Is the gamble of living in the Philippines worth the rewards?

[Queenie O.]

4 hours ago, Gratefuled said:

You and everyone here already know how I feel about this place.  Some even say that I'm a "negative thinker". The simple truth is that I call em as I see em. It's no paradise here, but it could be. I can point to other countries that were just as bad but have improved.  Some countries were devastated after a war but have prospered. The problem with the Philippines is the leadership.

One former president was quoted as saying something like, "it's better to live like Hell by a Filipino than live like Heaven by an American". Well, many try to blame the Spanish for their bad habits. Some blame the Catholic church. 

Reminds me of a quote on how to control people. 

1. keep them ignorant

2. keep them poor

3. keep them busy

Philippine leaders have managed two do this to their own people. while, their families become dynasties. 

Anyway, many expats are here because they cannot afford to live in their own country. Many come from places which are worse than it is here. While a few like myself are here because of their spouse. YEAH, but not for long. 

Gratefuled, I understand what you're saying, and as I said in the past that you have a right to look forward to a new life back in the States with your wife and stepson and your extended family there.  You have to admit though, that in spite of the issues you mention, in reading some of your posts, that you have been able to find ways to cope and find some happiness at times here. I can sense your satisfaction about the better and growing relationship with your stepson. For whatever reason you or I others have moved here either temporarily or permanently, it's all about not getting too upset I guess, about what one can't change, but how to let go of the uncertainties the best avenues that we can. The goal is to  find ways to reach a happy medium, and to seek ways best to cope in a not always easy environment.  

As for people that only live here because they can't afford to live in their own country, I can't speak for anyone else, but I moved here for many different reasons. Cheap living is not what brought me, or keeps me here. In spite of the ups and downs, I can't imagine going back to my life back where I had been, even though I often miss my family and old city there. I'm kind of proud of myself when I ride out or solve the things that are bothering me, and I find a positive where there was none before. My old life over time, didn't offer me that much chance to test my mettle, for better or worse. lol

I have to preface that for myself too, I don't angst all the time, but actually have great days/weeks sometimes too, that for the most part sail along and give me happiness. (Especially if it's not the hot month of May here!) It's the days when circumstances beyond my control lead me to anxiety or frustration,  or sometimes get to me more than I'd like them to.  Making my new life here is a work in progress for me, but I think I'm doing pretty well so far.

I don't mean to try to speak for you, but those observations are just what I've noticed. I always like hearing your input.

Edited May 29, 2017 by Queenie O.

[Jack Peterson]

14 minutes ago, AlwaysRt said:

Live and enjoy the now, refuse to let the 'maybes' bring your spirits down.

Be aware, be vigilant, but don't worry... be happy.

 Hey Steve, is this not what we are saying? The maybes we can't control ( They are in reality a negative) the Positives, we can control if we just let our minds wander a little?

[Gratefuled]

3 hours ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

There she stood in the doorway;
I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself,
"This could be Heaven or this could be Hell"

"you can check out any time you want, but you can never leave"

[Gratefuled]

Queenie, I think you have mentioned that your husband is Filipino and you live among his relatives. so, I can understand why he is happy here. The same happiness applies to my wife and her parents. She is used to life here. Hong Kong was the first time out of the Philippines for her and she was amazed at the difference. The traffic and how they obeyed the rules. How the bus stopped ONLY at designated places. The efficiency of how business was conducted. So, I am sure she would also be amazed at the quality of life that she could have in southern California. A world of difference. The recent events that have occurred here only about 150 miles from us gets her nervous. So, she has agreed to get her visa and I will begin processing it shortly. 

I wish I could say that I am as happy as you and others are here but sorry I cannot. 

[Dave Hounddriver]

34 minutes ago, Gratefuled said:

I wish I could say that I am as happy as you and others are here but sorry I cannot. 

I am not always happy here.  Then I go back to Canada for a month and cannot wait to get back here.

Don't know what you got till it's gone

[Gratefuled]

8 hours ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

I am not always happy here.  Then I go back to Canada for a month and cannot wait to get back here.

Don't know what you got till it's gone

I'm happy when I am back here with my wife but I do NOT miss the Philippines. NOT AT ALL

[Queenie O.]

10 hours ago, Gratefuled said:

Queenie, I think you have mentioned that your husband is Filipino and you live among his relatives. so, I can understand why he is happy here. The same happiness applies to my wife and her parents. She is used to life here. Hong Kong was the first time out of the Philippines for her and she was amazed at the difference. The traffic and how they obeyed the rules. How the bus stopped ONLY at designated places. The efficiency of how business was conducted. So, I am sure she would also be amazed at the quality of life that she could have in southern California. A world of difference. The recent events that have occurred here only about 150 miles from us gets her nervous. So, she has agreed to get her visa and I will begin processing it shortly. 

I wish I could say that I am as happy as you and others are here but sorry I cannot. 

I can imagine things have gotten more difficult for you folks down there with recent happenings. Happiness is something I work on here, but yes I'm pretty happy I guess. I'll never match my husband's joy!

No reason to be sorry--life here is surely not for everyone. I think your wife will enjoy her new adventure in the US! Best wishes as you all prepare to make a change.

[Tukaram (Tim)]

The only gamble I see in moving over here is potential health care concerns.  I am young enough still that I don't sweat mortality.  Out where I am I would die before an ambulance gets to me, I know this. There are some some inconveniences, no potable water, and the non-existent infrastructure in general - but that is also why the cost of living is so cheap here. The inconvenience is just part of the cost. Immigration here is a piece of cake. Just pay your fees on time.  The corruption has not really affected me (except the corruption keeps the infrastructure from improving). The corruption is way above my pay grade.

I have been here over 4 years (wow time flies!). I do miss my kids and now I have 2 granddaughters I have never met. But I would rather they all came here... not me go back there ha ha.  I would say that this place is certainly not for everyone. 

"It's better to have a short life that is full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way." ~Alan Watts~   

[mogo51]

I really enjoyed reading your post Queenie, as well as excellent contributions from Jack and Steve.  You really got to the essence of day to day life in another country.  Whilst I have spent 8 years in Thailand, soon thankfully, we will be in Philippines.  I have been there many times, so have a pretty good idea of what to expect, but it is never fully understood until you are domiciled in a country - that is a reality.

From what I have seen and read on this great forum, there is little difference between the two countries Thailand/Philippines.  Thailand has better infrastructure and I have met some great people here (some but not a lot).  The attitude towards Farangs (westerners) here is very different to Phils from my experience.  Here we are 'tolerated', there we seem to be somewhat 'accepted' and I have always enjoyed my time there.  Yes, some in public utility positions can be a bit testing, but that is how it is everywhere it seems.  On our last trip there, we were catching a Ferry on two occasions.  Both times, I was beckoned forth and told as I was a Senior, I did not need to stand in line (now I am not sure that I was totally pleased at being classified as a 'Senior' but at least there are benefits).

We watch CNN Philippines here regularly, there is nothing like that in Thailand from any local stations.  The prevalence of English there makes it much easier.

I admit to having the odd reflection on my homeland and whether I made the right choice, but overall, it has been an interesting journey.  I am hoping the next leg will be even better.

Just one question, do you have to report regularly to Immigration there?  Here in Thailand, it is every 90 days.

Edited May 29, 2017 by mogo51

[Mike J]

15 hours ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

If you are fairly well off it could be.  The people with absolutely no money tend to agree with a lot of the negative things you have mentioned in the past.  Remember this quote:

There she stood in the doorway;
I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself,
"This could be Heaven or this could be Hell"

Perhaps those of us that choose to stay and live here should be grateful that the Philippines is NOT a paradise.  I say that because people have a tendency to want to "improve" paradise to make it more profitable.

They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique
And a swinging hot spot

 

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got til its gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

 

They took all the trees
And put 'em in a tree museum
And they charged the people
A dollar and a half to seem 'em

Has anyone else noticed that posts from Hounddriver can push your thinking in a new direction allowing you see things that you otherwise may have not considered?  Thanks Dave.