About the Philippines
The Philippines is wonderful country! The scenery is breath taking, the sunsets are
spectacular, and the people are warm and friendly. The vast majority of the countries
population is English speaking. Many would say the Philippines is much like Mexico.
Currently the Peso rate is about 44 Pesos to $1.00 USD. Now imagine if the average
foreigner retiree makes at least $1,000 USD monthly. This kind of monthly spending
power is considered wealthy by most here in the Philippines.
Safety Concerns: The foreigner living here in the Philippines is in no more danger then
they are in their own country. In most cases, the folks who find trouble are not using
common sense, thereby exposing themselves to danger. A little bit of common sense
goes a long way here in the Philippines. By treating people with respect, one can live in
dream paradise with little to no worries.
Traveling within the Philippines is very inexpensive: A very inexpensive way to travel in
or around the different islands is by way of bus. The buses here have air condition.
Another option is hiring a van with driver. Many tour vans are nine-seat capable. Van
price cost between $55.00 to $65.00, plus the cost of fuel for twelve to fourteen hours
rental fee. This can be a really good deal, if you were to plan your trip with eight friends,
and share the expenses. Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly just about any where in
the Philippines for around $95.00 to $100.00 round trip. During off season, airline fees
are routinely discounted twenty five to forty percent. Within the city, you can travel by
tricycle (motor bike w/side cart) Jeepney, or taxi.
Traveling to neighboring Asia countries is also inexpensive. One can fly to neighboring
Asian countries starting at $179.00 up to $279.00. Just imagine spending the weekend in
Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, or Thailand for the fraction of the price, in what it would cost
others living in the States. Also by way of ferry, one can travel first class to many hot
spots tourist areas in the Philippines or Malaysia.
Food Products: Many of the food products we take for granted in the grocery stores in
the States, also have companies based here in the Philippines. The only difference is
the price. Some price items are at the fraction of the cost and other food items are more
expensive. The major chain grocery outlets here look almost the same as the States,
with the exception of smaller isles and many other product varieties from different
countries.
U.S and Other Foreigner Base Companies: Like I mentioned above, many foreigner
companies are based here in the Philippines. Coke a Cola, Pepsi, Miller Beer, Campbell
Soup are just a few examples of many big multi billion dollar companies, doing business
here in the Philippines.
U.S Military Presence: There is almost a consistent US military presence here in the
Philippines, in support on going war against terrorism. It is not uncommon to hear
through the military retiree grapevine about the different US Army, Navy, Marine’s or Air
Force training missions here in the Philippines.
U.S Government Agencies Based in the Philippines: The United States government
operates only one U.S Veterans Administration (USVA) Clinic outside the United States.
This clinic is located in Pasay Manila, with an annual budget of $4,000,000. There is also
a Social Security Administration and USVA regional offices attached to the US Embassy,
and several US Military Retirement Affairs Offices located throughout the islands.
Perhaps this is a contributing reason why so many retired US Arm Forces personnel
retire here in the Philippines.
High Tech Hospital's: There are many tech hospitals here in the Philippines that serve
the needs of its people. The doctors here are trained as they are anywhere else. There
are some hospital's that exist just for the more fortunate and cater to their medical
needs with US trained doctors. Unlike most who retire here in the Philippines, retired
US military are afforded insurance via US government that is valid anywhere in country
and world.
spectacular, and the people are warm and friendly. The vast majority of the countries
population is English speaking. Many would say the Philippines is much like Mexico.
Currently the Peso rate is about 44 Pesos to $1.00 USD. Now imagine if the average
foreigner retiree makes at least $1,000 USD monthly. This kind of monthly spending
power is considered wealthy by most here in the Philippines.
Safety Concerns: The foreigner living here in the Philippines is in no more danger then
they are in their own country. In most cases, the folks who find trouble are not using
common sense, thereby exposing themselves to danger. A little bit of common sense
goes a long way here in the Philippines. By treating people with respect, one can live in
dream paradise with little to no worries.
Traveling within the Philippines is very inexpensive: A very inexpensive way to travel in
or around the different islands is by way of bus. The buses here have air condition.
Another option is hiring a van with driver. Many tour vans are nine-seat capable. Van
price cost between $55.00 to $65.00, plus the cost of fuel for twelve to fourteen hours
rental fee. This can be a really good deal, if you were to plan your trip with eight friends,
and share the expenses. Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly just about any where in
the Philippines for around $95.00 to $100.00 round trip. During off season, airline fees
are routinely discounted twenty five to forty percent. Within the city, you can travel by
tricycle (motor bike w/side cart) Jeepney, or taxi.
Traveling to neighboring Asia countries is also inexpensive. One can fly to neighboring
Asian countries starting at $179.00 up to $279.00. Just imagine spending the weekend in
Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, or Thailand for the fraction of the price, in what it would cost
others living in the States. Also by way of ferry, one can travel first class to many hot
spots tourist areas in the Philippines or Malaysia.
Food Products: Many of the food products we take for granted in the grocery stores in
the States, also have companies based here in the Philippines. The only difference is
the price. Some price items are at the fraction of the cost and other food items are more
expensive. The major chain grocery outlets here look almost the same as the States,
with the exception of smaller isles and many other product varieties from different
countries.
U.S and Other Foreigner Base Companies: Like I mentioned above, many foreigner
companies are based here in the Philippines. Coke a Cola, Pepsi, Miller Beer, Campbell
Soup are just a few examples of many big multi billion dollar companies, doing business
here in the Philippines.
U.S Military Presence: There is almost a consistent US military presence here in the
Philippines, in support on going war against terrorism. It is not uncommon to hear
through the military retiree grapevine about the different US Army, Navy, Marine’s or Air
Force training missions here in the Philippines.
U.S Government Agencies Based in the Philippines: The United States government
operates only one U.S Veterans Administration (USVA) Clinic outside the United States.
This clinic is located in Pasay Manila, with an annual budget of $4,000,000. There is also
a Social Security Administration and USVA regional offices attached to the US Embassy,
and several US Military Retirement Affairs Offices located throughout the islands.
Perhaps this is a contributing reason why so many retired US Arm Forces personnel
retire here in the Philippines.
High Tech Hospital's: There are many tech hospitals here in the Philippines that serve
the needs of its people. The doctors here are trained as they are anywhere else. There
are some hospital's that exist just for the more fortunate and cater to their medical
needs with US trained doctors. Unlike most who retire here in the Philippines, retired
US military are afforded insurance via US government that is valid anywhere in country
and world.
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