Retirement in the Philippines usually involves a huge culture shock. Life here grows on you. One way or another. Either grows on you to stay, or grows on you to get out. In my 18 months living here I've experienced both those extremes and everything in between and can easily understand why some folks would grow to hate living here. I'd be heartbroken if I had to leave. I'm now settled and I've found peace. After 18 months in Davao City and touring all over Mindanao I'll be relocating to Marikina City in May and look forward to another chapter. Since 1997 we've relocated 13 times........seems to be part of our life. Hoping to now settle down.....
Hearing your exploits in Pinas are really good to read. Somewhat a contrast in the two cities there Micawber. Nice to hear the comparison once you get settled in
We lived in our own house in Marikina for many years. Decided to try life in Davao City as we have a huge extended family in Mindanao. Now ready to return, by choice, by us both. The lack of cultural development here in Davao City (and in Mindanao generally) doesn't meet our lifestyle 'wants' and we're keen to return to our home. We've agreed on 2 years regardless. If at the end, we still want to move we'll try Bohol as we have family there also. Definitely will report on the comparison.................
I can certainly relate to that. Corina comes from Zamboanga del Sur but I suspect I would not be happy there in the long term; I am attracted to Canlaon City on Negros where her parents came from but again I might get bored. I suspect I need to be in reach of Metro Manila. Subic Bay remains top of my choices.
The strange thing about Subic is I prefer it how it was say 10 years ago to how it it now. A friend of mine has done a lot of touring recently and he favours Cebu now over Subic. Says its a lot friendlier, more developed and geared more to foreigners.
We never went to Cebu but I wish we had. We went to Subic originally because we both knew and felt comfortable there. Hindsight what it is we should have tried other places
I have to put it on record that Mindanao is an island of so much beauty and so many contrasts. Yes,extra care does need to be taken as you become more of an adventurer. However, Davao City is a very very safe place. Easy, safe and cheap transportation and a significantly lower cost of living than most other places. Life is relaxed and slow enough to be enjoyed. I'll miss Davao loads but am excited to return to Marikina. My wife is already planning a long stay tour in Benguet. Most likely as a result of our daily long long brown outs and water interruptions. When the mercury rises to the high 30's C and there's no power or cold shower it can get you down. One of the downsides of life in Mindanao.
I was in Subic / Olongapo over twenty years ago and it seemed very small to me after seeing Cebu City a little later. I don't want to move to the Philippines but if I had to, I would explore options on Cebu island which has many good things going for it IMO.
We've been to subic recently and to Moalboal peninsula on Cebu a few times. I much preferred moalboal in Cebu for the quality of the sealife. If we wanted to move to the Philippines which at the moment we do not, I would certainly put that area on my shortlist. I would not put subic on my shortlist.
I stayed in barrio barretto when i got married and stayed in st monica and i enjoyed it there and would live there if ever moved to philipines, i like the slow pace of it and like the odd night out with my wife barhopping. When i went back for a month and stayed in general trias in cavite, it was too quiet for me, just sleeping on my hammock all day and drinking with the locals.
