General Info

[Goferring]

What do those long timers do? I have sen retired Ossie militry chrge the bars for happy hour drinking, many of them with pathetic, little side jobs selling caskes etc. There are Europeans with small businesses thereto keep their wives happy and themselves busy. Golf and table quizzes are swapping a scoial life here for a lesser one there. Expats / retirees have to keep themselves busy in SE Asia, but with what? Of coruse, everyone is different but maybe someoen wil come up woth an idea that sparks me.

I could go to the provinces nad sponsor a sari sari store but, in more sober moments, fuck that.

I am currently busy with a range of projects. Would be nice if beaches and broads could entice me like Sirens of old. One man's poison etc.

Unless you have extensive experience already, don't even think of starting a business. A retired bricklayer rarely takes the restaurant business by storm. Anyway, I retired to relax not manage staff, chase new business and wonder if today is the day that friends and family magically come in to pay their debts.

What to do? It's the same as back home. Find people, places and activities that you enjoy. No one is going to hand you a good time on a plate. Personally, I travel a lot, dive when I can and, occasionally, revel in doing absolutely nothing. Everyone is different but, yes, it does take some effort and perseverance especially after 40 years of others dictating what we do all day.

Enjoy. G.

[Jarango]

Without speaking for Sir Ugly, it's like any retirement: you have to have interests and friends outside of work or in our case, bars and girls..Enjoy. G.

What do those long timers do? I have sen retired Ossie militry chrge the bars for happy hour drinking, many of them with pathetic, little side jobs selling caskes etc. There are Europeans with small businesses thereto keep their wives happy and themselves busy. Golf and table quizzes are swapping a scoial life here for a lesser one there. Expats / retirees have to keep themselves busy in SE Asia, but with what? Of coruse, everyone is different but maybe someoen wil come up woth an idea that sparks me.

I could go to the provinces nad sponsor a sari sari store but, in more sober moments, fuck that.

I am currently busy with a range of projects. Would be nice if beaches and broads could entice me like Sirens of old. One man's poison etc.

[Goferring]

We all have things we want to do and have to do. Bonking random hookers is just one of them and, for me, it lost its novely many moons ago, Now, it is just perfucntory, no different from having my teeth cleaned and, often, a lot less fun.

What's the contact details for your dentist? 😜.

[Goferring]

Old and Ugly makes some interesting points, as does Goferring. I would like to know how Old and Ugly puts in his days when he is not in the saddle; even cowboys need their downtime Fact is, for most, the Philippines is a struggle for survival and one must fit into that.

Without speaking for Sir Ugly, it's like any retirement: you have to have interests and friends outside of work or in our case, bars and girls. There is nothing worse than walking into a social event only to find a bunch of old mechanics still talking about rebuilding engines or old foreigners holding up a bar and moaning into their beers. Get out and do shit. There is a lot to do in the Philippines. Beaches, golf, sports, natural beauty, social meet ups. If all else fails, it's $20 to go to another island for a weekend or $80 to go to another country.

Enjoy. G.

[Goferring]

Accurate and insightful report.

Speak for yourself!

Kidding aside, this does happen to me. Couple of times a year I either cut way back on my normal schedule, or eliminate it completely for a few weeks. One of the positives of this place is that it puts you in the driver's seat (usually) on when / where. Those in P-prison rarely have such an option. One can stop, then pick right back up at anytime here.

My cycle was to alternate about six months in a relationship, six months hookers then rinse and repeat. The relationships were good but with so many temptations I couldn't hold them down forever and the slightest thing would end everything. I broke up with a beautiful great girl because she always wore weird nail polish. You don't see that at home. To be fair, a few broke up with me too. Some after it became evident that we weren't going to get married, others because I'm a Cheap Charlie and a better offer came along. Regardless, lots of great memories.

G.

[Jarango]

Old and Ugly makes some interesting points, as does Goferring. I would like to know how Old and Ugly puts in his days when he is not in the saddle; even cowboys need their downtime Fact is, for most, the Philippines is a struggle for survival and one must fit into that.

Gofering is like Sir Lancelot as he crosses his ts and dots his is. Keeping the home front in order is important; rampant crime is a factor, one amongst many.

I find Angeles good for teeth cleaning, medical and more,. In my case, doctors have told me to have them cleaned more often. Being there for two months gives me that luxury and to get my hair cut three times, in a manner fit for a human, not a sheep.

Food is a major issue as every single time, I have to eat Western food so as not to get sick. At home, I make all my own food and love it.

These are not trivial matters; they are practical matters.

Old and Ugly says he prefers to die on his feet, or, in his case, riding high in the saddle, with some buxom wench underneath him. We all have things we want to do and have to do. Bonking random hookers is just one of them and, for me, it lost its novely many moons ago, Now, it is just perfucntory, no different from having my teeth cleaned and, often, a lot less fun.

All of these thigns go to make a happy monger. ;.

[Goferring]

I did that, and so far in my 4th year I don't regret it a bit, actually I'm "scarred" of the reverse, when I have to go back "home", there is nothing for me there, is expensive, some things are more complicated than PH, the only joy I have is seeing my friends.

The alternative, was to continue to work until death, being invisible, expired. Even if I die tomorrow because of some medical emergency malpractice 3rd world bullshit, I won't regret it a bit, because here you feel alive, and that's more important than leaving in safety in USA, but dying in comfort at a slow precalculated rate.

After living away, the sticker shock is very real. For me it's not the big ticket items, it's the things that were ridiculously cheap but are no longer available: $2 taxi fares; $5 meals; weekends away for $100 etc.

Again, this is very true. Most prefer to die on their feet vs live on their knees.

Enjoy. G.

[Old And Ugly]

........

Post Covid, fewer tourists returned to Phils than pre-covid, and more expats living here seem to have moved into the ISG neighborhood. Fewer solid FR's. .........

The Philippines Government didn't made the early visits after the scamdemic to easy, quarantine, certificates and tests, and so much bullshit and misinformation, that you didn't really knew where and what to look for. Most of the Latin America was a step ahead of the rest of the world, Mexico being the leader. When the covid test was needed to return to the USA, in the Cancun airport they were just touching your nostrils with an ordinary q-tip, then going behind a curtain, trowing the q-tip in the trash, and printing you a negative test result for about $20. Good business.

[WestCoast1]

Accurate and insightful report.

endless pussy is great when you first arrive but actually becomes monotonous after a while.

Speak for yourself!

Kidding aside, this does happen to me. Couple of times a year I either cut way back on my normal schedule, or eliminate it completely for a few weeks. One of the positives of this place is that it puts you in the driver's seat (usually) on when / where. Those in P-prison rarely have such an option. One can stop, then pick right back up at anytime here.

I think the biggest thing is to realise that living is Asia is totally different to visiting.

Have noticed that Covid was a breaking point for ISG threads here in Phils (and possibly elsewhere). Prior to covid, most of our posts were regarding short-term tourists coming to Phils. Tourists asked questions, old guard answered tourist questions or offered insights (Burgos, AC, LAC, Cebu mostly), and solid field reports showed up more often.

During Covid, some A-hole here posted a ton of BS regarding Grab, ECQ, and MECQ, Alert levels, vaccines, rapid tests, face masks, and face shields. He seemed to get laid a lot. F*cker.

Post Covid, fewer tourists returned to Phils than pre-covid, and more expats living here seem to have moved into the ISG neighborhood. Fewer solid FR's. Now we discuss where to get our teeth cleaned.

[Old And Ugly]

There are a few different options and permutations.

The obvious one is the pack up, sell everything stateside, cut all ties and then move permanently. The benefits are: lower cost of living; most guys find a partner and start getting laid again and; the all over quality of life is much better than just waiting to die back home. The downsides surprise many. What appears quaint as a visitor can be infuriating after a few years: the noise; the unreliable power, water and services generally; the constant manana attitude; medical services and response times can be a life and death decisions in one's 80's; endless pussy is great when you first arrive but actually becomes monotonous after a while. Jurango's 'losers' also run the considerable risk of losing a house and fortune to what was the love of their life. For a combination of these reasons many, many guys tap out after about five years and head home. Often, this is when they find that selling their major dollar assets and converting them to pesos wasn't such a great idea and that the cost of repatriation is much higher than expected or allowed for. Could you imagine selling your home 5 years ago, spending most of the proceeds, then trying to re-enter the market at today's prices? Many times guys go home completely broke. It's something you never read of nor see in glossy YouTube videos.

Coming on a roster is easy to organise. Philippines visas, while not as friendly as they were are still relatively low hassle, especially for repeated stays of a couple of months several times a years. There is the added cost of multiple flights and short term accommodation but these can be weighed against not buying her a house, supporting families, having kids at 70 etc. As we all get older, timing and destinations can be aligned with medical needs. There are checkups etc that are much better done overseas, some back at home. Some enjoy travel and moving around but some don't. It's an individual preference. Personally, I can travel intermittently for up to 6 months a year but more than that becomes tiresome and a job in itself.

I think the biggest thing is to realise that living is Asia is totally different to visiting.

Enjoy. G.

I did that, and so far in my 4th year I don't regret it a bit, actually I'm "scarred" of the reverse, when I have to go back "home", there is nothing for me there, is expensive, some things are more complicated than PH, the only joy I have is seeing my friends.

The alternative, was to continue to work until death, being invisible, expired. Even if I die tomorrow because of some medical emergency malpractice 3rd world bullshit, I won't regret it a bit, because here you feel alive, and that's more important than leaving in safety in USA, but dying in comfort at a slow precalculated rate.

[Goferring]

The information I elided was good and to the point, thouygh the paperwork seems tedious.

You ask who wants to stay in muff land for a continuius 3 years. Many do. I do but I doubt I could hack it at this stage. I look at the losers' videos online and those who settle in and plod along, running small busienss and humouring their lady friends. Of ocurse, folk end up everywhere but the Phils is a palce you want to have your ducks in order or you'd end up nuts or worse. I don't think I could do three years. In a prison, yes but I the funny farm that is the Phils, no.

True but just do a rotation. Not retired yet but soon and a few buddies do this. We are all from US where we have 4 seasons. When it gets cold around November leave, April maybe May return home. This gives you a nice rotation as allot of things here in summer I enjoy. Golf, working around the house various projects and yard work. After 4 or 5 months at home you will be ready to come back, more than ready. It seems to work best for them, think Ill do the same comments from others who may be doing this would be appreciated.

There are a few different options and permutations.

The obvious one is the pack up, sell everything stateside, cut all ties and then move permanently. The benefits are: lower cost of living; most guys find a partner and start getting laid again and; the all over quality of life is much better than just waiting to die back home. The downsides surprise many. What appears quaint as a visitor can be infuriating after a few years: the noise; the unreliable power, water and services generally; the constant manana attitude; medical services and response times can be a life and death decisions in one's 80's; endless pussy is great when you first arrive but actually becomes monotonous after a while. Jurango's 'losers' also run the considerable risk of losing a house and fortune to what was the love of their life. For a combination of these reasons many, many guys tap out after about five years and head home. Often, this is when they find that selling their major dollar assets and converting them to pesos wasn't such a great idea and that the cost of repatriation is much higher than expected or allowed for. Could you imagine selling your home 5 years ago, spending most of the proceeds, then trying to re-enter the market at today's prices? Many times guys go home completely broke. It's something you never read of nor see in glossy YouTube videos.

Coming on a roster is easy to organise. Philippines visas, while not as friendly as they were are still relatively low hassle, especially for repeated stays of a couple of months several times a years. There is the added cost of multiple flights and short term accommodation but these can be weighed against not buying her a house, supporting families, having kids at 70 etc. As we all get older, timing and destinations can be aligned with medical needs. There are checkups etc that are much better done overseas, some back at home. Some enjoy travel and moving around but some don't. It's an individual preference. Personally, I can travel intermittently for up to 6 months a year but more than that becomes tiresome and a job in itself.

I think the biggest thing is to realise that living is Asia is totally different to visiting.

Enjoy. G.

[Jarango]

I have my airline tickets paid for for autumn. I guess I wil have to endure Pinays sucking on my dick. Oh well. What swung it was the alrtnratives or lack thereof. I like thea la carte medical services. Other pklaces want to stiff you from a distance.

[Locamotive]

The information I elided was good and to the point, thouygh the paperwork seems tedious.

You ask who wants to stay in muff land for a continuius 3 years. Many do. I do but I doubt I could hack it at this stage. I look at the losers' videos online and those who settle in and plod along, running small busienss and humouring their lady friends. Of ocurse, folk end up everywhere but the Phils is a palce you want to have your ducks in order or you'd end up nuts or worse. I don't think I could do three years. In a prison, yes but I the funny farm that is the Phils, no.

True but just do a rotation. Not retired yet but soon and a few buddies do this. We are all from US where we have 4 seasons. When it gets cold around November leave, April maybe May return home. This gives you a nice rotation as allot of things here in summer I enjoy. Golf, working around the house various projects and yard work. After 4 or 5 months at home you will be ready to come back, more than ready. It seems to work best for them, think Ill do the same comments from others who may be doing this would be appreciated.

[Kazeu]

I booked a Grab having arrived in T3 and booked as soon as I saw my luggage on the carousel. Got outside to find Grab pickup changed again and had to make my way to a carpark. Fare was 340 into Malate at 6 pm. I think the longest part of the trip was getting out of the carpark. He took the expressway without asking which added 140 p to the fare. Was at my condo at 6.20 pm in peak HR traffic. Pretty good result I thought.

Expressway is worth it. Always take the expressway if you can. You probably saved 30 minutes.

[Jarango]

If I may say so, you are beginning to sound like a crusty old man. Look and sound a little more positive and aim for more positive new adventure.

Personally about 30 days is enough for me. A week in AC then Boracay for 5 days and back to AC for a week. Then 5 days in Alona and back to AC. Sometimes I take a girl with me or not.

Next time I try a break to Vietnam and back to AC.

I mention Frank Sinatra as he modulated his singing with age. It is a fact as you get older, you wear down. Many old friends pushing up daisies now and exertions show your age. I have done several very strenuous things over the last few years whwere I outshone guys half my age but body parts give out and there is no escape from the ravages of time. I like Angeles as I cang et quick medical overhauls. For me, that is a big plus and, increasingly, a necesary plus.

New adventure is a risk / reward trade off. I was supposed to go on a major through hike next week but my leg has been saying no for 30+ days already. I have footballing friends who now have to drag their legs after them, the knees being kaput.

Right now, I am getting odd jobs done and making a list of more to do. Then, my diary is clear and it looks like 59 days. I don't fancy Borocay but a few bonking raids outside of Angeles might keep the spirits up.

The Angeles expat lot keep thesmselves busy with pub quizzes, golf and the like, but my fear there is the guys in Walking St sitting there watching the world roll by. Here, many retirees hit the bars, drink between 3 and 7 pm, and are dead by 70.

I suppose the down side of Angeles is the bad infrastructure, the heat and the lack of something besides bonking to do. Formerley, I scuba dived, worked out in gyms etc.