Rabu, 18 Januari 2012
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]View the original article here
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That time of the year is rapidly approachingagain in the USA, Canada, Europe and most other countries where you reside. Do the economic conditions you find yourself with seem to be simply standing still or worsening?There is a way out – more foreigners than ever are choosing to live in the Philippines, which is rapidly becoming a popular retirement haven. There’s no use ignoring the facts: Life is becoming ever-more challenging in the States and Europe. Taxes are poised to go up. The government is expanding. Inflation is on the horizon, the housing market continues to slump, and the unemployment figures resist going down. People in Europe, Canada and the USA are seeking a way out from a dismal retirement future. Pensions and healthcare benefits are being cut, yet food, housing and transportation costs continue to rise, as do the length of years one must work before being eligible for a “retirement” benefit. The future that those living in these places face is not retirement, but rather to “work until you die”.Well there is another option, and more and more foreigners are discovering this in the Philippines. The US State Department estimates that over 300,000 American citizens are currently living in the Philippines. (source: American Citizens Abroad)Yet, as a retiree in the Philippines – I have a different story entirely. You can live without going into debt. Neighbors trust one another, the pace of life is slower, more civilized, manners still matter, and politics matter less.With over 7,000 islands in the middle of the Pacific and unlimited beaches where usually there are cool ocean breezes that bring relaxation and peace of mind, incredibly, you can still live luxuriously, even hire a maid, on nothing more than your Social Security check.“And I’m not going to take it anymore”. This is the sentiment expressed around the US through the recent ‘Occupy Wall Street (OWS)’ movement that seems to be flaring tempers on both sides of the argument. http://wethepeople2012.net/I am somewhat sheltered from this, being an expat here in the Philippines, but with Facebook and all of the news outlets, it’s impossible to avoid the implications of what’s going on with this movement.Today is a different world. We live in the age of Facebook, Twitter, text messaging and blogs. We have reached a point of worldwide group consciousness never before seen in the history of mankind.But admittedly, I have been wrong to dismiss this movement as short term hippie protest against capitalism. I feel the anger is misplaced toward Wall Street and the majority of the blame lies in Washington. I would feel a bit better if it were labeled, ‘Occupy DC’, but regardless there is merit to their protests, and it shouldn’t be dismissed.People are angry with the current state of affairs, and rightly so. Maybe they don’t understand the underlying causes of the ongoing economic crisis, but nonetheless they have the right to be disenchanted with the way things are being handled.I am sure many of you (if not all) agree that something is just not right today with the world. There is something out of sync.We are angry that big corporations have record amounts of cash on their balance sheets, but still refuse to hire. We are angry that the US seems to be turning into a fascist police state robbing it citizens of their personal freedoms. We are angry that we used to have great 6-figure jobs and now have to work 2-3 shit jobs just to make ends meet.We are angry that old ladies and children are subjected to intrusive pat downs by bullying TSA agents when they want to fly cross country and visit family. We are angry that politicians get to vote on the citizens’ healthcare and social insurance plans while they get to opt out in favor of much more lucrative plans for themselves. Clearly I could go on and on. There is much to be angry about today More foreigners than ever are choosing to live in the PhilippinesGreat Weather all year round with mild seasonsVERY interesting Nature areas – Beaches, Mountains, Hills, Nature Reserves, Beautiful Scenery – EverywhereSemi-tropical vegetation: Palm Trees; Cactus; Bougainvillea Flowers everywhereWith over 7000 islands, there are Oceans and Seas all around youRustic and attractive island style farms, homes, roadside malls, etc.A huge variety of weekly markets all over the islands with fresh foods in abundance, and at reasonable pricesVariety of relaxing areas with simple Spanish or Island architectureAttractive, small, comfortable home in a PERFECT residential location -120 sq meters living, 1,250 sq- meters land. 10 km to seaOffers a Multi-National environment - Very easy to meet people, establish friends. (British, German, American, Spanish, Italian, Swiss, Australian, etc.)Lots of cultural activity, and reasonably priced: Music, Theatre, - whatever suits youA marvelous capital city - Manila - 40 minutes away as well as numerous escapes throughout South East Asia, (Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia to name a few.)Roughly 43 Philippine Peso to 1 USD at current exchange ratesMaids and drivers 4500 at Pesos per mo.Great variety of good restaurants- Breakfast: Toast Jam, Orange Juice, Coffee, 250 Pesos; Lunch or Dinners 3 courses /dessert, Wine, 300 to 500 PesosUnlimited variety of reasonably priced groceries - All food / condiments available (English, Spanish, German, etc,)In the Philippines it’s possible to:• Live like a king in a tropical paradise
