Expat Reveals First Year Experience Living in the Philippines Old Dog New Tricks June 27 2020

[@timothystrampp3313]

It has taken me about 18 months to shake my western "worked like a raging fool" way of thinking and acting to finally understand Why. What did I really want by moving here? I felt so much fear and anxiety at first with what I called semi organized chaos going on around me here in Subic Bay. Then one day I was having a great cup of morning coffee and I told myself I'm going out to do one errand and if it takes me 3 hours to complete it I'm going to embrace it with patience and a good attitude. That was my turning point. I don't care about time anymore. I start out when I start out and I take what the day has to offer! If the pool is empty I keep going until I find one that is full. And that kind of peace of mind is priceless. That's really what I came here to find!!

[@colorocko1]

I have interest in the Philippines as you and others but my question is: Is it possible to find that "peace of mind" in the states anymore? I've slowed down and embraced with patience and a good attitude here in the states which was very difficult for me to do and wondered do I really need to move somewhere else or just visit?

[@johncarlson6472]

@@colorocko1 I'm kind of in your situation. I'm reasonably happy here in the USA, recently retired, just cruising along doing my own thing. However, the reason I've looked at the Phil's and Thailand is the higher quality women that--dare I say--actually appreciate 'masculine" men. TBH, the dating scene here in the USA is pretty horrid. IMO, there's been a gradual, insidious, bifurcated view of masculinity (let's beat down boys/men into behaving like good girls/women) that's being supported in various institutions and the media. One one hand, men are being viewed as "toxically masculine, aggressive rapists in waiting," but, then...on the other hand, knee-jerk gibes abound..."Suck it Up," "Man Up," "Stop Being a P*ssy," etc. To us older guys this B.S. is like water off a duck's back, but I sense younger men are feeling lost, disillusioned and confused...in a nutshell, boys and young men are being taught to feel bad for just being "male."

[@jasonhutt9117]

I can see what you mean embrace the culture and accept it sounds good

[@Name-rx1li]

Timothy Strampp For sure, something good will happen to you here in Pi. Sometimes we get the taste of a bad experience for a greater one ahead. Keep the patience and welcome home!

[@colorocko1]

@@johncarlson6472 I completely understand. After 2 marriages I've found I'm not interested in dating, just numb to it and it is not like I don't have opportunity. I recently put off a hot dental assistant that, if I read it right, asked me out! She even commented " did you hear what I said?" She's a little younger, very attractive, but the thought of all the bs stops me in my tracks.

[@donniestricklin3915]

I've been here in the Philippines for 19yrs. I love it here. I live in the bicol area, the air is fresh and clean outside of the city, I have one hector on the main road, I'm an hour drive from Naga City Cam Sur. Built my own house, four bedrooms and four bedrooms, two car garage. I recommend this area, very friendly people and very laid back. Enjoyed your video alot

[@WrestlingPH]

mistaeric lease or marry a filipina.

[@maryfe8221]

mistaeric if you are Married to a Filipina then its not a problem

[@kiwigaming9727]

Hi I'm a Filipina who is working in France thanks for sharing this vedeo

[@Bulldawg1958]

Great interview Paul, I’ve been in the Phil 5 years now and have zero regrets, I would like to add some information and that is that the Philippines is making tremendous progress in building their infrastructure and modernising , it is exciting to watch it and know that life gets better here every day !

[@paulwoods3214]

You should have a late-night talk show Paul- great job in keeping the conversation on track-great work by both of you. Very informative

[@pokeamaniwillnotbereplaced]

I had a similar experience when I arrived in Bombay, India. The poverty was shocking making the Philippines poor look rich. I was overwhelmed and got out of the city asap. it took a couple of months being there to settle in. I wish you both well. Thank you for sharing your experience. M

[@hirofan]

What led you to Bombay? It’s on my bucket list..

[@Isitreallyworthit]

Great advice for a newbie who has never visited the Phillipines 😀this must be the best and informative you tube channel out there for guys who want to live and travel to the Phillipines 🙃

[@boelong4428]

Thanks to "the nature boy"🤣🤣 somewhat we've learned from your perspective (foreigner) and your experiences coming into our country and what to improve and despite of hardship we strive to work on it the best way we can, if you choose the Philippines your home,,your most welcome,we embrace any race and color and we will live in equal liberty and prosperity.

[@omaradda8522]

Well done. Please continue your interviews with Filipinos n Expats.

[@George-hd7tl]

Great viedo,I always give a thumbs up before I even watch the vid ,because I know it's going to be good.Youve never let me down,thanks.

[@mauriceduff5095]

Fabulous Blog Paul and what very interesting story AJ has to share.

[@brianp6097]

Nice interview Paul, AJay is a nice friendly guy and enjoyable to listen to as a guest.

[@kenamaro]

Agreed.... give it 6 months to adjust.... then consider plan B. Living in PI is a different experience than a 3 week vacation.

[@rickylee6129]

Good information 👍.

[@shanesheets2951]

Both of you are good people, stay safe!!

[@dabe6919]

Great interview ... It got more comfortable as it went on ... Enjoy and be blessed.

[@thomasdee3119]

Paul. Excellent. Your guest is also super intelligent like you. Thank you

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

Wow, thank you!

[@ianlewis2813]

A great video , always a pleasure to watch ..

[@DesertRider463]

Great interview Paul and AJ. Thanks for sharing your experiences! The budget comments toward the end were really helpful too.

[@bruceteel7]

Thanks for the video, very informative, just the kind of content I like to see.

[@Dennis-fg5sd]

Excellent interview Paul.

[@roustabout4fun]

Very nice....good questions too-enjoyed it -If you love people...there...it seems to work and it seems that those who have an engaging personality-extroverts is essential. Good stuff to hear/learn. I was there for only about 3 weeks...(For me...nature lover but love peace...I mean peace and some quiet...it was all overwhelming) I accept that...and you never know.

[@kevinkennedy6875]

This was a very informative and entertaining interview. Good questions asked and good insights offered. Thanks very much for sharing it!

[@billbeedle942]

One of your best interviews! Great information.

[@audtom52]

Well done...great interview...good questions and very intelligent answers by AJ......one subject always in the equation that wasn't brought up....current filipina relationship and how that affects the master plan

[@samhudson2941]

I have learned so so much listening to Paul , I am ready to move to the Philippines with great knowledge and understanding of the Philippines, thank you so much brother

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

Best of luck!

[@lindawilson795]

Great interview Paul.

[@paulshamblin6260]

I'm the old dog you really can't teach a new trick to. I know that if I see a brand name I'm familiar with on a hotel I am going to like it. I was able to find that in Manila. When I went to Leyte I think I paid about the same rate for pretty nice places to stay. $65 goes a lot farther in the Philippines than it does in the US. I also had my fiance with me. People should be prepared because some things you will not like as well as the US and some things you will like more. For me the good outweighs the bad. My wife is in Manila. Part of my heart is in Ormoc. Nice video guys.

[@novak4594]

Intelligent guy. Great interview Paul.

[@lesliethilow3011]

Paul thank you for providing this insightful interview with your fine guest.

[@solomiosisante5696]

I maybe drunk now but Paul seems to be more contented in his life here in the Philippines. You are a wise man Sir! Take care of yourself. Just subscribed.

[@brianmcnair3158]

Good interview for me because I also plan to land in Cebu and than island hop every month.

[@Mac-zq1js]

Another great interview Paul I hope some of my friends that are waffling on the fence about finding a new life in the Philippines listen to this interview and take action with their life. I hope your friend found a nice island girl to keep him company look forward to your next interview😁

[@TomandAmyinthePI]

I was at Sinulog in Jan of 2019 with My Girl......Lot of people.....good time though Was at Dinagyang festival in IloIlo in Jan of 2020 also Also very cool!

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

Another great interview. Lots of questions made and answered. Looking forward to out interview when that day comes. I’m sure mine will be very unique as my experiences are quite a bit different 😁😁. Hope the move to the new apartment went well and you are getting settled in. Just let me know when it’s time to get Baby Mae her oven 😁. Later mate!

[@ldrcoupleinlove910]

I am stuck in the US now. I love it there I try to go the province often as possible. I love my pina and we travel a lot but I am rooted in the lifestyle of the people rich poor not a problem for me.

[@davidkaiser810]

Paul you have the most interesting interviews. It's a lot of fun watching them.....

[@joanross1024]

Hi Paul, another great candid interview. Reaching out for happiness is so brave. See you on the next video!

[@markj6565]

I will concur that was a great interview. Extremely informative..I am hoping in the next few years to be able to make the move there. And I keep learning a lot from your channel..Thanks..

[@royjones8012]

Great interview real experiences appreciated.

[@fruitloops3718]

When you get to the places that don't have jeepnys, you rent a scooter or take a grab. My plan is similar to your guest but I'm not close enough to formalize my plan.

[@robscott2824]

Fantastic interview 👏.. I take it that AJ hadn’t been to the Phillipines before.. hence the culture shock !! Financially secure and still working, very smart 😀

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ricbro4058]

Paul, great interview! It shed some light for me thank you much. Like it or not you are a mentor for many. Take care.

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

I appreciate that!

[@robertc.fisher3214]

Excellent conversation!

[@lastplanehome]

Subscribed. Great information. Been there 5 times. Airline industry 38 years. Pension plans, 401k ,SS soon. Will keep in touch. Take care

[@foesfly3047]

Very informative interview. Thanks for posting.

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@janetcatalano8391]

Great interview! Paul, you could have your own TV show. Very good information that's interesting and important for anyone who's debating or wants to move to the Philippines. Keeping it real. People need that.

[@brianchase9251]

"Where's the pool water?" "Out of stock sir."

[@donniestricklin3915]

The Filipino answer to everything, out of stock 👆

[@LordTaylor007]

No shit! Happens all the time 😝

[@chontravelsph]

Lol

[@robertcamp6623]

When i was there. Island hop for much less. You just have to know how to do it It is a learning curve

[@bebetheexplorer624]

welcome to Bantayan Island its where my father was born and I bought parcel of land to build a house for my retirement hope not too long now.

[@DaveT-Suise]

Excellent interview and I’m so positive that this video will benefit other expats and retired Americans there in the Philippines. Anyway , If I were him, I’ve got to look in the Northern Provinces where people are a lot nicer, conservative, speak better English than the southern region, and very accommodating as well. 👍👍😊

[@jeffsea6490]

The *Cebu City Sinulog Parade* is one of the most amazing events I've ever seen or witnessed. *BlessNaSta.Nino*

[@murraygraham1696]

Very informative Paul

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Matthew-gz4oh]

You are a great interviewer!

[@emconsolacion7950]

good info for expats to live in the philippines, things are not running as we expected in the philippines but remedies are coming ,most expat prefers to live in the visayas region now, facilities, medical issue are at par with first and second tiers in the area, good choice

[@glenstewart20]

Great interview Paul but let the question be answered before asking the next qusetion. This will allow a free flow of the interview. Cheers.

[@annetteguardian9405]

You are cool AJ.. Enjoy your stay here in our country.

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

Good Interview, Great guest and views.

[@richardhowe4140]

In the advertisement they said they had a pool they didn't say anything about any water..hehe.. thanks for the video and I am on my way as soon as this pandemic is over with, if it ever gets over.. I am watching you and this guy and it seems like I am looking in the mirror and see myself and my humdrum existence in the USA..🤔😁😎🤗🇺🇸🍺🍻👍👌

[@jasonhutt9117]

A few things I had found Traffic I hired a car to go up north of manila was very stressful I though once I'm in the country side less traffic so wrong people live long the roads every where and the trikes were very slow so that was interesting for driving the other thing was bring toilet paper if you stop any where many places have no paper just a pot and some water. One part I did find interesting if you have a birthday or any celebration the whole village may turn up but everyone was very friendly and you can talk about any topic really.

[@tonylee7291]

Very good interview Paul. I enjoyed it very much.

[@annmadelguimbalena4527]

Nice interview Paul..... It is really good content..... The best...

[@davem8898]

Man Paul. You left a major question in the table! How did or does AJ find dating there ??

[@edkleindienst381]

Thanks AJ , for your insight. Another great interview Paul.

[@boat6868]

Excellent interview. Thanks for sharing.

[@tewoldekuflom790]

Paul you are natural and gifted .

[@cadizwilmo9687]

Paul, I love it when you interrupt your guests and asked those great questions. Nice interview with Ajay and hearing about his first year in the PI. Looks like he's having fun and adapting just fine. Thanks for sharing. Just so you know - my favorite expat interview you've done so far was with Frank (video: My Filipina GF was a psycho!) Frank was hilarious and had some funny live-in Filipina GF stories. Haha.

[@RonKris]

Take a boat to Manila (*3 day trip from Mindanao) and as you approach Manila, you'll see so much trash floating it's incredible.

[@rphusband58]

How did you buy a one way ticket?

[@billsunderwateradventures]

Lot of good information. Getting rid of a monthly living expense in the US was key when I was there. I found that I could move around and as long as I was staying at least a month that my monthly expenses for a roof over my head generally stayed under $500US a month. I never did do longterm anywhere even though I could have paid a lot less. I enjoyed the freedom of always being able to just go 🙂 I strongly suspect I'll be back in the Philippines at some point 😉

[@charlesbennett7688]

Great show

[@BryTunesMusic]

you didn't ask anything about his love life - would be a good follow-up vid :)

[@salvatorebarnaba7024]

THATS EXACTLY THE SAME QUESTION I WAS GOING TO ASK HE SAID TRAVEL BUT WHAT ABOUT IF YOU CANT AFFORD ALL THAT TRAVELLING . YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO STAY PUT IN ONE PLACE THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION ITS VERY VALUABLE

[@UnityDevJourney]

I could not make out the name of the island he referred to as "The jewel of the Philippines" around the 16:20 mark.

[@maxburrel1642]

Adam, the island he mentioned is Camiguin. It’s in between the islands of Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and north of Mindanao.

[@bulldog3209]

Paul anther fantastic vlog mate i been watching and you making me home sick lolololol i haven't been home for 3 years but cant wait to get back there in 21 wonderful vogs keep it up

[@goofygooberrock7620]

Love the content

[@elsatabud8827]

I enjoyed the Video. Good Advice. Thank you. I am living near Valencia Bukidnon Mindinao for nearly 2 years. At the moment due to the Virus not able to travel around Mindinao. I live in my Filipina partners home. Surrounded by Rice Fields. The Pollution is not the issue. The insects are the main issue. Your body is sweet when you first arrive. Then as you eat local food. The insects do not bite as much after several months. I am lucky because my partners home is nice and has a nice Garden. My partner keeps the house and garden very clean. First we were sleeping on a wooden bed without a mattress very painful. Cooking on wood fires. Now we have a Mattress and cooking Facilities. Life now is like living again in the first world. Yes people are mainly poor but happy. I am the only Western man living in the local area. Would I go back to live in the UK. My answer would be no. compared to the local people I am rich.

[@eddalde3397]

Great interview

[@jasonkirkk]

Hey Paul great show. Planning on moving to PI soon

[@genohamata7380]

Thanks Paul and AJ! I enjoyed the interview, especially liked the budget part. I have been to the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam and I enjoy visiting Philippines best but I feel that infrastructure is somewhat better in Thailand but the language there is a negative for me. I have found for me that the people are friendlier in the Philippines and plan to visit again as soon as things open up.

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@LifewithDavid]

I'm in Medellin Colombia for the past 5 years. I'm open to do an interview if your viewers are interested in knowing more about life here.

[@genejordan9983]

Love your interviews. Can’t wait to get moved there.

[@johnmccardell1734]

Thanks Paul and good job !!

[@DaleDuffy]

Good video Paul....great info as always...!

[@jbbad80]

Great video Paul, very educational.

[@traveltime2375]

Great video thanks for sharing!😊

[@ellahosokawa4663]

GODBLESS ❤️😎👍

[@Highwayman7549]

Damn great interview 👌👌👌👏

[@jameslonergan5840]

Another good interview. Thanks for the video!

[@truttman]

I don't know about you guys, but this Why Not place has an awesome menu.

[@buddylewis2743]

good interview

[@brunovirlouvet7942]

Hi Paul, just discovered your videos recently. Very informative interviews even if I’m pretty familiar with Dumaguete City as I’m married with a local lady 16 years ago. I’m used to spend few weeks per year there. Definitely thinking to move back permanently in the near future! Thanks

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

Thanks and welcome

[@williamfeders8073]

Nice interview Paul .. happy to hear your friends things going good 👍

[@winduncan9818]

I think guys need to Air B and B a condo/house and live on their expected retirement budget. 2 weeks as a tourist is very different than living as an expat regardless of the place. Maybe spend a month in Colombia, Thailand and the PI on $1500 or what ever you expect to have a month in retirement and then decide where your $XXXX buys the most comfortable life and settle there.

[@fretworkband3204]

I went to Cebu back in the early 2000’s with my wife who was from there. It was a shock to see the contrast between the haves and have-nots. People living in ramshackle shacks or alongside the road in boxes. But what struck me was how resourceful the homeless were there. They would put together old scraps of tin and wood and sell cigarettes or trinkets, just hustling to keep themselves fed and sheltered.

[@jigadeekinley]

Damn Paul you’ve come a long way from 100 subscribers. That was me number 100. Never ever forget that 😂 You must’ve monetized bc the ads are just kicking in.

[@rbgv2b]

Hi, nice. I think the reasons why Pinoys can survive the pandemia are 1) copper-rich soil & water, copper has anti-microbial properties 2) Banana diet - rich in potassium that is a component of the lungs to ward off aces 2 where the virus clings to, 3) Coconut rich diet - coconut is healthy with anti-microbial properties 4) Balut - a vitamin/miberal rich stem cell food.

[@tinmanrobby]

Thank you Gentlemen (no offense intended). I am antsy and can't sit still. Northwest Montana, so not as fast-paced as many places in the States. Was planning a trip to Thailand, decided on Philippines. Davao. About 3 weeks, Month long, but travel eats up almost a week. Good video. Heed your advise, and thank you. Yes, just learning to relax and go with the flow is a huge problem I'll have to overcome.

[@solarwiseph4573]

Nice

[@vikingwhitetails7457]

AJ mentioned that the air quality was a big deal when he first arrived in Cebu city. My question is how does that compare to Dumaguete air pollution?

[@williamberry9407]

Since my plan and AJ's are similar, would like to ask if during his travels he found place(s) that would be suitable to call home. In that, they had housing and infrastructure close to Cubu City or Dumagete.