Are you thinking about retiring to the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@PinayFuzzions]

I'm glad I came across this channel of yours, I can get an idea and show my husband that it is possible to live and retire in the Philippines. We have so many questions about transitioning there. I am a Filipina that grew up in America and married to my husband for over 30 years. Retirement for us is in the horizon, we are planning to retire in the Philippines. We've been back to the Philippines few many times and we are excited for transitioning there. Definitely planning and timing is the key to moving there. Thanks for the info. Aloha from Hawaii

[@buildingthephilippines]

I'm glad you found our channel as well. Thanks for watching.

[@Imarriedaforeigner]

Very true , slow down to know them first bcoz their agenda is always different than ours . ❤

[@buildingthephilippines]

Very true, no need to rush. Thanks for watching.

[@miguelc.819]

Great info, I'm moving to Dumaguete, in February, so, your advice really helps. Thank you 🙏

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thank you, appreciate it. Good luck with your move.

[@rorybellamy2533]

thank you G&W for the calm message to prepare and be sensible , and thanks for showing the fun Good quality simple daily life too. will Wilma be in the kitchen soon to show a cooking video?

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thanks Rory. Yes, we just found proper cheese yesterday. We are now ready to video, chicken with spinach. Completed the thumbnail last night.

[@kaini30]

thanks guys great info, all so true. Moving to a foreign country full time is definitely different than the 30 day holiday joys. Coz you have to remind yourself thats its not reality, but very nice all the same! Great video!

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thank you, appreciate the comment.

[@cristinateller9107]

Hello from Guam, i'm just enjoying your vlog and you two are wonderful example of husband and wife. My husband and I been married for 32 years and praying where will be retiring. I'm from pampanga. My husband retired in the Air force after 23 years. We are currently station in Guam as a government civilian employee (DOD). Thanks for your information, very helpful!

[@buildingthephilippines]

Very nice, congrats on 32 years of marriage. Good place to retire here.

[@coco19661]

Nice video

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thanks

[@FilipinaMiamore]

Very well said Sir and you really tell the truth about here in Phi. Foreigners who have not try to observe here first will surely have a culture shock and they might end up so frustrated and disappointed if they don’t have any idea how is the real living here in the Philippines.. this vlog of yours is a BIG help for them. Keep up the good work😊

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thank you, appreciate your comment.

[@jeffgreagrey4585]

Just came back from the Phils, wife and I bought property. Excited about the future of retiring. Still have a fews years stateside getting there financially. Great content btw. Maybe you could make vid on recommendations for labors/contractors for site builds if you guys have time. We really like concrete house guys had built. Is your roof one of the metal decking roofs with poured concrete? Seems best option for durability and weather protection. Going to be building on the next Island to the east.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Congrats on the purchase of land and future home build/retirement. Our roof is all steel beams and metal, shed type (for Typhoons) pitched 5 degrees. I did not feel comfortable with a concrete roof, due to earthquakes. Thanks for watching.

[@nsxfever9513]

I second this comment. Looking for info on building in the Philippines. I know there is lots of difference’s then how we build in the US. Another great video by the way 👍

[@mannetteemnas-ye1pc]

Great guidance and advices! Your story is beautiful too! 😘

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thank you, appreciate it.

[@annabellehurley7636]

Video is so helpful for us. Thank you Greg and Wilma. Hopefully we will meet when we’re there. So we can ask more😀😀

[@buildingthephilippines]

Sounds good, travel safe. Thanks for watching

[@jamesnichols2511]

been planning on living in ph for over 2 yrs, been saving money, selling everything, and doing my homework on pros and cons to moving there from texas. cebu is my pick, due to large expat groups, and western amenities. the infrastructure around IT Park and business park seems to be a good fit for me since I'm already kicking 70's. I've laid out a budget which includes savings, meds, emergency funds, and entertainment. not going to buy or build, just want to relax and enjoy what time I have left on this beautiful but troubled world.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Sounds like you have the perfect plan. You will do well here due to that planning. Congrats to you and enjoy stress free living.

[@lmcc0072]

Cebu has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, around Cebu City it also has a lot of traffic to offer similar to Metro Manila. Once you get out of the busy city it’s not so bad. Research medical insurance. You can get something decent for under $2k/year. I’m not sure if they have age limits though. One of the great things about Cebu is that it has a major airport. You can do a stopover on the way in Seoul, Taipei, and Tokyo and then fly direct to Cebu. Otherwise you have to stop in Manila if you go direct from the USA. There are a lot of expats in Cebu that rent for $500/usd or less so you should be able to find something decent and affordable.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Yes, Cebu is a great alternative to Manila. More options there.

[@tommypiirainen9957]

GOOD information😎🇵🇭🇵🇭🇸🇪👍🏿

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thank you, appreciate it

[@jcjimc43]

It's been my observation regarding moving to the Philippines to live and experiencing the same, do your research starting well in advance. Location is important for climate and budget. Hospitals may be another priority along with local transport services the need to socialise with other similar expats may be important. If coming to the Philippines to live with your asawa, family in the local may also be important in your decision making. The most important aspect is income and budget which will dictate where you live and how you live. if you live within your means and your health keeps up and you are prepared to go with the flow you should enjoy your time in the Philippines. Make sure you also obey the law. From someone with 40 years experience of visiting and living in the Philippines.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Great comment, appreciate it. Agree with everything you mentioned and recommended.

[@gordonb1737]

When you traveled around Leyte, did you happen to visit Macarthur Park? Where we're building our house is 45 minutes south of there about 2 miles off the National Highway 1. Or about 1 hour south of Tacloban

[@buildingthephilippines]

Oh sure, we visited there every time we flew to Tacloban. Nice area, lots of history, amazed who that area has been built up over the years.

[@montehanes8006]

Good advice I lived in Subic for three years in the military it was tough. But I survived the pinatubo eruption still smell sulfur today

[@buildingthephilippines]

Lots of volcanos here. The one in Valencia smell's like sulfur as well. Thanks for watching.

[@Tim462-o1b]

Greg, did you look into the SRRV or decided to just go with the 13a? And have you done a video on that subject?

[@buildingthephilippines]

I went with the 13a visa. Discussed it on a video, but not in depth. Can do so here in a future video.

[@petemorris6475]

A lot depends on one's circumstances and weather your single or a couple Just celebrated my 6 years living here At the age of 65 my work of 33 years ended and with it went my accomodation tied to my job So I decided to come to the Philippines for the rest of my life I did visit for 16 days stayed the whole time in Bacoor cavite but liked it so went back decided to get the SRRV as I commitment to my new life I was determined to make it work and so far so good I wanted full emersion into Filipino culture so do not have any X pat friends just Filipino and Igorots as a live in a Igorots village 😊

[@buildingthephilippines]

So many good stories of people retiring to the Philippines. Has alot to do with attitude and of course enough money for one's lifestyle. Glad to hear it worked out.

[@Planty3125]

WRLIFE cover stops at age 70, I could be wrong. Check (T&C's) terms and condtions it's a legal contract.

[@petemorris6475]

@@Planty3125 Nope I am 71 and from what I understand there is no age limit of course you have to disclose all your pre conditions and I have several High blood pressure Arthritis of the knee caps And kidney stone and cysts The were happy to cover all except the kidneys I have a 2 year morotorium on them they will be covered December next year 😊

[@petemorris6475]

@@Planty3125 Spoke to the agent life insurance with Wrlife ends at 70 health insurance has no age limit 😊

[@jamesnichols2511]

@@petemorris6475 what is your cost for a yr

[@garyjohn]

Great video Greg and Wilma! I agree with everything you said, especially about visiting first. I’ve been 4 times. Income source is a “must” preferably multiple (SS, pension, annuity, etc.). My opinion, someone can be a 90%er on one thing and a 10%er on something else. I’ve been to Casablanca a couple of times. Food, excellent. One of the best.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thanks Gary, all good advice you share. Prepared folks always do better here.

[@AtHomeinSubicBay-cw4ij]

Hi Greg and Wilma great points all. To your point visit first I can’t understand how anyone would even consider moving without visit first. In the corporate world before my company would send you for an overseas assignment they gave you a site visit first. No one is going to be cheaper than corporate America but even they recognize you have to make sure this is going to work otherwise they are out big money setting you up as an Expatriate. The other important point to me was visit different locations in the Philippines. First trip for me Manila (BGC) was busy and exciting to visit no way I want live the rest of my life like that. Then I heard about Cebu went there for 2 weeks nice but not for me. Traveled to Batangas coast to rural for me. Traveled to Tagaytay very nice but a little expensive for my taste. Next Angeles City liked it but then tried Subic. Close enough to Angeles and Manila I can get there but I have the sea view I dream of also. It fit me. The point is there are 7000 islands to find your fit. Just like the two of you did.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Yes, I agree one should check our several areas. There are differences. The more planning the better. Thanks for commenting.

[@A-RHINO-IN-THE-PHILIPPINES]

I found an OFW many years ago. I am 59 and she is 56. I am n Navy vet. we have a great relationship. We laugh Most os the time and understand what we both want.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Nice to hear all the succes stories. Thanks for watching.

[@ElsaHopkins]

Good advice guys,me and my husband are already retired I'm from Cebu island,and we are planning to retire there for good,we have a place there to stay already,but I still waiting for the right time God wants us to be.We been married for 34 yrs.no children my husband has a glaucuma and have what they call early stage of dementia,I took him there in Cebu for a checkup for his health issue and the Dr.in Cebu said it's just part of old age.My husband loves warm weather,every time he said about warm weather I always thinks about Philippines.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Congrats on the retirement and future move to the Philippines. Good luck to you guys.

[@Thepersoneverywhere]

Thank you so much very informative

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thank you, appreciate it.

[@tommillering623]

10 percenter here. Just bought our tickets for March. Going to visit 3 places from March thru July to decide where we want to live. Pretty sure Palawan is our main area but decide to check out a couple more. Have family in Tarlac so we promised we would look there but I can't really imagine living there. Iloilo is a strong possibility, if it can beat out Palawan.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Sounds like a good plan. Enjoy the travel and the process. Thanks for watching.

[@Landmantx]

Palawan is a hard place to live. Fun to visit as it is beautiful, but the only real town is Puerto Princessa and it is far from the beaches and beauty of Palawan which is more centered around El Nido. San Vicente may end up being an amazing area in Palawan with the new airport and the tourism zones they are setting up. Still, I would probably find a place near a nice town to call home base. We picked Panglao Bohol.

[@GinaVargas-ty9ns]

Good advice on relationship that whenever a foreigner comes to the Philippines looking for someone, don't rush, take it slow. There are many foreigners who were scammed by their younger Filipina partners. But lucky for those who are still together and going strong in their marriage. If this foreigner gets sick, so sad if the girl leaves him. So get to know the person better before moving in. Be sure that the girl is not after the money.

[@buildingthephilippines]

All great points Gina, great advice. Thanks for watching.

[@charlescox2840]

Well the good news is I was speaking to my insurance company today. I was asking about the coverage overseas and they said I was covered. Mine is a retirement plan that the University of Texas gave me which is now a medicare plan as of January ,2023. Could I be that lucky? BCBS of Texas Teachers retirement. Of course I am also a Vietnam Era Navy Vet, but I don't get anything for that. Of course they did destroy my knees in the ship yards.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Good news about having coverage. That is a big deal.

[@francoisencio324]

Where do you live in Leyte? We are from Tacloban and currently living here in Texas 😊

[@buildingthephilippines]

About 2.5 hours west of Tacloban in Palompon.

[@petemorris6475]

I have wrlife hospital insurance I get 80,000 us dollars cover for 100 bucks a month I have no next egg so felt this is essential there are 20 hospitals here that Wrlife pay direct

[@Planty3125]

Peter, who is wrlife ? Sounds like very good value wrlife. I have investigated Philhealth. I am a foreigner, Australian. I visit my girlfriends in Luzon many times.

[@petemorris6475]

@@Planty3125 UK registered company based in South East Asia head office in Thailand specialising in X pats health insurance They have many packages mine is one of the least expensive hahaha Reviews mainly positives

[@buildingthephilippines]

That's another good way of handling it. Good to know.

[@TheBigBananaaa]

👍✅🙀✅👍

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thanks

[@DK-8181]

Greg, everyone needs to know that if you have to go to the hospital and you don't have the money to pay, they will not let you leave and your cost goes up each day you are there waiting to pay, even if you are no longer being treated. It happens very often.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Yes, they want their money up front. Very important that everyone understands. Thanks for sharing that important point.

[@lmcc0072]

Decent medical insurance can be had for less than $2k/year. It’s not just the standard PhilHealth. My girlfriend’s friend just retired in Manila a few months ago and that’s what she got. She’s only 51. It will help to cover a lot of the big medical expenses if she needs hospitalization, surgery, etc…

[@buildingthephilippines]

Good info, thanks for sharing.

[@gratitudetouniverse3754]

​@@lmcc0072What is the name of the medical insurance ? Thanks.

[@touchsmith4630]

Is there any way you can get around having a return ticket? That's the problem for me. Because it's very expensive. And I plan on staying much longer than 29 days. And I don't want to have to lose a thousand dollars

[@buildingthephilippines]

Google throw-away ticket. You can purchase a, fake, throw away ticket for very cheap. I believe $20. They are good for a very short amount of time.

[@ericjbrown3419]

Just wanted to know how long did it take for an approval for your building permit? My wife and I will be building a house in Tacloban within the next year. She is also from Leyte.

[@buildingthephilippines]

If your architect has everything in order it goes pretty quick. In Dauin it took 2 weeks to get permits. Thanks for watching.

[@goodphone156]

OK I would Can you help me ???!! Where are you jn the Philippines??!!

[@buildingthephilippines]

No help needed, plan a trip and visit. Thanks for watching.

[@A-RHINO-IN-THE-PHILIPPINES]

Long distance, Since 2017. Friends for 3 years . Now more. be back in March 2024

[@buildingthephilippines]

That's great James, thanks for commenting.

[@swiftdream19]

hi. new subscriber here. do you think a passenger van business is a good business in Philippines? we are coming this October to look at that possibility.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Hello, thanks for subscribing. The general rule of thumb is for a foreigner to avoid opening a business here. It depends on location, I guess. Good luck and enjoy your trip in October.

[@swiftdream19]

​@@buildingthephilippineswife is actually Filipino. would that be a good idea?

[@buildingthephilippines]

Starting a business is always a risk. Hard to tell. I can tell you what my personal thought for me is: I won't be starting any businesses. My money is for my retirement and the enjoyment of life.

[@erwinzado1515]

Utang na Loob, na lang !!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@buildingthephilippines]

So true

[@williamgillespie5131]

Hi guys , we make plans 17year ago when we got married yes lot of visit help and really story not just you tube we settle in real quickly ,we are very happy

[@buildingthephilippines]

That's the way to do it. Congrats on the future move to the Philippines. Enjoy your stress free living.

[@philrose7716]

Hi Greg this might sound a bit weird but for those folks coming to Dumaguete for a visit as you mentioned for 3 - 4 weeks what is there to do there as a tourist? I like going to the mall but not every day. Do they have tour guides or things for tourists?

[@buildingthephilippines]

Snorkeling, scuba, swimming, hiking trails to waterfalls, day trips to sandbars, dolfin watching, native markets to explore. The 30 day suggestion is for someone to take the area for a test drive to see if they are compatible to live here.

[@philrose7716]

@@buildingthephilippines Thank you sorry that question hit a bad nerve.

[@philrose7716]

I don't think I'm going to make comments on your page anymore.

[@pukavoket]

Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance!

[@buildingthephilippines]

Nice alliteration.

[@Landmantx]

I am a 30 day millionaire when I go to the Phils.

[@buildingthephilippines]

Lol, I finally met a millionaire. I can now check that off my bucket list. Haha.

[@lmcc0072]

My buddy, who is originally from Manila, is also a millionaire when he goes back home to visit. If a massage is 500 php he will give a 500 php tip. It’s less than $10 to us, but it might be equal to or more than they would otherwise make all day. The downside for the locals is that people start catering to foreigners for the tips and ignore or price out the other locals for goods and services. My girlfriend’s father (he lives near CDO) gets irritated by this 😂. I’m a bit more generous than the average local, but I try to keep things balanced.

[@buildingthephilippines]

We do the same and I do see his point. Fair and balanced is the right approach.

[@petemorris777]

In relationship providing the Filipina isn’t to young I do not find there is a big difference because of age there is however a very big difference in cultural understanding And it takes a long time and an open mind to learn about the Filipino culture how they think and how things are 😊

[@buildingthephilippines]

Cultural differences are huge as well.

[@Ray_Warren]

20%? Let’s stick with 10% and print the shirts!

[@buildingthephilippines]

It's so funny you said that. Wilma and I said we should make up tee shirts that have our logo on it and on the back say, I'm a 10%er.

[@carolynwheaton8547]

😢😮⚰️ Imagine Philippines children continues to sleep and die in the North cemetery without a bathroom.For decades.🙏🎚️

[@buildingthephilippines]

Thank you for commenting.

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

Developing Country? Theyve been developing for 100 yrs

[@buildingthephilippines]

And 100 more to go.