Thinking About a Move to the Philippines?

The First Step!

The first step is getting inspired. For some, it's easy. Others might need more motivation to make such a drastic decision. And it can be a life changing drastic decision for some. For the many who simply move to the Philippines on a whim and a prayer find that everything they thought they learned well, might not pan out as expected.

Living in the Philippines, or any foreign country for that matter, will never be the same as what one is accustomed to back home. There will be challenges. Some hard, some easy, but nonetheless you will need to adjust. The Philippines will never adjust to you or your way of thinking. And that is where many expats fail. They bring along a suitcase full of expectations and fail to learn the culture, the language, the customs and traditions. I've written extensively about this before - about leaving all your expectations at home should you come to live here.

The Philippines is a great place to live with all its natural beauty and warm and welcoming peoples. It's tropical. It's hot and humid as hell, and if you cannot live without air conditioning 24/7, or with regular electricity brownouts, intermittent internet, and not so great food choices, this may not be the place for you. I'm sorry if I sound so brash, but over the years I have witnessed many failed attempts at living here.

Living here requires a huge adjustment and the message here is simple. Come here and visit, with an open mind, and several times, if need be, before making that big decision. One can easily be lured into a utopic feeling at first and it isn't always what it seems to be for those first-time travelers. It takes time to discover yourself, your comfort level, and what this country has to offer.

The Next Step!

My advice over the years has always been to do your research, do more research, then when you think you've learned enough... do even more research. But there is no substitute for boots on the ground, and just because you arrive here, don't think that your research and learning are done. It takes years to understand the culture, the intricacies, and the way of life here. The worst possible outcome will be decisions made - gleaned on information from newcomers themselves.

My hope is that both this site and our YouTube channel will help you get inspired and over the hump. Of course, there are many other sources that should be scoured, and I encourage to visit as many as possible. With over 40 years of experience with this culture, I would like to think I can offer some accurate insights into it all.

We hope that you will visit us on YouTube, Facebook, "X" and of course subscribe to this website for the most honest updates and insights available.

And remember, never give up on a dream... just make sure it's absolutely the dream you want to follow.