Why I want to move to the Phillipines

Tariq1983 wrote:

positive

A move to a country far removed in every way from your home requires two essentials

An open mind
A positive attitude

Everything else can be worked out. Personally, I planned pretty much nothing for my move, but positivity and a boat full of good luck left me in a pretty reasonable position - Go for it ..... and make sure you have fun.

Tariq1983 wrote:

furthermore im a Black  American and while i know theres racism everywhere until u live in America as a black man u will never know what its like to basically be treated as a 2nd class citizen.

I gather that especially silly hobby is a big problem in the states, as it is in many parts of the world (different targets, but still racism).
I have absolutely no clue how much of a problem that moronic ideal is in the Phillipines, but others might like to comment as such nastiness could be a major factor for you.

lasvegan wrote:

.....and another one bites the dust.......

Think happy thoughts - lowers the blood pressure

These guides are rough, but good enough to give you an idea of prices.

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/c … hilippines

lasvegan wrote:

Always take manwonders comments to heart! He will give you awesome advice!

Sheesh...Some guys have all the luck!!!
I was drafted into the SAF (Mandatory National Service for 2.5yrs) when I was 18yrs old & the only mountain I was 'forced' to climb was "Mandai Hill" yup running up in full battle gear (SBO/Helmet/Rifle) & practised grenade throwing once I was up there...but yes we still had fun!

Tariq1983 wrote:

I appreciate your reply and I was wondering how is my age my biggest problem?

You have heard from the some of the guys here on why your age is the biggest problem. Now it's time you hear from a girl.

Your age is NOT your biggest problem when it comes to finding the right girl. On the contrary, you actually have an advantage. I don't mean to offend the older men here. Here's my take on the topic.

I think a young Filipino woman who is educated, has a stable job, can support herself without needing a man, will gravitate more towards someone your age rather than towards a guy old enough to be her father, or even grandfather. Women do want to be with someone who is financially stable, but not at the prospect of taking care of a senior citizen, while these women are still at the prime of their lives, and the likelihood of being stereotyped as gold diggers.

FilAmericanMom wrote:

Tariq1983 wrote:

I appreciate your reply and I was wondering how is my age my biggest problem?

I think a young Filipino woman who is educated, has a stable job, can support herself without needing a man, will gravitate more towards someone your age rather than towards a guy old enough to be her father, or even grandfather.

"Find a Filipino woman who is educated, has a stable job, can support herself without needing a man."

A good place to start looking is overseas, they all have those attributes. A Pinay nurse in England or US makes more money than a Doctor in the Philippines.

Now also consider the women FilAmericanMom is talking about wants an educated employed man.

Follow the Filipino money and where they are:

(1) USA 1.9 Million
(2) Saudi Arabia 584 Thousand
(3) UAE 539 Thousand
(4) Canada 528 Thousand
(5) Japan 239 Thousand
(6) Australia 233 Thousand

Tariq1983 wrote:

there were many comments and questions as to why me as a 36 year old want to move to the philippines and ill answer tham all here

first and foremost im adventurous and need a change and have always wanted to live in another country. the philippines although very different culturally is also very similar to america.im also very very attracted to filipino women. I was going to save a chunk of money and go there probably next year for between 3-6 months. i already know a few people out there so having a place to stay wont be an issue. furthermore ive been doing research on online businesses for years. while coding wont make as much i have other revenue streams to earn income while there

Also i plan on living frugally. i dont smoke and barely drink and dont mind living in small house or apartment(i was born in the Bronx lol) Also if money gets tight i can always come back to the united states CDL in hand and earn some money. im in this for the long haul and dont wanna wait until im an old man to enjoy the philippines.

furthermore im a Black  American and while i know theres racism everywhere until u live in America as a black man u will never know what its like to basically be treated as a 2nd class citizen.

so from here on out i want positive and helpful comments because my mind is already made up

One most important thing that you should know is The Philippines is Not America. You must think twice or thrice for the following:

•    Democracy in the Philippines is not like America – The law or most laws are strictly implemented.  Like this time during the COVID19 Crisis, the government is very strict in implementing the Law just intended for the COVID19.  Wearing mask is a must; only one person in every household is allowed to go out to buy necessity (Food & Medicine). But there are several foreigners (Americans and Italians) who tried to defied the Expanded Community Quarantine (ECQ) , a law not allowing anyone to go out from their house except for those who have “Quarantine Pass” .  Americans who were caught at the swimming pool without mask in a private compound in the midst of the ECQ were reprimanded but they fought back shouting towards the Police demanding their rights as diplomats and claiming their exemption from the ECQ because they are Americans. Another incident when an Italian went out shirtless without wearing mask and fought with the police claiming that the police are violating their rights, tress passing etc. All of them are facing several cases now that may cause for their expulsion. The Fact that the country is under the “State of Health Emergency” or “State of Emergency” and a special law was passed to implement the ECQ means everyone is required to obey and follow regardless of your citizenship and status in life. In the case like this which is under the State of Emergency; most of your rights are suspended; rights to go out, rights to travel, rights to disobey and any rights.  SO DO YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE AMENABLE TO LIVE IN THIS KIND OF PLACE? IF NOT THEN THINK TWICE.

•    You want to explore in the Philippines and very attracted to Filipino women – Well, the rights are there. But warned you that Filipino women are easy to be trapped by the charm of foreigner men regardless of your color and age therefore be safe always (HIV AIDS in the Philippines are common from the age of 14 to 24, that’s according to the Department of Health (DOH) and avoid impregnating a lot unless otherwise you are planning to settle with anyone of them.  If you are homophobic then beware because there are a lot of them which you might not recognize when they are cross-dressers but if you are open-minded then no issue you could say no anyway if you don't like.

•    Being black American is not an issue because in the Philippines, people would not think and look of your color but your kindness and good vibes. If you are white but you are “NEGATIVE THINKER” then nobody would like you. If you are black but always in a good vibes then people would love you.

•    POLITICS:  Avoid talking Philippine politics while in the Philippines to avoid troubles.  Never join any protest (anti-government or pro government protest) because it is illegal.

•    EARN A LIVING & TAXATION: If you have a job in the US that would allow you to work remotely then its fine. You can move to the Philippines and continuously earn and living with your remote job. You are not required to pay income tax in the Philippines for your earning abroad. BUT if you are already a resident of the Philippines (Resident means you live in the Philippines for 180 days or 6 months within the calendar year then you would be subject to income taxes for your earning in the Philippines.

•    BE POSITIVE; always think all things in a positive way. You are attractive on the way how you deal with your life, everyone is unique regardless of color and status in life and everyone is charming or attractive on their own way.

manwonder wrote:

(Not speaking the local language is a BIG disadvantage too!)
Just saying!

Also bring lots of cash, because you will be shut out of the banking system.  No "Philippine"  bank accounts available for you.

With all the fraud some of your charge cards may be declined requiring you to call the states. Before you come here notify your credit card companies to expect charges from abroad.

W9XR wrote:

FilAmericanMom wrote:

Tariq1983 wrote:

I appreciate your reply and I was wondering how is my age my biggest problem?

I think a young Filipino woman who is educated, has a stable job, can support herself without needing a man, will gravitate more towards someone your age rather than towards a guy old enough to be her father, or even grandfather.

"Find a Filipino woman who is educated, has a stable job, can support herself without needing a man."

A good place to start looking is overseas, they all have those attributes.

Nowhere in my post did I advice the OP to find a woman. I said that age is not his biggest problem. I didn't tell him to actively find a Filipino woman.

@ Tariq1983

The funny thing about finding love is that it finds you when you're not looking for it.  Before my husband and I found each other, I tried looking for "Mr. Right" in grad school (the only available ones were freeloaders), the internet (my online bf from another Asian country wants to get a green card), Filipino organizations in America (those who were interested were under work visa and want a green card). Nada. So I stopped looking. When my husband and I stopped looking, we found each other.

Avoid dating apps or meeting women on the internet or through social media. When you're here, focus more on learning about the culture and ways of adapting to life here, especially setting up your source of income.

FilAmericanMom wrote:

Avoid dating apps or meeting women on the internet or through social media. When you're here, focus more on learning about the culture and ways of adapting to life here, especially setting up your source of income.

Gotta agree, meeting people through church or as friends of friends is the best way to go, the bar scene is for sailors on leave.  No sense meeting people online when you can meet them in person.

manwonder wrote:

Why Do Some Cultures Smile More Than Others?

Seems we get to see this smiling face quite often.  Isn't that you?

mugtech wrote:

manwonder wrote:

Why Do Some Cultures Smile More Than Others?

Seems we get to see this smiling face quite often.  Isn't that you?

Not quite in the "frame of mind" to smile right now...but who knows about tomorrow or lets just say next year!

Terrytheaidworker wrote:

Completely naive. Moving countries is a process. And, your statement is idealistic.
You may want to live in a cheaper location, but have you studied the issues related to securing a permanent visa and costs associated to travel for visa extensions, paying for PRA, lockdown issues, renting without a visa ( unless of course you go the foreigner route of going to Boracay which is also an idealist environment on the short term but not long term because there are also issues you will face in that tourist location), tax requirements ( otherwise you will be illegal and could be arrested for not paying tax after six months if you are working remote and transfering money in and out of the country), medical ( short and long term insurance issues which relate to also getting health insurance with and without a legal visa), emergency evaculation issues, etc. I am an expat woman who has lived in and out of the Philippines for 38 years, has established business relations and all the contacts at the top of the hierachy of the country, and I know the ins and outs of living and working in this country.
Its not as easy as one "IMAGINES".  Crossing over an living as a foreign American outside of your home nation is a big step for any person of any racial background, ethnic origin, education level , economic level. Step cautiously forward and do much more homework than asking simple questions or making naive statements in forums....... Come stay in the country with one suitcase or two for a minimum of a year and start to learn the ropes.... Do this before you close down your life in America.

**** !!!! Basic should be a presentation of who you are , thanks !

Terrytheaidworker wrote:

Completely naive. Moving countries is a process. And, your statement is idealistic.
You may want to live in a cheaper location, but have you studied the issues related to securing a permanent visa and costs associated to travel for visa extensions, paying for PRA, lockdown issues, renting without a visa ( unless of course you go the foreigner route of going to Boracay which is also an idealist environment on the short term but not long term because there are also issues you will face in that tourist location), tax requirements ( otherwise you will be illegal and could be arrested for not paying tax after six months if you are working remote and transfering money in and out of the country), medical ( short and long term insurance issues which relate to also getting health insurance with and without a legal visa), emergency evaculation issues, etc. I am an expat woman who has lived in and out of the Philippines for 38 years, has established business relations and all the contacts at the top of the hierachy of the country, and I know the ins and outs of living and working in this country.
Its not as easy as one "IMAGINES".  Crossing over an living as a foreign American outside of your home nation is a big step for any person of any racial background, ethnic origin, education level , economic level. Step cautiously forward and do much more homework than asking simple questions or making naive statements in forums....... Come stay in the country with one suitcase or two for a minimum of a year and start to learn the ropes.... Do this before you close down your life in America.

38 years and still no decision on which to live in! With all your high end contacts you chose to comment here? Why? Your perspective is lost on those who don't lok through rose colored glass! I hope this is your first and last post! Surely there is a doorman at some Manila penthouse in need of your advise!

Terrytheaidworker wrote:

Completely naive. Moving countries is a process. And, your statement is idealistic.
You may want to live in a cheaper location, but have you studied the issues related to securing a permanent visa and costs associated to travel for visa extensions, paying for PRA, lockdown issues, renting without a visa ( unless of course you go the foreigner route of going to Boracay which is also an idealist environment on the short term but not long term because there are also issues you will face in that tourist location), tax requirements ( otherwise you will be illegal and could be arrested for not paying tax after six months if you are working remote and transfering money in and out of the country), medical ( short and long term insurance issues which relate to also getting health insurance with and without a legal visa), emergency evaculation issues, etc. I am an expat woman who has lived in and out of the Philippines for 38 years, has established business relations and all the contacts at the top of the hierachy of the country, and I know the ins and outs of living and working in this country.
Its not as easy as one "IMAGINES".  Crossing over an living as a foreign American outside of your home nation is a big step for any person of any racial background, ethnic origin, education level , economic level. Step cautiously forward and do much more homework than asking simple questions or making naive statements in forums....... Come stay in the country with one suitcase or two for a minimum of a year and start to learn the ropes.... Do this before you close down your life in America.

Wow, So many negative responses.

I happen to agree with Terry, I think some of you only objected to telling Tariq do his homework, instead of asking naive questions & statements on a forum.

I myself went through all the archives seeking advice before asking my first question, it seems naive for anyone one to ask questions instead of doing their homework.

Terry mentioned several points which others giving advice failed to mention. Maybe some of the negative comments about Terrys post is because Terry is not a member of the clique, but if any of you checked, Terry has been a member of this forum for 5 years so has seen a lot of questions & issues on this forum.

bigpearl wrote:

So after 5 years of reading posts here and probably other sites, 38 years experience living/involved here have gone unshared until now?

I have been a member on another site for 9 years and never posted nor read a thing for there 7 years,,,,,,, in fact it was by fluke that I re found that site and I was a member so never read any input for those 7 years.

Welcome to the forum Terrytheaidworker. I hope to hear more of your input, perhaps as another member suggested, an introduction outlining your 38 years here would be helpful to fellow members.

Cheers, Steve.

Worth repeating