The Philippines: Heaven on Earth, and Affordable!

The world is in a slowly recovering recession where living standards have been reduced through little fault of those who are suffering the consequences of the actions, mistakes and greed of a minority of the rest. That is the political situation and truth about the situation from which there is no escape.Luckily for me I have recently retired after completing 44 years of working worldwide, having sampled the conditions and cultures of many of the countries of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas (north and south), the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. My retirement came just after the financial collapse of 2008, which was also a blessing.During my decades of travel I have lived/worked in many countries that have been appealing.1.       Iran in 1965 was great, gentle people and a great place. The ‘normal’ Iranian is still a gentle person; the regime has become hostile and belligerent!2.       The USA, the country of freedom was so open and hospitable to all comers. After 9/11 everything changed after the horrific act of extremists who murdered thousands, for what??? ....a twisted belief that they are right and everyone else is wrong! Restrictions imposed to protect the majority have changed the atmosphere entirely. Entry/exit and travel within is severely affected and causes the individual much distress and discomfort.3.       The UAE, the seven emirates that make up the UAE are totally inviting although the environment is hot and barren. The Emirati people are so gentle and inviting; probably due to the nomadic nature of their ancestry. The cost of living however is prohibitive, and outside the range of the ‘normal’ retiree.There is the relatively undiscovered Philippines, famous, or infamous probably, for the less desirable aspects of life here, the rife bribery and corruption which is slowly being brought under control and (hopefully) eradicated by the present president (Benigno (Nono) Aquino III) and the sex industry, which will probably remain in perpetuity.What do the Philippines offer that Europe and North America does not, or has lost over the last 50 to 60 years?1.       Family values, the extended family still exists as a tightly bonded unit. Christmas here is fantastic, families and close friends gather together and celebrate in what I can only describe as the ‘old fashioned way’; not the commercially driven ways of Europe and America.2.       Respect for the older person, which remains here and is genuinely practiced, not just for show.3.       Services. When you are walking through one or other of the malls or stores, assistance is always offered and eagerly promoted; nothing is too much trouble; and the assistant is still polite and smiling when the customer declines all suggested AND thanks you for your time. Try that in the UK, Europe, the USA ...if you can find a willing assistant you are lucky and if you decline their suggestions and preferred items, all you get is a scowl and mutterings of dissatisfaction, discontent and words that suggest that your parents were not married!4.       A balmy climate that really doesn’t change throughout the year temperature wise. Yes, there is the rainy season and the drier season ...but cold, unless you go to Baguio or Tagaytay, is unheard of; well at least for us hardy souls!5.       A cost of living that is just perfect, labour costs for home help (maid), maintenance worker or driver (should you need one) that doesn’t bring you out into a ‘cold sweat’ and break the budget. Meals out that are tasty and affordable, gas prices that make you go ‘WOW’ and clothes prices (as long as you are not too large) which make you want to buy more …even if you are a man. Now that’s unusual!There are negative points as with any country and culture; if you go out into the wrong area at night and are visibly incapacitated, you will be mugged or worse. But that would happen anywhere. There are temptations here that are illegal, but again these occur in all countries.So act as an adult and be sensible and above all ENJOY!! [image: Jeepneys in Manila, via Wikitravel]

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