Living in the Philippines: Dreams vs. Reality

Lifestyle Choices

After making plans for well over a year to retire to the Philippines, my wife and I thought we had it all figured out. It was adventurous and exciting. Contentment in retirement is often a result of a proactive mindset and a proactive approach to planning. Then after the first year being settled on Samar Island in the Philippines, we came to a stark realization that there really is not a lot to do in retirement in the area we chose to settle. For me personally I figured I could stay busy; I could kayak, swim, BBQ, lay out at the beach, blog, play Gin Rummy with my Honey, watch TV, ride my motorcycle, etc. I can even hang out with an army of San Miguel beer drinkers and solve world problems. But in reality, I could be doing most of these things anywhere.

While it was nice to be able to do all of the above under the warmth of the tropical sun, something was still missing. During my second year in the Philippines, I was already getting bored and, I just wasn't content. What was missing was not a lack of physical activity; it just wasn't challenging enough. My mind was too idle. So, I began a new mission to find something that would keep my brain more engaged. And then I found it - YouTube!

Forever editing it seems!

In the beginning it was like studying rocket science, having to learn all the intricacies of modern video production technology. I didn't want to be just some talking head, so I chose the path of complexity, attempting to create more entertaining videos. Now, in addition to blogging about all the things there was to do (and some I couldn't do any longer), I could while away any spare time I might have vlogging about doing all those aforementioned things that keep one busy in retirement. Most importantly, it kept my mind engaged. And once I started down the YouTube trail, I soon discovered I no longer had time for all that other stuff that once created the contentment I sought. My days were now full! But this decision effectively kept me confined to my desk and computer forever, albeit in air-conditioned comfort, forever in the editing mode.

More Of That Cognitive Dissonance Stuff!

This was not a healthy choice for me and into our 4th year, the wife was experiencing more boredom than Samar had coconut trees. This boredom eventually led us seek out other retirement options, and that led us to Guam.

Just the idea of retreating to an American territory was exhilarating. It was an island and lifestyle I became very familiar with during my days stationed there in the Navy and, after Teri and I made several trips there, we affirmed there was more to life than just attending roast pig events and loud karaoke. I was more expensive than living in the Philippines but to us, it was well worth the extra expense for a return to a more modern and dependable infrastructure with many more activity choices and better health care options. And for the most part, it was still culturally SE Asia.

Home in Samar for the Holidays

Today (Dec 24, 2025) we are at home in the Philippines for an extended stay over the holidays, where we find many things to catch up on around the homestead. Visiting with family, checking out the new in Calbayog City, and meeting up with old friends. There is work to be done at home and that will keep me fairly busy. The holidays here in the Philippines is a busy time for everyone. It's crowded and noisy, and when it's time to return to Guam the change will be welcomed. For the past 8 years, swapping paradises has been good for us, and especially for our mental and physical wellbeing. We like to think we can fully enjoy the best that both worlds offer us, so we choose to travel back and forth when we feel the need. I mentioned to someone just the other day that we choose to spend more of our time in Guam to stay chilled out. And when we feel the urge to get a little cranky, we head to the Philippines for an extended stay.

At the end of the day, the Philippines is a beautiful place. It's filled with over 7,600 islands and warm, welcoming friendly people. The food isn't so good, it's a bit noisy, crowded, it's really dirty, and life can be very slow here. So, if you're planning to stay for an extended period of time here, be prepared to be cranky. But it's okay. Just leave your expectations behind when you do come or be prepared to be forever pissed off. It's a lifestyle choice you either accept or won't.