Some desperate old guy’s looking for fake dream wives 😅

My last trip over there, a wise Filipina told me this, "no one can help everyone but everyone can help someone". She told me this after she gave half her dinner to a handicapped woman in the street out front of our hotel. This was a WOW moment for me!

I lived 6 years in the Philippines back in the 70's. I loved the simple life. I did have a hot water shower, air con, and I drove a 1974 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. The exchange rate back then was 8 pesos to 1 US dollar. 2 bedroom apartment was $75.00. The chicken fights were held Sunday morning. The fighting chickens were tied out front of house so you could look them over. The jungle chickens had beautiful feathers. That was city living. I lived in the rain forest for a while. Monkeys were a big problem. They would get in the hut and steal your soap. Many bugs, and giant lizards. I wish I could go back to the Philippines but I have poor health. I'm glad for the time I had there. Mabuhay Philippines 😊

The only thing I can add as a 15 year Expat in NE Thailand is: 1) Live 2 year's in country without making any investment. 2) In a committed relationship give your partner's family long and hard analysis. It's a familial culture. 3) Live as a minimalist and an economic pragmatist. 🙏

Depending on where you live, the noise in the neighborhoods here in Mexico is super annoying. Dogs barking, fireworks constantly going off, loud music all night, just an endless barrage of noise. Restaurants too, especially the nicer ones, play music so loud it hurts my ears, and this is from a guy who's gone to about 200 rock concerts in my day. We moved to a nicer neighborhood, no more all night parties or fireworks. We found a video here on YT just for barking dogs, and it works like a champ. It's called "High Pitched Dog Whistle Sound To Stop Dogs Barking". Even the worst offenders quit within minutes. It's been truly a sanity saver.

I'm in the electrical industry as a substation electrician. A brown out is when demand for power is more then produced. So they intentionally shed load to keep the power on most of the grid. A blackout is equipment failure spread across the grid.

Perhaps an unrelated topic but I am hopeful that you could pass on to your viewers. One of the biggest holdbacks for potential expats is health insurance. Currently there is a proposed bill in Congress; H.R. 5299 "Earned Benefits Equality and Family Recertification Act" that will allow all Medicare benefits to be allowed overseas. The Philippines is on the overseas included list.

Thank you for showing the flip side of living in the Philippines. As you said before, living out of the US is not for everyone. Standards, values, laws, and social customs can be so different and sometimes not compatible.

Sour cream make your own. Combine cream and lemon juice. Refrigerated for a few hours not too much lemon.

I believe that when a person decides to make a move from his or her home country to another country, they have to accept the cultural and life differences of the new country. Do your research, learn as much as you can about the new country, then decide if you will be able to adapt to the changes. Don’t move to a new country just to find a life partner or rebound from a failed relationship. Stay open minded and look at changes in a positive way and you will be in a better position to enjoy your life in the new country. Take care, stay safe and best of luck.

I just watched this video. All saying good and sensible things. In my case, I had married a Filipina in 1981, in California. Learned a lot of Filipino things, visited on vacations, etc. Two kids, too. When it came time to retire, I ended up in the Philippines, single... ooppss.. I have been here 16 years and experienced all those things you mentioned. Does not bother me, so much. I had some luck, I built a home, where the karaoke in the neighborhood is seldom loud enough for me to hear... We have chickens, and dogs, mostly quiet, too. For most things 'Filipino', I let my wife manage it. She seems to enjoy that extra duty... just call me lucky...

I use to live here as you know Paul, I moved back to Australia, the noise thing is easily fixed, just live in an area that is all expats or mostly, where I lived there was no kareoke, no bike noise, no dogs or roosters, that was not the only place I found, there are many such places, paying more is common and I accept it, as long as it is not ridiculous, the bug thing, is never a problem, in Australia we are full of flys and so many ants and such, not a problem for me in the Philippines, you can live in areas where brown outs dont happen and that is fixable by a generator, medicatin also not a concern, the licence thing, I drove on my Australian licence for 11 years, I owned a car, cops dont care and I drove in Manila a lot. All the things that are a pain for a lot of expats, never was a concern for me, I love the Philippines, but saying that, I live in Australia now , and the Philippines is my visit place again. You have to find what suits you and you have to simplify your lifstyle, dont get involved in too much stuff, just chill out, the Philippines is for chilling out, my plans for the future is to live in my home country of Australia and the Philippines, Australia is only an 8 hour flight, its easy to do this

I’ve been watching videos about moving to the Philippines for over three years. I’ve bookmarked and saved maybe 4. This is definitely one of them. Great, great video Paul.

I think most of the stuff you discussed comes down to 3 things. Things you only need to do once, like open a bank account so yes having your info lost is annoying but once it is done, that is it. Other things you can do something about like removing lettuce and tomato from your burger. Other things you cannot change, like the poverty, stray dogs, service at restaurants, bugs, etc.

Good video topic. Thanks this was helpful. It would be great to watch more videos like this one from you!

I really like this way of getting information. Better than just one chap telling a story. It is like sitting with those guys. Thanks!

I have been to the Philippines three times with my Filipino wife. I enjoyed my stay, but it was so good to return home to the UK where I have all my creature comforts.

I completely understand the complaints, Paul...I lived so long in Philippines, that I was able to block most of those "issues" out, or minimalize them quite a bit. Dogs barking, human noise, I can handle. Loud, distorted karaoke or motorcycle noises, still piss me off...I will wear some good headsets & listen to my music or a movie in those situations. I wouldn't leave Philippines, over those issues. That's just me. I hear where others are coming from! Thanks, Paul...a very good topic! 🤠👌☕

THANK YOU! When I come over I will look y'all up and let you know.

Very interesting & informative. You 3 make a great round table group !!!! Mabuhay !!!!

I will address the "foreigner tax" issue, which happens pretty well all over the world. My dad worked for ten years in a South American country, and we lived near the market, where one of my jobs was to periodically go and buy fresh alfalfa for the rabbits we kept. I knew about the foreigner tax, so would wait near the alfalfa vendors for a native to buy some alfalfa, then offer the same price when that person finished their purchase. If that vendor wanted more, a nearby vendor was happy to say, "I will sell it to you for that amount", and after a while, since this was an almost daily routine, they would greet me and charge a local price.

I really injoyed the conversation of all three of you ❤ very interesting articles.

Great onversation between you guys! Thank you Paul for your wisdom and hospitality!

Possibly THE most eye-opening video I've ever seen regarding the Philippines. (And I've seen a lot: dreaming of retiring there.) Thank you guys.

Dear Paul, I truly loved today's video. I now know that there are no changes to the menu. I can handle that and the kid standing on the bike behind his dad. I never wore a handle growing up. The traffic, the level of poverty, and the garbage are the things I would need to get used to. I am working on that by watching videos from many different people about the Philippines. I keep returning to the Philippines because of the smiles and happiness. The people in the Philippines are honestly happy. The "brown out" would be an issue but I can handle that (hurricanes have taught me to deal without power, usually for 2 weeks or more). Thank you for being honest about your life, and what you see, in the Philippines. God's Blessings, Irish

When you go to the Philippines, you will be reduced to being patient, humble, simple and by just seeing little things will give you joy. In the Philippines, everything is near or in close proximity first to people, to restaurants or karinderias, to groceries and markets where you can find health foods, vegetables, healthy options. When I was in a US state, although it has a very very beautiful landscape, every time I go outside I only see empty space, little to no people, cars most of the time. This give me a realization that I love a place in which wherever I go I can see and feel lots of people passing by, the passers by smiling, saying hi hello good morning how are you. My question is, If you look back 5 or 10 years ago asking yourself what I will be like 5 or 10 ,years after which is the present time. My question is, should I did not get out and go to the Philippines and just stayed in the US, will I be as healthier as now? Happier us now? Pretty mobile as now? Having had friends from different states or countries having had healthy happy conversations like now, oh the laughs that what counts for? What will I be like right now should I did not do what I did 5 or 10 years ago? Just avoid direct sunlight. Humidity, though I feel unease, it somehow gives me a health benefit by sweating all out unnecessary fluids and bad byproducts in our body like in a sauna even without doing gym workouts and will just replenish the fluid lost by drinking mineral water with electrolytes, Philippines have that in all convenient stores and grocery stores, just look for the nutrition facts label in a bottled water (potassium et cetera). When in the Philippines, to avoid the noice, always look for a very decent house and lot for rent in a very nice exclusive gated subdivision with amenities like swimming pools, tennis court, basketball court with walking areas, plenty in the Philippines, just look for the good one, a rental house inside a subdivision far from the main highway. And there is a security guard.

Great video Paul. After 4 years here now, i am starting to settle in probabably as best as i will. You have to have a willing and easy going spirit and realize nothing lasts forever, not even this. So, try to smell the roses. There are plenty 🙏

Thanks for your video, just found out about you and subscribed. I recently retired and we're planning a trip to the Philippines in January so trying to get as much information through vlogs, struck gold with yours. 👍

Love these chats really gives a good perspective on what life is really like plus a bunch of good advice.

Don't forget when they say " out of stock"... then you walk around the next aisle and there it is!

People that want to move there have to realize that the Philippines is not full of critical thinkers and logic is absent a lot of the time in daily encounters/transactions.

Great Video/Interview Paul 😊. I just cannot wait to move there. Counting down the days. Keep the video's comin. Stay Safe 💕 💞 🙏 🙏

Thank you for your honest appraisal. I have a feeling that you could do a part two on the subject. Knowing the good AND the bad or flusterating is truly valuable.

Watching and listening to this brought back my 3 week adventure and that was good enough for me.~ Big patience and being an extrovert is as important of an asset in Phils as money. Money might even be of lesser importance than personality type along with the right attitude for the Philippines. You all 3 have more life in you than most 40-year-olds around these parts. Rural WA. I'm happy for you guys, sincerely! 1st forecast for Snow and thinking of changing my attitude~ not that easy Gents

Glad you guys have been able to accept these things and just roll with it. Its not for everyone!! I live in Florida and we have several retired people come here from up north. Many complain of the humidity and the bugs and go back north. Ya gotta do a trial run before moving someplace new - especially if you need to cross an ocean to get there !! I always enjoy my visits over there - and I could live there if I had to - but I prefer to live daily life here. Its all about the choices we make along our path of life !!

Good video guys. I'm glad that you guys have adapted and are living the good life. Long life to you.

Good conversation! Humorous, informative yet a learning experience 😂

When I was young, I visited Mexico many times and spent time with primarily poor people. I guess this prepared me to come here in my forties with my wife and then return in my mid-fifties to retire. I just rolled with it, and 15 years later, I am still happy.

Friend of ours lives in cebu has an outdoor large oven, he bakes his own bread and expats are now asking him if he can bake for them, and the bacon he smokes his, tastes great when he pan frys it later and the oil he cooks in makes the difference , he told us that Filipinos cook with cheap sometimes reused and recycled oil hence the bad taste or bland taste, great video with the guys today excellent 😊

Fascinatin conversation! Thank you😊

Awesome video! Really practical and down to earth.

As someone who has moved from the UK to Canada. I can honestly say that the customer service issues isn't just a western/Philippines issue. You are used to what you are used to. So any deviation from that could be a frustrating experience. I've been in Canada for 4 years and the poorer (relatively speaking) customer service experience still grates on me. I expect that, in retirement, I'll be able to go with the flow more easily. My point is, these issues will present themselves no matter where you move to - Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, Europe, wherever.

The three amigos. Good chat guys. All of those things will bug someone, probably not all will bug everyone, and the odd person isn't bugged by any of it. Isn't it fantastic if you can let it roll off your back and enjoy the positive aspects, and do what you can about the little issues when you can. Take care always and enjoy your lives without the rat race.

Paul great informative video. Thank you and keep them coming.

Thats got to be the best vid I have seen you do, more of this please.

This is a very valuable interaction for someone like me. I was raised to keep your promises, and I for one, believe that the one thing that we truly own in life that cannot be taken from us is our character. Everything else... health, loved ones, assets, etc. can be taken away, so our most important asset is the quality of our character. From my perspective ALMOST ALL of these things you guys have brought up displays poor character.. not valuing someone else's time, not doing what you say you're going to do or being where you say you're going to be when you say you're going to be there, etc.. In the states we consider a person like this as flakey and/or unreliable, and in my opinion, for good reason. I have realized that you are correct, that I, for one, would never be happy living there, when the one thing that I find to have the most value (good character), the opposite is literally ingrained in Filipino culture.

When I lived in the Philippines in the 70's the power went out EVERY afternoon for 3-4 hours. Didn't bother me. Just part of life. The only reason I would move back to the P.I. is if my finances collapsed to the point I wasn't comfortable in the U.S. I'm in my early 70's and my main concern would be health care.

Great visdeo gentlemen, and I thank you all for taking the time to break it all down for people like myself wanting to relocate to this part of the world, I learned a lot from this discussion.

This was a great conversation. I really enjoyed…and learned from it. When I move there I will need to coach myself to chill on a regular basis.

This applies to many places, we get used to a certain way of things operating and most of us resist change, more so when we perceive that change as a lowering of our standards. I spent one month in the Philippines and was somewhat mentally prepared, but I don't think I could live there permanently, perhaps long staycations. Another thing that makes the adjustment easier is to have plenty of financial resources to adjust the environment around you, and reduce the amount of annoyances, i.e. being able to afford a solar system, battery or gas generator back up power source, live in a neighborhood that it isn't very loud or properly insulate your property as much as possible to reduce noise.

Great video guys! Paul, this is the kind of video I’ve been waiting for. Super insightful and very honest look at things in Philippines. There are other KZfaq channels that paint the Philippines only through rose colored glasses. As someone seriously considering moving to the Philippines I appreciate a video like this. Everybody on the panel did a great job.

I appreciate the well made points. I think this is a great video for it's stated purpose. Certainly useful for me. Well done!

Very good video. Is important concept and facts that new guys need to know and understand.

I live in Lombok, Indonesia. Its funny how it's exactly the same here.

I’m living on a boat with solar panels so my cure for keeping kool is two deep cycle marine batteries and a twelve volt fan.

Great interview, Gentlemen! Thank you!

Wow this was extremely informative.. I might not be ready to handle the Philippines. Thank you.

I kept hearing Goldfinger referring to Bacon...Hey, I used to be a big bacon eater... mornings & BLT sandwiches for lunch...(I didn't smoke, drank alcohol responsibly, didn't over eat)..At age 65...I had to have a triple bypass on my heart arteries! I'm convinced it was all that damn bacon! I haven't had 1 strip of bacon since surgery & I'm A1 fine now. Watch that greasy bacon, guys! It may/will clog your arteries big time....lower your cholesterol!!! Have fun, enjoy Philippines, &:stay healthy. 🤠👌👍

I love this. Great information. I'm an Eskimo here in Canada. Culture shock is real and alive. A belief in a higher power and just letting go and let God. Acceptance. Things are the way they are supposed to be whether I agree or not. There are important life lessons in all of it for me. Heck, your retired, who cares anyway😅

Very informative video 👍

Extremely interesting discussion, thanks!

I spent a year here getting around by trike and jeepneys before I got a D.L. and a car, it was easy to get the license. The bank part was easy, too. I went to a bank that was approved by the U.S. Government and filled out appropriate paperwork, then a few months later, my government checks hit local bank.

I'll be honest, I had a wonderful trip to the Philippines. I'm 30, I just can't stand to live there. Vietnam is a better place for me now. The frustrations of the Philippines are real. Setting that aside, the people are warm, welcoming and friendly. I just can't be in a country with lagging infrastructure and have to be in line for 20 minutes everywhere. Many little things would bother me or getting asked if I'm alone or in a relationship every other interaction, every single day it's like reverse catcalling. I would even get cat called. It felt like a hassle going to the grocery store, or for that matter anywhere. I'm not a hater and being a digital nomad, I will visit the north of the country and give maybe a weeks time in Manila area. Much respect to the years of information from some of the great KZfaqrs in this country.

Hello Paul and friends. Fabulous info!!! Theses are the things nobody tells us.

Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Thanks for the informative content. I'm replying about the ants problem you mentioned. I'm not sure if these products are available there but the best way to get rid of ants is to mix borax powder (which is generally found in the laundry detergent isle here in the US) with honey or molasses. Mix it very thick. Thick enough that the ants can carry small chunks of it. That mixture in a Tupperware lid or equiliventt will draw ants in and they will carry it back to the colony and feed all the other ants including the queen. The borax wipes out the entire colony.

My filipina fiance has been living in the US for 8 years now, we've only been together a year.....We went to PH back in august, this was my first time going there with her, i've been there before. She was more frustrated with the Philippines than me lol. I was like meh whatever, it's PH.....the traffic, the drivers.....man she was annoyed lol.

That was fun...excellent.

You guys are cool honest and wise . Also you are different personalities which makes a more rounded insight. Thank you 👍

Yeah the foreigner tax sometime makes my Filipina wife mad and she tells me to stay in the car next time 😂 We bought rechargeable small fans so if the power goes out we can still stay reasonably cool. I plan to get a small generator soon. Government offices are scattered all over the city and further divided between old and new so you need specific instructions as to which building the old or the new one for each step in a long process. Thankfully my wife handles all of that - I would be lost on my own.

I was recently in Cagayan Valley and there was a Mcdonalds who had the absolute best triple cheeseburgers I have had ever in my entire life. I darn near got addicted. Yeah! The Philippines has issues, many of which can drive one nuts if you let it. I am still on the fence with regards to settling in the Philippines or Thailand. I will mostly likely end up sharing time between the two to be honest. Hope everyone finds their balance during those retirement years.

Wonderful chaps 🎉❤ this is one of the best conversations that I’ve heard ! Thanks you 🎉

Very informative! Thanks guys! Greetings from Cyprus

- Yes, the loud noises are annoying, and that's something you have to just deal with. Lots of dogs barking, roosters crowing, karaoke singing, loud jeepneys/motorcycles, etc.. Nice thing is that the tech for active noise cancelling headphones is so good now that you can put on headphones and "drown" most of that noise out. - Yes, bugs, mice, and rats are annoying, but there's not much you can do about it living in a tropical climate. - Power outages aren't too big of a deal, unless you work remotely (like I do) and need power to work (or live in the province where outages often last all day). Other than that, just get battery operated fans/lights for emergencies. - I've never heard of these 6 month Visa extensions, unless you guys are talking about another kind of Visa, because the Tourist Visas have always been a max 2 month renewal for the 5 years I've been here, as far as I've heard. - Filipino Time: Yeah, it's another thing you have to get used to. I still think the worst thing about living here is the poverty, and the fact that most people you interact with will try and get some money from you. That can wear on you after awhile, but there's nothing you can do about it except avoid interacting.

You gentlemen hit the nail on the head perfectly. I have lived in the province for about 2 years and it doesn't bother me too much when the insane policies come up in my life.

Very good discussions, Paul with your American friends, I like it 👌 ❤❤

Love it you guys get together and shoot the breeze about a subject. Thanks

After 23 years of meeting countless Expats moving to our town from the USA building a house for their wife and doing a permanent move only 3 have made it past the 5 year mark usually going home with nothing

No place on earth is perfect in all instances and circumstances. I currently own and live alone in a 2700 square ft 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom house. Two cars in the 3-car garage and several motorcycles. When I want something I order it on Amazon and it shows up in a few days. I don’t expect that to be what I find in the Philippines. More than 1/2 my assets and half my retirement went away when I divorced in 2016. I am actually looking forward to getting rid of EVERYTHING and doing a life reset. I also want to be able to afford to live on my social security and some retirement assets. I visited Dumaguete in February and March. I’m going to Cebu at the end of November. I live in Spokane WA so it’s a big deal to get there 3 times a year and since I’m still working. I’m 100% commission so it’s VERY expensive to do the Boots on the Ground research I’m doing.

good conversation thanks for sharing

Great video I’m learning alot and want to hear more.

I believe once an expat finds purpose, may it be a relationship or something else, other things just become incidental. But again you have to find yourself something more than just getting up in the morning.

You guys are awesome! I love seeing Gold finger, the dude is a legend!

Three good guys. If i find a neighborhood with guys like these im sure ill be happy. Thanks, guys.

For me, the power blackouts would be the greatest difficulty. I'm a Canadian and unaccustomed to sleeping in extremely hot weather. My plan is to build a house that is up to Canadian building standards and fully insulated so that air conditioning does not consume too much energy. I also intend to do a fully off grid solar system with a backup generator. Eventually I'll even do a grid tie. I am hoping that as long as I can maintain my creature comforts that I will enjoy my retirement and twilight years in the Philippines.

I only needed to go there for a few weeks to figure out that I would not be able to live under the conditions that exists in that country. I think you only scratched the surface of all the things that would be considered wrong by our western standards.

thanks guys for your honest opinion. 👍

Great photos. 👍

Everyone should travel to as many countries as possible before you bite the big one. I would say the number one reason men travel and move to the Philippines is because you can find a child bride 30 to 40 years younger. Jayson was extremely honest when he said it was the young girls that prompted him to relocate to the Philippines, in all reality it's the main reason 95% of the expats move there. The young child brides explain exactly why old men would tolerate the dangerous traffic, infrastructure, blackouts, horrible medical, roosters, snakes, bad food, no toilet paper, loud music and the list is endless. In short, isn't it amazing what an affect and 18-year-old has on 50-60- and 70-year-old men. LOL

I don't ever plan to live in the Phils permanently. But I definitely want to spend my Texas winters there, 3 months out of the year would be long enough for me. And then leave the flippn hot Texas summers for cooler climates. Basically stay in my Texas home 6 months out of the year. Everything is paid for so why give that up. All my basic and medical needs are met here.

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

thank you guys for telling your negative expreiences. sometimes, we just want to see the positve. but when we put out all honest experiences, we're together fertilized to better growth.

Glad I'm back in Thailand.

It's more comfortable, quiet and private living in condos or subdivisions. I agree that government services are very poor. That is because the advance technology was not developed by the previous leaders and corruption is part of it. I would say that the justice system is also a big issue here. Corruption, drugs and poverty were so huge and has been a problem and was even getting bigger. Only the previous President Duterte tried to stop corruption and drugs but had a hard time and the current President BBM is continuing the work double time for a better and new Philippines. 🙏🙏🙏🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

I smiled as I listened to your advice. Funny and serious at the same time! Great perspective and understanding of Philippine culture and understanding of self. Gentlemen, you are adaptive which makes you able to live there. Great that all three of you are passing on your perspective and wisdom. Thank you from a Filipina in Buenos Aires, Argentina

These type of CHIT CHAT vids are REALLY GREAT... Good work. Eddie Jagna/ Sydney

I have been here 100 days. Had my SRRV in 75 days, Formed my corporation in 75 days, acquired my first 8000 sm property and will be starting construction on 16 homes next week. If you learn the rules of the game and know how to hire the right people to help you, with some tenacity you can thrive here.

I was just there to check things out for 2 and a half months, and the cost to extend a visa now is ridiculous. You only get one month to start, then you have to pay a lot just for another 30 days, then you have to pay again if you want to stay more than 60. The chaos is hard to take, not that many people actually speak much if any English, but for me the worst part was the bad air and poor food. Food is horrible, quality is low, expensive, and it's real hard to eat healthily there. I was SO glad to return to Colombia.

Truly amazing ❤ thank you

Lovely conversation