WE HAVE A WEALTH OF INFORMATION FOR FIRST-TIME FOREIGN TRAVELERS EXPATS, REPEAT TOURISTS, AND FILIPINOS COMING TO THE PHILIPPINES. COST OF LIVING INFO, REAL ESTATE INFO SUCH AS RENTAL AND PURCHASE PRICES AND POLICIES, IMMIGRATION INFO, RESORT AND TRAVEL VIDEOS, TRAVEL UPDATES, LIFE IN THE PHILIPPINES, SAFETY ISSUES, AND MUCH MORE.
VIDEOS OF CONDO TOURS, TOURS OF PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, BEST PLACES TO LIVE, IMMIGRATION DETAILS FOR MANY VISA TYPES. HOW TO TRAVEL, WHERE TO TRAVEL, SCAMS, WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR, HOW FAR YOUR MONEY GOES IN THE PHILIPPINES. CAN YOU OWN LAND IN THE PHILIPPINES? CAN YOU WORK IN THE PHILIPPINES? DATING SITES AND BEST WAYS TO MEET A MATE.
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I liked this, I found it helpful. I like watching this stuff so much
Thanks for the info.
Absolutely agree on the need for thinking ahead about potential problems. People tend to focus on short term issues and don't want to invest energy in things that may or may not happen. So many things could run smoother by planning for most contingencies. The added efforts are totally worth it.
Cebu and Manila are horrible with the taxi drivers or any of that type especially when at Ferries, airports, etc so I have learned to walk far off from those areas AND ask them if they have a working meter otherwise I won't ride with them. Even then they pretend they cant do it..then they keep PUSHING their meter to speed rapidly even when asked to stop doing that. Many years of this...i walk long distance just to avoid them all!!
Great info Rod,as always your on point congrats my friend.😊
I enjoy the channel , you bring a different perspective to living in the Philippines, its general advice, you , Gio and JJ are the only ones who concentrate on getting there , the safest way to travel/ retire , I think most of the guys (like me) are really thinking about retiring in the Philippines. Thats why your information is a valuable resource. Thanks again 😊
I had a cut on my foot once and had to wade out from Sabang Beach (Puerto Galera) to get in the days dive boat. By that afternoon I was in bed sick as a dog. The local doc said if I didnt improve soon I should go fast up to St. Lukes in Manila. Good thing my cheap room was directly behind the girlie bar. I only had to shuffle maybe 100 yards. It took ten days stuck there for me to recover.
I wonder if earthquakes damage coral reefs much? Good thing it wasn't on the other side, west, around famous Tubbataha Reef. Thats an unbelievable liveaboard diving area.
Thanks for the local update Rod, we have already been in touch with family on Cebu and Bohol, no one felt the shake. Of course the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', includes the 'Shakey Isles', down here where we are, i'm pleased to say we have not experienced any for awhile. And don't want to, LoL. Leptospirosis is a common contagious disease in SE Asia, also known to be carried by rats including in jungle area's. Several soldiers in my unit in Malaysia unfortunately caught this disease simply by accidentally brushing against low growing foliage and having a previous cut or injury on exposed skin. Generally they spent time in Military Hospital recovering. Take care Rod.
inconsequential
Thanks for all the news. Just re-entered the Philippines. Didn't have fill out any paperwork on the plane with e travel. Because I did in November even though I had done e travel.
Interesting. Thanks.
Just returned from a family trip. We scheduled through NAIA instead of Cebu. We saved a lot by refusing flat raters.
Good on you George.
I felt the house shaking here in Gensan. Not strong but seemed long lasting though.
Thanks for the info. I felt a very small one a couple of weeks ago here also.
ouch that's really rough Rod I hope everyone affected is ok
Nice video and yes I have two potential areas I want to start my Philippines experience at. 1 is IT park , basically because of you and these nice videos you made and if I do choose Cebu I would ask a favor to help me find my 1st condo rental, once I get there if I do choose Cebu , the other is BGC , my concern is renewing my visa and I would like to do it using JRC rather than doing it myself , in BGC there is a immigration office in the mall but I haven’t decided yet and I can afford to live in either.
Thanks. I have not been to BGC but expensive I think. JRC does have a Manila office also.
Definately want some place typhoon proof after seeing the last one.
Cebu doesn't get many, 2013 and 2022, Rick.
Thanks for all your hard work Rod putting these informational videos out for all👍
Very welcome Dennis.
Great channel, i will check your videos … Where to stay if I want to stay close to the action area ?
Many thanks.
Lets take a survey , HOW MANY SUBSCRIBERS LIKE THIS TYPE OF 360 VIDEO, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE WATCHING ON YOUR HOME COMPUTER?
I love living in Cebu City!
I agree Gary. Big enough but not too big.
Wonderful camera views Rod ! Really enjoyed this video.
Thanks.
I'd like to see a tour of a truck stop in the Philippines. 😎
I have not seen anything like a "western" truck stop here. They have terminals and fuel at regular gas stations is my observation.
Cab-overs are the ugliest trucks on the road. The modern kind is really awesome looking though.
LOL! I agree.
Another great video 👍
Thanks for the visit.
Affordable
hi i want to come to manila in sep for a vac is that a month to come
Sept is still the "low" season so you should be able to get some good deals. We are still in the "wet" season until Nov so a bit more rain than than Nov-June but lots of dry times during the week usually Paul.
OMG another funny story rented this house in Inayawan good deal but fiesta rolled in our village they built a stage 50' from my front door what a learning experience that was I survived lol
LOL! Filipinos love fiestas and extremely loud noise Jerry.
Your video started with you at Ayala metro I stayed Cityscape condo first month here made that walk several times a week to me the air quality was big shock but I'm not a city boy anyway funny story the Metro grocery store has Bos coffee so first time to meet my LDR she lived walking distance of Ayala so shes coming to meet me texting back and forth I had no way of knowing she can't find me at Bos she found every Bos around Ayala but mine by the time she found me she was tired and sweaty funny now not then I'm setting in AC drinking coffee shes walking all over I didn't know how big Ayala was
LOL! Yes, the malls usually have several Bos, McDs, Jollibees, etc so you have to be very specific.
That is one huge gym area. Pool is mediocre. The 1br at $460 is quite reasonable when compared to my SoCal rent of $3,100. My current apartment is a short walk from a beautiful beach popular with surfers, children, dog owners, and volleyball players…plus great restaurants. Sadly, the Ocean Beach (OB) pier is being torn down.
Yes, much cheaper than I would pay in the states jd.
Thx Rod!
Thanks Brent.
I love that 360-camera view. gives you a better look at Cebu. I was initially coming to Cebu, watched many vloggers talk about it and things to do there. what I decided to do was go to Iloilo instead. I wanted a better infrastructure, cleaner city, less traffic and much safer to ride through, affordability, less pollution, and much more. I wanted more of a laid-back environment, since I'm 74, I don't want the loud noises of the motorbikes. I'll start my journey in Iloilo and see what the future has in store for me. However, I will actually fly from Texas to Cebu and stay for 6 days, just to see some of the sights before I head to Iloilo city. See you in November.
Thanks James. I like Iloilo also. Cleaner and quieter, in general.
At 3:11 was that a impound lot? So many motorcycles. Forgot about how a lot of the stoplights have a timer displayed to show how long till the light changes. Wish they had those here in Florida. Eventually would like to get your advice on a condo to rent. At least two more years to go though, seems like forever. Enjoyed the video, thanks for posting, Rod...Jim
I think that is for motorbike parking Jim.
Check out inside market #3. They sell the candied peanuts that street vendors sell. The new food court is fantastic compared to what it was.
Great info as always Rod. Hope to run into you soon on a visit. All of your info is "Spot On" Maybe u remember I am in Makati and have been to Cebu many times. I usually stayed Seda Ayala and more recent 88th ave. I know I mentioned Abaca Bread Co. last.. I was there again 2 weeks ago. Seda Ayala is a very nice stay for newbee's and pick the Club room.. Very much worth it for the drinks and foods. As you know Ayala Mall is a great place to spend a little time. Again, airport? Probably best in the Philippines for what it offers.. And you're 2 hours from Bohol on a wonderful ferry. Healthcare.. great.. If you're on the adult side of things Mango Sq. I still might end up on the outskirts Cebu September after I leave Makati.. Still looking. Thanks for all and stay safe.
Yes, I remember Randell. Thanks for sharing. I see Seda usually has high occupancy with many room lights on.
@ michaelbeggs2013 A nice reporting of your place and circumstances. I reckon your monthly budget does not exceed $400. For American retirees, lifestyle such as yours is affordable. As to noise, roosters , or fighting cocks, are almost everywhere in the Philippines. If Spain has bullfights and US has football for national sports, Philippines has cockfights -- so a lot of persons keep fighting cocks. Only high-class subdivisions ban roosters. Then there's videoke singing. So many locals imagine they are the next AI that they see to it they can be heard in a 5-mile radius. I guess the sunshine of tropical Cebu has much to do with your decision for retirement home. Your state, Maine, borders Canada, and Cebuanos equates Canada with long, cold very snowy winters. I heard people in cold places are dubbed "sun worshippers". I am amused to know of your disdain for isolation in the countryside. Maine has 7x the area of Bohol island, yet both have the same 1.3M population. I was born and raised in a rural Bohol barrio/barangay 100 km from Tagbilaran in the 1950s, and I should know what it is to live in a rural setting that was devoid of conveniences, including electricity.
Thanks. I grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota but have lived in larger cities from college years on til now. Never adapted to cold but tolerated it. Love the Philippines.
Cebu looks like a nice place to start. The 360 is very cool.
I agree jd.
Very informative Rod. Yes, can you tell us more about airline prices and when they are going back down? Prices went up during the pandemic and they have remain high. I remember round trip tickets cost around $600 before the pandemic.
I think the airlines are still trying to recover from the govt travel bans as they retired and laid off thousands of pilots, mechanics, and staff.
I remember back in 2018 roundtrip ticket Los Angeles to Cebu on Asiana airlines A380 jumbo cost me only $327 total. What a great deal. Skyscanner app is my favorite. ✈️
I'm single, no girlfriend and have been living in IT Park for 4 months. Cebu has NO NIGHTLIFE / NO CULTURE and is an extremely DIFFICULT & DANGEROUS city to walk. Also, the options for affordable healthy food is scarce in a city this large. I love my accommodation which is around $200 USD per. month and agree it's a good place to land and jumping of spot.
@ExpatNTraining If you want healthy food, cook at home. Obviously if you eat out every day you are not going to be eating healthy
Interesting thoughts. Nightlife is scattered in the metro area and not focused on any one ethnic group. Koreans have their hangouts as do Japanese and Chinese. Hotels and resorts have some nightlife but not what many are looking for.
Actually $200 USD per month is pretty good for IT Park, mind sharing where you are at?
Thanks for another great video . My first years were in Manila, then General Santos, then Panglao in Bohol and now tagbilaran also Bohol. All places have advantages, but since I don't want to ride a motorbike, I bought a car that I use 3-4 months a year when I'm there
Good to try a few places Niel. I like Tagbilaran for a smaller city.
Thanks for the video! I heard that after the 3 year stay of your tourist visa that you have to leave for 7 full days instead of the 24 hours. Could you ask JR if this has changed?
There are some putting out info that has not passed the congress yet James. With new elections next year, all bills in congress will start from fresh again and may or may not pass as proposed.
Hey Rod, Is the Park Social still open at IT Park? I heard it was closing and moving.
They closed more than a month ago and will be opening up a new place on the back side of Mango Square in a couple of months I think Rick.
I have been living in Mandaue city, just over the cebu city line, for a year and a half. I was lucky to find a great place about100 meters off the main road, so I really don't hear any road noise. I have to drive down a small street, what Americans would call an alley, to get to the complex, but this keeps the landlord from raising the rent. It is a one bedroom apartment in a gated courtyard with parking for my minivan, a caretaker for the outside grounds, and airconditioning, for 11,000 pesos ($188) per month.There is no pool, gym, or security guard, but the gate is lockable. There is a flock of chickens with roosters here, but I had 4 roosters in my flock back in America, and they honestly don't bother me a bit. I am far enough from the street that there is very little noise. The walls here are thick cement and it deadens the sound inside the apartment.. There is a well tended lawn where I can use my grill or just hang out. Traffic makes driving a pain here, it is at least as congested as New york city. The thing that I do like about city life is that there are a half a dozen or more big shopping malls and hospitals within a few miles from me. I can get literally anything delivered to my door for a dollar or two, which is well worth it. There are over 1,000 restaurants which deliver on the Grab app, and many stores too. Many fast food places are open 24 hours if you want a Mc burger at 2 AM. I lived in a more rural area in Maine and I realky enjoy all the conveniences of city living, and I sure do not miss the snow and ice and cold. There are very few things that I had in America that I can't find here in Cebu. The power is at least as dependable here and I get fiber internet here for less than $20 per month. For my early retirement here, I really prefer city life versus living far out in the countryside somewhere. I did not like the isolation in the countryside in America, and I know that I would like it even less here.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts Michael. There are lots of options and you found a good one.
Very enjoyable walk/rideabout, Rod! Agree about noise. It's certainly an issue in Philippine cities. The driving is atrocious. Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way here in most cases... it's a big stressor. I was shocked at the lack of common courtesy here.
Thanks Jim. I have learned to put my hand up to stop traffic at times and it usually works.
Living in Philippines is not mych cheaper than living in small cities in the West. Unless yiu want to live in the country side where there is nothing to do. Because there is no place to spend money, you can lower the cost of living. One main reason is land in Philippines is very expensive, which makes everything expensive. Even farmland is expensive. Energy is expensive too, which again makes everything expensive. Labour cost us cheap, but to compensate that fact, the workers here don't do much work.
There are plenty of places in America that are much more expensive.
Interesting. Any place I would like to live in the USA would me 2-3 times more expensive than what I pay here, but there are options.
I don't agree.
Cebu has as you say a clear advantage when it comes to get here from the west. So many direct flights to Mactan Cebu. You are mostly in Cebu City which is as you point out a city with traffic problems (let's hope the Bus Rapit Transit will help a bit). I think Metropolitan Cebu offers everything except for those who are looking for province lifestyle combined with surfing. We are in Inyagan which blongs to City of Naga (the Cebu one) but is perhaps closer to Minglanilla. The Naga board walk area is nice and access to Mactan has improved with the new CCX bridge. Regarding waste handling I would say things have improved a lot. The garbage truck came by this morning (wednesdays every second week) and emptied the garbage bins and picked up the sacks put outside the houses. This is free of charge and since it is free the poorer households throw their trash in the bins instead of the streets or the back yard. So much cleaner now compared to previous years. If I was young and single: Central Cebu in or close to IT-park. If I was a retired 'american' with good finance and not particularly interested to be along other Filippinos but prioritize to be with other 'american's then perhaps Mactan Newtown or by all means Dumaguete. If I was a family trying to relocate.. tricky since you need access to schools and such. In these cases the family often consist of one family member with close ties to the Philippines so you go where the relatives are? Other place to look at as interesting is the SRT area - Amalfi Citta de Mare - , close to SM Seaside Cebu where there are condominiums and the area is developing with Il Corso, Nustar Hotel, the sports arena and there is still plenty of space for coming developements.
Good info, thanks
Very good points. There are many options for everyone.
Love the 360 camera
I was thinking some where in the Davao to Mati coastal area in the south. Maybe up in the Bukidnon highlands if the coast is to hot for me.
I'm in Davao City. It's ok, but frankly I want out. It's busy, dusty, hot. Bukidnon would be a nice choice. Cebu is great too.
Bukidnon is becoming more popular. Understand there are still some issues in the "hinterlands" there so be aware of the npa commies in some of the hills I occasionally read about.
The 360 view is really cool...
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