Melo Villareal
Reasons to Retire in the Philippines
If you’ve ever dreamed of living on an island paradise, the Philippines offers an astonishing array of 7,641 islands, each waiting to be explored and cherished. But the sheer number of breathtaking islands is just the beginning of why retiring in the Philippines is an enticing prospect. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities, this archipelago presents a unique opportunity for those seeking a serene and fulfilling retirement experience.
Marriott Hotel Manila
A survey conducted by the International Living Publication in search of the World’s Top Retirement Havens in 2013 revealed that Philippines is among the top 15 places to retire, tied with Ireland and France. It is not immediately apparent how this can be, there are actually 10 good reasons why the Philippines should be in your radar when you’re thinking about retiring.
#1. Low cost of living
Scoring a perfect 100 under the “Cost of Living” category, the Philippines is one country where you can afford to live well on a fixed income compared to other countries. This is the reason why more and more retirees are moving to the Philippines. With low living expenses and favorable taxes, you can live a comfortable, even luxurious life at a monthly pension of just $2500.
#2. Attractive destinations
With the aforementioned number of islands to explore, retirees will always have somewhere new to go and enjoy some of the country’s most attractive destinations. It does not matter if you’re a beach person, a mountain climber, a diver, or just a nature lover; the Philippines has a lot of offer. Its white sand beaches, excellent diving spots, magnificent rugged mountains, and rich biodiversity makes it a destination of nature’s wonders.
#3. Diverse cuisine
Filipino cuisine is world-class and will definitely satisfy your appetite. Filipino food is a mix of Spanish, Chinese, Indian, Arabic, Japanese, American, and Italian cuisines. Whatever your particular whim, you will surely find a Filipino dish to satisfy it.
#4. Easy communication
Since English is the official second language in the Philippines, communication is never a problem. Although Filipino is the national language, Filipinos are peculiarly adept at English. Even if not all of them are fluent, they can understand it and can make themselves understood, Filipinos are also quick to pick up other languages, so it’ll be easy to what you want.
#5. Natural tropical island paradise
The Philippines is a natural tropical island paradise, the ideal place to be if you’re looking for a vacation of a lifetime. With only two seasons every year – rainy and dry – the climate in the Philippines is perfect if you want a lot of sunshine away from cold winters. This tropical climate ideal for spending the day lazing on the beach or travelling all year round to explore the country’s natural wonders.
#6. Religious freedom
While it’s true that the Philippines is a predominantly Christian nation, the country exercises true religious freedom for all of its residents. Most Filipinos are Catholic, but they exist in peace alongside Protestants, Muslim, Hindus, Buddhists, and members of evangelical sects.
#7. State-of-the-art health facilities
The Philippines may be a small country but it has one of the best state-of-the-art health facilities to ensure your good health. Filipino-trained medical personnel are also among the best in the world, and these health services are available at relatively low prices even for private patients. You will also find a multitude of spa centers and wellness facilities where alternative treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy are offered.
#8. Up-to-date technology
The Philippines is investing heavily in technological infrastructure. This is in part because of the growing BPO industry, as well as the increasing number of foreign companies making it their home. This is an advantage to you if you are used to advanced communication and technology because though you may be far from home, you can easily stay in touch with your family and friends wherever they may be.
#9. Wonderful leisure facilities
Aside from the country’s natural wonders, the Philippines is also a hub of exciting leisure facilities to lay back, have fun, enjoy and relax, With venues perfect for outdoor activities like golfing, camping, and hiking, Philippines is the one place where you indulge your every dream in enjoying your retirement.
#10. Lively Filipino People
Nothing beats Filipinos when it comes to world-class hospitality. More than that, Filipinos are known to be happy, friendly, warm and compassionate in whatever they do. Filipinos maintain the custom of close-knit family ties and typically extends the same courtesy to friends and neighbors. Even if you’re a retiree from another country, living amidst the Filipinos will never make you feel out of place wherever you choose to retire.
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