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Clark Economic Zone in Angeles City, Philippines

Pros and Cons of Living in the Philippines

By Joshua Wood, LPC

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

Comments

phonedoctor1
Feb 18, 2019 06:14

As far as buying a house and property: My research has told me that YES you can buy a house as an Expat, but NOT the land it sits on ... What you can do is Lease the property for 50-75 years for next to nothing since you are already buying the house ! Now, if you are married to a Filipino, you can buy both in the same transaction, if it is in her name. After living there 4 years, I came back to the states due to a stroke. I have recovered, and as soon as my house sells, I will be moving back to the CDO (Cagayan De Oro) area. Not sure at this point if we will be building or just buying our new house. There was a post a month or so ago where the guy gave lots of details on the last house he built there, PLEASE send me the details on your newest house that you said you are building !

phonedoctor1
Apr 1, 2019 05:16

ok i beleive in a lot of the authors views, Almost all of the philippinos i met between 2010, and late 2014 even the Muslims were extremely friendly and even invited me and my pinoy wife to their houses for dinner Etc, we lived in Cagayan De Ore!BUT on the southern end of the island near Cotobato ETC there were many muslim insurgents that my wifes father fought for many years in the military, and indeed even stole plantation lands from her grandfather with threats of death if he did not give up the lands ! . . . so there are many safe places for white people, but it was NOT safe for me to visit my wifes Grandfather, as the risk for kidnapping and or death was too high ! He has since died at the full age of 96, and his many plantations and lands arre being sold, and divived between the 9 children ! I will move back to Cagayan De Oro as soon as i sell my house, as i always felt safe there even though there have been a couple of bombings since 2010 ! I LOVE these islands, i LOVE my wife and it is SOO Beautiful there! My kids may or may not evev visit there, but my Wife and I can return to visit them every 3 years or so, plus my health has ALWAYS been soo much better thetre than in the United States since 2006! I love the people, AND the food is assume !!

hillsideboy
Aug 21, 2019 11:59

hillsideboy Have visited Philippines for over 40 years and married to a Filipin for the last 25 years. But I miss the contact and culture that I enjoy on the months that I spend in UK.. Many expats must own the huge range of apartments where I stay in Bonifacio Global City in Makati, but where can I meet them for chats? I joined this exchange hoping to find adult clubs, meet-ups etc., but so far none have been mentioned. Any English-speaking clubs/pubs locally?

Clark Economic Zone in Angeles City, Philippines

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