Back from first trip to the Philippines , now what?

[usa32]

I went for my first trip for 29 days in February to early march. Not much rain at all(dry season), and I heard its cooler then. ( I didn't see that:))

Had a good time, met several girls, nothing bad happened.

So now im back in the us, and thinking what is next?

Im 38 years old, have a good job here and some roots(house etc) that I would need to unload before moving there.

I am thinking the best play is to plan another trip, and see if the newness wears off, and the negative annoyances of being there, become more important, which I encountered several, before considering moving there.

Thoughts?

I spent time in manilla, cebu city, moalbol, and palawan.

 

[robert k]

Any chance you could make a longer trip? I think the bloom goes off the rose for some people after 6 months to a year, or that's what they tell me. Some stay, some go home, some go to other countries.

[GeoffH]

I agree with robert k, 29 days really isn't enough time to get a feel for the country because you're still in holiday mode.

[Nickleback99]

Yeah you need a very long stay as noted above.  I lived in what I call “ PI Lite” 2.5 yrs back in early 90’s; means I resided on the Subic base mostly,  but mostly worked off base; so, had that safe haven comfort zone to escape to when wanted.  Of course a very different country then in many ways.  I’ve been back around 25 times since from just a few days up to 30 days, including getting married there, and I’m still not properly prepared, But we are moving back there next Spring and look forward to what should be a much better lifestyle, travel all over, etc in addition to all the Expat annoyances and frustrations.   If this was your first visit as sounds, ya got a lot more to figure out, although others like you have done it.  If you have wealth already or an easy way to work on line from there making significant money, then you certainly have a head start And a way to give it a 1 yr test drive.  Wish you well!

Edited August 1, 2019 by Nickleback99
grammar

[Mike J]

Agree with the above posters.  29 days is a vacation to both you and the Philippine people you interact with.  Those irritations you mentioned either grow to drive out expats or they learn to shrug them off.  The other thing that happens when you choose to live here is that the locals will tend to see you as a tourist or visitor and give allowance when you make mistakes in dealing with them.   When you become a "local" they will expect you to adjust somewhat, or at the very least accept and respect, the culture and social behaviour norms.

[sonjack2847]

6 hours ago, usa32 said:

I am thinking the best play is to plan another trip, and see if the newness wears off, and the negative annoyances of being there, become more important, which I encountered several, before considering moving there.

Thoughts?

I spent time in manilla, cebu city, moalbol, and palawan.

 

You have only been to tourist ares and the annoyances you mention can become compounded when you are out of those areas. I would suggest coming here and staying longer and seeing some of the other things which might come up if you move here. Getting any paperwork done here, visa etc, can be a hassle. The population out of tourist , big cities areas can be very different.  Whatever you decide I wish you luck many have made the transition many have failed.

[jimeve]

8 hours ago, usa32 said:

I am thinking the best play is to plan another trip, and see if the newness wears off, and the negative annoyances of being there, become more important, which I encountered several, before considering moving there.

If you can take 12 months to stay here and live away from the tourist, it would give you some idea what to expect in the long term. 38 is still young.

[graham59]

I first visited the Phils when I was a 38-year-old home owner too (30 years ago).

Check the place out for at least 12 months.   Get to know the family and the CULTURE, not just the girl... for months/years, rather than days... as you would back home ! You are a YOUNG, very sought-after man in the Phils. Plenty of time. 

DO NOT sell your property in the USA ! 

Bear in mind that you cannot work or run a business legally in the Phils, unless you have a specific visa for that. 

Yes,  you can meet the right person and family there (can't separate the two) .  Just put the brakes on a bit. 

[robert k]

Wearing out my mouse with all the likes. I think the Tribe is unanimous.

[Tommy T.]

1 hour ago, graham59 said:

I first visited the Phils when I was a 38-year-old home owner too (30 years ago).

Check the place out for at least 12 months.   Get to know the family and the CULTURE, not just the girl... for months/years, rather than days... as you would back home ! You are a YOUNG, very sought-after man in the Phils. Plenty of time. 

DO NOT sell your property in the USA ! 

Bear in mind that you cannot work or run a business legally in the Phils, unless you have a specific visa for that. 

Yes,  you can meet the right person and family there (can't separate the two) .  Just put the brakes on a bit. 

I add my vote too... I think all the advice is good and similar. Graham's is very appropriate and complete.