Why are Businesses Failing in the Philippines?

[@smooth1nz]

The Korean presence in Angeles gradually changed the character of a neighbourhood that was once focused on catering to the needs of Western men. Honky tonk joints with reasonable prices became high priced soulless bars tailored to surly looking Korean men.

[@chubsDubC]

yes true 👍 with foreigner levels down other than Koreans the bars cater to who is around now, including leasing to them

[@smooth1nz]

@ some of your fellow vloggers posting videos of a very quiet looking walking street at night are not helping. Lots of potential visitors see those videos and say “ I’m off to Pattaya instead “.

[@oahuguy3918]

Yup, totally agree. They cater to the Korean men... it no longer promotes drinking, more like a place where you bar fine your girl and split.

[@josephrelaford6826]

Golden rule.....he who has the gold rules

[@brianandlynphilippines]

Business in the Philippines is such a huge hell no. I dont even feel sorry for foreigners who are blind to the obvious futility of opening a business. There is no money, ridiculous to expect to make money from people with none.

[@DarrenGough-lm4ym]

Hey Chad congrats on your 20k subscribers 🎉well done ✅ great work

[@chubsDubC]

thank you my friend 😃✌️

[@HWYHUSTLA]

Desmond is a smart brotha! Amigos is really good. He’s absolutely right about catering more so to the Philippine people rather than foreigners..

[@Steveo_00700]

How's the chips and salsa at Amigos?

[@HWYHUSTLA]

@@Steveo_00700 I don’t remember if I tried the chips and salsa but the tacos are fire..

[@Steveo_00700]

@@HWYHUSTLA ill be sure to try them in April when I visit.

[@Singleat40]

Another great video! Can’t wait to come back ❤🇵🇭

[@chubsDubC]

👍 thank you 😃✌️

[@JUSLUKING]

Walking street days are over Just a matter of time.

[@chubsDubC]

absolutely 👍

[@FOCUSonASIA13]

already over, prime season is now and it has been dead, Thailand won the tourist game and there are many reasons why. Anyone single , needs to skip Angeles and head to Thailand, do not believe the English/communication problem myth, it is way overhyped

[@RayHaffenden]

I wish I had a dollar (£ even better) every time I have heard that old chestnut, even longer when it was still known as Fields Avenue!

[@craigschuler7368]

Why would anyone pay 6k for a barfine? Greed is killing the golden goose!

[@FOCUSonASIA13]

@ May always be here but its is dead in prime season so businesses aren't making much if anything except the Korean bar owners making barfine money off of other Koreans

[@finski1330]

This kind of content is useful👍Even I dont live Philippines this moment,I find this helpful

[@chubsDubC]

i need to ask more, delve into more things… successes failures what drives ppl why theyre here thoughts decisions around every day life: business housing investments doctors travels history relationships employment dreams family friends etc… the channel needs more depth 👍 it’s coming

[@stevebryce-grant1107]

I have eaten at Amigos and yes the staff are fantastic as is the food, hopefully it will stay around for many many more years. If I were to have a business there it would have to be a CONDO to rent out or if I had the money a Pension House style hotel, I have stayed in a few and well worth the money as most of the time you need it only to sleep in. Back in 2010, open a Internet Cafe where there was not any, but within 3 months there were 3 others open, but unlike mine having to pay rent, they opened in their living room, another business to steer clear of SARI SARI stores, they never make money to make a living out of them, and it is very long hours having to be up early to get to the market if you want to sell fresh meat or fish.

[@chubsDubC]

yep no thanks on the Sari Sari grind 👍 real estate has proven to be the way 😃

[@Kuya_Tom67]

Great info! Desmond seems like a cool person. I hate to hear a business owners dreams get shut down.

[@chubsDubC]

Dez is good shit 👍 great head on his shoulders and driven 👏

[@ibadan7843]

I would not recommend any business in the Philippines. When it comes to money there, nobody can be trusted in my experience and can be quite dangerous. Another good video and thought provoking for your viewers. 😊👍

[@chubsDubC]

nobody can be trusted is right 👍 if you show success and flaunt you become a target

[@chubsDubC]

thank you 😃✌️

[@alaskan6384]

Looks like your channel is growing. Good work, keep it going!

[@chubsDubC]

thank you Sir 🫶😃

[@mikejones5364]

Very informative video

[@chubsDubC]

😃👍✌️

[@chubsDubC]

😃👍✌️

[@Liampo00]

Desmond is smart wishing him lots of luck

[@johnp4000]

I always have the impression that the numbers of tourists is still low, even the Korean bars seem to fail regularly, the restaurants seem to change frequently. I heard a rumour that Kokomos might close soon?

[@AngelesCityExpatRentalProperty]

Yes, the number of tourist are way down. Thailand is kicking the Philippines ass, when it comes to tourism. Many tourists are not wanting the games and road blocks the government puts up now.

[@clrodrick]

wow Kokomos?!? Dang that would be a surprise!

[@johnp4000]

@@clrodrick I hope that isn't true, as that would be a real lost, but it is the old story lease finishing and the extension might be too expensive like Margherita station

[@clrodrick]

@@johnp4000 Hmmm I never visited the old Margherita station, but the old location is definitely easier to walk to compared to new location. I visited new location twice during my past trip, and I gotta say it was fairly empty both times. This was mid-late October 2024. I wish them and all other businesses success of course.

[@FOCUSonASIA13]

@@clrodrick But old location has been empty since they left, so greedy landowner loses and so does margarita with new location, pretty sad but I have no sorrow for the landowner

[@maximus6621]

The only business I want to get into is Monkey Business. LOL

[@chubsDubC]

i Love it 😂 thank you 🫶

[@jackhellmann]

Great video, interesting topic

[@sudlor123]

The decline of Walking Street and its surrounding businesses is noticeable, with many bars closing down. There are several reasons for this, in my view. Firstly, the Korean community has become more prominent in the area. They tend to frequent their own bars and restaurants, which aren't always welcoming to outsiders, especially Caucasians. Additionally, the aging population of Vietnam War veterans and former Clark Air Base servicemen means fewer of them are traveling to the region. Another significant factor is the lack of promotion for Pampanga Province by the Philippine tourism board. Without adequate marketing, the area struggles to attract new visitors. Meanwhile, many travelers are choosing bar districts in Thailand, like Pattaya, where the nightlife is far more vibrant. For context, Pattaya boasts thousands of bars, compared to Walking Street's fewer than 50-and that number continues to dwindle. Ultimately, no business can survive without customers. The combination of demographic shifts, insufficient tourism promotion, and stiff competition from other destinations is making it increasingly difficult for businesses on Walking Street to thrive.

[@chubsDubC]

so true 👍 the people having the hardest time accepting these changes are the military personnel that have history and fond memories of days past here in the PI the shift away from girlie bars may start to happen if the Mayor’s plan get put into motion

[@smooth1nz]

@@sudlor123 You make some valid points. The older generation are passing on and the younger generation are not familiar with Angeles. I first visited Angeles in 2009 at the age of 34 and I felt young. I’m almost 50 and I still feel young in Angeles .

[@chubsDubC]

it gas a way of doing that 👍 good energy and new people all the time

[@brianquigley5661]

Finding skilled, reliable, trustworthy employees is the most challenging thing in Angeles City. And that's on top of all the other headaches and difficulties that come at you. Dont do it!

[@leonwangls]

If you want to have a million bucks in the Philippines, bring 10 million. So true

[@heywardhamilton9612]

I was in Restaurant business to much work for no pay.

[@MMX-fh5tn]

Some can be very profitable... What type of food you sold and at what prices.. who was your target market.. ?

[@RandyGanther]

I always hit Amigos after my massages at Reign Spa, next door. The food has always been great. I didn't know Desmond had anything to do with MGC, I've been in there a couple times and he is correct... the staff is friendly and it's been a fun atmosphere to hang out with friends. Good video, Chad. Oh, and as for what would I do for a business? Open a gym. The gym scene is lacking. The best I've been in thus far is AC Fitness, but still, a lot of issues that could be fixed....seems as if they aren't interested in doing so. They my be the best at this point, but in my opinion, it would be easy to have the best gym there, quite easily.

[@chubsDubC]

gym business would be good, Filipinos and Foreigners would take advantage.. i was in AC Fitness a while back, the copyright music ruined the video, the staff seemed cool the owner was over-selling the place the new equipment was nice but something was missing 🤔🤷

[@michaellewis3747]

Vietnam and Thailand has so much more to offer and alot cheaper and cleaner

[@tuan2u]

It's tough enough to start a business in your home country. To go to someone else's soil, deal with their culture, language, and etc, and try to be successful at it is like playing the lottery. If you have enough money to start up a business, your better chance to succeed is to invest in the mutual funds, stocks, commodities in the U.S. Yeah, those can go down, but over time they have always gone up. You can't say the same for starting up a business. If I were to start up a business in the PI, I would do it with the mentality of it's a hobby vs a business, kind of like what Brian did with his sari sari store. Start it up, have fun with it, if it fails, you go, eh. It's a hobby and hobbies are for fun to pass time, not to necessarily make money. Most of the guys going to the PI are closer to retirement age than not or of retirement age. Why risk retirement money on something that has such a small chance to succeed?

[@chubsDubC]

some make a lot in their pensions and know they need a hobby so they invest calling it exactly that, then they realize it’s become like business with ppl here that cant be trusted and they get out before going nutz 👍

[@ridvanureten9518]

The people to ask would be the owners of Tequila Reef and Phillies. Restaurant business is super hard, but they have something good going for years

[@craigmalone6111]

I'm in Vietnam there walking street in Saigon is much better than I've ever seen in Angeles in my 40 years of travel to the Philippines

[@tdscasanova7428]

I must admit...amigos is actually a good Mexican restaurant. I have tried other wanna b Mexican restaurants in and near angeles City, and they tasted worse than Taco Bell. My favorite item at Amigos is the berria crunch wrap.....masarap. Note to the owner, try to offer Aguas Fresca in large plastic containers with a scooper. Offer 🍉 watermelon, or mango, or lemon cucumbers, or coconut juice. Have them located outside with the workers selling them to attract more customers to sample the food inside. Very common practice in Mexico and Central Los angeles.

[@chubsDubC]

thank you for the comment 👍😃 i will forward this to Dez to make sure he gets it

[@coliny6665]

Great video Chubs! As you mentioned in your video, "don't trust anyone." I always equated the culture in the Philippines to "crabs in a bucket." Happy to see Amigo's doing well, it's definitely some good eats there. With so many Koreans on WS, a western style bar will have difficulty to succeed. KTV's are the money makers in AC. That's where the best girls are right now. Will be in AC during the Super Bowl. Any recommendations on where to watch the game?

[@chubsDubC]

thank you 😃✌️ TBacks and Phillies are the main go-to’s Wild Orchids bar would be a great place other than that it’s limited, Bars need dedicated Sports packages to receive quality programming but no one likes to pay for it.. firesticks freeze up too much

[@ne55an]

Excellent vlog Chub... businesses fail due to a number of failings, not just one single cause. Do the owners/shareholders do a business plan including a risk assessment before making a decision? Do they undertake a quality environmental assessment including culture, populations, needs and demand etc. Or do they just see the dollar sign and go forth and fail?

[@chubsDubC]

they just see dollars with no assessments etc.. they bring their countries ideals thinking it will work here, big mistake thank you 😃✌️

[@DavidBrown-ye2uy]

95% of business owners here don't even know what a business plan is.

[@chubsDubC]

@DavidBrown-ye2uy so true 👍

[@RandyRhode-yq5hq]

Any business in any country has unforeseen problems. It is harder than you think. Getting into a business as a hobby is doomed to fail.

[@billlloyd9755]

Good morning, and yes, I am middle of the year !

[@thefatfilam]

SKIN was dead every time I went in there. Less than 10 girls working on Halloween. I think the biggest mistake foreigners make is focusing on businesses targeting foreigners. They try to cater to tourist tastes and charge prices that more reflect foreign wallets of dwindling numbers of tourists particularly the American, Aussie and European visitors. It works for the Koreans because their tourist numbers seem to oniy increase and they have a sizeable local community. Desmond said it himself, he focused on bringing Mexican flavors to Filipinos and his prices are reasonable… so the majority of his customers are locals.

[@chubsDubC]

you are right on all points there, low tourist numbers other than Koreans makes any business risky 👍😳

[@trancemutator5393]

Remember when you met with the mayor, and he brought up his vision of making walking street more like the pink street of Portugal. I think he gave you an indication of what kind of businesses that policies are going to favor.

[@chubsDubC]

yes yes 👍 there is a transition happening, soon some may incur costs to conform or be forced to do other things 😳

[@copaul71]

Corruption, low local income, and protectionist laws make opening any business outside of the Freeport a no go for me. If I was to open a business, it would be offering services or products outside of the Philippines. The low labor cost there is the only plus side I see. Everything else is more difficult. Make money elsewhere, but not too much. Even at my estimated retirement level, I am thinking there are several better places to retire. Philippines is a good escape for midlevel retirement.

[@ramroddrone5449]

hey Chad dave here. Notice there is a little café straight opposite Dragon bar I think I mentioned to you a few weeks back they got nice little containers of ice cream there only 60 pesos back then I don’t know about now… anyway hopefully I’ll be there Wednesday night might see you later in the week congratulations on 20 K

[@chubsDubC]

hello Dave ✌️ we havent had a chance to hit that place 😢 see you soon

[@JDOff-Course]

Question for you. You do a lot of videos on houses. Can you rate some of the subdivisions you’ve visited around Clark and Angeles City? I’m starting to look for a home to live in. Not a condo. Thanks for all your videos! JD

[@chubsDubC]

i will do that 👍 and tour and explain reasons 😃 thank you

[@JDOff-Course]

@ Thanks so much man. I will try to catch you late February or March and buy you a beverage.

[@marcrichard7251]

Most businesses fail for foreigners in the Philippines…..KZbin is flooded with new channels so you better be already financially set in life…

[@gioantolin5357]

❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍 supermarket business because no matter how high the economy is it will still generate profit income because the prices depends on the economy. People have no choice but to buy foods & essentials etc Small/big community, City, Providence it doesn't matter a supermarket will still be profitable. Airbnb is a selective customer it's not a steady profitable income

[@chubsDubC]

i like your thinking 😃 Super markets will prevail 👍

[@bert-bb3cm]

Lions still gotta chance😊😅😮thanks for the video…computer media investments. Open a large building with computers for the public. So they can get online and stay in touch with live ones❤❤

[@marcrichard7251]

No the Lions are done for the season 😢

[@chubsDubC]

Lions done 😃 computers 👍 let’s get this place on the central computer system, it’s time

[@corneliusmack8464]

Enjoyed your tour of the establishments. But the bottom line is, and I hate to say it. Don't waste your money investing in the Philippines. The way they do business here and the way the culture is and limited disposable income not to mention supply line problems there its virtually impossible to make any reasonable profit if any at all. Save your money unless you have plenty to waste.

[@CarbLoadingAdventure]

Love the idea of Meikos becoming a sports bar during the day.. since Envy closed, they will attract the sports fan with the multiple tvs.

[@chubsDubC]

yes yes 👍 we need some competition for Phillies and TBacks

[@billlloyd9755]

You know Chubbs that would be a scary adventure if you purchased multiple condo units and another pandemic yet you could be in trouble.

[@chubsDubC]

yes true 👍 ppl had to fire sale their investments 😬 paid in full and ride it out

[@mikefoodee7846]

With tourism down, the government needs to step up their efforts and make some changes to enhance tourism, fast. All too often you see governments wait too long to respond to anything. More tourists means more money coming in the country, more employment ect., and businesses/investments will flourish. We ate at Amigos yesterday and it was better than the last time we were there. The food was a 10/10 but Desmond needs to reno their bathroom 🤢😷🤮

[@chubsDubC]

good to hear on the food 😃👍 bathroom not so good 😬

[@LeroyJenkins-nn5go]

I never have understood the rationale for a foreign guy's decision to open a business in a country where it's a challenge just to live, then add all that unnecessary pressure and responsibility to his life. What percentage of them actually end up in the black?

[@clydeseaside345]

Everyone is looking to get laundry done----and for fresh drinking water-----and so many foreigners wanting their cars and bikes washed. So if you could find an area to do one or two or all three as a drive in ------not a huge start up cost, not a huge operating cost, not a huge staffing cost. Add in coffee, cold drinks and snacks or get someone else to. I did look at franchise options but they are a big outlay for McDo and Jollibee----but reasonable for Mang Inisal

[@markomaher5697]

On the surface it looks like easy money (low labor cost, many people bringing lots of money to Angeles, ..) and people jump into businesses without real action plan, strategy, USP .. If someone failed making a business back home (on his territory), the chances of success in any other country are super thin. I believe it's way better idea to setup business in your own country or somewhere you're very well familiar with, not to mention unlimited opportunities of online incomes, and just enjoy the life here. I invested in real estate in Canary Islands (Spain), it gives me way less headache and issues that any investments in an unpredictable environment would.

[@chubsDubC]

good call 😃👍

[@jonhardin6726]

Stick to the basics: food, water, shelter, electricity. I recommend turning all the plastics back into oil products. Grease from restaurants can be turned into biodiesel

[@dumbmutts.7758]

Land would be the best investment, however for foreigners that's no possible. We bought land on Samal Island for 200k now valued at 1.5m, it took 15 years though. In my opinion it would be a bad idea to invest in a business unless you had the right connections. Unless you are a big player forget it.

[@AngelesCityExpatRentalProperty]

Land has it own issues, yearly costs and no return. Also, you really need to check on your land or have a caretaker. If not, people just move onto it or build on it, and then a long court battle to get your land back. And as you know a foreigner cannot own land so you need to put it in another local person's name.

[@chubsDubC]

good call on no invest unless absolutely sound connections with most tough to trust 😬

[@edic2619]

BEST PLAN... Make your money in your country first... Save it... Then move to the PH.

[@leesmith7127]

Desmond and his co-owners are doing a great job with MGC. Went into MGC a few months back, outstanding atmosphere. The ladies seem happy. They looked and acted like they wanted to be there, unlike some other bars where the lady seemed unhappy creating unpleasant atmosphere. I never buy lady drinks, but I ended up buying 3, not because the young lady had a beautiful smile, long hair and a big butt 😂, but because I got caught up in the atmosphere that every employee in MGC create. The same statement Desmond stated about his restaurant ; good employees are a great key part of success. Applies to bars\Clubs.

[@chubsDubC]

yep yep yep 👍 the girls are excited and come in with real smiles and energy, and that just ramps up when customers arrive 👏 😃

[@ricksdestinationcebu]

Remember Road House,the original one..Grew up in the bar business,place was about that size. You need to understand what that life is like.Family member ran largest Gentleman's club in Illinois,,,he bought an old high school to house the girls and keep security tight..It can run you down unless you have eyes wide open...Just my view..

[@chubsDubC]

yes absolutely 👍 and here if you dont keep your finger on things ppl will take advantage of you, or say everything is ok or up to date when actually it’s all amuck

[@joeblakely5950]

I’ve been to Honduras to visit quite a few times. No place I would want to try to do a business. Lots of work. High risk. Low reward or a total loss. I prefer to make my $ in the U.S. and spend it there.

[@windit5877]

2 years ago i started a restaurant in boracay, its a challenge to run a resto on an island but its doing very well.

[@chubsDubC]

good to hear great place 👍 lots of tourists 😃

[@windit5877]

​​@@chubsDubC thank you, visit "Back Beach Burgers" if you make it to Boracay🍔🤙

[@mixingjd]

Why is the majority of foreigners focus on bar and restaurant business? There is so many other types of business possibilities. There must be college educated filipinos who would work hard on a tech startup? Why do so many foreigners focus on food and beverage businesses?🤔🤷🏽‍♂️

[@CJsPOV1]

Amigos is so good.

[@Skippie]

I had a bar in walking st called Bedrock in early 2000's girls were all dressed like betty and wilma lots of girls had a fred flinstone car on top of the bar. Great times but no koreans back then.. Bar fines were only 1500 back then.

[@rickyusa1000]

I remember that bar. Loved the girls' uniforms! Yabba Dabba Doo!

[@chubsDubC]

the good ol days 😃 sounds like a wonderful time to be here

[@Skippie]

@ was a small long bar we werew bought out by next door who expanded there bar

[@rickyusa1000]

@@Skippie I've been trying to remember. Was the bar next door The Cambodia Club?

[@egovorch]

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well here, no question about that. It does seem like the "churn" of some of these places should serve as a cautionary tale to future investors....but there will always be those that see one man's failure as another man's business opportunity......it is hard to have an original business model that 20 others will try to copy if you are successful.....but it does make watching that "churn" interesting....

[@chubsDubC]

good stuff 👍 i like following and reporting the churn, the initial energy is fun 😃 i wish them all luck but know some will struggle and most will throw in the towel

[@egovorch]

@ it seems better to just enjoy the retirement years than get into all the stress of owning a business here….but some thrive on it….👍👍…

[@MyViewsYourWorld]

It's sad to hear about Paradise, glad had an opportunity to go. Thanks for giving me new places to check out. I think businesses fail because poor location, poor marketing, or targeting the wrong audience.

[@chubsDubC]

yep all 3 are hugely under-considered with reality checks, dont hope when the evidence is right there 👍😳

[@DavidBrown-ye2uy]

The Paradise location on Fields Ave was nice to sit outside and people watch. The McArthur highway location might be just around the corner, but who wants to sniff vehicle exhaust and watch traffic with their beer? This never much sense.

[@rolandotorres1894]

To me if your a foreigner wanting to retire you must have a sustainable income and not to rely on your pension, plan a small biznez that you can monitor your worker,a biznez that fits to your passion...

[@chubsDubC]

yep good call my friend 👍

[@josephrelaford6826]

Military pension, social security, military disability is all you need. It's been enough for me for 3 years

[@sudlor123]

Rice should be a good business after all the Philippines has a massive rice shortage and imports most of its rice.

[@nairb9321]

Paradise beer garden is LOCATION and PARKING.

[@rstel]

I’m retired so no business for me. I did own a bicycle shop near Los Angeles for a few years but had to close it. Totally different owning than managing which I’ve done also. My favorite parking spot when I play pool league at Moons Bar was in front of the former URBN location that’s roped off in this video. You were standing in front of my red Chevy Optra. We were playing Meikos last Friday.

[@chubsDubC]

👍 i used that spot in front of URBN for my car tonight 😂 playing MB no business is smart business 👍

[@WordoftheFree]

A water Station, and no where near other water stations.... Everything else is not reliable at all...... Restaurants/bars/SariSari Stores/Livestock/Canteens/Barber Shops/Vendor in a Market and definitely not real estate or renting or air bnb....

[@Steveo_00700]

How's the chips and salsa at Amigos?

[@robertkolleck1508]

Anynody that opens a business after late June of 1991 when the US Secretary of Defense announced Clark AB would not ruse from the ashes is taking a risk, no longer would the bulk of the people be there for 18 to 48 months. I have no experience running a business , but you could try this without losing your rear end. For 400 USD you could spend 300 on a refrigerator and 100 on beer stock, let a Filipino lady sell the stock, instruct her to use 3 clear jars, first one sales, next resupply, last jar profit. Come back in 2 months and see the ledger and see if money was comingled for other purposes. I like being retired when I am there too much for the headaches of business.

[@manpreetsinghsidhu5031]

I think some of the main problems for some businesses in Angeles are: 1) They dont do enough Marketing. 2) They dont differentiate themselves enough from every other bar or restaurant. So there is no pull factor for customers. 3) Over reliance on foreign tourists instead of tapping on the local market. 4) The difficulty in understanding the local laws and culture. 5) Manpower & Staffing issues. 6) Some businesses try to cut corners and thats always the start of the end. 7) Dealing with local authorities or other groups that may run the area. 8) Facing ethical issues since it is afterall a red light area. 9) Not planning well and investing blindly. It always important to ensure you have enough capital to sustain your business especially in the first few months. 10) Last but not the least, most businesses dont carry out enough quality control. Management doesnt follow through and maintain their standards. Thats a recipe for disaster. *These are my personal thoughts and are not directed to any particular businss or person.*

[@AngelesCityExpatRentalProperty]

@@manpreetsinghsidhu5031 you left out having a business you have never done before. Being a bar customer does not make you ready to be a bar owner.

[@chubsDubC]

yes you are right with all points 👍 it’s not as easy as some think and some dont think enough, failure is inevitable if you dont include the locals thank you 😃

[@Wabu1]

Rice Rice Baby

[@philmcleod111]

The prices are getting very high in the Philippines. very poor infostructure in the south. food is not that great . There are other SA countries that offer much more.

[@chubsDubC]

you are right 👍 and people are starting to look at other SE Asia countries

[@FOCUSonASIA13]

1000%

[@deucesixs1404]

Man I booked a trip in March to check out skin , that sucks

[@chubsDubC]

😢 didnt make it

[@michaelholmes5150]

I walked by Amigos so many times. Saw people in there but always went to Tequila Reef as it has lotsa booze and food. Will go Amigos next time. Desmond is VERY industrious. He realizes making money in the Phils is not easy and that just doing the girly bar thing is now a failing business model. I have been going to the Phils since 2007 and I can say A LOT has changed even before Covid. The country is changing. Still being Third World but the bulk of the money is now coming from overseas jobs. There is a middle class now. It makes sense now to try to cater to locals and not foreigners as a business owner.

[@chubsDubC]

i agree with all said 👍 change is happening and they are trying to plan ahead, progress is slow but happening, Koreans will take over the girlie market but that wont last forever Yes business owners need to consider the locals they will always be and foreigners will come and go 😃

[@michaelmcnamee1980]

After my recent visit, I would say no one has found the right formula, there clearly isn't the military personnel who use to flood that town daily. the demographic has clearly changed everyone is selling the same thing nothing stands out. 69 ROCK BAR was my spot while i was visiting thanks to your VLOG girls were nice and attentive location was on point and the owner was a pretty cool guy. Was a pleasure meeting you and Ann hope to see you next year when i come through.

[@chubsDubC]

true 👍 it’s an area in transition it’s lost its identity Nice to meet you as well 😃 we’ll see you next time

[@FOCUSonASIA13]

All of the other businesses in the nightlife area are feeling the pinch of no tourists, no people coming (literally, pun intended), due to greedy new bar owners, over-priced hotel rooms, shitty service in most places. People may not like this comment but I keep it real, Thailand is kicking the Philippines ass! Go to Thailand if you want your dollar to go further and have better food, better room, and better service.

[@DougPoulton]

I wouldn't invest a dime anywhere outside of the United States. The laws aren't written to protect foreign investors.

[@chubsDubC]

so true

[@RayHaffenden]

Mostly obvious reasons why they they fail. From the been there done that school. I am always available for consultation! 🤣😂🤣

[@NeckarPirate]

Y'know, I've been coming back to AC since 2009 and I keep hearing the same issues from the business owners, many of which have come and gone. It's tough to get a foothold in AC with just another bar or restaurant as there is a lot of competition and unless you set yourself apart somehow, or constantly reinvent your business, its just another "me-too". I think Desmond has the right idea, but the amount of capital needed to do what he is doing is a put-off to most potential investors. He seems to have his sh*t together and that will go a long way to his success. I hope he's successful. As for walking street, lets face it, most of the bars are singularly focused on drawing in business and making any money using Filipina talent. That's not a resource I would want to hang my hat on long term. I think it explains why so many Korean bar owners and managers on walking street are grumpy all of the time. Its like paying big money to herd cats. Not that its an excuse, mind you...Keep up the good work Chubs.

[@chubsDubC]

Koreans dont care what the clubs look like or try to put on a show, they line up their talent number them and run customers through… Foreigners try new things but nothing works 😢 things are changing 👍

[@NeckarPirate]

@@chubsDubC I hope so, because I haven't found a Korean bar that I really like (or like me 😁) but they seem to monopolize the talent. I mainly stick to the bars at the top half of walking street, I'm more comfortable there. It's enough.

[@edic2619]

The business I would start is... RENTING WATER BUFFALOS... they always get sick and need sponsorship.

[@captvestarman4816]

Lol...im retired..dont want to work.. want to enjoy my life..lol

[@dave-d-grunt]

The bars have become overpriced and boring.

[@johnhay9378]

Bad location paradise bar on MacArthur highway also after champagne bar near kokomos people head back uptown towards Phillies bar away from all the Korean bars

[@RYANUSNAVY-gc1bh]

Hey CHUBS>>> Me personally no need for business living comfortably here in CEBU City & enjoying Retirement but if i ever was going to open a business it would be a MINI GOLF 18 Holes ...There are No Mini Golf here in CEBU...I think it would be a big attraction & fun for Families & you could make it very affordable for everybody to enjoy.... THINK ABOUT IT!

[@MMX-fh5tn]

You mean a putt-putt golf, or a Par 3 18-hole golf course..?

[@RyanUSNAVY]

PUT -PUT ⛳️ 18 HOLES

[@chubsDubC]

youre right there 👍 i dont see putt putt anywhere… they usually attract families or ppl dating, that could work 😃 Cebu ✌️

[@robbydad4321]

@@chubsDubCThere were a couple way back in the 80’s in Metro Manila. Sorry to say that none met with success. So there’s a reason why you don’t see them around.

[@keithlopez7268]

Condotel

[@tonycerveza]

No more TikTok in the USA, it’s been banned here

[@chubsDubC]

yes we noticed on our US based phones here 😃 no more TikTok, oh well

[@jefferywinchester5830]

Whats the status of my all time favorite and jewel of Angeles City Niftys? lol

[@chubsDubC]

still kickin 😃 we drive by there every day

[@ExpatNTraining]

What's the difference between opening a business in the Philippines verses going to a casino? Absolutely Nothing!

[@chubsDubC]

you’re right there 👍

[@Kronnikk]

How's no one saying the actual obvious answer? It's regardless of Korean vs Filinipino vs Western owned. Everything costs more there than Thailand, period. You pay more for less. On food. On short time. On infrastructure. Technology. Conveniences. Food. ALSO THE BEGGERS. Young people like me search any SEA content. It's all Thailand. I see some go to Philly for a brief moment, hate it, and come right back. That's the KZbin content people

[@CherryBoyReloaded]

The secret is don't try to make money in a poor country always with lower cost local competitors - same as you don't look for a job in a poorer country....

[@wl88168]

MONKEY BUSINESS!!! hehheehehe

[@StarHelix888]

20K! Keep it up braddah! Now eat some balut! 5k pesos if you eat one! Business would have to be something that someone else isn't doing. If I was to do something, it would be just to do something...a hobby. I'd buy rice from Anne!

[@chubsDubC]

smart on the something different if you could figure out a need, and keep it hobby, take some time away from it and not have to rely on it 😃 no way on the Balut 🤮 my gag reflex wont let me near it

[@chubsDubC]

and thank you 😃 20k

[@dave-d-grunt]

@@chubsDubCc’mon man! I’ve been eating balut Daghan tuig. (Ask Anne to translate)

[@StarHelix888]

@ You have the best channel on YT for this place, enjoying see the channel grow braddah!

[@chubsDubC]

@dave-d-grunt 😃 who knows i may love it 😳 in my drinking days i was prone to trying foods like that 😎

[@arnoldjohnson3317]

You are funny. Must be slow day for content.

[@chubsDubC]

never slow in this town

[@jrent52002]

too much beauracracy taxes politics etc alot of hurdles

[@chubsDubC]

yes and no one REALLY look out for you 👍

[@AZtheOG]

Rent in Angeles is over priced

[@raycatlin3554]

😈👿 Local Greed , @ yer service ! 🙏🤪🤪🤪

[@charlesanderson6986]

The land of no integrity when it comes to money and business

[@deanjames-gr9dj]

How about spending 20 million Peso on a luxury modern property with pool etc ….use it as a holiday home for 3 months as a winter getaway from the UK 🇬🇧 rent it out the rest of the year to gain some income ….chubs do you think this would work ?

[@chubsDubC]

that could work 👍 youd need a reliable and professional property manager to over see everything, someone who would live there with good work ethics and communication skills

[@MMX-fh5tn]

I'm a U.S. business owner looking to open a call center to support my business, and maybe market the service to other U.S. businesses as well.. I'm leaning to either Manila or Cebu as the place to be.. any advice from anyone knowledgeable on this matter would be greatly appreciated..

[@goldenmoontheyoungest8389]

This guy is older than my fade and dresses like my little nephew.

[@clrodrick]

Unless you are a type A personality that just has to stay busy 24/7 or go crazy, it just makes no sense for any foreigner to open a business in Philippines. Philippines is a poor country so the odds of making enough money to make all the work worth it is low. So yeah so you cater to tourists, but then that is seasonal and always changing. Seems like just the Korean run businesses catering to Korean tourists are the only ones staying above water. So what is left? Buying up apartments to rent out to foreigners is I guess is maybe the only winning formula. But honestly the best formula for success is to form and run a successful business in one's *HOME* country then at the right time cash out and live a great retirement in SE Asia!!

[@c17flyerraf87]

Sign of the times and things are changing. The bars now are not the same as they were, which was all fun, now its all money. Had contacted in to a small business here, and after 3 months, threw in the towel fed up with the Monday sickness issue and staff going behind your back Would I open another business? Hell no.

[@chubsDubC]

behind your back 👍 and lie blatantly to save face 😬 until caught when honesty would have been easier

[@samt7341]

condos are way over priced in ph

[@RacerX888]

The smart answer is you don't go to a 3rd world country from the first world and start a business. Especially in Phils where the deck is stacked against foreign business owners. If you get really successful, someone will come and offer to buy your business and if you refuse, you end up missing. I lived and owned businesses there for 5 years, and I went through things you wouldn't believe. Other than that, buy a jeepney or two and get someone you trust (good luck) to drive them. Cheap to fix and run and make constant money all day long. Don't buy a taxi, because maintenance is too high on factory made vehicles to be worth it.

[@chubsDubC]

all good advice 👍 i like the jeepney option, i wouldnt mind driving one 😜

[@RacerX888]

@@chubsDubC I forgot to mention that I owned a taxi as one of my businesses, so I am sure of what I said. Good Luck!

[@paulphilippines8981]

Open a 12 step rehab for addiction

[@chubsDubC]

there is AA but not sure about treatment centers 👍

[@paulphilippines8981]

@@chubsDubC yes I have been to meetings at VFW but the funding from the government won't happen there because of war on drugs declared by last president the people are too scared chadd 😡

[@oahuguy3918]

Recommend you guys don't plan on coming to the Philippines to get rich. Better to get rich before you come here.