Living in the Philippines
I was going to start by giving a brief history of the Philippines, but I decided against it. The best way to learn about the Philippines is to read the Wikipedia article on the Philippines. What I'm going to do is to relate some of my own history and thoughts about the Philippines. Please be forewarned, if you're a regular reader, that I've deleted some old articles and recycled some of the information into this one.
Visits to the Philippines
I met my wife in Olongapo City, Philippines, in 1983 and we were subsequently married in 1985. Before the year was over, we had our only son together. In 1986, we traveled back to the Philippines for his christening and retrieved my stepson, who I later adopted. My wife and both children lived in the Philippines from 1987 to 1988 while I was stationed on Okinawa.
While my wife and children took trips to and from the Philippines in the 1990s, military commitments prevented me from joining them. It wasn't until 2003 that I returned with my wife and younger son (the older son being in the military himself at the time) to attend my father-in-law's funeral. He lived with us in Phoenix, Arizona for 10 years before he was killed in an auto accident. We shipped his body to the Philippines on the same flight we took.
Moving to the Philippines
In 2005, my widowed mother-in-law returned to the Philippines along with my younger son, who was going to attend college. Shortly thereafter, I and my wife decided that I would retire in the Philippines. We sold our house and moved to where we now live in April of 2006.
Despite what many may believe, it wasn't an easy thing to do. My military pension was and still is enough to live on, but idle retirement was not for me. Within a few short months of arrival, I started writing as a means to pass the time. More than 2 1/2 years later, what started as a hobby has blossomed into a full-fledged writing career. A career, I might add, that I have complete control over. Work at home jobs aren't for everyone, but this one suits me just fine. My secondary income may soon become my primary income. My writing career, however, is completely separate from the online business I recently started (which I mention later in the article).
My Health in the Philippines
Although it's taking me a long time to get used to the extremely high humidity here in the Philippines, living here has already proven to have some health advantages over the dry heat of Arizona, where I previously lived.
I had LASIK surgery on both eyes a few ago, in Scottsdale, Arizona. After surgery, I had 20/20 vision. I was lucky; some people never get that result. Because of the dryness of the desert air, however, my vision didn't remain at 20/20. This is something the doctor told me about before I had the surgery: It can take a year or more for the eyes to obtain a permanent focus.
Because of the high humidity here in the tropics, my eyes remain moist all of the time. Ever so slowly, my vision returned to that magical 20/20 number. I'm now able to stare at the computer screen for long periods without getting the intense headaches that near-perfect vision can cause. My brief trips back to the US dried my eyes out and recovery took about the same amount of time when getting back to the Philippines.
I'll tell you one thing, though. It was the most frightening experience of my life. Although each eye was held open by a speculum, if I moved for any reason while the laser was operating… I cringe at the thought of the consequences. My younger son wants to have it done to his eyes but I told him to forget about it. He involuntarily shudders once in a while and the risk is way too high for him. LASIK surgery isn't for everyone.
The dry desert air also causes a form of dandruff which is really just dry scalp. I don't get that kind of dandruff here in the Philippines. When I lived in Arizona, I used to massage my scalp with baby oil once a week to prevent my dry scalp from flaking onto everything.
Needless to say, I no longer have to deal with the baby oil or the dandruff anymore.
Dining in the Philippines
There are a lot of restaurants in the Philippines. There are probably more restaurants per capita than the US. Like the US, however, people are expected to behave and dress appropriately. In some restaurants, particularly in the Manila area, blue jeans aren't part of the recommended attire while in most restaurants local to me, blue jeans are perfectly fine.
People who've never been to the Philippines would probably never expect to see so many American-style restaurants and franchises from the US. In Olongapo, we have KFC, McDonald's, and Kenny Rogers Roasters as well as the local favorites of Jollibee, Chow King and others. In the SM malls in various places, there are even more local and American franchise restaurants.
Surprisingly, a number of good restaurants are popping up at the Subic Freeport Zone next to Olongapo. I've been to a few of them, although I can't remember the names. I have a tendency to hunt down the coffee shops.
International Travel to and from the Philippines
My wife became a dual-citizen before we moved here and she has a second passport (Philippines in addition to US). I have a permanent resident visa card for the Philippines with a US passport. We can both move back and forth from the country at will and without restrictions.
Being able to leave and come back anytime we need to has been a blessing. I've left twice, once for my older son's wedding and once for my wife's surgery. Soon, we may have leave again for a longer period of time. It all depends on what happens with my online business.
Business in the Philippines
While my wife has attempted to establish small businesses a couple of times here in the Philippines, the results were disastrous. Once she tried to raise chickens and once she tried a crop of mangoes. Both times, the profits were eaten up by carelessness on the part of the people who were supposed to take care of everything.
I, on the other hand, decided to establish an online business. It didn't start out as an attempt to make money online, but it DOES make money. The business has absolutely nothing to do with the Philippines and I prefer it that way. I made the US my base of operations, for legal and tax purposes, because I'm very aware of the local corruption. Corruption exists everywhere in the world, including the US, but nowhere have I seen it as visible as here.
Although I'm getting off the beaten path, I want to quickly mention that I won't have anything to do with politics in the Philippines, not even at the lowest level. Politicians and journalists blame all the country's woes on US imperialism. They seem to forget the centuries of Spanish domination and several invasions by other countries. Instead of fixing the country's problems, they prefer to put the blame on the US, completely forgetting the billions of dollars that were poured into this country during the 20th century. Looking a gift horse in the mouth has never been a problem for them.
Living in the Philippines
If you read what I have written, you may get the mistaken impression that I don't like living in the Philippines. On the contrary, I love it here.
When I was living in the US and moving through public places, people would rarely even notice me, much less speak to me. The Filipinos here are polite and hospitable. When I'm walking down a street, any street, people smile and greet me just like I was one of them. The fact that I'm white makes me stand out in a crowd, but most Filipinos don't seem to notice the skin color.
Shopping is not as easy as it in the US, but so far I have been able to find almost everything that I've been looking for. That speaks a lot about the improvements to the economy here since the mid-1980s. Advertising isn't as intrusive as it is in the US, therefore people just don't know where to go to find specific items. Heck, when I first got here, all of my relatives swore up and down that I couldn't find American-style washing machines and dryers. I found them in a furniture store by accident when I was looking for beds.
There are other Americans, with websites as well, living amongst us in the Philippines. Some are in the process of moving here and Dan of "Moving To The Philippines" is one of them. I would like to mention others, but I don't have their information handy (hint: leave a comment and I'll take care of it).
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Glad I found your site. My woman is Filipino and it's my goal to move there. I have an online biz, so I think things could work out pretty well. She wants to start a restaurant there. Good times. =)
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hey RT,
I just wanted to compliment you on writing an excellent summary of your experiences and posts about living in the Philippines. This is truly what I would call a flagship post. Nice job.
~ Steve, aka the impressed trade show displays guru
PS. Sorry to hear about the chicken raising / mango growing businesses. I've got a list of a few of my own unsuccessful business ventures, including selling seeds door-to-door as a kid, but that's another story.
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Thanks, Steve. I didn't check the final word count, but I believe it's just short of 1500. It took a couple of hours to write it and was revised at least 20 times.
Hi RT,
I'm guessing that the search engines will "love" this post, and I'll be interested to see how you do for the phrase living in the Philippines. ~ Steve, aka the trade show displays guru
Wow. I'm not surprised. It's usually pretty easy to spot a post that a lot of time and thought went into. I'm not surprised on the time, but is the number of revisions (~20) a personal record?
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I'm shooting a little higher in the long run.
Very interesting post. I've lived abroad (Japan and Costa Rica) before and have found the experience to be completely different but exactly the same, if that makes any sense. Most of the people in my life have never left the US.
It makes perfect sense. I know people who haven't left the city they live in once in their entire life.
It's really a shame. There's a whole world to explore and staying in one place doesn't help to expand anything at all.
One setback of dining in the Philippines is the too much proliferation of fastfood sites (Jbee,McDo,KFC). The Philippine should learn from the dining style in Thailand. People don't spend so much money on less nutritious food since they can eat fresh food at low price almost anywhere.
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I was under the impression that the State Dept was saying that the population of Americans living in the Philippines was around 140,000 or so.
RT your blog is great and really eye-opening about what it is like to be an American living in a foreign country!
That's the Americans the State Department knows about. An example is that I never registered with the American Embassy, so they only know about me because I've been there. Arrivals and departures aren't tracked and would probably be a nightmare if they tried to.
I am really glad that I found your site. I was born in the Philippines and I am proud being a Pilipino. I quite miss a lot of food and traditions there.
That's a very cool primer on what it's like to live in the Philippines. I know of someone else (a Harley rider at a forum I frequent) who oddly enough, took his military pension after he retired, and relocated from Arizona to the Philippines. He absolutely loves it.
I've always wondered how Americans are received and perceived in different parts of the world. I've wondered if the situation is even worse now after 8 years of the US trying to be the playground bully of the world, but it sounds like it isn't that big of a deal for you in day to day life.
That makes me feel quite a bit better about traveling to different parts of the world as an American. Thank you for that!
Now, I am more proud to be a Filipino!
Happy New Year RT!
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Very nice post RT,
As I was looking at my Google reader I was wondering how you got to the Philippines and now I know. I commend you on your writing style and inclusion of links to other interesting sites.
You are a joy to read.
Nice post.
I taught English in S. Korea for two years and I knew many teachers that took vacation in the Philippines.
It was even sort of a dream for some of us to teach there. But I guess most Filipinos already know English.
Maybe I'll visit one day.
Having worked in Philippines for 3 months and I dont think I would consider living there (no offense) !!
I've never been there but my friend who currently live in Quezon City told me that the personal computer on there is mainly used for friendster. Is it true?
Interesting information. I have myself lived in three different countries (Australia, New Zealand and UK) and must say even though they all are Anglo-Saxon derived cultures, they could not be more different. Liked the New Zealanders the most as they are closest to Central Europeans where my heritage lies. Been to the Philippines for a vacation and loved the open people there as well as the terrific farmers markets
: Continued luck and happiness with your life there!
I recently traveled to the Philippines and loved every day of it! I especially enjoyed the weather, food, and beautiful views. What made it even better was how cheap everything was.
That's a great writeup – I have been dreaming of a move to Asia someday. I really hope it happens. Thanks again for the story.
Agreed! Great write up, enjoyed the read =)
Fine post which really gives you the feeling of what it is like to live in the Philippines. Although I love travel, I have never considered going to this country.
Now, I feel like visiting. I especially like how friendly the people are.
Your 'dry eye/wet eye' story is particularly memorable – and it's great that you are living in the best climate for your eyes!
Great idea to have 'keyword' and 'comment' luv – I have added them both to my own blog.
All the best.
Hi RT
Thanks for the mention of me and my site in your great post. Some people base a whole blog on what you covered in one post. Keep up the good work. I visit your site almost daily and have never been disappointed.Lets get together on my next visit to Olongapo.
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Heh, I don't get out much nowadays. Perhaps when my wife returns in a few months (less than 4, I hope), I'll be able to get around more. My online business, as well as my many blogs, eats up most of my time.
I've been to SouthEast Asia before, but not the Philippines. I've made some friends from the Philippines and would like to visit there someday. Your article brings a very neat insight on the Philippines and what it has to offer. Thanks for a great article.
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Nice post. Just a couple more questions on your Philippines living.
Have you faced any problems with your US citizenship? Have you felt yourself an emigrant?
No problems as a US citizen. No one even asks about citizenship or residency. Do I feel like an emigrant/immigrant? No, not really. I'm a permanent resident, but I haven't applied for citizenship and I'm not required to do so.
Great post. Other than the high humidity, how is the weather there? I have been thinking about making a trip to the Philippines for a business/vacation trip. Any advice on best time of year for vacation?
Mark
2006 was laced with back to back typhoons, but the stormy weather since then hasn't been much. For the most part, it's like living in southern Florida. Hot and muggy most of the time. January and February are the best months for vacation because the weather is cooler and the humidity doesn't bother you as much.
Great post, I will be doing a lot of traveling this year and perhaps I will make the Philippines a destination!
You are good in searching on the Net., Good post for those who wants to travel. Atleast you know Wikipedia.com. I often use it for assignments and research.,
I have just started to use outsourcing over there, I have 2 girls that have worked out well so far and will be adding more in the near future. Came across a guy named John Jonas who has had great success in your island with outsourcing, he says the work ethic and the value system our great.
See you have a christian opp blog, how is that going for you and doing anything else online, glad to see you are a believer.
Chris
only real estate bussiness is good in the philippines.
buy a studio 19 sqm for 1.2 m peaso and rent it for 15000p a monthe = roi =12%!!!
The Phillipines, Olongapo City, Magsai sai, ect….that your explaining to all of us does not sound at all like the place that was there when I was stationed there from 1982-1984….In the back of my mind, I thought that since the us pulled out the city must have fallen apart…According to your letter here, its quite the opposite. They let you build a house there? where?
It almost fell apart when the base closed. It took a few years to recover. My house is not far from downtown, but far enough that I don't get the noise and pollution from the bumper to bumper traffic.
I been trying to convince my fiance to consider moving to Philippines for short time while the kids are still young. We have a year old and 2-year-old girls. I been trying to convince him for couple years. He served in the military (Marines) for 27 years. He visited Philippines. I can't convince him that were I live is nothing like Olongapo or Manila. I live in Pangasinan Province which mostly farms and houses and don't forget the jeepney and tricycle.
We currently live in San Diego County, California and it is too expensive to live out here. Currently I'm not working because of our kids, no one to watch them.
My family own lands in Pangasinan which my fiance could pick to build our place but still won't give in. His solution is to move to east coast like Virginia or North Carolina not just because the economy but to live close to his mom. Since his father past away just a month ago, he want to be close to his family. Which i'm considering since my parents are moving back to philippines in couple years.
But before moving to east coast, i want him to visit and experience philippines with me. I would take any suggestion of how to convince my fiance.
Since your fiance is an American, convincing him to live in a foreign country is a task that only you can accomplish. There isn't anything that anyone else can say or do to help you convince him unless they know him personally.
I also have an aunt that is now in Pensylvania. She have a husband who's American and they live for 15 years now. All i can say is i Filipinos are really friendly ever since they met Americans
Greetings from Okinawa
To be perfectly honest, I've never considered visiting the Philippines. After reading this post and especially responses to it, I'm now seriously considering a visit there in our upcoming travels.
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Hey Rob there is some good poker played in the Philippines also. Good casinos.
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Hey if you happen to know of any big games (especially tournaments) coming up within the next year or so, let me know. It'll make great excuse to visit the Philippines sooner than later!
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Hi Rob
I hope RT won't get mad at me but for some info on poker in the Philippines try this site http://www.asianpt.com/galleries/videogalleries.aspx?id=6&eid=5
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i visited the phillipines when i was in the navy, compared their attitudes with the u.s. as i knew it, and at the time, i almost stayed there. i loved it, the atmosphere, the people, the outside showers(really cool) and at the time the exchange rate was 4 to 1, although i heard that at the black market one could get 8 to 1. i've dreamt of going back, when i left, i felt that a large part of me died, needless to say i was very depressed for quite a few years. i would think of the people i met and i'd find myself in tears, for coming back to the states it seemed i was scorned because i was doing my duty in the navy in vietnam, so sorrow turned to anger and for years i got drunk and looked for fights with those ignorants who did'nt even try to serve but were quick to ridicule those who did. i'm glad that part of my life is over, but the phillipines will always be in my heart.
It seems like the Phillipines is slowly turning into one of those great destinations that are affordable for travel and tourism but still offer many of the amenities that so many Americans are used to.
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Hi Mark
You may say it is slowly turning but for some it's happening too fast.
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Hi Mark: The standard of living in the Philippines is cheap, so a lot of Americans and Europeans are retiring in the Philippines every year. My experience is that with $1000 to $1200 a month, you can live like a king in the provinces complete with maids, personal driver and a gardener. My wife and I live 6 months in Marinduque and 6 months here in California. You could buy anything, goods, and appliances from the US in Manila. Have a good day!
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I am impressed to see so many comments. Clearly showing you are good at writing, must be coming from Phoenix. I really like another blog http://www.phoenixrealestateguy.com and he is a great writer. It is great that you are able to settle in Philippines and you really enjoy it. I suppose you can be happy anywhere in the world, it all depends on how you view things. I think online business can be managed from anywhere in the world and it is a shame no to take an advantage of the modern technology. A friend of mine has relocated to France from the UK and managing his UK business from there quite successfully.
Good to see you sharing SOOOO much about yourself with your readers. Hmmm, shows that you are a darn good writer. I will surely be visiting more often. And yes, I have heard good and of course bad things about Philippines. I hope to visit someday.
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As a child I lived for several years in the Philippine Islands. My Dad was an Air Force man and we were stationed at Clark Air Force base. For an American child it was a pretty ideal situation. The weather was incredible, my parents were young and healthy and we had maids and garden boys.
The life for many Filipino children was very different. One day my parents took us up into the hills to visit a village and there I saw the true poverty of this country. I had chewing gum in my pocket and offered to share it with one of the children. I was practically attacked by all the children trying to get the gum away from me. It was frightening to see the malnourished children running around naked.
In December 2000 I revisited the Philippine Islands and the overpopulation had only made matters worse. There were long strings of tiny village of poverty. Manila was dirty and crowded. I was and am amazed at the spirit of the Filipino people in the face of the hard life so many endure.
Hi RT: I enjoy reading your article and experiences living in the Philippines. I did not know that humidity has a powerful effect on your eyes as well as your dandruff problem. As a balikbayan retiree, I could identify with your experiences(good and bad) having also live both in the Philippines and in California. More power to your writing about life in the Philippines. Have a Good Day!
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Phillipines is very good place to hang around,and it is a place where you will find yourself comin to very different place.
Thanks
I haven't been to the Philipines so is is refreshing to have a viewpoint from someone who is an American living there.
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