Why Living In Dumaguete Isn't As Great As You Think!

[@1307scooter]

I live in Bacong, 22k/month and it is quiet here,, we also have a backup generator and fast internet. I live 100 meters from the beach and in my book all are priceless. Thanks Alma!

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for sharing Alma does a great job

[@ITech2005]

Are you using starlink? If so have you had any issues? For my work internet access is critical and non negotiable. I was thinking of building my own solar setup and using starlink for internet.

[@waltgreen8759]

Alma seems great!!! Bacong is our favorite too.

[@UncleWobby2024]

I highly agree on Bacong and Dauin area for snorkeling/scuba....Apo Island was beautiful. Mike's Dive Resort was great.

[@KB3TLE]

That's not Dumaguete ?

[@BruceCinader]

Thanks for the honest review of your place in the Philippines. I could not live in the Philippines for all the reason you mention, and I could think of many more reasons, but you did cover the bulk of the reasons most Americans would not be happy there.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

welcome Bruce

[@calayugankings]

Don't burn yard waste, neither food waste. Mulch it, mix it with rotten food and dirt. It grows the best tomatoes and corn. Even a smal garden can handle a yearly recycling regime.

[@napoleonmdusa8877]

The "out of stock" for prescriptions is horrifying to hear. Anyone who is on blood pressure lowering medications could end up dead or have a stroke if they can't get their medications refilled in time. Maybe Thailand won't have such a big problem with this issue and might be a better alternative retirement location for those who might have concerns about this.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

storages in many places in the world

[@BasedInBrazil]

I live in a small Brazilian city and never had issues with medicine refills, water being shut off and only 3 brownouts this year with 2 understandable reasons: A ⛵ mast hit one of the powerlines ( fixed 4 hours later ) and we literally had the storm of the century here ( out for 2 days ). The 3rd one I'm not sure what happened but only lasted 3 hours.

[@kenmiller9]

Thailand's mrducdl infrastructure and medhcdl services, efficiency of staff and process are top notch, even compared to the U.S.

[@kenmiller9]

Medical services in Thailand I mean

[@alanaldpal950]

You should build up a stash or 3-6 month supply or important meds and get refills when you get down to you 3+ month supply. Not that hard to do with a little planning

[@MrTomherzog]

Thank's for your honest assessment, Mike. The noise drove me away. It was absurd and beyond endurance.

[@axelcarin2765]

These things you talk about, goes for practically all rural areas here in Philippines. I live (for 7 years) up in the hills, cebu island near Dalaguete. Same things: Water, Phone signal, brown out noise, all of it. Internet was really bad, until i got Starlink. I like it this way, we build our house here, after living in a subdivision near Angeles. This is different, but a lot better for us. Fresh air, friendly neighbors (not close to us) peace and "quiet". Dogs sure, Roosters not so much around us, karaoke when there's party and so on. All in all i am very happy for living in a place like thins

[@nitaihammari6994]

I agree 100%. I (the family)have a seaside home, a mountain home, and a condo in Cavite. Each have their own sounds and smells, but each makes me feel at home.

[@listerine414]

Finally after 500 vlogs a Philippines vlogger expats finally admits the air pollution in Dumaguete city. It's a toxic unhealthy place. Finally we hear the truth for once. Briefly.

[@henryreinders3031]

Even if it isn't coming from vehicles, almost anywhere there are a lot of people, you'll be putting up with burning of garbage. Which in some ways is worse because everything seems to get burned, plastic included. Not all the time of course, but many places I was in, at least once a day for a short time you might smell burning plastic.

[@Charles-rd6ku]

@@listerine414 i don't know if you're kidding or not i spend a weekend there and we went up in the valencia mountains and we came down in the city i'm not in the best to shape but the atmosphere didn't have any bother on me i don't know the UV ratings not good over here

[@mcalleyboy5820]

I find i hard to believe that hermits want to live in the Philippines, a nation of 106 million citizens. Night-life is for me, to heck with living out in the sticks or hiking in this heat, you'll have to purchase of vehicle if you prefer remote, so are sure you want to drive here and so how's that cheaper, so no need for a vehicle if you live near a major city.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Dumaguete is not for everyone

[@johng4093]

To each his own. One man's meat is another man's poison. 😊

[@Ghekko-kw3zz]

80% of the 7000 islands are not populated. Plenty of opportunities for serious hermits.

[@Cowboysfan4ever]

Don’t come to calamba city unless you like over crowded, dirty with trash thrown on the ground everywhere, people burning trash, dogs and cats running loose, dogs barking and roosters crowing. Motorcycles with open pipes and more motorcycles then any other place then Manila. People walking in the roads instead of the sidewalks ( when there are sidewalks) poor internet service, people selling fish, corn etc walking at 6am yelling at the top of their lungs or ringing a bell to let you know they are here. Beggars every where. Traffic is horrible and what should only take 10 minutes takes over an hour. No parking anywhere. I’m sure I could list more if needed

[@alfredopampanga9356]

No one mentions the general ugliness. Your eyes cannot rest on a single well made thing. Buildings are thrown together from scrap , powerlines look like they survived a hurricane , advertising everywhere without restrictions etc etc

[@Cowboysfan4ever]

@@alfredopampanga9356 i agree and i am glad to announce i have moved from the dump and now im living out of calmba city and only drive through there if i have to. I am in a great area now. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@wesgraham2262]

TIP>> Don’t automatically assume that because you have a prescription in the US that you need to go to a doctor in the Philippines to get it renewed. Some meds like my Atenolol or Tenormin (common meds for high blood-pressure) do NOT require a prescription. Just go to Rose Pharmacy or Mercury Drug and get however many tablets you need of whatever strength you need. I did that at Ayala Mall in Cebu City for 3 years. Never had to see a doctor or show a prescription.

[@lindawilson795]

Hope your doctor monitored you. ❤

[@wesgraham2262]

@@lindawilson795 Since 1999, I have been forced to see a doctor and get checked for high blood pressure, before he would re-prescribe my bp med. For all that time it was the same outcome… renewal of the same prescription for 34 years. I think it’s a safe bet that I can go get my meds without seeing a doctor before I go to the pharmacy to buy more of the same.

[@Man-In-The-Home-Stretch-60]

The water situation scares me a little bit. I understand not drinking the tap water, but - if you go to the outdoor market to buy fruits and produce, for example, is it washed/rinsed in tap water? If it is, seems like you can't eat it! Or if you get soup in a restaurant, do you have to ask what kind of water they used to make it? I don't think soups get hot enough to kill germs. If you order a soft drink in a restaurant, do you have to ask if they made the ice with tap water? Or how about coffee? That's a lot to worry about

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

hmmm soup is cooked. To much worry

[@SirMikeMiller]

I don’t drink the tap water but after awhile being here, your body adjusts to like washing your vegetables with tap water. I still use mineral water if we make soup. It is unavoidable, no matter how careful you are about the water you drink, you will get Montazuma revenge until your body adjusts.

[@VittoShulman]

Nobody is going to buy drinking water for cooking and washing dishes - of course they use grey water for everything. And they add water to the soup through the day. Nobody ever washes anything at the market there is no water there. Coffee machines are all run on grey water they have a filter insider but nobody ever changes the filter. The same thing with air cons they never service or clean it. If you rent a condo or house the first thing you need to do is clean the air filter or you get sick 🤢. They have two types of ice every one is using grey ice but you can buy clean ice at seven eleven though it is always out of stock And the drinking water in large blue jugs is not always safe to drink because they don't service the equipment. You should ask rich philippino families in your area where they buy water and buy there too. Also wear a mask when going outside - diesel fumes will develop breathing problems after some times. One third of philippino population have respiratory deases because air con filter and traffic fumes. GLTY stay safe.

[@jasperpike242]

i suggest you stay safe in your house

[@testerone5390]

I live in subic bay freeport, the old navy base. Very quiet no livestock allowed, no roosters , chickens. No trikes allowed or jeepneys . Rare brownouts and potable water. We have two puregolds , one has a selection of united states products. Two royal markets which has good selection of united states products . Ayala mall and we are next to olongapo which has two sm malls. Olongapo barreto has entertainment area , we are close to many beaches. We have traffic control stop lights and signs which are patrolled by sbma police . We have security and twice a week garbage pickup. Less than a hour drive to Angeles and san Fernando for additional shopping and entertainment. We have private hospitals and a public one . Medical city clark is less than a hour away. Love this area for living .

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thank you for sharing

[@listerine414]

@@testerone5390 is the air clean there ?

[@testerone5390]

@listerine414 pretty much for the Philippines. Breeze from bay keeps things pretty clear

[@damncars2618]

I was in SBMA for a year. I'm in Binictican Heights SBFZ now. Love it here. But not cheap... you get what you pay for.

[@testerone5390]

@damncars2618 I am also in Binictican heights love the peace and quiet safe streets to walk on . Can be expensive if you rent one of the large spider homes . If you buy a long term lease then that lessens the cost

[@platoon1081]

I live in Panglao Bohol and visited Dumaguete a few months past. I was surprised at all the antiquated trikes and Habal Habals operating and absence of traffic lights or controls compared to Panglao. I posit that the increased congestion and pollution as a result is part of the reason why Dumaguete citizens seem generally unfriendly and unhappy. I couldn't get back to Bohol soon enough.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for sharing

[@KB3TLE]

Brown outs - noise from dogs roosters mufflers karaoke (!) - traffic & smog - heat - getting $ from the US (!) - renew tourist visa every 2 months (now) - long delays and lines for EVERYTHING !!! - - - Other than ALL THAT - (?) - it's paradise ! 🤗

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

I love it here

[@Raadaaem]

I need peace and quiet. That for me is not negotiable.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for sharing

[@VictorJafo]

@@Raadaaem don’t go to Philippines then it’s noisy everywhere even in street they have big stereo system flat out

[@richardhowe5583]

Rent a car or a motorcycle and go up in the mountains of Valencia and Sibulan.. you will find a cheap place to live with all of the peace and quiet you want.. it is very cool up there and you will not need an air conditioner at night and sometimes not during the day either.. "Seek and ye shall find" anybody can have anything they want as long as they have patience and persistence..

[@joshuarizalforeman816]

Dumaguete has too much drama, too many expats, and is too expensive. I live partially in the sticks; there's a few dogs and a few roosters but they are not an issue. We live on the edge of a developed city and have access to all the amenities we need. Manila itself is only a couple of hours drive away. I've been here 4 years and have only experienced one, brief, brown-out but that was during a typhoon.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

what Drama?

[@joshuarizalforeman816]

@@mikesphilippineretirement Plenty.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

name 3 drama issues or your just talking shit

[@garrylafferty100]

​​​@@mikesphilippineretirement mark Thorton only drama for me put down america every interview why would any one want to live america if you listen to his nonsense😂.

[@richardking9607]

Buy a battery backup (upc) and connect your internet to. They only cost about $100 and they connect to a regular wall receptacle and charge constantly while your regular power is on. When you lose power your internet modem will continue to work for maybe 10-12 hrs will your power is out.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for the info

[@richardhowe5583]

You are correct my friend I have been using solar generators and solar panels also and they are really good against power outages.. I just do not understand why more people do not invest in them especially in the Philippines and the dumaguete area.. actually if the KZbinrs would use them they would never be without power to do their KZbin work..😮😊

[@daysoff4ever]

Nope- 100.00 for 10-12 hours backup LOL More like 500.00- for that size unit.

[@richardhowe5583]

@@daysoff4ever you are correct my friend.. to get a real good one it is more like $1500 or $2,000 and it can run several appliances at one time and can be recharged buy solar panels or a wall socket or a gasoline generator.. I would think every KZbinr would have one so they would not ever be without power.. everyone should do their own research and purchase the one they need.. Amazon has free delivery to the Philippines for orders over $50 and also I have seen them on the Philippine mail-order companies like shein and others..👍👍

[@richardhowe5583]

@@daysoff4ever what is the brand name and where can I get one? Thanks 👍

[@zetrader]

I've been to the Philippines and i prefer where i'm living in Spain, Valencia, the living environment is much better, there in the Philippines too much noise, traffic problems, contamination, too much pollution in the air, and yes tap water is another problem, internet connection is not good in general.

[@platoon1081]

How does the cost of living compare though?

[@richardfox2865]

Wow, I hope you're okay in Valencia... the floods look terrible. Wishing you well...

[@zetrader]

@richardfox2865 Yes, i'm good, thank you 👍

[@richardfox2865]

@zetrader I'm so very happy to get your message ☺️. It's a mess with you... we can see everything. All good 👍... happy you're okay.

[@zetrader]

@@richardfox2865 You're welcome, i'm good and lucky but i can see many people that have lost a lot or everything, there are some real dramas here, thanks for your support 🤗👍

[@Mikeyyyy_L]

Good topic! Everyplace has their own pro and cons about living there. You just have to decide what’s important and what you can deal with.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

so true Mikeyyyy_L

[@navytexan]

I love Dumaguete and my home is on the outskirts of town or as i like to say in the jungle. To many times I have listened to foreigners complain that there is no bar life and hopping party district in Dumaguete and I always tell them if that's what your looking for Cebu or Manila may be better for them. Many people move to the Philippines every year thinking that it will solve all their problems and sometimes it may but many end up leaving realizing there problems just followed them here. To many people leave their country and then complain that Dumaguete isn't like were they came from, just sounds like those folks cannot be happy anywhere to me. Thanks for putting the information out there so people know what to expect.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for sharing

[@TitoGeorgeTravel]

I will stay in my Condo. No noise. Some kids are at the pool. A large garden to walk and stores like S&R and Landers 5 minutes away.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Big City Living.. Enjoy

[@georgeallen7667]

You like living in a jail? Lol...... Better hide, there's noise afoot

[@MakeTheRules2]

Same here. Condo over 20 stories up in Cebu city, so no animal noises (city) and the motorcycles are at the ground level so can't hear them. Go high guys. We have a backup generator for when any scheduled power maintenance is done, maybe 3 times a year.

[@Borsia]

I've lived in the PH for over 12 years here in Valencia for the last 7. So on the noise issue you missed, one of the biggest ones, Karaoke and LOUD music for some reason Filipinos think that if someone can't sing it will sound better at a volume level that can be heard on other islands. Filipinos are among the least considerate of the world. I've lived in a number of countries and nowhere was this the problem it is here in the PH. Also on the no muffler thing the kids thing they get more power out of their tiny engines if they take off or gut the muffler. Of course the opposite it true. They also turn off the lights at night for the same reason, they think that it gives them more power and saves gas if you ride with the lights off. Up here in Apolong you can drink the water but we have lots of water shortages, here it is gravity fed so it's not a pumping issue. They probably lose as much as 20% of the water from leaks. Power outages are VERY common and while the announced black outs are annoying but we get breaks in power all the time for a few minutes to hours. We have PLDT internet and it is hit or miss on reliability asap we will be going to Starlink. Traffic is a free-for-all but parking is the issue. I use Silliman Hospital and they are pretty good and reasonably priced. I was in Holy Child after a motorcycle incident with 2 broken ribs and a punctured lung in for a week and the cost was like 25kp. There are a lot of drugs that simply don't exist here that are common in the US. For the trash I had a raised platform built for the immediate neighbours so we put the trash out the night before with no dog problems. You can get the high quality food in Duma at places like Belcres and they have Australian beef in Robinson but it is very expensive. I have a great group of expat friends here and had a great group when I lived in Taygaytay but I would say that overall maybe 1 in 10 expats are worth knowing, so many just want to complain about everything. Take care

[@willemandree1424]

Yep, you’re correct. But I love it. 🥰 I find driving in the Philippines is actually enjoyable. You just need to understand the driving code. 😊 If you are experiencing lots of brownouts and require internet access then you should install some solar panels, inverter and batteries. It’s always sunny in the Philippines. Worried about drinking water? Get a small water distiller. They make clean drinking water 24/7. Do you wanna live a western lifestyle? Learn how to adapt, life in the Philippines is awesome. 🥰😀😊

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Janet and I call Dumaguete home

[@willemandree1424]

We can’t wait to be back. I’ve been counting down the days daily. 😊 we have a small cement house located 5 minutes outside Dumaguete in a gated community. It’s two story house. I just finished having insulation installed in the roof space to block out the heat from the metal roof. I use 1 small AC unit upstairs that keeps the entire house cool. Feels like a refrigerator inside. 🥶

[@New_life61]

​@@willemandree1424can you give the model and hp of your AC?

[@willemandree1424]

'LLG MODEL HS - 18ISY (HSN18ISY / HSU18ISY) SPLIT TYPE ROOM AIR CONDITIONER PHASE 10 60 Hz VOLTAGE 230 V~ COOLING (T1)

[@New_life61]

@@willemandree1424 thank you thank you thank you fine sir 😊

[@SirMikeMiller]

Dumaguete is like any other city in the fact that there are nice parts and not so nice parts to live in. The trick is to take your time and explore and find the place that you like best. Don’t rush the process and even explore places outside the city limits. If you’re new here, do not sign a long term lease because you may find something better after you’ve been here a couple of months.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for sharing

[@shawnlee3997]

Dumaguete is Philippines lite. Positive for new expats. Many girls here have had many foreigner boyfriends before. Negative for all expats. If ur older than 60 -better to fly in a Filipina from another province.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for sharing

[@damncars2618]

I've been to Dumaguete... too many people for a small town. Pollution, power, noise, traffic and water problems make it worse. Seems "the budget" is a concern there. You get what you pay for.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

you need a bigger budget here than most towns

[@hanglee5586]

Always upsides and downsides in any place u want to live. It’s always a compromise. 😊

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Totally agree

[@kevinmccolgan5216]

I live in California and go to Dumaguete twice a year. It s my favorite part of the Philippines. A decent size city with a relaxed pace of life and things to do there and nearby

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

We enjoy Dumaguete and we call it home

[@scottmullis4230]

Good Show. Enjoyed it. My wife is from near ILOILO. I go to the Philippines. Thanks for all the info. :)

[@davidmadison1087]

A lot of good honest content here. I just want to comment because there's always guys no matter what the issue is someone's talking about their life and the place they live is just rosey paradise. For most that is just not the case. I will say though, if you have enough money you can overcome and stay above most of the negatives talked about. Brownouts? Pay thousands of dollars for solar systems. Traffic? Pay someone to manage all of your bills and requirements. Roosters and dogs? You can move into high end gated communities. So I guess for the average Joe who's just going to get by on SS or smaller pension, you are going to have to navigate all the perils talked about here. 😉

[@michael_Jon7]

Hey Mike, I prefer Valencia but still close Dumaguete City to get what i need. But I definitely need some quietness. There’s no doubt about it. The street noise can be very loud in the city. Keep up the good work, brother 🙌 still looking forward to meeting you soon.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

See you soon Michael

[@fenderbend3r]

More likely no need blood pressure meds anymore in no time because expats that move in Philippines usually gets their pressure normal. Unless they look for stress, lol!

[@markeuringer8106]

You can’t always get what you want. You get what you need……😇👍

[@Jeffyinthehills]

Had plans for Duma but it seems to have changed a lot in the last 2 years. I ended up in Palo, on Leyte. I have a 2 bedroom home for much cheaper than the prices I have seen around Duma and it is in a gated community. So far I am very happy. We also have low water pressure ( almost none ) from 6am to 6pm but my electric has not gone off once yet. Wifi is good but cable is not

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for sharing

[@jerrymarshall2728]

I see a lot more foreign expats, from everywhere, in Pampanga (Angeles City/San Fernando) than I did in Dumaguete. No matter where I go (malls, restaurants, etc), it seems like I always see a fair percentage of expats. Koreans and Chinese are a bit more difficult to differentiate from westerners, but occasionally I can tell. I think you notice the Vloggers in Dumaguete more than you would here, because you know so many of them? Here, there's not much of a "community" of Vloggers; they all seem to be doing their own thing. Good points, Kuya Mike 👍

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for sharing Jerry

[@meatslide]

I live in Bacong. The biggest problem for me is the trash everywhere. Human waste and plastic trash is absolutely everywhere.

[@tombkk1322]

That’s one reason I prefer Thailand. No trash no noise.

[@eduardochavacano]

​@@tombkk1322And Thailand has culture.

[@fenderbend3r]

I pray hard that the government will do something about the infrastructure because Dumaguete has tons of potentials. That's where they will start solving the problems if they do that. Roads and traffic lights makes a big difference

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

we all hope

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

You should recommend the Palengkes of Dumaguete great selections of fresh fish, scallops, chicken, pork and beef. These are great wet markets. The babby back ribs they just cut right from the baboy (pig). Prices are more reasonable too. The vendors speak English too. We go to the city market all the time in the Cavite province. Landers & Costo are very expensive because of value added taxes and duties. Better to stick with locally made items, more affordable and which are many and enjoyable to eat.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Janet did a video from Palengkes Market

[@1mlostintranslation499]

I shipped a 12 to 120v power inverter and my fil products router can be run on 100v-240v. By the way, I'm using it right now. In Dauin Philippines Not sure if I can get a power inverter for Philippines 12v - 220v

[@peterpoulter1420]

Good review Mike. I spent a little time in Duma never liked the place there are so many better options just exploring around the country. I never connect with expats I find them very interesting there is a heap of low life failures that live here so be very careful

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

most exoats are very good people

[@kendal690]

If you are on TRT in the USA, will the Philippines honor your prescription?

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

that i do not know

[@krisgen29]

Hi Mike. The internet goes out when there's a brown out? What happened to batteries in the cell phones and laptops? Or is the problem at the internet service provider end, when the electricity goes out?

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

my modem is plugged in and no power is goes off. No problems with phone or pc

[@henryreinders3031]

In regards to drinking water... are there areas where you can drill your own well (by professional drilling company of course - and deep) and get clean drinking water?

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

not doing that just to get a glass of water

[@markeuringer8106]

Hi Mike. Can one get a water filtration system such as a brita filter and maybe another filter beyond that to be able to drink the tap water? Do locals drink the tap water? Thanks

[@Kraken9911]

I live two hours from dumaguete. Sorry about the motorcycle noise but my bike is 900cc it's going to have presence in the city. The reverb from buildings too close on both sides of the narrow roads amplifies all vehicle noise.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Very nice!

[@MichaelStewart-y6b]

It's a great place to live if your poor and and lazy THAT WHY IM HERE a person has to adapt

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

I'm not poor or lazy and I like it here in Dumaguete

[@MichaelStewart-y6b]

@@mikesphilippineretirement I also like the outskirts of dumaguete

[@wasatchm]

so when you have these brownouts, if you had a backup generator for your computer and router, would you then be able to get internet? or does the brownout take the interenet down for the whole area?

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

no

[@AdamG20]

I didn't realize there was a curfew in Dumaguete I just got back from the Philippines for the first time I was walking around the Boulevard at 4am without a problem, do the Police just tell you go home if they see you?

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

4am is start of a new day not the end of a day.

[@SirMikeMiller]

If there is a curfew, it’s not enforced much. Just go to NorthPoint at 2am and see all the people hanging out at the seawall. Everyone is just having a fun time.

[@Philippine-Life]

Hi Mike, I finally arrived to the Philippines, now in Cebu but in time maybe a month I would love to meet you, and others ( Paul the dog and baby Mae, Gio, etc) love all the great information you and Janice provide. 😊 Dave1

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

have fun in the Philippines

[@ronlafleur4246]

Mike you just described almost any city in the Philippines.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

maybe

[@UncleWobby2024]

Wrong...Iloilo is a very clean city with almost no traffic other than in or near the Plaza's which I don't frequent too much. Stay away from those areas from 7-9am and 4-6pm and you ride/drive freely.....I can ride my bike from my condo to the bike trails and river walk esplanade and ride for more than 2 hours with almost no traffic to deal with other than crossing from one bridge to another. There have only been 4 brownouts in the 8.5 months I have been here and two of them were scheduled......the longest power outage was 1.5 days.....but the condo I am in as all condos here have backup generators that come on in 3-5 seconds. All the malls have the same and don't miss a beat. There is no visible trash on the roads or sidewalks....and they do have sidewalks here....along with very wide roads on all the major thoroughfares. I love Iloilo other than the rents are higher than they should be for the condos (house rentals are very comparable to anywhere else (15-40K for nice houses.....I prefer the convenience of the condo life so far) Get outside of town and it is beautiful mountain areas and beaches too. 5 hours ride to Boracay....Guimaras Island is a 15 minute ferry ride from downtown Iloilo and it has many nice white sand beaches and few tourists and no traffic. Dumaguete is a slum compared to Iloilo......but for sure Valencia, Bacong, and Dauin or anywhere in that area outside of Dumaguete is peaceful and beautiful. The view from the mountains above Dumaguete (I rode my motorcycle from Bacolod south) is spectacular.

[@eduardochavacano]

well Duma is evolving. hope it retains its small town ambiance.

[@stevewhite57]

Hi Mike , I live in Bacolod and I’ll just say Landers is not that great . Prices are high and the steaks are tough, the best thing about landers is the pizza in the food court. You can find some items that you are missing in large quantities but for me it’s to much to use in a reasonable time. S & R is a bit better on prices and product but still quite expensive I’m not sure it’s worth the trip maybe for some but I’m planning to move to Dumaguete and I don’t think I’ll be coming back to this nasty city for shopping.

[@buffalobob6438]

I live just outside of Bayawan city proper ( othe side of Negros Oriental) and its just the right size town ( not city) for having everything you need basically... Several hospitals, lg puregold grocery store/ mall, lots of pharmacies, big market, schools for the kids, hardware stores, furniture etc etc.... not nearly as much as Dumagete, but pretty much everything you'll need basically... Its small enough to get anywhere in just 5-10 minutes and not nearly as crowded as in Dumagete... The beach is pretty good and a number of things to do in nature in a 30 min or so radius... Im not into restraunts and nightlight so that's not a problem for me here 😊

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Hospitals not so good in Bayawan. Lack of places to eat and no good coffee shops.

[@LatterRainMessage]

@@mikesphilippineretirement Coffee and eating out is why people need hospitals and doctors.

[@fenderbend3r]

We will still go and see dumaguete because silliman university is one of the prestigious school in the whole Philippines. If it wont work, Iloilo is our choice.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

both are good cities

[@paxxop]

Thanks for such an informative video. I've only watched a few of yours so far but this is the best. Subscribed!

[@vgshwk]

Mike if you had a lot of deliveries wouldn’t it be easier to have a P.O. Box or do these delivery services allow you to pickup at their office?

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

we do not have a lot 3 a month maybe we just deal with it

[@vgshwk]

@@mikesphilippineretirement well that is one good thing about Amazon in USA they have electronic boxes around that you can pick up your deliveries from rather than waiting at your house.

[@jsully4064]

Very informative. Thanks, Mike...Jim

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertbritz257]

Mike, I'm moving into Dumaguete in early December, I was thinking of finding a single story house outside of city limits, most likely heading northwest up the coast but not to far. I need my internet access and food markets as the most important.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

good luck find your new home

[@roverdover4449]

Even the "bad things" video make me want to visit. I'm early to bed, early to rise, and love cafes.

[@dollarjilt1]

I've lived in the Phils over 9 years mostly in metro-Manila, but I also travel and spent months at a time in many places: Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte, Samar, Batangas, Zamboanga City etc. and last year in Dumaguette for several months. Your right, the roosters in the morning are a massive problem, so is the constant burning of garbage and other things there - the worst I've seen in the country. Also, pitiful internet... But brown outs were much worse in Iloilo April-June.... it's why I left...Good video Buckeye, but ROLL TIDE brother...

[@bryonhogg485]

2 cycle motorbikes and roosters - Power issues - Stray dogs deal-breaker for me

[@darriningram]

I enjoyed this video ... thanks for posting it.

[@geraldarrington9620]

Why I don't live in the jungle, I'm in the south of metro Manila, have everything within a 5 min drive. 2 Major malls, SnR, Landers, HSBC, Wilcon Depot, big open spaces and green parks. No brown outs. No chickens, no strays. But most retired expats can't afford this area .. hence the jungle it be.

[@floribertosousa2251]

Hi 👋 Mike. Thanks for another great video and for your candid thoughts, observations and your personal experiences in living in Dumaguete. From what I've heard from you and from others,..that will help me decide where to live in the Philippines,..but definitely I would love to visit Dumaguete if anything,.and maybe even live on the "outskirts" or provinces of Dumaguete. Take care and keep up the great work Mike.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thank you

[@neilarmitage6632]

Why move to a country where you can't own a house and land as a foreigner. Only an apartment. When you meet a women you like you include the entire family also in this relationship. This is the worst deal ever.

[@davidhaylett1810]

You can lease land and then build a house on top and own it. Only issue is length of the lease. 25 years plus another 25 but not sure you can guarantee to renew for the second 25. If u can then 50 years is enough

[@sirstoic1187]

Many don't need need to "Own" a house to be happy in LIFE

[@christopherkwit3177]

@neilarmitage6632 you can own a condo. Also in any relationship when it comes to any topics or subjects you set boundaries. Including family members.

[@toddhomman2569]

Dude, do your search before posting. You are correct about not owning land (unless you incorporate yourself) but you can buy a house and own it out right, just get yourself a 20 to 40 year lease from the land owner or if married your wife can own the land.

[@davidhaylett1810]

@@toddhomman2569 Just get a lease for the land, I think they are 25 years plus another 25 although I’m not sure you can guarantee getting the second 25. I would not put it in the name of a Filipina or it’s effectively gone any time she likes

[@spurgeonwrightjr.3115]

Dumaguete is completely BORING if you're not washed up and old then don't come to live in dumaguete............

[@waltgreen8759]

pretty dumb thing to say.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

@spurgeonwrightjr.3115 so glad your not coming as you my be washed up

[@WalterZw]

Hi Mike, I really appreciate your videos. Do you think it's possible to find a Filipina who would be willing to come to Europe?

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Yes, absolutely

[@user-xv6rz9oq4y]

IMHO..Dumaguete is way over crowed with people like most PH cities...Also as you said like most cities there,Noise Pollution-roosters,horns,loud mufflers,2 cycle engines,loud music and the list goes on...Yes the door hit in me in the ass on the way out...

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

see you!!

[@tolletstalesandtrails6051]

Don’t burn your yard trash. Turn them into compost instead for your garden. Include kitchen scrape like fruit, veggie peelings etc.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for the tips!

[@fallenskybird]

Really nice rundown on things to consider in making a decision to settle there.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thank you

[@RRExpatThisandThat]

An alternative to going to Bacolod for those who don't drive. Take ferry to Cebu. You arrive at Cebu early morning. Shop then take bus to ferry close to Dumaguete. Amlan or Sibulan. You slept on the ferry going to Cebu then it's 5 or 6 hours back by bus.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

That is a long ass way to go

[@RRExpatThisandThat]

@mikesphilippineretirement about the same as bacolod round trip with the bonus of sleeping on the way on the ferry. I went to Cebu to renew my passport, went to S&R and took the bus and short ferry. Was 18 hours round trip and I slept 6 hours of that comfy on the ferry. I'd do the Bacolod trip too just to see the sights too though

[@modero6370]

Well, with the exception of the glorious roosters I could say the very same thing about my home town of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Matter in fact i just spoke about the nightly noise level with the janitor of my townhouse area and he complained a lot about it, too. He is Filipino! There is nothing better then being woken up at 2:00 in the morning because the neighbor goes on a joyride with his Harley-Davidson after shift or decides to wash his car, drive way, the road or whatever shit with his pressure washer etc.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for sharing

[@samquinn6427]

My iPhone dB app shows 32dB at 10PM at my home in a gated 55 community in Florida. When in the PH, I found one needs to stay on the 15th floor or above when staying in a city. On floor 10, one will still hear traffic noise as well as dogs barking. Once you get to the 20th floor the noise level is a 64dB vs 70dB on the 10th floor. On floor 40 you are at 58dB which is really quite for a city. Unfortunately, the only places you will find sky scrappers are in Manila, and Cebu in areas like Rockwell and BGC. We will be staying on the floor 42 at Park Suites BGC this December so will check the dB level during the day and at night. Oh ya and you forgot about those noisy roasters which thankfully are banned in BGC and Rockwell Manila.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for sharing

[@txbob5978]

How about Karaoke singing in bars or restaurants? Does Dumaquete have any??

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

of course

[@TheRdwyer]

Dogs, Roosters, everywhere in the P.I. That's why My Wife bangs the pans, at News Year. Never been to Dum but from what you showed it looked very clean.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

We love it here

[@TheRdwyer]

@@mikesphilippineretirement I have no regrets.

[@RRExpatThisandThat]

On motorcycle noise it's big truck syndrome and it occurs here in the USA. There's just less motorcycles... A lot of bikers meet up here in downtown Nashville and these are Japanese not Harleys. For power needs consider a battery generator. For AC and fridge it gets expensive, but for routers and computers etc... there are lots of options.

[@jillsimmons110]

Great information. 🎉❤❤

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for watching!

[@daphnesuriahenderson2677]

Yes rooster's and dogs barking in the province but not in subdivisions in Makati or BGC it's quiet gated subdivisions

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

lots of noise in BGC

[@eduardochavacano]

The Blvd should not have been promoted as a tourist attraction. Because what made it beautiful is how it is laid back. Everyone can come to site. But putting those Selfie Spots diminished the beauty of the area.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

your wrong many people enjoy it on the Blvd and many many people take photos and videos

[@EpicToadRage]

The exact change thing is so annoying! I went to get a ferry ride from Cebu to Nasipit, and went to by my ticket around 3pm. The ticket place had been open for hours by that point, and I had waited in a line for over an hour. Then, when I went to pay, they wanted me to pay with exact change. If EVERYONE in front of me was paying with exact change, how do they not have any to make change with?!? It's laziness. They don't want to expend a single iota of effort to make change, and expect all customers to have exact change to pay with.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for sharing

[@carolinewick9496]

I live in England near the sea and we have LOUD seagulls squawking all day especially in the mornings. I would swap for roosters crowing anytime- much more melodious than seagulls!😂

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Interesting!

[@davidmadison1087]

You should swap the climate in UK for tropical Philippines for sure. I lived more than 50 years with cold and snow. This is nice. It takes quite some years to get bored of beautiful warm beaches and coconut palms.

[@carolinewick9496]

@@davidmadison1087 I plan to. I'm going to retire in Davao city. 😁

[@CliffordBird-r1l]

I'm from Cornwall so I know a bit about seagulls been in the Philippines 12 years .now won't be going back

[@vgshwk]

Reminds me when I took a ferry from dumaguete to bohol a guy had a rooster at the terminal that wouldn’t shut up.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

hahaha that is funny

[@mick-berry5331]

​@@mikesphilippineretirementHe made sure he doesn't miss the rooster sounds while on the boat.😅

[@paultheiii]

I've been to the Philippines a bunch of times The people are amazing and it's very interesting but I don't think I would rather leave the US to live there with all the bad things in the US it's more comfortable to live in the US than in the Philippines and I can't remember the last time my lights were out.

[@ridingtheislandswithharro6581]

Good overview of the pros and cons of life here in Dumaguete

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks

[@Jimmy-mx4cc]

In my opinion..there's way way to many expats already..

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

so please leave Jimmy if you think that

[@HunkyMan777]

Agreed ... and abusing the tourist visa with repeated extensions. Also some are working and earning money but not paying taxes

[@andreloudon8934]

Why don't you start a compost pit instead of burning?

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

no we have not

[@RaymondSell]

❤❤

[@saib46]

Roosters and dogs, I can sleep thru. Videoke, not so much😢

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

hahaha did not want to talk about that

[@KanoKanding]

Mike, this video is kinda like a run-on sentence. You just described every small-to-large city in the PI. This by and large boils down to any Provence vs any city. But it’d do me fine to see more expats go elsewhere.

[@papadougpapadougsadventures]

I enjoyed my time in Dumaguete/Valencia. Had a few brown outs. I do enjoy the waterfront. I think more pro’s than con’s.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks for sharing

[@bills5155]

You're complaining about the city you live in and you have moved three times and are still in the same city that you're complaining about why don't you move to a different area

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

3 times you much really like me

[@gordonstephen8329]

What do you use for internet where you are mike??

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Fil-products

[@Koza480]

Refilling prescriptions is the same in the U.S. I just had a prescription refilled. They were out. Gave me 10 pills of 90. When I got the remainder filled they gave me 80 pills instead of 90.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks for sharing

[@ronlafleur4246]

All the negative comments on expats. I like expats I am one of them.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Us too!

[@Jay_Dahl]

That was a great honest interview, and I appreciate it. Thumbs up for your effort to document all this. But it sounds like a serious challenge just to deal with all the daily challenges, not a very appealing place to spend your golden years. Unless you can afford a beautiful young maid for companionship?

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

and I can hahaha

[@waltgreen8759]

informative segment Mike.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

thanks Walt

[@JenGioPhilippineJourney]

😂 Roosters 🐓 here where we live start at 3am in the morning 😂. After awhile you don't even hear them

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

hahaha I know

[@Mikeyyyy_L]

When I first moved to my nieces place the train that goes by would bother me and wake me. Now I don’t even notice it.

[@lazylarrylee2421]

Mike, Dumaguete is a place that I will consider, but I first want to check out Cebu.

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

First place should be Cebu and then start to explore the country

[@VictorJafo]

I was in dumagette and i had many locals asked if i was American and i said no they see white guy and assume you are a yank. I found du too quite i was bored after 3 days i prefer Cebu

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

enjoy Cebu who told you Dumaguete is an exciting city. It is a sleepy little town

[@FactsDominate]

You are going to need a truck load of cash and live somewhere else to avoid these problems pretty much anywhere you live in the Philippines. Price you have to pay for abandoning your home land for a piece of butt.

[@davidhaylett1810]

Well no choice if you need great butt. Not getting that in the west unless you are a Chad lol

[@lostinasia25]

Pretty good and fair assessment of Dumaguete. I like the layout of the City Center. The airport will be moving to new location in the not so distant future. I visted almost every major city in the Visayas. In my opinion: Dumaguete Iloilo Davao Cebu City Bacolod I enjoy being near water and easy access to International Flights. Cebu City had become a Mini Manila. Alot of traffic daily. In 30 years, probably be saying the same thing about Dumaguete. Change is constant

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

no International Flights here in Dumaguete

[@wayneheter2026]

Hello Mike. God bless you and your sweet wife Janet. From Kuya Bear 🐻

[@mikesphilippineretirement]

Thanks so much

[@kristinhannah001]

I don't think you realize that you're doing the PH Bureau of Immigration a huge favor. Getting the passport bros to leave or stay out of the Philippines seem to be the only direction you are both taking. So, on behalf of the Filipino people, THANK YOU!. Salamat po. 🎉🎉🎉🇵🇭👍