Being happy here is all in attitude and ability to adjust
to third world life.
It is not for everyone, and as with most tropical “paradises” is rarely equal to the travel brochures.
January will start my fourth year here on Cebu (NOT THE CITY)
I would never consider living in a large city here, and not even on Luzon.
True, one can live on less then $1000 per month, and still have creature comforts such as A/C, satellite TV, DSL or cable internet, and western style features.
Keep in mind, non-citizens can not work or own property here, so the expat population is mostly older people with a pension. I live on my social security which comes by direct deposit to my bank here.
If you are young and wealthy, all the better.
When I left the USA in 2004 to become an international person, I left with nothing more then a suitcase, leaving behind not just a house, but an entire two story school building full of possessions and plenty of junk.
I really do not miss any of it.
I started out in central Europe for the first five years, but after a one month exploratory trip to the Philippines in August 2008, and spending that month with each of four young ladies, I decided this would be for me and my senior years.
I now live on a beach, in a fine small town, with a sweet lady and our 10 month old baby boy.
www.dalaguete.gov.ph
Is he bullsh*tting in the article or does it seem pretty realistic to you? Of course, everyone’s mileage will vary, he’s in a bit of a different place than some other person, etc, etc. Maybe expound on medical care and food for us. Thanks!
This is from a post by AlexW, who tells us that he lives on Social Security and therefore is at least 62 years old and could well be older. Therefore, he'll be at least 80 years old when this child turns 18. Now, there's an optimistic guy! And one who doesn't at all mind leaving behind a widow.
Tell me more about those four young ladies, and the one sweet lady (by FReepmail, if you prefer), as I’m about your age and considering a move.