What would YOU do?

[Beer Can Benny the IV]

Hello everyone, I'm seriously thinking of moving to the Philippines in the coming years, but I think I'm in a unique situation, so before I dive into the deep end, I want to see the perspective of people that know what they're doing. Apologies in advance if this is the wrong topic/breaks a forum rule, and for formatting (I'm at work so I have to type on my phone lol, excuse the f'd up formatting), I've never browsed or even posted here before so bare with me.

I'm sure there's been alot of posts similar to this, but I think I'm in a somewhat unique situation. I'm 19, and have been thinking of saving money and immigrating to the Philippines nearby/with some relatives I've visited on and off since childhood over in Cebu (specifically Talisay, they live in a subdivision up in the hills). As it stands the long term economic, societal, and political situation here in America leaves men like me with zero future, just a life of serf like destitution with nothing but a 50 year mortgage to leave my kids (if I would ever even afford to have a kid), I won't get too deep into that but I want no part in America's future even if I love the country. Originally, my rough plan was to just coast by on tourist visa extensions, or aquire a work visa and marry a good Filipina while teaching English or something. However, I recently learned the Philippines has laws regarding Jus Sanguinis, or 'citizenship by blood', and I'm like 99% sure I'm eligible to claim citizenship. So funnily enough, me, a guy who's some three quarters White, and barely even looks Asian, could just mail some documents to the nearest consulate, and possibly just become a Filipino citizen.

So, before I start drawing up any solid plans and goals, let alone enacting any, I want to learn from your guys' mistakes and triumphs alike. My question to you is this: If you magically just started over suddenly, and found yourself in my exact situation, what would YOU do?

For context, I'm 19, my highest education is a GED, my only previous work experience is a short stint in the army (long story short I was going to be an infantryman and train for the 75th Ranger regiment, but got pulled from training over an injury and had to quit outright), and I'm working a seasonal contract at a warehouse for $23/hr until the end of October. I have 11k in the bank, and absolutely zero living expenses as my parents are very supportive and allow me to live with them and pay for essentials, so I just want to save as much as possible, maybe buy some gold or silver and start a high yield savings account while I'm at it.

If you read my whole long winded post, thank you. I would really really appreciate your input and wisdom on this matter.

PS, if my father is browsing the forum and reads this, hi dad lol

[Old55]

This is my son David. Hi David..... 

Guys, please don't hold back on honest suggestions and opinions.

Edited 3 hours ago by Old55

[Dave Hounddriver]

When I was living in the Philippines I considered having my 19 year old son come live with me.  It would have been GREAT for him for a while.  But like most North American kids he liked his weed and I decided I did not want to bail him out of jail as that is a criminal offense in Philippines.

I thought he could come to the Philippines and find a wife and she would nag him until he went back to Canada (with her) and made something of himself. 

And that's all I have to offer.  

[Possum]

Move to the Philippines and do what? It will be almost impossible to find a job so you'd blow thru your savings in short order though likely have a good time. 

Do your exploring while you are young enough to recover from any mistakes that you are guaranteed to make. Wisdom follows.

Even if you obtain citizenship by blood you'll be competing with college graduates and even post graduate job seekers for the scarce decent paying jobs. 

Make the move if you want to check it out and get your 'feet' wet while exploring your options but make sure you have enough to get back home in order to either further your education, learn a trade [trained welders are in great demand] or just get a job. You are to be congratulated on saving money as you have and looking to expand your horizons.. Keep your head, heart and other body parts protected , you'll likely do well.