My Life Changed | 6 Months in the Philippines

Alright six months in, what's happened. Let's talk about money, how I'm (trying) to survive, what's working and what's not. Leaving the United States was one of the hardest things I've done. I left friends and family behind to try and find something 'more' than what was in my small town I lived in. The Philippines had more to offer me than other countries. From wanting to learn the language, to my hobbies and passions being here, I have so many things here I love. Budgeting is an issue here! I've fixed some of the issues but discipline in having rules for yourself is important. Thank you all for the recent support, USA to the Philippines has been (mostly) a success.
If you want to email me for any reason, [e-mail]
PS. People asked for a button or way to donate. This channel is free and more of a passion project so it's not needed. But if you'd love to, you may buy me a coffee using this link:
www.buymeacoffee.com/kuyadevan
If you're still reading this description, why?
Much love, KD

[@sportyguy9326]

LIFE is just a matter of how you perceived it to be. Just look at these Filipino children or those people living in the remote barangays who does not even know what an XBOX is or what's the latest trend in fashion or haven't even tasted what Buffalo wing is all about and yet you can see their genuine smiles and happiness that radiates from within. So it is just a matter of how you look at things and make the most of what you have in life.

[@internationaldirector2917]

Mindset only learn contentment counting our blessings not our sorrows.

[@danielwest3194]

The Quality Of Life In The Philippines 🇵🇭 Is Like No Other, Very Beautiful, And Very Affordable Compared To Anywhere In The States ... The People Are The Friendliest And The Islands Are Peaceful And Gorgeous ...

[@isabelitaayala8524]

Just let other people come and experience the Philippines, they can always leave if our country doesn't suit them!!!

[@marjunmarcelocristobal2678]

The True Secret in LIVING A HAPPY LIFE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY IS---- To feel and Act Local!! *Don't walk like an Entitled Westerner and always having this 1st World Ego!! * Absorb its Culture with an Open-Mind...Relish❤..Enjoy❤ * Don't Complicate things. * Go with the flow and accept that country's Eccentricacies and Uniqueness! * DON'T BE SUCH A KAREN!! Leave the Karen Mentality in the USA! Having seen how Devan enjoys the Philippines, he absolutely feels his way like a New Local in his New Environ.❤❤❤

[@KuyaDevan]

Hey Marjun thanks for the detailed comment. You're right about some entitled Westerners walking around with an ego. They're in a foreign country and acting foolish at times. The greatest times I've had here are connecting with people using broken/bad Tagalog. People appreciate those who try to learn ones ways or culture, let's all just get along and enjoy the world. Much love to you, take care

[@mariariou6547]

Hi Devon. Watching from Europe. Just wanted to say that I appreciate your style of vlog. Whatever the but or motivation behind is, what really attracts or catches attention is the sincerity and truthfulness that you convey. As for myself, going thru different vlogs about or in the Philippines is a way for me to be there while living miles away from it. If this blogging is contributing to your personal growth continue on! Just to let you know that on the other side sharing your experience contributes also to a sort of well-being for us/for me. Wishing all the best😉

[@KuyaDevan]

Hey Maria, truthfully I was scared of being on camera or video. Your comment is spot on, its just for personal growth/development. I wanted to do something that was uncomfortable for me which was this. Thanks for sharing your side and letting me know its contributing something to you and others, much love and take care

[@jibriljinno]

im a Filipino born and raised in Manila, im fortunate to have finished a degree in a high paying field which doesnt give me the need to work abroad. I'd rather stay in the Philippines and dont see myself being happy living somewhere else.

[@bumbeejewelsbarrameda9243]

I recommend the Philippines for retirees who collect pensions or social security from the US. That is the Goal! The Philippines can indeed be a paradise. For young people who don't have a regular high income, please don't just pack your bags and move here thinking it will be easier and cheaper. It's reasonable if you adopt the Filipino way, but it's not if you're still accustomed to the Western lifestyle. One mistake I've seen, though, that retirees committed is that instead of retiring here in the Philippines, they end up starting over, like marrying a Filipina half their age and taking care of the rest of her family. Great for the Filipinos but a mistake for the ex-pat... It's your life! Mabuhay!

[@journeyto100channel2]

Sounds About right. I haven’t Traveled to Philippines yet. But definitely in the works. I’m only 30, but I’ve been Divorced here in the west. And maybe I’ll start my life again with someone. But as of right now I stand on Being by myself and enjoying my VA, and a Job remote, and just taking care of my health. And maybe Enjoying Filipina Company and Enjoying their cooking.

[@karenbrecio1649]

Very true..so many things going on in the Philippines.. it's not boring but shocking and yet exciting! It's a mixture of old and new, just different 😊 And the language is diverse 😊👍 Live one day at a time. ❤️

[@rudybacani480]

Thanks, Devan for your honesty. I am a Filipino but been migrated to other country. I was actually wondering about many foreign bloggers who said it’s a lot cheaper in the Philippines. It’s true if they convert their dollars to pesos and earning in dollars while spending in pesos but if you’re earning in pesos and spending in pesos, then it’s not really cheap in the Philippines.

[@wavemaker2077]

It still depends on how much pesos you earn. Not everyone is a minimum wage earner. The malls are always full. It means that there are still a lot of Filipinos who have extra money to spend.

[@rudybacani480]

@@wavemaker2077 partially true but malls being full doesn’t necessarily mean all the people are in there are shopping. Many people go to the mall because it’s cooler specially during summer. Would it be nice if all the people who are going to the mall are indeed have extra money to spend.

[@wavemaker2077]

@@rudybacani480 Maybe not all but majority have extra money to spend. The restaurants are always full. You need money to eat in restaurants.

[@rudybacani480]

@@wavemaker2077 and so I’ve heard. cheers!

[@ceciliaballesteros7037]

Depends ho

[@glenfaust2714]

I vibe with what you're saying. I make money online; I really don't, "connect" with American culture. I enjoy the pace of life in the Philippines, the people, and I enjoy the amenities I can get in an apartment for less than $1000 a month. Luxury fully equipped 24/7 gym access, a pool, ice cold A/C, fully (and tastefully) finished apartments/condos.

[@lovierbagunu9517]

I look forward to seeing more of your videos. Bless you brother!

[@renesioanno-que658]

Wow nice seeing your vlog Devon !

[@anamayp.abutas6168]

Just subscribed.good for you to have chosen the Philippines and much better in places outside the city,life is simpler, hassle free and people are friendlier and more hospitable unlike in the big cities.enjoy and cope well with adjusting to the culture. Keep posting more videos and your honesty in your opinions about our country is refreshing.just like in any other country, don't stay out late at night, follow the gut feeling if there's danger, stay away. God bless you. Warm greetings from Iloilo City😊

[@JenGaming]

Welcome to Philippines Kuya ❤

[@floren879]

Glad that you’re enjoying the Philippines mate! Filipino watching from Sydney!

[@gracejonesgj3368]

New video for today is a start❤for a new journey . We want to see you more and we are here to support you all the way thank you for choosing our country.❤

[@liliaolac1748]

I’m supporting you the ads without skipping

[@rosabellaatido9411]

Compare to your previous videos you have a sparkling eyes now and I can see smile in your face... Hope in our little way as Filipinos give what's better for you...😊

[@leonymobo3486]

Thank you for staying Philippines and promote keep safe always ❤

[@midlifewanderings]

Hello. New subscriber here - I love your down to earth and honest opinion about yourself and the Philippines. We need more vloggers like you. Maraming salamat for choosing Pilipinas.

[@KuyaDevan]

Hey Midlife really appreciate that. I find it hard sometimes to get my thoughts out properly but maybe it will be easier in the future. Love the PH

[@richelleogong8473]

Thanks for coming in the Philippines..

[@moradaianchristianv.5928]

Welcome to the Philippines ❤

[@hahahahasula550]

Do more vlogs and you'll be surprised. Life will change for the better. Thank you for showing us your real feelings about living in the Philippines. Ive been watching Bali vlogs for quiet a while now and looks like its more cheaper there to retire than PI. But I know Philippines has a different vibe which makes it more enticing to retire.

[@davidkaiser810]

Thank you for the realistic views and experiences you have had, I am sure it will help many concidering coming to the Philippines. BTW, I am a new subscriber

[@KuyaDevan]

Thanks for the support David!

[@juantamad229]

you are in the right track..people who came in the philippines and thrive are those who observe,learn and adapt..now they are happy with their lives..we saw people who came and right on the bat starts complaining,comparing and looking for things that they are used to back at home..and right away we knew they wont make it longer..you went to a different country to experience something different..so do things that are not what you used to..when it comes to cost of living..there is 3..the expensive the mid and the provincial cheap..

[@irmaabenes4023]

Stay safe and enjoy the Philippines.

[@sarahtlibanan7294]

I hope you can adjust the life there.watching from Samar island Philippines.God bless your channel 🙏

[@Sunrise_In_April]

we need more content like this woaaaaah support kabigan

[@KuyaDevan]

salamat kaibigan!

[@erniemarramos1578]

I am a new subscriber Kuya! 😊

[@chrissmith9538]

Hi kuya. I just watched the Philippine channel with Steve and he spoke very highly of you as a person and as a vlogger so I’ve come over to your channel to see some of your videos. I’ll subscribe to your channel and look forward to all your videos. Take care and all the best👍🇨🇦

[@lifeisbeautiful7214]

So handsome & Kind kuya Devan, stay safe always!

[@pearlcoviello5471]

Enjoy your stay in the Philippines

[@Mr.PAKEYTONGKEYTONG]

Thank you bro for being honest and accepting the culture and the people of my homeland.Different regions in the Philippines speaks different dialects as long as u speak a bit of Tagalog there will be no problem communicating.👍

[@LJ19951]

Keep more vlogging!

[@friendsaroundtheworld7184]

Nice view. Peaceful province life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@cecillesamson4473]

New subscriber of your channel kuya devan.thank u for loving my country❤🇵🇭

[@anniesanjose7321]

Thanks for loving Philippines. Keep safe and sound. Watching from kingdom of Bahrain 🙏❤️ God bless you

[@Rosalin-lq3df]

I’m sure you’ll really find happiness where u are at now

[@BongiePilapilMacas]

I just discovered your channel❤ And I am at my crossroads ❤You influenced me already❤

[@KuyaDevan]

I hope I influenced you in a good way :)

[@EpoGrafify]

Thank for being you

[@gbryldawn7407]

Thanks for appreciating life style in the Philippines,yeah some people said you better not go there but some of them never been to Philippines but still keep saying not move there😅

[@clairepiol]

How are na kuya Devan ? , watching your videos, im also a pilipino American, love to hear from you staying in my hometown. Just stay healthy.

[@ronvanhalen]

Life's too short, enjoy it. Get married to a Filipina, have babies, start your own business, help the community and find peace always.

[@terryponce7913]

GOD BLESS YOU🙏🏻❤🙏🏻

[@florentinojavieriii1868]

Hoping you are able to cope up living in the Philippines esp in rural area. ❤❤❤

[@jhunehongkong3856]

You’re in San Juan Siquijor at the moment.I lived here .Enjoy the the adventure in our majestic island.

[@florencecariaso9264]

Hello kuya Dave ,I’m your new subscriber here originally from the Philippines but live here n UK…

[@ericcervero6134]

Follow where you are most happy, where ever that might be, good luck be safe, try siargao.

[@Arnel_A67]

as we say, life is what you make it. 🙂

[@felipemillomeda]

Support for you kaibigan

[@junrepato2292]

Hi, I just subscribed to your channel. Watching and greeting from San Francisco. I am planning to go back to Philipiines as soon as I meet my goal.

[@loretafalcutila501]

❤I'm happy in 🇵🇭

[@judyporter5300]

Your still so Young 😮😊😢 Be safe 🙏🌺🙏

[@firstbloodpsy]

hello kuya. I'm a big fan and sending you much love and support ❤❤ always keep positive and never let negativity destroy you and stop you from vlogging 💙❤ wish I could talk to you in person, I think you're someone that is worth it so have a conversation 🙏🏻

[@KuyaDevan]

Thanks firstblood for the support. Positivity and negativity are both important! Never let either get you too high or too low. I think we all need to hear both sides from people to help us grow

[@JEZER911]

Just enjoy that's what important you enjoyed and you can stay manila or cebu there's alot of place that you can enjoyed it.

[@aimsays]

I think that moving to any new place will be expensive in the beginning as you learn your way around. But once you learn where to go to buy what, and have a routine I think you’ll be able to figure out the budget.

[@Markypines]

New subscriber here! 🎉❤

[@ahnonymuz9921]

New subscriber here filipino from California. I admire you for choosing simple life than complicated life here in US. Planning to retire back in the Philippines once I save enough. Filipnos will love you and will support you. Watch your views and subscribers grow

[@JordanShackelford]

Hey we have a lot in common. I spent a lot of time learning spanish and I like pool too but don't get to play often. Im 27 from arkansas and I have been living in Indonesia for about 7 months. Surakarta is my home base atm.

[@PeeWeeBarnes]

The province is better. Sunshine Shoulders moved to Siqijor I think. I lived in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, but found peace in Iloilo. Good luck on your journey👍

[@MaestrongGalaPH]

I hope you also do this kind of vlog on Facebook to get a wider audience. Love your videos 😍☺️

[@BRILIANT660]

Philipina look very beautiful country nice place Thank you for great sharing my friend

[@soniaviloria962]

New subscriber here Sonia from Sacramento CA since 1975 ( born and raise from Luzon, province of La Union ) Anyway like you said getting the hang of living like the Filipinos is just the way that will make your life there easier kind of follow the leader, do what they do or say sometimes to get in the grove, so good luck Devan( right?) learning the dialect where you’re living would really help you get around and communicate with ease Take care Tita Sonia

[@malpete]

What makes us happy and contented 😁, good luck and just keep doing what your heart wants 👍😁, no skipping ads

[@KuyaDevan]

appreciate it andrew, too bad I'm not monetized hahahaha so skip away!

[@malpete]

@@KuyaDevan in no time u will be monetised 😁

[@KuyaDevan]

Manifesting :)

[@elixer73]

New suby here from Toronto ❤ keep the good job on adjusting life style and be open minded as much as possible..keep life happy 🎉😂

[@KuyaDevan]

Thanks Iraya i hope everything is good with you. Much love

[@ramonjr.deluna9584]

Enjoy yourself.stop complaining,comparing others..just smile you can see how wonderful pilipino is.

[@neliaebid2933]

Don't lose hope. God will shower you with more blessings to augment your expenses. I 🙏Pray that your videos will be monetize as soon as possible so you can lessen your own finances. More blessings to come and be hopeful always ☺️

[@donmorelos5788]

Hi Devan. Don here, a pinoy from San Diego, Ca. I like your vlog style. It's a no-nonsense and rather informative. I've been living here in the U.S. quite long enough, and watching you guys really makes me wanna go home and settle there for good. I am much older than you and retired and single😂. Hey, speaking of sports and amusements, I am a big pool aficionado myself. I boxed sometime in my life. You might want to try 'Arnis de mano' which is a Filipino martial arts. It's truly fascinating and useful not only as a self defense but rather as an active sport. Goodluck to your venture and more power to you. Be safe and be very wary if your surrounding. Keep a watchful eyes😅

[@harveyseno2790]

You havw to be patient. Everything ia slower paced compared to the US. Govt services and other transactions etc. Pretty laid back especially in the provinces.

[@jayneh2006]

Sorry to hear that bro! Probably you can come back here in usa or go somewhere like thailand or combodia or vietnam which makes you more comfortable and more cheaper for you

[@KuyaDevan]

Hey ND 👋 no I'm staying here! I love the Philippines! I was responding to some comments about it being very cheap here and I was just saying that it isn't. Much love

[@irmaabenes4023]

Hope, your channel get more subscribers and views.

[@KuyaDevan]

Thanks Imra really appreciate that

[@smartbee8112]

Hi KD., I think there's no competition on your side with the rest of other Bloggers. You're showing your own private life, n sharing to us. It sort of relax myself, watching your daily life there compared to our fast pace here in Europe. Just stick to your theme. I appreciated you showing us your own place even the toilet. It's pulling me back to reality. Grumbling about my life and seeing your humble day to day life. Keep God always with you two. And hoping for your prosperity. PS, don't be stressed with some demands about work employment agencies. 1st of all those who asked these info, shouldn't have asked you in the 1st place. But good direct and honest response you did in a very diplomatic way! Keep it up.👍🌞

[@KuyaDevan]

Hey Smart, yeah I think it's good for all of us to be 'humbled' in different ways. The fast pace in the US, constant complaining, people don't really realize or think how grateful they should be in certain situations. Thanks for the positivity hope you're doing well. P.S glad you enjoyed by crab/watermen analogy 😆

[@MMagz]

Thats why looks familiar the views around you because it was my alma mater high school and the swimming pool down. Specifically you are in San Juan, Siquijor. I guess you went to JJ's backpacker's to have fun during friday night and so on and so fort..

[@helenbeltran6275]

Philippines has it's unique undescribeable way of life that can bring to someone. I guess the free-spirited kind of life that you enjoy in the Philippines is what separates it from other countries.

[@jamesgilbert2181]

i never adapted to the philippines been here two years dont know if i ever will but thats ok i still love it here.

[@spidey6077]

true , don't change we like diversity and you are always welcome. just be yourself

[@Rosalin-lq3df]

I’m new subscriber of yours from Istanbul

[@saranghamnida8170]

Just live a simple life in ph and you will be happy forever...that's what i want these days...i don't need luxury stuff...live your life to the fullest....

[@amaliahightower]

Devan it’s good that you like the chaos 😂 Living in the Philippines is not for everyone. I admire that you’re quickly adapting to the pros n cons. Glad to see you’re attracting more views and subs. So you can stay in better accommodations as you travel the 🇵🇭.

[@NeneGonzalez-mm9rd]

new sub have fakth in God!

[@kevwanders]

Its nice to see foreigners choose to stay in the Philippines. they are living the exchange rates unlike on their country that it's more expensive...they said kinda laid back to live here.. and cheapest.. And the people are the hidden 💎

[@CloudAhjumma]

It seems like a quiet community, I only saw two other persons. It's beautiful place though. People who live here in Manila like me wish to be in a community like that, you are lucky to be there.

[@KuyaDevan]

I’ve been in Manila but I’m sorry, I can’t last for a day. I feel like Manila is too crowded for me.

[@StormbladeX69]

Great video! Could you do a Cost of Living Video? Salamat Po.

[@chasocias873]

New subscriber.

[@najjems]

5:13 I've heard that comment before, about how Filipinos will put up a pool table just about anywhere. I was surprised to know it's not the same everywhere else, and that rooms have to temperature controlled, or it has to be in a particular type of environment. Got me thinking maybe that's exactly why there's a lot of great Filipinos players, because they practice in the "worst" conditions.

[@KuyaDevan]

So the rails, the cloth of the pool table are all affected by temperature, moisture in air ECT. So if you have a very cold room, the rails and table will play different, hot conditions as well can add humidity into the pool table where the balls don't properly bounce or respond due to the cloth being 'sticky'. You're right, one of the great things here is how random the pool game is. People play to have fun and laugh at the tables at times. Figure i would talk about the pool tables a little in this video for some of the players back in the US. Philippines is seen as a destination country to play in but not sure if they have too high of expectations! Thx

[@jabezfausto3800]

Hi, I can see ur in San Juan, Siquijor 🙂

[@akhadmea.2937]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@leonardogomez409]

You hv to be specific on areas you are describing. Phil is an archealogic country. Hence, different island has distinct personality, infrastructure , lical dialect n consumer prices..

[@marjunmarcelocristobal2678]

To be able to Use your Lengua Franca w/c is English...to Talk to Locals,..prettymuch balances everything. You feel you can have support around Filipinos. Besides,..Filipinos have more Solid YT & FB Support for Foreign Vloggers as compared to Thais,Indos,Laotian,Cambodians, Vietnamese,etc. bcoz Filipinos can read & watch Vlogs IN ENGLISH!! ..and Relatability with the Locals is a MUST!! IT REALLY IS MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!!

[@glennpamplona1398]

New subscriber here watching from Israel 🇮🇱 but originally from the Philippines 🇵🇭. Welcome to the Philippines 🇵🇭, keep safe and MABUHAY!

[@justins5225]

I live in PH now, but lived in Israel for 6 months 20+ years ago. Hope the promised land is treating you well, it's the polar opposite as I remember it.

[@glennpamplona1398]

@@justins5225 it was so nice here, Israeli people are so warm.

[@piacash5216]

Hi Glen you all over the place Always see your Comments of All the Vloggers In the Philippines 😂😅😂✌️👌👍🙌🇺🇸

[@florantevillaruz287]

If you have respect Filippinos loved you that's for sure

[@lanieaguisanda6221]

Philippines offer variety of food standard and fine dining for those can afford the lifestyle and those in the budget learn to cook your foods or as local for low cost meals around the area that is fine and good sanitary prepared

[@jamesgilbert2181]

well i hope things work out for you its tough world here lots of people get miss led by utbers always singing the praises theres no money in telling the truth it is not cheap living here and a lack of every thing you need can be very hard to deal with. been here two years and still havent talked to another american . i see couple at the malls but just passing by with out saying hi lol you get a hi from every local

[@jacelpobre]

Americans coming to Australia too, it sad to see the situations of Americans right now. I’ve been watching an American vlogger who moved here in Australia and glad she loved it here. No mass shooting, no tipping culture over here.

[@VeeCakesTv]

Uy new blood HAHAHAH

[@Robloxgamer-ol9iw]

Hi!

[@bumbeejewelsbarrameda9243]

To succeed in the Philippines or any part of the world you want to live in, be fully prepared as much as possible... Learn about essential culture and food. Learn how to cook. That will save you a lot of money instead of going out to eat... Believe me. Moving to the Philippines means you should expect that there are going to be a lot of brownouts, very Hot and humid weather, long lines everywhere, and your electric bills are going to be expensive. For retirees who have money, invest in solar panels, Starlink wifi, and electric generators, and your life will be much better.

[@starrboii1994]

Just subbed. Hopefully you'd be able to visit other parts of the country. :) Mabuhay and Keep safe always!

[@KuyaDevan]

We are hoping to explore all 82 provinces. Hopefully 🙏

[@starrboii1994]

@@KuyaDevan That's awesome to hear! I'd recommend Surigao City for you to witness the Enchanted River...

[@mgpureza]

New Filipino subscriber from Seattle, US is so different now, culturally, politically etc. Try to adopt there, connect with Americans, Australians and others.

[@KuyaDevan]

Hey Marlene, yeah I try to interact with people from anywhere. Can be difficult at times with other travelers though. Take care

[@elanneyamoto4976]

Vlog places where you're visiting for sure you gonna have more subscribers like Mergin Vlog.

[@ethiehetherington5086]

In order to be successful in business, never reveal your trade secret, never reveal how much money you make and never trust anyone, but yourself. Good to know that you chose Philippines. Enjoy your stay, stay safe and God bless.

[@gelobonlagua5661]

New subscriber here.