DO NOT RETIRE IN THE PHILIPPINES NOW - Things Are Different!

#donotretireinthephilippinesnow #philippinesretirementdestination #manilaupmagazine #thefilipinapea ‪@TheFilipinaPea‬
Do not retire in the Philippines now - not until you're aware of all the reasons not to retire in the Philippines (and there are quite a few)! There are reasons not to retire in the Philippines, and don't consider retiring in the Philippines before watching this - it's not all rainbows and smiles. Retirement in the Philippines for foreigners may sound like Nirvana, but if you're not careful, it could be hell!
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Livin' Up (Sting) / Otis McDonald

[@bradfordduarte1269]

She is on point. Best advise to foreigners I've heard so far. I've been here for 17 years & have seen & experienced everything she has said. There were days I thought I was going out of my mind but I stuck it out. I do believe to live comfortably you need at least $2,000.00 per month. DON'T LEND ANYTHING OUT, YOU'LL HAVE TO CHASE THEM DOWN TO GET IT BACK EVERY TIME.

[@awfm0]

The thing is that with 2000 per month why not just move to Greece or Spain. Thought foreigners moved there due to cost of living and weather.

[@buyerofsorts]

@@awfm0 The weather is brutal in the Philippines. Sure its not cold but my God, its as hot and humid as it gets.

[@3dmixer552]

@@awfm0 You are right and that works out for married retired copules. Only retired single men retires in the Philippines for obvious reasons

[@bretthightower2998]

Sounds like it is a good place as long as a person isn't too ridged in belief and stays open to learning new culture.

[@thethiefonthecross9092]

@@awfm0 it's that cheap in Spain?

[@josefrootgum]

You've got to have that survivor mentality if you want to live happily in the Philippines. It is a beautiful, blessed country with hard-working people but is constantly bombarded by natural disasters, corrupt politicians, rich people who don't care and a mass of people in poverty sleepwalking their life away due to decades of effective brainwashing. By the way, i'm a Filipino who lives in the Philippines who love this country and will die for it ten times over but I'm not blind to the realities. I'm just a normal citizen living paycheck to paycheck and all I can do to make the country better is do my job well and be a better Filipino every conscious moment of my life.

[@3markaw]

The struggle is real !

[@richardgrant2961]

Bless you Josef, I know you are proud to be Pinoy and you should be. The Philippines despite its trials and troubles like many other places is different because it continues to be an example of how people should be, friendly and kind to others, a shining example of the human spirit and how it can overcome obstacles and keep going. I wish you a prosperous life filled with the love of the lord.

[@mowtivatedmechanic1172]

Dude ya kinda described the US in parts too. Bless you bro. Your country sounds like South America too

[@alessakelly3814]

gawd, survivor mentality??!! noooo, it is all about being gratefull for what is here and now, typhoons, floods, vulcanos, earthquakes, same same, smile, look for tomorrow, being gratefull you are still alive and that tomorrow will be better..... simple life, easy life, look for cheap living, sure, latin america is cheap, women, people all good, but in no way can you ever compare ph to any latin country. Go bless, no argument here at all, just my opinion shared

[@alessakelly3814]

frack, brother..... i will leave my comment here AND i will hopefully make you see, i meant nothing harm, yes! for you guys there, obviously! life is different in so many ways, i hope you see that i absoloutly misread you comment, i just get so pissed when silly people say crap because they expect a standard of living like the west, they forget, ph is still a 3rd world country, massive poverty, rebels, isis, its not lie gpoing on a group trip to spain.. Goid bless you brother, forgive me for misunderstanding, i admit, i had a drink or 2 ;)

[@mauibuilder1239]

Who needs the internet when you have a good woman, family, good food, and nature!

[@RavenMobile]

When I lived in the Philippines for a year (coming from Canada) I was blown away by the weather, especially the constant lightning! In a year in the Philippines there are literally thousands of recorded lightning storms. For me in Western Canada it would be rare to see more than 3-4 lightning storms in an entire year, but I was seeing that weekly there! There was even a lightning strike in the alley behind the place I was staying! SO INCREDIBLY LOUD! Also, as a result of the lightning storms, all the humidity/water in the sky all drops at once during these storms. It goes from being a bright sunny day to absolute torrential downpour leaving foot-deep rivers of water in the street within seconds. And then 5 minutes later, back to to sunny and clear!

[@KB-ke3fi]

I think I would love it...I grew up in Houston. The area I live in is usually 100% humidity and lightning storms and torrential downpours 7 months of the year, even at night. 10 miles away from me the lighting is the 2nd most active in the world. I sleep better when it goes on for several days.

[@michaelchevreaux7780]

Raven - Lighting Doesn't Have Any Sound By Itself.

[@SkyBlue-rm6pb]

Better than shovelling snow, deppressing freezing 🥶 cold winter only 2 -3 months of summer . It rains most of the winter here in Vancouver and its so depressing and cold!(We have the mildest winter ) You can't enjoy swimming in summer as the water remains cold. Btw, its not down pour and thunder and lightning all year round, seasonal. Every where in this planet theres good and bad season. If only I have a sustainable monthly income in the Phillipines, i still prefer tropical over freezing 🥶, I just sit under the tree and im fine. But one thing for sure, I will retire there God willing I get to that age.

[@millerman02311320]

Sounds like Florida loll

[@user-ev4wf2gv9r]

That cools things down.

[@thomashauguel6811]

I think the phrase, "You can't change the Philippines; it will change you!" is true of nearly any country you move to. Go there because it is where your soul sings loudest, not for any other reason. Great video, Pea! 👍

[@CJCottage]

True 👍🏻

[@-haclong2366]

Western and Northern Europe accommodating foreigners is literally unique in the world, and most of the time they change things because they live in enclaves. I've travelled across the world and notice that the only way a foreigner can have positive change to the culture is by making a business that actively outcompetes the locals and this also only happens if the locals accept it.

[@retlawekcirf5392]

ako din! me too!

[@taffyrock]

Pea is right I lived in Malaysia for 16 years and 4 years in the Philippines Going back to the Philippines to retire later this year. Probably made all the mistakes Pea has mentioned and more. There is a lot to learn especially if it’s your first time going there. One of the best one’s I done we live out in the stick (10-12 hours to manila by bus) I wanted to reserve a seat on the bus to go to manila from the near by city. The bus starts its journey about 5 hours before it reaches the city where I want to get on. They said I have to pay from where the bus starts from, I will be honest I blew a fuse, look back and laugh at myself and learn.

[@Richard-jq6mq]

Hello Pea, One thing readers can count on from you is total honesty. You don't 'sugar coat' anything from relationships, money, housing and lifestyle. This video on the realities of living in the Philippines for a Westerner, is pure gold. It completely replaces fantasy with reality. Thank you....

[@SD-wo5ru]

I did my homework ! I Live in Clark Freeport in a brand new Condo, we have central Hot water Kitchen and baths , Clean water and i can flush my toilet paper, High speed internet and the power never goes out , and I have Non of those problems you mentioned .... Quiet and very Safe ,

[@SkyBlue-rm6pb]

Its where she lives that is like that and she is generalizing it 😂

[@twolfhound]

How much do you pay for your place?

[@stuartsimpson6036]

I agree with everything you said but I guess what helps me is being a retired Marine. I can adapt and overcome pretty much anything. I describe the philippines as being on a life time camping trip.

[@stevewebb4542]

Great take on the Philippines i love the easy gardening life style things grow so fast amazing 🤔 enjoy 😎👍🇬🇧

[@antientdude1100]

Dream on jarhead.

[@sonder007]

Retired near Angeles City for past 3 years, best decision of my life. Survive comfortably on my 2K SS and have not touched my savings. Im all about chill living and simplicity. There are some weird quirks like you mentioned but I'm m used to it. The key is to be patience, adapt and just let things roll. Living here also gave me a chance to travel to nearby countries

[@BearInThePhillipines]

How are things now ?

[@stevenolson6307]

You must not have a gf! Ha ha ha. I lived Angels 3 yrs, Subic 15 yrs. Took 4 yrs to learn my lessons. Once sat 4 hrs on payday waiting get my bank SS money.

[@stevenolson6307]

@@BearInThePhillipines I'm back in USA now. I need a knee replacement . I can hardly afford here. No gf 4 yrs

[@aaronstultz2593]

Most of this is true, but im retiring there anyway. My Filipina wife and I have started a number of businesses where we live. We are in the "provinces" so our ability to get things not normally available there is making it a bit easier. Also, during the pandemic, we helped out our neighbors because we could. It has generated a lot of goodwill from our community...

[@ravenzyblack]

Goodwill can go a long way in a place like the Philippines and Thailand.

[@parkerfarrell7366]

i lived there for 1 year in 3 months at a time , im thinking of retiring there also . Do you need to be vaccinated. Im from Canada

[@Sea-Keith]

Need the gen test,but the Vaccination mandates are finished..

[@netizensglobal4437]

its OK to retire,but do not live when you are young, retire in Philippines with a young Filipina when you are old.

[@tyreldowlat5210]

@@Sea-Keith so you don't need a vaccine to enter Phillipines??

[@montigobear]

Most informative. Your unvarnished truth-telling is most appreciated.

[@rshangrila]

The Philippines has enormous potential... and always will have.

[@ede7208]

One thing I've learned living in different countries is there is no place on earth that is perfect. Corruption is in all countries, scammers are in all countries, violence is in all countries. I hear my American friends say how dangerous it is in the Philippines but I feel safer here than I did in the USA. When I was a young teenager living in Chicago I was running from the gangs. When I lived in Houston I seen a lot of violence and I was attacked one night in a convenience store by 4 drunk guys. I made a wrong turn into a bad neighborhood and had rocks and bottles thrown at my car. In my home town violence and drugs got very bad because of illegal immigrants. Here in the Philippines where I live I can go out anytime day or night and not worry. Then my American friends said it was dangerous because of natural disasters like typhoons. But if they did research they would find out more Americans die of natural disasters each year than Filipinos in the Philippines. I'm thankful I retired here in the Philippines with no blizzards, no wildfires, tornadoes are rare, less gangs and less violence like I seen and experienced in the USA.

[@donskuse2194]

I felt safe there also! Of course I avoided mass transit because of fear of pickpockets but otherwise I did a lot of walking both day and night in the metropolitan areas. Once you've found the sweet spot for short trips for your grocery needs then you're on your way. If you're the kind of person always looking over your shoulder then rent in a gated area.

[@tomdungey8505]

Im Aussie and I agree with you I live in Mindanao . I have only had a couple small incedemts i feel totally safe more than Australia where I was broken into had stuff stolen got ribed never anywhere near it in Philippines. Love my home in Philippines and my lovely wife of 10 years.

[@mochapoundcake]

Everything you said is true.

[@boracay12]

In Santa fe bantayan I had to get used to being able to leave my helmet unattended on the motorcycle for hours on end , and leaving my phone and wallet in my bag on the beach while swimming .(still .. covered by a hat) Very strange after living in south Florida where if you turn your back your belongings are stolen. I have forgotten the keys in my motorcycle twice . Freaked over that . And it was still there . In Manila or cebu city its . different. But here there is crime but much much less. Personal safety is no worry . .it's was amazing to see tiny little children walking down the street on thier own unmolested .where as in the states they would be kidnapped by cohorts for the cia for usa politicians . Whaaaaaa !? You crazy ? Sure look up the former fbi agents press conference by Ted Gunderson on that very matter...in detail . It's much safer here than most places in USA .

[@nancysmith2734]

Well Said!

[@pinayme11]

These applies to anyone dreaming of retiring somewhere other than the country or culture you grew up with. Patience, embracing that new culture with a positive attitude are really the main keys of surviving or living. There are Pros and Cons where ever you go and live. I think in my own opinion Philippines is still a good option or a better option to retire.

[@williammccarthy7187]

Sounds like wise words I like the positivity!

[@michaeldavis3819]

I lived in Latin America for a couple of years when I was younger. All of this applies there as well, from the power outages to the noise and the scooters and the limited availability of products. I grew up far out in the mountains, so the only thing that was hard for me was the noise. Some days I thought it was going to kill me! It never really stopped bothering me, but I was able to get used to it. Once a local guy accused me of being a rich American and I laughed, and I told him that I was still getting used to having luxuries like running water and electricity, because we didn't ever have them in the mountains where I grew up. He didn't know what to say to that! Funny.

[@RobAllbanks]

Thank you for sharing, I was just talking about retiring there but now, I’m glad you broke it down!

[@TropicalOceanCleanup]

Great video, retired to the Philippines in 2006. Long enough to understand the three golden rules to be happy. Never be in a hurry, do not try to apply logic, and never invest more than you can just walk away from.

[@josefshopovich7584]

Don't try to apply logic. I like that one. In which part of the Philippines do you live in?

[@TropicalOceanCleanup]

@@josefshopovich7584 Camiguin Island, Northern Mindanao

[@Nope.7136]

Well said

[@gregwilliams3457]

So true

[@gregwilliams3457]

i do supplementmy income and do Well. But i have a trade thats perfect for here. Refrigeration and aircon. And with 40 yrs experience we service resorts. But i have decide now to retire from my retirement. Your videos are right on

[@craigross341]

My former colleague has a kid with a Filipina. He said something else. You have to be comfortable living among really poor people when you're okay. A lot of people find that uncomfortable.

[@TheFilipinaPea]

Good point! It’s inevitable, yes

[@isreeramotar3868]

True that, however, someone like myself who was born in South America, and grew up in the countryside can appreciate the Philippines 🇵🇭 in many ways. My wife and I have a home 🏡 in the Bicol region and I’m nowhere near retirement yet. So far we’re fine between New York 🇺🇸and Philippines 🇵🇭 we also have a business there, so that also makes a difference for us. Stay safe 🙏

[@acornsucks2111]

I never heard anyone say they were uncomfortable with poor people.

[@papalolo3769]

That’s so true, in one of Pea’s interviews the girl says her Lola said “if you marry a foreigner they will feed the whole barangy” my wife and her mother cracked up and told me I always feeding the barangy

[@papalolo3769]

@@acornsucks2111 it’s hard for me to be around hungry children

[@januroda3295]

Wow! Pea! I really enjoy your videos. Besides being articulate and informative,your subtle humor keeps me tuned in. Of course the fact that your easy on the eyes is a nice bonus. I hope to be able to add commentary based on my own personal experiences with Latinas in my life. Thank you for brightening my days!

[@a.gjohansson8337]

Living in the Philippines and not be able to work as one did "back home" can be somewhat troublesome. It was for me in the beginning but now, i've picked up an old hobby of mine + im retired. Of course i'll do my share in the household, my GF choose to work because she love it. About the finances well, we manage and live pretty well on a maximum of $1000 a month. And we have 6 kids in the Range between 7 and 19 years, the oldest work and the rest attend school but we ALL work together as a family and support each other. One reason that we manage is that we don't drink alcohol very often + that we make our own homemade food, for me, it's all about one's attitude as Pea said.

[@scottcondor3365]

My favorite part of this is "NOISE". Do not disregard this! My favorite noise story is the second trip, when I stayed in Minglanilla near the market, and the local school band decided to practice marching before dawn because the roads were clear. Another is fireworks. Roosters dominate the peace everywhere, but soon become inaudible, thankfully. I love the sound of children playing and enjoying, but you might not... Even at night there are lizards that climb up the side of your house and cluck at you hahahaha.

[@lellamas2778]

ear plugs? :)

[@stuntchickentv]

A big hell no! Lizards! No way!!!!!

[@UrsulaSchloer]

I lived 27 years in Cebu. It took me a year to be able to sleep

[@daniel73minshall]

You are so right.. LOL :)

[@NSG_UK]

Don't forget street dogs ...

[@onelonleyfarmer]

Great video. I’ve visited for 10 years one month each year. I’m married to a Filipina that I met here in the USA now we are happy very happy we have a son. We have a home there and it is in our plans to live there for about three months out of the year when we retire. Then go home farm the summer and then back for three months. There is no business that a foreigner can do there without getting screwed. It’s fact. I love the Philippines and I love the relaxed way of life. But as your video said if you expect the Philippines to change your sourly mistaken.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Well put. If you have an idyllic farm house in the Philippines to get away from the crush of humanity in the cities, it can be much more pleasant than what I experienced in the cities.

[@danielhackney7806]

@onelonelyfarmer, Just make sure you are CLOSE to quality medical care. Once you hit your 60's and 70's the body starts to breakdown. If you have a medial emergency there is no paramedic to save your A$$. My local Fire station paramedic is less then a mile from my home and emergency hospital 4 miles away. John Wells was only 61 and died in the PI. The only reason my uncle and Dad made it to ages 81 and 87 is excellent and speedy medical care. Otherwise they would have checkout at ages 63 and 66.

[@anthonypagourelias9516]

Dear lonely farmer, Exactly my own circumstances and sentiments...married a Filipina (45 years ago), visited the country from Marcos's time, and travelled throughout. But never invested any more than tourist money with no plans of retiring there. I'm happy to stay put in cold and uninspiring London town. The filipinos are wonderful people as they wrestle with a system of corruption that gets the better of them, this is why as Ms Pea says don't try to change the Philippines, it will change you. Her video is spot on and realistic, at the same time being honest and polite...another filipino trademark. Hoping all goes well down there now with your new president.

[@claytonmurray5004]

@@danielhackney7806 RIP our friend John Wales, aka "Moonshine Shoulders"

[@walterpont2882]

@@claytonmurray5004 what was that ?

[@tw8464]

Excellent job on this video, Pea! You told it like it is with wonderful humor and style! Keep up the good work and thank you for your advisement

[@sagdjim]

Great advice, I couldn’t agree more. A Canadian in Vietnam. All good!

[@albundy4950]

When I first moved there I took pity on everyone and loaned out money to people who I felt needed it when they were in trouble. However alone is not alone it is a giveaway don't expected to come back. At first everybody loves you because you have money to loan them but as soon as you can no longer do it because you have to take care of your own family. Then Begins the chismis. Chismis is Gossip. Filipinos are very timid on frontal confrontation but they definitely love to talk about you behind your back to others even if they smile to you and are nice to your face. Not trying to be negative just telling you my experiences there

[@bradadam7127]

Same in many places in Thailand. Especially the village or women's looking for foreign husband

[@GSXSF-250]

Same experiences here.... Now, I don't give a hoot about their sad stories. Lots of scammers and an abundance of LIARS. Moved out!

[@thefilipinojoe]

Filipinos don't need the foreigner's money, except when he's paying for goods. Filipinos are the most frugal penny-pinching survivalists I've ever met. Those that have their fingers in a foreigner's pocket are the scum of the Earth. Scum exists everywhere on this planet, not just in poor countries. It's best to see scum for what it is and stay far away from it. If you don't, you'll certainly be one of the many naive foreigners who get scummed.

[@RosalieFrederickOfficial]

I bet all people around the world are like that. Gossip is everywhere!

[@veronicamuller7650]

You were in a wrong place in the Philippines .go or live in Makati or places which are clean .. with residents who are educated..professional .middle class or rich

[@TheFilipinaPea]

✅👍 Read my interview with Manila Up Magazine: www.manilaupmagazine.com/issues/vol6-3/mobile/index.html#p=86 👉My videos and the effort I put into them are 100% free for everyone to enjoy, and all I ask is that you leave a thumbs-up on any videos that you like and subscribe to my channel - I have never, and will never, ask you for anything else. For those of you that still wish to support my channel further, however, I’ve posted my links below. Thanks! 👉 Support through PayPal: www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=GC9T7PMLZ3BDW&source=url 👉 Patreon: www.patreon.com/thefilipinapea Join this channel to get access to perks: kzbin.info/door/rm4tEQqTrUP3MwB2G1mjHwjoin 👍🎬SUBCRIBE TO: kzbin.info Follow me on Instagram: 📸📸the_filipinapea 📸📸filipinapea TikTok Account: 🎶TheFilipinaPea

[@marcthesilvershark]

Awesome! Congratulations Pea!

[@ronfindley2874]

Pea, the article is great. Well written and well deserved. I'd say he definitely has watched a few of your videos. Top shelf thumbnails (pics) are shown as well. Cash Grab is one of my favorite videos, so was glad to see it included along with Genie Pea and Pirate Pea. Congratulations!

[@jamestopeka2236]

The Philippines changed me and so did my Philippino girlfriend . Another great video Pea .. Americans are spoiled and take things for grante as I was guilty too 😐 .Simple is better when you become my age and slow down ... Being honest with ourselves is hard for most people to do and to admit our falws .

[@antioniousbrown1961]

Fantastic 👏 Interview ea ! I think in your future more " Cooking with Pea" episodes would greatly enhance your channel ,and extend you beyond the niche of expats information. Everyone eats

[@andrewc2670]

Nice article, hopefully it will lead to some new subscribers for you.

[@FactFinderer]

Amazing video Pea... Thankyou as always for keeping it "real" and honest. A fan from America.

[@Dviking]

Haha great video! It makes sense. Thank you I have no doubt you will be very successful

[@ailynalviar1161]

"No matter where you are. Life is all about choices and decisions. Plans and goals. Perseverance and patience. Hard times and happiness. If we want a perfect life. Earth is not for us. " Just a universal thoughts of life.

[@keenwood571]

So true this world is not our permanent home, we are just travelers passing through, Amen sister!

[@royleevaughn2990]

You are so right

[@fgxpressgrazaustria]

True.

[@MickeyDJ1]

Now that's what I call , Wisdom!!

[@retlawekcirf5392]

Life is a question how deep you fall in love. But: no money, no honey.

[@KuyaCalvinPH]

Such honest and straight forward advice. Refreshing to hear! Keep it up

[@user-sf4pv8kn4y]

Great video, love your content!!🤙🤙

[@teddymller1656]

CONGRATULATIONS Pea! So cool to be in an international magazine... Personally after my trips to the Philippines I am more happy more forgiving of issues. So I guess you are right that Philippines can change you! Well I hope for the better. haha

[@rickb5689]

Wow! That’s a great article in Manila Up! They recognize what we have known about you for a long time. You are an extremely articulate and charismatic lady who brings intelligent, entertaining and sometimes thought provoking videos to people around the world. Keep it up!!

[@TheFilipinaPea]

Sometimes thought provoking? Sometimes? 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@rickb5689]

@@TheFilipinaPea hahaha ok how about “often” thought provoking? 👍😂

[@charleswhite758]

@@TheFilipinaPea Always! Usually shockingly thought-provoking, dream-shatteringly thought-provoking, lol.

[@DocJaeBass]

@@TheFilipinaPea There has to be at least one that wasn't thought provoking ... I just can't think of it right now.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

@@TheFilipinaPea Articulation bright females win. Thought provoking intelligent males win. Sorry. It’s just the way the genders are wired. The female brain has a very different structure than the male. I suggest for you ThinkingApe’s channel if you want thought provoking. Or Gray Mirror’s blog for example. Exposure to a wider range of information may help you if you want to be more provocative.

[@daniel73minshall]

Good video Pea. I love all your videos. Very good content. 🙂

[@daheemhq]

love the reporting, strong, real and professional. Bravo!

[@charleswhite758]

Brutally honest as ever Pea! Thanks. The scenario of being in an oven with no cold shower sounds challenging. There are ways round it living in a house with a garden - water storage tank and battery / generator, but living in an apartment it would be hell.

[@joesapienza8121]

Having a history with the Philippines dating back to 1977, I've seen the good, bad and ugly. I gave it a shot living there on 2 different occasions, totaling 8 years and made more trips there than I can count , totaling another 5 years. While there is much to love about the Philippines, it just wasn't for me, for a multitude of reasons. I made many endearing friendships, going all the way back to 1977 that are still going strong to this day. Generally speaking, I love the people, culture, scenery and beautiful places to see and visit. Many acquaintances and friends have made the Philippines their home and are happy and for that, I'm happy for them, some having lived there for well over 30 years. I found happiness in the land of my birth and came to the conclusion that happiness is in the eye of the beholder. I'll always have very fond memories of the time I spent there, with no regrets.

[@johncarlson6472]

Hi Joe. You wrote: " it just wasn't for me, for a multitude of reasons." I was wondering if you could share some of the more important reasons? I'm relatively happy here in the USA, but IMO, the dating market has gone way, way downhill for average guys like me. It just seems if you're an average looking guy with an average income here in the States, you're an unattractive, under-achieving chump to most American women, who have ridiculous standards. On the other hand, I've seen where an average looking guy from the States with an average income (50k to 60k/year) is "Guapo" and rich to many Filipinas, who seem to be of much higher quality to date and have relationships with than American women. That being said, I would agree that moving to the Phils for the women only isn't necessarily a good idea, hence my asking you why you chose to not live there.

[@bitcoinisfreedommoney.fckt2663]

@@johncarlson6472 The ONLY reason to move to PP for a man is the women. Yes you will easily find one BUT if you are not experienced with women you've got a 50/50 chance of ending up with a gold digging scammer. Lets say you choose a good one and hate living in PP so you bring her back to States there's now a 80/20 chance she'll divorce you (80%) once she gets the GC. The only way to survive is be a playa or find a nice province girl settle in the province where it's literally like medieavl times

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

The Philippines in 1977 was a paradise. The people were amazing. No more. Have you been back recently? I left in 2020 never to return again. It will still be enticing for the virgins, and they will learn through experience.

[@mohamedalkaboom]

Did they teach you their word for “sucker” yet? These poor province girls and their families are very clever and will suck you dry in no time

[@Scion369AU]

My partner is fillipina and wanted to build a laundry on our land so we did and sure enough 6 months later 2 opened up near us haha we lost customers but they cam back as our service is better, I love living in the Phillipines @The FilipinaPea is correct thanks for being so honest lovely, its great advice and guys listen to her. I recommend living here for awhile before you commit to a Filipina. My partner is great and has given me 2 beautiful babies we are really happy and very blessed. I am an Aussie and the Filiino people are great the culture is perfect very family orientated and respectful people and religious also so you can be rest assured your children will be raised right in the Phillipines, guys I highly recommend you come here and find the love of your life and be happy.

[@Rick-ls6zo]

Very truthful and informative. Definately some things to consider.

[@randallforrest7683]

Starting my 3rd month of retirement here, and you were so on point about everything you mentioned. Living in the province in Negros Occidental. My gf grew up here, lots of family around, and they are all so kind and helpful. One point you may have overlooked is that English really isn't a national language. I'm trying to learn 5 new words/phrases of Illongo each day...keeping a journal. My gf speaks decent English and is pretty keen to the useful words I need to get by. Thanks for your posts! God bless.

[@eyeamcreated8271]

My trick is memorize the top 100 words used most as long as you have the most used 100 words you can survive in any destination. .

[@thomasgordon1792]

Even if they speak English does not mean they understand it lol My wife is here in USA now and miscommunication is our biggest issue!! Sarcasm and humor a whole other issue!!

[@rayintoledocebuphilippines5517]

I agree - I lived in Manila for 2 years and life was easy. Now in the province - toledo city just across from negros - only about 30% of the people speak english , also not much Tagalog. Malls are a long way and at different times "out of stock" is a common phrase. But all in all it's a nice life style. and yes - don't come without an income stream.

[@TheFilipinaPea]

Interesting strategy 👍👍👍

[@TheFilipinaPea]

Wow, and that dialect isn’t the easiest 😳👍

[@josephjasonsantiagolacour]

Mahal kita kapatid. I'm a Chicago-born son of a Filipina who first visited in 2017. It changed my life for the better and I immediately wondered if I could happily live there. You answered ALL of my questions. Keep up the good work!!! Maraming maraming salamat.

[@agapitaocampo2970]

You speak English fluently, you made us very proud of the reality of retiring in the Phils, learnt about it all, last time I vacay for a month there, very sad reality, got sick twice there, happy go lucky attitude, people @ the mall 24/7, everybody’s @ Starbucks! Loan sharks are everywhere taking advantage of everyone behaving like the Jonesses next door, thanking the Lord of becoming a better citizen, being frugal, developed the love for work by going in KSA then USA! The hardships & struggles are real hard.Mahal din kita kapatid, you’re exposing the truth of it all, More power to your blog! You make us very proud!

[@user-jq7dn9kg8d]

Hi pea, seen many of your shows and think you do an amazing job of promoting the Philippines. Beautiful country, wonderful people, beautiful women ( you being number 1). Many others do the same painting an image of paradise and perfection. You on the other hand also point out the the downsides of the Philippines as well giving a more honest, balanced view of life in your beautiful country. Keep up the great work and will look forward to the next one. All hail the queen of the Philippines

[@scotthenry-hs2po]

One of the best explanation of the Philippines .iv been here for a little over one year now .I have found more good than bad BUT in saying that the BAD will rock your soul . Thanx F,P

[@BrookeAdr]

I keep coming back to your videos because I love your raw honesty. That is rare in this day and age. Usually people always wanna tell you just the best things about their country but you are doing everyone a favor by telling them the other side also so that they can make up their mind with all the information they need. Keep up the good work.

[@dannieboi3742]

I’m Filipino now living in a western 1st world country and listening to this video is nostalgic to me and not in a good way. Very informative and factual video for those who don’t know Philippines.

[@clickmcclick2675]

enjoy it, the west is already melting away due to immigration.. you have places like London England where 60% of the people who live there were not born in England... ALOT AND I MEAN ALOT of European westerners are trying to figure out what to do.. theres talk of forming a new country somewhere in Siberia .. im not joking and in the usa alone 10 million people have indicated they would leave tomorrow for this new European homeland... no offense to any other cultures but the entire world is flooding into European countries and cultures and the west is dying. enjoy these 30 years friend, its the end of an empire not seen since Rome 2000 years ago

[@lightsdarkness7714]

@@clickmcclick2675 thank liberals for that

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Everything is a hassle. Even standing in queues at the grocery store. If you want to be where Internet connections are fast, then you will be immersed in a crush of human density that even the Filipinos admit resembles an attack of ants. I first arrived in Davao City in 1994 and it was a quaint ‘town’ of a million. I was only one of few who owned a vehicle and getting around the city was fun. Before the pLandemic it took an hour to travel across the city during most times of the day. Have you seen the line at the NSO (National Statistics Orifice) that stretches around the block and queues up daily at 3am? Do you enjoy feeling like a livestock corralled and following orders as if you are just one of a billion blobs of useless protoplasm? (that is the culture of Asia) You could pay agencies to do everything for you in the Philippines, but then to be trapped in your necessary airconditioning 24 x 7 what kind of lifestyle is that? Even traveling from the south side of Davao City to the white sand beaches on Samal was 3 - 4 hour round trip because of the traffic and often the ferries were backlogged with waiting vehicles. Even the bridges from Cebu City to Mactan island are clogged up with traffic and the crush of humanity. You can still get off the beaten path in the idyllic Philippines, but typically (although there may be exceptions if you can afford them or you get lucky in your search) you can not live there if you need fast Internet. Even Musk’s Starlink is not available there yet, so the best you could opt for would be unreliable, slower, expensive version of satellite Internet. I must have Internet access for my vocation. Note a disabled foreigner explained to me that there is a very modern highly developed area of Mactan island they he finds very convenient, and 2013 (passing through only in 2017) was the last time I visited Cebu. So there may be situations that fit certain foreigners, but I relish driving on our decongested, wide open interstates and country roads in the U.S. (and Baja, Mexico) and the wide open, unpopulated vistas, serenity and arid climate of the Western U.S., which is impossible to find anywhere in Asia, so the Philippines was a bad fit for me when to be transparent, I stopped chasing pussy and my kids had returned to live in the U.S. by 2012 (in hindsight although I thought I was there to escape to better, more traditional, more loving, more family oriented culture, really the only reason to have ever been there from the origin story, being stupid, adolescent, hormonal, not well reasoned as actually Filipino culture is very antithetical to beneficial traits of Western culture such as high trust, cooperation, individualism, intellectual, philosophical, etc). Also because my vocation requires concentration, I find the decades of rude neighbors with their incessantly yapping dogs locked in tiny cages on the sidewalk of the gated subdivisions and wealthy homeowners with their backyard roosters hobby extremely annoying, to the point where I actually developed PTSD wherein now if I even hear a dog bark, my cortisol and stress level spikes. There is much more I could write on this subject, but I will refrain as I tend to get nasty responses when I write the truth about my 27 years in the Philippines. Such as how I lost an eye from being attacked there. Such as how the Sulpicio Lines Diamond Princess almost sank in a typhoon with me aboard and the captain drunk (eventually it did sink). About the rudeness of the Filipinos, etc.. Latent Tuberculosis is endemic in the Philippines and when it rains they all start coughing (rudely directly in your face!) and my health is permanently destroyed from battling Tuberculosis (which was misdiagnosed as NALFD for years until I finally went to Singapore to get the proper testing and diagnosis). The capital has modern hospitals (Cebu City’s and Davao’s hospitals were sub-standard) but the doctors there are IMO not really up to par (even though some foreigners disagree with me) to the level of logic, staying abreast of research, and professionalism - it’s a cultural thing really for me, I hate the Filipino culture (in the end after initially thinking I was in love with it). For example, I went to Makati Medical Center and chose one of the most highly rated doctors for my health condition after the very toxic TB treatment (the treatment is worse than the disease). The female doctor could not offer any explanation nor treatment for the cysts on my organs (liver, spleen, kidney, etc) seen on MRI. I have since learned that most likely I had developed autoimmunity and metabolic syndrome. I was one of the most healthy and athletic individuals before subjecting myself to the squalor, pestilence and horrible fried food (e.g. Jollibee) of the Philippines. Maybe for routine health issues the Philippines is okay but the horror stories I could tell you…

[@noeminoemi1350]

@@Anonymint-vj7bt why do you keep repeating yourself. YOu should leave the PHilippines quick move back to your original country, if you haven't already.

[@noeminoemi1350]

@@clickmcclick2675 Thank Britain and other European countries for colonization and invading other countries ,for that. It's now reaping what it sowed, It's called karma.

[@generoxas6881]

Wow! That was good! Pinoy din ako, hehehe But you are right! Bravo! Keep it up!

[@Corinthian44]

A brilliant girl ! Not only giving down to earth advice, but possesses the ability to relate , not only in colloquial , but in vernacular English . Girls from this part of the world are globally considered to be among the most beautiful , and I would have loved to have visited ; but not to be, and I'm now to old .

[@TwinBytesInc]

Congratulations on making it into the magazine! You deserve it with all your hard work!

[@jochen3648]

Thanks for this video Pea. I have left my home country of Germany twice to stay abroad, and for sure the saying is true: "if you go to Rome you have to do what the Romans do". That translates to: don't expect anything to be as it is in your home country and don't expect that you can change things in your new host country to be as they are back home. Apart from being financially stable be aware that you don't have your network of family & friends around you to help out or comfort you. And speaking the local language is an asset too. Ok, I guess English is ok for the Philippines most of the times, and when I moved to the remote island in the South Pacific for 3 yrs luckily I got around with English. Now living in the German part of Switzerland for 15 yrs and I still can't speak (but at least understand) the swiss-german dialect. So language is also something not to underestimate. Lastly, if you consider retiring abroad, the question of health is important. Are there competent doctors around? Will you get all the medicine that you got prescribec back home? If you live in the bigger cities like Manila or Cebu that will probably work, but if you live in a more rural area that is probably an issue. My ten cents Pea. Great video. There is a lot to be gained if you retire elsewhere, but one has to take off the pink glasses and also see the downsides as you said. So far, now soon coming to my retirement age, I have been able to adopt to my new environment and got good and well paying jobs both in the South Pacific as well as in Switzerland. But once I retire I certainly don't want to be in dire straits financially and need to generate income locally to make ends meet. At the end, it takes more to survive than sun, blue skies and pristine beaches to live a happy life. PS. And having a local girlfriend/wife also comes with a price tag, like it or not.

[@CarlasLovingWife]

Very helpful video. You are excellent at this!

[@PetesCruises-n-Travel]

Great information! Like starting any great project, one should consider your advice before deciding to retire in the Philippines. Being a beautiful country is not enough. There’s so much to consider. Thanks!

[@Niftynorm1]

Hello Pea and welcome back, we all really missed you on Tuesday. This was a good reality check for those of us ready to take the plunge and commit to the Philippines. Congratulations on the magazine article, they found the best of the vloggers with you. Take care.

[@TheFilipinaPea]

I just hated that my entire editing process was shit down by yet another power outage, but … welcome to the Philippines! 😂

[@andrewc2670]

@@TheFilipinaPea Err, I think you may have made a typo in your response there Pea - I'm sure you meant shut rather than 💩

[@hykenhyken]

@@TheFilipinaPea So, you're saying the power grid in the PI is "shit"?

[@BStrahl1]

@@TheFilipinaPea Maligayang Biermes Pea; Loved how you "hated that your entire editing process was 'sh!t' down....". Frustration turns a "shut down" into a "sh!t down"... how poetic....he he 😂 Glad you are back and running again. Best to you and yours Pea. Ingat sa Palagi. 😘

[@TheFilipinaPea]

Oops! But come to think of it, it works either way 😂

[@arnoldseay9118]

Great segment miss Pea. I love the Philippine culture and the food. I like the wet markets and street venders. The sunsets are spectacular and for the most part the people are friendly and helpful. I lived there for awhile and I have friends that retired there and are doing fine but I am very content to live here and visit there as often as I can. There is no such thing as paradise on earth. Everywhere has good things and bad things.

[@TheFilipinaPea]

Thanks Arnold - sounds like you’ve found the right balance 👍❤️

[@MarkIrwin02]

@@TheFilipinaPea if i decided to suck it up and deal with the things not found of in the philippines and make an official move there would i get a Filipina Pea with my moving there? But seriously i really enjoy your other videos as you come across as such a wholesome person and thr good sterotypes of filipinos. Which i prefer to focus on. Kind, gentle, nurturning, and so on. Soft spoken is another big 1 i forgot to mention.

[@lakeseminole]

This was extremely educational! Great learning experience from you. Thanks.

[@iseaalbert]

I love this video. Thanks for the info!!!

[@BigStickCombat]

I often repeat the saying to myself, "The purpose of the Philippines is to teach patience." You have to embrace the Philippines for what it is.

[@johnnypastrana6727]

Wow, after living there for 5.5 years, my conclusion was the same. Another lesson for me was that in the Philippines, I found it impossible to feel sorry for myself. I believe that was a 'good' thing.

[@10ken1958]

I'm American with a Filipina wife and I have ten times the patience that she has, OMG! I keep telling her to chill out because I'm afraid she's going to say something that'll get me into trouble.

[@Mrd9960]

@@10ken1958 🤣👍Hahaha, same here, but we are lucky, filipinas are so much better looking and have better attitudes than american women, that's just my opinion.

[@dngrwllrbnsn_]

@@10ken1958 Hey Bud, are you in the Ph or US? Is your wife a jealous person? My potential Ph fiancee is and I'm worried.

[@dngrwllrbnsn_]

@@10ken1958 Hey Bud, are you in the Ph or US? Is your wife a jealous person? My potential Ph fiancee is and I'm worried.

[@steveperyer4850]

Hi Miss Pea! This subject has been a part of my thoughts about living in the Philippines. I want a more laid back lifestyle and I have been living in Asia before, so I am aware of the great differences in roads, availability, brown outs, slow internet, etc. You’re correct that many people would not survive, living off grid, as they would not understand that the western lifestyle is not there! The frustration is part of the situation, and the adventure! It’s all in your attitude! Thanks! I chuckled about the music, dogs and roosters, but I grew up in the country by a farm, so it never has bothered me! Thanks, and God Bless!🌹🌹

[@dngrwllrbnsn_]

Nearly every Ph video I watch has at least one damned rooster in the audio.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

@@dngrwllrbnsn_ Steve’s point is correct. In fact I loved the Philippines in my stronger youth when I was just hanging out like a cowboy and not trying to actually work (as a computer programmer) and live there. Roaming the provinces was a lot of adventure in my youth. Here is a copy of a longish comment I wrote more from a negative recollection of my final outcome in the Philippines after living there for 27 years… everything is a hassle. Even standing in queues at the grocery store. If you want to be where Internet connections are fast, then you will be immersed in a crush of human density that even the Filipinos admit resembles an attack of ants. I first arrived in Davao City in 1994 and it was a quaint ‘town’ of a million. I was only one of few who owned a vehicle and getting around the city was fun. Before the pLandemic it took an hour to travel across the city during most times of the day. Have you seen the line at the NSO (National Statistics Orifice) that stretches around the block and queues up daily at 3am? Do you enjoy feeling like a livestock corralled and following orders as if you are just one of a billion blobs of useless protoplasm? (that is the culture of Asia) You could pay agencies to do everything for you in the Philippines, but then to be trapped in your necessary airconditioning 24 x 7 what kind of lifestyle is that? Even traveling from the south side of Davao City to the white sand beaches on Samal was 3 - 4 hour round trip because of the traffic and often the ferries were backlogged with waiting vehicles. Even the bridges from Cebu City to Mactan island are clogged up with traffic and the crush of humanity. You can still get off the beaten path in the idyllic Philippines, but typically (although there may be exceptions if you can afford them or you get lucky in your search) you can not live there if you need fast Internet. Even Musk’s Starlink is not available there yet, so the best you could opt for would be unreliable, slower, expensive version of satellite Internet. I must have Internet access for my vocation. Note a disabled foreigner explained to me that there is a very modern highly developed area of Mactan island they he finds very convenient, and 2013 (passing through only in 2017) was the last time I visited Cebu. So there may be situations that fit certain foreigners, but I relish driving on our decongested, wide open interstates and country roads in the U.S. (and Baja, Mexico) and the wide open, unpopulated vistas, serenity and arid climate of the Western U.S., which is impossible to find anywhere in Asia, so the Philippines was a bad fit for me when to be transparent, I stopped chasing pussy and my kids had returned to live in the U.S. by 2012 (in hindsight although I thought I was there to escape to better, more traditional, more loving, more family oriented culture, really the only reason to have ever been there from the origin story, being stupid, adolescent, hormonal, not well reasoned as actually Filipino culture is very antithetical to beneficial traits of Western culture such as high trust, cooperation, individualism, intellectual, philosophical, etc). Also because my vocation requires concentration, I find the decades of rude neighbors with their incessantly yapping dogs locked in tiny cages on the sidewalk of the gated subdivisions and wealthy homeowners with their backyard roosters hobby extremely annoying, to the point where I actually developed PTSD wherein now if I even hear a dog bark, my cortisol and stress level spikes. There is much more I could write on this subject, but I will refrain as I tend to get nasty responses when I write the truth about my 27 years in the Philippines. Such as how I lost an eye from being attacked there. Such as how the Sulpicio Lines Diamond Princess almost sank in a typhoon with me aboard and the captain drunk (eventually it did sink). About the rudeness of the Filipinos, etc.. Latent Tuberculosis is endemic in the Philippines and when it rains they all start coughing (rudely directly in your face!) and my health is permanently destroyed from battling Tuberculosis (which was misdiagnosed as NALFD for years until I finally went to Singapore to get the proper testing and diagnosis). The capital has modern hospitals (Cebu City’s and Davao’s hospitals were sub-standard) but the doctors there are IMO not really up to par (even though some foreigners disagree with me) to the level of logic, staying abreast of research, and professionalism - it’s a cultural thing really for me, I hate the Filipino culture (in the end after initially thinking I was in love with it). For example, I went to Makati Medical Center and chose one of the most highly rated doctors for my health condition after the very toxic TB treatment (the treatment is worse than the disease). The female doctor could not offer any explanation nor treatment for the cysts on my organs (liver, spleen, kidney, etc) seen on MRI. I have since learned that most likely I had developed autoimmunity and metabolic syndrome. I was one of the most healthy and athletic individuals before subjecting myself to the squalor, pestilence and horrible fried food (e.g. Jollibee) of the Philippines. Maybe for routine health issues the Philippines is okay but the horror stories I could tell you…

[@tdobson888]

I've been to the Philippines 7 times and I've seen the good and bad and I still want to retire there for the winter time 😊

[@agapitaocampo2970]

You’re gutsy woman, honest & transparent, you made us Filipinas very proud!

[@thetrumpetplayer1109]

I just discovered this channel a few days ago. Now I am hooked. You are so genuine and authentic. (very pretty too!) Each video is so informative and presented in a professional manner. Also, your presentations are so thorough. Keep it up!

[@TheFilipinaPea]

Oh my gosh, TP, thanks you so much, and for becoming a PEAnut 👍❤️❤️👍

[@thetrumpetplayer1109]

I appreciate all you do and doing to properly educate the world on your country and culture.

[@user-DrJoe-Future]

This is what I have learned living in the Philippines (City): (1) it is much more expensive than you think if you want to maintain at least a partial western lifestyle. (2) Don't expect anything you routinely buy in your country to be available in the Philippines, and to have it shipped will be VERY expensive. (3) You will need a mountain of patience to endure long lines and totally inefficient processes -- the Philippines is frustration central. It can grind you down. (4) Planning is almost impossible. If you get ONE thing on your "things to do" list completed in a day, you are doing well. (5) Grocery stores and restaurants are constantly "out of stock." I went to McDonalds, and they were "out of stock" for Coffee, and never have "Egg McMuffins," but they have Egg, Sausage and Cheese McMuffins. I went to two restaurants with menus 60% out of stock. Easier to ask "what do you have?" You may have to go searching 4 or 5 Pharmacies to get your prescribed medications, many are frequently "out of stock." it took me 5 pharmacies to get 2 meds. (7) You want internet? Want to rent a house? Good luck. You will probably need a company to help you., and also "grease the skids." Their real-estate websites are useless. Word of mouth or connections are a good way to find things. (8) Forget mail service, I have never seen a mailman and only saw one post office in the city. (9) Hospitals, clinics, and businesses in general do not answer their phones or emails. You have to go there physically to get any information. (10) Everything Pea said in the video is about dead-on-balls accurate.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Imagine Jollibee out of stock of fried chicken and McDonald’s out of stock of french fries. Only in the Philippines. It has improved a lot since the 1990s when nearly every place was out of stock of ice cubes and paper napkins. Don’t forget to look for the dog turds in the parking lot before you step out of your vehicle.

[@scottandrews947]

I've been in the Philippines for the past few years and I disagree with you on many of these points: 1) Things are MUCH cheaper in the Philippines than the west (especially now with the ridiculous inflation in the west). It's to the point that I now believe that moving to a developing is the best hedge against inflation (in the US anyway). 2) Most of the things that I buy are available. 3) Depends on what you mean. I've found that some things (BI) are efficient and other things (grocery stores) are not efficient. 4) This is true. 5) This is hit-or-miss and much better than it used to be. Honestly, more stores have most things in stock most of the time, in my experience. I'm a young guy (30s) and don't take any meds. So I can't comment on the pharmacies here. 6) ?? 7) For internet, you can just use phone data and hotspot (that's what I'm doing right now). It's decent most of the time. You can also use one of those portable wifi things (Globe, etc.). I don't have one. So I can't comment on that. Renting a house has been very easy for me. I don't understand the problems you're having with this. 8) Can't comment on this. I've never tried to mail anything here. 9) I've never dealt with hospitals, but clinics and businesses almost always answer Facebook messages. I do agree that their phone numbers usually don't work. I've never tried to email them. 10) Her advice is hit-or-miss based on my experiences.

[@stephenthoms9139]

Well said

[@bambamermitanyo1049]

Spot on.

[@anthonykenneth.1780]

This sounds so much like Kenya.

[@doctitan2112]

Pea, I couldn't agree more! I lived in the Philippines for 14 years and the first year was quite an adjustment. I am an organized person and put a lot of value on my time. Things became great after I realized I needed to modify my expectations and not expect a culture to change for me! I loved living in the Philippines and at times I miss it very much. I moved back to my country for my wife and daughter to experience a different lifestyle and learn that when going to a store they can buy what they want opposed to settling for what they have! Lol! Though at this time some stores are more like the Philippines when it comes to availability. Things have come full circle. Love your videos! Ingat, Doc

[@2345allthebest]

I'm going to do it... I'll be retiring on a pension of 4 to 5,000 US dollars a month... I am blessed with a loving Filipina and her wonderful family and I will be going back to the States several months a year for side work so I think I will be okay... I'm ready to get away from the rat race that is the US

[@trueblue9480]

Thank you! Just what we needed to hear!

[@jetlacsamana8898]

Love this! I always watch this when I dabble the thought of retiring there. Being a Filipino Canadian thanks for you slap to reality!

[@TheFilipinaPea]

Keeping it real - that’s my job 👍😊

[@user-kc5nk4xn1f]

I wish to the Philippines two times and I experienced everything that you said but I am a old man and I experienced everything and I still love the Philippines it's called adapt and overcome

[@TheFilipinaPea]

👍👍👍

[@nunyabidniz2868]

Thank you Pea, for always "telling it like it is!" Your tag line is as honest & accurate as you are yourself. 👍

[@FifthKnowledge]

Great advice! This lady would be a great financial advisor for any place in the world.

[@tedrichards683]

A reality check and a half! Just what people need to hear before making the biggest possible mistake in their life. I agree the best way to make any major move is to spend time in the area first and repeat a couple more times. Then seriously have a heart to heart with yourself about what you want, what you need and what you'll get. Very good video!

[@billwright777]

It’s so true, heck I’m a Filipino that left the Philippines and when I went for a visit, I’m already overwhelmed of the things that I’m not used to anymore. Heat, roosters, etc. One thing I think you left out or may have missed entirely, is about healthcare. The Philippines is not known for it’s medical tourism or having a really great healthcare system. If you want to retire in the Philippines and you don’t happen to live near a big city, forget having to be brought to a good enough hospital, because chances are, you may end up in town clinic or a small hospital that cannot do the major medical stuff that is needed to be done. If you plan to retire in the Philippines, be prepared to pay out of pocket for any hospital stay you encounter, and you need to make a”down-payment” to be admitted to the ER.

[@user-tq4oy7qr3v]

So true it’s unfortunate

[@aunnb]

True

[@markcaserta1367]

Just want everyone to know the farther South you go in the Philippines the more of what she said is true. Once you are down in Zamboanga City expect a world similar to the 1920's with outdated electrical systems ect. Power going out for days and water as well. Expect most houses to have no running water. Toilets are mostly gravity fed which means you need to pour water into them to get them to work. Also, no baths or showers. You have a bucket of water you dump on yourself, soap up and dump again. As far as the pace of life it is slow and I mean slow. You really need hobbies here to get by. If all you do is crave excitement, don't come. Half your day is sitting around talking to locals and drinking beer. If you can adapt to this life, it might be for you. If not head straight to Manila where some things are more modern.

[@yhongstoppable]

Yeah haha that's really true.. I am citizen here.. If u want some modern lifestyle just go in the city.. If you like to be a jurassic life just stay in province's in philippines..

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

But then the problem is in Manila the congestion is horrible. So either choice sucks. A favorite expat destination now seems to be Dumaguete. For action with a balance of congestion my only find was Angeles City. But still in hindsight it all sucks compared to the U.S. unless you need something the Philippines offers, i.e. females. I don’t need that.

[@robgorman8961]

Haha, so true. I went to a municipal hall for some task and I was shocked to see they are still using typewriters with carbon paper to process applications. Hahaha.

[@thenarrator1984]

The country sounds perfect.

[@walterpont2882]

@@thenarrator1984 good luck then. You can't learn can you.

[@chrismaddox15]

Excellent job. Your English is perfect. Spot on with info. Married to Phillipina for 18 years in the States. You are truly a professional.

[@TheFilipinaPea]

Thanks Chris! ❤️❤️👍

[@-BigIi-]

As a fairly young guy, I see that the odds are so heavily stacked against (eg) western men moving to the Philippines that it amplifies the central reason that many still do so. You're hardly going to be given decent employment. You can not outright own your business which your own money alone started. Quite often you are financially abused or stored up for such. More and more, Philippines based channels report that foreigners are harassed (not in connection with women) by Filipino men who just don't like their presence. You are not permitted to buy land: so you're always going to build - if you even take such chances - on land that you cannot own. So many things... Of course the authorities have the right to have things the way they want, but you can't help noticing that in many key areas the foreigner is left holding the blade, vulnerable, which would affect many investment decisions and consequently leads to the reason many do not invest in the Philippines as they would like. Many things are simply not cheap at all. Take that ''central reason'' out of the picture and one realises that there are other destinations that are far less hassle and where the treatment is more favourable, in terms of buying land or finding employment, where you don't feel like you're left holding the blade and quite vulnerable. You can't even buy a condo and think you're going to have your partner come to live with you; even if it's for short spells here and there her rights grows against you - and she will most likely use it - to claim a share in your property. So many disadvantages... I often ask myself: why on earth would I want to move to such a place as the Philippines? My dad is French, my mother is Caribbean\St Lucia where I have land inheritance in a lush tropical environment to build on and have much autonomy over my investment, and certainty. I like the Philippines a lot, but it seems to be a place to visit, enjoy the moment you are there, but leave it at that.

[@user-DrJoe-Future]

I agree with you about 100%.

[@glenpao5647]

So true. Even if u are a pinoy. U have difficulty living there. I am a Filipino living in Singapore. Philippines is the opposite of Singapore...

[@happycook6737]

Same scene in All developing countries.

[@mOviephil3]

don't know when was the last time you heard about owning things here. But let me update you. you can now own ur business as a foreigner. you can now buy your condo unit. buying a land u nid to have a permanent residency. but soon foreigners will be able to buy land. our laws are here to protect our locals who can't buy now but can have the oppurtunity soon.

[@johnwilson3819]

Very deep. Thanks for sharing this

[@stanleycampbell6115]

Thank you for setting me straight. I was thinking it was just me. But now, I see the light. I have been coming frequently to the Philippines for the past 8 years. Have always felt I do not fit in. Although many speak English, I find myself silent in the conversation because I can not interpret and even if I ask to please speak English, the conversation will very shortly go back to tag or Cebuano. All you have mentioned in this episode is so real. I will be heading back to US and looking forward to it. Hopefully someday soon my daughter will return with me, as soon as her mother will let her. Thanks

[@cestlavie1980]

Me and my husband are planning to retire in the Philippines after few years and we are in the planning and research phase. Thank you for this helpful video. ❤ new subbie here!

[@Jockstrap716]

I am so glad you made this video it’s just the kind of information I needed to hear. What a difference knowing what I’m about to walk into and the enormous time you have saved me!! Keep up the great work fir it’s a pleasure knowing someone in this world is finally telling gd truth!!!❤❤❤❤

[@gary4451]

The travel restrictions over the past two years kept a lot of us from hopping on a plane and dashing off to the Philippines. In many ways this was a good thing. It gave us plenty of time to learn more about life in the Philippines so that we could decide whether or not we were a good fit for the Philippines. I have to be honest with myself, I love my comfortable Western lifestyle and I am not willing to part with it. Filipina...Yes! Philippines...not for me.

[@MarkIrwin02]

I spent 11 years in south east asia. What i learned is that when comes to living America is best place for me. But visiting / long visits to other countries is good. As there are just certain things here in the US im not ok to give up such as responsibility, hard working and things like that. I have a very corporate america attitude so those types of things i can deal with for like a long visit but not for a move relocation side. Both thailand and philippines cant tell you how many times the power all of a sudden went out. And normally would take hours if not 2 or more days to get it back on.

[@tmb3131]

Gary, you may have made the right choice. It's a huge adjustment and overall the modern conveniences here are never guaranteed. Customer service is basically non-existent and no matter what, you're the bad guy for asking for it. One thing is for sure here, nothing is reliable except unreliability. But I still love it for some reason. Not sure how long I can do it though without changing myself significantly.

[@user-DrJoe-Future]

I agree with you. Many times I also feel I worked too damn hard for 43+ years to outside the U.S., sacrificing all the good life I worked for. Medicare does not work outside the country, so you lose that too. More importantly, all the freedoms and personal rights I fought for so long do not exist. They do not have Constitutional rights that comes anything close to ours, including their laws and system of Justice. Want a divorce in the Philippines? Forget it -- it does not exist. Want to own a gun? You have no right to own a gun. It is a totally different world in too many ways.

[@phil-be-health]

@@user-DrJoe-Future a gun? Yeah no thanks. That's an American thing 🤣

[@WilsonTexasRager]

@@phil-be-health It's more than American. Having the option to have a gun to protect yourself among other reasons should be a right regardless of nation. If for no other reason than those that intend to shoot others don't obey laws. The problem with shootings isn't gun laws but lack of gun safety. Similar to the lack of parenting becoming a major issue it just isn't being done right.

[@tracyp9224]

Congratulations on getting some well earned recognition! I've been a subscriber for so long I feel like we know each other! Lol But anyway, so glad your doing so well, and it's very nice to see someone who has drive and a positive attitude win in life! Congratulations again Pea!!!

[@TheFilipinaPea]

Thanks Tracy! But we do know each other 😂😊

[@mcbiggs100]

I absolutely adore an honest woman, thanks as always for the much needed honest and straightforward information that you provide on your channel‼️

[@discoverglobeliving]

Interesting insights! Seems like the Philippines has undergone some changes. Thanks for the heads-up and sharing your perspective.

[@raymahannah4336]

Great video! You keep it real, and honest. Yes, people who think they want to retire anywhere need to invest the time into making sure their "ideas" are realistic. Many people make decisions based on bad information, and then find themselves living on Hell's Half Acre with no means of escape. Many things about the Philippines appeal to me, but not for the same reasons as anyone else. It's an individual decision or one to make with your Filapina together after careful thought, research and experience... 🙂

[@amadd5641]

I live in Palawan for most of the year and I see your points. However, with a little perseverance I find that I can get around most problems. I have enough backup power for some fans, lighting, laptop, internet and music during a "brownout". I'm generally able to find any western foods that I may crave or miss in the main city of Puerto. I mix well with most Philippinos and westerners alike. I get used to small isles and people standing in the way (just lose some weight mataba). You can get a small business, generally not enough to live off, so you may need more than just one source of income or go back to the home country to work occasionally. Don't have too many Philippinos hanging around or they'll send you broke. Learn some of the language so to not look like such a tourist and pay tourist prices. Then just enjoy the beaches, diving, scenery, travel or whatever turns you on.

[@seanobrien2306]

Hi, The Filipina Pea..., Excellent video and very informative, and "Thank you" for sharing the video, and the truth ! ! "Semper Fi" Mike in Montana :)

[@BRYKS22]

I ran into these same issues in Colombia, this is great advice.

[@tobywebb6452]

Hi Ms Pea, love your work, you kept so many of us going during the 2 year shutdown, I’m back in June to start my new life 🏝 🛵

[@TheFilipinaPea]

June? That’s only a few weeks!!! 👍👍👍❤️

[@boston312]

Great Video. I lived 10 years in the Philippines and it was just like a marriage where feelings and love gradually fades throughout the years. The first 5 years are so were incredible. The cheap standard of living made me ignore many red flags my first few years there. Around 2016 to 2019 Inflation really started to kick in and the Philippines was becoming just as expensive as other developing countries that I visited. Now my buck wasnt going as far as it was in the past and things that I used to ignore started to agitate me such as the slow customer service and lack of logic among many of the people . My patience also started to fade away. I have since moved to Latin America and am very happy. In Latin America things will get done if you have money. In the Philippines it depends how the worker feels that day as to whether they will help you are not (money or not).

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Wow finally someone who wrote exactly what my experience was. By the time I reached 30 years there I was going insane.

[@longgowhereto]

I am in LA and the burocracy here kills me (over a year for a number plate). I heard this Phra institution would help with a hasslefree forever residence and was looking forward to the P until the vaxx barrier was installed. Thanks for your info.

[@stedye]

What are great countries in Latin America for retirement?

[@carlosa7598]

@@stedye i heard Costa Rica is one if them.

[@-whackd]

What exactly can't you get done in the Philippines?

[@153ablesteve]

i am glad to see someone finally bring these things up. Things happen you just have no control over. I have bee here 22 years and have learned to be patient.

[@ganymeade5151]

Thank you very much for this very realistic video. This video is a hit.

[@tomster7574]

i really enjoyed the article in manila up. i tried for a few decades to be a writer, joined a group to help edit, would pass about a dozen copies out to the group that would do exactly what you mentioned, checked grammar, etc. 12 people all finding 12 entirely different sets of mistakes. ugh. even the best in the group had to suffer that. not everything in our head makes it onto the paper and when i myself checks it, i read it the way its in my head instead of what i put on paper. those people are always such a great help. always trying to be fresh is not easy. many a youtube channel i was thrilled with at first for a few years, got stale and i dont watch them hardly if it all anymore. they are still great for anyone new coming along but they are the same thing over and over again now for me. i encourage you do diversify a little, lots are doing the small shorts videos thing, many a topic that isnt enuf to fill a full length video. i also encourage you to not to pod casts, they are all the same, reading the comments and commenting on them, all the same comments all the time. maybe might be ok for a half or full hour video but almost all of them get carried away and are 2-3 hours or more. ughhhhhhhh!!!!! i bail before i even start, i see the time length and dont even bother. i have clicked a few times on each, and ya, just comments on comments. ive had 4 hour conversations that i really enjoyed, but i would never expect anyone to watch it and enjoy it still. keep up the good work and as always, looking forward to your next. ps, you owe us all that missing power outage video, dont disappoint!!!! hehehehe, joking.

[@TheFilipinaPea]

I’m glad you don’t like the livestreams either - I prefer a video that focuses on something (and my power/internet isn’t good enough anyway) 😂

[@Niftynorm1]

@@TheFilipinaPea If you are ever stumped for content there is always the standby of you sitting and dangling a shoe for 15 minutes to keep us amused. I still think the reaction to that was very funny.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

?time who has for grammar

[@michaelbyrnee9584]

Great advice. I would only add: "If you are going to get all upset about a typhoon ripping off the roof of your apartment or rendering a 3-month island-wide power outage, don't move to the Philippines!" Life there can be difficult at times, but something about the culture keep bringing me back.

[@EfralynVailoces]

Nice video Ms. Pea. God bless you po😇

[@apmail6]

I find the information on the majority of KZbin videos too high level to be actionable or just borderline worthless. However, this video is a rare exception. It is a spot on assessment of the realities of moving to developing countries. Thank you for keeping it real.

[@TheFilipinaPea]

THANKS, Ap! I’d rather tell it like it is 👍

[@marilouremo1076]

As an adult,I went thru difficult times,I adapted to whatever is existing,I accept things as they are,and change whatever I can change. Staying positive and looking for solutions are going to make life for everyone much better

[@bobarnolf7379]

We have been coming to the Philippines for over 30 years & I love every visit, but we are also ready to go back to Canada after 5 or 6 months because of all the inconveniences in the Philippines. Infrastructure has improved but nothing else unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it. We always miss the place when gone & can't wait to leave after 6 months. We are blessed to have that choice, others don't.

[@edwardmylnychuk5774]

lol i have a friend that went to costa rica and he basically said the same thing but he was working there so he put up with it, from what i have heard he is now in the Dominican republic with his work

[@steverichard2786]

That sounds perfect. My wife and I live on PEI and we want to start spending our winters away. Think we'll try Phillipines for a month at first.

[@CameronsCandorOriginal]

You have too much fun with the costumes! I love it lol 😂

[@alexkeisch5]

Dear Pea, I loved seeing you filming in Valencia Market today. I was so thrilled, I called out to you and ruined your interview. Thank you for waving back. I've seen so many of your videos, I feel I know you already as a fried. As a friend may I suggest a future show based on different pronunciations from American English to the English here. Also it is said that England and America speak a common language seperated by an ocean. Example, I used ask for a napkin in a resaurant when I should have asked for a :"tissue". Keep up the great work!

[@TheFilipinaPea]

That was you? Well thanks for saying hello, Alex! 👍❤️😊

[@vaan4500]

This is great! Reminds me of Nobita from Japan's videos explaining, and showing the pros and cons in addition to social, economical and government issues in Japan. It's really good to stay informed about such things and as you said Pea no place is a fantasy land haha. We have to do our own research and come to terms with real world political and social issues.

[@whited63]

I’ve been watching quite a few of your YT videos since I discovered you a couple of weeks ago. That was brutal, brutally honest and I thank you for that Pea because it was my plan someday to retire in the Philippines with the idea of starting or buying a local business. But I also wouldn’t go all in, I would always want to maintain a base at home in Australia. Thank for your brutally honest advice. It’s going to make me reassess that’s for sure. I do love the vibe and lifestyle of the Philippines but I guess there is a big difference between “living” in the Philippines permanently and being a tourist living out of a hotel.

[@dannywoody5497]

Sounds a lot like thailand to me. That’s where I live. Same deal. You’ve got to change and learn to be flexible. What a great video greatly appreciated.

[@markmccreddan7472]

appreciate your honesty , priceless . the people are resilient & hey we can learn loads from your way of life thanks for shairng

[@JOHN-ny7xe]

You have come such a long way in such a short time. Congrats and job well done Miss Pea. I am so happy for you and can't wait to see you continue to blossom both professionally and personally. I bet you never dreamed you would have an article written about you in an international magazine. Keep reaching for the starz Pea! ❤

[@veger5872]

Seriously, I always thought why doesn't Pea apply for a job on a major news station; then I figured she probably makes more money on her U-tube channel! I know it would be a major undertaking but it would be nice if Pea got info on the best hospitals/clinics to go to in the hot expat areas. I think this is the number one issue holding back more expats in moving to the Ph.