Retire in the Philippines

Looking for a place to retire? For most westerners the Philippines has always been among the top choices. Indeed, so many tourists and expats have decided to retire in the Philippines. Retiring in the Philippines has been an easy transition because of the advantages the Philippines has to offer. Location is key. The Philippines is regarded as a strategic location in South East Asia because of its proximity to Taipei, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and even Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing. The Philippines also boasts of its own business and industrial hubs in Baguio, Subic, Clark, the greater Manila area, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Recently, the province of Negros Oriental and Dumaguete City in the same province have been reported as the best place to retire in the Philippines. There are several other places, however, that are ideal places for retirement in the Philippines. Consider Baguio City, the former R & R destination of American servicemen and Summer Capital of the Philippines, where the Philippine Military Academy, Camp John Hay, and Baguio Country Club are located. Baguio City, located about 2,000 meters above sea level boasts of pine trees and cool climate all year round. Baguio City is not only a tourist destination, it is also an industrial hub with Texas Instruments among its residents. Another ideal retirement location is Puerto Galera in the province of Oriental Mindoro. Puerto Galera is so named because of its protective natural coves and bays where Spanish Galleons sought refuge from storms when the Philippines was colonized by Spain. Today, Puerto Galera has so many foreign retirees enjoying the sun, surf, and sand, not to mention the top diving spots in the region. So many westerners have made Puerto Galera their new home. Yet another retirement location favorite is the island of Cebu. Top notch beach front properties dot the island from north to south, and hillside locations are abundant as well. Cebu is the new frontier for land developers Ayala Land and Landco. No matter where you retire in Cebu, you will find that you are only about 2 hours’ drive from Cebu City, which is currently the favorite place of business process outsourcing locators. Of course, for retirees who will miss the hustle and bustle of city life, you are never too far from Manila (Metro Manila). Even the southernmost destination of Zamboanga City is only about an hour’s flight away from Metro Manila. Metro Manila boasts of the business districts of Makati, Ortigas and Alabang. Of course, the famous old city of Manila itself has never lost its luster. Despite the rapid economic growth in the Philippines, the low cost of living in the country has always been a major factor for those who consider retiring in the Philippines. Anyone can live like a king, or queen, with a monthly pension of $1,000 USD. Most, if not all, foreigners retiring in the Philippines have invested part of their retirement benefits in some business in the Philippines to augment their financial resources, or to simply maintain an active life while in the Philippines. If you are a foreigner, there are so many reasons why you should retire in the Philippines. Some have noted the innate hospitality of Filipinos, and the absence of a language barrier. English speaking retirees will enjoy the Philippines, which is the largest English speaking nation outside the western hemisphere. This is the reason why call centers in Europe and the United States have relocated their operations to the Philippines. Year after year the Philippines is getting a larger slice in the call center business, second only to India. Not only do Filipinos speak good English, they are friendly as well. Callers can tell whether the call center representative is in the Philippines because of either their excellent English diction and grammar or their friendly attitude over the phone. Indeed, Filipinos are regarded to give preferential treatment to foreigners. Retirees have noted that Filipinos are a happy lot. There is no better way than to live your retirement years enjoying the sunshine paradise and Filipino friendliness in the Philippines.