SHOULD YOU LIVE IN CEBU CITY?

[@hurleywilson7246]

Cebu to me, is the right balance. Plus centrally located. Great airport. Good reliable electricity as compared to most places (important). And of course home to one of the greatest condo residences, in the Philippines (Marco Polo).

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thanks for sharing

[@clintzieandromeda6216]

I'm from Cebu and so far everything is a lot of fun especially for foreigners. Be sure to enjoy your time here along with friendly people.

[@planning-A1945]

I love Cebu Philippines.... It's surrounded by many tourist spots....❤from whales sharks, thresher sharks, sardines runs, waterfalls to canyoneerng😁, mountain peaks to flowers farms..... food lover's 😂and 3 biggest Malls....

[@dennisboulis1859]

I spent a month in the PH from Mar. to Apr. of this year. The girl that I went to meet lives in Mandaue city and we based ourselves out of an airbnb condo there while we explored Cebu as well as Borocay, Kalibo and Manila. The traffic was the only thing I really didn't like, but I have to say it was still much better than the buang traffic in Manila. LOL I will be going back in November to be with my now fiancé while we wait for our K1 visa to be approved. I'm looking forward to going back there again although I will have to get used to the traffic again. Yesterday the University of Cebu Banilad had a bomb threat posted on facebook. My future stepdaughter attends school there at the private grade school so I was very concerned for her safety. I hope they catch the person that made the threat soon. Thanks for your videos John.🙂

[@vonespinosa7055]

Yeah but things cleared out. I hae the traffic thete in UC-Banilad Campus. Tbh.

[@tedjohnson4451]

Retiring in 16 Days... I'll be in Cebu City by the end of October for a Six Month trial visit.

[@vonespinosa7055]

Enjoy sir here in Cebu yehey

[@Jake-u2o]

@@tedjohnson4451 I hope you fall “In Love” with Cebu City like I did ❤️ Albeit, I didn’t fully retire ! It was easy for me considering I moved from “Hellhole” California 🤬

[@tedjohnson4451]

@@Jake-u2o Crescent City was where where i came from. I've been in Cebu Business Park since October 20th. So far I love it. I get a Rental Condo on the 10th. Then I'll explore some more.

[@billyjohnson9166]

You thought Davao was your new home but quickly you learned Cebu was the place for you. Cebu is my home and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

[@piacash5216]

Never been To Cebu , Next time I Visit I make Sure I’ll be there in Cebu …. ✌️✌️✌️🙌🙏

[@magripinop]

Cebu is the best place to live in. Food selections are great, Cebuanos are friendly, culture and heritage site areas fantastic. Honest, non-corrupt and the best International Airport in the Philippines, let us not forget, its internationally rated for its international standard of customer service excellence. Basic services like hospitals, market, churches, government offices are more than adequate.

[@Jake-u2o]

I agree !!! I moved from "Shithole" / "Hellhole" California 2 years ago to Cebu City and life just couldn't get any better than this :)

[@lapulapupintado2892]

Facts💯% ❤SUGBO☝💯%

[@Sugbofood]

Thank you sir for choosing our city.

[@batape1965]

Another great video, John! As a mostly know-nothing foreigner who has never been to the Philippines, for some unknown reason, I am primarily interested in the Cebu area. Thank you for confirming my nearly baseless opinion!

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

You're welcome!

[@frugalnaire]

thanks for sharing your perspective

[@cebuano101]

I think you forgot to mention flooding. Glad that you love staying here in Cebu City Sir John.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you for adding that with flooding!

[@laarnieponce2010]

I live, love, laugh in Cebu. Only Cebu, been skipping Manila for 20 years now.

[@FakeJake5843]

Smart choice

[@johngalt6708]

I loved in Cebu 2008-9 and am now returning for six months January to July 2025. Very excited to see how it has changed. Apart from the traffic, which was dire 15 years ago....

[@kj7444]

thanks for the video.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

You're welcome

[@Sugbofood]

CEBU is the best place to live in the Philippines until you find something better.

[@bornonjuly7052]

Living in the Philippines you must choose the kind of place you wanted to have like convenience, your hobbies or activities, but it also the question on your budget.

[@GoKash66]

Cebu forever! #batangcebu79 #bisdak

[@TheJolo72]

There's just no better place in the Philippines than Cebu! It has the the most complete package of all the cities! It has the cosmo feel of a big city but yet not too large, very vibrant, great places to hang out and party, so many spots to go to outside the city not to mention we have one of the best island beaches! There's a reason why it is the Top tourist destination in the Philippines!

[@Jake-u2o]

After living here for 2 years now, and spent time in Manila and Davao, Cebu City seems more community'ish than the others ! As far as traffic, this ain't traffic ! I was born and raised in the Bay Area so I have perspective of what real traffic is :)

[@chadr4013]

Manila, Davao, Cebu city are all the places to avoid.

[@Jake-u2o]

@@chadr4013 Why did you say ???

[@dsrrellgriffith1161]

@@chadr4013 not if u rely on a decent hospital and healthcare and older,,,,,essential

[@chadr4013]

@@Jake-u2o I’ve visited them and even the locals say they don’t like living there.

[@78swats]

But the condo rents seem expensive like $1000 a month?

[@jdyoungman6380]

i can't wait to get back there

[@arentol99]

Lived in Cebu for 18 years. Finally left last year for Thailand- best decision I’ve ever made. Infrastructure upgrade is significant.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

For sure infrastructure way better in Thailand, and food too. But if great infrastructure is what I wanted as a first priority in my life I'd go back to the US. I feel more at home with the people in very Philippines and communication is so much easier. Curious how you feel about the difference between those things with Thailand and the Philippines

[@arentol99]

@@WatchCaliforniaExpat I lived in Cebu from 30 - 48 years old. For the first 15 years, as you mentioned, infrastructure was less of a priority. I could sacrifice that in exchange for simply being around the friendliness of the Filipinos. They are truly special -- the friendliest people in the world, speak English, and are never distraught no matter what life throws at them. I went through multiple earthquakes and two category typhoons in Cebu, all of which proved the resilience of the Filipino people. After 15 years, though, the little things add up... it wears you down, especially as you get older. The lack of healthcare, the crab mentality, living for the day approach, the lack of discipline, and the refusal to go the extra step in work, life, etc. Thailand is a whole different ball of wax, as they say. Not only is the infra world-class, but there is a genuine dedication to customer service. It's a service-oriented society, which pervades all aspects of life here. It's also Buddhist... so the culture is much different. Everyone has their own path to walk, and here in Thailand you truly have the freedom to live your life... whatever life that may be. I was fortunate to have lived in the Philippines, but am truly blessed to now live in Thailand. There is something for everyone here... if you're on a budget, you can live cheaply. If you have a high income, you can live like a King. It accommodates all strata, unlike Philippines which does not offer the options at the higher income levels. To sum it up: It depends on what kind of expat we're talking about. If it's a First-Time Expat (i.e., never lived outside of their home country) with a modest or restricted income, such as a pension, then I'd likely recommend the Philippines. It's an easy gateway into SE Asia, and it offers the cheapest long-stay options such as the SRRV, 13a if you're married, Quota, SIRV, etc. If you're an expat who has already been around the block and/or earn a more substantial income, then I'd recommend Thailand. It offers more bang for your buck, and can truly offer a lifestyle of your own making that Philippines simply cannot do. I've lived in BGC in Manila, and Maria Luisa in Cebu... I've bought condos and homes in the priciest parts of the country. I can tell you that Philippines just cannot offer what Thailand can if you're a higher income earner. In any case, best of luck and thank you for all your hard work and excellent videos. Much love!

[@LB-ty6ks]

Very good advise.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gregmatugas4649]

Cebuano at ❤

[@RobertZuluaga-x4e]

Born in Cebu city and lived till I was 7 then moved stateside. I miss the food and the people.

[@ManWithNoName-t2d]

Snowbirding at my uncle's house in Montezarra skypod subdivision in Guadeloupe, cebu, then back to Florida after 5 months. Wash rinse repeat. Just bought a 2 bedroom condo at Mandani Bay, Mabdaue. I was told it will be livable within the year, but will still travel between herr and florida.

[@ricorog]

Great video...thanks.

[@Mandingo44]

It always depends on the persons kind of lifestyle. Some like country living and some like big cities like manila and davao some like a smaller cities. Davao is big but its mostly country living.

[@corpaxhunter]

I'm from Cebu but I haven't tried exploring outside Cebu

[@jeromegacang5797]

Cebuanos are the best english speakers- language barrier wouldnt be an issue at all.

[@scottmoseley5122]

Hey John ! just subscribed.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you Scott!

[@roamaroundgisg7362]

As someone who is Cebuano-Davaoeno, I would say Cebu is a nice place due to its modern amenities and good food. Cebuanos know how to cook well, and the pastries are the probably the Best in the Philippines. However, here are some of the biggest drawbacks: 1. Dirty streets and highways. Many of them are. 2. Insufficient or lack of Public Trash bins. 3. Super Heavy Traffic. 4. Narrow roads. There are only very few main roads that are wide enough. 5. Higher cost of living, utility bills, rent, etc. So, u need to have higher income to compensate. As for Davao, it is a very huge place with Modern amenities on par with Cebu and Manila in general in terms of Government and Private hospitals, shopping centers and the like. Here are the reasons that makes Davao better than Cebu: 1. It has lots of areas with Wide roads and highways; 6 to 8 lane roads are plentiful outside the City center or central downtown. 2. Main roads are highly interconnected to each other, and with secondary roads through the bypass roads. 3. Most places in Davao city, and whole Metro Davao and Davao region are CLEAN, ORGANIZED, and well-maintained when compared to most cities in the Philippines. 4. The fruits and vegetables and Rice are of better quality and Very Affordable, if not ouright cheap. -There are more affordable restaurants and eateries due to the abundance of food sources with better quality Raw food materials than those from Visayas and Luzon. 5. Cheaper rent, except for condos; and more affordable utilities. 6. Income or salaries are more or less similar, if not higher or slightly lower than Cebu. Basically, very similar. Hence, you save tons of money when u live in Davao. 7. Safer and more secured. 8. Cleaner public transportation especially with City and Provincial-bound buses. Davao's buses are also newer and more modern than Cebu, and even when compared with New York or the East coast in the US. 9. Davao city and Davao region as a whole, has better network of Public or Government hospital network than Cebu, and Government health facilities in Davao are bigger. -Davao has more large Tertiary level or Level-4 hospitals as well. 10. Good quality white sand and black sand resorts are easier to access, and Hill escape and Mountain resorts are plentiful as well. Well-within 15mins to 1 hour of Travel. Generally, Davao has better standards of living and lower cost of living. This is from my experiences having lived in both metros and provinces, respectively for years and many times as well. Having lived in Cebu also made me realize as to why huge swaths Cebuanos and Visayans moved to Davao for many decades. It is even true up to this day.

[@TheJolo72]

No matter how you sell Davao! Tourist and Filipinos are not interested to live and visit in your place! Nothing to do there, I don't think it's much cleaner, traffic is as bad, CDO is even better! There's a reason why Davao hasn't even landed on top places to visit in the Philippines! It will just be matter of time when all govt projects are done and traffic will ease up in Cebu and all slums will be replaced by high rise bldg! I know dvo my wife is from there but Cebu is far better city!

[@Twaiter-q9c]

But it's boring!!!

[@SoundsofthePhilippines123]

Nice video 🎉🎉🍾🍾🌞🌞👍

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thank you very much

[@vonespinosa7055]

CEBU is no. 1 place to stay over Manila everyrhing is there. Tbh

[@DBLkCPTVET]

I have been in Cebu now about 11 days. I have not met a friendly local yet. I have only had expats say hello or nod their head. Locals just stare or look away. Every taxi ride has included the expat pricing. I’m getting worried but at least I will be checking out Bacolod and Davao for a month each just like Cebu before I decide where to stay permanently.

[@dsrrellgriffith1161]

yeah,,,i lived in cebu city for 7 years,,,,Vloggers and the foreigner pervs always say how great the people are, i just laugh. Most filipinos look at you as a ATM machine, they think what they can get out of u eventually. Most of the girls want nothing to do with a foreigner, but these vloggers think all the girls want them. Its all about money for the girls, and sex for the old foreigners. Its hot, traffic near the malls, and many of the foreigners have mental problems. I use grab, never use taxi unless i have no choice.

[@Kimonha]

When are you and Marco gonna launch your new podcast?

[@christosgiasemakis8960]

I was in Cebu last Christmas for 1 month and as you said in your video i was like really very much but the only problem was that not have beach infront so must go far for the beach. Do you know other big city a little bit same as Cebu but have also beach infront for me go again on Christmas in philippines of course?

[@daphbacus9256]

Been in Cebu City almost all my life, grew up in there, but now chose to live in Cebu Province, particularly, in Bantayan Island, more peaceful and no traffic, hehe. I wanted to experience the provincial lifestyle. I also want to live in Davao or Iloilo to live in a different region of the Philippines. Hoping to do that.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thanks for sharing!

[@NurseTalking]

Traffic? I learned to walk. Hahaha

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Very funny. My friend rides his bicycle everywhere to get around traffic

[@NurseTalking]

Cebu is my hometown but I never find traffic a problem. Maybe I have a lot of patience than those constant complainers. Patience is a virtue btw. Char.

[@ezingles698]

What region has the most beautiful woman😊

[@Philippinelifewithjanet]

👍

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Thanks Janet!

[@cutiemajerlink]

narrow roads in cebu or anywhere in the philippines causes the traffic...whereas in the western world wider road infrastructures can be widely seen

[@MyIslandRetreat]

Thanks for helping us in understanding the differences in towns.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Any time!

[@frugalnaire]

whats been your experrience of internet bandwidth in cebu and in the phillipines ?

[@jerrystanley6820]

Funny been here in Inayawan Cebu 5 months finally met 1 expat from Indiana We have 2 Gasanos 5 min trike ride and wet market and taxi into city when needed 30 minutes and the locals warming up to me now so all good need advice girlfriend and I plan to get married where and how do we start 13a process and what cost to expect

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Hey Jerry good to meet you. I have used C&G Consulting for all my visa work and would recommend them. I've had a number of videos with Heidi from the company who is one of the owners and the whole staff has always been helpful. There's a link to their website in this video description.

[@dennisboulis1859]

First check the paperwork requirements. Make sure you have your certified birth certificate as well as any divorce papers that may apply. Most important is to make sure that your documents are apostille sealed from your home country. Certification and notarization are needed, but they are not enough by themselves to be recognized by the Philippine government.

[@roccobeltpungot7422]

👍🏽👋🏽 Bravo

[@johnlloydortilano9205]

❤❤❤

[@ReyvenBergado-tf2sc]

Best places to live in the Philippines are in Alabang in M.Manila , Nuvali in Sta. Rosa . Claremont near Clark Airbase , LA Union, Triboa Bay , Iloilo city , and Puerto Princesa city .

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Why Alabang and Puerto Princesa? I haven't been to all of the other places but both of those places didn't seem to have much to offer. Alabang is well planned and clean and growing business hub. But everything closes so early can barely get a taxi at 8pm and not much to do.

[@ReyvenBergado-tf2sc]

@@WatchCaliforniaExpat they are the most beautiful places. Alabang even it is like BGC it is still developing and will become the biggest business district in the Philippines . Puerto Princesa even it doesn't have a BGC yet it has still a nice city and beautiful nature .

[@proud995s]

​@@ReyvenBergado-tf2scbro you don't have any idea hehe you do not know what you are saying

[@ReyvenBergado-tf2sc]

@@proud995s I've been there several times . I did the Philippine loop I know what I'm saying. You live in a cave that's why you don't know

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

@@ReyvenBergado-tf2sc Thank you for sharing more

[@merrileeleonard6372]

Snippet: Pardon our mess at the moment -- we are working untiringly to organize the city of Cebu. More communities are still being built this year, 2024, alongside other parts of the country -- Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas. Welcome to Cebu City. Enjoy your visit. be blessed. sep2024

[@Twaiter-q9c]

Manila or NCR is too much, Davao is big but boring, Iloilo is so tiny and boring.

[@royal-enfield1]

¿ whats your overall assessment on davao , & would u live their long term

[@mikimikemike1]

the pollution in manila is problem

[@lons5472]

Is the traffic worse than taking 4 hrs to go 3 miles in MM.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Its not, and people tell me about traffic like that in Manila but I've never experienced it personally even in rush hour. Normally in rush hour I take the toll way and don't have much problem. In Cebu City there's no options like that so you are stuck in endless traffic, not only in rush hour, but random times of the day.

[@rossini7up]

You can also try living in Iloilo

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

I'd love to visit there

[@Twaiter-q9c]

Boring

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

@@Twaiter-q9c Where is exciting?

[@Twaiter-q9c]

@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Nothing much to do in Iloilo not unless you want to be a farmer?

[@AdventurousGirl-vp9vx]

❤❤❤😊😊

[@johncalder-gx4bf]

My comment on where to live. If you marry a Filipina it is usually her who picks the place to live, most often close to her family and home. Enough said.

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

I think bad idea in most cases to live near the family.

[@johncalder-gx4bf]

@@WatchCaliforniaExpat Good idea. you can hire relatives to do tasks such as yard maintenance.

[@zombieslayer7083]

I'd choose Cebu, too. However, the language might be challenging for me. I don't think I can learn to speak Bisaya."

[@Sugbofood]

You can speak anything you like, Here in Cebu even your foot can be used as sign language come in worse to worse scenario.

[@nykko73]

For some reason Filipinos like 😂Romanians ( like me) I make friends wherever I go ….btw my gf she’s Filipina

[@wilsonbrua8691]

At night its free for you.

[@jetd9716]

As a Cebuano, I love our home city but it really has gotten too congested and polluted. You drive around Mandaue and in and around Cebu I see too much garbage in the streets and too many dilapidated structures around. We live in Manila now and its really different here, there are big differences for sure. One, the food choices are way better than CEBU and there are stuff you can buy here that you can't find in Cebu. Also, since there are a total of 17 cities within the Metro, they all have a different flavor in them, like your sampling 17 different cities really is how it feels like. One can really experience a abundance of choice here in Manila. I love Cebu and we go back twice a year but driving in and around the city is a pain. LOL

[@royrendon1726]

TRAFFIC.. TRAFFIC.. TRAFFIC.. Hahaha.. Go to consolacion anytime of the day even during the night u will see the worse traffic in the world.. Traffic rules in consolacion has no teeth..

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Oh yes, you are right haha. I remember all of the times I've been to Consolacion its traffic kaayo lol.

[@tingtongfarang]

Hi....did you say that you cannot just go to any beach you want to? Wow that's so weird. I'm an Aussie and beaches are just there for us all to use. Thailand is the only country i know a bit about and all beaches in Thailand are public. No resort or hotel chain can "own" a beach. Doesn't matter how fancy a resort is they don't own beaches lol. The Thai government owns all the beaches and they are open to all..... only exception i can think of is military bases on the beach. Got to say not being able to walk onto any beach i like would be disappointing. Another vote in the Thailand column i guess😁

[@marichuarmodia2375]

My favourite places Davao city to live ❤

[@rlh125]

What is it that makes you like Davao the best?

[@vincemaartin888]

You forgot to mention the floods in Cebu

[@Mandingo44]

The floods are worse in other cities.

[@lapulapupintado2892]

not the entire SUGBO gets flooded buddy! GTFOOH.

[@mainro.s]

Floods are much worse in Manila

[@raysentillas5878]

Filipinos arent the same regionally

[@lapulapupintado2892]

True Facts💯%

[@gv2035]

As for you my friend, I think you should live in Davao City. 😊😂

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

Haha, I agree. I love Davao City.

[@jdyoungman6380]

hermits cove

[@magnapearl9506]

nobody talk about MAGUINDANAO or LANAO

[@mikimikemike1]

da nang seems better value then cebu

[@chadr4013]

Mahal! Cebu was too expensive and people were rude.

[@DioscoroDaculesJr.P.]

I thought Davao was your favorite place to live, and why is Cebu now? You realized that you are wrong?

[@WatchCaliforniaExpat]

I never said Cebu City was my favorite place to live.

[@mindispower777]

Ey

[@WhyYouTrippin]

Is traffic worse than in Manila?

[@BURGATRON]

no. It has the worst, unhealthiest food in the philippines. I am so glad I don't live there anymore

[@linikit]

Pandering.

[@cantonchannel2073]

❤❤❤

[@kirkdimayacyac3558]

❤️❤️❤️