What Do I Really Think of the Philippines After 3 Years?!

[@thomasvanderberg6435]

Incredible Video's , your speak in complete thoughts and the video quality is Superb , I'm learning a lot interesting information .

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for the kind comments Thomas. I try to offer useful information as I learn it.

[@clydeseaside345]

Thanks Rod, you make sense of the place without any great fuss----your channel convinced me into a short but pleasant trip to Cebu and across to Dumaguete and I am glad of the experience---both were a slower pace than Manila and totally worthwhile of more time

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Which did you prefer, Cebu City or Dumaguete, Clyde? I could live and adapt to most places but I think Manila would be larger than I care for.

[@clydeseaside345]

Honestly Rod, I said to my fiance, Dumaguete is the first place in the Philippines that I could peacefully live----cheap 10 to 20 peso trike rides everywhere in larger/ foreigner friendly trikes---and she loved the place. A lot of peaceful expats there. I felt at ease every minute there. Manila is just far too busy and gridlocked traffic so many hours a day

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

It is rated as a great place to retire for those and several other reasons as well Clyde.

[@rogeryoung8429]

Rod, thanks for a great video and sharing your perspective! Much appreciated

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I am still enjoying the Philippines though it does have challenges like any place in the world would for someone from a different culture Roger.

[@marineboyocean]

A great overview of the Philippines, very accurate 😉

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Mark. I continue to enjoy the friendly people and culture here.

[@maloumartin]

Congrats Rod! Glad to know that you still enjoyed your stay there. *cheers* for more years to come.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Time flies when you are having fun and I am having a good time in this friendly Filipino culture Malou.

[@lilmatela9472]

Malou Martin Darn right =WE DO....

[@ninaricafort7368]

Your positive attitude fits perfectly with the culture Rod . Philippines is really for you! God bless you Rod and be safe!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I think the positive attitude is a big part of enjoying the people and culture anywhere and most people here are very friendly making it a special experience Nina.

[@Kitiwake]

Yes . Being safe is the big challenge.

[@doritominendres117]

congrats. More years to come

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for that Dorito Minendres. I am enjoying the Philippines.

[@jimchan1718]

when I first came to Philippines I tell my self this country I will come to again, and now, I prepare purchase a condo in Philippines after 2 years , for my retirement.the Filipino always been friendly and generous. that's why I want my retirement in the Philippines

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Friendly, tolerant, and welcoming people make the Philippines a place one can enjoy. Good luck with your condo Jim.

[@WaynesAdventure]

You always have great information to listen to. Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Wayne.

[@JhunCabahug]

God Bless and more Power to you...Thank You for loving the Philippines...

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for that Jhun. I am enjoying the Filipino people and culture.

[@AllAboutFilipinaRelationships]

Hi Rod. I enjoyed your view after 3 years living there. You are right saying you have to adapt to the way of the Philippines and to show respect to the people and the culture. Just about to buy some land with my wife over there in preparation for my retirement down the track a bit :)

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good luck with your retirement planning and land purchase Pete. I know a couple people who insist Filipinos should become more like our culture instead of adapting and they are a bit miserable it seems. One should deal with life as it happens and try to enjoy it.

[@AllAboutFilipinaRelationships]

Thanks Rod, If you go to any Country you must adapt. Those that expect the Country to adapt to them are in for a tough time. Totally agree Rod :)

[@northofport]

I'm a new sub.I enjoyed the information. Thanks

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for subbing northofport. Which port?

[@RobJ1929]

One of the other KZbinrs said leave your way of thinking back home and learn there way and you will fit in and enjoy it. I agree with what he said. I lived in Connecticut and now am in South Carolina and you have a big change in lifestyle here. The North is hurrying up and get it done, but here its a slower pace and I had to get used to that. It is actually nice to feel less pressure here than you would back home. I am looking for some Island time schedule slower pace and kinder people. I am in the Bible belt and I will be going to the same thing which is nice since I want to be involved with a church. The good outweighs the bad in the Philippines. I grew up back home with Filipino's that had come to ct to go to work for hospitals and the one who was next door was dr. Torrez and the family were always helpful to us. Then there was another and I dated the daughter Anita Songco and her family was all in the medical field.Then they moved back and I lost the GF but we used to write each other before computers.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching and sharing that information Robert. It is a slower pace most of the time. There is usually less stress unless you let the slow pace of getting things done get to you sometimes. There is a largely Catholic country but more and more other churches are growing here also. Like many cultures, sometimes local superstitions get intermingled with the religions so one should understand that.

[@PhilippinesMyParadise]

Hello Rod Wish you another thirty years plus, of happy residency in the Philippines, whether it is Cebu or wherever you decide and choose as your piece of paradise in The Pearl of the Orient Sea or in Spanish term, “Perla del Mar de Oriente”. A very nice heartfelt/genuine video, thank you for your honesty and, kindness! Best regards/Ned!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I do enjoy the people, the culture, and the paradise that is the Philippines Ned. There are challenges but they are present in life anywhere so one should learn to adapt and enjoy.

[@Jham12345]

Thank you once again for sharing your 3 years stay experience in the Philippines. I shall E-mail you soon since I need an advice on renting vs owning in Cebu ! Regards Jakob

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Jakob. I look forward to seeing you.

[@brianp6097]

Good summary of your thoughts and experiences Rod . I like your laid back style .

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I continue to learn and adapt Brian.

[@silviokawakami3906]

Hi! I like watch you channel because my wife is pinay and she lived in your region! “Lapu Lapu”! She’s born in Carnaza island!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

We just visited a resort in Lapu Lapu and will do a video next. Thanks for watching Silvio.

[@TheLionzboy]

Thank you for all the videos you share with us they're informative helpful and entertaining.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Richie. I enjoy sharing my experiences.

[@twomp1162]

Good report Rod. Thanks for sharing.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Don. Are you still in the Philippines?

[@twomp1162]

No. Return December thru new year. Want to check out Sinalog festival.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Sinulog is a unique experience. Just watch your valuables in the big crowds.

[@AmericanExpatInThePhilippines]

Some Filipinos speak English better than a lot of Americans.

[@TonkaGoldman-xd5iw]

American Expat In The Philippines Americans speak American. Ketchup is American. Tomato sauce is English. Catalog is American, catalogue is English. So as an Ex-Spanish, Ex-American colony, I don't know where to begin!

[@Jazz-tv7jr]

@@TonkaGoldman-xd5iw haha😂

[@alandray5282]

Good talk. ...makes good sense what you say as always. ..Alan

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching and commenting Alan.

[@thomzydervelt253]

Great easy going honest video.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Thom. Take care. Almost 5 years now. I will have to do another video soon.

[@oceanic16]

Perhaps also worth mentioning that in Cebu City one needs to adjust to noise and air pollution as well. I cant wait for the new Jeepneys that should help the situation. I also heard that no open air karaoke after 10pm will be enforced.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I did have noise listed as a topic as well as other points but didn't want the video to go too long. Noise and pollution are problems, especially in the cities.

[@thomasvanderberg6435]

When is the arrival date of the New jeeps

[@carldang30]

good info !!.. Thank you

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Carl. Filipinos are very welcoming and friendly...most of the time.

[@indiansummer9029]

Thank you. Very useful informations :-)

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching and commenting Marion.

[@joeonthego606]

Very good video!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Joe.

[@Pcarp123]

Glad you're enjoying your time in the Philippines, Rod. You have the right attitude and are willing to learn the culture. You've adapted very well:)

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I sometimes ask myself about other options and it comes down to a comfort level with a culture. I think many of us could adapt several different places but I appreciate the English speaking and friendly people here Paul.

[@barneygoogle2720]

Since you have adapted so well to life in the PI, do you plan to reside there for the duration, so to speak? Is the water really as blue as shown in those clips? I hope the government will be wise in their treatment of foreign investment so that it benefits all the people there, and outside interests are prevented from gaining too much influence and holding the country hostage to foreign debt.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

The water really is so amazingly blue and clear in many areas Barney. A storm and/or waves can stir it up a bit so it isn't as clear or near cities it can be less blue and clear. I take a day at a time Barney. I do want to visit other nations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia but the friendly English speaking Filipinos have won my heart I think. I am comfortable in this culture but lots of things can change over time as history shows us. New governments, cost of living, epidemics, etc can force one to make other plans at some time.

[@bw5343]

Hey Rod, I too, am from Arizona. How well have you adapted to the humidity over there? I am just not sure if I can handle the oppressive humidity. I don't want to spend all my time indoors with the AC turned up.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

The humidity was one of my biggest fears B W. The humidity today is listed at 56%. Yesterday it was in the 60% range until it rained a bit in the evening. It is often in the 70-80% range. It took me a good 6-7 months to acclimate to the humidity. I did go out walking often and some days were a bit miserable but I got through it and many days really aren't that bad. This is our "wet" season where we get 30-40 minutes of rain 4-5 days out of the week. Many days are overcast a bit so it isn't as hot. 85-92 degrees during the day. A little breeze helps a lot. Every year is a little different though. We were in a drought from El Nino when I arrived in Aug 2015. A friend of mine from AZ has made 2 trips over here and he is slowly adapting but now going back to the desert for a couple months and dreading the 105+ temps. I grew up in the Midwest, Minnesota, where summers could be quite hot and humid and I find this is manageable most of the time.

[@bw5343]

+Amazing Philippines I was born and raised in Minnesota, but have lived in Arizona since 1973. Even with the summer monsoon, we don't get the high humidity. 50-60% at most. That 105 degree and up temps can be brutal too. I guess there is a trade off, wherever we decide to live.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

There is a tradeoff. I like Arizona but I like the Philippines better in many ways.

[@Karshel]

As another Arizonin.. glad to hear it :) Humidity and I have never gotten along, but I'll be braving it :)

[@louisburlingham6249]

Hi Rod have you heard of the SRRV classic visa for retirees iv just come across it on there gov website . it could be an option for me what do you think Regards Louis

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I believe it requires a deposit or investment of $10,000 USD or equivalent Louis. A purchase of a condo would qualify so it may be a good option for you and many others.

[@danielmurphy1100]

Rod, Is car ownership by expats cost prohibitive? Do you have any knowledge of the auto insurance? Daniel

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

From what I have been told auto insurance is relatively cheap but I haven't had much luck in getting details about policies. Something to research. Many autos are under 1 million pesos, about $20,000. Big Toyota pickup can run 2 million, about $40,000

[@richardhowe4140]

Thanks for the update..I always watch you..I will be there in a few months to meet my girlfriend in Cebu..I will look you up and buy you dinner if you want..see you soon I hope..

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for the kind words Richard. My email is [e-mail]. Stay in touch.

[@bigsteve777able]

did you do the spoon potato pesos balancing act, and if so how long to get it to stay on the calculator.

[@marcdfrench2257]

Happy Three years 'sary Rod .... Most of your saying is true so nothing else to say from me Marc

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Marc. I enjoy it here most of the time.

[@Jazz-tv7jr]

Some ppl here can speack korean,japanese and chenese and spanish ...we speack multilingual or quadlingual..

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Jaja. I know several Filipinas who speak Japanese, Chinese, or other languages as they have worked overseas.

[@Jazz-tv7jr]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 my sister can speack korean bcz,she's die hard fun of korean drama,but YEs sir agree!😊

[@ThisisOurPhilippines]

Depending on where they went overseas to work can be a factor in the language they learn. My wife speaks Arabic, Hindu and whatever else they speak in the Middle East. Funny thing is, we visited down in Mindanao and she could not communicate with the Filipinos there unless they both spoke Tagalog. Her language is Ilocano and they did not understand that.

[@okbilly1]

can you recommend some places to stay in cebu city? for a single guy, below $15k peso per month in rent?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Condos below 15K would usually be studios. Furnishings will vary greatly by owner also and whether internet and/or cable tv are included. You can do a search for La Guardia Flats 1 and La Guardia Flats 2 are in Lahug near IT Park. Persimmon may have something in that price range and is convenient. San Marino is close to SM mall but needs a little work in my opinion. Mabolo Garden Flats in Mabolo might work also. Good luck Billy.

[@nealperry5258]

Why did you have 6 mos no check?Social Security,?That is my concern is Medicare and what would I do if Social Security checks got delayed.Other than that problem I could adapt easily I think

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I underestimated how much I would make the year I retired and started SS so they say they overpaid me. A letter arrived at my daughters address that I had a choice of reducing checks for a year or more or doing it in 6 months. My daughter never opened the envelope and I never received the info. At I could have gone to the embassy in Manila to request a change of reduced benefits but that could have taken several months and the cost of the trip. One should have some backup cash to cover disruptions in benefits Neal.

[@NYJGreatness]

800php or less a moth is only decent if you're single and that's really hard to do. I don't think any foreigner can be single there for that long. Wow. it's already been 3 years. The days are going by way too fast.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

With all the very friendly people and girls, it can be difficult to remain single. Many come here for a partner and find one quickly. Basic expenses can be managed and stay low but there will always be unexpected expenses as I have found like medical, dental, gf and families, and possibly expenses for other emergencies here or back home M D.

[@shortafewbolts]

Rod anyway you can help a local who rescue stray dogs and cats in poor health mange skin condition, , critically injured strays either through motor vehicle hit n run or intentional abuse by Filipinos get exposure on social media. Cebu dog pound, private animal clinics don’t provide free first aid services to stray animals and the locals donate very little money to help. Locals actually step on the gas when they see a stray animal in their path. Veterinarians will not admit animals without a deposit of P3k I heard. The guy is a foreigner lives in a 200 sqm lot with 100 animals. And it’s very difficult for him to sometimes not be able to help lots of critically injured animals. In my opinion He just needs more volunteers, for fundraising, adoption events, caring for animals, right now I think he’s by himself and a few helpers. Please think about it. Bud Brown talked about how dire it is for strays in the Philippines. Thank you so much for your consideration.

[@shortafewbolts]

So this person helps these animals then he’s left alone to pay the bill most of the time. He gets very little donations. This is happening quiet often in Cebu City. Facebook has gruesome pictures and frantic request for assistance.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I have met several people who do similar work here in the Philippines and may do a video about it soon. One lady I met on Siquior Island works at a hospital and has not been able to get any government help with expenses. I just recently met a lady who had set up a "free pet adoption" area in the Robinsons Galleria Mall in Cebu City. The only cost was about 1100p for required vaccinations I believe. If you have contact info I might check into it Sea otter. My email is [e-mail]

[@shortafewbolts]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eprPqZSehZydgNU Thank you again for your consideration and your contact information. I will send his information asap. I heard he's out of the country, but he will be back shortly.

[@shortafewbolts]

mayarirescue.com his non profit website. Will contact you as soon as he returns my Facebook message. Thank you again.

[@UfoAlien8]

long visa ok but FEE LIPHINES visa fee are too expencive must to be visa free

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@boogieman4845]

Rod I think one of my biggest problems or adjustments would be I'm very impatient I want things done now and I know what I read and watch that's not how they do things. I have a hard enough time here in the states with people that are slow LOL

[@richardhowe4140]

boogieman 48.. no offense but you better stay where you are..

[@boogieman4845]

Richard Howe lol I think you're right

[@bw5343]

I can relate. Patience is not one of my virtues. I would have to learn to adapt.

[@boogieman4845]

B W exactly

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL. Fast food isn't fast enough for many people and it certainly sloooooows down here boogieman. I know some expats who spend a few months here and then go back home as they say they can't adapt and live here long term.

[@Steveo_00700]

Angeles City will change any western mans way of thinking once he experiences the Philippines. He will be changed forever =)

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I know a lot of expats/tourist are drawn to that area Steve. Your statement leaves a lot unsaid and I am a bit curious about more of your thinking on this subject. My email is [e-mail] if you want to expound some more about this.

[@lilmatela9472]

Awesome but don't be afraid to speak what you do&don t like about us and our culture. Lil Matela from Chicago.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I think I did a video called, "Challenges in the Philippines," or something like it and I will do another soon lil matela. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelw9961]

3 years equals at least 10 girlfriends 😎

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL. I have only had 2 so I am lagging behind Michael. This last one has lasted over a year now.

[@olalamuybien2129]

T .Y. sir.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching. I do enjoy the people and culture here.

[@olalamuybien2129]

It is an honor to subscribe to your channel sir.

[@silviokawakami3906]

First

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Silvio.

[@Kwanglebeh]

So what's the two babes frolicking on the beach thumbnail got to do with your content? You know how to get the clicks,eh? Heh heh heh

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I hate "click bait" but......and I would rarely use it. This could easily have been a 2-hour discussion but I tried to cut the discussion down to just an overview for those considering the move. Thanks for watching Clint.

[@AmericanExpatInThePhilippines]

Some Filipinos speak English better than a lot of Americans.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Very true John. There are parts of the USA where I need an interpreter. LOL. I was asked in NYC many years ago, "What country are you from?"

[@AmericanExpatInThePhilippines]

AhHA! Microaggression.