At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at the Philippines and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.Retired in Samar
http://retiredinsamar.com/
Randy and his wife decided to escape their US private sector rut and retire to the Philippines. Randy’s blog is split into two sections: check out ‘Before paradise’ for posts leading up to their big move. He provides some great practical advice and an overview of what it takes to get ready to make such a big life change. Hop back to Randy’s most recent, often light-hearted posts to see how retirement in paradise is unfolding. It’s not entirely stress-free and Randy heartily blogs his opinions and frustrations alongside all the great aspects.
She Gathers No Moss
http://shegathersnomoss.com/
Aussie Alexandra, her husband and their children are long-term expats, having lived and worked in Thailand, Malaysia, the Czech Republic, England, Ireland, Australia and now the Philippines. Alexandra’s career mirrors her eclectic life, and in Manila she is a freelance writer for both food and expat magazines. Her blog records the ups and downs of being a nomad, her family’s travels and recollections of people and places. Alexandra also shares her local dining experiences and republishes her professional articles on her blog.
An Outsider’s Perspective
www.theexpatangle.com
This Australian has lived in worked in Makati for about five years, managing a call centre operation. He makes some frank observations about the quirks of Filipino culture as he shares his experiences working and travelling in the country – this is expat insight with no sugarcoating! Check out ‘cost of living in the Philippines for professionals’, ‘an expat’s love / hate relationship’ , tips for finding a condo and, in the absence of the classic McDonalds thickshake, he reveals his favourite local hangover cures.
Formerly in the Philippines
https://mattwilkie.wordpress.com/
Matt, his Filipina wife and their kids no longer call the Philippines home – but they did for nearly seven years – and the British expat still regularly posts simple, informative vlogs offering his opinions on everything from having children in the country to retiring, renewing visas and online dating. Matt’s is a ‘mixed bag’ site containing advice for expats, personal diary entries, motivational and self development content. You’re sure to find sections that are relevant to you.
Journey Into Paradise
http://lifebeyondthesea.com/
Henry took a leap of faith in moving to the Philippines from Southern California for love at age 49, despite having never been there before. He runs a very informative site providing an honest look at all the islands have to offer, for new arrivals and seasoned expats alike. Henry’s articles, vlogs and podcast episodes are particularly of interest to those dating or in relationships with locals – and cover everything from romances, scams, expat resources, the ins and outs of running a business in the Philippines and legal need-to-knows.
Texan in the Philippines
http://www.texaninthephilippines.com/
A Texan and his Filipina wife move to the Philippines and plan to stay forever, with frequent trips back to the US. Along with personal, everyday life stories and videos, his site has sections dedicated to places to visit, stay and dine at in Calbayog and Samar. Guest writers provide articles on topics of interest to expats; from local supermarket products and prices to typhoon updates, warnings about dodgy operators and their personal journeys that brought them to the Philippines.
I Dreamed of This
http://www.idreamedofthis.com/
Nathan’s claim to blogger fame is the lengthy post ‘Philippine Culture, From a Confused American’s Perspective’ which went viral a few years ago. He’s location independent and tours all over the world, but he spent three years traveling in, and documenting, the Philippines. Nathan has comprehensive write-ups (and stunning photos) of loads of Philippine destinations. He goes deep with some lessons learned from his time there, and describes ways in which he is treated like a king as a ‘white guy’ in the country. But keep reading and Nathan will explain why it’s so important not to start acting like one.
We’re always on the lookout for more sites to feature – if you run a blog about living in the Philippines, leave us a link in the comments and we’ll take a look!