Retire in the Philippines{19}
As I reviewed my site recently, I noticed that I have never specifically posted as to why I want to retire in the Philippines. I have stated why Samal Island was chosen for the place to buy our land and build our house. I’ve even written about frugality and the Philippines, which touches on some of my beliefs in how I’d like to live my life. I had always figured each post kind of spelled out my reasons, but maybe not. Of course these reasons may change as time passes, but for now here are my top ten.
1. My Asawa is from the Philppines
This may seem obvious, and it is, but I’ve met a number of filipina that have no desire to live in the Philippines any more. They want to live in the US or some other perceived rich country. That’s not entirely fair, sometimes they want to live where there true love is. My asawa wants to live in the Philippines, in particularly somewhere around Davao. That’s OK with me, as I like that area as well or better than any I’ve been to. Family is nearby, but not too near. Samal Island fits the bill nicely, and if not, then Bukidnon has its strong points, too.
2. Sister-in-law is from the Philppines
The reason I visited the Philippines in the first place was to meet my new nephew. My younger brother had married a filipina and they had their first child in Quezon City. During my visit I met my asawa to be. My sister-in-law has recently immigrated to the US, but they expect to retire in the Philippines at some point down the road, also. Probably not near Davao, but it won’t be a long trip to visit.
3. Cost of living
Many experts and expats will advise against moving to the Philippines for this reason. Truth be told, it’s why I moved to Spokane some twenty some years ago. I’ve always been very conscious of my money, and maintained a fairly strict budget. I feel we can live a decent life with what I’ll get in retirement pay, and to me that’s a factor. A fairly important one to my peace of mind, and being able to enjoy my retirement.
4. No Snow – no really!
For those that haven’t experienced a harsh winter, and then another, and then another – you may not get this one. Trust me on this. After the previous two winters (this one’s been mild so far) many newcomers packed their bags, and went home to warmer and more expensive locations (LA?).
5. Friendly people
People in the Philippines are friendly. Every single one of them, without exception. Well, maybe I’m exaggerating a wee bit, but as whole they really are!
6. Slower pace
Pilipino time anyone? The massage lady (what is the word for that again) that my younger brother used, and overpaid by about 10 times, couldn’t make it within a couple hours of the appointed time. Good thing we never had anything else we needed to to do during our day. This will take some getting used to, but I’m determined.
7. Different – really retired
I could retire right where I live now, but to me it will feel more like an accomplishment to retire some place new and exotic. I’ll have a lot to learn and explore. Much to adapt to. To me that’s a retirement.
8. English speaking
I’m learning Bisaya (slowly) and intend to keep doing so. Even so, it’s great to be able to communicate when needed, even if what I’m saying isn’t really understood as I mean it.
9. Instant family
When I married my asawa I must have increased my relatives by about a few hundred. Everyone I met in the province was my relative, and I sure was popular 
This can certainly be a good thing/bad thing but when push comes to shove, it really does help to have family around.
10. Mango shakes & ensaymadas!
OK everyone has their favorites. Maybe durian will make it’s way up my list, but for now I could live quite a few days off of nothing but mangga shakes and cheesy ensaymadas.
.
Google+
Feb 04, 2010 @ 21:23:49
Hi, Randy C
I was born in Davao City in mid 50′s, but live most of my younger age with my grandparents in Babak until we moved out in early 70′s to hawaii, since, that time i have never been back to that island until 2006, even though my parents still have a house and property in Babak which is only about a mile away from Babak Wharf…you know when i ran in to your website and started reading on your posting and comments about retiring in that island i thought to myself, you know i was wondering why my parents (living in hawaii) will not retire there, so, one day i asked my parents (they’re both in their 80′s) why don’t they retire in Samal Island for good, their answers are “we love to” but the only drawbacks are, the island does’nt have a good equip medical facility, any emergency has to be brought in or out from/to Davao City. you know randy me and my wife are in the mid 50′s and someday we will be retiring, infact we sort of discussing from time to time of when and where we retire, my wife from Cebu wants to retire there since she already has a property inherited from her parents, i want to retire in Samal Island, but right now we just sort of contemplating and having a discussion but nothing definite yet, let see how it’s goes..anyway i wish you luck and learning how to speak bisaya is a good thing keep it up and someday you’ll be as good as the the local samalenos…:)hehehe..keep in touch..
Jun Lantaya
Oxnard, California
Feb 05, 2010 @ 08:21:31
Hi Jun – thanks for your visit and comment.
There are two hospitals on Samal, at this time, and plans for specialty medical treatment within one of the new resort subdivisions. I’m not too worried about it myself, but maybe that will change if my health were to change. As the high end subdivisions continue to evolve, I’m sure there will be more medical services for those residents. After all, they will undoubtable be in the upper class of income.
Maybe you could retire around Cebu, with a vacation home on Samal? Seems a lot of people that can afford to are keeping a second home on Samal. We aren’t in that situtation, so it will be Samal or somewhere else for us. I think Samal is going to work out just fine and we aren’t really thinking of somewhere else at this point.
Take care and drop by anytime.
Mar 08, 2011 @ 03:19:38
hoy jun, si von ito
Mar 08, 2011 @ 03:20:04
hoy jun, musta na
Real Estate on Samal Island | Journey to Samal
Feb 09, 2010 @ 21:11:27
[...] Island, Samal Island Resortsby Randy CMoving to the Philippines and want to find land for your retirement home, or maybe vacation home, on Samal Island? There are many options available lately. I’ve [...]
First Trip to Samal Island | Journey to Samal
Feb 09, 2010 @ 21:13:48
[...] knew construction was going for, but I believe it was my first inclination that I might want to retire in the area.In all it was a fun trip. Just a small part of a very busy visit to the Philippines. I [...]
Samal Island and the Mosquitoes | Journey to Samal
Feb 09, 2010 @ 21:15:00
[...] it is, in this case 5% of the known cases died, and it made me realize (again) that our potential retirement home, Samal Island, is going to have it’s share of these nasty little creatures.There’s no [...]
Right Here, Right now | Journey to Samal
Feb 09, 2010 @ 21:19:15
[...] to dream Really do come true.It’s easy to get caught up in the thoughts of planning for our retirement. Isn’t that why I created this blog in the first place? BUT that’s a long ways away. [...]
Feb 14, 2010 @ 02:15:24
you should go try some green mango shake. love the stuff.
Feb 14, 2010 @ 09:25:38
Oh yeah, green mango shakes are great! Got introduced to mango shakes at Paradise Island. I had a cold and didn’t feel like I could eat anything, so I filled up on mango shakes. With my diet, they have become a staple for me there.
Mar 17, 2010 @ 21:26:47
Hi randy,
writing an article on davao expats—are you living here in davao now for good? can i use your post on why you think it is a good idea to retire in samal? or are you ok for an interview—even online? thanks
Mar 18, 2010 @ 04:48:19
Hi lovely – I still live in the States and will for quite some time, probably.
Jun 11, 2010 @ 06:16:42
Hi sir, I am an architecture student from Mapua Institute of Technology, Philippines and I am currently conducting a research on my thesis proposal entitled Subic Integrated Retirement Haven: THE PARADISE.
I’m glad I found your article while I am searching for any related literature. It is a big help in my study specially the reasons why you will retire in the Philippines.
If it’s not too much to ask Sir, can I ask you some other related questions?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR and I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here in the Philippines
GOD BLESS…:)
Jun 11, 2010 @ 16:36:40
Hi Raine – I’ll take a look at your survey and respond.
Nov 08, 2010 @ 15:44:51
Hi Randy,
You have got that pretty right. I am looking forward to getting back to Davao for good in about 3 years with my wife from there. And her family is a big plus for me as they have accepted me as one of them and are all really great people.
We have a house half built out at Calinan, about half an hour out and up a bit so it is a bit cooler.
Can’t wait.
Catch you, Nick
Nov 08, 2010 @ 19:24:20
Hi Nick – I’m not familiar with Calinan but it sounds like a place I would enjoy. A little cooler weather would be nice.
Good luck with your move!
I Want Hairy Ankles | Journey to Samal
Aug 07, 2011 @ 09:24:24
[...] and wondered if this ankle hair would grow back after all this time, once I was finally able to retire in the Philippines. I have no plans to be wearing socks, except on the few occasions that require a more formal [...]
Aug 29, 2012 @ 13:22:40
i am 66 years old and i have been scammed so many times that i am scared to death to move any where at all.
i havce talked with a lady in the phillippines for many years to her, but i have not met her and she wants me to come there and live with her, but at the same time i am not doing so well here in the united states because no matter what you do it is just so damn difficult to live here now.
i am not wealthy and i am only getting social security now, i am not at all rich, and i am not able to take care of myself.
i know this one lady in santa del monte bulacon and she wants me to move there. but i have multiple sclerosis i have been messed up physically for 20 some years.
how do you know if she is really going to take care of me as she states, i am not in the financial situation to go there and meet her and talk to her and i am not in the position to get scammed either.
what do you think i should do?
should i stay here in the united states and struggle away as i am now doing or should i go there?
i need some advice from some one who is presently living there.
Aug 29, 2012 @ 13:42:27
Hi Richard – thanks for visiting and your questions.
I’m glad to offer my advice, but that’s all it is – my advice and opinion. You may well get different elsewhere.
I would not recommend moving here without coming here first and meeting your lady. Once is a minimum, the more times the better. You are taking a huge risk moving here without visiting first.
You have several things going on. You need to see if this is the woman for you, if you could realistically live here with all that entails, and the complications of your medical condition.
There are people that will do a person to person meeting with your lady for you. The purpose of that is to see if she is really who she says, and to determine of there are other parties involved. I don’t personally know anyone that does that in the area you mentioned, but I assume with some research they could be found.
I’m still a newbie here, I’ve got years to go before I’ll know if I can make it here myself. The advice often given to me from those that have moved here is that it takes 5 years before one will be adjusted.
Good luck with your decisions. Feel free to write me with questions, and I’ll do the best I can to give you honest answers. Again, they are only my opinion.