Should You Retire in Bacolod, Philippines?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

If you want to see retirement in Puerta Galera next, known for it's beaches, let's get this video to 1,000 likes. Appreciate you Savvy Expats! Get access to exclusive content + support the channel - www.patreon.com/thesavvyexpat

[@jeemtvmr.actually]

The Ruins is in Talisay city...Lakawon is in Cadiz City...Balai negrense is in Silay City...

[@RED_WIRE]

Correct

[@charleshawkins9540]

Very good job with this video, young man! You covered many topics of concern for your target audience in depth and didn't sugarcoat anything. I will definitely check out more of your channel and recommend it to others.

[@AshleySantos-p2x]

bacolod is the ideal place to retire, especially with the new developments taking place. the people are also nice and the food is always good. will definitely be investing to retire there

[@Yonistravels]

I found you channel today a lot of good info on Philippines, thanks a lot

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Right on Yonis! Much more content to come over here brother.

[@Yonistravels]

@@TheSavvyExpat thanks..

[@markbannister5586]

Thanks for showcasing Bacolod. It has the same challenges as in the U.S., especially with the level of crime there. But, I’ll definitely add the floating bar and beaches there to our “to do list”. You are becoming my favorite vlogger. Keep ‘‘em coming. 👍🏾🇵🇭

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Most definitely Mark, the floating bar and Island is a must when near Bacolod. Glad you enjoy the videos, much more to come!

[@markbannister5586]

@@TheSavvyExpat Looking forward to your next work. Merry Christmas friend!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

@@markbannister5586 Merry Christmas Mark!

[@christianreumendoza9965]

I was born and raised in Bacolod but now working in Manila. I kinda disagree on the hospital part, those you mentioned are those who did not have a pretty good image in terms of health care delivery. But there are private hospitals in Bacolod like Riverside and newer hospitals which provide world class health services. Also, if you look up "Best Place to Live in the Philippines" Bacolod is always on the lists. It's a slow paced yet modern City where you can find all the convenience. Nice vlog btw!

[@the_silentAssasin]

No hospital in thr philippines is world class, not even st lukes

[@danielnetz7539]

Very in depth review. I've been all over the Philippines from Ilocos Norte in the north to Davao in the south, and many places in between. But I have yet to visit Bacolod. I really appreciate the effort you put into making these videos very detailed. Keep up the good work 👏

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks for the kind words Daniel. As long as these videos provide informative value, they're always worthwhile to make. Much more to come!

[@RandyA7]

Thank you for sharing that information. Definitely would want better hospitals than you describe 😊

[@TheSavvyExpat]

No doubt Randy, you can never be too careful so I'd say for most, the hospital situation is a deal breaker for most considering to retire in Bacolod. Thanks for watching!

[@anthonyuy6781]

I work at most hospitals there and I want to evaporate. The nicest hospital is in Adventist. But the high end facility is in Riverside. I can say top hospitals can be found in Metro Manila.

[@jamesclaire115]

Tuli, Another great video. Thank you for sharing some great information. I really appreciate your discussion of living expenses. Stay well and be blessed!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks James. One question, what does tuli mean? I thought that means circumcision 😂

[@devonferris]

Another great analysis and very well researched information. Too smart for your age.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I appreciate the kind words Devon!

[@jushjaralba999]

I live in Bacolod. Used to be a peaceful city, but in recent years there have been several cases of killings because of the on-going war on drugs. Rape and killings can occur anywhere, and unless we have statistics showing it's rampant in the city compared to other cities of the same size, I don't think it's really worth mentioning as a con. I've also lived in Manila, and will go back there soon. And although Manila has got a bad rep, even for people from the provinces, on the ground it's not as bad as it is painted to be. As long as you stay in your lane and take reasonable precautions, you'll generally be safe. That said, it's the same for Bacolod. Just be discerning enough not to go to shady areas or do shady stuff, and you'll generally be fine. About the downtown area, there are definitely areas to avoid. But most people with money generally stay/shop/do their business in more developed areas like Lacson and East area anyway. As for the hospitals, the hospitals you mentioned are probably the 3 smallest and worst hospitals in the city. There's Riverside Medical Center (the largest, and run by the same company as Makati Med), Bacolod Doctor's Hospital and Adventist Hospital, which are the top 3 choices for most middle-upper class residents. There are also several new facilities being constructed. I would definitely recommend the city for foreigners who want to retire cheaply but still enjoy the conveniences of living in a mid-sized city. It's a great city for raising a family, as bigger houses are relatively cheap and traffic isn't as bad as in Manila or Cebu, which makes owning a car worth it. As for me (a young professional), this city has lost the vibrance that it used to have. Nightlife here is practically non-existent (used to be good), even without the curfews. The city has little, if any entertainment to offer aside from the usual malls. If you love the laidback lifestyle, you'd fit right in. But if you want a metropolitan lifestyle and like to be always on-the-go, this city is probably not for you.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Very well said Jush. And thanks for bringing up the hospital situation as a local. While researching, I hadn't come across the hospitals that you mentioned so it's great know that there are better hospitals out there. Crime rate is moderate in Bacolod but I still nevertheless had to mention the rape and murder cases for my viewers to be aware. But, without a doubt, the main attraction to Bacolod for a retiree would likely be the low cost of living. Thanks for watching.

[@bayareatanders]

Bacolod, Duma and San Carlos City is where expats are beginning to settle. If retired you want a slower laid back life especially coming from the states like if you were a resident of NYC, SFO, LA, Chicago, Dallas or Atlanta and other big cities in America. I live in the Bay Area near San Francisco and its really fast life with Silicon Valley getting more tech employees. Housing cost is skyrocketing. It has doubled in the last 5 years.

[@vareseources]

I was born and raised in Silay City, part of Metro Bacolod. I lived there until I finished college. Now I am living here in Tanauan City, Batangas, for 22 years now but visit Bacolod 2 to 3 times a year as my family still owns properties there. Bacolod is far more peaceful than my current residence here in Luzon.

[@RED_WIRE]

For sure I’m going back home in Bacolod when I retire. Although Bacolod isn’t as peaceful as before. When I left Bacolod 20 years ago collection of garbage is weekly, now 👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼 time for the city to take over the collection of garbage from private contractors like before.

[@jamesclaire115]

Tuli, Great video. Small wonder you have jumped so fast in your number of subscribers. I really enjoy your video content. Stay well, stay safe and be blessed.

[@dorisdalanon6663]

Continue your enlightening vlogs. Stay safe always & God bless!!!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you! You too!

[@dorisdalanon6663]

What an in depth review.. Congrats & God bless you..

[@katolau]

I'm a broken record, but your detailed comparisons are of incredible value so big mahalo for covering the hospitals. Bad health care is a deal-breaker for this guy, unfortunately... always blown away that it cost less to stay a month in the PH than a couple of days on a cruise or in Hawaii...

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That means a lot Roti. And I'm with you, if healthcare isn't good then it's not worth living there. Can never be too careful when it comes to that. And when it comes to cost of living, I was also suprised to see how affordable it was to live in these provinces. Thanks for watching Roti! Aloha

[@roymina5151]

Nice and well informed about your location in the province am also a pinoy currently in Canada Nice of you enjoying stay in the Phil. happy to hear all the info s enjoy it take care God bless

[@isedelacruz535]

Riverside Medical Centre and The Bacolod Doctor's Hospital are 2 of the reputable hospitals in Bacolod you missed to mention.The reviews you must have read were from less popular and controversial hospitals. Bacolod gets typhoon once every 10 years because it is surrounded with mountain ranges.. Hiligaynon is the dialect.

[@jlynnburton9718]

A very good friend of mine Has lived in Bacolod all her life. As for medical treatment she recommends either Riverside medical center or Bacolod Adventist medical center when you need Med. care

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks Lynn

[@anthonyuy6781]

This is true. Hahaha I work in these hospitals. But Adventist is nicest and less expensive but high end techs are in Riverside.

[@jlynnburton9718]

@@anthonyuy6781 Question for you, Who in your opinion are the top Nephroloigst in Bacolod?

[@anthonyuy6781]

@@jlynnburton9718 I work in these hospitals way back 2013. I can only recommend pedia doctor and Ob gyne that I can still remember.

[@jlynnburton9718]

@@anthonyuy6781 Ok thanks, I was told before to reach out to Brian Togle, I tried several times but never had a reply

[@jamesprado3059]

The best place to settle in bacolod city, everything is within reach, not overcrowded like manila still can breathe fresh air, if you want to chill theres a lot of places nearby ,lots of big shopping malls as well like robinsons, sm, ayala, vistamall 888 and city malls, you can enjoy the future big developments in the city more CBS are being built in the city like Uppereast CBD by megaworld and north hill at rockwell center bacolod,,,,,, ,,,,bacolod is getting bigger and a better in the future,,,,,,,,,

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I hope Bacolod continues to grow from here. Thanks for the info James. Well said.

[@jamesprado3059]

@@TheSavvyExpat yep bacolod is only a provincial capital in the province of negros occidental but it has a highrise buildings, more condos and hotels are u/c right now,,,,,,,,,,, one of the most progressive city in visayas region ,,,,,,,,,

[@jamesprado3059]

@@TheSavvyExpat i hope so because almost a giant investors is already here in the city like robinson, sm, ayala, megaworld, vistaland and rockwell more upcoming big developments in the city

[@adrianoftheuniverse]

I grew up in Bacolod, but became happy here in the US. I may not retire in the Philippines, but if I do, quality healthcare would be top priority. I might choose a city other than Bacolod to retire even if it’s pricier. Iloilo might be the better option since we speak the same dialect.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Absolutely, Iloilo, though a little bit more pricey will offer a much better standard of living. I'll be covering that in an upcoming video.

[@jamesprado3059]

Sabihin mo nalang taga iloilo ka,,,,,,, kaya ayaw mo mag retire sa bacolod,,,,,,,,, walang pakialam taga bacolod sayo😂😂😂ang importante eneenjoy namin ang bacolod ngayon lahat andito na mapa malls man yan o ano pa andito na rin sa bacolod ang pinaka modern na mcdo sa buong visayas kaya best place ang bacolod to settle in,,,,,,,

[@klober5114]

I’m also thinking of Iloilo since the international airport is there. Looking forward for your Iloilo video. Thanks!

[@lancefortaleza3665]

Iloilo is a rubbish city if you know every corner of it.for a city of 78 square kilometers and a population of 474,000 it is the most densely populated city in western Visayas it has twice the density of bacolod's.narrow roads.Dirty river..yes dirty river.contrary to what they advertise to promote their city..the river is dirty..its tributaries are dumping sites of garbage for the locals.

[@lancefortaleza3665]

@@TheSavvyExpat there are more foreign visitors in bacolod than in iloilo each year.there are more Foreigners residing in bacolod than iloilo.Bacolod has a fresher air than iloilo which has a Coal fired power plant inside its city.cool mountain and countryside is just 15 minutes away from the city center.

[@glennwlove]

Great video, but I disagree on one point, the hospitals. I’m Australian and received lifesaving diagnosis and care in a Bacolod hospital.

[@bayareatanders]

I would definitely visit Bacolod. Maskara festival is colorful as what Ive seen on youtube. Thanks for the info.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Absolutely, looks like a fun festival

[@ajy1980]

@@TheSavvyExpat you should visit @asia by night vlog here in yt he lives in Bacolod for more than 25 years. your facts is purely hearsay

[@raymondcook8364]

I can't find a video that states the monthly garbage rate.

[@thnaykhwam2425]

Masskarra was fun . Would b glad to visit Bacolod given d opportunity . Last 2 trips was 1998 and 2000.thats 21 yrs ago ... Alot of changes l believe... Tnx mate 4 d excellent video👍🏼♥️

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks for tuning in again Pat! Sounds like you've been all over the Philippines throughout your time. That's awesome.

[@thnaykhwam2425]

@@TheSavvyExpat yes I have travelled from North till Sulu. M a curious and adventurous guy . Same when studying in UK did d same during summer break

[@ASITL]

what do you suggest - Bacolod or Dumaguete?

[@ASITL]

the rents you mentioned is for furnished or unfurnished houses?

[@Guilhermealmeida.]

Bacolod was on the top of my list to live in the Philippines. But now I am reconsidering. Thank you for the video.

[@virgiesipat8630]

Haha...Im commenting on ur post after 2 years ...U might wanna check how's bacolod been doing ryt now.i feel sad on ur decisions..pity on u

[@rigeltubianosa4234]

Great video but some are misquoted. Bacolod is in Negros Occidental, not Oriental.

[@RoyFJ65]

Food price raw materials is generally low and quality is top notch as well as variety but infrastructure is crumbling and needs to be addressed soon.

[@emconsolacion7950]

Some astonishing aspect of the city is going in the right direction, edit: other directions where portrait in the dark side of lights where absolutely undesirables probably 8 yrs ago, that situational is quite true , there are changes when i drop by 3 years ago, and it keeps on moving forward to the right development and ill move in within 2

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Absolutely

[@emconsolacion7950]

@@TheSavvyExpat thanks for the insight they look and re-adjust some priorities to make the city look better for all to live, and i think, they give a positive response to build a better facilities, and infrastructure . thanks

[@johnjolly2087]

Does anyone know if Chirato Heights Granada is a decent area? Considering buying there. Thanks.

[@jumpinjehoshaphat1951]

Bacolod is more pedestrian friendly than Iloilo. The walkways aren't jammed with sidewalk merchants.

[@bonarielabacajen7930]

Please make a review about siquijor island. Its a nice place and stayed in that island/province for a yr during the pandemic.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Will do. Siquijor seems like a beautiful place.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

By the way the “Ruins” are referred to as the Taj Mahal of Negros because of WHY it was built. It has nothing to do with the architecture of the building. Just sayin.

[@IamMagsB]

how did you find those accomodation in Bacolod, online? or referral?

[@Michael-Robert-2000]

Dear Savvy Expat, you are not pronouncing the name of the city correctly. Please transfer your emphasis from the A sound to the first O and then the second O. Besides that you did a pretty good job.

[@pig5267]

Summer and Winter? Since when did we have winter in the Philippines? We basically have 2 seasons, wet/rainy and dry.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

lol "bur" months. That's what I'm referring to. We do have winter season, it's not considered to be cold.

[@rudysanico937]

how about health care?

[@devonferris]

LOVE It, can we get a tour of your room? Seems nice.

[@nesssmith7537]

So the summer/hot time is like Florida/Southern Texas type temperatures

[@lpst8201]

Yes but your gonna be sticky and sweaty in the summer compared Florida/ southern Texas

[@robertgrunstein9982]

Great informative video. How would you compare Dumaguette cost of living and hospitals with Bacolod?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I believe Dumaguete is slightly more expensive but from what I've seen, the place offers more.

[@ajy1980]

@@TheSavvyExpat hello Bacolod is much more expensive than dumaguete. What basis of your talking in your vlog ?

[@KelisinHD]

Where’s the best place to move our family of 4 if we want to live on the beach in a house with a $5000 US / mo cost of living budget ?

[@thnaykhwam2425]

Well articulated . Have been der 2x only nice and quiet , serene but probably lacked some modern infrastructure.if u have college going child it would b quite inconvenient.... Nonetheless , it depends on one's option after weighing all d pros/cons and if u a retiree with children or otherwise ...

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Exactly. If one is looking for a cheap cost of living Bacolod is a considerable place. Other than that, at least nowadays, there's not much else to move there for.

[@WaterfallWhispering]

PG would be a good video as well, been looking at land there lately.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Most definitely. Really looking forward to making a video on that place.

[@pig5267]

The Masskara Featival started around 40 some years ago not 30.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks, good to know

[@franzle]

Buck colod is that how locals pronounce it?

[@scottpool4777]

Yes I would take the small house definitely.IIigan City 🇨🇿

[@pig5267]

I agree some hospitals are dirty and not well maintained with inadequate & inexperienced staff and supplies but most of these belong to government hospitals. With the exceptions of one or two, most of the 5 private hospitals are clean and properly managed but of course you need to pay more if you go to these private hospitals. Just to put things in their proper perspective.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks, good to know!

[@migovasquez0303]

This is not a well researched video. Sadly, there are a lot things that you didnt mention like Hospitals and places to see. There at least 10 hospitals in the city and lots of places to see in the city itself.

[@phillipmartello3408]

Really enjoy your videos but I have one question ? You always bring up typhoons in videos my questions : is there any location in Philippines that escape typhoons? Or less serious winds?

[@CCoburn3]

If you MUST have a beach, Bacolod may be the place for you. But it is HOT, muggy, and prone to flooding during typhoons. Baguio is cheaper, much cooler, and doesn't flood. But there is no beach, and it DOES rain -- a lot. For my taste, I'd rather have a cooler place in the hills than swelter on the beach. But that's just personal preference.

[@Michael-Robert-2000]

It's my understand that Baguio housing is more than double the cost.

[@CCoburn3]

@ Perhaps. But it is still inexpensive compared to the US. And the weather is better. I know some people like extremely hot and muggy weather. I’m not one of them. But the beauty of the Philippines is that people can live where they want without breaking the bank.

[@glennandthefilamfam]

My sister in law lives in Bacolod City :) My brother in law and parent inlaws live in Himamaylan City :) I would love to retire there, me and my wife.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That's awesome Glenn, what were your thoughts on Bacolod?

[@glennandthefilamfam]

@@TheSavvyExpat thanks, also, I enjoy your videos

[@glennandthefilamfam]

I also want to add, an expat just should not show wealth with blings and gadgets. Respecting others and blending in and enjoying the culture and friendly people. Also avoiding alleyways that might present concern for a person possibly encountering an intoxicated person or persons who might want to do harm. I've been in law enforcement for over 20 years now, and 30 years of working in security work. :) It's not much different than here in Ogden Utah.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

@@glennandthefilamfam Exactly Glenn, it's all about being conscious of your surroundings. Thank you for your service!

[@glennandthefilamfam]

The Chicken House is a great place in Bacolod for chicken.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@nesssmith7537]

Would 82,000php a month be enough for a 4 of family in bacolod city?

[@Lovereelsph]

That's more than enough if you just have small family

[@Tomh821]

I think Luzon is the worst area in the Philippines. Anywhere north of Manila constantly hammered by Typhoons , mudslides.

[@philippinecowboy]

You may pay more a month but if you want to move were there's decent medical healthcare, your best bet is in Davao City, Cebu City or around the Makati area. For me that's the number one thing I look for, you don't want a serious emergency happening when hundreds of miles away from a good hospital. Being cheap could kill you in the end!

[@emconsolacion7950]

true!! the city is now trying to build on the situation , 3 hosp is about to cement pouring, note they are establish within five miles radius from its other . thanks for the insight anyway

[@spiderscurry5614]

ha davao city is so ugly

[@anthonyuy6781]

I live there its quite hot and its peaceful but not in the secluded city areas where beggars are around. But just be careful of pick pocketers and don't flaunt cellphones, like in manila bags to the front. If you want to build a house please consider high fences with sharps on top and if possible consider a dog/s. I work in the hospitals there. I advice Adventist! much better than the others. But well lack of personnel because of brain drain in all hospitals. In lagoon park there is also a museum. Its haunted 😊been there twice. Manukan country for Chicken inasal. Calea cakes. Mambukal for hotsprings Balay Negrense Mini Bagiou Pugad tree houses Lakawon island Tinagong dagat. And one in Patag I forgot its name. Also the Panaad festival where all other provinces cities come together to showcase their delicacy, handmade products and etc. But be careful not to stray in dark areas. Around 7 or 8 pm most stores are ready to close. Jeepneys are quite different from that of Manila.

[@ronlhubbard1353]

On the bright side theses Hospitals sound like a great investment opportunity to make money.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Haha that's a great way to look at it, glass half full

[@lancefortaleza3665]

There are private hospitals and ongoing constructions of new ones in bacolod.like Riverside Hospital (MPIC hospital group) Bacolod Doctors Hospital, ACE medical Centre, Metro Bacolod Adventist Medical Center.

[@devonferris]

can you do Cagayan De Oro next please? =)

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Will do

[@kuyadhentv4546]

I used to live in Bacolod City Before but everything is different now unlike before I consider Davao City for Retirement Place

[@BellaProspero-wu6yx]

Davao is shabu capital home of the country top criminals.disgrace people in history.most corrupt leader of all time.and Davao death squad

[@robocop581]

Ba-co-lod is how you pronounce it

[@georgeskoglund8473]

First of all you never mention Bacolod as the city of smiles and culinary delights??? As for Lakawon Island; although it's a beautiful trip, the original inhabitants of the Island were still living there in shacks while there are far nicer accommodation for visitors, also the other side of the Island is polluted from the locals dumping batteries for decades, I hope they cleaned it up by now. Also You never mentioned Sipalay or Dauin for Beach homes, or the improvement of the roads and highways. Dauins resorts were American priced back in 2014 including the food in them and the staff at Atlantis had the same American attitudes. But Sipalay is a wonderful place; Back in 2014 it took us (wife & 2 young sons 9 &11) 8 &1/2 hours there and 10 hrs. back to Bacolod, in 2017 It took us 5 &1/2 hrs. there w/ all the city cut arounds, I would never return to Dauin.

[@markledesma2396]

Gotta admit Bacolod has a low cost of living and love the laidback lifestyle, I dont smoke or drink so no nightlife is never an issue, I can always go to Cebu, traffic in Bacolod is bearable and further away is much better plus air quality is great considering the industry is very much agricultural and not much rules compared to Iloilo.

[@terencemitchao]

right now condos here in Bacolod are at 18,000 per month

[@alfonsoong8776]

Love all your blog content, born and live there in Bacolod, looking to retire in Baclayon Bohol, it’s close to Panglao and Tagbilaran. After Odette destruction my plan to live there is still alive. It’s a very safe relaxing surrounded with amazing views and other amenities an expat would want

[@MultiPasswordman]

I want to retire and live in Shangri La 😂

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I don't blame you hahaha

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

I had to laugh when he was describing winter in Chicago lol. Because he said they had to scrape the ice off of the car windows before going to school lol. This made me laugh because it infers that he rode in a car to school while most of us that are over 40 probably WALKED to school no matter the weather lol My cousins in upstate New York used to use their snow machines to get to school in the dead of winter. So LOL ride in a car to school lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mikem.6454]

Nope id rather retire in iloilo than bacolod.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Understandable

[@lancefortaleza3665]

Yeah.joined them cramped in their tiny city.

[@ajy1980]

@@TheSavvyExpat never

[@ajy1980]

Im from Iloilo but no way Iloilo is better than Bacolod

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

The reviews of the hospitals made me both laugh and be scared lol The dust and uncleanliness bothered me very much, but the costs made me laugh because the reviewer obviously has never had to pay for hospital bills in the US lol. Where an aspirin or Tylenol costs more than some Filipino workers make in a day! And charging ₽25,000 TOTAL for something is still less than just the co-pay for the same thing in the US lol

[@chrism4008]

That's 500 usd for a copay, I think you're mistaken, or you have really really bad insurance

[@lorezomendoza4976]

hi your information's all wrong cost of living there of food much higher 4 times than my Las Vegas USA may be you did this video 10 years ago i been in Bacolod 5 times every thing high sky

[@ruhiger69]

It´s not that Ceap, but more Dirty.. Sorry

[@lorezomendoza4976]

you totally wrong un real