I like the Philippines

 I like the Philippines, I have lived their off and on for years. The last time I was their was almost two years ago.

I started visiting the Philippines in my thirties. The first time I went their, I flew out of Mexico City, I had bought a ticket when I was in Mazatlan.

I still remember I paid 2,000 USD for the ticket.I flew from El D.F to Vancouver, Canada,  then Japan, and finally Manila. 

I had no guidebook, and some cash, and travelers checks, that was 25 years ago I think.

Anyways, thats back in the days before internet was popular and all the online websites we have now. I stayed ib the Pearl Of the Orient, a nice hotel with buffet.

Anyways I eventually got married and lived in Manila, and the province (Samar) Calbayog. My rent in the province was 80 dollars, i think that was 3,500.oo Pesos. 

Things really haven't changed much as far as proces in USD, in Pesos terms things have gone up but the Dollar has strengthened as had the Pound, Euro, Aussie dollar ect.

The last time I was their I still got a hotel for a month for maybe 200,.00 a month.

You have many YTers complain on the prices but one reason for their complaints is they transfer there western lifestyle so it is expensive but still cheaper than North America  

Another reason western expats have a high cost of living is because they tend to support there wifes family and or buy and build houses 

If you have boundaries and your girlfriend doesnt live with you it still can be cheap. In 2026 I know two western guys who live in the Philippines with their girlfriend's and live on less than 400,.00 a month. They live cheap while they build up their online business. 

Ones a pretty yound guy the other my age, mid fifties.  There really are nice women educated in the West who will live frugally while you build a business.  Of course theres women from the province who are similar  

My last girlfriend was like that. Nice family, we lived in Bulacan, the province is near Manila, two very nice malls, rent was 3,500.00 pesos and still hasnt gone up much, in a middle class development, safe and near clinics, malls,wet markets, barbecue at night in the neighborhood  

I didnt live much in the province except when I was married.

It was in Calbayog, Samar. A very nice town. Clean low cost safe and on the water. Me and my wife would take the boat to Tagapul an the island she grew up on. I remember they had power two hours a day.

Maybe there was an eatery open a few hours a day and a few Sari Sari stores and not much else. Anyway we would visit their and stay a few days.

For me the province was quiet and clean and the food always fresh. The other thing I realized was that it didnt have the best medical care and malls for activities.  So ultimately I like living near Manila. 

I do like the province for vacations, going to the beach for picnics ect. For schools and learning and activities I like Manila.  In any case Manila ot Cebu or the province both can be affordable if you have access to foreign currency or any online job or business. 

You dont need much. If you can get 500 to 1000,.00 a month and build the income up overtime and keep the capital offshore youll be fine 

More and more earning money online in North America or Europe is more the norm now.

Anyhow if the Philippines isnt for you there is always Cambodia, or Thailand. 

I like both places, although the culture is similar, the culture in Philippines is easier for me to adjust too. Its also nice for my family to visit, the culture can be a hard thing to adjust too. It seems like your always an outsider looking in, which doesnt bother me as much as it bothers others. In fact if you can accept it, it can work to your advantage, and your kids if you have any their.

Before I end this post I want to mention the nature their. It can be nice swimming in the sea/ocean, I still remember the sea horses and other tropical fish I saw while swimming in the province, Samar.

Thanks for reading.