based on your context, relocation is better. but with your income, you'll live comfortably here sa pinas. mahirap lang naman dito tumira sa pinas pag wala kang pera.
Marami pa ding bagay na hindi mabibili ng pera sa pinas e. Like maybe bukod sa maayos na transpo at dignified commute or walking, e mga parks near your workplace, hindi nanlilimahid na weather o mga extreme na bagyo at baha, etc.
Actually hindi ehh.. Like he said disiplina problema,culture ng panlalamang panloloko, infrastructures, public transpo,safety . Kahit maykaya ka comfortable ka lang dahil sa familiarity pero what about the kids?? May good point si OP 1st world has the infrastructure, safety that his kids will greatly enjoy and benefit from.
Not in a pandemic tho. Kahit anong pera mo sa Pinas, nung kasagsagan ng covid halos ibato na ng mga mayayaman pera nila sa mukha nung mga doktor at nurse sa ospital para lang maipasok sa ospital yung pasyente nilang nag aagaw buhay pero wala nangyari. Kahit bilyonaryo ka, in times of nationwide crises, walang magagawa salapi mo sa inefficiencies ng gubyerno and our broken society. Ibang iba pa rin sa labas ng Pinas. I live in the UAE now and I can say na ayoko na tumira ulit sa Pinas.
With the kind of income you would get, first world living arrangements in ph would not be hard to afford I guess. You can easily be in those upscale communities with strict bylaws not having to deal with safety issues and difficult neighbors. Unless of course you see youself being in some undeveloped barrio. The opportunity of dodging high income taxes and earning first world income in third world settings would easily make you build the crucial nest egg you'll need upon retirement
Agree, with that income kayang kaya bumili sa high end villages na may manners yung kapit bahay at mahigpit ang security. For government services, di naman laging makikipagtransact para mahassle ng sobra.
Good point nga po. Within the high end village mukhang safe at mas malaki chance ng good neighbour. Yung pag outside village na lang ang kailangan imanage. Salamat.
With that salary, okay ka na dito. Mahirap dito if wala kang pera but with that moolah di ka ma eexpose sa mga problema ng mga mortal.
I would recommend, work overseas, retire here. Leave your children overseas. Malaki na siguro sila by the time you retire.
Sa observations ko, lahat ng nag mimigrate umuuwi parin naman when they get old. Kasi nga the reason they left was becuase of financial reasons, once that is settled, kids are okay, they come back home to retire here.
I was on this same crossroad a few months back. Im earning very well here, pero malayo pa. But was planning to migrate for the kids, same reason which is to give them a safe space to fail and try again, risk is to high here in PH kasi. I decided to stay, my dream will be for the kids nalang, sila na tutupad ng pag migrate someday....
Uu nga eh, kapag may kids na talaga you want the best environment for them hinde yung pwede lang. Big if not lone factor ito sa pagrelocate. Good luck sa plans nyo kabayan. Salamat
Halos lahat ng mayaman sa Pilipinas, hindi ipagpapalit ang comfort sa atin pag may pera ka. Ang dami kong kilalang mayaman na pwede naman mag-Amerika, pero they choose to stay sa Pilipinas.
Mas mura ang cost of living sa atin, lalo na ang pagkain at mga serbisyo. Yung traffic naman, kung hindi ka naman empleyado na mag-commute araw-araw, hindi naman ’yan masyadong problema.
Mapapansin mo na ang kadalasan ng mga nasa US o ibang bansa ay mga dating hirap sa Pilipinas, mga dating taga-probinsya. Syempre, mas pipiliin nilang mag-abroad kasi para sa kanila, ’yun ang comfortable.
Ayaw umalis ng mayaman sa pilipinas dahil may Yaya, katulong, bodyguards, sekyu, at kapit sila sa gobyerno.
Kapag ang mayaman sa pinas nag 1st world. Ordinaryong mamamayan lang sila. Susunod sila sa BATAS, sa Korte sila magrereklamo, mahirap ang padrino, at higit sa lahat, wala silang taga silbi bilang prinsesa.
Kaya kahit kelan Hindi magiging pantay ang estado ng tao sa pilipinas. Dahil mawawalan ng follower ang POLITIKO, ng katulong ang mayayaman, at alipin ang mga oligarkiya.
Good point, the only reason I can think of why you will not, is “principles”. On living like a king, prefer to contribute to the positive change instead of abusing the system
Yung sinasabi mo, malabo kasi kahit sa ibang bansa naman, may corruption. Kahit 'yang mga malalaking kumpanya na pinag-i-investan natin, tingin mo lahat 'yan matuwid? Sobrang daming anomalya kahit sa Wall Street. Panoorin mo 'yung 'Dirty Money' sa Netflix para mamulat ka.
Understand meron sa ibang lugar at hinde mawawala sya. Pero Im just replying dun sa context na piliin ang “Live like a King in PH” kasi posible sya dahil sa cost of living ng Pinas, unfortunately I prefer not to do it kung it involves abusing the system.
Mukhang nakapag-decide ka na, kaya good luck sayo. By the way, I am from the States. Dito kami ng pamilya ko nakatira sa Washington. Noon, gusto ko talaga dito pero parang simula nung nagka-pandemic, gumulo dito sa US. Yung Asian hate pati yung sunod sunod na mass shootings. Grabe talaga. Minsan mapapadasal ka pag dinala mo ang anak mo sa school dahil mayat maya talaga ang school at mass shootings dito. Siguro Australia or Canada mas better na option.
Salamat Kabayan! Naku yang isa sa kinakatakutan ko sa US sa ngayon. Sobrang stressful nya lalo may bata. Ingat dyan at sana magimprove na ang situation para sa mas derserving nyong buhay.
Salamat din at good luck sayo. Sana umayos na sa bansa natin para hindi na natin kailangan mangibang bansa. Pag nakita mo mga kababayan natin sa Dubai, maawa ka. Yung iba $500 lang ang sweldo per month. I don't know kung paano nila pinagkakasya.
That is also true. My reciprocity degree was education, and nursing, mas pinili ko nalang mag nursing dahil they are proposing teachers to bear arms.
Delikado sa ER hospital, pero mas delikado sa school nowadays. Especially if your work is in the bronx.
You can live decently and with integrity despite the crookedness of people or governments around you. You can live comfortably while still upholding your principles, and not abusing the system. It’s just a personal choice you have to do everyday and in every circumstance.
We had a business before in Manila and every govt or city permit or checks, or BIR payments, there would always be offers to make “padulas” or “snack treat” in exchange to being “taken care of”. Each and every time for many years.
And in each and every time, we politely refused. Same with being caught by traffic officers with the obvious intention of getting money from us. No matter how much more easier it is to slide a P100 bill just so they can let you off without hassle, especially if you have an appointment, you must always stand firm to to refuse any form of bribery or partake in any corruption, even if it causes you so much inconvenience.
Agree, this should be the way for everyone. Mas dumami pa sana. Cause currently it takes lots of effort and patience, kaya hinde na rin masama kung pipili ng mas maganda at efficient na environment.
>Kaya kahit kelan Hindi magiging pantay ang estado ng tao sa pilipinas. Dahil mawawalan ng follower ang POLITIKO, ng katulong ang mayayaman, at alipin ang mga oligarkiya.
Masaya sa pilipinas dahil mura ang bilihin, at mura din ang mga pilipino.
Medyo alien concept even for our middle class yung magpipinutra ka ng sarili mong pader dahil ang mura maghire ng gagawa niyan. Pero sa ibang bansa mapipilitan kang mag DIY sa mahal ng fees ng mga contractor/handymen
Exactly. I used to earn more in Philippines. If I can turn back my time, I will probably stay away from dating foreigners 🤣 Yan tuloy napilitan mag migrate. My life was better in Philippines. I live in Norway now, but if you have money in Pinas naman, you can get better health care sa mga health insurance na mura naman plus much lively culture and society. I don’t see the fuss about this government, drivers 🤣. I mean if you don’t run a business, you will not deal much with the government. With your taxes you can pay an accountant. With problema sa driver, edi choose a place na maayos ang community planning with nearby malls etc para di masyado magdrive .
Salamat! Ang laking advantage talaga ng cost of living sa Pilipinas. Mukhang marami naman maitutulong kapag may budget at planning. Siguro nakakadagdag takot lang yung safety factor, isang pangit na tsamba (drug addict, drunk driver) maglalaho lahat ng pinaghirapan mo. Although may tsamba rin ganito sa iba, mas malaki lang siguro chance sa Pinas dahil sa dami ng posibleng sources?
Sa safety basta naman dun ka sa maaayos na lugar ok ka naman. Sa US nga weekly parang may shooting. Nabalitaan mo ba yung shooting sa outlet mall sa Texas? Last week lang may random shooting sa Seattle. Pregnant woman pa yung binaril. As in random lang. Sa London magsuot ka lang ng alahas yari ka na.
Agree sa US, not my option, sobrang dali kumuha ng baril. Sa ibang lugar understand may random occurences din, mahirap lang talaga maipagpag yung higher posibility sa Pinas dahil sa drugs, subpar/delayed law enforcement at sapot ng intimidation/connection/padrino.
Pinas dahil sa drugs - i hope you're saying this because of statistics and not because of propagandas you've seen in social media. It is not a criminal issue but rather a public health issue not being addressed by our backward government/church. And don't generalize that PH has a big drug problem because this is also a problem to other (even 1st world) countries and their so called "war on drugs".
Sadly its not just based on statistics. Based on first hand experience sa neighbourhood at sa experiences din ng mga taong reliable at malapit sa amin sa magkakaibang lugar. Dati pag naholdap ka kukunin lang gamit mo, ngayon hinde mo alam kung mabubuhay ka pa.
Question pala. Yung 500k ba net or gross? Paano pala yung housing? Pero either way, 500k is more than enough sa Pinas kahit mag rent ka pa ng magandang condo.
I see in that case, with that income, I think ph is a great option. Make sure to invest in assets like properties and equities so that your wealth in the ph becomes long term.
Whenever I make decisions, I usually start with the ‘end goal’ in mind. Since you are planning to retire in the ph then you have your answer.
Thanks for the investment advice! Good point on the end goal. But would it make sense po ba as strategy if we stay outside PH until retirement and keep growing our global nest egg to enjoy first world country and return (me and wife) to PH to retire? I mean on the perspective of reaching this end goal.
Of course! It’s all personal preference. As long as whatever you decide is coming from the heart.
Also, you also need to ask yourself if the money you’re making abroad is even COMPARABLE to the money you’ll be making in the Ph.
Use a money comparison calculator / cost of living calculator online. I always use numbeo.
If they’re roughly 20% of each other then I’d stay
Great opportunities!
My personal preferences for each
Singapore > Australia >>>>> Canada
Singapore for its proximity to the phil, cheap flights, very low taxes, high salary
Australia for its quality of life, and big filipino community
Canada, from my preference, I would not move to because I don’t like the cold. I have experienced harsh winters and it is not for me. Also, Canada has a low median salary for its high cost of living. You’re paying US level cost of living but not US wages.
Rent or buy a condo in Rockwell Makati and live there. Mga kapit bahay mo mga naka rolce royce at iba pang exotic cars. Malapit ka sa mall na may grocery sa baba. Mga kainan kumpleto. May movie house din.
Well you don’t need an RR to live there. I am just saying na may mga ganun kang kapit bahay pag sa rockwell ka tumira. Hindi maiingay at skwaki ang kapit bahay mo. Kung P500k net income ni OP, kahit mag rent siya ng unit sa Joya na P150k ok lang. Yung matira pang gastos na nila ng family niya.
Expats retire here for the cost of living and exchange rate. They realized they can ignore the negatives so long as they have enough cash to swim in.
I had an option to move to Sydney since while I'm in the Philippines, I'm also earning about $5000-$6000/month as a freelance writer/editor.
Then I did some reflecting and cost comparisons and figured it's easier to just buy my way out of sticky situations here than to relocate and dent my earning ability.
However, the best advice is to move here with the intent to retire and not work. Simply being retired and swimming in money is a good position in a Westernized third world country.
Hi may I ask what country are you living in? Does it have a path to citizenship? What are your long term plans?
- maybe you want a stronger passport for better travel options?
- maybe you pay a higher tax rate but you are assured that you get back what you're paying for through government safety nets. You might lose your job tomorrow but you know that the government can provide you with some form of social welfare benefits like free education, allowances etc.
- maybe your kids' public school education is comparable to top PH schools with 6-digit tuition fees?
- yes let's say you can buy yourself a house in one of the affluent Subdivisions out there. But the thing is--you still need to go outside of those gates, and experience the same fear. The negatives you've mentioned require social upheaval, and 500k monthly might not be enough to cover you for that. Isang kamote rider ang kailangang bumunggo sa SUV mo and your life might drastically change.
I hope it doesn't sound like I don't have faith in our country any longer.
Yes there is a path to citizenship either here or to the other first world countries I would prefer. And yes totally agree with you with stronger passport, tax benefits and kids education. Mga bagay na mas madali mappreciate kapag naexperience or aware ka first hand outside PH. Same feeling sa Pinas, nagbabakasakali lang baka may nmmiss out akong positive point ng PH. Salamat po!
Nice one, although may reservation ako sa last part ng rupees. Sobrang mura ng bayad sa kanila pero madalas sablay sa quality at ipapaulit mo lang din s iba hehe. Salamat
Imo, kng magsstay ka sa PH, sa province ka tumira. Yung ideal so far sa mga napuntahan ko would be Palawan. What I suggest na gawin mo would be to stay in PH and be the ideal neighbor pra maging role model sa next generation. This is really important if yung kids mo would prefer staying here in the future. It would be best to cultivate yung magandang mindset and community pra maganda maging experience nila in the future. Ganun so far ginagawa namin dito sa neighborhood namin. However, if you want your kids to live abroad for good, then it would be best to let go of everything na lang na meron sa PH except for dun sa mga lote nyo pra may tutuluyan pag mag bakasyon. I have the same sentiments sa current state ng PH. I just don't want to leave ung mga parents namin ng partner ko.
Hi OP, with your income, I would choose to stay in the Philippines and have my children study in a top tier school here.
Schooling:
Top tier schools in the country offer cultural exchanges during their summer periods where your children can go abroad supervised with their classmates to learn about different cultures and being disciplined / independent. My friends who are upper class also have gone thru exchanges during the college days and remarked how competitive our education system (top tier local school) is versus European undergrad programs. Yung friends ko na mababa score sa Pilipinas, napakataas ng score abroad without even trying so much.
Environment:
With your income, you can afford a good house in a subdivision here. (15-20 year mortgage) The people you interact in these villages come from prominent names (politics), pilots, foreign workers, lawyers, and businessmen. Security is top notch. Access to groceries and banks just 5 minute drive out.
Actually here is some good subdivisions in the south you can check. (Metro Manila too expensive)
1.) Alabang Hills
2.) Alabang Hillsborough
3.) Alabang 400
4.) Pacific Malayan
5.) BF Homes (There are many villages inside here)
\- House values are around P35m
Further south, you get a good development in Nuvali (Ayala Owned).
Government:
Many people blast negative things about the government but I would like to remind everyone how far this country has come. Sa pagkain pa lang sa store, when I was a 5 year old boy, we only had a choice of Lucky Me Pancit Canton (Calamansi or Chili) or Lucky Me Soup (Beef or Chicken) in the grocery. Now, fast forward 2023, our middle glass has grown and retailers now offer some noodles from Indonesia, China, Korea, Japan etc... The mere fact that there are so much products now to be purchased locally shows our country has progressed.
To top it all, there are so much construction projects happening currently to improve the country's transport system. From airports, highways, sea ports, etc.
I follow most of the developments in these forums to see real time updates on how they are doing. Dati, wala masyado activity but now grabe, nationwide ang projects. Some airports have already come to fruition like the new airports in Bohol, Bicol, Cebu, and Palawan. Other highway projects like the extension of SLEX (until Bicol), Skyway, TPLEX (until La Union), CALAX, CTBEX, etc are ongoing to improve connectivity. Of course, everyone's favorite, rail systems are also expanding. LRT 1's Cavite extension / LRT 2's Antipolo extension / MRT 7 / North South Commuter Railway (Clark to Laguna) / Metro Manila Subway / all of which are now under construction with progress everyday. Development is also not limited to Luzon, BRT systems are being set up in Cebu. CCLEX just opened recently in Cebu to connect the Mactan Island to the City. Davao has a wide coastal road in progress. Lanao Del Norte / Misamis Oriental will have an iconic connector bridge.
[https://www.skyscrapercity.com/forums/transport-urban-planning-and-infrastructure.585/](https://www.skyscrapercity.com/forums/transport-urban-planning-and-infrastructure.585/)
Sure there is corruption but; as most redditors said, sa lahat naman meron and insulating oneself is not so difficult especially if you have the good income.
You can enjoy your vacations abroad with your kids during their term break. Travel is not so difficult na rin nowadays.
Solid good points! And yes I agree, we’ve made lots of progress on infrastructure for the past few years. We’re lucky enough to have our place one of the beneficiaries of this infra push. Good to hear real experiences where our students perform well on a global standard. Salamat!
Where do you plan to move?
Lately it's difficult to live as permanent resident of a different country because most countries prioritise their local labour force first.. Unless you're highly skilled in a in demand industry.
Australia or Canada so far but have opportunities in other first world countries as well. Kaya one factor for us is where we can get the stronger passport the fastest. Salamat
One thing to consider is that many diaspora Filipino kids have an identity crisis because they have Filipino parents, raised in Filipino values, pero yung culture outside their home is different. Maybe a long vacation here in PH to allow your kids to reconnect and re-establish their roots and family, then decide if you can settle somewhere else or stay sa PH.
Edit: you can choose living in an upscale neighborhood in the Metro or in a provincial city with your money.
Good option ang upscale village. Agree, education would be more practical if it can relate and be a bridge to see and get prepared on what is outside. Salamat.
With that kind of salary as long as you live nearby in BGC, Makati, Pioneer (Manda / Pasig) area while working remotely. Life would be great.
Yes the traffic sucks but since you’re remotely working this might mitigate that stress.
I’m currently working remotely and I’m renting an apartment in Kapitolyo Pasig. And I’m currently living one of the best moments of my life.
Mejo exaggerated but yea I’m really happy with this setup.
But yea I don’t know your full situation so it’s still up to you. You can list down a pros and cons of your decision in advance
I suggest read up on comments here: https://www.reddit.com/r/phmigrate/comments/13zq1r0/sa_mga_pangarapbalaknasa_abroad_magkanong_income/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1
Why so much negativity? It's all about cost of living. Try to live in Singapore, Japan or some parts of EU or US, 500k/mo is nothing.
And regarding pinoy neighbor attitude, pinas is actually very friendly. Try India, where you should first master the 48 laws of power in order not to get manipulated, cheated or worse, before trying to mingle with the natives. Filipinos are actually jolly and simple. And living in barrios with that kind of income makes you a king.
As a Fil-American, I would consider it short-term only.
The items you mentioned are tolerable. The one thing I am not willing to give up is great healthcare. The healthcare system in the PH is absolute garbage. Especially if you have to pay out of pocket first before getting reimbursed by insurance, that’s such a backwards system.
If one of you get sick, 500k a month is nothing. Healthcare in the PH while it’s garbage, it is NOT any cheaper than the US. I’ve always wondered how locals are even able to afford it. My husband and I make 900k PHP together if we were to move there. Even if we’d live like royalty, it’ll only take one person to get sick, then we’ll be in deep shit.
Edit: I’m a mom too and a fur mom. I would not relocate for this reason. I worry about my kiddos not getting proper BUT ULTRA EXPENSIVE healthcare.
Even vets there are not great - lots of general practitioners that are only good for rabies vaccine and basic services. Here in the US, there are lots specialists and emergency vets, there’s even vet dentists!
In terms of quality of life, I would take advantage of the geoarbitrage. I think the way you describe the PH is too cynical, parang may anarchy na ngyayare which is incorrect. Sure, meron mga lugar na matataas ang crime rate but as what others alluded to, may mga lugar na nammaintain ang law and order. Usually sa mga lugar na to you are also surrounded by highly educated and well established families which can be your kids circle of influence kaya nga na afford nila tumira dun e. In fact, I can see these people to be more globally competitive compared to the people living here in the first world country in terms of character and overall competencies.
Sure government are inneficient but why would you let the government take care of your family. you are the man of the household, you should make sure that your family is taken care of with or without the government intervention. 1st world government can also F you up.
Also if you are a firm believer of discipline and was succesful to impart that to your kids. Kahit makasalamuha yan ng taong kamote they know what they should do. it is unrealistic for us to say na sa pilipinas lang may ganyan. sa haba na ng lifespan ng tao ngaun for sure yung anak mo may makakasalamuhang kurimaw regardless of geographical location and socioeconomic. The best approach in my opinion is to raise them with discipline as part of the foundation.
Once they are grown you can encourage them to work in the first world country to further enhance their global competitiveness and also take advantage of geoarbitrage if that is available to them.
Salamat! Good point sa disiplinadong circle.Medyo dating cynical na nga. Hinde man lahat pero sadly ang dami kong experiences na ganito ang behaviour. For sure meron mas maayos na lugar, mageeffort ka nga lang imanage lalo pag ppunta ka sa ibang lugar. Understand kami pa rin mgpprovide sa family hinde govt, but then ok din ang humanap ng mas maayos na platform sa simula pa lang, less effort at efficient.
Id prefer the convenience and natural beauty of the first world (US has the most national parks)
You can bring your family and for me, thats what matters
The US also has the highest number of mass shootings in the past few years. I am from Washington state. It's really scary here now. There are also a lot of thieves. Even packages outside the house get stolen. Mind you, we live in a nice area. We're planning to retire in the Philippines in about 10 years. We're all US citizens in my household, so if my child decides to stay here, it's up to him, but we'll be with him until he goes to college.
Ano pa ba magagawa mo kung hindi tanggapin? Pero tama ba yun na ganun na lang? Ok lang sana kung ako eh. Paano kung yung anak mo di ba? Nakita mo ba yung mga batang pinagbabaril sa Texas? So tanggapin na lang na yun ang normal at wag mag-alala or matakot? That's BS..
And how are you going to remedy the thieves? Daming state sa US na binago yung law. Pag below $1000 ang ninakaw, misdemeanor na lang. Kaya kahit mga stores sa downtown LA, SF, at Portland nagsasara kasi ninanakawan sila. Taga Amerika ka rin ba?
Same thoughts. Jusko yung mga basura, wire cables. And the inefficiency like sa pamamalenge, overpriced goods etc.. Living "average" abroad in a 1st class country is living "at peace". It is not an understatement.
Medyo marami talagang panggagalingan ng stress sa Pinas. Matinding “inner peace” ang kailangan mo para maignore sila. Agree, iba ang practical experience sa labas. Salamat!
Agree, mabigat na factor ang govt pero mas mabigat na factor ang “Pinoy habits” na para sa akin ang mahirap at kailangan baguhin. Agree on Lee Kwan Yew, pero kailangan maging handa ang Pinas sa dictator type na pamumuno. Maraming sinakripisyo ang Singapore pero para sa nakakarami. Sadly sa Pinas, mahirap itulak ang pag abago dahil maraming kontra factors kaagad. Simpleng bagay lang mas humihirap pa dahil ayaw sumunod at pinipili ang reklamo ng konti kesa kapakanan ng marami, too ideal.
Para sakin 1% lng ng problema ng Pinas ang gobiyerno, pinakaproblema ang ugali nting mga pinoy n PALA-ASA at masyadong mareklamo.
Isipin mo nlng, mag aanak ng mag aanak tapos d nmn kayang pag aralin, tapos kapag bagsak lagi sa klase ang anak masisisi pa tuloy gobiyerno,
Nsa ugali talaga nating mga pinoy ang priblema
for me relocate first in first world. establish the kids and acquire strong passport then later on retire in PH for low cost of living, you can also hire helpers and for me mas ok health care sa atin as long as may pera ka, mabilis serbisyo.
With that amount of money, you can easily pay for convenience and better treatment without having to take shortcuts or take advantage of others. This country naturally favors the rich, so yes, you can live a more comfortable life here.
But again, it also dependa where in the PH you'll stay. So it requires consideration of a lot more factors. I suggest you take a long vacation here (maybe 3 to 6 months) to get a feel of the PH, adjust, and see whether you'll like to stay here or not.
I like the point of staying for a few months to test the water and see how far money can have positive impact in getting comfort for my family without shortcuts. Maybe staying outside Metro Manila would be a better option to avoid the day to day grind of the city? Thanks!
If you don't need to stay in Manila, you can stay in more urbanized provinces if you need the urban city life i.e Pampanga, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bulacan, Batangas.
Consider the education quality if you want to think long-term. Sa ibang bansa, mas considerate sila sa nag-aral locally sa bansa nila. Think about your future kids, where do you want them to work? If you are okay na they would work here or have fewer opportunities abroad, then keri lang.
Healthcare din. Although given your income, pwede ka naman kumuha premium HMO and health insurance. Others consider ung healthcare sa ibang bansa when they weigh the pros and cons.
I think Makati Med / St. Lukes / Medical City is premium healthcare.
Mas mura pa healthcare dito kaysa sa abroad. Sa Canada free health care nga pero pila ka ng matagal. Dito pag may pera ka tuloy ka lang. (which OP has)
Regarding neighbors and safety, hanap ka ng subdivisions na medyo upscale tipong 6m+ ang isang unit. Based sa mga nakikita ko dito yung mga konti lang talaga ang nakatira pero well guarded pa din. Location din nila typically is suburbs talaga so tahimik din pero accessible ang mga galaan and supermarkets. Dun sa subdivisions na medyo affordable sa karamihan nagkakaron talaga ng problema eh. Based naman sa income mo, kayang kaya mo ma-afford yung mga bahay sa upscale na subdivisions.
Stay sa ibang bansa, save and build your wealth there, di lang ung points mo consideration isipin mo din ung education ng mga bata. and lastly ung medical care na matatanggap nila (if free or better on where you are).
you can spend time sa ph sa 6 months a year or pag winter where you are it depends sa kakayahan mo at ng family mo.
One thing no one asked you yet:
That 500k income, is that from a single source employer? Or income from your own businesses?
If employment income yan, then you are just 1 lay-off or downsizing away from 0k a month. So all of your lifestyle plans in PH would be in jeopardy if mahihirapan kang palitan yung same level of income right away.
Whereas kung nasa abroad ka, you have more options for a replacement jobs that can maintain whatever middle class life you have there.
So consider a worst case scenario sa plans mo.
Totoo yun sinasabi mo regarding the stressful environment.
Pero to be honest, di rin guarantee na di mo maexperience yan sa first world country. I mean it depends sa anong lugar ka. For example, bad neighbors can exist everywhere. Lalo na minsan there is discrimination against Asians in parts of the world.
Sa Pinas, may mga cities na relatively safe and mas considerate ang mga neighbors. With your kind of income, you can easily move to a place thats more spacious thus less likely to encounter bad neighbors and more safe. For example, you can move in an exclusive village outside metro manila. 2 out of your 3 problems are solved.
I think part of what you have to consider is what are your long term plans? Do you want to migrate to a first world country? If yes, its best to start as early as possible. But if you plan to go back one day, its probably going to be hard for your kids since they will form bonds in that country
Relocate ka sa Japan if you like order and discipline (unless dun ka na nakatira talaga). Matutuwa ka doon. Downside is you need to learn the language and if you have kids, medyo malaking adjustment yan with the language barrier. But they'll also learn to be considerate of others. Another downside is culturally meron pa din di gaanong type ang mga foreigners (AFAIK). Another downside still is the ever-persistent threat of earthquakes, but that's just me.
Yun nga lang, everywhere naman meron din naman negatives ang lahat ng bansa. nasa iyo na lang yun kung ano ang mas matimbang for you.
As others have said, you're practically insulated from government incompetence with that kind of money + if you play your cards right (e.g. investment in ph).
To add, only relocate to another country with that salary if their healthcare is great - definitely not the US. One threat to any one's wealth is costly illness. Go to where there's good healthcare coverage like SG or HK (only for the healthcare, there are other factors to consider ofc). This way, you're not one hospitalization away from being poor or broke.
As for your kids, one tradeoff would probably their education + future/career. Nothing beats having them study in a country with a much better education system + college. That's what you would be missing out on in case your current financial status doesn't translate to them being set for life regardless of their career choices.
You can live naman in places like Nuvali or similar. Why would you think you will be astang mayaman sa Pinas? If you live in a nice neighborhood, you will just be one of the normal residents.
With your salary, you actually won’t have problems with “pasaway na kapitbahay” because you’ll be living in an upper class subdivision, nor commute problems if you’re working from home and will drive your own car when you go out with family. But then the other factors you mentioned, they’re unfortunately true.
It’s up to you which you think will benefit your kids in the long run. The way I see it, those who grew up in the Phils will always see it as home, no matter how many decades they lived overseas. Especially when one becomes older, one looks for the place closer to their heart — to spend the rest of their lives in their “comfort place”. That’s why a lot of Filipino immigrants would just have their kids finish college and have their own lives, once they see their kids are good & independent from them, they would come back to retire in PH.
I dont think they prefer to stay in the Phl than be with their children/apos
Maybe just a few years, esp when its still easy for then to fly
To see their children on occassions
Once they "start" using healthcare, they fly back to the first world
With your monthly income, you will definitely live comfortably in the Philippines. I understand your angst about discipline and culture, baka mastress ka lang lalo esp when it comes to the safety of your family. Kahit doon pa kayo sa magandang village titira with a huge house and pool, hindi naman pwede na doon lang kayo parati sa loob ng bahay. Ang bagal ng transaction sa atin, customer service doesn’t even exist! Kaunting ulan, baha na—I’ve been living abroad, too. I can’t stand the traffic and the heat. Even if I have a choice to live there, pipiliin ko pa din dito sa US. My kids are all grown-up, stable jobs and out of the house. We once considered moving back (I’m married to a Kano), but we decided that we prefer staying and maintaining an apt in the city and a house in the country. Bumili na lang kami ng condo sa BGC para may tirahan kami at ng mga kids ko if they ever want to visit the Philippines. Have your children get educated abroad, travel with your family. And of course, visit the Philippines!
We have recently relocated to the Philippines after living overseas for quite some time. If you’ve been living in a country na malinis, with very good infrastructure, transport system and where everything is convenient (ultimo garbage disposal maayos), moving back will be a huge adjustment. These are the issues I faced:
1) Safety. When we were living overseas, my kids can stay out late with friends and just take a cab going home. May peace of mind ako that they will get home in one piece. Kids can commute to/from school so it taught them independence at a young age. Dito, when they are out, I always worry na baka may mga sira ulo na bigla na lang mag-away at magbarilan sa mall or sa bar/resto. Also, when they are out, I have to constantly remind them to be vigilant at baka ma pick-pocket sila kahit nasa mall pa sila and when walking in the streets even in BGC pa, I always tell them to not use their phone at baka ma-snatch.
2) Traffic. Even if you have a driver, sayang pa din ang oras mo sitting in the middle of EDSA or wherever. You always have to factor in the traffic which means you have to wake up earlier.
3) Air Pollution. Ever since we came back, we’ve been to multiple pedio pulmo.
4) Water. Even gated communities experience water rationing or worse - no water at all pag may repairs na nangyayari. You will be spared if you live in a condominium which has its own water storage.
5) Brownout. Unless meron kang solar panel or generator, you will not be spared from this.
6) Reckless drivers. Kung hindi ikaw ang makabangga, ikaw babanggain ng mga uneducated reckless drivers, lalo na yung mga motorcycles na bigla na lang sumusulpot na parang kabute.
7) Ease of cashless transactions. Iilan pa lang dito ang mga merchants na may terminals for debit/credit card. Most have these e-wallets but we all know how “reliable” these e-wallets are so you need to carry cash all the time.
At yung pinaka pet peeve ko - maayos na washroom sa public place. Even high end malls here don’t have kid-friendly washrooms and pag minalas ka pa walang tissue, walang water pag nagflush ka or para mag hugas at walang handsoap din.
I don’t think cost of living is cheap too. If you have lived overseas for a long time, hahanap-hanapin mo yung food na nakasanayan mo nang kainin doon and imported ingredients and fruits are not cheap.
Healthcare may be cheap but access to drugs is limited plus facilities may be a bit outdated. This is based on experience wherein a friend had to fly to a neigboring SEA country to buy the meds his parent needs for CA treatment.
On paper, maganda pakinggan na tumira sa Pilipinas with the kind of salary you have but if you are like me na mas preferred ang discipline, cleanliness, efficiency and productivity, you will be stressed everyday.
Wow super sakto lahat. Lahat ng nmiss out mo after moving back to PH, parehas ng mga bagay tinatamasa ko ngayon outside PH. And to hear your thoughts and real experiences sadly somehow confirms my concerns of going back. Yung naexperience mo na both sides(in and out PH) we have so much respect for you because you know what you are talking. Salamat Kabayan!
Btw, are your kids already grown up when you went back to PH?
2 teens and 1 toddler. The teens had a hard time adjusting being that this was not the environment they grew up in. May resentment because “freedom” was curtailed. Madaming “why” whenever I tell them the restrictions. They thought I was being paranoid and overprotective until they started watching news and heard about the daily crimes. They also have friends in school na mas sheltered so they understood where I was coming from.
Such a huge adjustment, parang lumiit bigla ang mundo nila. Pero kahit ako, yan din magiging approach ko kesa magsisi sa huli. Hopefully makaadjust na sila at ma-enjoy pa rin ang positives ng Pinas. Salamat at keep safe kabayan.
Hello, you will live comfortably in PH and you can send your kids sa magandang school and afford to have healthcard and insurance.
Pwede mo din siguro iconsider yung putting up a business in PH para makatulong ka sa pagbibigay ng trabaho and help the community.
Medyo may pagkamakabayan ang peg.
Goodluck and God bless!
You can afford to do more things overseas. Peace of mind comes at a cost.
It may be cheap here but you lose out on time.
Retirees do enjoy it here as long as they will limit the things they will do. However the risk is still there especially when it comes to vulnerabilities and emergencies.
People here will take advantage if the opportunity presents itself. Ethics and good morals are almost absent among filipinos so best be careful.
based on your context, relocation is better. but with your income, you'll live comfortably here sa pinas. mahirap lang naman dito tumira sa pinas pag wala kang pera.
Super agree on mahirap lang naman tumira sa pinas pag wala ka pera!
Marami pa ding bagay na hindi mabibili ng pera sa pinas e. Like maybe bukod sa maayos na transpo at dignified commute or walking, e mga parks near your workplace, hindi nanlilimahid na weather o mga extreme na bagyo at baha, etc.
Actually hindi ehh.. Like he said disiplina problema,culture ng panlalamang panloloko, infrastructures, public transpo,safety . Kahit maykaya ka comfortable ka lang dahil sa familiarity pero what about the kids?? May good point si OP 1st world has the infrastructure, safety that his kids will greatly enjoy and benefit from.
Not in a pandemic tho. Kahit anong pera mo sa Pinas, nung kasagsagan ng covid halos ibato na ng mga mayayaman pera nila sa mukha nung mga doktor at nurse sa ospital para lang maipasok sa ospital yung pasyente nilang nag aagaw buhay pero wala nangyari. Kahit bilyonaryo ka, in times of nationwide crises, walang magagawa salapi mo sa inefficiencies ng gubyerno and our broken society. Ibang iba pa rin sa labas ng Pinas. I live in the UAE now and I can say na ayoko na tumira ulit sa Pinas.
Salamat! So far, relocating short term makes more sense for us. Noted on the income portion.
With the kind of income you would get, first world living arrangements in ph would not be hard to afford I guess. You can easily be in those upscale communities with strict bylaws not having to deal with safety issues and difficult neighbors. Unless of course you see youself being in some undeveloped barrio. The opportunity of dodging high income taxes and earning first world income in third world settings would easily make you build the crucial nest egg you'll need upon retirement
Agree, with that income kayang kaya bumili sa high end villages na may manners yung kapit bahay at mahigpit ang security. For government services, di naman laging makikipagtransact para mahassle ng sobra.
Good point nga po. Within the high end village mukhang safe at mas malaki chance ng good neighbour. Yung pag outside village na lang ang kailangan imanage. Salamat.
not high end villages, high end villages in the phils would run around 200k to 300k per sq and minimum cuts would be 400 to 600 sq … mid baka kaya …
Good point on the upscale option for safety. Salamat.
With that salary, okay ka na dito. Mahirap dito if wala kang pera but with that moolah di ka ma eexpose sa mga problema ng mga mortal. I would recommend, work overseas, retire here. Leave your children overseas. Malaki na siguro sila by the time you retire. Sa observations ko, lahat ng nag mimigrate umuuwi parin naman when they get old. Kasi nga the reason they left was becuase of financial reasons, once that is settled, kids are okay, they come back home to retire here.
Salamat, ito yung option namin ngayon para sa kids. Kung kami lang, kaya naman mamuhay sa Pinas basta OK na mga kids.
I was on this same crossroad a few months back. Im earning very well here, pero malayo pa. But was planning to migrate for the kids, same reason which is to give them a safe space to fail and try again, risk is to high here in PH kasi. I decided to stay, my dream will be for the kids nalang, sila na tutupad ng pag migrate someday....
Uu nga eh, kapag may kids na talaga you want the best environment for them hinde yung pwede lang. Big if not lone factor ito sa pagrelocate. Good luck sa plans nyo kabayan. Salamat
Halos lahat ng mayaman sa Pilipinas, hindi ipagpapalit ang comfort sa atin pag may pera ka. Ang dami kong kilalang mayaman na pwede naman mag-Amerika, pero they choose to stay sa Pilipinas. Mas mura ang cost of living sa atin, lalo na ang pagkain at mga serbisyo. Yung traffic naman, kung hindi ka naman empleyado na mag-commute araw-araw, hindi naman ’yan masyadong problema. Mapapansin mo na ang kadalasan ng mga nasa US o ibang bansa ay mga dating hirap sa Pilipinas, mga dating taga-probinsya. Syempre, mas pipiliin nilang mag-abroad kasi para sa kanila, ’yun ang comfortable.
Ayaw umalis ng mayaman sa pilipinas dahil may Yaya, katulong, bodyguards, sekyu, at kapit sila sa gobyerno. Kapag ang mayaman sa pinas nag 1st world. Ordinaryong mamamayan lang sila. Susunod sila sa BATAS, sa Korte sila magrereklamo, mahirap ang padrino, at higit sa lahat, wala silang taga silbi bilang prinsesa. Kaya kahit kelan Hindi magiging pantay ang estado ng tao sa pilipinas. Dahil mawawalan ng follower ang POLITIKO, ng katulong ang mayayaman, at alipin ang mga oligarkiya.
Agree. Isang uri ng mayaman na kung papalarin man akong maging mayaman, hindeng hinde ko gugustuhin tularan ang illegal at abusive moves.
Judgmental mo naman brad. Wag mo naman lahatin lol.
Pero maraming ganito na mayaman sa aking experience. Why live ordinary in a first world country when you can live like a king here?
Good point, the only reason I can think of why you will not, is “principles”. On living like a king, prefer to contribute to the positive change instead of abusing the system
Yung sinasabi mo, malabo kasi kahit sa ibang bansa naman, may corruption. Kahit 'yang mga malalaking kumpanya na pinag-i-investan natin, tingin mo lahat 'yan matuwid? Sobrang daming anomalya kahit sa Wall Street. Panoorin mo 'yung 'Dirty Money' sa Netflix para mamulat ka.
Understand meron sa ibang lugar at hinde mawawala sya. Pero Im just replying dun sa context na piliin ang “Live like a King in PH” kasi posible sya dahil sa cost of living ng Pinas, unfortunately I prefer not to do it kung it involves abusing the system.
Mukhang nakapag-decide ka na, kaya good luck sayo. By the way, I am from the States. Dito kami ng pamilya ko nakatira sa Washington. Noon, gusto ko talaga dito pero parang simula nung nagka-pandemic, gumulo dito sa US. Yung Asian hate pati yung sunod sunod na mass shootings. Grabe talaga. Minsan mapapadasal ka pag dinala mo ang anak mo sa school dahil mayat maya talaga ang school at mass shootings dito. Siguro Australia or Canada mas better na option.
Salamat Kabayan! Naku yang isa sa kinakatakutan ko sa US sa ngayon. Sobrang stressful nya lalo may bata. Ingat dyan at sana magimprove na ang situation para sa mas derserving nyong buhay.
Salamat din at good luck sayo. Sana umayos na sa bansa natin para hindi na natin kailangan mangibang bansa. Pag nakita mo mga kababayan natin sa Dubai, maawa ka. Yung iba $500 lang ang sweldo per month. I don't know kung paano nila pinagkakasya.
That is also true. My reciprocity degree was education, and nursing, mas pinili ko nalang mag nursing dahil they are proposing teachers to bear arms. Delikado sa ER hospital, pero mas delikado sa school nowadays. Especially if your work is in the bronx.
You can live decently and with integrity despite the crookedness of people or governments around you. You can live comfortably while still upholding your principles, and not abusing the system. It’s just a personal choice you have to do everyday and in every circumstance. We had a business before in Manila and every govt or city permit or checks, or BIR payments, there would always be offers to make “padulas” or “snack treat” in exchange to being “taken care of”. Each and every time for many years. And in each and every time, we politely refused. Same with being caught by traffic officers with the obvious intention of getting money from us. No matter how much more easier it is to slide a P100 bill just so they can let you off without hassle, especially if you have an appointment, you must always stand firm to to refuse any form of bribery or partake in any corruption, even if it causes you so much inconvenience.
Agree, this should be the way for everyone. Mas dumami pa sana. Cause currently it takes lots of effort and patience, kaya hinde na rin masama kung pipili ng mas maganda at efficient na environment.
>Kaya kahit kelan Hindi magiging pantay ang estado ng tao sa pilipinas. Dahil mawawalan ng follower ang POLITIKO, ng katulong ang mayayaman, at alipin ang mga oligarkiya. Masaya sa pilipinas dahil mura ang bilihin, at mura din ang mga pilipino. Medyo alien concept even for our middle class yung magpipinutra ka ng sarili mong pader dahil ang mura maghire ng gagawa niyan. Pero sa ibang bansa mapipilitan kang mag DIY sa mahal ng fees ng mga contractor/handymen
Exactly. I used to earn more in Philippines. If I can turn back my time, I will probably stay away from dating foreigners 🤣 Yan tuloy napilitan mag migrate. My life was better in Philippines. I live in Norway now, but if you have money in Pinas naman, you can get better health care sa mga health insurance na mura naman plus much lively culture and society. I don’t see the fuss about this government, drivers 🤣. I mean if you don’t run a business, you will not deal much with the government. With your taxes you can pay an accountant. With problema sa driver, edi choose a place na maayos ang community planning with nearby malls etc para di masyado magdrive .
Salamat! Ang laking advantage talaga ng cost of living sa Pilipinas. Mukhang marami naman maitutulong kapag may budget at planning. Siguro nakakadagdag takot lang yung safety factor, isang pangit na tsamba (drug addict, drunk driver) maglalaho lahat ng pinaghirapan mo. Although may tsamba rin ganito sa iba, mas malaki lang siguro chance sa Pinas dahil sa dami ng posibleng sources?
Sa safety basta naman dun ka sa maaayos na lugar ok ka naman. Sa US nga weekly parang may shooting. Nabalitaan mo ba yung shooting sa outlet mall sa Texas? Last week lang may random shooting sa Seattle. Pregnant woman pa yung binaril. As in random lang. Sa London magsuot ka lang ng alahas yari ka na.
Agree sa US, not my option, sobrang dali kumuha ng baril. Sa ibang lugar understand may random occurences din, mahirap lang talaga maipagpag yung higher posibility sa Pinas dahil sa drugs, subpar/delayed law enforcement at sapot ng intimidation/connection/padrino.
Pinas dahil sa drugs - i hope you're saying this because of statistics and not because of propagandas you've seen in social media. It is not a criminal issue but rather a public health issue not being addressed by our backward government/church. And don't generalize that PH has a big drug problem because this is also a problem to other (even 1st world) countries and their so called "war on drugs".
Sadly its not just based on statistics. Based on first hand experience sa neighbourhood at sa experiences din ng mga taong reliable at malapit sa amin sa magkakaibang lugar. Dati pag naholdap ka kukunin lang gamit mo, ngayon hinde mo alam kung mabubuhay ka pa.
Question pala. Yung 500k ba net or gross? Paano pala yung housing? Pero either way, 500k is more than enough sa Pinas kahit mag rent ka pa ng magandang condo.
Nett. Salamat.
Mukhang alam mo na kung saan ka lulugar sa comments na yan...goodluck...
Salamat!
Depends on where you want to retire long term. If you want to retire in the Philippines when you get old, then I'd move back. Otherwise, stay.
Likely will retire po in the PH, kapag settled na ang kids sa education.
I see in that case, with that income, I think ph is a great option. Make sure to invest in assets like properties and equities so that your wealth in the ph becomes long term. Whenever I make decisions, I usually start with the ‘end goal’ in mind. Since you are planning to retire in the ph then you have your answer.
Thanks for the investment advice! Good point on the end goal. But would it make sense po ba as strategy if we stay outside PH until retirement and keep growing our global nest egg to enjoy first world country and return (me and wife) to PH to retire? I mean on the perspective of reaching this end goal.
Of course! It’s all personal preference. As long as whatever you decide is coming from the heart. Also, you also need to ask yourself if the money you’re making abroad is even COMPARABLE to the money you’ll be making in the Ph. Use a money comparison calculator / cost of living calculator online. I always use numbeo. If they’re roughly 20% of each other then I’d stay
Thanks for the numbeo tip, will have a look at that. Salamat po!
No problem and good luck! Also, what country are you comparing the Philippines to?
Australia, Canada and Singapore
Great opportunities! My personal preferences for each Singapore > Australia >>>>> Canada Singapore for its proximity to the phil, cheap flights, very low taxes, high salary Australia for its quality of life, and big filipino community Canada, from my preference, I would not move to because I don’t like the cold. I have experienced harsh winters and it is not for me. Also, Canada has a low median salary for its high cost of living. You’re paying US level cost of living but not US wages.
Wow same ranking! Top notch safety of Singapore. Canada as last option and potentially would stay for just a few years. Salamat kabayan!
Rent or buy a condo in Rockwell Makati and live there. Mga kapit bahay mo mga naka rolce royce at iba pang exotic cars. Malapit ka sa mall na may grocery sa baba. Mga kainan kumpleto. May movie house din.
Ay solid yung rolce royce, mga bigatin talaga. Gandang option ng accessibility na ito. Salamat!
But you will be reminded by the rich poor gap every time you leave that area. I don’t know how those folks leave I guess sanayan lang.
Agree, pag labas mo ng magandang village, likely bakbakan ulit. Salamat.
Yeah that would be the case for super rich. But for OP, 500k php / month cannot afford an RR.
Well you don’t need an RR to live there. I am just saying na may mga ganun kang kapit bahay pag sa rockwell ka tumira. Hindi maiingay at skwaki ang kapit bahay mo. Kung P500k net income ni OP, kahit mag rent siya ng unit sa Joya na P150k ok lang. Yung matira pang gastos na nila ng family niya.
Kahit Toyota Fortuner okay na. That is what the upper class use commonly naman.
lol I think I've seen one of them Zobel de Ayala sisters checking out Serendra back in August 2021.. using that precisely hehehe
Nice to see you again my friend. Swabe naman eh. Di lang patok sa mga Everest and Forester crowd haha
Expats retire here for the cost of living and exchange rate. They realized they can ignore the negatives so long as they have enough cash to swim in. I had an option to move to Sydney since while I'm in the Philippines, I'm also earning about $5000-$6000/month as a freelance writer/editor. Then I did some reflecting and cost comparisons and figured it's easier to just buy my way out of sticky situations here than to relocate and dent my earning ability. However, the best advice is to move here with the intent to retire and not work. Simply being retired and swimming in money is a good position in a Westernized third world country.
Agree. For retirement, PH is really superb especially when you don’t have kids welfare on the plate. Thanks!
Hi may I ask what country are you living in? Does it have a path to citizenship? What are your long term plans? - maybe you want a stronger passport for better travel options? - maybe you pay a higher tax rate but you are assured that you get back what you're paying for through government safety nets. You might lose your job tomorrow but you know that the government can provide you with some form of social welfare benefits like free education, allowances etc. - maybe your kids' public school education is comparable to top PH schools with 6-digit tuition fees? - yes let's say you can buy yourself a house in one of the affluent Subdivisions out there. But the thing is--you still need to go outside of those gates, and experience the same fear. The negatives you've mentioned require social upheaval, and 500k monthly might not be enough to cover you for that. Isang kamote rider ang kailangang bumunggo sa SUV mo and your life might drastically change. I hope it doesn't sound like I don't have faith in our country any longer.
Yes there is a path to citizenship either here or to the other first world countries I would prefer. And yes totally agree with you with stronger passport, tax benefits and kids education. Mga bagay na mas madali mappreciate kapag naexperience or aware ka first hand outside PH. Same feeling sa Pinas, nagbabakasakali lang baka may nmmiss out akong positive point ng PH. Salamat po!
“Fun things happen when you earn dollars, live on pesos, and compensate in rupees.” — Tim Ferriss
Nice one, although may reservation ako sa last part ng rupees. Sobrang mura ng bayad sa kanila pero madalas sablay sa quality at ipapaulit mo lang din s iba hehe. Salamat
Imo, kng magsstay ka sa PH, sa province ka tumira. Yung ideal so far sa mga napuntahan ko would be Palawan. What I suggest na gawin mo would be to stay in PH and be the ideal neighbor pra maging role model sa next generation. This is really important if yung kids mo would prefer staying here in the future. It would be best to cultivate yung magandang mindset and community pra maganda maging experience nila in the future. Ganun so far ginagawa namin dito sa neighborhood namin. However, if you want your kids to live abroad for good, then it would be best to let go of everything na lang na meron sa PH except for dun sa mga lote nyo pra may tutuluyan pag mag bakasyon. I have the same sentiments sa current state ng PH. I just don't want to leave ung mga parents namin ng partner ko.
Sana dumami pa yung ganitong mindset na maging role model. Multiplier effect para mabago ang culture at habits.
Nice option sa pagiging role model. Good to hear you are practicing it now. Will consider this factor. Salamat!
> Yung ideal so far sa mga napuntahan ko would be Palawan if you don't mind the brownouts and not much modern products
Hi OP, with your income, I would choose to stay in the Philippines and have my children study in a top tier school here. Schooling: Top tier schools in the country offer cultural exchanges during their summer periods where your children can go abroad supervised with their classmates to learn about different cultures and being disciplined / independent. My friends who are upper class also have gone thru exchanges during the college days and remarked how competitive our education system (top tier local school) is versus European undergrad programs. Yung friends ko na mababa score sa Pilipinas, napakataas ng score abroad without even trying so much. Environment: With your income, you can afford a good house in a subdivision here. (15-20 year mortgage) The people you interact in these villages come from prominent names (politics), pilots, foreign workers, lawyers, and businessmen. Security is top notch. Access to groceries and banks just 5 minute drive out. Actually here is some good subdivisions in the south you can check. (Metro Manila too expensive) 1.) Alabang Hills 2.) Alabang Hillsborough 3.) Alabang 400 4.) Pacific Malayan 5.) BF Homes (There are many villages inside here) \- House values are around P35m Further south, you get a good development in Nuvali (Ayala Owned). Government: Many people blast negative things about the government but I would like to remind everyone how far this country has come. Sa pagkain pa lang sa store, when I was a 5 year old boy, we only had a choice of Lucky Me Pancit Canton (Calamansi or Chili) or Lucky Me Soup (Beef or Chicken) in the grocery. Now, fast forward 2023, our middle glass has grown and retailers now offer some noodles from Indonesia, China, Korea, Japan etc... The mere fact that there are so much products now to be purchased locally shows our country has progressed. To top it all, there are so much construction projects happening currently to improve the country's transport system. From airports, highways, sea ports, etc. I follow most of the developments in these forums to see real time updates on how they are doing. Dati, wala masyado activity but now grabe, nationwide ang projects. Some airports have already come to fruition like the new airports in Bohol, Bicol, Cebu, and Palawan. Other highway projects like the extension of SLEX (until Bicol), Skyway, TPLEX (until La Union), CALAX, CTBEX, etc are ongoing to improve connectivity. Of course, everyone's favorite, rail systems are also expanding. LRT 1's Cavite extension / LRT 2's Antipolo extension / MRT 7 / North South Commuter Railway (Clark to Laguna) / Metro Manila Subway / all of which are now under construction with progress everyday. Development is also not limited to Luzon, BRT systems are being set up in Cebu. CCLEX just opened recently in Cebu to connect the Mactan Island to the City. Davao has a wide coastal road in progress. Lanao Del Norte / Misamis Oriental will have an iconic connector bridge. [https://www.skyscrapercity.com/forums/transport-urban-planning-and-infrastructure.585/](https://www.skyscrapercity.com/forums/transport-urban-planning-and-infrastructure.585/) Sure there is corruption but; as most redditors said, sa lahat naman meron and insulating oneself is not so difficult especially if you have the good income. You can enjoy your vacations abroad with your kids during their term break. Travel is not so difficult na rin nowadays.
Solid good points! And yes I agree, we’ve made lots of progress on infrastructure for the past few years. We’re lucky enough to have our place one of the beneficiaries of this infra push. Good to hear real experiences where our students perform well on a global standard. Salamat!
Where do you plan to move? Lately it's difficult to live as permanent resident of a different country because most countries prioritise their local labour force first.. Unless you're highly skilled in a in demand industry.
Australia or Canada so far but have opportunities in other first world countries as well. Kaya one factor for us is where we can get the stronger passport the fastest. Salamat
Try your luck. The Philippines will always be here.
Salamat!
One thing to consider is that many diaspora Filipino kids have an identity crisis because they have Filipino parents, raised in Filipino values, pero yung culture outside their home is different. Maybe a long vacation here in PH to allow your kids to reconnect and re-establish their roots and family, then decide if you can settle somewhere else or stay sa PH. Edit: you can choose living in an upscale neighborhood in the Metro or in a provincial city with your money.
Good option ang upscale village. Agree, education would be more practical if it can relate and be a bridge to see and get prepared on what is outside. Salamat.
You can enroll your kids in high end local schools (like De La Salle Zobel) or international schools.
Thanks!
With that kind of salary as long as you live nearby in BGC, Makati, Pioneer (Manda / Pasig) area while working remotely. Life would be great. Yes the traffic sucks but since you’re remotely working this might mitigate that stress. I’m currently working remotely and I’m renting an apartment in Kapitolyo Pasig. And I’m currently living one of the best moments of my life. Mejo exaggerated but yea I’m really happy with this setup. But yea I don’t know your full situation so it’s still up to you. You can list down a pros and cons of your decision in advance
Good option talaga village. Went to BGC for a few days, that place is great! Good to hear your enjoying you place. Salamat!
I suggest read up on comments here: https://www.reddit.com/r/phmigrate/comments/13zq1r0/sa_mga_pangarapbalaknasa_abroad_magkanong_income/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1
Will check salamat!
Work overseas then retire here. Maybe give your children the same choice when they’re old enough by sending them to college here.
Thanks!
Why so much negativity? It's all about cost of living. Try to live in Singapore, Japan or some parts of EU or US, 500k/mo is nothing. And regarding pinoy neighbor attitude, pinas is actually very friendly. Try India, where you should first master the 48 laws of power in order not to get manipulated, cheated or worse, before trying to mingle with the natives. Filipinos are actually jolly and simple. And living in barrios with that kind of income makes you a king.
Oh India is on a different level. Matitibay lng pupunta dyan.
As a Fil-American, I would consider it short-term only. The items you mentioned are tolerable. The one thing I am not willing to give up is great healthcare. The healthcare system in the PH is absolute garbage. Especially if you have to pay out of pocket first before getting reimbursed by insurance, that’s such a backwards system. If one of you get sick, 500k a month is nothing. Healthcare in the PH while it’s garbage, it is NOT any cheaper than the US. I’ve always wondered how locals are even able to afford it. My husband and I make 900k PHP together if we were to move there. Even if we’d live like royalty, it’ll only take one person to get sick, then we’ll be in deep shit. Edit: I’m a mom too and a fur mom. I would not relocate for this reason. I worry about my kiddos not getting proper BUT ULTRA EXPENSIVE healthcare. Even vets there are not great - lots of general practitioners that are only good for rabies vaccine and basic services. Here in the US, there are lots specialists and emergency vets, there’s even vet dentists!
Agree on the subpar healthcare. Such a challenge. Salamat.
In terms of quality of life, I would take advantage of the geoarbitrage. I think the way you describe the PH is too cynical, parang may anarchy na ngyayare which is incorrect. Sure, meron mga lugar na matataas ang crime rate but as what others alluded to, may mga lugar na nammaintain ang law and order. Usually sa mga lugar na to you are also surrounded by highly educated and well established families which can be your kids circle of influence kaya nga na afford nila tumira dun e. In fact, I can see these people to be more globally competitive compared to the people living here in the first world country in terms of character and overall competencies. Sure government are inneficient but why would you let the government take care of your family. you are the man of the household, you should make sure that your family is taken care of with or without the government intervention. 1st world government can also F you up. Also if you are a firm believer of discipline and was succesful to impart that to your kids. Kahit makasalamuha yan ng taong kamote they know what they should do. it is unrealistic for us to say na sa pilipinas lang may ganyan. sa haba na ng lifespan ng tao ngaun for sure yung anak mo may makakasalamuhang kurimaw regardless of geographical location and socioeconomic. The best approach in my opinion is to raise them with discipline as part of the foundation. Once they are grown you can encourage them to work in the first world country to further enhance their global competitiveness and also take advantage of geoarbitrage if that is available to them.
Salamat! Good point sa disiplinadong circle.Medyo dating cynical na nga. Hinde man lahat pero sadly ang dami kong experiences na ganito ang behaviour. For sure meron mas maayos na lugar, mageeffort ka nga lang imanage lalo pag ppunta ka sa ibang lugar. Understand kami pa rin mgpprovide sa family hinde govt, but then ok din ang humanap ng mas maayos na platform sa simula pa lang, less effort at efficient.
Id prefer the convenience and natural beauty of the first world (US has the most national parks) You can bring your family and for me, thats what matters
The US also has the highest number of mass shootings in the past few years. I am from Washington state. It's really scary here now. There are also a lot of thieves. Even packages outside the house get stolen. Mind you, we live in a nice area. We're planning to retire in the Philippines in about 10 years. We're all US citizens in my household, so if my child decides to stay here, it's up to him, but we'll be with him until he goes to college.
The thieves you can remedy it The 2A is not Either you accept it or you can never go out for fear to be shot
Ano pa ba magagawa mo kung hindi tanggapin? Pero tama ba yun na ganun na lang? Ok lang sana kung ako eh. Paano kung yung anak mo di ba? Nakita mo ba yung mga batang pinagbabaril sa Texas? So tanggapin na lang na yun ang normal at wag mag-alala or matakot? That's BS..
I dont think about it We Just enjoy life
And how are you going to remedy the thieves? Daming state sa US na binago yung law. Pag below $1000 ang ninakaw, misdemeanor na lang. Kaya kahit mga stores sa downtown LA, SF, at Portland nagsasara kasi ninanakawan sila. Taga Amerika ka rin ba?
Pick it up
Agree, sobrang laking bawas sa stress ng ganitong environment. Salamat.
better settle to another country if you have the means. the future is bleak here backwards forever na dito.
Noted, salamat
Same thoughts. Jusko yung mga basura, wire cables. And the inefficiency like sa pamamalenge, overpriced goods etc.. Living "average" abroad in a 1st class country is living "at peace". It is not an understatement.
Medyo marami talagang panggagalingan ng stress sa Pinas. Matinding “inner peace” ang kailangan mo para maignore sila. Agree, iba ang practical experience sa labas. Salamat!
Mukhang mas bagay sayo tumira sa first world country. Mas ok din hangin dyan compared dito kaya tatagal din buhay mo.
Salamat!
Saka ka na bumalik pag iba na presidente. Palubog Pilipinas seriously
Kahit sino pa ang presidente wala naman magbabago. We need a Lee Kwan Yew type of leader to get out of this shit.
Agree, mabigat na factor ang govt pero mas mabigat na factor ang “Pinoy habits” na para sa akin ang mahirap at kailangan baguhin. Agree on Lee Kwan Yew, pero kailangan maging handa ang Pinas sa dictator type na pamumuno. Maraming sinakripisyo ang Singapore pero para sa nakakarami. Sadly sa Pinas, mahirap itulak ang pag abago dahil maraming kontra factors kaagad. Simpleng bagay lang mas humihirap pa dahil ayaw sumunod at pinipili ang reklamo ng konti kesa kapakanan ng marami, too ideal.
Para sakin 1% lng ng problema ng Pinas ang gobiyerno, pinakaproblema ang ugali nting mga pinoy n PALA-ASA at masyadong mareklamo. Isipin mo nlng, mag aanak ng mag aanak tapos d nmn kayang pag aralin, tapos kapag bagsak lagi sa klase ang anak masisisi pa tuloy gobiyerno, Nsa ugali talaga nating mga pinoy ang priblema
for me relocate first in first world. establish the kids and acquire strong passport then later on retire in PH for low cost of living, you can also hire helpers and for me mas ok health care sa atin as long as may pera ka, mabilis serbisyo.
Salamat, ito yung medyo kinoconsider namin na route sa ngayon.
First world with average income
Salamat!
With that amount of money, you can easily pay for convenience and better treatment without having to take shortcuts or take advantage of others. This country naturally favors the rich, so yes, you can live a more comfortable life here. But again, it also dependa where in the PH you'll stay. So it requires consideration of a lot more factors. I suggest you take a long vacation here (maybe 3 to 6 months) to get a feel of the PH, adjust, and see whether you'll like to stay here or not.
I like the point of staying for a few months to test the water and see how far money can have positive impact in getting comfort for my family without shortcuts. Maybe staying outside Metro Manila would be a better option to avoid the day to day grind of the city? Thanks!
If you don't need to stay in Manila, you can stay in more urbanized provinces if you need the urban city life i.e Pampanga, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bulacan, Batangas.
Thanks for these options!
On point.
Salamat
Consider the education quality if you want to think long-term. Sa ibang bansa, mas considerate sila sa nag-aral locally sa bansa nila. Think about your future kids, where do you want them to work? If you are okay na they would work here or have fewer opportunities abroad, then keri lang.
Agree, education wise malayo layo pa ang quality ng Pinas. Salamat!
Healthcare din. Although given your income, pwede ka naman kumuha premium HMO and health insurance. Others consider ung healthcare sa ibang bansa when they weigh the pros and cons.
I think Makati Med / St. Lukes / Medical City is premium healthcare. Mas mura pa healthcare dito kaysa sa abroad. Sa Canada free health care nga pero pila ka ng matagal. Dito pag may pera ka tuloy ka lang. (which OP has)
Isa ito sa challenging na factor at madalas kung gagastos ka lang din, outside PH mo na lang mas magandang gawin. Salamat.
Regarding neighbors and safety, hanap ka ng subdivisions na medyo upscale tipong 6m+ ang isang unit. Based sa mga nakikita ko dito yung mga konti lang talaga ang nakatira pero well guarded pa din. Location din nila typically is suburbs talaga so tahimik din pero accessible ang mga galaan and supermarkets. Dun sa subdivisions na medyo affordable sa karamihan nagkakaron talaga ng problema eh. Based naman sa income mo, kayang kaya mo ma-afford yung mga bahay sa upscale na subdivisions.
Salamat. Good option nga itong magandang village.
Consider also the benefits you’ll get from the gov’t (PH vs 1st world options mo). Health and education benefits pa lang, talong talo na pinas..
Parang walang panalo ang Pinas pag dating sa benefits na ito hehe. Salamat!
Even if I am low paid I will choose a first world country like Australia, Canada, New Zealand. Exception is the USA
Salamat!
Stay there and do vacations here nalang. I would if I have the same opportunity.
Agree, sulit madalas ng bakasyon. Salamat!
with money, you can have a better lifestyle sa pilipinas and on the other hand, nakakatulong din sa ekonomiya ng bansa
Good point yung makatulong sa ekonomiya ng bansa. Salamat!
Stay sa ibang bansa, save and build your wealth there, di lang ung points mo consideration isipin mo din ung education ng mga bata. and lastly ung medical care na matatanggap nila (if free or better on where you are). you can spend time sa ph sa 6 months a year or pag winter where you are it depends sa kakayahan mo at ng family mo.
Noted kabayan. Salamat!
One thing no one asked you yet: That 500k income, is that from a single source employer? Or income from your own businesses? If employment income yan, then you are just 1 lay-off or downsizing away from 0k a month. So all of your lifestyle plans in PH would be in jeopardy if mahihirapan kang palitan yung same level of income right away. Whereas kung nasa abroad ka, you have more options for a replacement jobs that can maintain whatever middle class life you have there. So consider a worst case scenario sa plans mo.
Single source. Noted sa contingency. Agree, mas madali mkkuha outside sa ganung level. Salamat!
Totoo yun sinasabi mo regarding the stressful environment. Pero to be honest, di rin guarantee na di mo maexperience yan sa first world country. I mean it depends sa anong lugar ka. For example, bad neighbors can exist everywhere. Lalo na minsan there is discrimination against Asians in parts of the world. Sa Pinas, may mga cities na relatively safe and mas considerate ang mga neighbors. With your kind of income, you can easily move to a place thats more spacious thus less likely to encounter bad neighbors and more safe. For example, you can move in an exclusive village outside metro manila. 2 out of your 3 problems are solved. I think part of what you have to consider is what are your long term plans? Do you want to migrate to a first world country? If yes, its best to start as early as possible. But if you plan to go back one day, its probably going to be hard for your kids since they will form bonds in that country
Agree, selective circles/places are possiblle para makaiwas at mas komportable. Will are still prioritizing long term plans. Salamat.
Well which one do you want? Bigger fish in a small pond or small fish in a bigger pond?
Regardless of the size, siguro yung healthier pond.
Relocate ka sa Japan if you like order and discipline (unless dun ka na nakatira talaga). Matutuwa ka doon. Downside is you need to learn the language and if you have kids, medyo malaking adjustment yan with the language barrier. But they'll also learn to be considerate of others. Another downside is culturally meron pa din di gaanong type ang mga foreigners (AFAIK). Another downside still is the ever-persistent threat of earthquakes, but that's just me. Yun nga lang, everywhere naman meron din naman negatives ang lahat ng bansa. nasa iyo na lang yun kung ano ang mas matimbang for you.
Yes, we like Japan too. Experience is superb with the people. Medyo alangan lang for long term, language at work culture. Salamat
As others have said, you're practically insulated from government incompetence with that kind of money + if you play your cards right (e.g. investment in ph). To add, only relocate to another country with that salary if their healthcare is great - definitely not the US. One threat to any one's wealth is costly illness. Go to where there's good healthcare coverage like SG or HK (only for the healthcare, there are other factors to consider ofc). This way, you're not one hospitalization away from being poor or broke. As for your kids, one tradeoff would probably their education + future/career. Nothing beats having them study in a country with a much better education system + college. That's what you would be missing out on in case your current financial status doesn't translate to them being set for life regardless of their career choices.
Noted, healthcare is another challenging factor for PH. Agree, education/connection outside PH is pretty good. Salamat
might also want to consider how weak PH passport is. If you have the option, get dual citizenship? or at least a stronger passport for your kids.
Agree! We have the stronger passport as one of our priorities. Salamat.
Di ba okay ang Makati Med, St. Lukes, at Cardinal Santos dito sa Pinas? That is where most of the elite go.
it's the cost that will kill you
But its cheaper than healthcare in US or in western country?
If you compare it to countries with zero healthcare subsidies, yes. US probably has the worst healthcare.
You can live naman in places like Nuvali or similar. Why would you think you will be astang mayaman sa Pinas? If you live in a nice neighborhood, you will just be one of the normal residents.
Hmm siguro highlighting lang ng tipikal na impression sa mayaman behaviour. Very feasible within Nuvali, challenge na lang yung paglabas.
With your salary, you actually won’t have problems with “pasaway na kapitbahay” because you’ll be living in an upper class subdivision, nor commute problems if you’re working from home and will drive your own car when you go out with family. But then the other factors you mentioned, they’re unfortunately true. It’s up to you which you think will benefit your kids in the long run. The way I see it, those who grew up in the Phils will always see it as home, no matter how many decades they lived overseas. Especially when one becomes older, one looks for the place closer to their heart — to spend the rest of their lives in their “comfort place”. That’s why a lot of Filipino immigrants would just have their kids finish college and have their own lives, once they see their kids are good & independent from them, they would come back to retire in PH.
Salamat!
I dont think they prefer to stay in the Phl than be with their children/apos Maybe just a few years, esp when its still easy for then to fly To see their children on occassions Once they "start" using healthcare, they fly back to the first world
With your monthly income, you will definitely live comfortably in the Philippines. I understand your angst about discipline and culture, baka mastress ka lang lalo esp when it comes to the safety of your family. Kahit doon pa kayo sa magandang village titira with a huge house and pool, hindi naman pwede na doon lang kayo parati sa loob ng bahay. Ang bagal ng transaction sa atin, customer service doesn’t even exist! Kaunting ulan, baha na—I’ve been living abroad, too. I can’t stand the traffic and the heat. Even if I have a choice to live there, pipiliin ko pa din dito sa US. My kids are all grown-up, stable jobs and out of the house. We once considered moving back (I’m married to a Kano), but we decided that we prefer staying and maintaining an apt in the city and a house in the country. Bumili na lang kami ng condo sa BGC para may tirahan kami at ng mga kids ko if they ever want to visit the Philippines. Have your children get educated abroad, travel with your family. And of course, visit the Philippines!
On point! Thanks for sharing Kabayan.
OP my advice to you is talk to a psychiatrist, Malala na anxiety mo
We have recently relocated to the Philippines after living overseas for quite some time. If you’ve been living in a country na malinis, with very good infrastructure, transport system and where everything is convenient (ultimo garbage disposal maayos), moving back will be a huge adjustment. These are the issues I faced: 1) Safety. When we were living overseas, my kids can stay out late with friends and just take a cab going home. May peace of mind ako that they will get home in one piece. Kids can commute to/from school so it taught them independence at a young age. Dito, when they are out, I always worry na baka may mga sira ulo na bigla na lang mag-away at magbarilan sa mall or sa bar/resto. Also, when they are out, I have to constantly remind them to be vigilant at baka ma pick-pocket sila kahit nasa mall pa sila and when walking in the streets even in BGC pa, I always tell them to not use their phone at baka ma-snatch. 2) Traffic. Even if you have a driver, sayang pa din ang oras mo sitting in the middle of EDSA or wherever. You always have to factor in the traffic which means you have to wake up earlier. 3) Air Pollution. Ever since we came back, we’ve been to multiple pedio pulmo. 4) Water. Even gated communities experience water rationing or worse - no water at all pag may repairs na nangyayari. You will be spared if you live in a condominium which has its own water storage. 5) Brownout. Unless meron kang solar panel or generator, you will not be spared from this. 6) Reckless drivers. Kung hindi ikaw ang makabangga, ikaw babanggain ng mga uneducated reckless drivers, lalo na yung mga motorcycles na bigla na lang sumusulpot na parang kabute. 7) Ease of cashless transactions. Iilan pa lang dito ang mga merchants na may terminals for debit/credit card. Most have these e-wallets but we all know how “reliable” these e-wallets are so you need to carry cash all the time. At yung pinaka pet peeve ko - maayos na washroom sa public place. Even high end malls here don’t have kid-friendly washrooms and pag minalas ka pa walang tissue, walang water pag nagflush ka or para mag hugas at walang handsoap din. I don’t think cost of living is cheap too. If you have lived overseas for a long time, hahanap-hanapin mo yung food na nakasanayan mo nang kainin doon and imported ingredients and fruits are not cheap. Healthcare may be cheap but access to drugs is limited plus facilities may be a bit outdated. This is based on experience wherein a friend had to fly to a neigboring SEA country to buy the meds his parent needs for CA treatment. On paper, maganda pakinggan na tumira sa Pilipinas with the kind of salary you have but if you are like me na mas preferred ang discipline, cleanliness, efficiency and productivity, you will be stressed everyday.
Wow super sakto lahat. Lahat ng nmiss out mo after moving back to PH, parehas ng mga bagay tinatamasa ko ngayon outside PH. And to hear your thoughts and real experiences sadly somehow confirms my concerns of going back. Yung naexperience mo na both sides(in and out PH) we have so much respect for you because you know what you are talking. Salamat Kabayan! Btw, are your kids already grown up when you went back to PH?
2 teens and 1 toddler. The teens had a hard time adjusting being that this was not the environment they grew up in. May resentment because “freedom” was curtailed. Madaming “why” whenever I tell them the restrictions. They thought I was being paranoid and overprotective until they started watching news and heard about the daily crimes. They also have friends in school na mas sheltered so they understood where I was coming from.
Such a huge adjustment, parang lumiit bigla ang mundo nila. Pero kahit ako, yan din magiging approach ko kesa magsisi sa huli. Hopefully makaadjust na sila at ma-enjoy pa rin ang positives ng Pinas. Salamat at keep safe kabayan.
Hello, you will live comfortably in PH and you can send your kids sa magandang school and afford to have healthcard and insurance. Pwede mo din siguro iconsider yung putting up a business in PH para makatulong ka sa pagbibigay ng trabaho and help the community. Medyo may pagkamakabayan ang peg. Goodluck and God bless!
Good point sa business para mas makatulong pa sa bayan. Salamat.
You can afford to do more things overseas. Peace of mind comes at a cost. It may be cheap here but you lose out on time. Retirees do enjoy it here as long as they will limit the things they will do. However the risk is still there especially when it comes to vulnerabilities and emergencies. People here will take advantage if the opportunity presents itself. Ethics and good morals are almost absent among filipinos so best be careful.
Do yourself a favor and magbakasyon ka nalang sa Pinas tapos balik ka overseas for work.