a tiny portion of their wealth with those who are struggling to just survive. 
  There are of course, many wealthy folks today...who are involved in doing good for others. Thanks to them.  Still, not enough of them.  Just remember always:  THERE IS (REALLY) MORE THAN ENOUGH IN THIS WORLD FOR EVERYONE's NEED... BUT NOT ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE'S GREED.  If the wealth in the entire world were distributed evenly..there will be no poverty.
  Haz lo bien y no mires a quien (yes I understand and speak Spanish) is all well and good.  But nowadays, you have to be discriminating...we could very well be helping someone (monetarily) who turns around at the end of the day with all the money he (or she) has gotten from kind people...and head for the nearest pub for a drink...or to buy an ounce of cocaine...or whatever drug that person uses or just waste the money on cigarettes.  How did I help (and the others who did) this person?  I merely encouraged him to continue on with his addiction. 
  To understand their plight...spend a day in a homeless camp.  I did...for two whole months.  The well-off should try it.  They will have a much better perspective of what it means to be truly poor. And perhaps, it will make them more compassionate...and generous.  Hopefull not to encourage the poor to continue what they are doing...begging, stealing, or whatever means.
  To illustrate, further...I once felt bad for a homeless person who needed warm clothes...so I gave him a bag full of warm clothes I no longer needed.  I know my clothes and have my initials on them.  A few weeks later, I happen to be in a second hand store looking for a used bookcase.  Lo!  I recognize the clothes I gave to that homeless...hanging, neatly pressed, on the shelves...to be sold cheap.  Investigating further, I learned that some homeless man brought the clothes to the store to be sold (obviously, even cheaper than the price on the tags attached to the clothes)...but enough to earn him a little cash.  You can guess what he used the money for.
  Just be aware these things happen...and be careful whom you help.  It is unfortunate...but that's the reality we have to face everyday.  But you are on the right track...continue on.

I just hope we can all do whatever we can within our means and whereever we may be.

[Moderated: no free ads pls!!!]

I watch the nightly news out of Mobile Alabama and it sounds almost like a low level war going on over there. Shootings, rapes, robberies every day, its the new American normal.
Our problem is our wealth is built on debt and thats coming to a painful end very soon. I'm just wondering how a banking system collapse will play out in the PI. This is what bothers me the most about leaving the US. I'm worried to leave my boys behind and the country self destructs.

Thats one of the reaasons i want to leave asap,hopefully by next year cant wait.I love peace and tranquility.

That's good.  Not sure of your situation...but whatever it is, get yourself ready.  We all have choices...it just depends what choice we take.  My preparation is simple:  Get out of debt completely!  I started 2 years ago.  A few years back, decided to work after retiring. Lived off my job's salary..saved my pension for 3 years; paid cash for a new car; had enough left to put a big down on a house...keeping my mortgage a lot less than if I were paying rent.  Had enough to quit my job and back to full-time retirement. Bottom line...stop paying interests on credit cards & loans simply by not racking up charges on your card.  Even your debit card gets charges added to it.  Some folks think it is free!  Keep 1 credit card for emergencies...but don't use it for everyday purchases. Keep very low balance in it.  Your call to decide what is considered low balance.  Mine is less than $200.  Never use your credit card to pay on line.  BEWARE...scammers are alert, smart and fast!  The less you expose your credit card...the better.  I use cash for everyday purchases.  If I want to buy a high cost item...I go to my bank first to withdraw the amount...then pay in cash.  Saves you a bundle...(you may not realize it but you do).  Retailers, banks, creditors, don't want you to pay cash.  Remember, you pay on credit, they get rich, you get poorer.  If I need to pay for airfare...I have my local AAA travel agent handle everything.  Once I get the itinerary I need...they quote the price, I withdraw the cash...and pay in person.  Yeah, sure!  I heard all that before about credit cards...convenience!  At a hefty price.  The travel deals on line always include some hidden deal that you ultimately have to pay for.  An airline in Europe once advertised 80 euros to fly from Germany to Seville, Spain.  Cheap...great deal, right?  But then you find out later that every move you make at the terminal...you pay extra for.  Extra for checking in your luggage; a little extra for your carry on; a little extra for this and that.  Before you know it...that 80euro deal has turned to 200euros!  Some airlines will even charge you for processing your check-in and issuing your boarding pass.  Beware of deals...there's always something in it that will get you to pay more in the long run.  It is easy to be debt-free...don't listen to ads...and don't let them dupe you to buy things you don't really need.  Discipline and common sense is all it takes. 
  When I decide to make that plunge (go to the Philippines to retire or visit)...I will have no debts to pay and be totally free from financial obligations.  Well...still have to pay taxes to Uncle Sam.  But that's about all.  I purposely chose a no-income tax state to reside in when I came back from my job asssignment in Europe. But...they still get you some other way.  Better than living in a state that gets you for everything in the book! Take care...and be careful.

The cost of living in the US just keeps going up. There's almost no industry its all parasitic, bankers, insurance, tax laywers etc. Just my property taxes and home insurance is $300 a month. I managed to get debt free by going to Afghanistan for 4 years. It allmost cost me my life last June. I have been unemployed for 7 months now, my middle son who graduated from university last May is still unemployed. Him and his wife and baby live with us.
I met a guy once who worked half the year and took the other half off in the PI. I wouldn't mind that arrangement. Maybe work a summer job in Alasaka.

Well I better go look for work....Duder

your right you did excelent with your situation,dont want to discuss my situation but hopefully we will meet then ill discuss it with you,but very different from your situation.I just miss being in Philippines i feel very good there.

The old "hard work" ethics in the U.S. has been flushed down the toilet of "progress" so to speak.  Now the norm is make as much as possible and do as little or nothing to earn it.  It's that "greed" thing coming into play everywhere.  And whoever happens to get squashed in the process...well, too bad.  C'est la vie.  We're fast becoming a nation of service industry...like you said, bankers, lawyers, tax experts, real estate wheelers & dealers...right along with swindlers and racketeers.  No one wants to get their hands dirty anymore...yet the trend is to play dirty with impunity. 
   I really feel bad for veterans who put their lives on the line and come home and not be able to get jobs.  There's a lot of hype I read and hear from our Government on how it is working hard to get veterans hired...but let's face it, even the President of the U.S. cannot force employers to hire veterans.  I heard (I am a service-connected disabled veteran) that VA has vocational rehab programs for veterans to get them more competitive in today's tight job market.  Have you explored that possibility?  I did...but unfortunately, that program discriminates against veterans over 60.  But that's ok...I had a rewarding career post-military service...and recently retired after 25 some years working for Uncle Sam as a civilian.  But I wondered if you tried to talk to Veteran Employment outreach folks?  There should be one at your local Employment Development Office.  Usually run by the state.  Or any local veteran advocate organization.   By the way...I tried applying with VA...I have more than 25 years of experience as Human Resources Specialist..in all specialties, yet many of the jobs I applied for (same kind of work...in the HR field) come back with notice that I was not selected!  Some notes even say I didn't qualify!??  I seriously suspect that they don't want to hire experts who are over the age of 60!  It is of course, illegal to discriminate because of age.  But they figure ways to get around this ruling.  But...that's ok.  It's their loss.
  Now, I know something about recruitment, employment...hiring industry; what kind of work are you looking for?  I don't have the connections now that I am retired...but I still know a thing or two about the job industry.  I might be able to give you some pointers.
  I am curiousl by the way...why are you interested in the Philippines?  I know, there are many obvious reasons...but there are also other countries were it is very affordable...and enjoyable.  You don't have to tell me, of course, if you don't want to.  Wish you luck in your job search.

My wife is from Pangasinan and I was at Clark for 8 years in the 80's.  However she is not so keen on the idea to move back. She talks about buying a house about every 6 months but then just never goes through with it. I'm in my early 50's and this job searching stuff is no fun.  Some times I want to just drop out of the rat race.

Along with too much service industry the manufacturing sector is regulated to death.  It seems America is its own worst enemy.