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What makes this condo worth $1 million?

I'm looking into retiring to the Philippines from the UK.
I know there are more than 20 typhoons a year.

Does Palawan get hit by as many?

A little passive-aggressive fun...

Okay. Hear me out.

Keep these two tabs open when you're around your Filipina.

Every time her phone makes these sounds, you hit a button and your phone makes the same sound...

https://www.myinstants.com/en/instant/fahhh-42300/

https://www.myinstants.com/en/instant/chipmunk-laugh-62540/

This is by no means a fix for the madness, but for me it's resulted in:

1. She spends way less time on social media when we're relaxing at home.

2. Her phone volume is now very low overall.

Let me know if anyone here tries this.

I'd like to hear your results...

I do NOT want to live in the West. My freedom has been taken and I'm forced to live in Germany.

I've been to the Philippines (the 'pines) eight times. Big cities, mid-sized cities, tourist spots, the province surrounded by coconut trees. I'm married to a Filipina.

But every time, I have to go back to Germany. People here are miserable. All we do is work, eat and sleep, and repeat until we're 70. No hospitality, no friendliness, no joy. The weather is terrible and life is expensive. It's just not worth it.

So why not just move to the Philippines? Money. I work as much as I can and save and invest as much as I can. Right now I could have about 35k pesos a month without running out of money. That's not enough. I need at least double that.

I'm craving Boom Chicken. It was so much good when I went and ate there with a friend instead of getting delivery, but it's a tough place to go alone..

GOOD DAY!! Everyone, and THANK YOU!!
Thank you all for the advice on my last post about buying a condo! The prices were all over the place: some ridiculously high quotes and a few really decent ones. Reading everyone's reviews and feedback helped me a ton.

In the end, the PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority) told me: ‘Under this scheme, converting the visa deposit into an active investment is not recommended, since the deposit is only USD [amount]. However, you can still buy a condo unit using other funds.’

So right now my best option looks like taking out a loan from a bank in my home country. No way I'm going with a local one.

He ended our relationship and I don't know what to do now. This grief has left me completely broken and lost

I (32F) met a man from Florida (33M) on a dating app five months ago. I'd lost hope of finding anyone, but once we matched and started talking, everything flowed so easily and naturally. We both decided to delete our dating accounts and keep talking on WhatsApp. We video-called and voice-called quite a few times, and it was such a thrilling, lovely feeling. A few weeks later he suddenly told me he'd bought a plane ticket to come see me in the Philippines. I took two weeks off work to spend time with him. I didn't know where it would lead, but when I picked him up at the airport and we got to our Airbnb, it felt like magic — as if I'd known him for a long time. In those moments I felt every good feeling in the world all at once. We exchanged gifts too.

We decided to travel outside Manila, and it was magical being on the plane together, holding hands, comforting each other while listening to songs we'd discovered we both loved. I found out he has bipolar disorder because I saw his medication and asked. I also found out he uses nicotine pouches and vapes, which he hadn't mentioned before we met. And I found out he didn't have a job but was receiving VA (US veterans' affairs) benefits. I still accepted all of it because I loved him so much; at the time, being with him felt amazing. He was struggling with his mental health, and maybe the reality of our relationship finally sank in, or maybe he missed his family back in the US. I know I'm not perfect either — I have depression, anxiety and PTSD — so I know he had a hard time dealing with me too, and I felt bad about that. Still, we accepted each other and worked through the relationship together

One week became two, and then he extended for another month, which didn't happen, because after a month he had to go back to the US. We couldn't find his medication here, and if he doesn't take it, the VA will cut his benefits. I really did my best to solve that problem with him here, but there wasn't much I could do, and in the end he bought a ticket home. I went back to Manila. We parted ways, and it was one of the most painful goodbyes of my life. I still haven't gotten over it. I came home and just sat alone, trying to process everything that had happened. I cried thinking about how much farther apart we'd be now. He promised he'd come back, and he planned to bring me to the US to close the distance.

We did long distance for almost two months. In the first month he was still excited and in love with me and said he'd keep his promise to come back. I was full of hope that I'd finally see him again. I was very patient, loving and supportive toward him. I'd never felt love this deep, even in my past relationships. In the last few weeks I noticed a change in his messages and in the way he talked on our video calls. I had a feeling something was off. Then, on an ordinary Thursday a week ago, he sent me a message saying he'd realized he couldn't support our relationship financially — flights are very expensive, so are Airbnbs, a K1 visa would cost even more, and he has no house and no job, just his VA benefits — and that it wasn't right of him to keep me waiting like that. I'd thought everything was fine. He told me I should look for someone else. He was also becoming more depressed and anxious about the whole long-distance situation. We talked about it on a two-hour call and we both cried. We decided to keep in touch. But then he said he couldn't take it anymore, because even if we kept talking he couldn't really have me, so what was the point. And that if I ever found a new man, it would crush him. I completely understand what he said, but in those moments I didn't know how to accept that reality. Then suddenly his replies got fewer and fewer, and when I reached out I found he'd blocked me everywhere, even on the game app he loved to play. I sent one last message to his email. And I told myself: if someone has already closed the door on me, I shouldn't beg them to open it again. That person has already decided I'm no longer welcome. Even in our last messages we both said how deeply we loved each other. We even promised forever and always, and yet here we are. It feels horrible to have been that high and now be this low. I feel like I'm in a void where no one can hear me. I love him so much. It's so painful when someone suddenly gives up on you and there's nothing you can do but move forward. This grief hurts so much I can't even function. Part of me wishes he'd come back and we'd be happy again, but I know that's unlikely ever to happen. Right now I'm letting myself grieve and feel all this pain. It's the most painful heartbreak I've ever gone through. I know our relationship wasn't even a year old, but the impact he had on me was so huge that his leaving destroyed my soul. Honestly, I don't think I can heal; I think I'll just have to live with this wound forever. I keep wondering whether he'll miss me, whether he'll still remember me years from now, whether he'll suddenly find someone new who lives closer to him. It's such a painful ending

I need advice or any suggestions on what to do now. This grief hurts so much I literally can't move; my body has shut down. Or has anyone else gone through something similar? Whatever you'd like to say about my experience, I'm open to hearing what others think

TL;DR: I met my love on a dating app, he flew here to visit me, and we lived together for a month. He had to go back to the US. We had to do long distance, and he promised to come back and close the distance. I thought everything was fine, but one ordinary Thursday he gave up and told me to find someone better because he has no job and only benefits. He told me I'd made a mistake and should live my life. It hurts so deeply when you both love each other so much and one of you gives up. I'm broken and lost right now

I don't know why I'm posting this in this sub, but I'm curious whether any foreigners have gone through something similar, or what advice you can give me

What's life like in Bogo City, Cebu?

Hi everyone! 😊

I'm from Europe and my wife is from Manila. We're both working here in Spain right now, and I'm seriously considering buying a lot in Bogo City, Cebu and hopefully moving there for good next year. I'd really love to hear from locals or people who've lived in Bogo for a long time.

We don't know much about Bogo yet, so I'm really curious what everyday life is actually like. Here's what I'm wondering about.

Natural disasters: How is Bogo when it comes to typhoons, flooding, earthquakes and landslides? Which areas are more vulnerable? How was it hit by the recent big typhoons and earthquakes?

Cost of living: Realistically, how much should I budget per month for food, electricity, water, internet, transport, groceries and so on? Is it clearly cheaper than living in a big city?

Buying land: Is Bogo a good place to buy a lot for a future home? Are there areas to avoid because of flooding, bad roads, unstable ground or other issues? What should I check carefully before buying property there?

Healthcare: Are there decent hospitals, clinics, dentists and pharmacies nearby? How far would I have to go for more serious treatment?

Internet and utilities: Is the internet reliable? What about electricity and water supply? Are brownouts or water interruptions common?

Transport: Is it easy to get around without a car? How easy is it to use tricycles, multicabs, buses and other transport? Would someone living there permanently really need their own vehicle?

Language/dialect: My wife grew up in the city and unfortunately doesn't speak Cebuano/Bisaya. 😅 How hard would it be to live there speaking only Filipino and English? Are people generally comfortable speaking Filipino or English?

Community and people: What are the people and neighborhoods like? Is Bogo generally quiet and peaceful? Is it easy for newcomers to make friends and fit into the community?

Daily necessities: Are there enough supermarkets, markets, hardware stores, restaurants, banks, ATMs, pharmacies and other basic services?

Schools and family life: If anyone here has kids, how are the schools and the overall environment for raising a family?

Weather: Apart from typhoons, what's the weather like through the year? Is it extremely hot or humid compared with other parts of Cebu?

Safety: How safe is Bogo overall? Are there particular areas or situations newcomers should watch out for?

Work/business: How practical would it be to run a small business or work remotely from Bogo?

Accessibility: How hard is it to get from Bogo to Cebu City, the airport or other major areas? How long does it usually take?

Most of all, what do you wish you'd known before moving to Bogo or buying property there? What are the pros and cons of living there long-term?

I'd really appreciate honest answers, good or bad. I'm trying to research as much as I can before making a big decision. 😊

Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to share their experience!

It feels like a place where upper-class people go. Major events in the Philippines are held here.

It feels like a place you'd mostly visit for high-ranking official business.

If you want to watch New Year's fireworks inside Clark, I recommend this place. I go here once a year.

After 15 years in the Philippines, I think I've come up with my best idea yet for new expats. 😂

A lot of people arrive here worried about crime, scams, getting ripped off, taxi drivers overcharging, all of it.

So here's my proposal: altitude training for expats.

I spent almost a year in Kenya, I've been to Ethiopia a few times, and I've traveled around South America. Kenya and Ethiopia are famous for producing some of the best distance runners in the world. Just look at the men's Boston Marathon: 10 of the last 11 winners were from Kenya or Ethiopia.

Part of the training culture there is altitude. You train in tougher conditions, adapt, then come down to sea level ready to run.

So let's apply the same principle to expats.

Instead of flying straight from the US or Europe to the Philippines, we first drop you somewhere in Africa or South America for 30 days.

You get your phone, wallet, passport and one suitcase.

If after a month your passport, wallet, luggage and kidneys are all still accounted for, congratulations. 🎓

You're now certified for the Philippines. 😂

Littering is illegal in the Philippines, but there's nowhere to throw your trash?

Does this make sense? Or does it? Why is it like this?

Left the Philippines for home and I really HATE it

Hi everyone,

I just moved back home from the Philippines and I hate it.

(1) Housing is insanely expensive. Even a tiny one-bedroom condo is $2,500 a month. Utilities extra, and no furniture.

(2) In the Philippines I ordered delivery once or twice EVERY day. Here I ordered once on Uber Eats and it came to $50 with the tip. The food was cold and disappointing. There's no way I can do that every day.

(3) People are depressed and stressed out by the cost of living. Everyone seems unhappy.

(4) For the first time in ages I have to check the price of everything. One Uber ride — $40. Coffee and a bagel — $8. Lord, have mercy on my wallet.

Yes, the infrastructure is nicer… but I really hate these prices.

Good day, everyone. I'm a veteran thinking about moving to the Philippines sometime next year. I'm a huge gamer and love playing things like Warhammer, MTG and D&D. Are there any gaming communities there?

My experience in the Philippines has changed over the years

(Short version: the Philippines used to be the best place in the world for dating, for me, and now it isn't. But please read to the end — there's real content here.) Back when I was visiting the Philippines almost every year from 2013 to 2020, there was no doubt in my mind that it was the best place in the world to find a lovely girlfriend, at least for me. In 2019, Big Ed showed up on the TV show 90 Day Fiancé — a 4'11" man with no neck. He dated a slim young woman half his age. She wasn't exactly kind, but the secret was out, and at least 10 million people saw his story. Meanwhile, dozens of expats were making videos about how great life in the Philippines is. They pretty much have no choice. Legally, there are topics they have to avoid, and socially, the backlash from Filipino netizens is always intense if something that questions national pride gets seen by enough people.

Yes, tourist arrivals in the Philippines never bounced back after the pandemic. But how many men just came and never left? Remote work changed people's lives, and for a lot of men the Philippines felt like the easiest country to move to. For men who speak English, the language barrier isn't an issue either.

And how many of the tourists who used to come just for a trip to El Nido or Boracay are now coming to find love? There are no official stats, but my guess is the ratio is several times higher now.

This isn't just a hunch. I made four trips to the Philippines in 2026, which brings me to eight trips in total and more than three years spent in the country altogether.

I travelled all over the Philippines specifically to find a girlfriend, visiting the best places I know — the cities foreigners dislike and the ones they like. When I first lived in Cebu for two months there were 5,000 expats. Now, in 2026, there are 15,000 expats in Cebu. I've been to more than 100 places in the Philippines, cities and islands included.

Vietnam, Indonesia, even Thailand can be cheaper for some things. But those countries have a bigger language barrier. If you can learn Indonesian like I did, you'll get treated better in your dealings than in the Philippines, especially when it comes to rent.

As for dating, I simply haven't found anyone I'd marry, or even anyone I'd be excited to date medium-term. I did date several women, some stayed with me, and one was even willing to be a supportive girlfriend, but something was always missing. It's as if the best women are already taken, or just distracted, or their attitudes have shifted with the culture. Demure, subtle, humble — Filipino women are no longer the world leader. Brash, rude, disrespectful toward men — that's more common than it used to be.

I'm not saying there are no great catches. I bet there are! And some guys probably live with or near a wonderful woman who makes them happy.

I'm just saying the Philippines used to be the best in the world for me, and now it isn't.

I secretly wished my daughter's mom would die.

I had a drunken one-night stand in 2019. I was stationed in Japan at the time and met a Filipino woman at a bar. We hit it off and ended up back at my place. A few months later she messaged me to say she was pregnant, but that it wasn't mine — it was her boyfriend's. Then she moved back to the Philippines. A few more months went by and I got another message. Her boyfriend had done a DNA test and the baby wasn't his. I flew down to do a DNA test, and sure enough, she's my daughter.

I went through the whole process of registering her as a US citizen: passport, Social Security number, all of it. When I said I wanted to bring her to the US to meet my family, her mom flat out said that would never happen. My daughter is 6 now. In her short six years, she's been in a scooter crash with her mom without a helmet, she's been sexually assaulted by a neighbor, she hardly goes to school, she's glued to an iPad all day, and according to her mom, she still needs help using the bathroom properly.

Yesterday my daughter's mom called to tell me she has stage 2 blood cancer and can't afford treatment. She said we should start talking about future plans. I said okay, what's the prognosis? She doesn't know yet. I said okay, then we need to draw up a document that lets me take our daughter out of the Philippines if something happens to you. She hit me with: “I still don't trust anyone around her, not even you.” (I'M NOT THE ONE WHO LET HER GET SEXUALLY ABUSED! I screamed in my head.) I said okay, but if you pass away I need to be able to bring her to the US, so we have to prepare for that. She said no — she wants me to raise my child support to pay for her cancer treatment. I already send her $1,200 every month; she doesn't work and lives off the child support.

Getting this off my chest: in that moment, the only thought in my head was, I hope you die sooner rather than later so I can rescue my daughter from you. I feel horrible for thinking it, I really do, but that's honestly how I feel. I just want to give my daughter as normal a life as possible. I don't want her to lose her mom, but her mom is literally steering her toward a life of poverty and sexual exploitation, and there's nothing I can do about it.

I have a consultation with a lawyer next week to see what my options are. Has anyone here dealt with leaving the country with your child when you were never married to the mother? So far she's refused to draw up the document that would let me leave the country with our daughter, and I'm scared that if she dies without doing it, I'll be completely screwed when it comes to getting custody.

I'm on her Filipino birth certificate and her CRBA. She has a US passport and everything. I've done everything I could to support her over the years, and I'm ready and willing to raise her full-time as a single dad. I just know that fathers have no rights in the Philippines.

A colorful life starts with eating colorful, fresh vegetables just picked from the garden. 😊 😋
Wishing us all a colorful Tuesday 😊

Visiting for the first time next year from the US – any tips, and how much money should I save?

The title says it all. Early next year I'm planning my first visit, for about two weeks. Since it's a pretty short trip, my plan is to fly into Cebu City and spend most of my time around there.

I'm just looking for tips, tricks, advice and things to do while I'm there. I'm also planning to have 62K pesos (1,000 USD) saved up. Is that too tight or too much for a two-week trip? Let me know!

Beef mami or pho?

Which “soup” 🍜 do you like better?

Beef mami

or

Pho

🤔

Hi everyone, I've been coming and going for a long time, but now I'm seriously thinking about settling there for good.

My question is about keeping my US bank accounts and credit cards while living abroad. Is anyone using Tello for US phone service and two-step verification?

How do you all get verification codes from your banks and credit cards while living overseas? I'm completely new to this, so any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Makati is getting out of hand lately!

This shooting happened right in front of my building. There's been a ton of crime lately, and the PNP and others just keep saying they have it under control