Mistakes Expats Are Still Making in The Philippines

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Every Man Has a Story

[@dovoso5685]

One of the best videos I have seen , thank you for sharing.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching ☺️

[@edwinholcombe2741]

Once on a flight from USA back to Philippines I met a guy who inherited parent's farm. He met a girl online, fell in love, sold the farm and sent all the money into Filipina's bank account. He was flying to Philippines to meet the love of his life for the first time. Upon arrival he discovered that she was a he.

[@jshepard152]

That's wild.

[@thehumanityoflife6460]

Haste makes waste.

[@vaeldsable]

The adventure opens up (back)doors of new exciting personal experiences. What's not to like?

[@ericpowell4350]

@@vaeldsable it's not to like if that back door is attached to a dude. 😒

[@vich7287]

Many gay men in PI look more feminine than the real women

[@don476]

Twelve years in the Philippines. I have had enough. Going back home early next year.

[@CUNDUNDO]

Talaga

[@meyertomnet]

This is a very serious man and he gives us the best advises.

[@craigsphilippines466]

My first year in the Philippines, I never signed a lease, plenty of people will rent you a place month to month,I never bought anything or accumulated anything I couldn't fit in my car, oh yeah I bought a car,( it has been the best decision since I have been here, ) I like that I can pack a couple of bags and throw them in a car at a moments notice, I recommend to travel around the islands and check places out first before you settle anywhere, there is so much to see, with woman here, they will be on their best behaviour, it takes months before you meet the real her, if you don't know the culture learn it before you commit because you wont understand half the things she does and you will fight over things that are always just a miss understanding , I learned patience and to hold my tongue, Filipino are super respectful and saving face is everything, that's something I learnt early, but its easy to be nice all the time, the Philippines made me a better man.

[@kindheart3475]

this guy speaks straight forward about the idiosycracy of the Philippines. Kudos for you sir!

[@mymidlifeadventures4248]

A lot of this advice applies to all of SE Asia.

[@scottsachs2547]

39 minutes of Great Advice. Free Too!! Listen to Mark. He's the real deal! So many similarities to China. Take Care Mark! Good To See You!!

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you Scott! 😊

[@johnbrian1046]

Similarities to China?

[@scottsachs2547]

@@johnbrian1046 Yes. In so many ways..

[@misterhappy8682]

@@johnbrian1046 Here you don't have to bathe the women before you bang them. Even the skanks bathe. Exponentially better chance at an STD though as you are one of hundreds if she is over 24 here

[@jazzpianoman01]

Hi Mark, good to see you here and good video with good subject matter.

[@AsianRomance]

One of the best summaries for avoiding trouble in the Philippines. Thanks for your wisdom! -Nils

[@gymratt17]

the dog jumping out in front of you is my exact motorcycle story. Bought a car soon after instead. Listen to this man! His words can save you a lot of trouble.

[@BIgBass255]

May I say your hardwood floors are stunning.

[@mikebacchus721]

great video my friend. i lived in Cebu 2019 to 2021 then back to Canada. i listen to Bloggers like yourself in the Philippines before I visited. listening to guys like yourself is very helpful to foreigners. keep up the good work. thanks again. God bless.

[@fayfleur55]

Very important advice.I am a Philippine born,left in 1978 to live in Australia (45 years) and Naturalized. Planning to live there part of the year in my retirement. Am so westernised and to live back there permanently is out of the question. Health care is very important and financial plan is a must.Have this in place.I can still speak Tagalog and still love Philippine cuisine. I intend to just want to live the best of both worlds.I am blessed.💐

[@ccorti]

Excellent coverage of various key topics that most people need to consider. Succint, clear explanations in a serious and credible presentation. Helped me a lot.

[@tmb3131]

I've been doing 'month to month' condos and hotels for 6 months. DOGS and KARAOKE are the biggest nuisances here and it's great to be able to get away from it with minimal inconvenience. Too many places to choose from to be stuck for a year right off the get-go.

[@herbigp]

Is karaoke a good place to meet single women? Or is it mostly guys?

[@michaelflynn4880]

Very informative. I have watched a lot of your videos and paul as well and have learned a lot. I am moving at the end of September to Duma. Am 70 y/o in good shape. Will be staying at hostel while i look for month to mo. I don't drink so its a priority to find a sober environment. Thanks again mark!

[@jimwest4862]

@@YoussefAhmarHabib out side your bedroom window? then the roosters start good morning

[@Rocket9944]

@@herbigp , when they're talking about karaoke they mean karaoke everywhere, could be in the street ,could be on a parking lot ,could be on a balcony, the mall etc. You could meet single girls anywhere.

[@kiwipinos]

Got no problem with parties there, thats why we leave the boring west, but yeah dogs are annoying.

[@alfredchapman8756]

Great stuff...very practical. I was relieved that most of the things Mark addressed are things that I have already addressed through common sense planning. He had a few topics that I still need to plan for and I'm really glad I spent the time to watch his video. Thank you Mark, you have definitely contributed in a very tangible manner, to the success of my upcoming initial visit (4 months) to the Republic of the Philippines!

[@stevencasley499]

Good advice. The main thing is keeping your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open. Be careful about who you allow into your inner circle.

[@ByronWatts]

No matter the situation (married or not), building for the family is a gift to the family. It is not a personal investment.

[@ByronWatts]

Not everyone is looking for American 'comfortable'....and you really shouldn't be if you want to live in the Philippines.

[@ByronWatts]

Met a Canadian with major disabilities who managed to get around just fine, wheelchair and all. Key point for everyone is, BE flexible which means adjust to the country, rather than expecting the country to adjust to your expectations.

[@rexmascarina2169]

Correct!

[@jesustorralba2360]

Listen to Mark, I grew up in the Philippines until I was 19, lived in the US until I was 59. Having said that, what Mark is talking about is can you live in the Philippines with your comfort level. Don't buy a big bike because you'd be lucky to go 25 miles and hour for 2 minutes during rush hour.

[@tonymars1093]

Great advice and you covered some important things that are many times overlooked by people who are coming to the Philippines. Love your videos and your perspective. Hopefully many will take your advice. Congratulations on going over 50 k subs. Quite a milestone! I’ll still be here when you hit 100 k. 😎

[@AmericaManFilipinoWife]

Fantastic advice it's all spot on Mark, this is one of your best videos for sure.

[@KrayPurn]

Moving to the Philippines is an overwhelmingly stressful event. Planning, and making connections with trustworthy people already in the Philippines is the key. Having a couple of foreign guys that you have become really good friends with will be an invaluable source of support when you finally pull the trigger to relocate to the Philippines. Depending on your girlfriend that you met online for that much needed support is ill advised. Filipino's experience in planning is subpar at best.

[@shinyam75]

I saw a video about some guy who went to the Philippines with only $30k and no means of making money. He built a house for his wife's family and ended up losing all his money. The whole family hates him, and he is surviving on plain rice. That was pretty pathetic.

[@Music-gw4qf]

Pretty sure that guy had Mental Health problems. He wasn't a normal person.

[@keinlieb3818]

Yeah, seems people think that the Philippines is just super cheap to live and that you can live off of only a couple hundred dollars a month. Sad that the family hates him now even after he already gave them a new house and probably because now he lives off of their charity.

[@johnerdelyi48]

Asia great place for a holiday to live I'm not to sure good luck 👍 to those who attempt to live there 😀 !

[@aicsusa]

Yes a few expats got together and helped that guy.

[@journeytheworld8848]

That was John on the video. He's back in the States doing well.

[@ThomasRose-mu9vg]

This is the best video on the Philippines ❤ thank you

[@gazz1468]

Sage advice Mark. As a new comer to your channel your overview is comprehensive and covers so many essential areas which I would not have considered. a heartfelt thank you!

[@francismartin2427]

Girls in the philippines are Western now. Coming and going since 1981 and I see the change. The filipina in the USA is the filipina in the philippines. It's not like 40 years ago.

[@bartonpercival3216]

Great channel and your comments are on point. I'm a Westerner from USA and I moved to retire in the Philippines in 2016. I'm North of you in the Western Visayas about 50 miles South of Bacolod City. And your so right that you must have a plan before coming over to the Philippines for good. I grew up in So San Francisco and most of my neighbors were Filipino. So I knew and understood their culture. I met a woman online and we talk and write each other for over a year before I travel to the Philippines to meet her in person. She was an OFW working abroad and when we meet it just was perfect. After our vacation and our meeting in the Philippines she went back to work abroad and I came back to America. We finally decided to both retire and live together in Philippines in her province in 2016. And because I understood their culture and ways it has really worked out. I also came with sufficient pension and social security to live comfortably in the Philippines. It's a beautiful life and beautiful friendly people here. But you are so correct about people needing to have a solid plan when they think they want to come and retire here. The Philippines is incredibly beautiful, but it's not for everyone. 👍🇵🇭🇺🇲

[@johnnyg7899]

Hello. We might be neighbors one day. I have a question. I have the opportunity to build a home near one of the provinces in Pontevedra but I found out that the locals don't have weekly trash pickup services. They are used to burning their trash weekly or daily. Is this a problem leading up to rat infestation? Did you have to deal with this? Also, how often do you feel earthquakes in your area? I know I sound paranoid but I have to plan for things like this.

[@bartonpercival3216]

@@johnnyg7899 Hi I'm about 4 towns South of PonteVedra, and have been living here now in Negros Occidental since 2016,but have also visited here since 2010. We just got garbage pickup started just last year, before that, people burned their garbage out in the streets or in their backyards. Although we do have rats here, we also have a large population of cats here so we've never had a rat problem in our brgy. And since I've been here there have been 2 felt earthquakes here. One in 2016 that was just 3.4 and another here in 2020 that was 4.7. my gf said in 2013 there was a 6.8 earthquake that struck in Eastern Visayas but there was no damage to our home which is steel and concrete block. I'm not sure if PonteVedra has garbage pick up yet. But I pass by that town at least twice a month when traveling to Bacolod City and it looks like a nice area. Good luck in the future!!!!! 👍

[@johnnyg7899]

@Barton Percival thank you so much for that update. I appreciate it. I am closer to Antipolo where they will be expanding the highway. So I guess I will just have to wait and see.

[@mrgilok755]

Greetings Mark. Well said. One thing to add is when people here burn garbage and leaves or wood and the smell is terrible. That's my biggest problem as I despise the smell. Take care

[@rodrigodelaconcepcion7478]

Mark, great advice for newcomers. LISTEN & LEARN! Wishing you continued success with your wife & channel. Appreciate your honest evaluation of life in the Philippines for anyone. Keep Up the Fire!

[@mariayumi0216]

Very well said!I have so much respect to a person like you who shows the same respect to all my fellow Filipinos. I’m jealous that you’re living in my home country,Philippines 🇵🇭 I’m living here in Japan for 30 years,married with 2 daughters and a granddaughter.I missed the chaos,going out with my filipino family & friends and life out there.There’s no place like home🏡 .It’s true ,it’s more fun in the Philippines 🇵🇭.Thank you for saying the good side of filipinos and the Philippines 🇵🇭 More power to you!God bless you and your family🙏

[@suttonmatthew]

Outstanding description of a roadmap to success and the pit common pitfalls. My wife is from Bacolod City, and I’m a potential expat. I am considering Cebu City or Dumaguete as a full retirement location. We happily live in Honolulu.

[@gben82]

12:40 - Great advice! I've experienced much of the same. From the debit/credit cards expiring, to the low water pressure. One thing you forgot to mention is that the land, and the building ON the land, are two separate entities, and not packaged together like it is in the USA. Foreigners cannot even own land, but they can own a building on a land (you can own a condo, but only if half of the condos in the building are owned by Filipinos). I know it's a weird concept for us Westerners, but it's how they do it here.

[@gwestcot]

Well I am married to a filipina and probably plan to naturalize when the time comes. Not exactly a problem for everyone.

[@stanberry4000]

There's a new law that has been passed recently that foreigners can own 100% of a business here in the Philippines. Some foreign companies buy properties through their businesses. Some foreign property management businesses let their foreign clients take a 20 yrs lease (land or house) or longer. There are ways now.

[@jamestopeka2236]

My bank made me a 3 year debit card for 15 bucks

[@michaellawver1088]

Such great advice. People need to listen to this advice.

[@marksealy1805]

Of all the videos I have watch,and trust me they have been many, some very good,but none has been better than yours sir,not even close,without this video,I see many costly mistakes I've made, I have repeat listening to this video several times to make sure I didn't miss none of this great advice,man you are good,you are really good,thanks for your awesome advice,you have saved me from being a BIG DUMMY...I appreciate you very much.

[@JRINASIA]

Mark, My 45 years in & out experience of the Philippines your advice is on target. Love your channel you always give great advice. You don’t pull any punches giving advice for other older folks who wants to retire in the Philippines. Please continue with your outstanding channel.

[@countryroads5234]

Salamat Mark …spot on as always…it took be getting burned once to find the right Filipina…sorry to miss you when i was there last month…hope we can meet you and Jen in Bacong where my fiancé lives …and we can catch up on things here in “The Ville “ so take good care and God bless my friend

[@harrycarson2119]

Great advice ! Thank you 😊 I have been talking to my princess for 11 months and 1 WK and she never ask for anything !! She is beautiful and I'm going to see her soon 🙏🙏

[@kennettle]

Ramble on, excellent advice. I look forward to your videos. Positive information.

[@danielgriffin5737]

I'm glad you're okay. You have such good information and how you explain things. Thank you

[@loudasthunder]

Excellent advice. . . and concise! You hit ALL of the important points. Well done.

[@gerard8020]

This is without a doubt the best video I’ve seen on coming to the Philippines. Thanks for all the info.

[@bernardknowles8421]

Thanks for your honesty and your thoughts of your life and advice 👍

[@engnate]

Good info, concise and organized, un garnished.

[@stannmcb3]

In my experience I have to agree 100%. Things work differently there and it’s not your job to try and change it. Always remember it’s not your country and you are a guest. The minute you lose site of that you will no longer be welcome. As far as rents etc. also right on the mark. Very possible in the first year you decide you love the country but hate the the town your in. We are not all cut from the same cloth. One other thing to add. The women are definitely a breath of fresh air but if you had a bad track record finding the right person in your home country the problem might not be the country. It might be you. Even if you want a long term relationship you might not be cut out for it. Nothing is wrong with that as long as you recognize it and can live with it. If your not happy alone then it’s going to be difficult to be happy with the responsibility of a relationship.

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

Love the Great straight talk. Holding nothing back but the truth. Great job.

[@everymanhasastory]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@Mountain_Valley_Sky]

Wow!@! I'm not moving to the Philippines, & yet, this is some fantastic advice. This video needs upvotes & traction. To help save the honest people who will very likely make all the mistakes discussed here.

[@richardwolter2368]

Thanks for taking your time and for the precious information. I do live in Thailand but most of your advice fits here as well.

[@markc7274]

You deserve your success on KZbin. This is great advice and should be mandatory viewing for all foreigners. All of the items you mentioned should be considered by everyone.

[@QOSQualityofSpeed]

Very nice video. Very concise and giving a lot of great information. I'm over here right now currently in Sri Lanka. A lot of the same things apply. I'm a traveler so I'm not making some of these mistakes that you are listing but I have made some of the mistakes that you're talking about. The other day I bought a chair you know like an office chair and I paid at the part of the store which was the furniture side. So they gave me a receipt with a stamp and a signature and I was walking to the front of the store and there's a pile of security guards at the front of the store and they asked me what are you doing and I said well I'm taking my chair to my car here's the receipt. Well he looked at the receipt and he said did you pay? And I said yes of course I paid over there and then he looked at the receipt again he said are you sure you paid well it set me off. I wasn't ready for that I was ready to be stopped and asked but I wasn't ready for them to not believe me or believe the receipt so I said come with me and I walked back to the place where I bought the chair and I said please tell him I paid. they don't expect this kind of behavior in the Asian countries. I need to change myself. I think what I should have done is number 1. Expect it. 2. Hand the security guard the receipt and shut up. Just point to the receipt. Wait be patient. I have subscribed.

[@BelusTraveller]

Mucho Respect ✊, Trying to help the expats, Bro These me think with their wrong heads, I feel for them up to a point. Then I just shake my head, Sink or Swim it’s life. I really have respect for you and your channel. I’m set, for life only poor health worries me, disabled. God Bless You Kuya

[@mamba777jv]

Bravo... you've touched every nook and cranny any ExPats need to understand when moving to the Philippines! As far as not finding your clothe sizes, it is very cheap to have a local tailor make them for you..

[@lucas5101]

You are so right about patience and raising your voice,I have lost my patience and raised my voice and regretted it every time.

[@surfwaves8636]

I met a British guy back in 2008 on Bohol who was actually living on 400 Euros a month. He had been there for almost 3 years and seemed pretty happy. His girlfriend even worked and had a job. This guy was my hero. Lost contact with but always wished the best for him. I'm on Camiguin Island and no issues.

[@chriskinsley4922]

Say hello to Phil and sue for me From Oldham 🤣 Ooops almost forgot Ken and Thelma

[@harryeisermann2784]

proberly back in UK, making a living

[@mike.p.1400]

You can live in the Philippines cheaply. You won’t live like a king. But you can survive. Even semi comfortably. Depending on your comfort level.

[@harryeisermann2784]

lots of bs my opinion, if to suffer better stay home, PH is not that cheap, eat rice every day, and live in kubo naked, not my paradise, hahaha, be real ok, every pinoy hates it

[@harryeisermann2784]

@@mike.p.1400 Indeed Mike, but why to suffer, PH a beautiful place if like heat and tropical rains or typhoons

[@cynthiarussomanno5014]

Thank you so much for this video. My husband and I are considering moving to the Philippines when I retire in a few years. I’m from the Philippines and he’s American. I realize now that he will never be able to adapt to life there.

[@stevelawson68]

I love it in Cebu. Too bad he can't adapt. So much better than America

[@nitaihammari6994]

Very good advice, and I have lived half every year for the first ten years, and at least a month every year for the past 13 years, since I brought my family to the USA. Each of these points is essential. Once my wife said, “If you ever use the F-word on me, I will be gone from you forever”. Believe me, I never have, in 23 years, used that word talking with her. I take her seriously, because she has made my life, Heaven on Earth.

[@henryvanderbeek2973]

Excellent video....very upfront....a lot of wisdom and knowledge here....

[@outdoorescape2619]

Sage advice. Hope all newbies take it to heart.

[@johngrisham3703]

Excellent information video, I'm planning to come to Philippines but coming very prepared and have gained much information I didn't know or had forgotten about, I was in Philippines 5yrs in the 80s.

[@peterjeffery9513]

Great video Mark. Very informative. I will definitely look you up in the near future mate. 10/10

[@garyjohn]

Excellent video Mark! Everything that you mentioned is true. This certainly could be a go-to video for expats thinking of relocating to the PH🇵🇭. Thank you for doing this for us. Be safe and enjoy your evening tonight. 🌙⭐️🌙

[@keeyoni]

I love your take on the relationships. A lot of foreigners look at the pinays as a usable commodity to use as they please, Your view towards pinays is respectful and compassionate. Kudos to you!

[@Bereadyalways123]

33 years lived there on and off, you realy do not know what your saying, rather like saying I am not afraid to swim with Great White Sharks, "depends how you treat them".....your a dreamer , just go and do-it then come back in 3 years with a different story...Bastos...

[@buyerofsorts]

And the Pinays do the same.

[@alr818]

Free and sensible advise!

[@brianbarton777]

This is what people need to know about the Philippines. Thanks for sharing your perspectives

[@rudyhenderson5002]

Thanks for the good, thoughtful advice. Timely and well said.

[@mypov4343]

Excellent reminders, thanks so much!

[@dtinymaynartry]

Although I don't live or even thinking about living in the Philippines I think this is very informative. Thanks for this information..Always thought the Philippines was heaven just the way people speak about it

[@our_phi_life6635]

Great advice. I will be there in two weeks dumeguete. I have been planning this for 6 months. I think I have crossed all my I’s snd T’s but still so good to hear you saying it

[@Andy-cw3kx]

Great Video keep them coming, my brother just moved there 3 months ago he married there and is very happy, he also watches your channel, stay safe and happy.

[@canadude2010]

I’d be curious to know what he does for employment….

[@sherinick7523]

@@canadude2010 me too.

[@JohnSmuloTV]

This is an encyclopedia of all the advice anyone needs to know before moving here. I think a lot of people think they will be the exception to the rule

[@JohnSmuloTV]

@@foreignermakingmoney-phili1458 Appreciate it

[@randolphpinkle4482]

Not only the Phillippines. Many SE countries.

[@attadeal3130]

That’s so true. I’m ten feet tall and bullet proof so why do I need health insurance and if I’m about to run out of money then no problem I’ll just bet someone on which dog will do his business first and then take her shopping.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you John. I'm sure you could add volumes of useful information

[@jazzpianoman01]

Good video Mark, sensible advise as so many men are just coming over without any income coming in and ending up broke.

[@kubenmoodliar477]

Awesome video and I am glad you spend so much time on financial matters and property matters.

[@simonbaillieu7976]

thanks for the video , really valuable information that can be used all over Asia

[@BigJoe1]

Some good advice's Mark, keep up the good work!

[@floribertosousa2251]

Great 👍 video Sir. This is probably the best "info" video ever made for anyone, like myself, that is planning "one day" to go and live their retirement time in the Philippines. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment 😀

[@jazzpianoman01]

Great Video Mark packed with good advice, thanks.

[@Kingalily14]

Hi Sir, wow I really love your wise advise and how you view our country and people. More power to your channel🌺

[@joedirac]

Thanks! I’m heading there in December and I appreciate the heads up.

[@PhiloM]

Great vlog and talk on point with everything thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@michaelforehand2350]

Mark, many thanks for your most outstanding advice.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you Michael. 😊

[@markc2108]

Great info! I'm looking to retire there in the next 2-5 yrs. Your home looks nice.

[@armandmorin1823]

Sir youmake alot of sense this videoshould be listen by a ybody wanting to come to the Philippines

[@SithLordmatthew]

Iv owned a landscaping business for 20 years if I was to go to the Philippines the last thing I want to do is starting a business again. The high end condo rout sounds best to me nice to have a place that doesn't need to watched when I'm not in country.

[@marklapierre2163]

Thanks for the great insight’s Mark God bless

[@emievil7321]

Awesome information and the best no BS video Thanks!

[@ronmccumber5218]

PNC refused to send me a new card when mine expired. I opened a BDO account & had my SS transferred into it I don't pay any ATM fees & can withdraw $1000.USD daily. Ne picked me up at the A/P 4 years ago & we R still great together. I agree not every Filipina even wants a foreigner. U r right we R guests here, if U don't like it U can always go home. I like it here sometimes U just have to go w/ the flow. Good advice Mark.

[@andershedberg8867]

Many good comments, thanks. My first visit to Philippines was April 1990. Since then 25+ visits, hoping to retire then within 3 years with my Filipina that I met on that first trip.

[@michaelsix9684]

such a great resource, you are da man! so thankful for your tips and suggestions

[@Hellhunde64]

Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts on your experience so far. Very informative.

[@GH-wt7ww]

Great video I live in Houston Tx., Filipinos all around me and have and are experienced every issue you stated there. Im gonna fit in.

[@fredbalos4015]

Very informative video.

[@cebudave]

Quality advice, thanks for sharing.

[@andyjames2082]

Thanks Mark, from an Aussie ! Really practical

[@philippinophisher]

Sir, you are spot on. Thank you very much for sharing your experiences and insights. Much appreciated!

[@Craig_in_Asia]

This was a great video. I'm moving to the Philippines from the UK in a few weeks time, so really appreciate the information - thank you!

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you Craig 😊

[@m32m1m]

Great down to earth realistic advice and information. Thank you.

[@windellchapman8397]

Thanks ! Many Downsides There , But Up Sides Too .... I m planted ! 20 yrs w/ a wonderful lady from Leyte, who is my wonder- wife ! 🤗☺️

[@jameswatters9592]

Really good video particularly the section on clothing, just never crossed my mind,cheers

[@FoundingYouTuber-2005]

Excellent presentation. Liked, subscribed, and rang that bell.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you so much for subscribing

[@JR-vs1zl]

From Joe, A sincere thanks for caring for others.

[@daviddunn1923]

Great video! Very informative and helpful. Thanks!