I Found The Most Unhinged Expats In The Philippines

Revealed: Expat Issues in the Philippines
Warning: Expat Misconduct in the Philippines
Shocking Truth: Expats Misbehaving in Philippines

[senseofstile]

I went to Jollibee in Panorama City, California. It's all filipinas behind the counter. I ordered a Champ burger. I was served an Aloha burger. Not a word from me. I had spent a few years in the Philippines. I adapt.
I am in Dumaguete. I ordered MacDonald's breakfast. Food Panda delivered it without the coffee. I kindly pointed at the receipt that stated coffee. I paid him and tipped him. I then politely said; "If you get a chance, bring the coffee."

I figured my coffee wouldn't come and I was okay with that. Sure enough the delivery driver brought it. Attitude makes a huge difference.

[DonDenver-rv]

Too many foreigners come here with attitudes on their shoulder hating everything & complaining about the country and yet they remain in the Philippines, leaving bad impression of our country as well as other countries they are from. I stay as far away as possible which is why I stay away from expat groups.
I watch mostly your videos which are always on point as well as there are a few others I pop in in every now and then. Keep up the good work you are definitely looking younger Paul as many told me the same thing after arriving 8 months after saying my face has smoothed out and so much less stress living in the Philippines my dry skiing began to produce the proper oils from being in the sun and away from the Aircon in the USA. It truly was amazing to see the difference in my photos.

[ronnyb]

We lived in Latin America and Central America for years. Expats down South were a hodgepodge of weirdness. All very unique, and sometimes unsavory. Very similar results and observations in Asia. One must have patience with the locals in any developing country as it will not be like your home country. Remember, if you do not care for a country anymore, you can always go to a different one. You are not a tree....you can always move.

[digit]

If your problems are from within, you cannot move away from them

[shaunmckenna]

Hello Paul, Wise words :) I am from the UK my main home is in Canada, for more than 20 years I have been going back and forth to the Philippines . There are two things you need to do when being there respect them and there ways and as you said a few time adapt. I have had a girlfriend from the Philippines for many years she has 2 homes 1 in QC and a beautiful home in Pangasinan, she is also able to travel lots to Canada and Europe . I love the Philippines and the people, believe it or not its a little like Ireland, as we would say " let the cares of tomorrow wait until this day is done " Thanks Paul.

[ChristiansTodayNeedTorah]

Paul, as a 68 yr old here full time for 6 yrs, the biggest problem for folks not making it here is the inability to adapt and accept. A lot of things are jacked up here for sure, but like you mentioned, we must learn to adapt and accept. For example having any dealings with the Banks here will cause the Pope to cuss. I am blessed that I have a wife who walks me through things. I have my second issuance of my Philippines Drivers License, I now have my 10 year one. I have a Dollar bank account to transfer my pension and SSA from Wells. As per a video of yours, I decided to keep my American account. Just transfer the funds once a month to my Dollar account here. I started with my feet only, but now we have a motorcycle and a car. A HUGE blessing and quality of life improvement. Diving here is NOT like driving in America. But once you adapt and accept, driving a vehicle becomes manageable. Anyway, folks who can't adapt and accept the way things are here will not make it.

[timtolliver]

I spent 11 months last year in La Trinidad, just outside BaguioCity up in the mountains. I went thru culture shock for sure. I came to love the place and people. Came back to states to work the summer and leave to go back in 19 days. Luckily, my wife there comes from a huge family. They are all kind and loving. You could say they look out for me. The patience you must have here is important. There is such a thing as "Philippine time." I have a Philippine drivers license, and driving is an obstacle course daily. I agree with you about each persons demeanor relating to how they adapt. I overlook the dogs, rubbish, roosters, traffic, and conjestion because the good outweighs the bad. These are a loving kind peoplefor the most part. Where i am, there are no guns, drugs, gangs. I feel safer there than the US. Im 62 years old and have rediscovered myself, like you said. Dont sweat the small stuff. I can deal with the barking dogs when my rent is only 8, 0000p and electricity 1, 000p. Its all mind over matter. I dont mind because it just doesn't matter. We have an apartment in the city and a house in the province if it gets too hectic.

[jojokrako]

I lived in the Phils for 4 years and I love the country as well as the people. I too like the fact that there are no cops sitting on every corner with ticket books in hand and watching like hawks to see if you are 1 mph over a speed limit, or if your tire touched a line painted on the road. To live and function in the PI is truly an exercise in the virtues of patience, and for those westerners who absolutely MUST have instant gratification and satisfaction, you may as well stay in your own home country. The key is to stay loose, take everything in stride, and as the old saying goes....improvise, adapt, and overcome.

[justflooreitme]

Paul, sometimes I don't think you were really a car salesman- realtor. Sometimes you really come off more like a licensed therapist or a psychiatrist. You really do make a lot of sense my friend. I hope all is well with you enjoy the rain God bless

[Southeastasiantraveler]

I think the key is low expectations - don't expect anything and just take things as they come. I've been here for 4 years, and as Paul says, the inefficiency of almost everything is staggering. I'm not patient by nature, soit's a daily battle to keep it calm and accept how things are done. They won't change for us.

[bongkoymil]

I am a Filipino- American born in Negros Occidental. Last year on my way back to the states I went to a small subway kiosk at the airport. I realized the bread was not even 6" long like in the states and the toppings are just two or three only to choose. from. When I went back to my table, everyone was happy to share a space in a crowded environment. I couldn't find that accommodation and belonging in the US.

[davidflint]

Hello Paul, as I am a retired Phyciatrist in England, lots of the things you say are very true about the Philippines, I have been going there from 2016, and I have a beautiful partner there, at moment she is with me in England, so, like everything that is human nature, not all people are the same, some will like and easily adapt to living and being there like you and I, but it is totally different from the western world like USA and UK, in eighteen months I shall be living there and permanently and hope to operate a online clinic for everyone including Filipinos and Foriegn people, and hope to help them with any problems they may have, your videos are very interesting and informative and factual, only people that have experienced what it is like there will understand where you are coming from and telling them here, take care and keep up the good work, Dr David Flint.

[scooter]

After watching you and other vloggers for the last 2 years, I made the move here in June. I kind of knew what to expect, but still get surprised every now and than. I have to go to the LTO this week, to get my DL, I am hoping for the best but expecting the worst. I found a beautiful apartment in Bacong with a generator within walking distance to the beach and am in heaven. There is so much to love about this beautiful country and people.

[jamesw]

And if you don't like the sound of Roosters crowing, just forget coming here at all. lol

[SirJohnRidesPhilippines]

Nailed it. Thanks, Paul. I’ve been here 9 months this time and would NEVER leave again if I don’t have to.
I do have to check myself once in a while and remind myself why I’m here.
I’m here for peace.
Slow down and take it as it comes, nice and easy.

[MJFUYT]

This world needs more logic and temperament. You have made my morning Paul. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[MrPat]

300 subscribers left to reach your 100, 000 subscribers Paul, rooting for you buddy, be a milestone to reach, and well deserved.

[erichschinzel]

I have been spending lots of time in the Philippines over the last 25 years
I find Filipino very friendly, especially when one doesn't expect it..
I went to a restaurant in Angeles run by young people..after getting my meal they owner shouted me a drink on the house..he just put it on the table just a smile..nothing more.

[hambone]

I struggled with the poverty for first couple of weeks living in the Philippines. That eased when I understood the kids were happy. Time went by very slowly initially until I learned patience. Serinity comes once you learn patience.

[bobjohnston]

Lived here 15 years and never looked back. You need to be flexible, respectful, resilient and above all patient.