Cons: No water from 6am to 3:30 pm Roosters wake me at 5 am. Pros: $200 a month rent, after 6 pm absolute quiet, never hear any of the 5 or 6 dogs bark at night. No Karaoke , no parties or loud music. In in Bohol maybe 4 blocks to beach. I did westernize the house with plumbing and fixing up the exterior. But at 500 to 700 pesos a day for good workers no problem .A good church going women now that is priceless.
What more could you ask for? A cold drink (hard or soft doesnt matter) and a nice breeze. We built on family land to make sure our “suite” was up to Western standards. So we have AC to sleep and a dry bathroom. The aircon also provides sort of a white noise affect to help with sleep from the sound of the fan. We went with a mini-split so we dont have to hear the compressor. We dont have a water heater yet. Trying to learn to live with cool showers in morning. But we got a big 90cm oven/stove and a mid size fridge (say 250 liters). I like having to go to grocery store every 2-3 days to keep me moving and get away from the house but not haivng to go every day. The rest of the house is lots of windows and celing fans. We have multiple guest rooms for family to visit. Walled and gated yard in a walled and gated neighborhood. No roosters, no karaoke, the area is quiet. So far so good. Still working on trying to get fibre internet. So that is a drag for now.
I love the tiny home movement👍💛Loud neighbors...ugh The world needs to become more considerate of each other no matter what country! Much Love Philippines❤
Filipinos will NEVER, EVER "become more considerate about noise" Nope. Bring earplugs, or import some triple-pane windows (really--it is possible, or doubled thermopane)
Steve is the guy you want to watch or hang out with to get no-frills, no drama BS advice. I wish to meet you when I bring my family from SC to my home country. You're my white Kuya!
I like rooster 🐓 in the morning sign of ,I need to wake up and do exercise . 😊 Think positively life is too short ....Peace on Earth 🌎 Goodwill to all men . 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I was also looking for a large place, when I first arrived. We’re currently staying in a 66 sqm 2 bedroom condo (Air BnB), and we’re very comfortable. But I decided to extend my Honeymoon for another 30 days, and we’re shopping for a 1 year lease, since I’ll be back by June-July, and my Wife and Step-Daughter will need a place to set up home, for when I return. So we’ll probably lease a 2 bedroom condo that’s only 49 sqm. But we’ll make do until we find a house to buy. Even then, we’ll probably stay in the 80-100 sqm size. My new minimalistic lifestyle here
I always to a self talk when coming here and put away my Western ways. But with housing it is a challenge here with the noises and absolute rudeness of others to not care about the others in all the other apts by blasting their music or partying group. Rudeness and selfishness is different to me.
The noise has been the most difficult adjustment for me and has really tried my patience… to the point where I was becoming the “ugly American”… I finely found a nice spot in Panglao that has made things better… as much as I tried to be patient, you are right, there is latent “rigidity” in all of us that when under stress, will show itself. Good message in this video.
Starting at 5am every morning the crazy old lady across the street from me gets her shitzu and dances in the street holding the dog. She goes to the other neighbors 3 dogs and gets them barking and howling and she will do this for about an hour. Coo coo ! She is truly insane. I took Steve’s advice and bought a nice white noise machine which helps some. The other problem is at 6am we have several people who come through the neighborhood yelling and honking a clowns horn trying to sell fish, bowls, pots and pans or other items. I’ve also got my foam ear plugs that I brought from the US. About 40% of the time I don’t get woken up by the circus. I have two pensions and a decent income and my rental is 4000 pesos about $80.00 USD. I rent from a dear friend who told me as long as I’m alive, she will never raise my rent. She loved how I fixed up her house and how she never had to chase me down for the payment. I also do all my own repairs just to make sure it’s done right. So at that price it’s kinda hard to complain too much about the noise.
I have a nice little unfurnished one bedroom apartment in a gated complex in Mandaue City, Cebu, for 10,000 . I bought an electric water heater but there was a delay in the installation because of the electrical wiring. After a day or two, I realized that I can shower just fine with cold water. It doesn't bother me a bit, and I don't understand why a lot of people complain about this issue. You can live at any level that you want here. I am happier here than I would be in a high rise condo with a pool and a gym and a cafe for more than twice the price.
It would be interesting to see what $80 a month will get someone. Not asking for a tour of your place but something comparable. My biggest problem is stuff. I just have to much stuff. Here in the States we have a tendency of accumulating stuff all of our lives and it makes it hard for us to move from place to place. I tell everyone, I could live in a small tent. But would love to have a very large work shop. I envy people that can live out of a backpack.
It took us months to get rid of our stuff before our move. We shipped 9 Balikbayan boxes from our local Filipino grocery in Pennsylvania. The rest We either sold, gave away or took to the county landfill. Then drove our car to AutoMax where they cut us a check for our Subaru. Our son gave us a ride to the airport and here we are in sunny Batangas. It felt good to get rid of “ stuff.” The locals who don’t know my name yet call me, “ Sir Foreigner.” I like it.
Moved a lot as a kid & rarely ever had my own room .. After navy, merchant, MSC, "I could literally "sleep in a cardboard box standing up" .. I've had a lot of Apts & could care less .. I bought / lived in a couple of nice Lg RV's .. At this point, I'm Loving my Very Spacious 2 Br Apt .. 62 yo, next yr .. I'm considering traveling around SE Asia staying in Airbnb's, Condo-Apts, Hotels, etc .. For me (now) there is something to be said for Creature Comfort & "Living Space" .. I hate to give up my nice, Affordable, ("perfect layout") roomy apt & I'm working on being able to go back and forth to Asia & elsewhere ..
I assume you’re retired Navy? I’m retired Chief with the Coast Guard. My wife is Taiwanese and I moved here in Taiwan. Expensive. Nice to watch your videos.
I’m building a small 2 bedroom Filipino house just outside of Davao City on 260 sq m lot. The area close to Ecoland. I’m going with the “flow” it makes life easier
Seems to me that being 'flexible' is usually a good thing ? -- Housing is different there - but it offers 'opportunity' unavailable over in "Kansas" that doesn't exist. That's what I see ! -- Dan on Vagabond Awake interviewed a 72 year old expat from the US - who negotiated with the owner of a 4k apartment a deal where he fixed it up to his liking for a few grand very nicely - and now pays him 5k/mo. for the rest of his life ! When he dies the owner inherits all improvements and furnishings. -- Sometimes being 'flexible' ( not rigid ) - and/or - 'thinking out of the box' - can be a win - win scenario ! 🤗 I have found win - win situations worth the effort. 🙏
I think a full time maid would be half of the potential cost of a girlfriend or wife.. For guys unable to live independently. Just some guys are not mentally equipped to be alone. Like some people cant stand not having a dog or cat. They get a replacement as soon as the old pet kicks.
I want a dryer. A duct work system with central air and wall to wall carpet. And a Dyson vacuum cleaner. Also a 500 gallon propane tank to have refilled.
It’s sad, but a lot of people are treating relationships as though she is their property. Hence the pickiness of what they are looking for. We are not buying a car, but are looking for companionship. Grace goes along way. God bless everyone.
I look at Housing / Accommodations, on the Internet, a lot, for Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia (some Cambodia & Vietnam) .. "Apples - Apples" Malaysia blows em' all away ("no contest" for size & quality for the money) .. Thailand housing & infrastructure also blows the Philippines away, but Condo's / Apt's are pretty small, until you get out of Bangkok or Pattaya ..
I'll be happy with a 12 by 16 ft shed that has a 3/4 bathroom a kitchenette in a living space electricity and running water. As far as a Filipina cute not to overweight and sweet caring considerate loving affectionate (not too money hungry). If either of these two exceeds my requirements that would be great but I don't expect much after living the life I've lived.
Doesn't the councils have noise control officers who can attend and seize their music equipment? IT is illegal to have a rooster in a town/city here in New Zealand
Hey Steve, fellow refugees, I need your experience with using Tricare for life, in the Cebu Metro area and any advice on the subject . Thanks Steve if you allow me to use your forum, don't know of any other. Best Regards all,see you on soy
i agree with you people have too many western wants when they move over myself i think the biggest mistake a lot make is not spending a lot of time out there before they jump you can't be rigid its not the west its better if you adjust and don't want so much, i really don't like the dogs out there its the biggest problem i think myself,good vlog
Cool video-Be flexible-you said the same thing about your ex gf and you knew her for many years!We all have to slow down with women! Rigidity is a main characteristic of ASD!
I was referring g to the annual expat immigration fee that usually is paid monthly,,, was their an opportunity I paying that expat immigration fee at a lesser cost per expat?,,,,
Regarding "Air Quality" in Thailand .. I just googled, real time, and The whole country is "Toxic Air" right now .. Philippines, was much better "OK" compared and even Kuala Lumpur / Malaysia was better than Thai .. Cambodia is "Bad" and Vietnam is "pretty good" compared ..
If you can find a place that suits all your needs, then you can be adjustable on your wants. You sound like you have a diamond in the rough, and I'm glad your last girlfriend didn't run you out of there. Many times, I hear that when you break off a relationship, you literally have to move away just to get away from them, especially if they are sira ulu . It's like anything else that you will get acclimated to your surroundings, and when you know how the people around you live, then you learn to accept it . I lived next to a train track, and I got used to the noise after a while, and the klikity klack of the wheels on the rails actually helped me sleep. So you will adapt.
I have to have my western lifestyle. Not being rigged. But i built our homes to be able live a upper middle class western lifestyle. I didn't come to live less of a lifestyle in the Philippines that i had in the United States. I came to live in the Philippines a upper middle class lifestyle with a stress free and peaceful life. I have that because i planned my retirement life for 20 years before making my move. No i haven't had to give up anything to live the same as i did in the states here in the Philippines. Good video Steve.
Cons: No water from 6am to 3:30 pm Roosters wake me at 5 am. Pros: $200 a month rent, after 6 pm absolute quiet, never hear any of the 5 or 6 dogs bark at night. No Karaoke , no parties or loud music. In in Bohol maybe 4 blocks to beach. I did westernize the house with plumbing and fixing up the exterior. But at 500 to 700 pesos a day for good workers no problem .A good church going women now that is priceless.
Sounds like you found balance..
What more could you ask for? A cold drink (hard or soft doesnt matter) and a nice breeze.
We built on family land to make sure our “suite” was up to Western standards. So we have AC to sleep and a dry bathroom. The aircon also provides sort of a white noise affect to help with sleep from the sound of the fan. We went with a mini-split so we dont have to hear the compressor. We dont have a water heater yet. Trying to learn to live with cool showers in morning. But we got a big 90cm oven/stove and a mid size fridge (say 250 liters). I like having to go to grocery store every 2-3 days to keep me moving and get away from the house but not haivng to go every day.
The rest of the house is lots of windows and celing fans. We have multiple guest rooms for family to visit. Walled and gated yard in a walled and gated neighborhood. No roosters, no karaoke, the area is quiet. So far so good. Still working on trying to get fibre internet. So that is a drag for now.
I love the tiny home movement👍💛Loud neighbors...ugh The world needs to become more considerate of each other no matter what country! Much Love Philippines❤
Lol get ready for the phil’s.
Balance? He found paradise.
Balance? Yeah right! I know many Filipinos Im not easy to fool @Dwayne_Kelley
Filipinos will NEVER, EVER "become more considerate about noise" Nope. Bring earplugs, or import some triple-pane windows (really--it is possible, or doubled thermopane)
Good advice, love your vlog. Looking for perfection is a path that leads to frustration. Be well.
Steve is the guy you want to watch or hang out with to get no-frills, no drama BS advice. I wish to meet you when I bring my family from SC to my home country. You're my white Kuya!
I believe women are the greatest gift to man if you treat her like you treat yourself you are one
I like rooster 🐓 in the morning sign of ,I need to wake up and do exercise . 😊 Think positively life is too short ....Peace on Earth 🌎 Goodwill to all men . 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Amen and Amen bro
Good videos no drama like other channels like every man has a story
I was also looking for a large place, when I first arrived. We’re currently staying in a 66 sqm 2 bedroom condo (Air BnB), and we’re very comfortable. But I decided to extend my Honeymoon for another 30 days, and we’re shopping for a 1 year lease, since I’ll be back by June-July, and my Wife and Step-Daughter will need a place to set up home, for when I return. So we’ll probably lease a 2 bedroom condo that’s only 49 sqm. But we’ll make do until we find a house to buy. Even then, we’ll probably stay in the 80-100 sqm size. My new minimalistic lifestyle here
I always to a self talk when coming here and put away my Western ways. But with housing it is a challenge here with the noises and absolute rudeness of others to not care about the others in all the other apts by blasting their music or partying group. Rudeness and selfishness is different to me.
The USA is totally rude especially with the illegals. One of many reasons I left
My mom ( she's Italian) says "WHEN IN ROME DO AS THE ROMANS DO." I really do the same here in the pinas.
The noise has been the most difficult adjustment for me and has really tried my patience… to the point where I was becoming the “ugly American”… I finely found a nice spot in Panglao that has made things better… as much as I tried to be patient, you are right, there is latent “rigidity” in all of us that when under stress, will show itself. Good message in this video.
Starting at 5am every morning the crazy old lady across the street from me gets her shitzu and dances in the street holding the dog. She goes to the other neighbors 3 dogs and gets them barking and howling and she will do this for about an hour. Coo coo ! She is truly insane. I took Steve’s advice and bought a nice white noise machine which helps some. The other problem is at 6am we have several people who come through the neighborhood yelling and honking a clowns horn trying to sell fish, bowls, pots and pans or other items. I’ve also got my foam ear plugs that I brought from the US. About 40% of the time I don’t get woken up by the circus. I have two pensions and a decent income and my rental is 4000 pesos about $80.00 USD. I rent from a dear friend who told me as long as I’m alive, she will never raise my rent. She loved how I fixed up her house and how she never had to chase me down for the payment. I also do all my own repairs just to make sure it’s done right. So at that price it’s kinda hard to complain too much about the noise.
You are sharing very good topic, bur the most expats need to experience these things in order to realize to be at the right or wrong place
Outstanding! Great job!
My buddy lives in Puerto Rico and it’s a constant party there, he’s getting pissrd about it!
I have a nice little unfurnished one bedroom apartment in a gated complex in Mandaue City, Cebu, for 10,000 . I bought an electric water heater but there was a delay in the installation because of the electrical wiring. After a day or two, I realized that I can shower just fine with cold water. It doesn't bother me a bit, and I don't understand why a lot of people complain about this issue. You can live at any level that you want here. I am happier here than I would be in a high rise condo with a pool and a gym and a cafe for more than twice the price.
Good stuff Steve
It would be interesting to see what $80 a month will get someone. Not asking for a tour of your place but something comparable. My biggest problem is stuff. I just have to much stuff. Here in the States we have a tendency of accumulating stuff all of our lives and it makes it hard for us to move from place to place. I tell everyone, I could live in a small tent. But would love to have a very large work shop.
I envy people that can live out of a backpack.
I did several tours of my home on here
😅🎉😂
NOBODY WILL BOTHER YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE REALLY HAPPY WITH YOUR BEAUTIFUL AND HONEST GIRLFRIEND IN YOUR PRECIOUS RETIREMENT LIFE, DUDE!!!
It took us months to get rid of our stuff before our move. We shipped 9 Balikbayan boxes from our local Filipino grocery in Pennsylvania. The rest We either sold, gave away or took to the county landfill. Then drove our car to AutoMax where they cut us a check for our Subaru. Our son gave us a ride to the airport and here we are in sunny Batangas. It felt good to get rid of “ stuff.” The locals who don’t know my name yet call me, “ Sir Foreigner.” I like it.
Moved a lot as a kid & rarely ever had my own room .. After navy, merchant, MSC, "I could literally "sleep in a cardboard box standing up" .. I've had a lot of Apts & could care less .. I bought / lived in a couple of nice Lg RV's .. At this point, I'm Loving my Very Spacious 2 Br Apt .. 62 yo, next yr .. I'm considering traveling around SE Asia staying in Airbnb's, Condo-Apts, Hotels, etc .. For me (now) there is something to be said for Creature Comfort & "Living Space" .. I hate to give up my nice, Affordable, ("perfect layout") roomy apt & I'm working on being able to go back and forth to Asia & elsewhere ..
The most simple things can bring the most happiness. Taking a hot shower in winter, seeing people smile, having monkey family visits...
Peace is priceless! That’s why Im making our move this year! Steve your only missing a huge Nor Easter here today in US , my last one! 🙏🏻
I assume you’re retired Navy? I’m retired Chief with the Coast Guard. My wife is Taiwanese and I moved here in Taiwan. Expensive. Nice to watch your videos.
Not retired from the military
I’m building a small 2 bedroom Filipino house just outside of Davao City on 260 sq m lot. The area close to Ecoland. I’m going with the “flow” it makes life easier
If you meet a "reasonable" woman, your doing very well ..
If you find one, I'll trade my unicorn for her. Hahaha😂
Seems to me that being 'flexible' is usually a good thing ? -- Housing is different there - but it offers 'opportunity' unavailable over in "Kansas" that doesn't exist. That's what I see ! -- Dan on Vagabond Awake interviewed a 72 year old expat from the US - who negotiated with the owner of a 4k apartment a deal where he fixed it up to his liking for a few grand very nicely - and now pays him 5k/mo. for the rest of his life ! When he dies the owner inherits all improvements and furnishings. -- Sometimes being 'flexible' ( not rigid ) - and/or - 'thinking out of the box' - can be a win - win scenario ! 🤗 I have found win - win situations worth the effort. 🙏
I think a full time maid would be half of the potential cost of a girlfriend or wife.. For guys unable to live independently. Just some guys are not mentally equipped to be alone. Like some people cant stand not having a dog or cat. They get a replacement as soon as the old pet kicks.
Would be nice to have a half dozen lady friends to go do things with or have stop by on occasion. Just some great friends, no string's.
I want a dryer. A duct work system with central air and wall to wall carpet. And a Dyson vacuum cleaner. Also a 500 gallon propane tank to have refilled.
It’s sad, but a lot of people are treating relationships as though she is their property. Hence the pickiness of what they are looking for. We are not buying a car, but are looking for companionship. Grace goes along way. God bless everyone.
We ate all the Dogs
I look at Housing / Accommodations, on the Internet, a lot, for Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia (some Cambodia & Vietnam) .. "Apples - Apples" Malaysia blows em' all away ("no contest" for size & quality for the money) .. Thailand housing & infrastructure also blows the Philippines away, but Condo's / Apt's are pretty small, until you get out of Bangkok or Pattaya ..
I'll be happy with a 12 by 16 ft shed that has a 3/4 bathroom a kitchenette in a living space electricity and running water. As far as a Filipina cute not to overweight and sweet caring considerate loving affectionate (not too money hungry). If either of these two exceeds my requirements that would be great but I don't expect much after living the life I've lived.
Similar thoughts I feel lucky to have a gal who cares about me, living indoors with a kitchen, water and a shower is a bonus
Doesn't the councils have noise control officers who can attend and seize their music equipment? IT is illegal to have a rooster in a town/city here in New Zealand
Hey Steve, fellow refugees, I need your experience with using Tricare for life, in the Cebu Metro area and any advice on the subject .
Thanks Steve if you allow me to use your forum, don't know of any other.
Best Regards all,see you on soy
i agree with you people have too many western wants when they move over myself i think the biggest mistake a lot make is not spending a lot of time out there before they jump you can't be rigid its not the west its better if you adjust and don't want so much, i really don't like the dogs out there its the biggest problem i think myself,good vlog
Did you say “I dont want her to be smart?” 😮
I don't understand this "rigid" stuff. I call myself Mr. Flexible but my wife still says I am too strict.
Cool video-Be flexible-you said the same thing about your ex gf and you knew her for many years!We all have to slow down with women! Rigidity is a main characteristic of ASD!
I was referring g to the annual expat immigration fee that usually is paid monthly,,, was their an opportunity I paying that expat immigration fee at a lesser cost per expat?,,,,
Also roosters taste good in a soup 😅
Did you get another Carrier ac🎉 unit? You mentioned
getting a 2 hp. Thanks
Regarding "Air Quality" in Thailand .. I just googled, real time, and The whole country is "Toxic Air" right now .. Philippines, was much better "OK" compared and even Kuala Lumpur / Malaysia was better than Thai .. Cambodia is "Bad" and Vietnam is "pretty good" compared ..
It's that vinegar coconut wine that keeps people up and talking loudly.
So you left the other lady. What happened?
Life
@@MrSteven5975 wishing you all the best in life! Simply enjoy your life in Philippines.
Wife says I need to roll with it,,gonna be a transition
If you can find a place that suits all your needs, then you can be adjustable on your wants. You sound like you have a diamond in the rough, and I'm glad your last girlfriend didn't run you out of there. Many times, I hear that when you break off a relationship, you literally have to move away just to get away from them, especially if they are sira ulu . It's like anything else that you will get acclimated to your surroundings, and when you know how the people around you live, then you learn to accept it . I lived next to a train track, and I got used to the noise after a while, and the klikity klack of the wheels on the rails actually helped me sleep. So you will adapt.
I have to have my western lifestyle.
Not being rigged.
But i built our homes to be able live a upper middle class western lifestyle.
I didn't come to live less of a lifestyle in the Philippines that i had in the United States.
I came to live in the Philippines a upper middle class lifestyle with a stress free and peaceful life.
I have that because i planned my retirement life for 20 years before making my move.
No i haven't had to give up anything to live the same as i did in the states here in the Philippines.
Good video Steve.
When in Rome,,,,,,,,,,,,,Do what the Romans do
I would never have thought to ask someone to get rid of their dogs. Holy crap. they said sure no problem? lol
i am black and lrish and muslum
NOBODY WILL BOTHER YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE REALLY HAPPY WITH YOUR BEAUTIFUL AND HONEST GIRLFRIEND IN YOUR PRECIOUS RETIREMENT LIFE, DUDE!!!