Personal Changes after 8 Years in the Philippines (or Walking and Talking is Hard!)

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Walking and talking is hard! Some personal changes that I've noticed over the past 8 years living in the beautiful and bountiful Philippines.
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This channel is an attempt to chronicle my life and adventures since arriving in the Republic of the Philippines on November 26, 2013. This is my first time taking video and editing, so please bear with the process. Hopefully, I will get better over time!! I hope you enjoy the videos and get something out of them. More episodes will be arriving over time so subscribe if you want to receive updates. Also be sure to check out our website over at www.myphilippinedreams.com
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[@craigsphilippines466]

PS I consider the Philippine people my brothers and sisters, I praise them at every chance I get and they changed me, not only did they save my life but they made me a better man , I have more patience now, I dont get upset anymore , not about anything , I am always in a good mood , this is all because of living here. Positivity, happiness, clarity and inner peace this is what the Philippines has given me, a whole new look at life, no longer do I put value on things or money.

[@lbj4993]

But you're ok with this vlogger, this American citizen, begging for money, as in eBegging...that's just cool with u...???

[@jersonjim3605]

I admire your daring adventure in the Philippines. 2 things I like in the Philippines. The people and the tropical weather. The rest politics and lack of accountability for those elected politicians are just frustrating.

[@lsmith6378]

This guy is worth listening to.

[@craigsphilippines466]

@@jersonjim3605 I agree, thats how I see it, I keep off the grid, I keep a low profile, I dont get involved with anything political. Smile and be happy

[@merciseignuer1030]

@@craigsphilippines466 tue best way 🥰

[@craigsphilippines466]

Mine is a simple one , the Philipines saved my life literally, I came to the Philippines from Australia in 2012, I was very sick heaps overweight 158 kg I was in and out of hospital from 2 heart attacks and I stopped breathing, I died and I was gone for a long time, and thats another story. I left Australia from hospital the week before I was going , I had just spent two years selling everything and I was ready to go and nothing was going to stop me , the doctors said I will die on the plane if I go , there is only 35% oxygen on planes, to cut a long story short, I arrived in Manila with just a suitcase and a small back pack with nowhere to stay and not knowing anyone, I went on a Vegan diet and a full on fitness programme but it was the mental side of it that did it for me the Filipino people are just incredible, I didnt care about the traffic the brownouts the roosters , I hated the food, I only ate fruit and veg for a year, no alcohol, just water , I had noodles and some rice as well , I lost 48kilos- 105 pounds. I was on 18 tablets a day I had heart failure, I was a diabetic I needed oxygen to sleep and to walk around, I went from that to no longer needing the medication, the diabetes was gone and I didnt need oxygen anymore. I dated a lot of girls and eventually meeting the girl of my dreams and married her , 10 years in the Philippines and every time I go back to Australia to visit my family ( I have 3 daughters there ) I am missing the Philippines after only 2 weeks, I find other countries boring and the Philippines is still exciting to me. It saved my life.

[@johnfischer3142]

I understand you, over 15 years in Barretto, Back and forwards between PI and Australia "The Fish"

[@craigsphilippines466]

@@johnfischer3142 Barretto was the first place I called home , my biggest highlight was being a judge in a bikini contest and having 6 of the girls stay for the night in my place I thought I died and gone to heaven, I lived there a couple of years then got the travel bug again and visited all over the islands, until I met my wife and 5 years into my relationship and Istill think I died and gone to heaven lol

[@bjagsaoay7906]

yes!! fruit diet is good if you some issues on your health better go for fruit diet but be careful on durian fruit 1 seed of durian fruit is equivalent to 10 eggs,yoi can eat but just minimal and after eating durian never drink coke

[@rachellyn9827]

What a nice testimony ! I'm glad you had a second chance . Perseverance is the key and the willingness to change.

[@jollybell5452]

So Mr. Craig Smith,you had a near death experience?... can you tell your story please.. I am very interested

[@rcamacho66]

I’ve been here for almost 3 months, you, Bud Brown and a few other vloggers have kept me grounded and in tune with the Philippines, thanks 🙏 🙏🙏

[@westerntrend]

No matter what, no matter where, no matter when or no matter how, everyone has it's own issues to deal with. Even if you are in your own country, still you have to deal with several issues. It's just a different issue wherever we go. So in reality we cannot escape from those issues. But life is too short to be too bothered by those things. The best that we can do is to "not to worry and be happy". Filipinos are being hammered by different issues like hardship and calamities, and they have learned to be happy no matter what.. It's as if life is not getting better, but rather we are getting stronger from within.

[@craigsphilippines466]

I agree with you, but still if you are in a situation that makes you unhappy , like a job you hate , or where you live, its not simple to just man up and get over it, if you are in a situation where you are unhappy all the time, you change the enviroment to a happy one, we all search for happiness in life some do something about it and others wallow in it, a change is as good as a holiday

[@westerntrend]

@@craigsphilippines466 well Filipinos cannot change the environment, much more, we cannot walk away from our home... So we eventually live with it... If you dont like it, don't come.. just be in your own country. We all know the reason you come to the Philippine. You just want to see and confirm to yourself that your economic situation is better than the Philippines... We know that...😗

[@craigsphilippines466]

@@westerntrend I am talking in general not necessarily the Philippines, its only that I chose the Philippines to change my life. so far after 12 years here, life has been excellent, I found the girl of my dreams, 6 years together, life is good, I can only tell it for my experience, the Philippines is not for everyone. Do we know each other ? because you seem to think you know me, you said you know why I came to the Philippines. I originally came to do business in Manila, then I decided to stay as I fell in love with the people and place, the Philippines saved my life so all I have to say is good things.

[@westerntrend]

@@craigsphilippines466 sorry if I offended you. It's just that some of those foreign bloggers now a days just come to the country to feature those negative sides showing our economic shortcomings and making themselves feel better. I guess that's why they travel, to confirm they are better economically.

[@craigsphilippines466]

@@westerntrend All good , you are right there are many foreign older men who come to the Philippines for other reasons than just for holidays to see the beaches, most come to party in the girl bars and a lot come to find a wife or gf

[@yegg14]

I have been following you for the past eight years and you have always given good advice. The burning, roosters, and the line ups, really don't bother me much, but what does bother me are foreign tourists, and new expats, (the ones who have only been there for a year or two), that disrespect the filipino custom and culture and their way of doing things.

[@albasacrius64]

Yup they're arrogant. They belittle Filipinos n the country, it's better if they just go back where they came from, instead of complaining about the provincial simple life they live. They need to stay in City if they want a city life.

[@bobarnold5992]

You are absolutely right about how lucky we are to be born & raised in a 1st world country & many don't realize that because they have never set foot out of their comfort zone. I've been married to a Filipino for over 30 years & when we both get tired of the Philippines short comings we have the ability to jump on a plane & leave where many don't. We love the Philippines & spend half our time there every year (except the last one due to pandemic) it has shown me how to be more patient, understanding of others, & that personal relationships are more important than possessions. There is no need for us to move permanately to the Philippines as we have the best of both worlds at this time. Travelling is an educator that no school can teach, experiences are priceless.

[@mansuetopalang9870]

Your life and mine is a precious gift from God. I lived and worked in the USA for more than 30 years. It changed my life too. But I still longed to come home to my beloved Philippines. So here am I back home ,iving one day at a time with my heart full of gratitude. Thank you fir your reflections. Enjoy your nee home here.

[@colorsoflife77Y]

Saying good morning, good afternoon, or good evening is a Philippine culture pass down to the new generation is a greeting to show respect to people whom you come across with or encounter. Especially if you live in a rural areas. It's not "pakikisama" but to show respect to everyone that was thought by the elders.

[@johnziegler1707]

I first came to the Philippines in 1974, a 19-year ild US Marine assigned to the Naval Oceanographic Office. I spent most of my time here out away from the night life and spent most of the time with people that some consider poor when compared to our life in the States. The people didn't consider themselves poor and I learned a lot about the country from them. The very first Filipina I met I ended up marrying, and she is in fact downstairs sleeping right now. Fast forward to 2016. After "more careers than Carter has liver pills" as an old friend put it I was settled into a comfortable teaching job in Middle Tennessee. My wife was about to retire from her job and wanted to move home to Catanduanes. After much discussion, I decided to take early retirement at 62. We sold the farm (more of a gentleman's farm, really) most of our possessions, and moved here with an SRRV visa. Neither one of us was too happy with Catanduanes (even with a solar system) and in 2020 moved to Cavite, near Tall Volcano and Tagaytay where I am now. I have had a very blessed life that I am pretty sure I never deserved! We lived all over the States, including California, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, yada, yada, yada. We became very good at making do with what we have, and not worrying about what we don't. We had a minor power outage just a little while ago and I felt the 'bitch machine' in me firing up and getting ready to let the world know when my solar system kicked in and everything came back on. On Catanduanes we were an unofficial charging station and people brought their stuff from far and wide to charge for free (mainly because I felt like a criminal charging people for sunlight!). I try to take the good with the bad, and for me here, there is definitely more good than bad.

[@diamonddv1028]

I have been here in Pinas for 12 years now. I have become more of an introvert now. I still greet my neighbors when I water the plants outside. As for friends, I don't have any close expat or Filipino men friends. I got tired of people asking to borrow money or drink. I don't care to do either. I love living here and don't regret moving back from Tokyo. The food is much better here. Lol. Thanks for sharing Ned.

[@rodelscreation]

If they borrow money sir always third party the blame nothing wrong to say no, trust me it's very common to filipino like me to borrow money and not paying it because they think that you are making money too much lol, sad to say but yes better not to lend money, i wish you can figure that out, but thanks for sharing positive words, mabuhay sir see you around

[@Cons2911]

My suggestion, still be open in finding friends, if they borrow, smile and say no. I'm saying this bec there are good people, find them, and when you do.. Keep them. Good friends are treasures you keep for a lifetime. I have friends, sure we don't talk as much anymore, but when we do man, it's like nothing has changed we can talk for hours even. And you feel it, that they are true friends

[@timg5171]

Thanks for sharing. Since meeting “Bill W” 29 years ago, I have isolated myself from the world. As my wife is a Filipina, her life is centered around people. This has created some issues. I am working on becoming more social but I have to fake it most of the time. I retired from the Navy in 2007 and will retire from the Dept of Vet Affairs this August. Flight set from LAX to Manila for Nov 3. While I am not a religious person, my hopes are to find a place there where I can find “inner peace” for myself. May be wishful thinking but I am all in as is the wife. Thanks again for sharing.

[@jmfarrell5]

Thanks for your comments… also a friend of Bill W and will be moving to the Philippines in a few years. Joe

[@barry646]

I'm retiring from the VA in August, too. Good luck, Tim. I hope things work out for you. We are headed to the Philippines, too.

[@johnfischer3142]

Go man go 😀😀

[@lbj4993]

@@jmfarrell5 Oh don't worry about a thing, just open a Patreon account and beg for money like this CP, not a problem, you'll be fine...that is a long as you don't have a conscience, but hey, who needs that in the Philippines...??? 'Brother can you spare a dime', that's the good life.

[@craigsphilippines466]

Your story is like a lot of us and a touching one, the Philippines is made for guys like us who just want a peaceful life with no stress, you will find many places that will give you that

[@weskerlin8566]

Ned, I am right there with you on the frustration front. I have had this conversation with myself so many times. How many times have you said these words to yourself, "why are you surprised?" or "you knew that was going to probably happen, why are you upset?" It is probably the number two thing most expats suffer from.

[@ckSport3000]

Interesting perspectives. I've been watching your videos since you started. Retired from the Navy 2014, lived 2 years in the Phils but many many many visits over 22 years. Lived 2 years in Thailand and I can relate to your frustrations but I think I've made BIG STRIDES in being a better person. I see that the Phil borders are opening soon and tons of foreigners will be flooding in. Good for Filipino jobs and their economy, bad for guys like us who are very selective about who we associate with. Best wishes Ned. P.S. I have half Fil kids born in the U.S. (now 30 and 26) .. Fil Am are the cutest, smartest mix of kids in the world.. congrats on your lil' Chloe.

[@lmajc494]

Good morning Ned. Or good evening your time. I'm a fellow of New Englander with many of the same physical issues that you have. And I'm likely to be moving to the Philippines sometime this year with my Filipino wife of 24 years. I appreciate this type of video from you. It helps me put things in perspective and prepare for the move.

[@nederlandhiker2]

Good video, well done, and thanks for sharing. What I have here in the Philippines began as a childhood dream. My life here, my amazing wife, my home, my family, are all part of a dream come true. We are truly blessed. And, yes, at times we also get frustrated with the same things you mentioned, though it is always short lived. After all we are only human.

[@JamesParis]

Good morning Ned! Sounds like you are in a great place mentally compared to when we met you at Quest quarantine. We enjoy hearing what you're up to, thanks for sharing.

[@PhilippineDreams]

Hey James. You were with your family, right? The situation was bad enough with it just being me there during the typhoon - it must have been much worse for all of you!! The whole situation was crazy and I finally just ended up leaving and taking a taxi down to Liloan and catch the ferry to Dumaguete. How did it work out for you all? Did you go up into the mountains with no electricity and water?

[@JamesParis]

@@PhilippineDreams Right! was with my wife and two teen sons. We took a van over the mountain dodging downed power lines and trees the whole way. Less damage on the other side of the mountain and her family was fine. We didn't have power for a week and a half but it was so much better than being trapped in the hotel!

[@PhilippineDreams]

@@JamesParis Glad to see things worked out. If u r ever in Duma, message me on our FB page and i will give ya the tour.

[@Steveo_00700]

You definitely have a way with words Ned. You describing the birth of your child and development is exactly my same experience also. At 45 seeing the birth of my son has been an amazing experience.

[@lbj4993]

Sure, a way with words... 'Brother can you spare a dime'...a true eBeggar, an American citizen, an American beggar, that's just awesome.

[@Steveo_00700]

@@lbj4993 , Really. I guess I must have missed that about the guy.

[@heidiceleridad7346]

Life is what you make it. Some are born with a silver spoon in their mouth and some are born with only their hands to feed them But the difference is how you appreciate what you have ...

[@ddusek100]

Philippines is opening February 10 for tourists

[@johnmcgrew7128]

Fantastic video Ned. Over eight years, Wow! I started watching your videos, not long after you started making them. You're living my life there Ned, and I can't think of a better person to do it. You have a beautiful family and are truly centered in them. I wish you and your's every happiness and look forward to watching more of your videos. .

[@jimcunningham61]

8 years is a long time but I can’t imagine that long without coming home for a visit , and there are a number of expats who never come home for financial reasons

[@BelusTraveller]

I’ve watched you through the years, Been stuck for 3 state side, What a challenge, but soon to be home, I think the Philippines 🇵🇭 has made me think more simple, and who cares if I’m rich or poor, If I survive and happy with my wife, life is Awesome, They’re early is definitely late for me, 🤣❤️🇵🇭, Thanks for sharing, God Bless

[@sirbuleletideas1137]

It's very good you have adjusted physically and emotionally in the PHILIPPINES my friend. CONGRATULATIONS for being a father.

[@johninsocal8544]

Huge gratitude fan.. Makes your being lucky at the right place and right time a good reward. Im happy for you..Best always..

[@arizonaalchemy7572]

Beautiful Vlog, Ned. Seriously. I was in Cebu for three weeks in 2004, in just those short three weeks. I saw things differently and learned some things. I married a Pinay there, brought her to the States. Shouldn't have done that... That's a story for another day. I think every American should experience Life in the Philippines for at least a month. Though I lost my asawa to affluence here in the States. I have no regrets. I did Enjoy the Learning experience being over there. Amazing Culture and History. GREAT FOOD and GREAT BEACHES ! You did good, you found a Nice woman. :)

[@clambake3293]

great food?

[@albasacrius64]

Filipinos are the most beautiful n friendliest people in the world, beautiful inside n out. They are hospitable, generous, industrious, caring, compassionate, nurturing, family oriented, humorous, positive attitude, have tremendous patience n very resilience. Island life is laid back. As for the internet after typhoon it's understandable. There's no problem w/d internet n d city when we were there.

[@joekahno]

After several visits of a couple years each I finally got my SRRV. I'm not a visitor here, other than in the sense we are all visitors in this life, the Philippines has become my home.

[@phil-amadventures]

You are correct and we just moved here in Dumaguete city . I could not believe too my husband got sick the first time here. But thankfully we did right decision to moved Dumaguete he doesn't have food in the province omg so much to talk...hope we can see each other amazing story..I have been in all over the world last stop Texas USA and now we moved permanently in the Philippines.

[@seancampbell4]

Would love to connect by phone. Just watching this video has helped I am 5 years here and already a resident. Came from Canada and coming from the recovery family. I’m easy to find on Facebook

[@bayareatanders]

They still have fixers but discreet. Most workers in the LTO (DMV in the USA) gets a cut from the fixers. Because their salaries are minimal they need that extra income. Some fixers are relatives of the LTO employees.

[@michaeldiamond1600]

i arrived in the Philippines 52 years ago, married 37 years ago lived in Lanao, Bicol, Manila and now in Negros......a long story.

[@dumbmutts.7758]

One thing that still confuses me, after 23 years, is that Filipinos answer a positive with a negative and vice versa. Going dark at 6pm even though it's still hot. I originate from England and in summer it goes dark at 10-11pm. By the time it is 8pm my body clock still thinks it's 11pm. Other than that this place is great.

[@graceanndinero2291]

HELLO PILIPINAS 🇵🇭🥰🥰 WOOW😊 THANKS TO YOUR VEDIO 👍 HAPPY WATCHING 😀

[@ofeliaaquino5093]

I'm SOOO THANKFUL YOU CHANGE.👍😊

[@leestinehelfer7272]

Thank you so much for your wisdom and first hand advise. You have been a pioneer and roll model in everything you do. So happy for you and keep posting! Love your vids.

[@dobymaddogmc6650]

Thanks for your service. Congrats to your marriage and your newborn child.

[@lindrahena9024]

YOU ARE JUST SO IN LOVE WITH YOUR WONDERFUL AND VERY BEAUTIFUL WIFE... YOUR SMILES AND LAUGHS ARE REAL AND PRICELESS, FOREVER!!!

[@michaelw9961]

One of my favorite cartoons is a picture of a mother elephant talking to her baby elephant and she says to the child: "The secret of happiness is this....forget everything."

[@georgeorwell3573]

The USA has many "out of stock" issues here now. Perhaps only temporary. I can't wait until I can get back to Cebu.

[@delemaable]

Natural beauty of nature, I wish my province Cebu wasn’t so congested as it used to be. Thank you for covering this place.

[@mikecorbett1293]

I've been here only half as long as Ned, but I see pretty much all the same negatives and positive. (No babies for me though.) I see three possible paths with regard to the negatives. 1. You make adjustments as needed. 2. You leave in frustration. or 3. You LIVE in a CONSTANT state of unhappiness punctuated with bitterness. I do the best I can to keep choosing number 1.

[@manstarbig]

Hi Ned I've been travelling back to phil over last 10yrs and when things go wrong I've always said to myself its still a 3rd world country and not everything works there.. but the the people in general are friendly and positive even when crap is happening.. im still on the fence weather to come back and retire. I think I will split my time in phil and Australia.. so I can have a balance life.. take care Ned..still enjoy your videos and honesty...

[@jmfarrell5]

I’m a subscriber and occasionally check out your vlog… today was one of those days and it was amazing. It felt like a meditative and reflective walk with someone I know. I hear some recovery terms in what you said - I’ve been a friend of Bill’s for a while now- but your easy way of sharing made it welcoming and satisfying. I’ll definitely order your e-book. Thanks so much, Joe

[@jamesridley8565]

I like the beautiful morning walk and talk my friend. Thanks for the insightful introspective.

[@ylocoslovakia]

Its funny but saying good morning is something I learned when I was in the States. Filipinos are usually shy and prefer not to engage anyone. I guess having foreigners who do greet people here made it a more common habit. A nice gesture though unless you don't really mean it. 😊

[@shinnidan]

My girl wants to stay in the US...but im sure one day she will get homesick and miss her mama and papa. So i do plan on moving back PH. Just in the process if buying property and a house in isabela where our family is in. And a condo in manila and cebu when you want to travel there. 😊

[@Ric.A.Photography]

Jhanna and I are hoping to finally get to the Philippines this year to see you, Chi Chay and Zoey now the borders are opening. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

[@PhilippineDreams]

Looking forward to meeting you, Ric!

[@RoamingIain]

Great content ned , as a fellow expat. you are spot on.

[@edithrollanborbon3850]

Great narration! Your insight from an expat’s perspective was an eye opener. I wish you and your family the best!

[@OhShunz]

Real great vibe this video has. I’m 49 now, US born, and very fortunate to be in the final few years of my own personal “exit plan”. Spent 10 yrs floating around South East Asia/Pacific and Gulf area from 1990-2000 in the Navy and definitely have a propensity for beautiful beaches and slow pace and simple living. The Philippines is on my short list of top contenders for jump off locations along with Malaysia, Singapore, etc. I’m looking forward to visiting the Philippines again to see the changes from the 1990’s till now. Thanks for your time on this video.

[@MrWaterbugdesign]

Part of your dealing with frustration could be an older male thing. Many American males seem to go a little insane in their 40's through 60's before mellowing out. Screaming at the TV, frustrated with how the world works. I sure did in my 50's and worked hard on it. My cure was to drop out and live as a hermit. Very relaxing. I do plan to move to SE Asia this year. I think I'll be able to handle the frustrations because I've done a lot of research and tell myself "this is their country, their culture, how they do things. Rooster noise? I'm going to get my own roosters. Karaoke? I'll get a machine and turn it up. Loose dogs? I'll get a pack and let them run wild. I've noticed here in the US dog owners don't see the disrespect and problems they cause everyone around them. If you are the problem you don't see the problem. I used this 15 years ago when I had some pretty serious road rage. Why are these slow drivers not staying right? At some point I realized me getting mad at other drivers was actually changing the world. So I decided to get into the fast lane and drive with the flow of traffic or a bit over the speed limit. I became the problem. If these was how the US culture was going to define how we drive I was going to accept that. Much more relaxing. Less concern with speeding tickets. Sometimes a driver rolls up behind me, tailgates, flashes lights then speeds around me. I just smile knowing how upset they are. That was me. It's kept me out of prison which has been kind of life long goal.

[@PhilippineDreams]

Good point.

[@rocketranger1000]

Hi Ned. The only real fustration I continue to have is the governmental bureaucracy and the common thought amoung locals (including my long term girlfriend) that all westerners are rich. That gets old after awhile.

[@sprikitik9719]

Choose a girl who is educated. That only happens from province who mostly came from non education.

[@rocketranger1000]

@@sprikitik9719 , from my 7 years in the Philippines, it can come from even well educated as well.

[@rubenbarrameda5759]

GOD BLESS YOU, SIR.

[@Rob-jd2oy]

I was also 82nd during that time when Nicaragua invaded Honduras. They heard we were coming so they turned around and went home. Guess they didn't want to play. Was called operation "Golden Pheasant". Great video! 👍. All the Way!

[@Last_day_events]

Great video. Please do more like this. You have a great way of presenting things.

[@allanbalbuena3659]

Good 👍 you are having fun in the Philippines, amigo.

[@hygieagaloos2019]

Youll survive in Phil and the younger generation will save you in the future kids born in areas like Phil which I was born has the tendency to make life better in the future because we learn to struggle we learn to have gratitude to our parents we learn to give back comfort we learn to save and share to our immediate family we learn to take care of our rlders and most of all we learn to think Im doin this for my parents snd siblings and that attitude give us positive outlook in like even how hard experiences will be and that only in Phil courageous and resilient

[@perfrog]

My favorite filipino saying is still "sorry sir, out of stock".

[@pinayladyoz8044]

ha ha ha, same as "there" pointing the item using pouch (lips) ha ha ha

[@Jbfellowtuber]

Bro I remember by watching your videos back in 2013. The way you described about life is amazing salamat brother. Keep it up I hope to meet you there when I visit much love.

[@babiskotrokois6181]

You are the guy that make me go visit Bantayan island.!!Greetings from Greece

[@stingray228]

I'm from Alcoy, its a shame you didn't get to see how beautiful it is before Odette happened. Hopefully you with your family will get the chance to visit back in a much better circumstances. Also, living here in Canada, I can perfectly relate to some of your personal challenging experiences you're having living there. Out here, everything is so convenient and accessible, organize and instantly available, its the 10% that causes frustration even for the locals. :) But you're right, I still love the other 90% which motivates me to comeback when I'm ready to retire. Cheers!

[@geofffletcher2539]

Great video. Thankyou.take care with your family ..God bless

[@pere4487]

I have followed your channel since the early days. You leave an honest report.

[@michelblouin1088]

Is it what we called adapting to the country. Don’t worry Ned you still very young. Enjoyed no matter where you are life is beautiful. I would like to be in Dumaguete but wife is younger and cannot retired now but soon I hope we can go there for 6 months a year.

[@Slipknot-fm8zl]

I really really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing and your honesty makes this very relatable.

[@RafaelGil2022]

Goodmornig.Ned. good video. I did visited Dumaguete in dici. 2014. Hope to meet you soon. Welcome back..take care.

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

Awesome reflections and summary of your time in the Philippines. It gives you a great appreciation for what you had in the past and what is really important in life.

[@dehuillanddeleveaux5039]

I enjoyed the video yes when I first went to the Philippines and came back to America my life has changed I just wanted to get back over there but now I am planning to go back to visit this year and next year to stay with my new sweetie pie but at the same time a week ago my dad passed away it was so hard for me but I am so proud what he did for the country you know he was in American Air Force he had a military funeral I had so many tears for my dad because I was so proud of him I have his purple heart that will stay with me for the rest of my life and I'm so happy for you what you have done your time in the military and thank you for your service chap I hope one day we can meet up in the Philippines to have a couple drinks but I do not drink Coca-Cola for me be safe and your family God bless you chap 😊🙏

[@donbarnett1553]

You have honored your father and moved my heart with the words you wrote above. I thank you both.

[@benevita8562]

hello, saw the video on 05/10/2022. Nice walk, beautiful trees and area. Thank you, from Lyon, FRANCE 🇲🇫

[@docleebongosia3466]

Nice and practical insights about your stay and lessons learned while staying in the Philippines. Keep safe always and God bless!

[@LD-nl5vf]

Wishing you the best.

[@dycaburnay4180]

It depends also what area of the Philippines you are living in, if you are westeners you should stay in big cities where more developed more updated life styles it would be easier to adjust coming from the US or any countries thats more modern.

[@scottbrebner7829]

Thank you for the lead it was a good lead Scott from Chicago

[@howardrewald9817]

I have a large amount of black salve if you need it at any time. If you don't know about black salve look youtube be aware there is some negative there. I use black salve on my arms often. Best is to use it early on when the scale appears , i live central Luzon.

[@ericbown1551]

I’m processing my visa at the moment and i can process most things online, my Filipina is a corporate banker in Manila and she’s so frustrated with procedures there in Phil. It’s a double edged sword especially living outside the big cities ..I will get my girl to do most of the humdrum stuff…god bless 🙏

[@binni61]

Was so nice to hear your story n experiences. Thank you so much.

[@douglasmartin4029]

This was a simple chose when I married my Philippina wife...we will live in the US for @25 years and the remainder in the Philippines. I always had long sleeve shirt and a wide hat when delivering mail in Orlando...yes, I must do the same there! So you are happy 90 percent of the time....when you get older the percentage will go higher! Be good!

[@HBP2]

The sun there is good for my health Dr told me to get a tanning bed or move someplace sunny and warm . I want to devote myself to off grid sciences and experiments and helping others

[@ejnrose]

Dont live like a foreigner to relieve your stress in a daily life in this country Its simpke just live likee a filipino Take it easy God will provide

[@MyroninthePhilippines]

I have been here (Kalibo, Aklan) for about 18 months after living in the US for most of my life. The level of frustration with how difficult it is just doing ordinary daily errands or chores beyound the confines of home or buying what we considered at one time mundane merchandise or food is beyond description. I do not know if this is a geographic anomaly peculiar to the province we live in or it is a country wide issue, because we have been confined to this area due to pandemic restrictions. Oh well, I am convinced an attitude adjustment is key to long term survival here for expats such as me. It's probably not likely these issues go away by visiting neighboring locales within the country.

[@bayareatanders]

Get an S pass and you can travel anywhere within the Philippines. Ive been to Kalibo many times on my way to Boracay. Iloilo might be better for you since it is more urbanized. They even have S&R store membership the Costco equivalent of the Philippines.

[@sprikitik9719]

U are living in a secluded area. We live on a suburbs, just like outside Metro Manila (30mins away) im a Filo & even me would be struggling to live in a province-province. I am used to easy accessible malls, commercial spaces, & everything specially that I can't drive. U can transfer & move to a more complete, progressive place for ur sanity near the cities but still outside the cities.

[@MyroninthePhilippines]

@@sprikitik9719 Thank you for comment. Yes, we are in this particular area due to family ties and other financial issues. We have spent considerable time in the Metro Manila area, so yes, we are aware of the "other side" so to speak. This place will be our home base for now, but like everyone else, we're ready to travel. The province life has it's benefits, but it can be frustrating at times.

[@stevedavenport1202]

You are smarter and more charming than you give yourself credit for.

[@killerbee10ify]

Godbless you and your family brother!

[@byronvaldez8081]

Very much appreciated content Ned.

[@Abelius]

What a rare combo of wisdom and tiny ego you are, sir. Very refreshing.

[@kiko69]

Be positive like you said and remember “It’s more fun in the Philippines!”

[@jaymalin6245]

Wow your so right! I enjoyed ur vlog a lot .Ur observations were dead spot on about the Philippines. I'm a filipino who lived here in the states for almost 30 yrs and planning to go back. I may have to deal and cope with the old ways back home. I know can't stand the roosters and dogs howlings at night in the provinces. I hope I can adjust again. Beautiful area btw.

[@markmywords9372]

You should always be humble, in all that you do and experience. Sorry you had to wait so long to have a child, but glad you can see the awesomeness of a newborn's life. We learn from our travels, weather it be distantances or experiences. It's good to know and take stock of that as we move through life. I think the greatest thing you can lean from the Filipinos, is their love for life and how they can always find laughter even in the most dire of times. Remember patients is a virtue. Peace be with you.

[@daveinthephillipines7055]

Hi yes I know exactly what you mean about the 10 percent off the time I've been here 3 years and get frustrated at times but learnt I cant change how it is so go along with it I came to retire and have a more relaxed life and I've got that here one thing I think most would a agree with here is stress it something that doseint exist here and it's very noticable

[@Dapper_Dean]

I can't wait to move there myself. Particularly Bohol. The spirit of the American comradery has gone down significantly, with all the political turmoil and entitlement going on. Many of the American values have been hijacked by certain political and religious leaders. And I doubt it will be fixed anytime soon. It's probably going to take decades to fix it. So once I get my goal funds in place. Bye bye U.S. of A! 🤙🏼 Btw, great story about your life experiences, and the changes you've endured and embraced while being there.

[@samjewellery3336]

I am enjoying your videos and learning your daily life,also about pilipino lifestyles and their ways. Tnx.

[@logicallife4166]

great vlog - logical life -Cardio at home, effective, efficient Fat Burning for all fitness levels.

[@joesixpack5691]

Good video, Ned. Everyone is different and 8 years in the Phils was enough for me. Double standards, hypocrisy, lack of consideration, and the toxic culture, in general, were just too much. And fake pleasantries don't really do it for me, once you know what the locals really think of you. Wife and kiddo love it back here in the US, and we all are thriving. Might retire back there in 20 years when I'm too old to give a crap...haha.

[@bobbyfondevilla6828]

This is just so inspiring!

[@ksafan838]

You are lucky to be close to nature everyday.

[@ausmac5635]

Damn good to come across this video, I'm more hopeful about my plans to live in the Philipines.

[@arsinoeegypticum8894]

A friend of mine from USA who was before working in UAE and got an accident went to Philippines to marry end up the lady didn't want to marry him and stayed back in Dubai him left with his leg injury in Phil's. He had to do it by himself, out of money ,unable to walk, but walking up and down plains, mountains, eating fresh foods enabled him to regain his strength and can't believe he could walk same way again and even carry heavy things normally. Do at end u told him to seek help at any US EMBASSY NEAR His area ..So after a year he message me from Bahrain as he got to stat and worked there.So many years there. Now he was back in USA ..

[@apolloechavez6232]

Yes Phillippenes is only nature of human being in this world no used of fantacist just live your life as it given to us by our own creator,, enjoy your life as it given to you & give grace to him what he giveth to us!! be proud what his given to you & make praise as it given to us all people 💞💞😍

[@JoyFilipina]

Welcome back Ned!Nice to hear you channel.

[@BerndSpindler]

Thank you for your video. Age related demacularisation in the eye is reversible. I had it too. Your eye is like an old football and has lost pressure. A good eye doctor give you a shot in the eyeball ( It did not hurt) and pump little new liquid in so your pressure is stronger like a new foodball

[@coradalida2375]

My prostration in the Philippines is that when you apply a permit to build the house and to apply an electric connection ohboy it takes months to approve if even you have a proper document they require but still you have to wait for months..very prostrating 😞