What it's like Leaving America for the Philippines, people will not understand

I'm a Filipino lawyer who lived and worked in a western country. I realized that dueing my time abroad, not all that is shiny is real. After a few years, I went back to the Philippines. My income may be lower but my life is more peaceful.

I visited the P.I. when I was 17 back in '69. I always remembered how great the people and the culture were. When I got ready to leave the U.S., I kept being told I was having an escape fantasy and I would never leave. Just before the big day, I gave my gun collection to a close friend. I gave my guitar collection to my son. That was 11 years ago and I've been living the good life here in the Philippines since I arrived in 2011. I have not been back since and I have no plans to ever return to the U.S. I'm now a legal resident. Maybe one day I'll apply for Philippine citizenship.

I retired from the military in '95. My friends and family had opinions about my moving here in early 2007. Some may have even thought that I was crazy. But they were looking at it from their own personal perspective, certainly not mine. I was quite used to this. I've never had a single poblem here. My daughter finally visited in 2019, and she now understands.

I have been here for 20 years now. I left the US Army in 2002 ( not retired) and settled here with my wife (Filipina). Took me 10+ years to convince my mom to come here. She spent her last few years on this earth with her grandchildren in comfort and luxury (compared to the US). I have no desire to ever return to the US.

My last trip to the Philippines to see my wifes side of the family was so stress free and enjoyable trip I ever had. I had 21 days of peace away from the rat race in the USA. The last 3 days of my 24 day vacation the stress level went to 100 I did not want to go home back to the rat race that USA has become. I look forward to my next trip back soon this time i hope for a longer stay.

We moved to the Philippines for THREE reasons. #1. My wife's family of many nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. #2. Our retirement funds last the entire month with $$ left over. In the USA it would last only a few days. #3. Year round summer season weather. Unfortunately I have lost track of 95% of my USA friends & family they also thought we were nuts to move here.

I'm a filipino nurse here in Philippines I once had a patient who's 80+ years old he has a filipina wife in her 40s. She takes care of him even though he's old bedridden and the doctors already given up on her husband. The Doctors told her that she should just take him home to save money. She looks for money to pay for the bills and I for myself really knows that she loves her husband. while she's away finding money in welfare her brother is taking care of the patient and I for myself really sees that her brother takes care of him too. Good luck finding that kind of woman in US.

Iv'e been here 6 years now and my friends and family thought this would only be a short term move. You are correct, they really don't fully understand all of the reasons why. I'm retired military and spent a great deal of time in this part of the world before the move so it was fairly easy. Like most expats we come here with a suitcase and a carry on bag and build a life from there. The Philippines is far from perfect but for me it's a good fit. So grateful and blessed to call this place home.

Im born in Philippines. Live in USA since I was 11. Im 40 now. I go every year to visit Philippines for 2 weeks to 2 months, also lived there during pandemic for 1 year+. Everything in the Philippines is the complete opposite of the United States. USA= cooler weather, PH= hot, USA= bigger space cities, Philippines= smaller space/crowded, USA= more rude people, PH= less rude people, USA= lots of impatiant peopke, PH= lots of patient people, USA= individualistic mentality, PH= collectivist, USA= less down to earth people, PH= more down to earth, USA= most live to work, PH = most work to live, USA= high cost of living, PH= low cost of living, USA= big average income, PH = lower average income, USA= fast paced life, PH= slow paced life, USA= efficient/fast way of business, PH= not efficeint/slow way of business, USA= lots of complaning people, PH = very few complainers, USA= not friendly to strangers, PH= friendly to strangers, USA= masculine women, PH= feminine women, USA= like to get a tan, PH= avoid the sunlight. There are many more, but almost anything I can think of, I dont even think there there are any similarities other than the basic human needs like food and shelter.

I left Salt Lake City in August 2017 and settled in Northern province of Cebu. People in America can't imagine how relaxed and beautiful it is here!

The stress levels are not just high in the states, they are over the top. The biggest challenge for me was to sit back and chill. Filipinos have their own methods of doing things and it's never really in a rush. Took me 5 months to realize, hey, I'm retired now, why am i in such a rush. So much happier now. And, I don't care what my family thinks, I moved here for me, not them.

Hey there from Canada! I was told the exact same thing from friends and family when I was in Mexico, Israel, Burma, and Kazakhstan. I’m hoping and praying to go to the Philippines soon

Nothing quite like the Philippines,Simple living , Happy Life , Friendly People and beautiful places.I feel much safer in the Philippines than here in Canada.

I enjoyed your video and yes, it is true. I made the decision and I came to the Philippines. I retired early, sold all my things . I came here five months ago to marry my LRD lady of two and a half years. I am happier than I have been in years. I had never been out of the USA , never been on a plane.... But I took the leap and it paid off by the grace of God. Great video

My Pinoy wife ,kids and I moved to CDO city. Been in Philippines about 8 times so far. Longest stay being 90 days. We decided to try and make a go of it. Ever since COVID-19,things have gotten worse all over the world. It doesn't seem like affordable living will ever be a reality again. So there are definitely pro and cons of each country. We definitely felt more lonely and isolated in the USA. It seems to be all about working more and more to provide a better lifestyle and then being tired, stressed and becoming more unhealthy. Bottom line, pursue a life of that yields the most peace and happiness that you can get. Life is short and don't bank on retirement, because you might never get to that point.

Thank you for this video, it hit me on many levels. When I moved from Ohio to Florida in 2016 people told me I was making a mistake and Ill be back in a few months . I always felt Ohio wasn't my home, When I starting talking to my to Filipina that became my wife. I visited the Philippines for the first time. Something inside of me told me I was home. Told friends and family about my plans and I get the same thing I did when I moved away from Ohio.

You absolutely nailed it sir!!! I lived there for about 4 years on Mindanao and loved it, and am biding my time to get back there. I caught exactly all the same flak from my friends and family(some of it arrogantly harsh) about leaving the sacred soil of the U.S. to move to a "3rd world country", or "lesser country". I consider the Philippines as my home and wouldn't trade it for anything. Love it there and the people also. The simple life out in the rural barangay of my wife's family reminds me of the simple farming life of my youth in Georgia! As far as catching heat over moving from the U.S., I always think of Teddy Roosevelt's "Man In The Arena" speech for inspiration! Great video, and thank you for the encouraging words to those who have in mind to get out of the boat, as it were!

Omg I’ve been in Mindanoa for six months now and you hit the nail on the head with all yours reasons I’m from Mississippi and saw it coming I love it here , thanks for an insightful video for the naysayers

Spent 18 years living in Los Angeles. Bought a house, started a business, etc etc. 2019 is the year I went back home "Philippines" with my son and wifey. Sold everything I have in the US and I can say for sure that I made the best decision coming back home. Life is more relaxed, safe and most important of all. We are happy.

I am very lucky my family and friends could tell I was unhappy in the US. They were and still are very supportive of my move to the Philippines. Just finished my first full month of living in the Philippines there have been challenges along the way. You just need to be flexible and have patients things are not the same as you are used to dealing with. My wife had issues opening her bank account even with a Filipino passport and national ID. Almost lost it a couple of times just had to walk outside for a bit.