I moved to the Philippines

Philippines
October 29, 2012 11:50pm CST
In febr. 2007 I left my motherland Holland to start a new life in the Philippines. Actually I knew nothing about the country. I had been there for a vacation to meet a friend I met on the internet. And we decided thatI could live there. To say it was easy would not be true. Coming from a Western country I had to deal with a complete other way of living. But most of all: another way of thinking. Fortunately I can adjust to most new situations and after more than 5 years I can say that I am doing well now. Of course I still have difficulties now and then but I won't let those influence my lfe too much. I have made some new friends here and more and more I can go my own way now. And it feels great! Do I miss Holland? Not at all! Truth be known: I do miss my friends of course. But thanks to the internet we can keep in touch very easy. I'd like to thank all the wonderful people here that made me feel home.
4 people like this
29 responses
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
The warmth and hospitality of the people in a country that a foreigner visits or goes to is a great factor in helping him decide in making that country his new home. I had a firsthand experience on this. Having been an overseas worker, it is the feeling of insecurity that concerns the most to a foreigner. I mean, you are in a totally new and different world. Who knows what will that neighbor do to you the moment you wake up the next day. Or that househelper you have. Perhaps they'll call up the police and accuse you of something you didn't do. I haven't been into these stuffs though but any foreigner would certainly agree with me. So if a foreigner would encounter local people with warmth and welcoming smiles, that should definitely have an effect with his migration decisions. To stay or to just visit, a foreigner needs to have that feeling of being "at home" to ease the discomforts of being away from his home. I'm glad you met great friends who helped you choose to stay.
• Philippines
31 Oct 12
Would you consider moving down south? Mindanao is a great place too. One advantage it has over the other 2 big islands - Luzon and Visayas - is that it is hardly hit by typhoons. (Well, except for that "unlikely" storm that devastated Iligan last year.) I'm from Davao City. But whichever you decide to move and live in, I guess having an expat friend can help you around. He may not be Dutch but it helps to know there is someone who is in the same shoes as you are. If you just want to go around and enjoy, perhaps you can try to buy yourself your own wheels. It doesn't have to be 4-wheeled. I even read a blog about an expat somewhere in the Eastern Visayas (I think he is in Samar) who travels on a motorcycle. He may give you an idea should you decide to travel on your own. I don't have the link to his blog but I think you can just do an on online search for that.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Oct 12
@Piloncitos: Thank you for this posting. As a matter of fact I'm a bit afraid going to Mindanao. A few years ago 2 Dutch guys vanished when they were traveling through Mindanao. I also heard that Davao may be safe (only during daytime) but that it's tricky to go out of the city. But Luzon has many great places too. I'm planning to go to Batangas early next year to see how it is. Just exploring, bit by bit.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
You just hit the hammer right on the nail! It was good I started living with a friend here. But now it's time to move on and discover new horizons. In a way it feels like I left my parents to live on my own hahahahaha. But I'm a survivor and I like challenges. Even at the age of 56. Thanks for joining in!!
1 person likes this
@silverfox09 (4708)
• United States
30 Oct 12
You are adaptable , thats how I am also . I plan on migrating one day also to another country but I would be to afraid to go to a non-english country . My friend invite me to visit her in Spain because she think it would be good for me to live one day but I dont think so because of the language . Who know , maybe one day I will get the courage and see what Spain have to offer . You met a good friend online , that invited you to visit them and meant it . Your friend help you adjust and learn the way of life sound like a keeper .
1 person likes this
• Philippines
31 Oct 12
The Philippines had been a Spanish colony for more than a century. That explains the influences the Spanish language had on the Filipino language. Even the books written by our national hero - Dr. Jose Rizal - were originally written in Spanish. And yes, most of the EU nations are in economic crisis right now. You can easily check the economic status of a country by looking at their current stock exchange index and compare it to maybe 2 or 3 or maybe 10 years ago. Generally, the world economy maybe in a downtrend but if you will see it, money is flowing into Asia. As for your concern on moving in a non-English speaking country, please be advised that in whichever country you go, there is always a Filipino around. It's not because Filipinos just want to leave the country and look for greener pastures to earn big bucks. There are Filipinos in most countries in the world because they understand the universal language.
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
There's a lot Spanish blend in Tagalog and I guess many people there speak English. But Spain is in deep crisis right now. It will not going to be eaysy to get a visa these days
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Hello Fanseman, first and foremost, it's the Ber months (September, October, November, DECEMBER) and season of Christmas. that means there's lot of crooks running around the cities with lots and lots of deceitful plans to take your MONEY when ever you are not careful. Were are you now exactly in the Phils? becareful not to put your wallet in your pockets, put them in bags and have your bag in front not back. there are mostly friendly but there are those who pretend, and do crme things after befriending you. be wise not to talk too much to strangers.
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Thanks for the warnings! But I always keep my wallet in my front pocket. I have a little guard there hehehehe. I guess I am very careful always and I think the fact that I speak a little Tagalog -konti lang!- helps as well. I live in La Union. About 280 North-West from Manila. But would love to move to Benguet. Had plans going to Quezon province but cancelled that. Thanks for joining in!!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
the mountain region of benguet is much cooler than in la union.
@cobalt20 (1318)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
You should buy a wallet with a chain because it makes you feel safe. I use it for my safety. Just choose the most friendly not the strangers. I hope you can visit Bacolod someday. it is part of Visayas region.
@bluespygirl (2112)
• Philippines
15 Nov 12
That is ood to hear franseman. Are you moving here for good? I hope you will enjoy it here and have a small business maybe. Cost of living here isn't that high I believe especially you chose to live in the cold weather province. I haven't been to Benguet much but I like the people there. Ilocanos (Benguets and La Union natives) are very hospitable and thrifty. I have an aunt who lives in Aringay, La Union
• Philippines
17 Nov 12
I think it is a festival of the aringay town? Baranggay fiesta/festival of my aunt is different and I thik it is on April. I hope you will enjoy it here in the Philippines more
• Philippines
16 Nov 12
Well, I still live in La Union but would like to move to Benguet. I have a good friend in Aringay. Will be there next month for the festival. We're going to sing a duet then more then likely. LOL
@sishy7 (27169)
• Australia
30 Oct 12
I have also lived in a South East Asian country for many years before. I felt lucky myself that I was able to adjust nicely with the new environment; especially that I had my family with me then as well. We had nothing but great memories for living there, and I do agree learning the local language have helped tremendously.
1 person likes this
• United States
30 Oct 12
hello and welcome, i am also a foreigner, married to a filipina with one little gi rl. I have been here since 2003, i have enjoyes it here but i am tired of allthe inconveniences. we are applying fo rmy wifes visa and will go to America in June. I want my daughter to go to school in america, some people say the schools are bad now but they can't be as bad as the schools here. It is expenive to live here things have gone up here its as cheepa to live in usa than live here live here, so i will go home. Becarefull who you trust joe
1 person likes this
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
wow, that is so nice to hear. one often hears about filipinos moving abroad and it's not that often i hear foreigners moving here that i'm so glad to know that some people actually do. not only that their work was here but they chose to live here in the philippines, away from the life that they're used to. what do you do? have you grown roots yet in your part of our little country here?
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
turtle sanctuaries in the philippines can be found in palawan, davao, romblon... and similar areas. perhaps denr and wwf-philippines can be good leads for volunteer work. lolz please don't mind people asking about your personal life, it's like every other person would be asking, and every other question is the same. hehe it's like second nature to locals to ask about family as some communities can be quite tight-knit. as for growing roots, i was merely enquiring if perhaps with the years you've spent in the country, you might have found a sense of "belonging" to a certain place, like your second home perhaps.
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
I am an -early- retired caregiver. Soon I hope to start doing volunteering work here, saving turtles. No, not growing roots. As I always tell the people here: I'm single and NOT available LOL
@eileenleyva (27567)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Five years? Okay, dapat marunong ka ng magsalita ng Tagalog, sumakay ng dyip, at kumain ng pancit, puto at balot. So, am sure you have acclimatized yourself to a developing country's way of life. But of course, we have so much food, gigs, music, dance and real exciting people you now know that no matter the image of the Philippines, it is really more fun here, yes? Anyway, I do hope your stay is legit, and if you don't miss your native land, you could make this country your new home.
@eileenleyva (27567)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Grow bitter gourd and eggplant? Hay, Pinoy ka na nga, at siguro kinakain mo ang mga yan with bagoong, or shrimp paste. I don't know where you live now and what conditions you have, but if all you want is a garden and a home with your dog, Dalton Pass is a good haven to me.
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
No problems with the jeepneys. "Bayad!" Pancit Canton I already cooked several times. I love the Philippino foods. Actually I do feel home here very much. Right now I'm going for new horizons. Wanna get out of the place where I live now. Maybe find something for just me. Just a nice small house and a bit of a garden so I can have a dog and grow my own Ampalaya and Talong.
1 person likes this
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
I have read from the first page (I also wrote a sub-comment in there) that you are living in La Union. My ancestors are Ilocano from La Union and Baguio, but currently I am living here in Manila. It gives me a hard time to adjust with the climate here in metro city especially during the summer season. So, every summer I always spend a summer vacation with my kids back in my hometown Baguio City. If you are planning to settle in Benguet- I can say that you choose a good place to live. The fresh fruits and vegetables and not to mention the cool weather all throughout the year. Have you ever been to Sagada Mt. Province? The place is perfect if you want a scenic and peaceful place to live.
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
I know there are things to consider before moving out and I wish you all the best
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
I'm living in the lowlands now, practically ON the beach. Not only it's very hot, also the salt spray is terrible. It destroys almost everything. Apart from that we have a beach front resort as neighbour. All they care about is their business and they don't mind about the neighbours. So a lot of noise and a lot of trash on our (private) road. Fortunately there are a lot of better places. But I won't make a move overnight.
@lady1993 (27225)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
That is great.. Can you speak Filipino now? Coming from a Western country, don't you think our country is very hot..especially with the Global Warming.. Well, i am just glad that you are loving our country, i hope you make more friends.
@lady1993 (27225)
• Philippines
2 Nov 12
Oh, then that is good that you moved here instead.. But isn't your home in Holland, didn't you grow up there? I wonder how you never got used to the cold..
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
hahahaha It's more the other way around I think: I couldn't stand the cold in Holland. Went there 3 years ago for vacation. In summer. And I was there with a vest!!!
@louievill (28859)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Add me as one of those welcoming you here pal, and thank you for the nice and kind words you have for our country as well as being truthful on other aspects. Yes like in any other country, there are bad places and good places, enjoy your stay
@namiya (1713)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
There are always two opposing sides in every society and Filipinos have unpleasant characteristics too including undesirable ones who seek out foreigners like you. Am glad that you had adapted to our way of life and despite some flaws that we have, you view Filipino traits and culture positively. Welcome to our country and as louievill said we hope you continue to enjoy living with us.
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Thank you very much. All over the world there are good and bad places, good and bad people. My motivation is as follows: Holland used to be a very nice, friendly, open country. Unfortunately, (like most other Western countries) it changed drastically the last 20 years. What I'm going to say here is the truth: when you're walking on the street it might happen that someone doesn't like the way you look or the way you dress or whatever. And they just start mugging you. For nothing! Old people get robbed and molestated. The kids have all they wanna have and yet are bored and like to mess up other peoples lifes. Or destroy waiting sheds, just for 'the fun' of it. Can you imagine how pleasantly surprised I was here with people greeting and smiling? We have a pottery around the corner. The goods stay out day and night. Now try THAT in any first world country. The next morning all will be stolen or demolished. There's so much more respect here. Hahahahaha, but to be called 'sir' every time is really too much for me. I know it's out of respect but I prefer being calles by my first name Frans.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
30 Oct 12
I moved from the usa back to Mexico alittle more than one year ago. Im doing ok here. But I did better in usa. I hope to go back again someday. I left family and friends there in the usa.
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Not trying to be offensive here but I noticed that people who live in America have problems to adjust to other culteres. True, Not Western countries may not have all the stuff we can get in 'our' countries but I appreciate the attitude here for instance much, much better then back in Holland. Western countries are filled to the brim with spoiled brats. showing no respect to others. Again: I'm not here to insult people but it's the way I see it. And I guess that's why more and more people from Western countries move to other countries.
@Angelpink (4035)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
You are blessed , you are in the place where most of the people are so hospitable and friendly . Also , it this place got a best climate and so rich of natural resources , which means having fresh air and abundance of foods. Like other country it is almost a perfect place if only there are no law breakers . Hope , you will be proud for this country like i do ! God bless your stay in the Phils.
• United States
30 Oct 12
You sound really proud but its your country . That is how I talk about my country also , most people do about their country . Crime is the downfall of every country in the world .
@rubrub (166)
• Philippines
21 Nov 12
WELCOME to the philippines. we really appreciate you have chosen our country, and as an exchange we filipinos will do our best to make you love this country. I know it would be hard at first, but you'll get along. filipinos are kind hearted and very hospitable. i hope that you'll enjoy your stay and be safe always.
• Philippines
21 Nov 12
Oh but I already love it here! Getting adjusted to another lifestyle and another culture takes time but when you're open for it, it all works out fine. Yes most Philippinos are very friendly and hospitable. Thsnkd for responding and Happy Mylotting!
@mimiang (3760)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Filipino noodle dish - Enjoy this dish in the Philippines. We call it palabok
Welcome to my beautiful country. We are a happy bunch of people and we also love life. Hope you enjoy your stay and hope you could adapt well in or warm climate. You know, that is the hard part for my nephews who grew up in the U.S. They have allergic reactions, too.
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Thank you Mimiang. The first year I had lots of difficulties because of the climate. Terrible iches all over my body, fungal infection. Also I ha a food poisoning. In Western countries there are such strict rules for selling food that it's very hard to catch bacteria. Here I just buy chicken and pork in the market. Full of bacteria of course and my body got really upset. But that happened only once. I guess I will have the same experience now if I should go back to Holland hehehehehe.
@airasheila (5454)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
good day franseman, what you have done is a big gamble. imagine that you have explore to live in a city wherein you are not aware what will be at stake for you. but despite of all, i do admire you for what you did. you are too courageous and though you are not used to live in the Philippines, you have chosen to venture in the place.
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
oh well, I like challenges.
@Raine38 (12258)
• United States
30 Oct 12
Thank you for making our country your second home. Or is it the other way around now? I'm glad to hear that you've made some friends, and that your experiences here are so far so good. Maybe you will also find a new family here, perhaps? (are you single, btw, if you don't mind me asking. Just for the sake of conversation, no worried, I'm already married, haha! ) I hope you make many more happy and good memories of our country. Just you wait for Christmas and new year, see how we celebrate it.
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Well Raine, as I just said in another reply: I'm single and NOT available hahahaha. I'm an all time bachelor. My first christmas here my friend's relatives came over: 42!!! The good thing was that they took over the kitchen right away. I was no longer allowed in there hahahaha. And for those who are interested: No, I haven't eaten balut and I will not eat it. Not because I don't want to taste it but it's the smell of boiled eggs that make me feel sick. Most other Pinoy dishes I like very much! Tortang talong at langonisa! With the wonderful bagoong/kalaminsi juice. Adobong kangkong, ampalaya, puso ng saging, etc. etc.
@romzee (937)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Hi frans, welcome to the Philippines and to mylot as well. I'm so glad that you like it here and having a good time. It's a great feeling foreigner like you have so many wonderful things to say about us and choose to stay here and make it your second home. Well I hope you stay here for good. "Magandang Gabi at Salamat" Chiao!
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Magandang gabi at maraming salamat din! Since I've been here I can already see changes. It goes slow but hey, if a ship changes course too strong, it capsizes!!
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Wow! That's really great. It's good to hear that you love to live here in the Philippines. I've live here all my life and have no intentions to live my life in a different country. I love to live here. And I can pretty much understand that you like to live here. There are many tourist destinations around here and the people around here is very nice and hospitable. So you've been here for more than five years?
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Yes and I just realized it's almost 6 years already! Time flies when you're having fun hehehehehe. I really love the country. Funny thing is that when I visit touristic spots I feel uncomfortable when people look at me as a tourist. I'd like to shout it out "Hey, i LIVE here!!! Nakatira ako dito!" LOL
@edvc77 (2140)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Hello! Welcome to Philippines! It's a pleasure that someone from develop country moved in our place. I think you made a lot of adjustments. Filipinos are indeed hospitable and warm. And they are happy people too. I hope you enjoy your stay here. However, be careful at times. I suggest too that you visit the beautiful spots of the Philippines. :-)
• Philippines
30 Oct 12
Maraming salamat po. In the beginning I was as careful like a tourist. Then I realized we have pickpockets in Holland too. So what's new? My friends (so far) are true friends, never asking me to lend them money. Yes I did do that once. And I learned from that one experience. ;)