How To Live Large, But Spend Small in The Philippines

[@TheSavvyExpat]

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[@STEVENSCOTTFERGUSON]

Hi there. I’ve followed your channel for years and this is the first time I have had the opportunity to comment with something useful. I know you favor BGC and always assumed you did not bring up Eastwood City due to it being smaller in size. I spent 18 days in Eastwood City in November 2023 checking out the town as a possible retirement destination. Here’s what I loved about Eastwood City and why I prefer it to BGC: 1) The color palate of the buildings are more earth tones, and the buildings have a lot more stone in them. It’s a more traditional natural look to my eyes compared with glass and steel in BGC. Visually it's more appealing to my tastes than BGC. 2) You can get to almost anything you need in the rain and not get wet. Lots of covered sidewalks and pedestrian bridges. 3) Everything you need is no more than 8 minutes walking distance; grocery stores, a mall, a movie theater 4) You only need to go to one spot to see the events that are going on. Of course there will be fewer things to see overall than BGC but if you want something to do you just have to walk to one spot. 5) The Legrande 2 and Legrande 3 towers feature 2 story loft apartments with 2 story glass walls that are unlike anything I have seen advertised in BGC or Makati. The rents are very reasonable. 6) I never had to wait in line to get seated at a restaurant for lunch or dinner. Another KZbinr who lives in BGC reported that he always plans his lunches in BGC because of the lines. 7) Eastwood City has much less traffic noise than BGC. It’s not large enough for traffic to go fast and for some reason people don’t blow their horns as much as in BGC. You mentioned in one of your videos that BGC makes a for a great "soft landing" in the Philippines, agreed. While on a smaller scale I think Eastwood City does the same thing. I hope this information will be helpful to you and your viewers.

[@amazonseller-yf8vv]

Very interesting information, can you tell us more about the two story lofts please? How can i find out more about them and what kind of priice would it be for long term rentals?

[@STEVENSCOTTFERGUSON]

@@amazonseller-yf8vv I checked yesterday. There were 2 units for 60,000 Pesos and 1 for 65,000 Pesos

[@jeretso]

I walked around Eastwood too. Its very family friendly. The bars are very few but they look open all day because the call centers are open 24 hours. Having office workers walking around 24 hours felt safe.

[@henrymcmiller2527]

BGC is my destination. I am not going to travel 8600 miles just to live in the woods and mountains. I will travel to those places.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Couldn’t have said it any better!

[@Lorenzinho100]

Also, by hiring househelp you are directly helping jobless people and their families. That type of help allows them to send money to the province, pay for their childrens education etc. Its hard to find work for people in the lower class.

[@stevem437]

Love your breakdowns… I do want to add that I lived in Cebu for a year and a half. Currently waiting on a condo to finish being built. But you need to understand that the healthcare is quite bad there. My wife was pregnant and we went to Cebu Doctors Hospital… old equipment. Not the cleanest. All doctors are in their 20’s or 30’s. Chong Hua was absolutely packed. If you’re retiring here, you’re most likely a little bit older and healthcare should be a concern. I can’t name a single hospital outside of the Metro Manila area that is even close to “western quality”. So just something to keep in mind.

[@fonsecarichard]

Love this style of video! So much info in such a short timeframe. Keep on doing everything you do. Sending you hugs and Love ❤❤❤

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you 🙏

[@abqcrutch]

Iloilo and Cebu city are what I'm considering today. I won't arrive in the Philippines until Nov '25. Loving your perspective.

[@daviddarden1915]

I have not forgotten about you. I am serious hoping to make the retirement move in 2025, next year. So, I will need your assistance. Even though I was stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines 🇵🇭 back in 1991. The military 🪖 took care of transitioning. Now, watching 👀 your videos for quite a while now. I feel you are a straight up legitimate young man 👨 that can make life easier for me. As a soon retired man 👨 of age 62. Eventually in CEBU, I would like to retire under the American Military 🪖 Philippines sponsored SRRV program. Once again, I thank you for this information 🙏 GOD SPEED to you and GOD SPEED PHILIPPINES 🇵🇭.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I appreciate the kind words David. Do reach out to me when you need help with your move. In the meantime, God bless brother 🙏

[@kennca8]

Hi Evan, Another great video. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to touching base again soon. Plans are to be in BGC next April. The business wind down and shedding all the years of accumulated stuff is in process. Best regards, Kenn

[@garyhamilton9186]

Another great video Evan.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

I appreciate you as always Gary!

[@SitBackandWatch.Official]

I would like to see you interview the Digital Bromad. I believe you both can provide valuable insights on living the expat life in the Philippines.

[@tedjohnson4451]

I've used Google Street view and "Wandered Cebu City" around IT & Business Park. At about a ten minute walk outside those developments the Advertised Rental Prices can drop 20% or more. That said, I'll be getting a Rental Condo inside one of those developments in October 2024. 71 Work+ 21 Vacation/ 136 Calendar Days until Retirement.

[@stevem437]

There’s a reason rent drops off substantially. I lived in IT Park for about a year and a half… it’s not the greatest place in the world, but it is significantly nicer than just about everywhere around it.

[@30AndAWakeUp]

Great stuff! Excited to spend some time in BGC soon.

[@Asia-dr4yj]

Nicely done - I live in Manila, and now plan to check-out Eastwood on your recommendation - hotel for a few days for a break from my unit in Mandaluyong - cheers.

[@MoorDragon]

Seriously when I retire and move to the Philippines, I’ll have roughly $6000+ income per month. No way do I plan to live in the jungle like some of these other expats like to do. I am just way too used to living a comfortable life to give that up in retirement.

[@kevinreist7718]

Surprised you didn't mention Baguio City. There are many expats claiming it's almost perfect. You should visit and evaluate Baguio City updating your subscribers. I think your last review of Baguio city was during the Pandemic. An update would be very appreciated.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Hi Kevin, I appreciate your input. The main reason why I don’t cover Baguio much is because only a small niche of expats will enjoy the city for its cooler weather, further from beaches and main cities.

[@kevinreist7718]

@@TheSavvyExpat Thanks for replying. Because I'm from Michigan, the "cooler" weather shouldn't be much of a problem. Not having to run A/C all day long should significantly reduce utility costs. That's got to make it worth a mention.

[@maclovioberumen1917]

You are a man of leisure Evan.🏖 Thanks for the info.

[@ROUTE_888]

Wow that’s awesome I would tip double if I’m able maybe more if I can afford it!

[@MultiPasswordman]

I see you living a good life. Meanwhile, yesterday I spent $35 on a haircut, $412 at the vet for my dog, and we haven’t eaten at a restaurant in over a year (no sarcasm)

[@323ddg]

Hey, at least you're saving your health by not eating in restaurants (and I'm a restaurant owner, haha).

[@MultiPasswordman]

@@323ddg 😂😂 true!

[@up_an_down]

Looks like he spent nothing for his current haircut

[@323ddg]

@@MultiPasswordman That's a Filipino boy haircut. He looked so much better with it combed back

[@MultiPasswordman]

@@323ddg I think you meant to tag up_an_down

[@richardcompton-xk7fj]

Love your content!

[@diversityhobbit]

when is the digital nomad visa available?

[@freyafoxmusic]

How much is a bodyguard ? I’m for real. Let’s say I wanna go to some dangerous areas which is a ton of places How much for a body guard and where do I get one?

[@hi-tych]

I will be doing this the first year staying. I'll be im cebu checking out mu condo this May. I can't wait.

[@Patsworldbaby]

Be careful of scammers. Foreigners can be ripped off when buying and renting condos. They call them fixers. Don’t give your money to the wrong person.

[@x7jrreverse443]

Let´s gooooooo

[@howardpratt7962]

Savy expat!!!!

[@wesgraham2262]

Is Eastwood City about the same size as Ayala Mall-Cebu City Business Park? That’s really the only area worth hanging out at in Cebu City where all the best western amenities and nice condos are.

[@kevinlucey2146]

Evan, I believe you are a tennis player. I have seen you show covered hardcourts in BGC. I am looking for a place to play in or near BGC. Can you recommend a place? Thank you.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Hi Kevin there’s not many hard court spots in BGC. I personally go to Kerry Sports at Shangri La every now and then for a 2 hour session.

[@LeLough22]

As always you put out great content. My question today is was the price for maid services you mentioned for full-time or part-time?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

It can range from $200 - $500 per month

[@robertkersey3920]

I heard the best financial budget advice for living in Asia, do a budget then double it.

[@antarcticgekko]

It's clear that the Philippines is cheaper. The more intractable problem for potential migrants (I wouldn't call them expats) is income -- how to make money while living there. Unless you've achieved your FIRE goals, this is a very hard problem.

[@jareds5249]

That's why it caters to retirees (until Social Security is drained).

[@tracymorgan5386]

@@jareds5249there are people in their forties and fifties,a few in their late thirties who have good pensions ( thru the military or government jobs) that come to live in the Philippines as well.

[@danielbartlett1710]

Any updates on the start dates for the digital nomad visa for Phillipines?

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Hi Daniel, I’ve been following up with people in immigration. No updates so far unfortunately. It was supposed to be released 1st quarter of this year…

[@thomasgordon1792]

Lol yes help is cheap around $6 to $8 a day comparative my Filipina wife here in the states makes in 10 hrs what she made a month working 8 to 10 hours six days a week😮 with insurance 401k and overtime Yes Philippines is nice when you live on USD but trying living on a PHP job there's No comparison!

[@muradshawar]

Exactly all these EXPAT channels gloss over this . He is only able to do this since he is from USA if he wasnt he would be like the avg person in these countries who spend there whole life trying to come here.

[@kevinlucey2146]

The channel is called Savvy Expats you know. It's addressed to those who can take advantage of the fact that they come from a wealthier country.

[@muradshawar]

@@kevinlucey2146 Correct but if you notice he never actually admits this in his videos . Most of the people watching are getting delusional after every video . This is comming from someone who loved watching all these expat youtube channels but then had to snap myself out of it . Vacation abroad for few months out of the year or for a year yes . But live overseas forever is a no no . USA is number 1 and will always be number 1 .

[@kevinlucey2146]

@@muradshawar I have been traveling for one year now. Part of me wishes I had not sold my house but another part is happy not to have the headaches of bad renters, etc. Your plan of leaving for a few months and returning is great. But I was tired of the same old, same old. The USA has its good points and I am a big fan, yet it has its weak points too. For example, there is hardly any road rage anywhere I have been. In my hometown of Portland, Oregon, there are 5 road rage murders per year. That is an insane amount of anger. People get angry at the littlest things. The rest of the world, not so much.

[@muradshawar]

@@kevinlucey2146 I know what you mean I lived a year in Amman Jordan and it was one of the best years I enjoyed . I want to go back for a year or like I said few month out the year 3-6 at a time but I got all family and friends in USA and 100% of the way I earn money is via JOB in NC . I do like traveling and living abroad for a year but cant see myself going and never comming back .

[@mvttjacob]

The dream

[@TheSavvyExpat]

🤝

[@melb2068]

Aloha Evan, I’d like your opinion on Davao please. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@BobbyMustain]

I've been watching your videos and you seem like you got a good attitude my question is I'm thinking about moving over what is my question is about how much money should I bring from the United States to move over I have a monthly income of my social security and my retirement but I've been watching all kinds of videos but no one actually says how much

[@BobbyMustain]

You need to actually move over to the

[@Cubevanlife]

INFASTRUCTURE is misspelled

[@jameseastman7608]

Vacation maybe move

[@323ddg]

Gosh, I wish I could live with my parents, oh well...

[@inhawaii4941]

I lived in the Philippines for 9 months i just got back to Hawaii this month. I averaged $4k usd per month. Travelled all over the Philippines

[@clizardojr]

Where would I work and make US$ if i want to move back?

[@sfrealestatedealmaker6001]

Nothing compares to BGC ❤

[@up_an_down]

B G C is quite boring...and the air and noise pollution is terrible.. Many more enjoyable places to live in Philippines!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Agreed!

[@ExtraGuac007]

Medium or large coconut?

[@IamMagsB]

You failed to mention how to sustain that certain lifestyle making "western income" in the Philippines.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That depends on your own situation and profession. It’s definitely feasible to make online income in today’s day and age!

[@MN12warbird]

Great video

[@nicholascherry5962]

I think there's a lot of guys in PH who needs help with their transition lol

[@tchu27]

Can you share the contact name and number for the on call driver?

[@georgewilson7706]

strong dollar- weak peso, with a lower standard of living. thanks for coming to my TEDtalk.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Which cities do you think are lower standard? It’s cleaner here, less homelessness, and better cost of living

[@silverfox2957]

I also didn't like Eastwood.

[@moyya7902]

Zzz can we just see you visit good places not talk about them

[@pahkjeemean6461]

You’re definitely overpaying for those services 🤣

[@wanderingdoc5075]

I put a Facebook ad for a housekeeper.. I was paying $130 a month for the maid to come 8 times per month, 6-10 hours per day. Got a ton of interest. Problem is, i didn't hire anyone. If you are dating one or two Filipinas your dishes are washed, house cleaned, laundry done, and food cooked for the next week. Like i really wanted to hire someone but it was completely unnecessary 😂

[@83nomad5]

In your dreams.

[@wanderingdoc5075]

@@83nomad5 Literally the experience of anyone dating a filipina Where is the dream? More like the life of a filipina

[@83nomad5]

@@wanderingdoc5075

[@philmcleod111]

LOL ,Wanderingdoc Sorry to hear your mom wont come to the Philippines,

[@janjaylangelo4]

Excuse me, as a Filipina I find your comment degrading

[@elperro3056]

U look different dude maybe Geting older

[@chrisj302]

The food in the PH is awful compared to Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia but the people are awesome here and English is widely spoken so that’s the trade off.

[@K-FREED]

Just moved to BGC! Looking forward on running into you bro👌

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Likewise brotha! Shoot me a dm on Instagram and we can link up sometime

[@sokaiya1]

The worst food in the world. Go to Thailand instead.

[@83nomad5]

sexpat?

[@sokaiya1]

@@83nomad5 you are simply projecting your own degeneracy not to mention ignorance