HE CAME, HE SAW AND HE HATED IT/WHAT HE DID WRONG

STORY OF JIMMY'S MOVE TO THE PHILIPPINES AND HIS RETURN TO USA/@
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[@riffraff521]

I moved here sight unseen. I had travelled to many countries, often staying 3 to 6 months. I knew myself and my adaptability to new cultures. It’s been 10 months, I love it. I don’t have a girl, don’t want one. I have actually been very successful with women throughout my life, and throughout the world. Filipinas often inquire about my marital status. Peace, quiet, and freedom are my priorities now. So far, so good.

[@christofotto2499]

dude, of course they wanna know your marital status quickly, christian country , marriage before sex according to the bible many aspire for.

[@colinburt6447]

Refreshing to hear that, Gerry. So many expats seem to get into trouble because of filipina women (not that I blame the filipinas). I plan to do the same as you from November, also having had experience of foreign cultures.

[@colinburt6447]

Refreshing to hear that, Gerry. So many expats seem to get into trouble because of filipina women (not that I blame the filipinas). I plan to do the same as you from November, also having had experience of foreign cultures.

[@kevingallen1678]

I don’t understand how mature older men can travel around the world to a new country for a woman! Have they learned nothing in life?

[@timhusk2913]

​@@kevingallen1678yes we have and it's usually the mentality of the Western women, because my Filipina friend over here in the States and told me Tim leave these crazy American women alone find a good loving Filipina and I have.

[@ronaldstalter5603]

I jumped in without visiting the Philippines just like James. I got lucky with a Fantastic woman and although I don’t like some of the same things James complains about none are deal breakers. I’ve been lucky with my newly wed wife. I live in the province and now I’m liquidating my assets in the USA after being here in the Philippines for a year and a half. I’m in the province too and man I miss cheese lol but it’s fine my wife is a great cook. My son was born two months ago and I’m just so happy

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

happy it worked out for you Ronald

[@timhusk2913]

Congratulations I will say this when I was over Philippines eating their food that my girl cooked for me and family I had no problems in the bathroom area I'll just say.. but since I've been back eating American food is like crap going through a goose😂😂

[@d.f.9064]

You dodged a bullet bro. Thank your lucky stars.

[@gregorybrown6739]

I feel for you with the cheese! I miss Tillamook cheese 🧀!

[@SiLL-E-Meat]

i love stories like this. 💪

[@dewaynebanks1397]

In my opinion no one lost. He and she had a relationship that didn’t work (for whatever reason). Relationships that don’t work are totally normal and happen every day in every country. He won because he didn’t marry her, didn’t get her pregnant, and he didn’t end up in foreign prison for domestic abuse (or whatever). He went home free and clear and…a lot wiser. She endured a broken relationship but she is now wiser also. Plus, the sale of the stuff should ease her pain a great deal. She probably had nothing before she met him. They both won from the experience.

[@dumaguetedreaming]

Really, who sells everything and blindly ships off thinking they are doing the right thing?

[@AdamSahr-cj4kf]

How could the relationship work with a retiree who started behaving like a crybaby from day one !?

[@AdamSahr-cj4kf]

In life, you learn by rising to the challenge not by cutting and running. This man is not going to reflect on the predicament and meet the next challenge in life wiser and stronger, he is simply going to retreat into his old comfort zone, thinking that he triumphed over the vagaries of life and outsmarted a vulnerable woman that was not good enough for him, then vegetate for the rest of his sad life...

[@CZAR-]

I am in complete agreement with your assessment!!! He could have loss a hell of a lot more than that. I know a couple of guys who lost their ass in moving to South East Asia. He needs to chalk this up as an experience and move on with his life.

[@chrism5126]

@@dumaguetedreaming Sounds like something I would do, that's the adventure of it all. I understand most people are "safer" than that.

[@faronray5765]

He could have simply visited for 30 days first to find out in Real time the things he would not like about the Philippines. The Philippines experience is different than just watching videos of guys in the Philippines. I visited 9 times before retiring in the Philippines. Good story to share to others thinking about coming to the Philippines.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thank you for your comment

[@KutWrite]

I've been there before and still would make a 30-day trial visit... and I don't plan to live there. I'd want to bring a woman back. She could visit the Pinas any time. I might go with her, I might n ot.

[@watersbey25]

A lot of KZbinrs say they love the Philippines,their provincial home, the people the food, etc . Viewers get caught up with their success stories and find out it doesn't work for them. There's nothing wrong with that. Some retirees love retiring in Thailand viet nam south America or the USA. As long as they are happy who cares?

[@peter-pg5yc]

Ive been to pi many times 6months or more intotal.(I lived in asia 5 or 6 years. I got divorced, worked hard to retire at 47 and i did. why am I not there? Because its a shit hole. Im honest. I live in a wealthy neighborhood, clean safe got 3 cars good foods great medical yes i rent a 1 bedroom so what. san jose has great weather compared to pi. I got super fast internet massive cable tv(300 a month) medical is great saved my life, medications too. I got hobbies lots of.. I married a fillipina from caloocan 18 years ago. she makes a great living. She doesnt want to move back. Like driving and freedoms safety NO FLYING COCKROACHES great paying job. she makes more then her sisters a banker and doctor in one day then they do in a month in phillipeans. Call me spoiled but i like my life. renting is freedom(after 12 homes) I havent moved there because its negatives are too many. Medical sucks id be dead if i was there. I like quiet, you aint getting that there. Or the traffic jams smells super high heat and humidity. We amassed millions I like never worrying about bills and monies. I guess if i were poor living hand to mouth it would be different ss only america sucks. It aint great in pi either. Been to Pats homes a few times. He was very happy but I was not except for the bar fun which i no longer do. Take that out and whatever.. Yes Ilove the pi but for reasons i no longer wish to engage in.. I demand a higher life style. unless in makati or the new areas, thats me but still medical. enjoy life I sure have. and so should you. But realize pradice has its downfalls..

[@sgtm7]

I had been an expat working overseas since 2007. I first started going to the Philippines in 2009. I would visit every two months. In 2011, I started renting a place there. Still visiting every two months, while working in different countries. Hell, I would go around every month when I lived in Taiwan (only 1 1/2 hour flight). I stopped working and moved there full time until 2015. Didn't sell my house in the states until 2017. No way should anyone move to a country (for retirement), and sell everything in their home country, without knowing they are going to like the new country. Based on the video, he didn't dislike the Philippines, so much as he disliked province living. The things he said he didn't like, would not have been an issue (or less of one) in a different city in the Philippines. Hell, from the sound of it, he would have been happy in Dumaguete. I don't think Jimmy was the sharpest knife in the drawer.

[@garrylafferty100]

He did not like philippines thing mention on this video is philippines no matter were you go some area have bigger malls but basic the same noise food heat etc moutains are cooler wander how many earthquakes he see there is a lot of negative about philippines you have to put up with adjust to them or you will hate it

[@sgtm7]

@@garrylafferty100 No, the things he mentioned are not the same no matter where you are in the Philippines. Hell, if he had moved to BGC, he wouldn't have had any of those complaints he was making.

[@riderdeeadventures]

i feel sorry for him....😂😂😂😂😂

[@stephendunn2860]

@@sgtm7Agreed. Traffic is not an issue in BGC. American food is easy to find. Still hot though!

[@sgtm7]

@@stephendunn2860 I don't consider the Philippines "hot", but only "warm". I understand that it might be hot to people who are only used to cold places.

[@rct0mball]

not a mistake in my book and sounds like a reasonable outcome. he took a leap of faith and learned that it wasn't for him. this is much better than living a life of would have, could have, should have. i hope he can eventually find his happiness. thanks for sharing!

[@MrYtubenewsanchorman]

Well stated

[@aimhighpinay]

I've lived in the US, Europe, and now Philippines. I'm a desert boy, having grown up in Las Vegas, and I'm not a fan of humidity. But my girlfriend is here and I want to be with her so I've modified my mindset so I can be happy despite the differences and frustrations. Great advice - "there is no perfect life, you can only choose to make the life you have, perfect".

[@718EngrCo]

I understand the frustrations that some people have when they move to a different country, or even city. I grew up poor in the USA, but after a career in the military I had moved past that part of my life. I married a Filipina here in the States and have visited the Philippines multiple times over the years. I think growing up poor, and the many moves I made in the military have given me the ability to adapt to other cultures and I plan to retire there in a few years. Someone who has only ever lived in a particular situation might have a harder time adapting. If you lived in Iowa your whole life and then moved to New York City, or the other way around, you would have a hard time adapting. Add the language, food, climate and cultural differences can make it even harder. No place is paradise until you decide that it is.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thank you for sharing

[@Fat_Old_Bald]

No place is paradise until you decide it is......I am going to steal that line

[@kalachuchi7060]

Exactly.. no place is paradise until you say it is..👍

[@majorronaldmandell7835]

Yes! “No place is paradise until you decide that it is”. Very well said! Everything IS in the mind. If you think something IS, it IS. I lived in the Philippines for six years. I loved beautiful women, and as a white person could have all I could handle and more, thus the place was a paradise for me, outweighing all of the many, many hardships and disadvantages. The guy in the story could have lived in Manila, which is so huge, packed with humanity, and sprawling that he could have had four beautiful girlfriends at one time, changing them out monthly.

[@davidfisher5140]

​@@Fat_Old_Bald yeah, I was thinking that too

[@KrayPurn]

The three biggest mistakes I have seen westerners make over the years are, No 1. Meeting a girl online, selling everything and moving to her province, realizing they hate it for various reasons...then moving back to their home country not even considering a change of location. No 2. Being financially reckless by throwing caution to the wind. I think of 500 peso as $500.00 dollars rather than looking at 500 pesos as only being $10.00 dollars. I hear guys saying, "Oh its only $10.00 dollars." Well, say that enough times in a day and before you realize it, you have spent $100.00 dollars. Going broke in the Philippines is easier to accomplish than most realize. No 3. Not being financially prepared for medical emergencies and/or complications. No matter your age, something catastrophic is going to eventually happen whether it be a motorbike accident...which happens quite often. Or some type of serious illness.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

I agree with you on the money

[@philpatt970]

@@Midwest10LMFAO!😂

[@jellymadrigal5879]

😂👍🏾

[@klopossa2]

​@@Midwest10 I do well on half that. But don't save much. Working on that when she get an income. For now just letting her know what it feels I've to be loved and human. Not a machine or provider or caretaker. She's the oldest of 4. We know what that means in Philippines.

[@itsanewday5565]

​@@Midwest10hahaha. What

[@hynahammond5741]

I know a Filipinas who deosn't like the US too, she said she miss talking to her neighbors and go to the market everyday for fresh fish and veges which you cant do in the US she is a friend of mine who got a fiancee visa, she left the US before her visa expired because she felt in prison she said always in the house, while her fiancee is at work. she complains too cold during the winter she was crying to me she said whe wants to go back to the Phil. and she did her fiancee took her to the airport. A mom of my friend is the same doesn't want to live here in the US, so go figure.

[@Anonymint-vj7bt]

Filipinas are mostly miserable living outside the Philippines. I know this first-hand experience from two Filipinas I brought to U.S. and Latin America. Also many men married to pinay tell me the same. It is a huge sacrifice for them to stay in the U.S.. If they find other Filipino friends they can learn to cope, but barely. They are always homesick. You can bring a Filipina out of the Philippines, but you can not take the Philippines out of the Filipina. That is an old aphorism from the 1990s. Still true. If you want to marry a Filipina, be prepared to live in the Philippines which will mostly suck from my perspective. If you like a sultry/rainy climate (e.g. Florida in the summer), noisy neighbors and congestion in the roads, then Philippines might work for you. Also you never marry just the Filipina. You marry all her family including her 3rd cousins, uncles, aunties, etc.. Any of them can ask your pinay to ask you for money. She will feel ashamed if she does not get the money from you. You become an ATM machine. This is the reality of it. Americans do not understand the clan culture. We are too far removed from small tribes to understand. We have tribes but they are more in terms of what we identify with, e.g. which football team, which politics, etc.. Filipinos are tribal in the original way of being so. If you have a very unique Filipina, who respects you intensely and is not too close with her extended family, after some years, she might start being more protective of you and herself about money. But she will still want to give to those who she is closest to in her family. I have a pinay now, who feels it is important to support the education of her younger siblings, and their children, as well take care of her mother. That is about the best you will find there. You can find much worse usually.

[@samb4697]

She did not like to live in the United States because most foods are artificial, seafood is 90% farm-raised, people hide inside their houses or apartments watching football, and they are afraid to talk to each other. then there are shootings everywhere.

[@tedjohnson4451]

Mike, I'm about three years out from Retirement... I'm leaving California, going to establish Domicile in Oregon at my Son's place... & go on a LONG Vacation. I've picked out over TEN places in the Philippines to spend a week or more. If I find a place [or TWO!] that suits, I'll NEVER leave. I won't even look for companionship until I KNOW my situation is stable.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thank you for sharing Ted

[@SiLL-E-Meat]

Well Done Ted. Way to FLEX UP 💪 love it!

[@daddypoker23]

I like the Phillippines, but I miss the United States after 5-6 months. Family, friends, and lifestyle. Your right. He was cheap and paid a hefty price, not visiting the Philippines before selling all his stuff in the States.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

should always put boots on the ground first b4 moving

[@billyjohnson9166]

Miss the U S I don’t once a year to visit my mother is enough for me.

[@tessnelson6059]

I understand he doesn’t like Philippines . US of the America can spoil you. My caucasian hubby does not like Philippines. I myself a Filipina is spoiled. Lol! I’ll just go to the Philippines for vacay not to live there. Too much hassle there. 😂😜🥲

[@Johnny-ql2vd]

Have traveled the World extensively…. Through the military and as a DOD contractor (since retired). What I’ve witnessed is a majority of these Expats, are lonely , let their guard down and settle for the first Filipino that shows them any kind of interest/attention. Peace ✌️

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thank you for sharing

[@christofotto2499]

yes, but why is this the case , I don't find the women great, small, weak, skinny, no breast , face often medium to me they look like children, I rather rave for African women

[@limes..100]

@@christofotto2499good to know Chris

[@Johnny-ql2vd]

Azzz for every seat…… 😁

[@Da1nOnlyPigsta]

Damn I was Lucky! I spoke to my Wife for 5 years online before I came here to meet her. FIRST Holiday I had taken in 52 years! I stayed a week in the Paranaque Slums, then Manila, then Cebu and finally Dumaguete. I came here nd Married her during the 6 weeks I was here, and went back home, packed up and sold up and came back almost a year later and have lived happily here for Ten Years now.

[@cherylpollich3572]

Good on you,,my husband loves the Phil's,,too

[@stevenkrupka3670]

Great to hear a positive story,thanks!

[@stevelawson68]

I'm blessed to be married to a Cebuana. I fell in love with Cebu, my first trip back in 2016. I've got two years to go before retirement, and we will move there permanently from Illinois. Fortunately, my wife already has a house in the province, so we are all set. Great video!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

That's awesome!

[@FeSteveCreationsandAdventures]

I'm a Filipina and I'm so blessed to have married a British man, and I'm sure he too. God bless you both.,🙏

[@hardythingh4510]

I liked for a Filipina, they all wanted money. I realised they all want American and my LDR was only using me for Gcash

[@emilywilliams5362]

He should have stayed in BGC or Makati cuz there’s American food over there. Condos are good and it’s a nice place for foreigners but a bit pricey.

[@glohao9183]

Same here

[@leigh8926]

​@@hardythingh4510of course they want your money most old white man want married teens should be his grand daughter or daughter..thats not real love for that

[@aboveitall9600]

When I talk about the Philippines, it's always with a warning. It's not for everyone. It's a developing country. With real issues. I am surprised he wouldn't take a trip first. I feel sorry for the girl. She had so many hopes and dreams.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

yes the girl had the hard part

[@jellymadrigal5879]

It depends a great deal as well on where you choose to live. If it’s down south in a province with bare bones accommodations and lifestyle, be ready to rough it out and adapt. If it’s the same or higher level lifestyle as the one you have in the US that you seek, it’s gonna cost you, but it’s gonna be better than your US lifestyle. Don’t ever go down to her lifestyle level if she’s from a province, unless she’s a doctor in her province. Otherwise you must lift her up to your level. My US lifestyle required that I live in a P20M condo in a first tier city, and I’m loving it. Way better than my US life for the same cost.

[@wilsonespinosa1150]

Most people are NOT using the brain and common anymore that's the biggest problem. As simple as that.

[@patrickmunneke8348]

​@jellymadrigal5879 Never lift up the girl to your level for any reason that's insane. If you leave, leave her as she was. You will create a monster otherwise.

[@jellymadrigal5879]

@@patrickmunneke8348 food for thought.

[@garyzies3486]

If you want to move and live in the Philippines, you MUST love the country before you love a girl. It takes several months to get to know the basics of their culture and to travel to different islands/cities. Rushing in is NEVER a good idea for people who love the American way of life. Thanks for sharing, Mike.

[@lynne14344]

@gary Same words!

[@dumaguetedreaming]

American comfort is American comfort wherever you are and it's not cheap wherever you are.

[@highwaystar8310]

And you will have to love and support her family as well and who ever else she brings around!

[@lynne14344]

@@highwaystar8310 as a filipina its okay not to support the family as long as you recognize their presence when family comes / visit. Respect is very important in any ways. Financial support is just a bonus. Not required.

[@dumaguetedreaming]

@@lynne14344 Maybe love (for family) is just as important.

[@BiblebelievingChristian1270]

Been here for a little over 8yrs. Before coming I did my homework and dug up everything about the Philippines before coming here. Culture,lifestyle, living, people, typography, and location. I even met my wife online. It's doable if you take your time and do your homework before taking that leap. Hope he finds his happiness.

[@David_in_Michigan]

Maybe give Mike your “formula” of how to do it the “right way” for a success story.

[@hansreynders6853]

In my time, after you graduated and start working in your profession, the first they told me "don't think you know anything, you still have to learn how it's done in practice". In my opinion, the same applies to moving to another country, another culture.

[@dumaguetedreaming]

Taking my time and then making a commitment worked for me.

[@d.f.9064]

You can't feel the stifling heat or smell the air "online."

[@mikehalwey4644]

I have lived in the Philippines for 19 years and love it here. I occasionally meet foreigners who have retired and moved here who do nothing but complain. Now there are a lot of things that are different here but the country isn't going to change for anyone, you have to do the adjusting to the different driving, culture, noise, food, cost, etc. It is not hard to pick out who will not end up staying here permanently.

[@Jonahstrials]

So any advice to a Floridian wanting to move there and retire?

[@mikehalwey4644]

I traveled all over the Philippines for the first six months I was here and liked Panglao, Bohol the best. Friendly locals, lots of foreigners to interact with, nice beaches, and loads of good restaurants and bars to go to. Everybody has different tastes though. I stayed in the southern side of the country because as a general rule the weather is better. @@Jonahstrials

[@leigh8926]

​@@Jonahstrialsyou tired with huricane and property insurance FL

[@georgklinkhammer6024]

You are absolutely right. One should get to know the Philippines before making such decisions. Greetings from Davao

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

hello Davao

[@tcb1017]

He should have watched more videos of how life is in the Philippines. That what I did and said, NO THANK YOU, I'm moving to Mexico and I did and I Love it. End of story. Thank Lord or God that we are all different.

[@brixmoore9871]

This is the same game plan when you want to move anywhere, even in your own country. Make several visits, check everything out, then decide. This man would have been better off to live in BGC or Makati. That’s about as western as you can get. As far as the weather in the Philippines, If you’re not into the tropics or beaches, too bad for you. The Philippines, in my opinion is just beautiful!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thank you for sharing

[@Stetsonhatman]

I was stunned that Jimmy did not visit here first. The cost of a couple thousand dollars would have been money well spent before committing but Jimmy really did not know himself very well. Very good lesson for all newcomers, thanks for sharing Mike.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

My thoughts exactly

[@Ron-rk6iz]

If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you need is not to be in a different place but to become another person.

[@purpledream1045]

This story is good lesson, thanks for sharing. If you come from developed country into developing country it’s very hard to to get used to it, because developing country is chaotic. Philippine is hot all year round, lots of bugs and mosquitoes also for western people, if you don’t like Asian food , I can imagine it’s hard to live.

[@leigh8926]

Is US developing country?

[@roadtothephilippines8644]

I’m currently visiting my home my Filipina and I built here in the Philippines back in 2020. This is my 4th trip here. I always tell people, “You’re either gunna love it or hate it. There’s no in between.” 😅 And I love it 🥰. Each visit is a learning experience that I take mental notes of while I’m here… things I need to change in myself, my diet, what occupies my time, etc. etc. I plan to retire here within the next 2-3 years and I hope to have everything set up here that I will need before I make that final move.

[@Deltadawg]

What happens if she dumps you for someone else before you retire? Maybe she is just enjoying the money you send her and the house you built her? Filipinas are good at telling you what you want to hear. I bet she has a man with her when you are in the states, she probably tells you that it’s her cousin. Men like you are easy targets and believe that you have the one in a million Filipina. You are there to bump her lifestyle, that is what she wants you for, nothing else. Stop sending her money, try selling the house, see how she turns on you quickly lol

[@Rebewfloda]

Ausländer können kein Haus besitze in den Philippinen .Krankenversicherungen gibt es keine für Ausländer ,also braucht es eine Internationale Versicherung ,wo sehr Teuer ist ,ab 70 Jahren sind Menschen Ausgeschlossen ,im Ausland für Kranken Unfall Versicherung .Also braucht es für eine Auswanderung viel Bargeld ,da beim jedem Spitalaufenthalt Bar bezahlt wird .Lebe schon seit 24 Jahren in den Philippinen 42 x Europa Philippinen .

[@Rebewfloda]

​@@Deltadawgall are true 🎉🎉not marriage not buy owns car motor only rent ,so you are the Master ❤no Respect 🦶 out

[@eugenemesina3730]

I totally agree with you, it's either you love it or hate it. No in betweens. Visit us during the summer and the wet season so you experience first hand how it is here and then give it a lot of thought if WE are what you want . One or two visits isn't enough you have to make a lot of trips to truly appreciate us just like in dating. As much as possible mingle with people of different social status so you get exposed to different views and opinions. But most of all be honest in dealing with US and learn to adjust. As the saying goes," when in Rome, do as the Romans do" and you'll never go wrong.

[@monique287]

@@Deltadawg Well said, I say this all the time. You see and hear this all the time lonely old white men meeting these asian women spending all their money on them building houses for them etc etc. Silly old fools 😂😂

[@Mr_D555]

Smart man, got out before he got in too deep. It happens, change is not for everyone.

[@andyrose5576]

Hey Mike, sounds like James did everything the wrong way! I can’t imagine just picking up and moving somewhere without making a few trips to check out the area. I would do this in the US as well not every American city is one where I want to live; great story, lots of lessons.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Glad you enjoyed the video Andy

[@AtHomeinSubicBay-cw4ij]

Another volger Joe Gilbert is about 8 months into his migration to the Philippines, but he took a totally different course. No girl until he decides where he will want to live. He took a one year lease in BGC to become accustom to the Philippines He has the embassy and every government office close by to make arrangements St Luke’s hospital for medical assessment Now each couple of weeks he ventures out for day trips to look at other areas to make a permanent move to I believe this is a better way than the story you related Just because you don’t like one area or even one region of the Philippines there are 7000 islands to pick from and city or province. I hated Manila hate Cebu hated rural province life but love Subic Bay. All of these choices are in the Philippines

[@d.f.9064]

What do you hate about Cebu, and like about Subic Bay? Curious.

[@AtHomeinSubicBay-cw4ij]

@@d.f.9064I’m a married guy moving with my Filipina wife so my situation is not like the guy coming looking for love. Cebu to me the traffic was as bad as Manila just on a slightly smaller scale. Next to impossible to find open public beaches in Cebu unless you go to some resort. Although the beaches in Subic are not great you only have to drive a hour to see beautiful beaches. In SBMA there are real traffic police and traffic laws that you have to obey. SBMA is like a little slice of America. Also fantastic restaurants all over Subic Maybe not for everyone that was my point as an expat you need to find your happy place in the Philippines 7000 islands to pick from

[@airlinename2614]

That’s the way to go. Stay in an area where it’s close to all your western needs and accustomed to. Then take trips around different areas to find your spot. We chose Laguna which is close enough to Manila for the good hospitals and shops. Also a shorter drive to Batangas beaches. It’s not congested (not yet anyway) and an easy commute to Tagaytay for the pleasant weather. Santa Rosa is up and coming with all the new establishments in Nuvali. Many good places to go to in the Philippines if you want access to your western needs.

[@markrenne6136]

@@airlinename2614 could not agree more!

[@paulthurson]

@@AtHomeinSubicBay-cw4ij Cebu is unwalkable too .. that's what i disliked about it .. Manila is far more walkable at least

[@garyjohn]

Great video Mike thanks for sharing this. Grace was perfect. Too bad. James wasn’t. It’s sad to hear stories like this, especially when it hurts a Filipina. I watched a KZbin video where a foreigner moved his girl and daughter from Dumaguete to Palawan. He went back to his home country for a visit and then broke up with the her from there leaving her and her daughter alone. Words can’t describe how I felt. Foreigners give foreigners a bad name. Whatever happened to personal responsibility, commitment, love? Oh well. Take care.

[@georgetinant9486]

Good Story Mike !!! Not every-one likes the Philippines , No big deal , he dropped 20 K , no big deal !!! He was smart enough to cut his losses !!! Life goes on !!!! too bad there is collateral damage !!! Sometimes chicken , sometimes Feathers !!! Keep up the good video's , Thanks

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thank you for the comment George

[@oceanearth2243]

The Philippines has driven me crazy ahain and again yet I keep coming back. There is a magnetic pull of the place, the islands, the women, the adventure

[@samkoskinen]

Another good one Mike, Did he not watch the 100’s of videos clearly saying don’t sell everything and do a recon visit first. Hope it works out for him in the end. What a tough lesson. I feel bad for her not only will she lose face but being walked out on can cause long time trauma.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

great point about her trauma

[@manlybaker3098]

I'm retired Navy. Not liking where I was stationed was NOT an option as far as the Navy was concerned so I always found a way to adapt. 😉😉😉

[@digwealth740]

I wish these people would stop this sexual tourism. Fine to seek a good life. But your actions affect real people. Now this poor woman's life has been impacted.

[@Steroid_Frog]

Mike, one thing no one seems to talk about is time. In America we work, we have many task to keep us busy all the time. Im 58 and i retired at 52 but retired from trucking industry as i will never retire from making money. I notice the many free hours i had in a day and it can become a burden after a while. What i see is people retiring in the Phils without anything to do. I am planning to plant veggies as fruits grows everywhere, i also workout, i can build houses, repair Harley motorcycles. Men need to keep busy and stay away from alcohol, and low life expats in bars. Your Philly life could be a blessing..

[@EdwinCV-dh8qc]

That guy didn't go to the Philippines to check it out before he moved there that the dumbest mistake that you can make. I feel for the women who got her heart broken by this loser.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

yes not fair to the girl

[@jerrymylove1754]

I went there in 2010 while in the navy and had a decent time. So, in April or 2021 I went back with the intention of staying. I met a nice girl but had a horrible time. I left a little over a year of being there. Traveled all over the country and couldn’t seem to gel with Filipinos. A lot of the Philippines has so many problems that it’s just too much for me and I left. It’s a culmination of too many negatives. Going there first doesn’t always work.

[@sandrabentley8111]

Well I know I would really dislike living there. I love the sun and heat,, but all year round? No way. I wouldn't like the food either or the lack of road rules or the stray dogs. I live in Florida, so I have my sun and surf and English speakers, but come winter we do get a nice break from the heat. Suffice to say I know all this, so will never live in the Philippines. I do enjoy the videos from there, always very entertaining. This guy is not a loser imo, just someone who may have gone there for all the wrong reasons.

[@michaelsix9684]

people do that all that time, expats should always spend time visiting the place they want to settle in before doing it

[@DELAROSA45-47]

It's funny to hear all his problem's. I to hated all the things you just mentioned but I got used to it within 2 years or less. I love the Philippines I have been here 5 years now. He should have given it more time he was just suffering from culture shock I think we all go through that I can't imagine living in the US again.

[@sentinel80]

Some people don’t think ahead or do their due diligence 🤷‍♂️. Big lesson to learn. I choose not to live full time in the Phils, I did spend a year in Makati in 07/08 and I did love it but I realised I would miss uk summers too much. For the past 15 years I just spend 3 months there each year to avoid UK winters 👍

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thank you for sharing

[@samb4697]

UK winter= Depression , why would some live in freezing cold, cloudy London?

[@koufax174]

Dan of Vagabond Awake had a Move Abroad Course that I followed exactly. It covers everything. One thing he said is don’t sell your home. Dan also highly recommends take exploratory tripS! The playbook is laid out by him, Reekay, Fly me to the Phillipines and many others. It’s a huge move in one’s life. I have Also witnessed others do what James did many times and that’s a teacher to me for what not to do. Moving abroad can be a huge adventure or a nightmare. It helps to be connected to vloggers that don’t embellish and spin things for views as some do. Build relationships with some vloggers I would suggest and stay away from negative expats. Dan of Vagabond Awake talks about the 4 emotional stages of moving abroad. That is also very helpful to understand what to expect and how to minimize the hard parts emotionally. Ever since I was young I always had older mentors. It’s good to establish people to trust before we go there to talk things through. I have my list of 6 people that responsibly post videos on KZbin

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

I like Dans Videos

[@jimw7916]

You would not believe how many times Ive done the same thing, bought 4 different houses, and moved back home 6 times with nothing but my backpack........ got accommodation , job and vehicle again and did the same thing over again. DO NOT be afraid to do that..........its ONLY fear that stops you. I DONT regret one thing! .....its called living a life............try it sometime.

[@stevenkrupka3670]

Amen dude!

[@ragjamrock]

He probably had a lower interest rate on his mortgage and now if he decides to buy a house again he's facing a substantial interest rate increase. Rents are not cheap anymore so I wish him luck starting over. You and others have laid out practically everything to expect moving there so unless he wasn't watching there should not have been many surprises. Spending money on a trip to check things out first is a small price to pay compared to having to start over from scratch.🏝️

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

we all wish them luck Him and Grace also

[@mrdiscover2526]

This is exactly the kind of video I've been wishing more youtubers would make. 90+% of every guy considering the Philippines would actually hate it with a passion. The disasters like this one are countless and mostly unreported.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for watching and the comment

[@miriamanderson6146]

It mind boggles me why Americans look for YOUNG women in Asia! I know of Some Americans who go to Asia, marry women there, a few years later, they come to the US, become bored intellectually, decide to find other Asian women who are educated, wanting them to be their mistresses. Hahahaha! Unbelievable! One American was criticizing one American who married a 19 year old and the American was about 43 years old. A few years later, the critic went to Asia, married a teenager, same with the person he criticized, and he’s probably 40 years older than the person. They have been married, but back in America, he wanted to get back to his former gf, denying his wife and kids exist. My gosh!!! I knew more than just 2 or 3 of these men. Because they failed, they made u bad stories about these women, too. Therefore, find women in your community, your localities, At your churches, in your states. What’s your purpose to go to the Philippines? To Thailand? To Vietnam? To Indonesia? Why are you not trying to look in the US? What’s wrong with American women in your eyes, in your mind? There are many American women who are great! What is your problem with them? Because they are not potential domestic helpers? Caregivers in your old age? Because there are not many American women who are willing to marry men 10.20,30,40,50,60 years older than them? You have to analyze your purpose, too, as to why you are willing to marry young women in Asia, spending all US dollars willingly and then marrying them and then to find out that they are not willing to live their entire youth taking care of older men with many or few medical problems already. And in the US, their eyes are opened to the realization, too, about what have they done, they have freedom, they can work, they fall in love with people close to their ages, etc. what I am saying is, analyze your purpose of traveling thousands of miles to a poor country, you’re willing to marry young women for what, that you haven’t even dated formally and have not met your American friends who may be able to give good feedbacks about the girls/young women. Are you looking for a true romantic love? Start with your own localities, your own communities, your own cultures, women in churches, schools, colleges. I have seen many Asian women in the USA who have successfully married Americans, many met in colleges. There’s a young couple, Cambodian woman, came to the US at 6 years old, mother is Cambodian, working full time, the little girl grew up, just graduated college in the USA, has a wonderful young American boyfriend, white race, he loves her entire family, they are a great couple, he is planning on proposing to her in February, a romantic month. The other thing I want to ask is why close yourself to dating American women your age? There are so many of them who are wonderful, if treated wonderfully, not as potential domestic/sex/caregivers, but equal as human beings deserving of true love and respect, too. Before you sell your house and move to the Philippines or Thailand or Cambodia, make sure you already know the culture, instead of having the preconceived notions that it’s cheap to live there, easy to find a teenager, a 20 something woman, just by the click of the button on your computer keyboard. Geez!!!

[@miriamanderson6146]

Even the picture says a lot about generational gaps.

[@miriamanderson6146]

Don’t delete my other comments…

[@davenopanen1664]

My suggestion to avoid this is to visit many countries before deciding where to settle. I loved Colombia but didn't speak Spanish. Vietnam was beautiful but there are many cheaters and scammers. Thailand is not what it was 10 years ago and I didn't like the changes. After 19 months and 9 countries, I settled on Mactan Island in the Philippines. You will find a new home too.

[@markmason3146]

I am so glad i spent the money and spent time there I cant wait to return and retire I loved the climate

[@northerncoloradotransparen1454]

If the American life is so great why are so many people looking for other places to live?

[@mattlawrence7130]

I recently visited Thailand and the heat was a bit much, so I understand that. I'm planning a trip to The Philippines to check out Baguio City as a place to move. It has a more moderate climate and a population around 300K, which is about a size I prefer. So, I'm planning to spend about 4 weeks checking it out. Food is one concern. In Thailand, I wound up eating a "Full English Breakfast" most mornings.

[@esveeflowers1177]

You hit it right on the head Mike. That was very intelligent and smart commentary about moving to the Philippines. You make a lot of sense.

[@damncars2618]

Wow... Lessons: 1. Take it slow 2. Don't be Penny wise and pound foolish.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

good advice taking it slow

[@chaotic_scorpio]

This is the exact reason I'm going to visit the Philippines next year. I'm trying to narrow down where I want to visit in the two weeks I'll be there. Tagaytay appears to have good year round weather.

[@roygoad2870]

If that was me, I would just try another nearby country, fares are cheap or just another area of the Philippines!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

I agree with you

[@michael-lt2lf]

A very cautionary tale. Such wise thoughts and an observation from yourself rather than judging or preaching. Thank you.

[@Raul-Alda]

"Everybody was a looser except the vendors", great sentence Mike. I am potentially in the same situation, planning living there and my decision involves selling my property. I'm not sure I'll adapt well, so I'll take an exploratory trip first that includes check different locations. Maybe living in a westernized area, for example in Cebu, would be more bearable. It is a matter of weighing pros and cons.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

who was the winner in the video? I enjoy Cebu City and have a condo i stay in near Ayala Mall but we call Dumaguete our home. Also a trip with boots on the ground is a great start

[@ricksdestinationcebu]

Good video Mike,,,, I made 3 trips , and made it clear the wife needed to become a US citizen and then we could retire to the PH.. My 2nd trip was 3 weeks, in a basic hotel in a real neighborhood. The noise, the people, the food, roosters, traffic, trikes, jeepneys,, AND those 3 weeks were the most relaxed I had been in 20 years. Looking forward to our final move..

[@dumaguetedreaming]

It works if everyone would remember that just two generations ago everyone in the US lived on a family farm unless you really lived in a big city.

[@FilipinaUnfiltered]

I can’t live in the province either! Sorry for this gentleman but if he’s been watching any of your videos at all, he should have known how to do things differently! He did exactly the opposite of all the things you tell expats not to do! Great video, regardless. You are a great story teller, Mike!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

I talked with him last Christmas about this...we need to do a video chat again as I love you new channel

[@FilipinaUnfiltered]

@@mikesphilippineretirement thanks, Mike! I’ll be back in PH in October! Would love to chat again. I’m having too much fun on my new channel 😂

[@lisadabbs2181]

I would say the language and the culture will be the biggest obstacle for many people. Nobody lives on "love" alone.

[@angelafariscal8020]

I’m from PHILIPPINES frankly I love my country but the weather its really hotter since then .Stayed one month I got stuck in the house I couldn’t go even outside..Visit is okay but to live permanently I just can’t it’s the weather that’s killing me.

[@simplicity2022]

Maybe you dont want to expose under the sun, and your skin is getting dark. 😀

[@angelafariscal8020]

@@simplicity2022 dumb if you don’t feel it maybe you a buffalo skin 🤣🤣

[@leonardbenzies6374]

I have been going to the Philippines for 26 years from cold Scotland for 5 month spells in UK Winter. This year in Angeles City the traffic has trebled and the temperature has went up by about 6 degrees. It makes a big difference.

[@dawood121derful]

Same thing happened to me when I visited Tampico Mexico in my youth. But when I got to the city, in the open areas with shady spots and restaurants near the ocean, it wasn’t so bad.

[@lifejourney5235]

He should try B-Panama I’m Filipina 29years here in Fort Lauderdale,Florida and honestly I adapted the Life here in US if I want province-kind -of Beach we ha the Key Largo to Key west ..when it get so hot here we cave-in to our second home in Northern Georgia.. I love my siblings nieces nephews in Philippines 🇵🇭 I will only go to visit them ..but living back there ..Nope!

[@brianh9014]

You adapted to life in the US, yeah I bet you did!

[@paulk8444]

I'm actually taking 2 trips to Philippines and This is Best practical advice and always have plan A & B and maybe C and the Better you plan not for outcome but for the journey and then just like where I live now best advice was; "Know what you want out of the place your going to live". If your used to creature comforts and never roughed it in the woods and survived on your own then going to a 3rd world country is Not Smart as that would be jumping in the ocean without knowing about riptides.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for sharing Paul

[@supapornchanchai4282]

I've lived in Thailand for over 14 years and I'm completely adjusted to the way of life. In my business life I traveled to the US to attend trade shows and remember a couple of colleagues who, even though we were staying in nice hotels ect couldn't wait to get back home. There are some people who just can't escape from what there used to in their own country.

[@leigh8926]

That's poor girl now the guy just leave her..she should told him about chicken dog his food Nad many mosquito

[@brentdewitt2180]

Hi, I just found your channel and watched a couple videos. My Filipina wife passed away during covid, and I'm having a heck of a time trying to find another good woman from the Philippines. I love it there, and am planning to return again soon. I've been all over Asia, and to the Philippines twice so far. Great, honest and informative videos. I really like your channel.

[@MyLifeThai371]

I see on "every man has a story" that a woman was just murdered in Dumaguete, Philippines in broad daylight. A man asked for money from a Filipino woman and she just kept walking. He ran up behind her and stabbed her in the back of the neck and she died on the way to the hospital. Everyone else on the street called the police and arrested the man. Be safe Mike.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

yes we saw that. Thank you we will be safe as we can

[@hvidhavn1]

i seen a documentary lately about hitmen killing targets there for a couple of hundred dollars ... come up beside people or on a motorcykle & shoot them dead ... imagine having married ,bought a house & everything (in the wifes name) then getting bumped off ....

[@RayH-]

I heard it was a Filipino guy on drugs. That the woman did give him some money but apparently not enough. I heard she was a Filipina carrying bags of groceries.

[@RayH-]

@@mikesphilippineretirement Mike can you confirm if this happened during c o v i d? I heard someone on a video not about the PHP say that during the pandemic if you were caught on the streets without the cvax you would be arrested and put in jail. True or?

[@KeViNTT1981]

I think most Foreigners have too much expectations of what they expect out of the Philippines. Yes the cities like Manila, Makati, BGC etc, would be a closer 1:1 of what life is in the US with all the Malls, Foods and Facilities etc, if that's something you like or want. But its a hell lot more expensive to live there, compared to the simple life in the provinces. If you don't like adjusting your life to a very simple style, then province life in the Philippines is not for you As you mentioned Mike, the very best thing to do is visit at least a couple times, and explore and see how the Filipinos live a simple, yet contented and happy life with very little. I am proud to say I love that kinda life, and looking forward to my retirement there soon, with my beautiful Filipino wife.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thank you for sharing Kevin

[@landwater4388]

Beyond making some good decisions, there is a certain level of maturity that is needed to be successful in a new culture. James clearly lacked that maturity. While listening to Mike recount how James didn't like X,Y, and Z, I said to myself that I bet James was also having increasing problems with his girlfriend too...and sure enough, about 1 minute later in the story Mike tells us that the couple began having many arguments. James needed to have everything the way he wanted it, and if it didn't turn out that way then the people around him would have to deal with his displeasure. I feel bad for the girlfriend as I am sure being with a foreigner was life-changing for her. But in a way weird way I think she dodged a bullet as she would have been living with a negative person day after day and hour after hour for the rest of her life. I think there are a lot of men who worked hard all their lives but never had the money to explore new environments (not even different cities in their own country). They retire and then decide to make some grand move away from everything they know, but are mentally and emotionally ill-prepared for the journey.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for your insight

[@dumaguetedreaming]

You nailed it!

[@jonathanjonathan7386]

many americans have never been out of their country and expect the world to be like the usa. I've been to 50 countries and lived in 7 or 8 but even i hated many aspects of the PI, u need a zen outlook to even get thru the day there

[@majorronaldmandell7835]

@@mikesphilippineretirement: I don’t understand why expats always immediately bring some girl to live with them?? It makes no sense to me at all. I lived there for six years, but never had a girl live with me. Instead I had several girlfriends at a time, funneling them through my apartment on an almost daily basis. I had one girlfriend who came over on Mondays, one on Wednesdays and stayed through Thursday, and one for weekends, which was as many as I could manage. I never had one disagreement with any girlfriend. My most difficult chore was changing my girlfriends out as their shine wore off. At the same time, I had a live in maid to take care of me, such as early morning daily shopping in the dirty, stinking open air, fly infested market, cooking, traveling to pay monthly power, water, telephone and other bills, washing clothes, and house keeping. It was a strictly employer/employee relationship. She greeted my female visitors, and acted as host, offering them food and drink, and then retired to her room. She had an a very easy job, with the best food of her choice, and was very happy.

[@PatrickSeward35]

I go back and forth between US and a city an hour below Dumaguete.. I've absolutely fell in love with it. Going in Dec and then Mar again. Already got property and simple house built. I can't wait till it's time to retire. Been back and forth for 2 1/2 going on three years and am lucky enough to find a good women. Love Negros / Bayawan

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Great to hear! that @patrick..thanks for your comment.

[@David_in_Michigan]

Great story Mike! I don’t have a girlfriend (yet) but just bought a flexible ticket for Feb-March visit for this very reason… I hope I like it, and plan to visit several prospective areas as well as sightseeing… I felt bad for the girl in the story, she didn’t deserve that… hope you and Janet are well.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

yes Grace had the worst part of it...Janet and I are very good thank you

[@IsmaelPR75]

Great story. You can live as comfortable as your budget can afford. But always boots on the ground before making long term commitments.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Absolutely!

[@ctsmith580]

Selling your house and then keeping your equity out of the housing market is not a bad idea at the moment. The market is at the top of a bubble and realizing profit now is good. Especially with interest rates getting back in brings a harsh monthly payment. So if you do sell your house you need a rental situation you can afford(see Southeast Asia), and keep your cash. Keep your Cash is a phrase everyone should recite before going to bed.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

sound thinking

[@peter-pg5yc]

As a 2 time expat in asia. The phillipeans are differnt as one ages. i was a spoiled expat in my late 30s lived in amazing flats hong kong and singapore. going to pi was like an adventure, the fun was amazing the dirt noise poverty bad water etc were overlooked. the fun was overwhelming.. Got divorced lost wealth, worked hrd to get it again and i did. but its not looking the same Im older like my comforts and health issues.

[@Eric-qm5xw]

It all depends on your outlook, the Philippines has soooo many issues. But the west has a lot more..especially the costs and inflationary pressures. I’m back in the UK..sorting out my eldest sons university and digs. I’m longing for my return to the phil’s as soon as possible ..I’m with a great Filipina.

[@christofotto2499]

better if you're interested in something else in the Philippines apart from girls, water sports for example, in my case I don't know what that could possibly be even the food doesn't have a good reputation, I know about great food in India, thailand, Italy but never seen a ph restaurant in Germany just like british food to forget about

[@christofotto2499]

at least you got good scotch, and I do like scottish landscape , my last visit was ' 98 and in London good philharmonic orchestra

[@Eric-qm5xw]

@@christofotto2499 The phil food is simply terrible

[@russelblackwell6041]

100% spot on lived there for a period of 2 years my wife and i moved back to Australia never looked back inconsiderate people the noise the roosters road noise it goes on and on

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks Russel

[@bigoki2983]

Any country you’re interested in living in, you should visit first. No place is perfect and it’s what you make of it. Figure out what things are important to you. Do your research. Great video.🙏🏾

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Well said!

[@bigoki2983]

@@mikesphilippineretirement 👍🏾🇵🇭🇺🇸

[@hankrambo5705]

Great story that’s why you go first and see if you like the country I have Been there five times and I’m very understanding of the culture there and my two daughters there teach me a lot about it

[@Landmantx]

The Philippines is a big country. He could have moved to Lipa where it is cooler and has more stores etc. That said, I have similar concerns as I look forward to my retirement years. I am not a huge fan of stewed meats and some of the dishes. I chose Bohol because it has a more resort town vibe so I can eat at McDonalds if I get too homesick. Coming from Texas the heat is way less oppressive, but there is less air conditioning. I plan to have solar and just keep my house aircon pumping. Our house is in a fairly quiet expat area so less rooster and dog noise, but I am sure it will still be there. My biggest concern is my kids. May be very hard to miss them continuously. I don’t plan to sell everything here at first. I plan to split time the first couple years and see how it goes. As the house goes up I get more and more excited to get there though!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thank you for sharing

[@13bcoffee]

Also be aware that the women there are mostly small. I am 6ft 2inches and I seemed just too big to be with most of them. But I did try. They were friendly and all of that but I like a taller women. I would say that most of the women there are no bigger than an 8th grader here maybe 5 feet even. But that's just my taste. I like them tall like 5'6", even better 5'8", 5'10" like a fashion model. Latin America was better for me. Lot's of women there 5"6" or taller.

[@bigboydiamonds6529]

Definitely not a big country. If you put all the islands together it's still smaller than Texas

[@danielhuntington2116]

Expensive lesson😮😮...I've learned a lot online...I thought at one time it was for me...but now not thinking it's for me! Thanks for sharing!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Positivevibes6238]

It was really a big mistake to sell everything and regret later.Sir,you can be a good Guidance Counselor to those who want to come here for an advice before settling down.Yes,you are right to say visit first the place and observe everything.God bless you Sir🙏🏻💞Thank you.

[@jmc2494]

When you buy a pair of shoes, you must try them on if it fits you. Common sense is not common to a few. I visit the Philippines every year around November through January when the weather is perfect, not humid and wet. I don’t mind the noise and roosters but humidity is not my cup of tea. I go back to the states when spring is budding. I come to the PH to avoid winter in the states.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thank you for sharing

[@SaltyRice808]

I was born in the philippines and grew up poor in manila and province, left when i was 17. Now im 46 and i do wanna go back for good with the expectation im going to run out of money, life is gonna be hard, poor living condition and im ok with all that because my lifestyle would be no social media, no car , dont need friends to hang out and party. Understanding what your getting into , the place you are going to be at , the people you are going to deal with helps a lot with making that decision. There is no such thing as a perfect paradise place.

[@thedanceneverstops]

Hello, i think you are 1000% right and i feel sorry for the couple. I have been in the Philippines 3 times and i can say its not somewhere I can easily. i came for a month, went back and I did that twice. It is worth spending the money on the plane fares because in the end you will save yourself a lot of time, heartache and money if it does not work out with the girl you met online and most of the times it does not. I would think twice, 10 times before I would ever do something like what you described in your video

[@ShikokuFoodForest]

Hi Mike. I completely understand this guy’s intention. I guess he really thought he was fully prepared for life in the PHs. Perhaps he never travelled to SE Asia before, so didn’t fully know what to expect. Seems like he got himself and GF very nicely set up. Did he consider the option of moving to a cooler location in the mountains once he found his seaside area too hot? Insects, sometimes mice, heat, humidity, heavy rain, typhoons, mosquitoes, etc., are all part of living in SE Asia.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for sharing

[@66sweetgemini]

I am currently living in the US,originally from Neg.Or.Never been home for long years,yet I bought property in Bacong and Batangas,which I maybe looking to decide where to retire in the future.😊

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Very cool!

[@jayhawkins4045]

Some times you find yourself in search of a dream. Not a reality!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

very true

[@junlab2612]

correct my friend

[@keepitreal1547]

I've travelled most countries in the world. This is great advice, do not move to a country to find a woman only. Go visit the country FIRST, tour it, then if you like & can settle, ok then look out for a woman, if you want.

[@jayhawkins4045]

Thanks for the story. Judgement is important. Two months in, while the relationship was still good, pack up the girl and bring her to the states!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

welcome

[@garyzies3486]

Bringing a girl to the States often backfires and ends in family court. That's especially true if there's a large age gap.

[@David_in_Michigan]

No guarantee she will like the states or being away from her family anymore than he liked it.

[@iluvmoney6767]

LOL! You cannot be serious! Absolute worst thing is to bring a filipina back to the States! I know guys that have done this and after a year or so the filipina gets "westernized" and is online all day while the husband is at work. She meets a guy here in the USA ( usually a guy close to her age), she hooks up with him and then divorce. No. No. No. Never bring a filipina to the USA! BAd , bad move!

[@manlybaker3098]

"In this age of information, ignorance is a CHOICE!" My Navy career taught me that curiosity and adaptability were essential in having a happy life. Problems should be seen as adventures ...

[@josephreynolds7505]

That's a sad story. How about a happy one. Do you ever run into the Texas boy Rick and his girl Lydia? He seemed to have had a good plan in Carcar. Just wondering if it worked out for him.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

working out great they just got married

[@DeeCebu]

Good video it's informative. But there's one thing you said about filipina women being young, thin, nice hair..a lot of filipina women are not young not thin but we paved our own way, financially independent, gorgeous, curvy, confident...we love ourselves like that. Myself I never want be young again or thin. Been there done that, enough. Kudos to them who are and to us more mature women, we have it made.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

you did not do that here in the Philippines . You moved away for a better life

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Check out Janet's Channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4XUq6d4eqiXnqc

[@eddietowe8897]

He was presumptuous in making such drastic changes in his life without checking first. That was tragic for him. I feel sorry for him.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

and the girl

[@RayH-]

Every decision he made he made the same way. .From his decision to move there, his decision to move in with an ldr, where he decided to live and his decision to leave. I'll bet he's not happy with his decision to return to the US or where he's living or working now.

[@randalsaladbar]

Wow, what a character. Crazy story, but I believe it. I live in South Texas and outsiders are the same way. Always acclimate to your environment, and your climate controlled should be barely felt. If you keep it refrigerator temp. you'll never be happy outside

[@winduncan9818]

I think guys don't get a good idea of just how third world the PI is compared to other countries from all the YT videos out there. Having spent years abroad and visited many countries the PI is really the only one I visit where they can't keep the power on, internet working and water shutoffs. It really isn't just moving abroad, it's like moving back in time.

[@johnmitchell7861]

I first went to pi in 1991 I fell in love with the place immediately now married to a Samar girl for 17 years I’m back and forth to pi all that time from oz just waiting to retire in 2 years so I can be with my family permanently love the place and the people so much

[@jasonjames4254]

It never ceases to amaze me why some people leave the U.S. and travel halfway around the world to the Philippines looking for an American lifestyle.

[@incaseofemergency6051]

Excellent advice. I also know people who move to a country and they like it well enough, but everything they like about it is better in another country they never visited. Money spent on travel is not an expense. It is an investment in knowledge.

[@samlolham2327]

A Vlogger presents things how she/he sees them based on their own experience, a viewer will interpret the messages according to their own state of mind, situation & expectation.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

yes they do

[@David_in_Michigan]

Very true, and its hard to feel 92 degrees and 80% humidity in an air conditioned house.

[@jimm.8977]

We filipino felt sad what had happen. We pray and hope that he will find the right place he desire to live inn.

[@redknight3439]

Hi, having travelled to Thailand, I had a lot of missconceptions about that country, I cant imagine making such a HUGE TITAN style of life change without living there for @ least 6 months or more, Be that Philippines or any other country. You Have to be certain you can either adjust, or Learn to Tolerate some of the less pleasant sides of where you live. Then make sure you have the means to support yourself for a lengthy time, along with an exit strategy, should the need arise. Thats just common sense.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Well said

[@themediterraneanguy]

It's his issue, his life. Good story to share to others thinking about coming to the Philippines. Great video!

[@itruck1]

The guy you're telling the story about was obviously wrong for not doing his own due diligence and seeing in person about how things are there. Congratulations to you for telling these stories and warning people that they need to see for themselves and not just take some KZbinrs advice about "Paradise".

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thank you for sharing

[@samueldavis2327]

Great advice! I feel very sorry for the girl.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

so do we

[@mjwmontgomery]

Having lived in asia (singapore) I can relate to these points. Especially the lack of seasons, lack of cold weather and lack of western food. The weather is a biggie. The cockroaches are horrible indeed.

[@jerrygarcia3088]

Thanks for that good info, always good to know ahead of time before you make a Big move...

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

You got that right!