Discovering the Enchanting Philippines

            Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia lies a gem waiting to be visited, explored, and lived: the Philippines. With its pristine beaches, lush jungles, vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people, this archipelago nation is a paradise like no other. Let's embark on a journey to uncover these enchanting islands. The Philippines is an archipelago comprising over 7,000 islands, each offering its own unique charm. From the world-renowned Boracay Island with its powdery white sands and turquoise waters to the remote paradise of Palawan, where towering limestone cliffs meet crystal-clear lagoons, the diversity of landscapes is simply astounding. The beaches are beautiful, and the water is warm. Many come here for that reason, and some fall in love and want to stay. There is something special about the Philippines that sets it apart from other countries and what truly sets it apart is its people. Known for their warmth, hospitality, and resilience, Filipinos welcome visitors with open arms, eager to share their culture and traditions. You can experience the vibrant festivities of the Sinulog Festival in Cebu or the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan, where streets come alive with colorful costumes, lively music, and spirited dance performances. Delve into the rich tapestry of Filipino cuisine, a fusion of flavors influenced by centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon, each telling a story of the nation's history and heritage.

            The Philippines also serves as an excellent gateway to the diverse and enchanting countries of Southeast Asia. With its strategic location and well-connected transportation networks, travelers can easily explore neighboring nations, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. We are the expats of the Philippines, and we have all fallen in love with something here. We came and returned for a reason. It may have been because of the beaches, the weather, a woman, the cost, the people, or all of the above. Living as an expat in the Philippines can be an exciting and enriching experience. I can honestly say that living here has been wonderful. How about you? Want to reside in the Philippines? You would be joining a large group of expats who are already living here and enjoying a good life. The last census was taken back in 2020, and it showed 78,396 foreigners living here in the total population of over 108 million. As expats, most of us are happy and comfortable; however, there is an issue to overcome. Understanding another country's culture. Experiencing culture shock when first coming here is not uncommon, especially for individuals from Western countries or those unfamiliar with Asian cultures. Some common aspects that might contribute to culture shock here might include:

Language Barrier:   While English is widely spoken and understood in the Philippines, especially in urban areas, there might still be challenges with communication, particularly in more remote regions where local languages like Tagalog, Cebuano, or Ilocano are predominantly spoken.
Social Etiquette:   Filipinos have unique social customs and etiquettes. For example, the concept of "saving face" is very important, so confrontation or direct criticism should be avoided. Understanding and adapting to these social norms can take time.
Food Culture:   Filipino cuisine can be quite different from what some people are used to. Dishes often feature a combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, which might be surprising for newcomers. Additionally, food hygiene standards and eating with hands might take some adjustment for some.
Climate and Environment:   The tropical climate of the Philippines, with its high humidity and frequent rainfall, can be a challenge for those accustomed to cooler or drier climates. Additionally, natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which might be unsettling for newcomers.
Religion and Festivals:   The Philippines is predominantly Catholic, and religious festivals and traditions play a significant role in Filipino culture. Witnessing or participating in events like the Sinulog Festival or Holy Week processions might be overwhelming or unfamiliar to newcomers.
Traffic and Infrastructure:   Traffic congestion, poor driving, and chaotic road conditions, especially in urban centers like Manila, can be overwhelming for visitors. Additionally, infrastructure standards might vary from what some are accustomed to, leading to frustration or discomfort.

            Overall, while experiencing culture shock is normal, when immersing oneself in a new culture, many find the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos help ease the transition. Embracing the differences and being open to learning about the local customs and way of life can lead to a deeper appreciation of Filipino culture. Remember, this is not your home country, and it has different customs and ways of life. If you are planning to visit or even taking the plunge and moving here, please understand that things may be different than what you are used to and not think you will come here and change things to your liking. It will not happen and may not end well for your journey. Several foreigners have come here with an attitude or a chip on their shoulder, only to be removed, deported, and blacklisted for getting into arguments with the locals over things they did not like or agree with. Just come with an open mind, be willing to learn, and accept the way of life here, and you will get along fine. If you don't, you will return home disillusioned and disappointed. They say "patience is a virtue." Nothing could be closer to the truth in the Philippines. Some of the best traits you can have is patience and understanding. Things take time here. In what might take a few minutes to accomplish in our home countries, may take hours or days to do here. While it may seem very unorganized and chaotic, it still gets done. Just not in the speed we are used to. However, a very pleasant thing about being here is the fact that life here is like being back in the 50's or early 60's in the US. A nostalgic step back to the time of courtesy and respect. In the Philippines, it is deeply ingrained in the culture and is often referred to as "pakikisama" or "kapwa." It encompasses various aspects such as showing deference to elders, addressing people with appropriate titles like "po", "opo", "Sir", and "Mam" (terms used to show respect), and observing proper behavior in different social contexts. Filipinos place a high value on respect for authority figures, including parents, teachers, and community leaders. It's common to see children showing respect to their elders by performing "mano," a gesture where they take the hand of an elder and press it to their forehead as a sign of respect. Respect is also evident in the language used, with different levels of formality and politeness observed depending on the relationship between speakers. For instance, using "po" and "opo" when speaking to elders or those in authority demonstrates respect. Overall, respect is not just a value but a cornerstone of Filipino society.

            Let's talk about the Philippines over-all, both good and bad. The average annual income of Filipino families throughout the islands is around $5,000 (US Dollars), and of that, they spend over $4,000 on needed expenses just to survive. The bottom ten percent of the population survives on an annual income of just over $1650 per year. That equates to only $137.50 per month! In fact that works out to be nearly three times less than the annual income of the average family. It is estimated that close to twenty five percent of the people in the Philippines are considered to be in poverty, though this trend is slowly subsiding year by year. This poverty is atrocious and the one thing I have a difficult time with, but for the expat, it makes flourishing here on a pension very desirable. A few people come and think everything is inexpensive and they can survive on a few hundred dollars a month. While this is true, one must ask what their definition of survival is. Most westerners will not live in squallers and eat most foods that can be had at those prices. Many things make living here affordable though. Accommodations (rent) is a main factor. Rent can range widely depending on the location and housing type. In Metro Manila, for example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center could be around $400 to $800 per month, while outside the city center it will be much lower, around $60 to $400. Food is another, Eating out can be inexpensive, especially if you stick to local eateries or street food. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost $4 to $10 per person. Groceries can also vary, but generally, they are affordable, with a weekly grocery bill for a single person ranging from $40 to $100. Also remember that foods available in the local wet markets are very very fresh! Public transportation, such as jeepneys, buses, and trains, are relatively cheap, with fares usually ranging from 14¢ to 55¢ depending on the distance. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are also available, with fares varying depending on the distance and traffic conditions. The cost of utilities like electricity, water, and internet can vary, but they are generally affordable. Monthly utility bills for a small apartment could range from $60 to $125, depending on your needs. Healthcare costs can vary depending on whether you use public or private facilities. Public healthcare is generally more affordable, while private healthcare is more expensive. This depends on the hospital, the location, and what facilities they offer. There are many doctors in the Philippines, covering various specialties including general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, oncology, and many others. If you live in NCR (Manila) or Cebu City, there are several hospitals with world-class facilities; however, they also have world-class prices to go with them. In Manila there is: the Philippine Heart Center, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Manila Doctor’s Hospital, Asian Hospital and Medical Center. In Cebu City we have: The Chong Hua Hospital. The Philippines has several medical schools producing well trained graduates who become licensed physicians after passing the Philippine Medical Licensing Examination. Additionally, there are also many foreign-trained doctors who practice in the Philippines. Private practice doctors here are very inexpensive. The last time I saw a doctor his fee was $8 and lab fees of $20. The physician was very friendly, compassionate, and as good as any I have used in the United States. However, do not expect prices like that from a specialist or a doctor presiding in a hospital. They always charge more, but are much much less than those in the US. Dentists are also very inexpensive here too. Entertainment costs can vary depending on your preferences. Watching a movie in a cinema might cost around $4 to $8 per ticket. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities available, such as visiting parks or attending local events. The cost of vehicles here are about one hundred and twenty-five percent more than in the United States and fuel is more expensive, at about $1.20 per liter or about $4.50 a gallon. Overall, the cost of living in the Philippines is relatively affordable compared to most Western countries, but it can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle and location.

            Tagalog is the national language of the Philippines. English was introduced here during the US colonial occupation in the early 1900s and has now become the second official language. In fact, Tagalog and English now compete in the various domains of Filipino society, such as business, government, broadcast media, publications, and education. English words have been assimilated into Tagalog to create a blended hybrid, or slang, known as "Taglish." At this time, all of the schools teach their students using the English language. The students are also required to study it as part of their curriculum. This English language introduction originally came about because there were approximately one hundred and twenty different languages spoken in the Philippines, depending on the island or location. This make it difficult for the people from different areas to communicate with each other. So in 1935, English was added as an official language to help fix the communications issue. The beginning use of the English language in the Philippines, was around 1898–1920. It included Jose Rizal (the national hero of the Philippines). He learned English on his own and also encouraged his sister to learn it also. For us expats, it makes it very nice because most people in the Philippines understand the English language, though some will profess they do not. That is only because they do not want to embarrass themselves while trying to speak using it for fear of mis-pronouncing a word or two. (The locals call this getting a nose bleed, LOL.) I have seen very few that actually did not understand English, but have been told that those in the remote rural areas are more likely not to have been taught or adapted to speaking it.

            Lastly, I want to re-visit health care and your health, which is an important item. Healthcare standards in the Philippines range from very poor to excellent, competing with most hospital standards in the world. Hospitals in the major cities are generally high quality facilities and also have prices similar to many western hospitals, but those in rural areas often lack infrastructure, money and resources. Emergency services are available in all major cities; however, they're very limited in the more remote areas. Although doctors at public hospitals are well trained, the equipment and facilities aren't always up to Western standards. Many expats here use private hospitals and will travel to Hong Kong, Singapore, or Guam for specialist treatment when needed. Indigent Filipinos are entitled to free healthcare under the government-controlled Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), but not foreigners. Expats are not entitled to free health care and must provide their own coverage. PhilHealth insurance is also available to expats, but for a cost, and while they don't cover all conditions and the payout is small, I recommend it as the health care coverage minimum here. You will also need some type of medical insurance or medical fund, especially if you want to use private hospitals. You'll find a good selection of private hospitals in most major cities. Although expensive by local standards, they are somewhat cheap compared to most Western countries, and the level of care is excellent. There are also public hospitals available to expats too. These usually offer private, semi-private, and dorm-type rooms at a much lower cost. There is a caveat to this though... If you are hospitalized and are put into or choose a private or semi-private room, you are required to pay one hundred percent of your hospital and doctor bill before you leave the hospital. If that does not happen, you will not be allowed to leave! Yes, let me repeat that... You will be held in the hospital by security guards (legally). Everyday you do not pay the bill, they add on another days fee to it. However, recently there was a new law passed that tries to address this problem. It states that if you are in a "non" private room, you are entitled to negotiate an agreement for payment with the hospital, to pay the bill off in payments instead of all at once. This would be great, except they added on a couple conditions that are not good. First is you must secure the agreement with the hospital using a real estate escrow or if you don't own land, you must have a co-signer. These conditions are only feasible for the wealthy and many can't meet them so they have to take indigent care which standards may not be as good. The hospitals are also getting around this new law now, by requiring large deposits up-front before they will admit you. So the best rule of thumb, is to obtain health insurance or have a large sum of money put away just for this purpose. Most of the pharmacies in the Philippines are staffed by well-trained pharmacists. Controls on narcotic medicines are very strict, and scripts written in another country must be approved by a local doctor before being filled. Many medications that are "prescription only" in most western countries are considered over the counter here. In the Philippines, you can purchase most maintenance drugs without a script. These include medications for allergies, hypertension, diabetes, gout, cholesterol, seizures and many others. Though antibiotics are supposed to be regulated with a prescription, I have found them available and easily to get without one.

            We have given you a look at everyday life here in the Philippines, but there is so much more. The beauty of the islands and all the good things greatly outweigh the bad. We will get into more detail about dating, marriage, the currency, transportation, the best beaches, dangers, and much more on the rest of the site.     We again welcome you to Jonestime!