My Philippines Retirement is my straight-talk field guide to life in the islands from a Vietnam Veteran Marine who actually moved here. Cost of living, healthcare, visas, culture shock, malls, typhoons, neighbors and second missions for vets—it’s all here. If you’re serious about bailing out of CONUS and retiring in the Philippines, start with these posts.
With Her, You Get the Eggroll! The honest answer to the “Do I have to support her whole family?” question Every foreigner who gets serious with a Filipina eventually runs into the same question — usually whispered by other expats over a beer like it’s a classified briefing: “So… are you expected to support her … Read more
In many cultures, “yes” can mean “I heard you,” “I don’t want conflict,” or “maybe.” If you don’t learn how to ask better questions, you’ll live in a fog of misunderstandings. Why “yes” doesn’t always mean yes In the U.S., “yes” usually means agreement and commitment. In the Philippines—and in a lot of high-harmony cultures—“yes” … Read more
A new place can be beautiful and still feel empty. Here’s the real fix—routine, connection, purpose, and a plan for the quiet days. Why paradise can feel isolating People back home see palm trees and assume you’re living in a postcard. What they don’t see is the part where your old identity is gone. You … Read more
If you’re coming from the United States, you’re probably used to a certain live-and-let-live attitude. Your neighbors might not even know your name, much less your relationship history. You can date whoever you want (as long as they’re an adult), and most people will shrug and go back to scrolling their phones. The Philippines is … Read more
One of the fastest ways for an American retiree to get frustrated in the Philippines is to take every “Yes, sir” at face value. You ask:“Can you finish this by tomorrow?”They say:“Yes, sir.” Tomorrow comes… nothing happens. At first you think you’ve been lied to. You haven’t.You’ve just bumped into one of the deepest cultural … Read more
Retiring in the Philippines comes with a learning curve, but one of the biggest surprises for many expats — especially us seniors — is how different the medical system is compared to the United States. Some things are easier, some are harder, and some are just different. If you’re planning to move here or stay … Read more
Retiring in the Philippines isn’t just about beaches, sunsets, and cheap living — it’s about community, shared experience, and learning from the people who have already walked the road you’re about to take. That’s exactly why I created the My Philippines Retirement Facebook Group, and why I’m inviting you to join us. This group is … Read more
If you grew up in the United States, you know exactly what to expect on the Fourth of July: parades in the morning, BBQs in the afternoon, fireworks when the sun goes down, and the whole nation calling it a night by 10 p.m. sharp. One day, one celebration, one set of traditions. Then you … Read more
I’m a 76-year-old former U.S. Marine, still in reasonably good shape, but realistic enough to know there’s trouble ahead. I didn’t end up in the Philippines because of a postcard fantasy or some retirement brochure. I’m here permanently because of a tragic turn in a friend’s life — another Marine who built a beautiful home … Read more
If you grew up in the West, you probably think Christmas season begins after Thanksgiving… or maybe not until the first week of December. In the Philippines? Christmas starts the moment the calendar hits September 1.And it doesn’t end until well past New Year — sometimes stretching into January, or even February depending on local … Read more