WHY Did We MOVE TO THE PHILIPPINES 🇵🇭 British Family Q&A

[@IceCeeTV]

This couple is so smart. I believe that too, it's not about the statistics, it's about how a certain place makes you feel happy and content.

[@maricheddominguez2979]

That marks, yeah! :)

[@mcq9667]

Your response to the Third World v. First World quality of life question was so spot-on, thank you. I"m a native-born Filipino who immigrated to the US with my family at age 14. I have gone back to visit numerous times, I already stopped counting. I got educated from junior high to college here in the US and have traveled to many countries in Europe, North and South America, Alaska, and Asia. It's true, those terms--Third World and First World--to qualify and quantify countries of the world are so subjective and quite frankly--mainly eurocentric. "First World(Class)" "Third World(Class)"...according to whom? A particular country could never lay claim "number 1" or the "leader"--all the time--in every aspect of life and living. There would be areas like simple pleasures, peace, happiness, cultural pride, natural resources; natural beauty, sense of family, community, unity, hospitality, and many more where a so-called Third World country could have an overabundance of such--where they may lack material things, high tech, world-class infrastructure and amenities, and world dominance--which are ubiquitous and often attributed in the so-called First World. Hence, people's priority must be in finding the right balance--the happy medium and median--in their lives. Numbers, amounts, materialism, conspicuous consumption...are irrelevant and they mean nothing especially when it comes to quality of life. It's for those reasons--and thanks to your vlogs--that I have decided to return to my homeland and live out the rest of my life. Eight Miles From Home was one of several vlogs which have reminded me of what I've been immensely missing in life, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine: simple, peaceful, happy living--surrounded by Mother Nature and local folks...family...community. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and everything in-between. What more could we ask for?

[@paulomark]

The problem in the Philippines is not really the third world classification. It is about the gap of the rich and the poor which for me is the biggest problem in the society of Filipino people!

[@mcq9667]

@Alexander, thank you. I am woefully aware and sensitive to the plight of many Filipinos back home. They're the same reasons that my family and I have done everything possible to help alleviate and improve those conditions in any capacity that we could: 1) by having been active in and supportive of Filipino-American grassroots organizations and causes, especially those offering full college scholarships (tuition, books, transportation, course related expenses, internships, etc.) to deserving students from marginalized families. Many of our graduates are now working professionals in the Philippines and all over the world, and 2) by providing housing in our family home in the city, to numerous college students and even workers from our father's hometown (a 40-minute ride away) who, otherwise, could not afford it. We've been doing this since we left the country in the early '70s. We have a 6-bedroom, three-storey family house in the city, so you could just imagine how many have been helped already--to this very day. Yes, we do count and share our blessings: one of which was the chance to have lived in both a Third World country and a First World one. That's a chance and opportunity, not given to many. And Eight Miles From Home's Sacha, J, and their adorable Story are certainly three of the lucky and privileged ones. And that's exactly why J's and Sacha's answers to the First World-Third World question certainly has hit home with me.

[@mcq9667]

@Paulo Whosoever, sorry, but nobody here in this thread or the vlog has ever made that declaration: of the Third World classification being "the" problem in the Philippines. Besides, the huge gap between the rich and the poor is not evident--only in the Philippines and the other Third World countries. In fact, I'd even go further as to say that it is even much more well-defined and pronounced--in First World countries, particularly those "still" with royalty and colonies--from centuries ago...up to this very day.

[@paulomark]

@@mcq9667 I agree with you just saying my opinion because I also lived before in developed countries. I am just saddened with the Philippines in terms of quality of life in the lower class level!

[@leapartisala3346]

Very well said..👍🙏

[@peterwilliams942]

If you want a great dark chocolate taste then buy the local TABLEYA or cacao from the local market. It is harvested locally from cacao trees, they have pods with cacao seeds inside. They roast, grind and mold the seeds into small shapes. It is dark pure chocolate. Filipinos use it to make hot chocolate (hot Choco) and other delicacies such as champorabo made with rice.

[@myrnaalcayra2245]

I love watching your Vlogs.

[@NortholtJohn3]

The term third world is somewhat derogatory in the case of the Philippines, for some time now it has been an emerging and developing economy amongst the ‘Tiger’ nations of East Asia.

[@vongoethe2]

Yes sir, I am very agree to you

[@evelinholmes6401]

There are many places in the US that look like and feel third world areas,

[@dnarrowgate]

Very down-to-earth, sincere, and kind couple. When all is stripped away, that's when we realize what things and who matters most to us. In all your videos I have watched, that is the resonating message I get. I was born in Manila and is now living here in Toronto. I have always desired to go back and retire there even though I am aware that there will be adjustments to make in terms of the lifestyle. You two are very inspiring and helpful in making a big decision a bit easier to do. Thank you. Lastly, I admire how you interact and raise up your daughter. She will be someone who is loving and caring as she is richly and deeply loved by you.

[@jgpf12]

Watching from Dubai

[@cypherescobar810]

perfectly said.

[@maricheddominguez2979]

Well-said! All true.

[@irenequilang5358]

Thank you for appreciating Filipino good traits. We salute you for that. By nature, Filipinos, especially living in any part of the provinces are basically generous, kind, respectful, God-fearing and sensitive in general that's why l go with your notions about Filipino good traits. I'm sure everyone out there would agree, too and appreciate your kind words. God bless!

[@cypherescobar810]

perfectly said!

[@SUPER_ORION]

My question made it to your list! Awesome! When you mentioned me, I felt like you were talking to me directly.. Wow. 🥰 You made me really really happy...thank you from the bottom of my ❤️

[@J11_boohoo]

Glad to know Story will have a part of her childhood in the Philippines

[@Yuki_Kabuki]

Won’t skip ads from now on. 😊

[@bluemarshall6180]

How new are here.

[@isabelitaayala5810]

I watch your vlogs with Story as the highlight, she's growing up to be a beautiful, smart girl. More inclined to be more a leader, watching her play with the children around her. I love you guys, right on!!!!

[@wilmaasikainen3173]

Thank you for loving our country, I love your sweet kind and beautiful Daughter. 😘💖she's so adorable baby girl I like her so much stay safe and healthy god bless ...😇❤

[@raquelbagobe2456]

I just pray everything will go smoothly with you while you are in the country. God bless you.❤️❤️❤️

[@sharoncarter5365]

I am going to start watching ads all the way through since you said it helps you financially.

[@noemideclines7112]

Love to hear your response your loving Siargao.... Good you prefer to live there rather than here in the city of Manila..

[@adelel8821]

Batanes and Coron in Palawan are two of the best places to see in the Philippines.

[@bluemarshall6180]

Basilan. Where eveeyday is newyears day. 😆

[@markedellawrence3410]

Its not just Batanes and Coron, Palawan. It's actually it's more than to see. It's a personal preference how your visit is going to be. The whole country; the Philippines is so diverse and it has a lot to offer.

[@titaedlynv.]

Guys if you visit Mindanao try to contact Kulas "Becoming Filipino " (Canadian vloger) I think he can help u because his travel is mostly in Mindanao. AND about Philippines ?I don't think Philippines is a third world country? And so true Filipinos love sharing ❤❤❤

[@justmeg3583]

Philippines is a third world country 😅

[@deborahlaranjo3267]

I also mention that in my comments, About Kulas hehehehe thank u so much Edna , Godbless everyone

[@bluemarshall6180]

@@justmeg3583 You are.

[@ashopashop6509]

Yes kulas already popular in the philippes and he is a goog guy think he can help u

[@romeohidalgo7059]

@@justmeg3583 ...so??? What is your interpretation of a third world country?

[@acoz9641]

I loved the snippets of island life inset in between you talking to the camera. It was a nice touch of dynamism. :)

[@gloriabuaron2285]

Thank you for so many positive words for the Philippines.

[@mochii000]

just be safe when you plan to go mindanao and i think you should learn tagalog cos you can easily talk every Filipino in tagalog every region knows tagalog before you learn bisaya or other dialects

[@desireeban4694]

➡️First and foremost Thank you so much for staying in our county. One big reason I loved you most is being honest and sincere to your feelings. Being locked down and other race is no descrimination.,decided to live in a third world country as they named is not a hindrance and stop the generosity support and kindness as being part of filipino traits and culture. ➡️2nd while listening to Q & A but waiting and hoping of Story's appearance was not happened😂I missed her😘 ➡️Lastly time will come you will go we can not hold or stop you but enjoy your stay while you are there as much as you like.. as forever❤️🤗😚

[@gerc.4263]

Good Evening to All.👍⛈️⚡Its raining heavily today,🙏👍 Nice to hear you've had plans of Exploring Mindanao..👋🌅Mindanao is the most rich in terms of natural resources,CARAGA Region or the Region 13 ($iargao belongs this Region) is known as the Mining Capital of the Philippines 🇵🇭. .

[@deborahlaranjo3267]

Adoy Adto mag huya si KULAS sa CATEEL, mingaw da ako ngadto lalo na mga pag kaan

[@irenequilang5358]

Mindanao has it's beautiful scenic spots, too. You can also consider to visit Palawan and Batanes, too. Thank you and God bless!

[@bluemarshall6180]

Tondo.

[@annettescott5884]

Great to get answers to some of the things I’ve been wondering about! You do seem much more content and relaxed than you did in Portugal. Your videos have always been stunningly beautiful but they have been even better these last months - a real haven of peace in this crazy world

[@jiniville]

It’s Story time! 🥰

[@simplyyhanz]

Setting aside covid19 issue, homeschooling Story is a great decision. Sacha is right, kids learn diff ways and looking at Story - she learn faster and effectively when outside. She can easily recognize things; procedures and terms. Awesome! Goodluck to your house move and enjoy island life. Stay safe from the virus and from this incoming rainy season.😊

[@redroses1230]

Good morning world! And good morning to Story 😘 and to you J and Sacha, of course 🥰. Happy to see you guys again. 😉

[@jashtogabil683]

You guys just melt my heart! You are so amazing couple. I wish you the best and hope all things go smoothly when you move to a new place. Your vlog is my daily dose of happiness..I just love your adorable little girl Story. From Mindanao living in SOS UK

[@eduardopandeagua9539]

Thanks both of you for liking my country, am so proud that you choose philippines

[@mannypacu6460]

There's less Covid cases in Portugal (around 50K) than in the Phils (110K and climbing).

[@anastasiabalonosyau3700]

Enjoying watching your Q and A. and Thank you for liking and loving our country The Philippines Siargao 🇵🇭 ❤.

[@Prometheus-nj3et]

Happy that you will be living in the Philippines. A lot of adventures to come for sure!

[@kayvilla-real1253]

I love your videos so much! Can't wait to see your new home! Welcome to our Filipino Family ❤️❤️❤️

[@pacitadulaca4679]

EMFH enjoy your stay in Philippines peaceful ,hospitality exhibited by the people continue your good deeds .You have a nice vlogs to view enjoyable to watch

[@JUANMARCOPH]

🥰🥰🥰 HELLO TO THE LOVELY FAMILY... GOODEVENING GUYS...

[@lyn.267]

You're the nature lover, it can tell that you're easy couple. Especially you're vegan you're easy to adopt any vegetables in the Philippines. Now you can grow your own vegetables. Enjoy your stay in Philippines.

[@MADesigns_]

I really admire you both. The way you parent and teach your beautiful daughter is probably the best experience she will ever have, and your mindset of living a simple yet happy islander life instead of the busy touristy city life is also admirable.

[@haniebee5852]

Hello goodmorning .... i enjoy watching your video and a little flow of tears coming from my eyes... thank you so much for loving our country (Philippines) even though life here is less opportunity compare to England.... i pray for your family for best comfort and a happy life in your home.. WE LOVE YOU.......

[@dorslagbasPH]

im so giggled when you uplift positive words that it is not just about the statistics just because that our country PH is a 3rd world country.... i cant wait to see Eden join you there in siargao...

[@bethanterola5025]

I don't usually watch serious Q&A coz I get bored..but yours is totally different..i got hooked watching all the way through..love it!♡♡♡

[@J11_boohoo]

interesting and sad fact the Philippines where the second most powerful country in Asia in the 60s and was considered as a developed nation however corruption and awful leaders took on and we are one of the only countries who were developed and became developing

[@CalmLemon05]

Sad fact.

[@evajunemarieapalisok5228]

That was Marcos regime! The greatest Philippine president of all times!

[@djroguefireify]

@@evajunemarieapalisok5228 Please fact check your history. It's not hard, it literally takes a few seconds of Googling. The Marcos regime was from 1965-1986. The Post-WW2 to PRE-Marcos era was the Philippine golden age.

[@ecartbunch8562]

With Pres Duterte administration, Philippines has changed a lot especially from corruption and the insurgencies. God bless Pres Duterte.

[@noelc.santos7989]

Wow, the questions were very good but your answers were spot on and sincere. I like watching your vlogs because I learn a lot about life. Batanes would be my first choice too and if you fancy a cooler weather and can get cozy, probably uou can visit Baguio, again. I am so excited for you and Story as you share to us your journey and adjustments to the transitions. Hope everything will work out for you and Eden’s joining you there. Hope that you get the desires of your hearts. You are such an amazing family. All the best, thank you and take care.

[@dnarrowgate]

Question for you two: By any chance, through your videos and your decision to move to the Philippines, have you met some people or do you know some people/friends who were thinking and are encouraged to move to the Philippines as well?

[@leeford9096]

Story hopefully will become a future Marine biologist yay😍

[@luluyu5416]

Hi! guys its nice to hear that you will stay longer in here in philippines so happy to hear 😍😍😍

[@geenabyrnes137]

Thank you for bringing sunshine into our world!

[@ofeliaaquino5093]

Thanks for LOVING my COUNTRY. HOW'S CUTE STORY DOING? STAY SAFE.

[@patr.nacariotv1029]

I like this family. Yes it's the first time I've written a comment for you but I'm sure you got 100% views and likes in your everyday vlogs from me since you started this Island life. I'm happy you embraced the natural way of living in the island just what Andi Eigenmann the famouse celebrity who gives her career in exchange for happiness at the Islands " Happy Islanders" and decided to live with the Surfing World Champion Philmar Alipayo. Hopefully you'll meet them guys, they're now building bread & breakfast place and I hope you'll meet also Philmar Alipayo the nice guy, he's teaching surfing now at Cloud 9.

[@helenderrota8743]

Thank you for loving our country especially siargao. May I know if there are also some foreigners like you who are now living in siargao .

[@daisyteresa380]

Its official💖🏡 Welcome to our country Jmayel, Sacha and Story👨‍👩‍👧🏝 May u have a wonderful life here 🇵🇭🏖💝 Hope u stay well and safe🤗 xoxo❤❤❤

[@AnnieReb1228]

I enjoyed watching your Q&A... CONGRATULATIONS you both gave an excellent answers to all the questions!!! I feel so proud of being a Filipino especially when you answered one question about What trait you want most ...the word KINDNESS!! modesty aside...yes, thats a true statement.

[@cynmejilla8832]

💕💕💕thank you for answering those questions...😍

[@benitanuit8325]

I love the sincerity in every vlog.

[@clea247]

Yes! My favorite foreign blogger and family. Watching from Dasmarinas Cavite.

[@ravenskye6595]

Thank you for sharing your amazing journey- what a wonderful outlook on life. Home is truly where your heart is.

[@titamari5660]

You are VERY lucky that you are protected in isolation and enjoy the sea and sun at the same time !

[@marificeno6320]

Lots of dark chocs and Home cheeses in Davao. Heneleban Adlai too is a superfood and an Heirloom rice (not really a rice but tastes like rice) that's in Bukidnon. If you go on a road trip in Mindanao experience the bounty esp. August - t'is the harvest season.

[@chargalido1771]

I'm happy to both of you and your daughter. It's a beautiful island of surigao. Because I'm from surigao. And my husband loves it. Good luck stay safe.dont forget to visit grande island.

[@marydaigle1445]

Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourselves.I truly enjoyed this...Have a great Day from Canada

[@user-xn7jc7ym2j]

When J said, "5 years" The look on Sacha's face and her laugh.....

[@dianaramospalomo8494]

May I suggest learning Tagalog, you can get app online like Dalubhasa, etc. Then a private tutor for learning bisaya. I found out there is diff. kinds of visaya.Good Luck !

[@ellenmerquillo4007]

Yes..learn Tagalog first..it is the.most widely spoken..

[@Jenvenzuela]

Lovely words! hoping pandemic will finish soon so you can see other place near Provinces like Bohol, Buracay,Palawan, Manila.

[@goingavgeek]

Love your humble attitude... Oh still got so many vids to watch for update.

[@velgilchrist6649]

You are amazing family I love watching you always i learning a lot from your vlog, thank you for sharing many things about Sairgao, I do love island life having simple life surround with nature. Well done.

[@sidzky86]

Guys, I know you will be travelling across Mindanao in the coming months. You might want to visit Davao City, you can find the chocolate factory here (export quality) local made dark chocolate. I' m sure you will love it. And also, Davao City is the heart of Mindanao where you can find almost everything you need - specifically ALL the 'Cs' you want to have. God bless you both.

[@IloVeyou-ig1lj]

I wish to invite you in my hometown, balingasag. Maybe take a short trip to camiguin, cagayan de oro, bukidnon and the city waterfalls, iligan city.

[@joytodword]

Balingasag is very nice place

[@kdjec16]

Lovely fam, not skipping ads for you my fave fambam!

[@samns8321]

Donsol is where the sustainable way of viewing whale sharks can be done. :) also in Samar/Leyte. Oslob is the more touristy, more organized one. But it has become an attraction, rather than an eco/nature tourism experience.

[@mischandes5496]

This beautiful family is living the dream!!❤ I would also love to live in an island!

[@nimfaalo8373]

You're so lucky to be stranded in this beautiful island! You enjoy fresh air, there is less pollution, no noise and its peaceful and quiet and you are not cooped up indoors like what we who live in the city is experiencing. I love that you feel contented with what the island is offering. Best of luck 8milers. We would love to have you here for the longest time possible!

[@hernieclarianes649]

absolute I commend your thoughts and how perceptions you have and in share, well done

[@lizabiagcong3285]

Thank you for answering, about Erma,❤️❤️❤️

[@cali005]

I hope that your experience with typhoon Odette will not discourage your staying here. Typhoons are a part of our lives that's why Filipinos have been trained to be resilient and still come out smiling through it all 🙂

[@maryflaherty7096]

Very interesting. Love listening to you. First met when you gave your little girl 1000 pesos and taught Her the value of money. I am learning about Philippines, having 2 online friends here.

[@Kimllg88]

You guys are wonderful and so right in all your brave choices. Your little girl is an angel. Take care and good luck!

[@mariavictoriareyman7192]

Most essentials in life. You have it Jay , Sacha & Story. You can always have a good life wherever you go because you have the right attitude and principles of a good life. Nobody can give or get that from your family. Stay happy ..

[@jmjianglenn2530]

Love you guys!!! Happy to know that you love the Philippines!! You're so blessed to a cute daughter like Story!!!!💗🧡♥️❤️💓💚💛

[@dolongski]

I can’t wait to see Story speaking Visaya someday ☺️

[@julietaguano7404]

I'd been to the UK and I love the way you preserve your culture and gentility. I, too loves to in a laid-back community. 🙌❤️

[@universal_idol]

What's amazing with your vlog is that it's simple, authentic and you let us go thru your life stories without getting too personal. And of course, Story is quite fun to watch her grow and enjoy her everyday life. You're lucky to have an amazing, smart and adoptive child. Thank you for sharing your stories. God bless.

[@michelmendoza2672]

It's a beautiful island. Will surely visit Siargao after the covid situation. Enjoy your time there!

[@AngryKittens]

Pros and Cons of Tagalog and Bisaya: *Tagalog:* ✔️ Everyone speaks it, because it is taught in school. ✔️Most national media will be in Tagalog and/or English ❌The natives of Visayas and Mindanao do not speak Tagalog in everyday conversations. ❌There is a sort of regional rivalry between Tagalog-speakers and Bisaya-speakers. Tagalogs discriminate the Bisaya accent, while Bisaya find Tagalog difficult to enunciate and the words too long. Chances are, if you try and speak Tagalog to a Bisaya-speaker, they will reply in English. *Bisaya (Cebuano):* ✔️It is the lingua franca of pretty much 2/3rds of the Philippines - the Visayas Islands and Mindanao, including the regional centers of Cebu and Davao. ✔️Most of the other (non-Cebuano) major languages of Visayas and Mindanao (including Surigaonon) also fall under the Visayan language group, which means they are more or less mutually intelligible with Cebuano-speakers. ✔️It is the language people speak in everyday conversations in the region you are in. Which means not only can you communicate with them, you can also understand them even if they're not talking to you. ✔️It is less grammatically complex than Tagalog, which means the words are shorter and easier to pronounce as a rule. For example: Tagalog "ipinapakain" - "i + pa + in + pa + kain" (to let someone eat); vs. Bisaya "ginapakaon" = "gina + pa + kaon". ❌Not all Filipinos speak Bisaya. In most of Palawan and Luzon, the native language is Tagalog, so if you're in Manila or somewhere nearby, you will have to switch back to English.

[@AngryKittens]

Regardless both languages are closely related and once you learn one, you will find it easier to learn the other.

[@deborahlaranjo3267]

Majority bisaya can speak ( understand) Tagalog , but Tagalog speaking people , majority can’t understand or speak bisaya .hehehe MINDANAO LANGUAGES TOO , MANDAYA DAVAOWENYA yan Yang Kanami linguahe sa Mindanao, but there are more languages In Mindanao. Godbless everyone

[@jtozuna]

I'll say learn bisaya FIRST. Tagalog can be learned after. Ifthey spend most of their time in visayas & mindanao then wth is tagalog for? No need for that. English is widely spoken anyway

[@lydiafano6707]

You should learn bisaya as there are more Bisaya speaking than Tagalog. Geographically, Bisaya is like the root of majority of Visayas and Mindanao dialects and you guys live in Surigao, so better learn the Surigaonon Bisaya and from there you can move to Bisaya then tagalog. You have english to speak of whenever you are in dire situation PLUS you have your gadget to translate it for you.

[@jsnow5355]

What is the purpose of them learning tagalog or bisaya? They can communicate just fine in english anywhere in the philippines. Locals would talk to them in english no matter the conversation would be. Its normal for filipinos to talk to any foreigner in english.

[@melaniericket9333]

I always love watching your vlog! Stay safe lovely 👪!

[@fym7976]

Thanks for sharing and take care guys!👍🇵🇭🇨🇦

[@RamLopez]

I always watch your videos and you guys always put a smile on my face. I am glad that you are enjoying your stay here in the Philippines and decided to even live here.

[@roelenriquez3257]

all i can say is i love you guys. welcome to my country. God bless you and protect you keeping you all safe forever more... may you grow old healthy and peaceful in my country... we will meet some day God willing... roel from davao city...

[@islanderinParis]

Lovely Family!!! greetings from France.. I'm missing IslandLife.. take care.

[@anichijosephdimo6576]

Another story time before going to bed ♥️

[@carolynco6084]

Watching here again. love going back thru your old videos♥️

[@sorahoshino1511]

Ahhh 🥰 I love you guys. Be safe always And I miss Story today! 😕

[@vembills7308]

Hi ! I love your lovely family especially your beautiful Story! I hope you guys write or publish a book about your adventures. 😜 Shout out from Vem of Bolivar, Tennessee 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@rosey2349]

enjoyed every momemt of this vlog..thank you so much.

[@lealynramos7236]

You may include Camiguin Island in Northern Mindanao..Island w 7 volcanos...hot n cold springs..beautiful island too

[@evelyncatchuela956]

Happy family. I m proud of you loving Philippines!!!!👍👍👍❤❤❤

[@mamalousvlog6320]

Always looking forward to watch your videos...beautiful family!!

[@arvinvillamor824]

Such a lovely and happy family and a cool daughter.. keep safe guys..

[@Lans888]

That’s good to hear. I’m learning from u guys.

[@linareyes1283]

Take care of yourselves always especially story💖

[@emelyagustin6111]

Yes England is stunning like USA. Thank you for appreciating Philippines. I admire the many good traits of Fiipino people and I also admire both of you.

[@maecasino1931]

Praying for your whole family to have a safe, happy, healthy and blessed stay in the Philippines

[@chefchrisgarciasr.4565]

Wow you guys doing good in the Philippines congratulations 🍾

[@mariaangelinabatallones292]

Parents know best. You are both doing very well in raising Story.

[@elmietablatin9793]

Just keep safe always...im enjoying watching your videos...