Menu
Expat.com

Is The Philippines Right for Me

Post new topic

Cherryann01
@Wellsfry If there is a Costco there or something similar, it would sure make things a lot easier for me. I do not mind the food in the Philippines, it is just the idea of eating rice for pretty much every meal I would find difficult. I love the smoothies, juices and some of the fresh fruit there. My girlfriend one day even came back with a grapefruit, not sure where she managed to get it because I have never seen any for sale but it was a welcome change.

I think part of the problem I had was going to Vietnam for 4 days on my way back. The food there is much much better and I managed to go rice free for the whole four days. Also one thing I noticed in HCMC was that I never saw much rubbish or litter or any dwellings that look like they should be demolished, although this was only on the drive from the airport and in District 1 where I was staying. I met a German guy at my hotel who told me that just a short walk away in didtrict 2 I think, I would find where a lot of the locals live and conditions there would be fairly similar regarding the housing.

I guess I just need to explore the Philippines some more and see what is suitable for me. I do know that somewhere a little cooler would be a good start.
Cherryann01
@zoe2016 Hello Zoe,

Thank you for your reply. I was just making a general observation. In England we have areas even near where I live where there is a lot of rubbish and grime however it generally does not stay that long as we have local councils who have Environmental Departments and clean up the waste on a fairly regular basis. I guess my main concern was Pasay and also the rubbish in the rivers and the sea.
Cherryann01
@Enzyte Bob Well Bob when I spent 3 days staying on Mactan Island near the airport I did spot a TGI Friday's on the way to Lapu Lapu so I guess that is one good thing. Never went in so I do not know if your steak is served with rice or fries but I definately saw it.

There was also a Starbucks outside the SM Mall in Cagayan De Oro so I guess there are some western options when eating out but yeh I take your point about having to pay more for western foods and the lack of choice compared to in Western countries. For me though it is just the rice that I would need to find a substitute for.
Lotus Eater

.
mugteck
For a few extra pesos you can buy brown rice, healthier and a better alternative than bread or potatoes.  Avoiding rice in the Philippines is an unrealistic goal.
coach53
For a few extra pesos you can buy brown rice, healthier and a better alternative than bread or potatoes.  Avoiding rice in the Philippines is an unrealistic goal.
- @mugteck

Yes.  The nutrisions are taken away from brown (=full grain) rice and feed to the pigs
and leave the white rice to people.
WHITE rice is subsidiesed by Phil government,
Poor Filipinos cant afford the much higher cost NOT subsidiesed healthy brown rice...
FindlayMacD
@Wellsfry If there is a Costco there or something similar, it would sure make things a lot easier for me.
- @Cherryann01

There is an S&R membership shopping supermarket in the Bulua district of CDO which is very much like like Costco, membership costs P700 per year.
Enzyte Bob
@FindlaymacD said:There is an S&R membership shopping supermarket in the Bulua district of CDO which is very much like like Costco, membership costs P700 per year.
*******************************************************************************
S&R is a poor imitation of Costco/Sam's Club as is Landers, even though their layout is like the stores in the states . (Both are membership clubs) Nearly everything at S&R is nearing the expiration date. I alternate between both stores. They both sell a limited supply of Costco products (Kirkland). But they are a good alternative if you have one close by.

You never know what American products are in stock between visits. That's why I buy 2 or 3 of our favorite products, because when it goes out of stock you never know when it will return. One thing I like about Lander's, they have takeout rotisserie chicken about $5 USD, but it is on the small side.

I also purchase grocery products online from Metromart, they can do your shopping at dozens of stores and S&R is one of them plus you don't have to be a member. I ordered S&R products from them yesterday and it was delivered before 10 am today.

They both have liquor and beer at reasonable prices.

Both of them  have a dining area with a limited selection for dine in or take out at reasonable cost. Their pizza is popular and I've seen people purchasing multiple pizzas, maybe for a party or office. Our S&R is located across from St. Lukes Hospital and close to many call centers. So during lunch time the dining area is busy.
kristopherryanwatson
@Parvaze



Subic/Clark is a fine choice. I myself live in San Fernando, which is about 45 minutes to Subic.  Its quite nice here, and quite the contrast from metro manila, which i am finding to be increasingly losing its intererest among Expats in the last couple of years...


Have you ever been to the Philippines before for vacation ? I am sure you must have, but just have to ask. :)
Cherryann01

@kristopherryanwatson I checked once for the price of weetabix in the Philippines and was shocked by the cost compared to the UK

Cherryann01

@Wellsfry That sounds great. I would like such a location when and if I make the move over there. I am not very good at golf but it is good exercise and I enjoy it and I am sure I will need a hobby to keep me occupied when not enjoying family life.

Parvaze

@kristopherryanwatson I've traveled pretty extensively but no haven't been to Philippines before, it's my first trip 😁

kristopherryanwatson
@Parvaze



Oh, well you're in for quite an experience. I'm sure you'll love it here.... congrats on your decision and I am wishing you all the best once you arrive. feel free to reach out to me, maybe we could go for a beer or something. As i mentioned, I live in San Fernando. Which is about 30-40 minutes south of Clark, approximately.  1f600.svg
FilAmericanMom

@Wellsfry That sounds great. I would like such a location when and if I make the move over there. I am not very good at golf but it is good exercise and I enjoy it and I am sure I will need a hobby to keep me occupied when not enjoying family life.

- @Cherryann01

Cooking could be a good hobby if you want to prepare meals the way you like it, eat healthy and avoid having to eat rice for every meal. And preparing meals at home can help cut down the cost of eating out.
kristopherryanwatson
@Cherryann01



Yes, it's quite the gut-punch - even for the little things one would enjoy as snacks !

it's been a trial by error endless experiment of the many local snacks to find an equivalent of what i miss back home.  fortunately there are many cheap alternatives.
Parvaze

@kristopherryanwatson Thanks, I'll look you up when I'm there 😁

kevin4586
I don’t mind the food in cebu , go to the market fresh veg good potatoes carrots cabbage pork fish and chicken, I also like fried rice with vegetables,
It’s hard to get a good steak but found places that sell good bread and meat pies etc even got proper bacon and sausages just ask the expats and they point you in the right detection
If your out in the sticks You could struggle to find western food 
pnwcyclist
Yes, you can avail yourself of any level of western lifestyle you want near the larger cities. Cebu, for example has some really high quality restaurants, and prices will be less than in the west for sure.

The first few years in Cebu, I really struggled with the garbage and pollution - my western ego was constantly complaining. We lived in a gorgeous high end condo with amazing views and gardens but as soon as you went into the city you were faced with all that has been described. And it was expensive, because we were living a western lifestyle.  I took her to many other Southeast Asian countries and none were as dirty or noisy although many were just as polluted. Food was better too. But part of the reason we are here is to make a difference, so here we are.

During the pandemic I really missed my girl, so we have made some changes. Out of the big city, and on to the fun projects. Building a small tropical home for weekends and retirement in the mountains.  Views to die for, but definitely jungle terrain and all that entails. Purchasing a multicab to supplement the car and carry materials up the mountain. Rented a small place not far from Dumaguete on the next island over for our daily living and close to her son’s school. Do a lot of cycling for exercise, air is clean, plenty of restaurants.

Its really what you make of it.
pnwcyclist
@Cherryann01 Hope you find the balance you're seeking. Seems you're taking the time to weigh-up what's best.

I've been to CDO and had a cell phone pickpocketed in a Jeepney etc (my stupid fault) and certainly understand the comments about the impoverished conditions. Once upon a time the roosters kept me awake too.

The Philippines grows on you, and now it's where I am happiest. The people have so much vibrance and resilience, and so am I'm energised when I'm there. My place in Scotland is orderly, picturesque and clean, but walking down the neighborhood streets feels deserted, and it's like everyone stuck inside on the internet.

By contrast,  every street in the Philippines is alive - filled with kids, roosters, malnourished dogs and you can feel the activity, with people bathing, doing laundry, cooking BBQ, fixing tricycles...going about their lives.

Twenty years after meeting an "Island Princess" (she is amazing)  I'm now used to what might be called The Third World, but it's so rich in other ways. Especially if you are blessed to have a project and good in-laws like me.

If you do decide to stay, there are some stunning places outside of the cities, with resources enough to meet your Western needs, if you search. There's plenty of quirky expats to chat to in the bars (I'm one), and you'll feel and act 20 years younger than your peers in the UK.

Also, demographically Philippines has a big future. Most Western countries have aging populations, but the average age in the Philippines is 26 years old, with high English literacy,  and universities pumping out graduates, so economically the future is bright. The OFW's are returning pushing for a better quality of life.  It's a good place to buy land and invest, if you're that way inclined.

Anyway, that's just my opinion. Best of luck.

- @gsturdee

I couldn't agree more with all that gsturdee said. It certainly is more alive here, and a lot more fun. You just have to put the ego aside and develop patience. If you can’t, there are many other places to try.


Enzyte Bob

@Parvase. . . . I know, obviously, that you can't recreate the standard of living in a 3rd world country that you would have in a 1st world one. But I'm guessing that if finances were not a problem, you can pretty much buy the same (or most) goods/products you can get in the west?


**************************************************************************
Most people in the US and other first world counties people "live", in the Philippines the people "survive".  So if you are a survivor where you come from (not you Parvase), don't make that mistake it's going to be any different for you in the Philippines.
kevin4586
Your right there Bob , you won’t  change the Philippines, the people have been living what they believe is a normal life and no foreigner can tell them they are not doing it right in there own country, seen to many expats think they know best , and guess what they don’t , they try and do it there way and usually ends in tears
building houses the western way and 4 years in the wood all gone with ants and termites
Bars and restaurants over priced , no locals using them last 6 months and lose the lot
falling out with the next door thats a passage to a right unhappy life
tow the line and get on fine
coach53
Your right there Bob , you won’t  change the Philippines, the people have been living what they believe is a normal life and no foreigner can tell them they are not doing it right in there own country, seen to many expats think they know best , and guess what they don’t , they try and do it there way and usually ends in tears
- @kevin4586
Well. I havent tried with (malay) Filipinos by I know many have tried and failed. E g one chef tried to teach Fillipinos to eat some less unhealthy by not swimming in oil when fry in pan, but he gave up. He said Filipinos have an odd pride, many prefer to make up own "solutions" screwing up instead of follow instructions!!! He started running by himself a route many years ago WITHOUT trying to recomend others, but Filipinos are GOOD at copying  :)  so some started doing same there and then it grew there localy 1f44d.svg
Related is they dont want to ask when they dont know/didnt understood because they see that as "lose face" showing they dont know, but it seem they dont count screwing up instead as losing face!!!
An ex found me asking to much, but I told her
-I know so much BECAUSE I ask so much...    1f923.svg

Its even in the LAW foreigner's business knowledge ARENT ALLOWED to dominate even in businesses where foreigner is big investor!!! So not odd fewer foreigners want to start in Phils much needed businesses adding jobs...
Many years ago I noticed a fatal error in handling by a lot of in a type of business.  Since then I have found only two businesses doing it correct - and one of them have foreigner among the owners and the other know them    :)     Later I got to know they dont even teach this correct in university!!!  so not odd few Filipinos such business owners know.
This in Phils common missing knowledge make both there are bargains to buy such businesses and competition being weaker, which made I got the business idea many years ago to want to start such. It took me many years though to find any Filipino not occupied in these two good handled businesses, who knew enough to make my compleeting of knowledge not dominating...  In difference from common among malay Filipinos, these tribe Filipinos LIKE to learn things from foreigners too, which make I believe we have good chance to succeed.

But I DONT expect to change the Philippines, only a tiny bit localy :)
rlmcar55

@Cherryann01 you have to carve out your own little corner here. Even though you do that when you leave your carved out corner,well you seen for yourself. Unless moving to more secluded islands and some of those are even worst. What where you expecting from a third world country???

temploni
@Cherryann01
I am also British and i have lived in Cagayan de Oro for 11 years. The city is still developing and has many new malls and places to go out in the evening.
Yes there are some old and dirty areas but generally i love living here. The people are friendly and i never feel unsafe here.
If you dont want to hear roosters crowing live on a sub division that bans the keeping of livestock.
Never compare here to where you live in the UK as you will be always disappointed.
Look at the positives. Climate , people and cost of living cheaper than UK.
bizwizard

@gsturdee Good read... I plan to visit CDO next time I come(August)... Getting some work done here in Washington (State).  I heard there is a "costco" there?  Or something very similar to one... so I plan to make the 8 hour drive soon after returning... Can't wait... been here only 1 week in Washington and miss my girl, and everything else terribly... plan to stay 3 months this next go around to move into our beach home we are purchasing... anyways... cheers... would love to stop and have a beer with you when we arrive to CDO...

- @Wellsfry

Yes, S&R is a membership store like Costco, it even carries a lot of Kirkland-brand products. Guess they're related :)

Enzyte Bob
S&R was established in 2001 as S&R Pricemart, S&R stands for Sol & Robert Price. In 2006 Sol & Robert sold S&R to Lucio Co. (Co is a last name).

They are the owners Pure Gold Price Club. (Pricemart.com.)  Pure Goldbasically in central America  and the Caribbean.

I gathered this information from Wikipedia wanting to know more about S&R.
FilAmericanMom
I have just returned from the Philippines after spending three weeks there and returning to the Uk via a four night stop in HCMC and I am questioning if the Philippines is the right place for me to eventually retire in a few years. I may upset a few people later in this post and for that I am sorry.

I had a great time with my girlfriend and beautiful 2 year old daughter in Cagayan De Oro and spent the last 3 days in Mactan/Cebu with my beautiful girlfriend exploring and relaxing. The relationship is certainly not the problem here but the Philippines itself.

So this is what I found difficult:

The insects and bugs and getting a good nights sleep because of the noise of the cockerels crowing. The heat and constantly sweating throughout the day, Eating rice daily.

And now for the controversial bit, the grime, the litter, seeing rivers and streams poluted, dirty beaches, people using the street as a public toilet and talking of toilets, I stayed in Pasay for 2 nights, one at the start and one at the end of my visit and although I did not explore the area much I would compare most of the area to a dirty public toilet and the buildings or most of the structures that pass for homes need, in my opinion, demolishing. I have never seen such an awful place in all my life. And some of Cagayan De Oro was the same so my questions are: Is the Philippines the right place for me and can I do anything to overcome these issues?

Of the few places I have visited in the Philippines, I think only Davao would be a viable option for me.

And did I mention the ants, everywhere haha
- @Cherryann01

What was your longest stay in the Philippines? I think a three weeks' visit is not long enough to determine whether the Philippines is right for you or not. In a short period, you might experience the best that the Philippines can offer, move here, and then later be disappointed. Or experience the bad, dismiss moving here, and miss out on the good stuff.

Most of us here in the forum have had our fair share of the issues you mentioned. For me and my husband, it wasn't just roosters when we first moved here. For the first 6 years, we lived at my parents' house. There was a karaoke bar (it's been closed down) just outside the subdivision. Pedicabs with loud speakers (prohibited now) would pass by. There was a time we heard lovers (one of them is a relative of our neighbor) having a spat out in the street, for which we had to call the barangay because the two were too loud. And then there's nature sounds: frogs in unison during the rainy season (which sound like a flock of migrating geese), crickets in unison (sounds really ominous the first time you hear it), the loud sound of heavy rainfall (sounds like hail). Over time, we adjusted to that and to all the other issues you mentioned.

Six years after moving to the Philippines, we moved into our house which we fully own, something that was unaffordable for us back in America. We're glad we moved here. And we're better off here.

So, I would suggest an extended stay next time you visit. Try to see the forest for the trees. And then decide on whether to retire here or not.








FilAmericanMom
I think the reason why we are content with our life here in the Philippines is we found our "niche". My husband and I grew up and lived in the city or suburbs for most of our lives.  So, we like and are used to the convenience that comes with living in an urban area. We are fortunate that the property we purchased is in a peaceful and quiet part of Quezon City, and around 6km from a watershed / small rainforest. And our neighbors are nice too. Within a 5- to15-minute drive are my husband's work, my shop, malls, S&R, a Lander's (under construction), K-12 schools, a hospital, LTO, PhilHealth, SSS, BIR offices. Within walking distance is a 7-Eleven, a Watson's pharmacy, eat-out and fast food places, and our parish church.
Cherryann01
@FilAmericanMom Unfortunately due to commitments in the UK it is difficult at this point in time for me to stay for much longer than three weeks. Next time I come I would like to travel around a little bit more, maybe visit Palawan or Boracay. I would also like to bring my English daughter with me next time or the time after to meet my girlfriend and her half sister.

The rain is not an issue for me, used to it, you have to be living in the UK.
FilAmericanMom
I also purchase grocery products online from Metromart, they can do your shopping at dozens of stores and S&R is one of them plus you don't have to be a member. I ordered S&R products from them yesterday and it was delivered before 10 am today.

- @Enzyte Bob

I also order through Metromart. You can purchase groceries from S&R through Metromart even without an S&R membership. But, you will be charged a certain percent of your total purchase if you don't have a membership. I learned of this when I tried placing an order and got charged extra because my membership had expired.
pnwcyclist
Now that we're out of Cebu City and all the congestion and pollution, the only real issue I have here is the humidity. It's brutal and raises the perceived temperature to a very uncomfortable level unless you just stay inside with the AC on. The other day the "Real Feel" temp was 108 (42C), hotter than where I currently live in the Southwestern US, where it is extremely dry. And WAY hotter than the Pacific Northwest and SF Bay Area, where I'm originally from. That's why I have generally spent the winter and spring months here, when it is nice, and summer/fall in the US. Don't think I could hack it here full-time, as I'm too much of an outdoors person and the high humidity just wipes me out.

I will add, after thinking about it, that this probably is due in part with where we live now - in an upland area that is mostly undeveloped and forested. Sparse homes, so lots of greenery and moisture. It probably drives up the humidity even higher than more urban surroundings with lots of concrete. And.. its been raining pretty regularly, but thats the norm this time of year, at least here in the Visayas.
Wellsfry
When we visit her family in the mountain above ipil, I find the humidity extremely high... because of all the moisture in the air... they always laugh and point at me because I am all wet... with moisture glistening on my arms... but in Dipolog, and soon our beach house in Dapitan... it isn't that way... dont get me wrong... still hot as shit... but not as humid... lol... seams like after a month or so, I adjust to the heat, and it's not as bad... after 2 months even better...

Articles to help you in your expat project in the Philippines

All of the Philippines's guide articles

Find more topics on the Philippines forum

Starlink Internet vs local internet
Best dating site to meet a good lady?
Criminal background for visa
how much i can earn with raise a pig
Can I book return ticket for over 30 days?
Land buying, how much is the Notary fee for Deed of Sale?
Traveling to Philippines. Where will I go through customs?
5 Year Permanent Resident 13A, ACR1 card RENEWAL
What is your Electric Bill like ?
Cost of living in the Philippines in 2024
US Companies with work positions in Philippines
How much would a daily maid cost
Recommendations for a bank for a joint account?
Building Cost in Philippines
Monthly budget / expenses
Single guy in the philippines where to go?
CONDOMINIUM STRESS (SMDC COMPLAINTS)
Best Drinking Water?
Similar discussions about life in the Philippines
Choose the best health insurance
Protect your health and get easy access to treatment for expats in the Philippines.
Plan your international move
Facilitate your move to the Philippines by getting a quote from our top rated movers.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
Send money overseas at the best rate
For fast, safe and secure money transfers to and from the Philippines.