Twelve years ago, I moved to the Philippines to escape U.S. economic pressures—tax hikes, healthcare mandates, and a struggling economy. Now, with over a decade of experience, I’ve gained a perspective on life here. This guide, refined for aspiring expats, covers natural disasters, construction, security, education, a unique location in Subic, and critical considerations for accessing specialized services like medical care.
The Climate and Agriculture
The Philippines offers a year-round growing season, but gardening is tough. Red clay soil demands effort, and ants and weeds are relentless. The dry season—hot and arid—requires irrigation or hydroponics. Fresh produce prices spike during dry and wet seasons, especially outside hubs like Angeles City. Most food comes from valleys north of Manila, so remote areas face higher costs and less fresh goods.
Food and Markets
Beef is expensive, often limited to low-quality imported cuts. Pork, while cheaper, has doubled in price over 12 years. Fish is a luxury unless you’re in a fishing village; city fish suffers from middlemen markups and poor refrigeration. Wet markets, the main source for fresh goods, are often unhygienic, with odors of decaying meat. Exceptions exist, but cleaning standards like bleach or pressure washing are rare. I buy only dry goods or thoroughly cooked items, avoiding raw meat.
Driving and Infrastructure
Driving varies by city. Wrong-side driving is common—in one 4km commute, I counted over 50 vehicles on the wrong side. Manila’s traffic is notorious, with some corrupt officials soliciting bribes, but Makati has disciplined traffic and clear signage. Electricity reliability depends on local providers. Manila’s power is stable, unlike blackouts 20 years ago, but rural areas may lag. The country’s 7,300 islands and 111 million people (a third near Manila) create varied infrastructure.
Natural Disasters
Typhoons, earthquakes, and flooding are common. The longest power outage I faced was a week, over a decade ago, but preparedness remains inconsistent. In Tacloban, where thousands died in past floods, flimsy shanties still stand in flood-prone areas, showing little learning from history. Expats should stock generators, fuel, and non-perishables and choose elevated, stable home sites.
Local Construction Practices
Construction the Philippines often lacks rigor. Most “builders” have no formal training or textbook knowledge. While architects and engineers exist, laborers learn on the job. Insulation for air conditioning is rare, raising cooling costs. Wood is impractical—termites devour everything, including doors. Drywall is uncommon; cement board with bondo filler is standard. Hire a qualified professional to oversee builds for durability.
Security Concerns
High walls deter burglars and shield against nosy neighbors or malicious gossip, often fueled by envy. Discretion in displaying wealth helps avoid trouble. Tinted windows and unremarkable vehicles reduce risks.
Subic: A Unique Expat Haven
Subic, the former U.S. Navy base, stands out. Long-term leases on base housing are available, often bought and sold, though prior tenants may neglect maintenance if they are not renewing. You can also lease raw land to build on. Subic has its own reliable power, water, and first-world infrastructure, unlike much of the Philippines. Quiet compared to bustling Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Subic offers strict traffic discipline and meets most daily needs without leaving. Connected to Luzon’s expressway system, it’s accessible yet self-contained.
Foreigners can own businesses in Subic 100% with a 10% tax rate. The yachting scene thrives, though slips are scarce, so a trailerable boat is wiser. Living costs are higher, but Manila’s wealthy frequent Subic on weekends, so nicer cars or lifestyles blend in. Subic offers modern amenities, security, and tranquility.
Expat Communities and Local Perceptions
Western expats cluster in areas like Angeles City, Olongapo, Moalboal, and BGC. Angeles is hot and known for expats with vices like alcohol and prostitution, leading some locals to view foreigners warily. Other cities are more welcoming. Rural areas vary: some towns are tidy, while others grapple with poverty and substance abuse.
Personal Challenges
Life here has tested me. I’ve faced absurd accusations, like being called a CIA spy in Cebu or an animal abuser over a stray dog hit by a car (not mine). Scammers exploited the latter, filming themselves mistreating the dog and demanding money online while defaming me. Some of my worst experiences involved fellow expats. Trust takes time—Filipinos can be hard to read, and it takes six months to a year to gauge character, reflected in the six-month work probation (versus 90 days in the U.S.). Tragically, my closest expat friend died from COVID booster complications. Experiences vary widely.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is low if you avoid extravagance. Some expats overspend on imported U.S. foods, but I’ve learned to cook from scratch, shedding convenience habits. Lazada’s online shopping reduces the need to ship belongings. The 220-Volt AC power grid system makes U.S. appliances impractical—sell them and buy locally, keeping only heirlooms. Shipping containers of goods is often a costly mistake — like wagon train pioneers abandoning excess on the trail.
Transportation
Flashy cars attract trouble. Big-engine vehicles are impractical, as tollways in Luzon are the only places you’ll exceed 50 mph. Choose a reliable 10- or 15-year-old economy car or pickup for rough roads. Tint windows dark, keep it plain, and maintain it well.
Education for Expat Children
Homeschooling is often best, especially for multiple children. Hiring a private teacher is cheaper than private schools. Public schools, per the Department of Education and Bureau of Statistics, report 20% of graduates as functionally illiterate or unable to handle complex tasks. Invest in quality education for your kids.
Rural vs. Urban Living and Access to Services
A beachside life with fishing and Starlink is feasible, with improved cell service and online shopping. However, rural living requires planning, especially for specialized services. For example, after front-end misalignment damaged my car’s tires, I found no tire alignment shop in a town of 100,000— the nearest was two hours away. Similarly, while basic medical care (like treating a broken arm) is available locally, specialized care for conditions like cancer requires travel to larger cities, much like my tire alignment ordeal. Plan for long trips to access advanced medical facilities, and maintain emergency savings for such needs.
Some General Advice
The Philippines offers affordability, beauty, and modern conveniences, with Subic as a premium option for First World infrastructure. However, it demands adaptability and caution. Avoid vices like excessive drinking, which amplify troubles. Choose associates carefully, plan for natural disasters, prioritize secure housing, and invest in education. Ensure access to specialized services, especially medical care, by living near or budgeting for travel to major cities. With preparation, the Philippines can be a rewarding home. Without preparation, it can be the worst time of your life.
A Final Note
If I had to do this all over, I would have been better off in a different part of the country, and a better choice of people I associated with in the past. I find myself increasingly unable to handle the constant noise pollution and traffic of metropolitan Manila. I did not realize this until going camping in a remote campground far away from people, just how much the noise and psychic pressure there is, having 30 million people living so close by.
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