Manila is a well-rounded destination for sightseers who also enjoy a good deal, are admired for its history, and are adored by its shopping malls and markets. Shopping in Manila includes everything from luxurious shopping malls to budget-friendly markets, ideal for buying affordable souvenirs, trendy clothes, and locally handmade items.

The best part of shopping in Manila is that many malls and shopping districts, such as Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and Rizal Park, are situated just minutes away from some of Manila’s most popular attractions. Book a stay at one of the several Manila Metro hotels and get ready for one of the Philippines’ best shopping trips. Shopping in Manila is fun; try it today.

ROBINSONS PLACE MANILA.

Due to its convenient position in Manila’s center, Robinsons Place Mall is a popular place to shop while shopping in Manila. The shopping mall may start to look a little bit old, but it delivers the goods whatever you are looking for.

It is appreciated by all those who are looking for shopping in Manila with a mid-range budget by housing department stores, boutiques, chain and independent restaurants, a food court, and several attractions, including a movie theatre.

Robinsons Place Manila, one of the centerpieces of the upscale Ermita neighborhood, is the largest Robinsons mall globally, so it will not disappoint during a shopping spree in Manila. As well as tons of boutiques, international restaurants, and a theater, the mall features Robinsons department store merchandise. While Ermita is known as one of Manila’s metro areas, it is also home to Manila University of the Philippines, just across the street from Manila’s Robinsons Place.

The mall also has many fast-food restaurants, such as McDonald’s and Burger King, inexpensive local restaurants.  It even has a food court, where tourists can try local Filipino dishes at a fraction of other restaurants’ price restaurants.

DIVISORIA MARKET MANILA

Divisoria Market is crowded and noisy, but with plenty of good discount opportunities. Manila’s Chinatown center is renowned for its street stalls that sell almost everything, from clothing, bags, textiles, accessories, and electronics to religious products, pirated DVDs, household and office equipment, fruit and vegetables, and toys.

The market is famous for its wholesale and retail stores. There are air-conditioned malls that house hundreds of these bargain stalls for those who don’t fancy shopping out in the streets. It can be a labyrinth inside, so if you see anything you want, go ahead and buy it immediately or write down the stall number if you wish to go back for it.

For those who hate crowds and busy streets, Divisoria Market is not for them. If you’re up for genuine shopping in Manila, though, put on a comfortable pair of shoes and have fun. For many Filipinos, it is a popular shopping destination. Still, you’ll also spot tourists looking around for souvenirs to bring back home.

168 SHOPPING MALL

A famous spot for shopping in Manila’s Chinatown is the 168 Shopping Center. This 5-story complex is a 5-minute walk from Divisoria Market, offering a wide range of bargain products and accessories, including shoes, bags, and toys.

The 3rd floor houses a food court, where at affordable prices you can enjoy authentic local food. You can find food carts and restaurants on the ground and 2nd floor and all over the 168 Shopping Centre.

SM CITY MANILA

One of the SM Group stores that can be found all over the Philippines is SM City Manila (and even in China). Both SM chain companies such as SM Supermarket, SM Appliance Center, SM Cinemas, and SM Food Court are included. Many chain stores such as Watson’s, National Bookstore, and many small boutiques and restaurants.

 Suppose you remain in this lovely area of Manila. In that case, SM City Manila is within walking distance of Intramuros, making it a convenient shopping spot.

SHANGRI-LA PLAZA

Over 300 luxury and homeware boutiques and restaurants are located in Shangri-La Plaza, an upscale shopping center. Directly linked to the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel, Shangri-La Plaza’s luxurious vibe makes it less busy than most of Manila’s shopping malls.

At Shangri-La Plaza, you’ll find luxury and mid-range brands, including Elizabeth Arden, Cartier, GAP, Brooks Brothers, and Mango. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants on-site that offer foreign cuisine.

BAYVIEW PARK HOTEL MANILA

It is just minutes away from other historic and famous landmarks, including Luneta Park, Manila Cathedral, Intramuros, and the vibrant art and entertainment environment, Malate, the Bayview Park Hotel Manila. The United States is across it, towards the bay. The Embassy, Manila Yacht Club, and further on, the SMX Convention Center and CCP Complex, the country’s leading cultural hub.

Its proximity to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, just 20 minutes away, offers the travel-weary visitor much desired extra comfort. Hospitable, reliable, modest, respected, differentiated. Words that are meant to live by. This is Manila’s way to the Bayview Park Hotel.

REVIEW

• It was a unique one-night stay. The room is spotless, and the view is impressive. It was the first time we had ever stayed at a hotel on Roxas Boulevard. It was quick but enjoyable. Though it was frigid, I liked the bed.
• I have a pleasant stay, good food, good lodging, but I just know that their receptionist doesn’t have that good customer service. They’re not grinning. They’re still in the wrong mode, I thought. Other than that, everything is fine.

SUMMARY

The most exciting malls, markets, and shops available in the Philippines’ capital city are presented in our list of the best places to go shopping in Manila. Manila is on par with most Asian capital cities, such as Bangkok or Singapore, in retail options. Ultra-modern shopping malls are the top shopping venues here, closely followed by street markets.

Even if you’re not too into shopping, a wide range of food and drinks, as well as things to see and do, are also offered by most of Manila’s most popular shopping venues.

~Staff

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The religion in the Philippines proudly boasts it is Asia’s only Christian country. Roman Catholics make up over 86 percent of the population, 6 percent belong to different nationalized Christian communities, and another 2 percent belong to well over 100 Protestant denominations. There are a large 4% Muslim minority and the Christian majority, centered on the southern islands of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan.

The remaining 2 percent adopt non-Western, tribal values and traditions, distributed in remote mountainous areas. The Chinese minority has been culturally influential in coloring Filipino Catholicism with many of the values and practices of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, although statistically negligible.

MOST POPULAR RELIGION IN PHILIPPINES

In the Philippines, religion is characterized by the majority of people who belong to the Christian faith. At least 92% of the population is Christian; about 81% belong to the Catholic Church, while about 11% belong to Protestantism, Orthodoxy, Restorationist and Secular Catholicism, and other denominations such as Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Iglesia ni Cristo, Seventh-day Adventist Church, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Member of the Church of God International.

OTHER RELIGION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Apart from Christianity, which is the most popular religion in the Philippines, there are some other religions in the Philippines like:

Baha’i in the Philippines

The Baha’i religion stresses monotheism and believes in an everlasting transcendent God. Its guiding focus is to foster all peoples’ solidarity to achieve justice and peace on earth. Baha’i revelation claims that the prophets of major world religions represent some reality or aspect of the divine. They believe that all were manifestations of God granted to specific cultures in specific times and that Baha’u.

Buddhism, in the Philippines

Buddhism focuses on the objective of spiritual liberation based on an interpretation of the Four Noble Truths of Gautama Buddha on the essence of suffering. On the Eightfold Road of spiritual and moral practice, it breaks the cycle of suffering that we are part of. The karmic system of rebirth is ascribed to Buddhism. 

Hinduism, in the Philippines

With no single creator or religious authority, Hinduism is an extraordinarily complex set of beliefs and practices. Hinduism has many scriptures; some of the most important are the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita. Hindus, typically with prayer rituals inside their own home, may worship one or more deities.

Islam, in the Philippines

In the 7th century, Islam began with Muhammad’s teachings, the third of the monotheistic Abrahamic religions. Muslims believe Muhammad is the last of all religious prophets (beginning with Abraham) and that God revealed to him the Qu’ran, which is the Islamic scripture. Islam is derived from the word submission, and a primary theme of this religion is obedience to God.

Others include;

• Judaism
• Jainism
• Taoism
• Sikhism
• Shintoism
• Traditional belief.

ANY LAW RESTRICTING FREEDOM OF  RELIGION IN THE PHILIPPINES

There is no law restricting freedom of religion or belief in the Philippines. No legislation was made honoring or prohibiting the free exercise of the establishment of religion. Open practice and enjoyment, without prejudice or inclination, of religious profession and worship shall be permitted forever.

No religious test for the exercise of civil or political rights is required in the Philippines.

In summary, the Philippines hosts a population that is 92% Christian. If your religion is Christian-based there’s no problem that you’ll be able to find churches such as Calvary chapels, Baptist Churches, and other community churches and almost any city that you visit. Therefore, we can say with certainty that you’ll be able to find your religion in the Philippines when you retire.

Philippines influence hopes you’ve enjoyed this article.

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The Philippines’ food culture is often overshadowed by Thailand and Vietnam, its northwestern neighbors. But on the global culinary level, the top 5 Filipino dishes can easily hold their own and even came in second in a 2015 CNN poll asking readers what country was their favorite destination for food.

Filipino cuisine is diverse and tasty, from the omnipresent adobo to the cringe-worthy Balut. Anthony Bourdain honestly said that the best pork he had ever eaten was in the Philippines.

Fusion food is Filipino cuisine and the ranks in the top 5 Filipino dishes!  Filipino food is the melting pot over the last few thousand years of so many different cultures that have made their mark here.

The Philippines’ position in the South China Sea has always been strategically important, making it the hub of trade and migration dating back to about 3,000 BC for the Malayo-Polynesians. The first settlers here were the Malayo-Polynesians, who were also responsible for bringing to the Philippines the #1 staple ingredient: rice.

The Chinese, the Spanish, and the Americans were subsequent influential settlers who left their mark in the Philippines. The Chinese brought soy sauce, bean sprouts, tofu, and noodles with them. The Spanish introduced new cooking techniques such as sautéeing and braising and new ingredients such as corn, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Finally, hot dogs, burgers, fried chicken (Jollibee anyone and the concept of “cooking with ease” were brought with it by the Americans.

For example, one of the top 5 Filipino dishes and a national dish is adobo. Adobo is heavily influenced by the Spanish adobo but embellished with soya sauce, an ingredient introduced by the Chinese, such as bay leaves and peppercorns, using herbs native to the Philippines.

In the Philippines, we noticed eating that it’s a joyful experience-an opportunity rather than just a quick meal. The Filipinos are an extremely sociable bunch of extroverts. The perfect excuse for meeting and socializing is mealtime.

POPULAR FILIPINO FOOD

CHICKEN ADOBO, A Top 5 FILIPINO DISH

The most famous and popular of all Filipino foods, known and loved by everyone, is chicken adobo. It’s also one of the best examples of how such a rich melting pot of various historical influences is the country. At its true nature, adobo is a protein (usually chicken, pork, or fish) braised in vinegar and combined with other herbs/spices.

The Spaniards were the first to “name” this dish-adobo from the Spanish verb “adobo,” which means “to marinate. They found locals using vinegar and salt to marinate their chicken, pork, and fish upon arrival.

They embellished this by adding ingredients like garlic and onions they brought with them. Over time, the salt was substituted with an ingredient introduced by the Chinese-soya sauce, and other ingredients added popular in the Philippines, such as bay leaves and peppercorns.

LECHON, A Top 5 FILIPINO DISH

One of the most popular dishes in the Philippines is Lechon, derived from a Spanish term for roasted suckling pig. Lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, onions, and chives are usually stuffed with the slowly-roasted suckling pig and are then roasted over an open fire on a large bamboo spit.

On a platter, at parties and holiday occasions such as weddings and Christmas, it is traditionally served whole. People prefer to eat any part of the pig once the meat is properly roasted and falls off the bone, and the crispy, reddish-brown, crackling skin is common.

A thick and rich liver sauce, cooked with sugar, fresh herbs, and vinegar, is often eaten with Lechon. If something is left after the feast, the leftovers are always made into Lechon slaw, slowly cooked with vinegar, garlic, and liver sauce for that extra bit of spice.

SISIG, A Top 5 FILIPINO DISH

Sisig is a popular Filipino dish made with salt, pepper, and vinegar by boiling, chopping, and grilling parts of the pig’s head, such as ears, cheeks, and jowls. The meat is combined with the liver of fried onions, chili, and chicken, and traditionally the whole concoction is topped with a raw egg.

For extra flavor, some cooks like to introduce mayonnaise or pork cracklings into the dish. Sisig had no meat in it originally and was first described by Fr. Diego Bergano; guava or green papaya as a salad.

It is believed that the name of the dish derives from the word sisigan, meaning to make sour. Because its sour taste was considered a vomit suppressant, it was used as an early remedy for nausea and hangovers, and that is why today, sisig is almost always paired on the side with an ice-cold beer.

SINIGANG, A Top 5 FILIPINO DISH

Sinigang is a sour soup usually made with pork and tamarind, although other sour fruits are often used instead, such as guava, green mango, or calamansi. The stew is finished with peppers, garlic, onion, and various other vegetables.

A traditional sinigang is eaten with lots of vegetables such as okra, water spinach (Kang kong), daikon (labanos), onions, and aubergine (eggplants) as a stew or soup. The most common meat for sinigang is pork (sinigang baboy), but chicken (sinigang na manok), beef (sinigang na baka), and fish (sinigang na bangus) can also be used.

KARE KARE, A Top 5 FILIPINO DISH

Kare-Kare is a traditional Filipino stew that consists of meat flavored with annatto seeds, such as tripe, pork leg, oxtail, goat or chicken, vegetables, and a thick, savory peanut sauce. To intensify the dish’s flavors, shrimp paste (bagoong) is also served on the side. The best kare-kare is expected to come from Pampanga, just north of Manila, but you’ll find this dish served in the Philippines.

The dish has changed over the years, so some cooks like to add chilis or green papaya for an extra kick, while seasonings, spices, and chilis should preferably be devoid of conventional kare-kare sauce. It is still a favorite dish among natives, regardless of the origins of kare-kare.

In conclusion, just like any voracious culture, the Philippines and the Filipino culture has ample food and an endless tasting table. Foods are part of the culture as sharing food brings a family closer and closer as a family is what the Philippines and Filipino people are all about. Next time you’re looking to seek a little adventure, try something different and choose one of these 5 most popular Filipino foods.

Philippine influence hopes you’ve enjoyed this article.

We love to hear from you.  Please share your thoughts, experiences, & comments below. 

~Staff

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The majority of people would like to have homes of their own. In owning the house you are living in, there is a sense of comfort and pride. The continuing point is that the place you keep paying rent will never be yours, while the house will finally belong to you if you take out a mortgage and spend a little more than your rental price. Most individuals claim it is an investment to own a home.

RENT OR BUY A HOUSE IN PHILIPPINES?

Buying is not the best decision for you if you cannot commit to a specific position for at least three to five years. If you plan to sell early, the property appreciation you will possibly see won’t outweigh the costs. Since it will depend on inflation, you won’t guarantee a return on a purchase.

In this argument, however, it does not make renting the winner. It’s just one reason you might know that renting for you personally might be a better choice.

WHY IS RENTING IS BETTER IN PHILIPPINES

1. If you don’t see yourself living in the same position for the next 3 to 5 years, renting is a safer choice. In this timeline, many things can happen, such as moving to another business, getting married, or migrating abroad. Selling your house can take quite a while when you find yourself in some of these circumstances.
2. Other than the costs associated with your homeownership, renting often saves you from the stress of repair and renovation. You can enjoy facilities for free, such as swimming pools and a gym, if you rent a house. This convenient lifestyle proves that when you rent, you don’t throw away money.
3. Renting is a safer choice if, for years to come, you are single, still unsure, and unready to commit to a single spot. Other than money, there are several important factors to consider.
4. In the Philippines, renting is something I highly recommend. For the first few years, at least. The fact is, renting makes economic sense in the Philippines. Compared to the cost of owning a home, rental rates in the Philippines are relatively low.
5. If you build on the expectations you are used to, it will likely be tough to sell. Also, people may not like your house’s design. However, you could never sell the house if you build the home you want and plan to move elsewhere.

BUYING HOUSE IN PHILIPPINES

TIPS TO BUYING A HOUSE IN PHILIPPINES

Do extensive research

You need to be sure that the property itself is worth your money, apart from finding a reputable real estate developer. When researching houses and lots, here are a couple of points to consider:

• Climate: In which sort of neighborhood is the development located? Does the general area fit your interests or needs? If you are buying a house and a lot for your growing family, this is significant.
• Facilities: What is the property that fits in by default? Are there nearby high-quality services and common areas? This especially applies to houses and lots that happen to be located within subdivisions in the Philippines.
• Proximity Services:  How close is the property to the nearest hospital or school?

Figure out your financial plan

When you have defined the house and the sum you want, make sure you can afford the booking fee, down payment, and monthly amortization. Give an honest assessment of yourself. You wouldn’t want your house of dreams and a lot to become a nightmarish pit of wealth.

STEPS TO BUYING A HOUSE IN PHILIPPINE

• Partner with a credible real estate developer
• Appoint a reliable Attorney-in-fact
• Complete the requirements

COMPARING BUYING AND  RENTING A HOUSE IN PHILIPPINES

Before you decide whether to rent or purchase a house, there are many things to consider. How you feel about several things, such as upkeep, taxation, savings, and personal values, will depend on your ultimate decision. Although you don’t have to read about real estate details, it will undoubtedly help you make a sound decision to know what you’re getting into.

 When deciding whether to rent or buy a home, here are few questions to bear in mind:

• All the maintenance costs are yours when you own your house, including fees you need to pay the plumber when the bathroom gets clogged or when it needs to be replaced by a new roof. These costs, if you rent, are all the responsibility of the landlord. Also, the landlord can take responsibility for the yard car’s needs when you rent it. You have to do it or pay to have it done if you own it.
• Owning a house also implies that you are responsible for any taxes on land that might be incurred. This is an expense for a renter that the landlord pays. This might not be a significant concern, however, depending on where the home is located. Explore the area’s tax rules.

BUYING A HOUSE IN THE PHILIPPINES

• While buying a piece of property means that you are responsible for the expense of upkeep and maintenance, and taxation, it also means that you have the chance to benefit from your investment. Making improvements and enhancements will increase the value of your land, as do favorable market conditions, such as the appreciation of healthy capital value or favorable rental yield rates.
• And finally, having a house of your own certainly gives you a lot of personal satisfaction. It can be gratifying to know that you have successfully purchased a home and offer the right place for your family to live. Renting can give you the comfort of getting a roof over your head and that your bills are paid, but there simply isn’t a sense of personal achievement.

COMPARING A HOUSE AND A CONDO

The biggest thing houses and condos have in common is that individuals own them. Nearly everything else about them, however, is different. Houses come in various shapes and sizes (often called single-family homes), from multi-story families to single-story ranch houses. Condos inside a larger building are single rooms to have neighbors above and next to you. The home construction and the property it sits on are owned by owners of single-family homes, while condo owners own the unit they live in and not the larger house or the land on which it is constructed.

For a first-time homebuyer looking to transition from renting to owning or for former homeowners who want to downsize, buying a condo can be perfect.

For someone who travels regularly or wants to be right in the center of a coveted part of town where single-family homes are out of their budget, a condo may also be a smart purchase. For owners who want facilities like an on-site pool or gym but can not afford to build or maintain them, condos are also a good option.

On the other hand, a single-family house comes with a lot more room, so it’s an ideal option for growing families or those who want full control over their home’s structural and aesthetic decisions. A single-family house is a way to go if you value privacy and don’t like to share living rooms with other people. However, you must be prepared to do both the interior and exterior maintenance and repairs, physically and financially.

Philippines Influence hopes you’ve enjoyed this article. 

We would love to hear from you.  Please share your experiences and comments below.  

~Staff

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Reasons not to retire in the Philippines include, the fact that crime is present in various forms and remains a serious issue throughout the region. Major questions exist about the illicit drug trade, trafficking in human beings, murder, corruption, and domestic violence. There is a high incidence of murder cases in the Philippines, which is the highest as of 2014 in Southeast Asia. The high incidence of crime plagues most major cities.

CITIES  WITH THE HIGHEST CRIME RATE IN PHILIPPINES

COMMON CRIMES IN PHILIPPINES

1. Murder and the higher crime rates are reasons not to retire in the Philippines.

The Philippines had a murder rate of 9.84 per 100,000 individuals in 2014, with a total of 9,784 cases reported. In Southeast Asia, the nation also had the highest rate of murder cases in 2013, with a rate of 8.8, followed by Thailand. In 2002 and 2010, the murder rate in the Philippines hit its peak, with rates of 8.1 (6,553 cases) and 9.553 points, respectively (8,894 cases).

2. Organized crime

In the Philippines, organized crime can be linked to individual families or barkadas (groups) who commit crimes ranging from extorting, trafficking illicit drugs, and loan sharking to stealing, abduction, and murder for hire.

3. Illegal drug trade

A big issue is the illicit drug trade. The most common drugs responsible for most drug-related arrests are meth (“shabu”) and marijuana (“weeds” or “damo”). Due to its position on drug smuggling routes, much of the illicit drug trade involved the members of major Chinese triad groups operating in the Philippines.

4. Petty crime

In the Philippines, petty crime, like pick-pocketing, is a problem. It typically takes place in areas with lots of people, ranging from shopping hubs to churches. Traveling alone after dark to withdraw cash is a risk, especially for foreigners.

Others include domestic violence, rape, human trafficking, prostitution and corruption, and police misconduct. These are reasons not to retire in the Philippines, so look for safer areas.

CITIES WITH THE LEAST CRIME RATE IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. City – Ormoc City       

• Region- Eastern Visayas       
• Population- 215,031       
• No of crimes- 134

2. City- Cotabato City       

• Region- Soccsksargen       
• Population – 299,438   
• No of crimes- 220

3. City – Puerto Princesa City   

• Region- MIMAROPA       
• Population- 255,116   
• No of crimes- 227

SAFEST CITIES IN PHILIPPINES

• Baguio

Baguio is a very cool place to live, and not a reason not to retire in the Philippines. Baguio sits on top of a mountain, so it’s very cool, but it rains a fair bit as well, But anyway a real nice place to visit.

Baguio is a lovely place to visit, very cool, hectic on weekends and holidays. The bloody road up and down the mountain is one problem with Bagiou. There is nowhere else to go once you’re in Baguio, except down the hill.

• La union

La Union is a trendy surfing area with surf schools, sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and expats. It might be costly to rent a place near the beach, but it must be cheaper around it. It’s about a 4-5+ hour drive from Manila and a 1-hour drive from Bagiou.

• Manila

Many expat retirees hate Manila, but Metro Manila is very likely to be your destination if you are heading to the Philippines for work. One expat highlighted the myths regarding safety in Manila. He said, ‘Manila isn’t as bad as it appears to many people. So it is not a reason not to retire in the Philippines.

PHILIPPINES CRIME RATE & STATISTICS 

Year    Per 100K Population    Annual % Change

2017        8.40            -23.64%

2016        11.00            15.79%

2015        9.50            -2.06%

2014        9.70            4.30%

2013        9.30            5.68%

2012        8.80            -1.12%

2011        8.90            -3.26%

2010        9.20            -7.07%

2009        9.90            54.69%

2008        6.40            -4.48%

2007        6.70            -5.63%

2006        7.10            -5.33%

2005        7.50            0.00%

2004        7.50            -3.85%

2003        7.80            -3.70%

2002        8.10            10.96%

2001        7.30            -1.35%

2000        7.40            -1.33%

1999        7.50            -5.06%

1998        7.90            -15.96%

1994        9.40            -18.97%

1993        11.60            -8.66%

1992        12.70            -7.30%

1991        13.70            -8.67%

1990        15.00            -8.67%

CRIME PREVENTION IN PHILIPPINES

The National Police of the Philippines is committed to maintaining public safety and reducing the fear and occurrence of community crime. Yet each community member can do several things to minimize his or her risk of becoming a victim or avoid the event of crime from occurring. Crime prevention tips for your house, your business, yourself, and your family are below.

CONCLUSION AND PREVENTION TIPS for Reasons not to retire in the Philippines.

• Get to know your neighbors and all your street residents. In controlling the operations in your block, they will be your partners.
• Organize a Neighborhood Watch consisting of participants as neighbors. In monitoring events on the block and reporting abnormal or suspicious activity to the police and the Street Watch Officer, be concerned and comply.
• Exchange names between participants, home and work telephone numbers. In an emergency or crime event, prepare a map of the block or community where you belong for quick recognition of households. The house number, telephone numbers, and names of the inhabitants should be included in the diagram. The phone numbers of the ambulance and police departments should be included on the map.
• Attend meetings that your Street Watch Officer has called. Find more about your area’s crime situation and what you can do about it. Share with your neighbor’s knowledge and experiences.
• In your town, get to know your police chief and the members of the police station. Write down the emergency hotline number of the station in a spot you can quickly see if you need police advice or support. Use the police force to keep you, your family, and your neighborhood safe and sound. They are ready, eager, and able.

““Philippine Influence hopes you’ve enjoyed this article. “

~Staff

We would love to hear your comments and experiences.  Please comment below about, Reasons not to retire in the Philippines.

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There’s no doubt that the Philippines is a beautiful country, but every country has its opposing sides as well. Some beautiful cities visit and some dangerous cities in the Philippines that you should avoid at retirement or planning to visit.  Listed below are some of the most dangerous cities in the Philippines you should avoid living in.  

The Capital city of the Philippines is Manila, with a population of around 2 million people. It is the most densely populated city as of 2019. It is the 2^nd most populous city in the country, with Quezon City at first with around 3 million people. Both of these cities have a lot of hustle and bustle, and there is no problem in visiting them after retirement and spending some time there or even living there.

Areas and Cities to Avoid in the Philippines, at Retirement

There are many dangerous Cities in the Philippines and military regions to should be avoided at all costs.  Let’s have a look at some of them.

Less Crowded Island dangers

First of all, as we mentioned, the Philippines is full of islands. Like other countries, it also has many beaches, but there is a difference. Beaches in other countries are filled with people, and you’ll enjoy the company of people and have fun with them. 

But the scenario is not the same in the Philippines as it has so many islands and beaches, there is a strong chance you’ll end up on a beach with little to no people at all. Which will make you lonely on the island, and you might become a victim to muggers. So beaches with fewer crowds are the first places to avoid the dangerous Cities in the Philippines when you visit there.

Military Areas in Philippines, Terrorism Risk

All of the southern areas of the Philippines are a no go zone. There was an attack on government facilities in 2017, which resulted in martial law in the area. The military is still present in that area, and it should be avoided to visit at all cost and is considered part of the dangerous cities in the Philippines.

There’s a terrorist group called Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is blamed for several terrorist activities in the southern Philippines. They have also been blamed for several kidnappings, clashes with security forces, and many other violent incidents. 

There are a couple of other terrorist groups as well, which are known for different violent incidents around the country. 

The Dangers of Getting Kidnapped

There are some areas in the Philippines where the chances of getting kidnapped are very high. You should avoid these areas while visiting the Philippines or even if you are a resident of the Philippines, try avoiding going to these areas. Here is a list of areas where the kidnapping ratio is high, and you should avoid them.

• Zamboanga City
• Patikul
• Jolo
• Pagadian City
• North Cotabato Province
• Pangutaran Island
• South Cotabato Province
• Sultan Kudarat Province
• Lanao del Sur Province
• Sarangani Province
• Lanao del Norte Province
• Iligan City
• General Santos City

Some More Dangerous Cities to Avoid in the Philippines 

As we mentioned earlier, almost all parts of the southern Philippines are dangerous and should be avoided if you plan to have a trip there after retirement. Some more areas do not have a good reputation and they have high crime ratios. 

The Sulu Archipelago is another such area. It is a chain of islands in the southwestern Philippines. There are many reports of crime, civil unrest, and terrorism on this chain of islands.

Marawi City, travel dangers

Marawi City should also be on your list of dangerous areas to avoid at retirement. It’s a city in Mindanao, Philippines, and travel authorities have even issued travel advisories in which they have asked travelers not to visit this city to prevent any mishappening. 

More than 200,000 inhabitants have fled from Marawi since 2017. So this place is not even safe for local inhabitants as of now. We hope that situation gets better there with time but right now, it is a no-go area.

Marawi City is the place where the Battle of Marawi took place in 2017. It was a five-month-long conflict between Philippine government security forces and militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This battle and the unrest after it make it the area not to visit soon and it is considered part of the dangerous Cities in the Philippines.

Jolo Province, travel dangers

Jolo province is known for a dangerous group of Muslim rebels called Abu Sayyaf. This group is known for kidnapping different people for ransom. Plus, the group has easy access to the sea, and they run away on their boats when the government or military tries to catch them. Many governments even restrict this area, and it is not easy to visit there even if you want to.

Basilan Province, kidnapping danger

The province of Basilan is a province entirely on one Island. Muslims and Christians occupy the area, but some other ethnic groups live on this island and its cities, which are considered dangerous Cities in the Philippines.

This island is used for terrorist activities and keeping kidnapped hostages by Abu Sayyaf we mentioned above. This is also a no go area in the Philippines after retirement.

Cotabato Province, dangers

Cotabato province is another such area where violence keeps happening on day to day basis. Muslims have fought here for decades for autonomy and resources.

Things are getting better in this province as there was a peace deal between Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government. However, something still heats up there occasionally, and people keep getting hurt.

Metro Manila, threat areas

Metro Manila is not as dangerous as other dangerous Cities in the Philippines. But it is still among some dangerous cities in the world. Many muggers in this city might mug you or steal your things without you knowing. They can also take your things at the gunpoint. So when visiting Metro Manila, just make sure you are not alone and you should be good to go.

In conclusion, the most dangerous cities in the Philippines

The Philippines is a beautiful country to visit at retirement and generally. It has a lot of islands and a lot of natural beauty. The big cities have developed shopping centers and many big shopping malls and a lot of brands there. The point is, it’s not like it is some backward country where you should not go at all, it’s just that there are some areas and cities which you should avoid at retirement.

Philippine Influence hopes you’ve enjoyed this article.

Please leave your thoughts, comments, and experiences below.

~Staff

Tags:  most dangerous cities in the Philippines, top 10 most dangerous cities in the Philippines, dangerous cities in the Philippines,  manila most dangerous city in the world, the most dangerous city in the Philippines, most dangerous cities to retire to in the Philippines, philippine cities to avoid in retirement 

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How do you picture your life 30 to 40 years from now? See you leaving your work and living life for yourself? Or maybe, because retirement belongs to a distant future, and you have other goals right now, you haven’t given it much thought yet. So, take a moment now and think about, the biggest reasons why not to retire in the Philippines.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but it won’t be as easy as it sounds like living out your old age. Compared to our Asian neighbors, retirement in the Philippines is currently a grim prospect.

90% or 9 in 10 Filipino employees said they were concerned about wiping out their savings, being in poor health, and having no one to care for them when they retire, according to a 2015 East Asia retirement survey.

Here are Filipino retirees’ common problems plus some advice to avoid being trapped in such desperate situations.

1. Don’t retiree in the Philippines if you don’t have savings.

Are you saving enough for your retirement in the Philippines? Most young urban Filipinos don’t.

Millennials are very optimistic about their retirement, but the discipline to plan for it is lacking. Just 7% said they had monthly savings in a recent investor sentiment survey, and 28% said they had invested money whenever it was convenient.

TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID UNDERFUNDING.

• Develop a diversified portfolio of assets that are low risk and high risk. Investing in real estate will produce retirement income in the long term. In particular, a condo investment in a prime location will give a rental unit daily cashflow income. To develop your retirement portfolio, stocks and mutual funds are also perfect investment vehicles.
• Go easy on the YOLO lifestyle (you only live once). Do not spend a lot with friends on travel, appliances, fashion, and evening out. In your 20s or 30s, nothing is wrong with loving your life, but you need to strike a balance between living in the moment and living for the future. You will be praised for it by your future selves.

PENSIONS DON’T GUARANTEE FINANCIAL SECURITY

Think again if you think pensions will prevent you from being bankrupt in your old age. This by itself is a big reason why not to retire in the Philippines if you are underfunded.

Today, many senior citizens are not entitled to government-mandated pension payments regardless of their low wages. They do not participate in either the Social Security System (SSS) or the Government Social Insurance System (GSIS).

Not so lucky are pensioners, either. Monthly SSS pensions vary from Php 1,200 (USD 24) to a little over Php 10,000 (USD 200) as of this writing. While Php 3,600 (USD 72) is the average, most retirees receive much less than that. To cover one’s monthly living costs, even the highest pension in the range is not enough.

Tips on how to avoid going broke.

• Treat your SSS or GSIS pension only as an additional income after you retire and not your primary source of income, another reason why not to retire in the Philippines.
• Find other retirement income streams, such as the Personal Equity Retirement Plan (PERA). This voluntary savings and investment account helps you to save up to 100,000 Php (USD 2,000,) or 200,000 Php for OFWs, (USD 4,000) per year and, when you reach 55, withdraw your savings. You will accumulate about 30 years’ worth of protection if you start saving in your 20s.

HEALTH ISSUES AND EXPENSIVE HEALTH CARE COSTS ARE REASONS WHY NOT TO RETIRE IN TEH PHILIPPINES.

As you age, your health will inevitably deteriorate, hurting your ability to raise cash during your retirement. It doesn’t help that health care rates continue to increase in the Philippines.

While senior citizens receive benefits such as the mandatory coverage of PhilHealth and a 20 percent prescription discount, these are very limited in scope. Unfortunately, this leads to yet another reason why not to retire in the Philippines.

Even if they are discounted, many elderly Filipinos can’t afford costly drugs. PhilHealth’s advantages often cover only the cost of hospitalization and are not really useful for outpatient care.

TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID COSTLY MEDICAL BILLS

• Update and make sure your life insurance package is covered with acute disease and disability coverage. No matter how much you’ve saved for your retirement, it can quickly be drained by costly medical bills if you’re not insured. Even, you can use your policies to cover your retirement income.
• Stop or at least reduce any harmful activities that can take a toll on your health as you grow older, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.

RELYING ON RELATIVES FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

If your children are competent and eager to take care of you in your retirement years, this may not be an issue. But what if they’ve got to help their own children? Could you tolerate them being a burden?

More than 70 percent of elderly Filipinos live with their children, and 40 percent rely on them for financial support, a recent retirement survey found, which are more reasons why not to retire in the Philippines.

In the Philippines, where “utang na loob” is a family tradition, (“Utang na loob is a Filipino cultural trait which, when translated literally, means “a debt of one’s inner self.” It is also often translated as a “debt of gratitude”)  kids sometimes become the savings or retirement plans of their parents.

TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID FAMILY POACHING.

• Take your preparation seriously for retirement. Ensure you have ample income-earning ways to support you in your retirement so that you don’t have to rely on your kids.
• Teach your children the importance of saving money at a young age and train them to become financially independent so that when they’re old enough to live on their own, they won’t have to rely on you for financial assistance.

All in all, when you consider moving to the Philippines and living there for the rest of your life, you need to make sure you’re making the best choice you can. These choices may include the simple option: what color should the walls be and whether we have long or short grass in the front yard. 

The more significant questions about reasons why not to retire in the Philippines are the negative questions that keep coming up in your heart and mind. You need to focus on address these questions and develop personal answers for yourself. You don’t want to find that you’ve sold your belongings, sold your house, moved to the other side of the world, and then discover that you’re not enjoying life. 

Retiring and moving is a huge deal. You should spend 2 to 3 months in the ideal city of your choice to make sure that you enjoy the surroundings. So please use caution, listen to your heart, and make sure that you’re making the best decision for yourself and your family around you.

Philippines influence hopes you enjoy this article. 

We look forward to hearing about your experience in your comments below.

tags: do not retire in the philippines, reasons not to retire in the philippines, why not to retire in the philippines

The post Reasons why not to retire in the Philippines. appeared first on Philippine Influence.

Finding a high paying job will be tough for expats.

The reality is if you’re looking for a job in the Philippines after you retired from a 30-year career, it will be challenging. 

Now let me say that if you’re looking to work for free or donate your time, that’s a whole different story. This article focuses on providing some kind of income for you when you are retired and living in the Philippines and what expat jobs in the Philippines are realistic.

Suppose you had a long career and worked there for 30 years; you are probably very high on the income scale. You should realize the average income for a Filipino worker is only $270 a month, which is considered an excellent decent wage. Yes, they get some medical and a little bit of retirement too. 

The average teacher makes approximately $800 a month for working full-time. The Philippines’ highest-paying jobs are financial advisor, airline pilot, doctors and lawyers, and other high-tier prominent corporations. Yet, these jobs are filled by Filipino citizens.

Turn you passion into a job.

But again, if you’re looking for a job that can act as a hobby job or something that can bring in a few extra dollars a month, that’s the reality that you need to have at this point. 

The following items are broad stroked jobs that are available in different Industries.

What kind of expat jobs in the Philippines you can find.

The right quest can produce some fantastic results, whether you’re looking for a job in the field of education, want to work in the business world, or want to work for a non-profit organization.

Some of the categories you may start searching for jobs in include:

• Sale
• Support to the consumer
• HR
• Leadership
• Financials
• IT
• Publicity
• Engineering Company  

Available jobs for retired expats

Printing Business 

Among most individuals who are thinking about starting with something small and new in the Philippines, offering a printing service is a widespread option. You can begin with T-shirt printing, mug printing, business printing caps, etc. You may also take orders for corporate giveaways, which help you expand your company and make a good profit for you.

Freelancing, one of the best Philippine retirement options 

You can be a freelancer for anything you are interested in. You can write as a freelance writer if you are a good writer. Check out the different opportunities for a freelance writer on the internet. If you are a successful and exceptional photographer, you can also do freelance photography. Freelancing provides you a way to do what you want, as well as to increase your profits.

Pet sitter

Pet sitting will be the perfect choice for you in the Philippines if you are a dog lover. You could start your own pet sitting business, or you could start with an animal care company. It’s even possible to volunteer for the local animal shelter. Do what you love doing.

Driving

You can even go for a driving job if you know how to drive and be well aware of the map. You can choose between Jeepneys, taxi, grab or Micab or other transport modes required by qualified drivers.

Providing child’s care

Child care staff, like playing with bubbles or learning to chat, get to see childhood delights. But they are also responsible for dressing, bathing, and feeding small children regularly.

Retirees who enjoy working with learners can like to be a tutor. You can enter an association or start tutoring at your home and find your own expat job in the Philippines.

what type of visa is needed to work in the Philippines

Regardless of the source of compensation and the length of the assignment in the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) must obtain a work visa for all foreign nationals requesting entry to the country for employment purposes.

Before starting work at a fully licensed Philippine-based company, these foreign nationals must comply with mandatory submissions from several government agencies.

Foreign nationals who wish to work for three months or longer in the Philippines must obtain a work permit. A Special Working Permit is required for short-term assignments for temporary positions lasting 3 to 6 months (SWP).

An employee working for more than six months in the Philippines will require an Alien Employment Permit (AEP). The employee is also expected to have a work visa in the Philippines for longer periods like this.

What are the requirements to work in the Philippines

To work in the Philippines as a retired expat you need to have a few documents.

1. Work Visa

• You need to get your work visa, referred to as the 9(G) visa, before you can begin working as an expat in the Philippines.
• Maybe your employer will apply for you to get the visa you need. They will also need to provide evidence that this job vacancy can not be filled by someone living in the Philippines.
• Plan on working more than six months in the Philippines? You will be required to apply for your visa at the Consulate of the Philippines or in the Philippines.
• If, on the other hand, you intend to work there for less than six months, you will be able to apply to the authorities an application for a Special Work Permit.

2. Alien Employment Permit

• In addition to submitting a work visa application, you may also need to request a Philippines Alien Job Permit application (AEP).
• This paper will be published by the Philippine Department of Labour and Jobs.
• Usually, this permit will be valid for a year, but its validity will also depend on your employment contract.

3. Provisional Permit to Work

• As a foreign national, you will need to obtain a provisional work permit issued by the Bureau of Immigration pending your visa’s approval.
• The Bureau of Immigration will provide this permit.
• Usually, this is true for three months.

What is the answer?

So, to answer the question, are there good jobs in the Philippines? The answer is you’re probably better off bringing your work to the Philippines when you move. The Philippines wants to protect its people; they want to hire local candidates most of the time. They will employ somebody from a different country if they have to. But in short, jobs are tough to come by, especially the high- paying career paying jobs you might have had. 

If you can do counseling or consult from a computer sitting at your home on the beach in the Philippines, this would be your best option.  

Bring your work, make your hours, and then play on the beach for the rest of the day. That’s the life of being retired, and that’s a life many people dream about.

All in all, getting a high paying job in the Philippines is very hard.  Your best bet is to get a job in your country and then move to the Philippines to serve that company.  

Philippino employers want to save good jobs for local people, and I can see why.  Remember, the Philippines is a developing country, and better jobs will come as the Philippines further develops.  

Philippines Influence hopes you have enjoyed this article

Please share your thoughts and experiences below.

The post Are there good expat jobs in the Philippines? appeared first on Philippine Influence.

Be careful of the money changer scam.

Tourists and Filipino expats are always attracted by their big brightly colored signs advertising exchange rates to make the list of Philippines scams. These offices are always higher than those provided in banks, shopping malls, and hotels, to dodgy foreign exchange money changing companies in out of the way locations. These operators will also use touts to draw unsuspecting customers in.

Money changers use quick hands

The money changer will count out the Filipino Peso in front of you and use a sleight of hand trick when counting to make some notes vanish. Some would claim that they have only small denomination bills, count them in small lots in front of you, take them back while letting a few fall out when they give you the total back. Other times, the money is counted so slowly that you lose your patience and ask for the money, not understanding that you’re not going to get all the money.

These Philippines Scams often use trustworthy exchange places in well-lit areas, hotels, malls, or purchase from a bank, with clearly posted prices. Before you leave the exchange, count your money or be victim to another Philippines scam.

Card skimming and ATM Philippine Scams

It is not possible to trust all ATMs. Some don’t work correctly and may chew your card, and others have devices attached to them by criminals for their shopping spree to collect your details and then to scam you. There are even some shopkeepers on it, taking their sweet time to send you a receipt while they copy your records. Warn your bank to your travel dates and look before and after your trip for any suspicious transactions. So be aware of where you place your card and not fall prey to another Philippines scams.

Bullet in a bag Philippine Scams

Airport workers plant live bullets inside luggage in this scam; it causes a warning to airport staff when the passenger puts their bag through the x-ray scanner, triggering a search and suspicion of carrying live ammunition and weapons. This scam can tie you up for hours, and to make this scam all go away, they expect you to make a bribe.

Make sure your bags are secured safely, suggest using bag covers/wrapping, and keep an eye on your baggage at all times.

Free public wifi Philippine Scams.

Free WiFi hotspots are not always secure and can lead to your passwords and banking details being compromised by hackers.

Before you use it, always search the name of the Wi-Fi facility. Many airports do have free WiFi but inquire at the information desk if you’re not sure. Make sure the web is safe and utterly encrypted with https:// at the beginning of the URL if you intend to make a purchase or transaction online.

Better still, to encrypt the traffic from your device to other pages, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or don’t do online banking on a public network.

Always have some form of protection, such as a firewall and antivirus, on your laptop/ipad, etc.

The familiar face scam

Someone approaching a tourist and pretending to know them, often under the guise that they work at the hotel they are staying at, is one of the more common cons. Coincidentally, it’ll only happen to be their day off when they “bump into” them. They will offer to offer a free tour to take the tourist around. This Philippine Scams always ends in a theft. Don’t fall for it. For this scam, Manila is a hot-spot, so be on the lookout.

The dishonest taxi driver

To stop being ripped off, ensure that the meter is used. Taxi drivers are forbidden from applying at airports, so the driver is not legitimate if you are approached. As it raises the risk for crime, stop hailing taxis that are already carrying passengers.

Filipino for love

Travelers holidaying in the Philippines are charmed by locals with promises of love, either in person or online. These Philippine Scammers are really looking for financial gain and a fast way through marriage to get citizenship in another country. There are plenty of red flags to look for: quickly professing their love for you, asking for family/flight/education funds, and frequent demands for money. Never give money online, or send it.

How to spot a gold digger and stay away from them in this Philippine Scams.

If you think women surround you, or you believe you are surrounded by a woman who only gives a damn about your wealth, then you’ve got a gold digger for yourself.

A gold digger is a loose word used for more Philippine Scams, for someone who has vested interests in dating you or being with you (mostly women) because what she wants is your money or to spend it on her.

The presence of someone like this in your life is often difficult to understand, but there are ways to recognize a gold-digger and cut them off from your life entirely, so why would you let someone exploit you? If you know someone in somebody else’s life who is a gold digger, it’s time to warn them, too.

If you believe that a woman is a gold digger in your life, here are five ways to recognize her and cut her off!

• She agrees with almost everything.
• She has expensive taste.
• Gifts will always make her forgive you.
• She is materialistic and shallow.
• She uses sex as a weapon.

Avoid the scams and enjoy your retirement.

So, if it’s your first time in the Philippines, you want to keep these costly and straightforward scams out of your life. Remember, many people in the Philippines are willing to risk getting in trouble by using these scams. They believe they have no choice but to use scams and petty crime to make a living. The police are also on their side because they know that most Travelers can afford to buy new clothes that they lose in their suitcase, or it’s not hurting buddy, if you spend extra money on a woman that you just met.

Just remember, the Philippines has extreme poverty, and these people are just trying to find a way to make money in a world where there are no jobs, no hope, and no other way to make a living except to steal or use Philippines Scams to scam people. We want to keep this in mind because this is your first trip here; he tried to be positive so you can soon return and retire to the Philippines. 

Philippines influence hopes you’ve enjoyed this article!

We love to hear your comments and experiences, and please list them below. 

~Staff

Tags:  scams from philippines, scams in philippines, philippines scams, philippines scams marriage, philippines scams and warnings, travel agency scams philippines, travel scams philippines,

The post Philippine scams and Travel crimes. appeared first on Philippine Influence.

As you consider retiring to the Philippines, we want to make sure that they have Philippines internet available to enjoy our retirement. Our advice is to travel and find some cities you’re interested in and then do a comparison chart. Lookout the mini telephony choices that you may have for phone, internet, and other needs technology needs you require during your retirement. 

For example, if you feel that you need to live close to a hospital, then you want to do research on that hospital and make sure that your favorite city has one that meets your needs. For example, if you have dialysis, then you’re going to need to make sure that you find a place that does dialysis that is reliable.

Philippines internet

The same thing with Philippines internet, if you have a job requires you to maintain a reliable internet connection to make sure that you move to a city with reliable Philippines internet systems to enjoy your retirement. There’s nothing more frustrating than expect having robust and fast Philippines internet service, but yet it breaks up two or three hours per day, and there’s absolutely nothing that you can do about it. 

The list below, in this article, provides new information about the most popular Philippines internet and telephony services you expect. Remember, the Philippines is made of over 7,000 islands, and these Philippines internet services are not available on all of them. You might find only one carrier in a remote or Province area, and therefore, you don’t have many choices. If you stick to the major cities such as Manila and Cebu and devour, you should receive all the internet that you need. Please use this list and use this list for your research and plans for your retirement.

Netflix is now available in the Philippines as a video-on-demand channel. Subscribers get to the newest TV shows and movies, including the highly-acclaimed original Netflix series Sense8, Orange is the New Black, Narcos, Jessica Jones, and Marvel’s Daredevil, for as little as 370 PHP [USD 7.40 ]a month.

How To Sign Up For Netflix In the Philippines

You will need to include your name and email address to sign up for a Netflix Philippines account. As a means of payment, you will also have to provide (credit card or PayPal).

You will need to sign up for a new account if you have an existing Netflix USA account.

The first month for free new customers get to enjoy.

You can select from any of the three (3) plans, and you won’t be charged until after the first month.

To stop being charged in your second month, you need to cancel your subscription manually.

A Philippines internet Connection Is Needed To Stream On Netflix In Philippines.

Approximately 1 GB of data per hour is used for standard-definition videos, while up to 3 GB per hour is used for high definition videos.

For streaming content, Netflix recommends the following Internet download speeds:

• Quality of SD: 3.0 Megabits per second
• Quality in HD: 5.0 Megabits per second
• Quality Ultra HD: 25 Megabits per second

How Much Is Netflix Subscription In the Philippines

• Basic (370 PHP [USD .75] / month)-watch in Standard Definition on a single screen
• Standard (460 PHP [ USD .92 } / month)-Stream up to 2 High Definition screens at a time
• Premium (550 PHP [ USD 11.20] / month) streams up to 2 Ultra High Definition screens at a time.
• Premium (660 PHP [USD 13.20]  / month) streams up to 4 Ultra High Definition screens at a time.

Language In Philippine

In the Philippines, Shows are mostly broadcast in English. Apart from English, shows can also be broadcast in eight (8) main dialects in the philippine: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicolano, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.

Top Cable Channels In the Philippines

• ABS – CBN
• Peoples television network
• Manila broadcasting company
• UNTV
• Kapamilya channel.

Philippines internet providers

The Philippines’ Public Telecommunications Act was turned into law a year after the relation. For value-added service providers, acquiring a franchise is now optional. This law made it possible for many other organizations to develop Internet links, create Web pages, provide Internet services of their own, or provide Internet services and access to others.

However, several challenges have hampered the Internet’s growth in the Philippines, including the unequal distribution of Internet infrastructure in the region, its costs, and government corruption. But these barriers did not prohibit all the inventions entirely. For more Filipinos, more connection forms were made available. The bandwidth and an increasing number of Internet users in the Philippines have demonstrated the Internet’s ongoing growth in the region.

Top Internet Speed and Cost for Philippines internet.

In today’s hyper-connected world, a lousy internet connection is one of the biggest upsets you can have.

Imagine holding a Skype meeting with potential customers when you’re unexpectedly looking at a pop-up called “Connection Lost.”

Below is the top Philippines internet speeds:

Converge ICT Solution

Converge, one of the fastest rising ISPs, has established itself as an excellent choice in high-speed internet.

They offer an extensive range of plans for 25Mbps speeds starting at just Php1,500 monthly.

One sky

Being the top and longest operating cable TV provider in the country allowed the company to broaden its internet services scope.

They bundled their cable offerings with broadband networks and created bundles that provide their customers with plenty of value. They provide Cheapest unlimited fiber plan at Php 999 [USD 19.98 ] /month for 10Mbps.

PLDT

The telco giant has existed for decades now. When it comes to delivering internet services in the Philippines, they are pioneers, from dial-up connections to DSL. Offers 10Mbps

 for Php 1,299 [USD 25.98 ].

Globe broadband

Ayala’s telecom company is Smart’s long-time competitor (under PLDT), and the rivalry continues in the land of broadband internet.  They offer 10Mbps    for Php 1,299 [USD 25.98].

Rise

RISE stands for Responsible Internet Sustainability Initiative, an ISP for newcomers that focuses on supplying businesses with fiber internet. For your business, they promise “Uncongested, full speed, fiber internet.

Phone Service In the Philippines

Though handsets purchased abroad typically work, you may find it worthwhile to buy a local cell phone handset if you remain in the Philippines for more than a week. You can get a durable, dual SIM card, simple phone models for as low as 800 pesos [USD 16.00 ].

There are calling cards available that will dramatically cut the international calls’ customs. Special deals are also available from cell phone companies.

Calling a cellphone from another cellphone will always be cheaper than using a landline, especially when calling a cellphone on the same network or service provider. In all malls and shopping centers, prepaid SIM cards are readily available. These come preloaded with a fixed number of minutes, usually with free calls to the service provider’s mobile phones.

Popular Phone Service In Philippine

 In the Philippines, there are three cell phone companies: 

• Smart, 
• Globe and 
• Sun, 

all with broad service and product coverage and availability.

Prepaid Sim In Philippine

1. SIMOPTION

Prepaid sim card for sim Option

SIM2FLY | USD 19.90 – 6GB

• Data: 6GB
• Calls: Not included
• SMS: Not included
• Credit validity: 10 days

Travel SIM Asia | USD 19.90 – 6GB

• Data: 6GB
• Calls: Not included
• SMS: Not included
• Credit validity: 10 days

Globe Telecom

Prepaid sim card for Globe telecom

GoSakto70 | P 70 (USD 1.38) – 1 GB

• Data: 1 GB
• Calls: not included
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 7 days
• Activation required: GOZAKTO70

GoSakto90 | P 90 (USD 1.77) – 2 GB

• Data: 2 GB
• Calls: not included
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 7 days
• Activation required: GOZAKTO90

GoSakto120 | P 120 (USD 2.36) – 3 GB

• Data: 3 GB
• Calls: unlimited to Globe/TM
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 7 days
• Activation required: GOZAKTO120

GoSakto140 | P 140 (USD 2.75) – 4 GB

• Data: 4 GB
• Calls: unlimited to Globe/TM
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 7 days
• Activation required: GOZAKTO140

Smart communication

Prepaid sim card for smart communication

GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET P 100 | (USD 1.97) – 1 GB

• Data: 1 GB
• Calls: unlimited to all networks
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 3 days

GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET  P 199 | USD 3.91) – 2 GB

• Data: 2 GB
• Calls: unlimited to all networks
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 7 days

GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET P 549 | (USD 10.79) – 4 GB

• Data: 4 GB
• Calls: unlimited to all networks
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 30 days

GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET P 649 | (USD 12.76) – 6 GB

• Data: 6 GB
• Calls: unlimited to all networks
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 30 days

GIGA VIDEO+ ALLNET P 749 | (USD 14.72) – 8 GB

• Data: 8 GB
• Calls: unlimited to all networks
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 30 days

Prepaid rates: 

• Mobile data: P 5 (USD 0.10) per 15 min
• Voice calls for Smart/TNT: P 6.5 (USD 0.13) per min.
• SMS to Smart/TNT: P 1 (USD 0.02) per 160 characters
• MMS to Smart/TNT: P 1 (USD 0.02) per message

Sun cellular

Prepaid sim card for sun cellular

Sulit Surf Plus 20 | P 20 ($0.39) – 300 MB

• Data: 300 MB
• Calls: unlimited to Sun, Smart, and TNT 
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 2 days
• Activation required: SSP20

Sulit Surf Plus 99 | P 99 (USD 1.95) – 1 GB

• Data: 1 GB
• Calls: unlimited to Sun, Smart, and TNT (30 min to other networks)
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 7 days
• Activation required: SSP99

Sulit Surf Plus 249 | P 249 ($4.89) – 2 GB

• Data: 2 GB
• Calls: unlimited to Sun, Smart, and TNT (60 min to other networks)
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 30 days
• Activation required: SSP249

Calls & Text Unlimited 25 | P 25 ($0.49)

• Data: not included
• Calls: unlimited to Sun
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 1 day
• Activation required: CTU25

Calls & Text Unlimited 30 | P 30 (USD 0.59) – 100 MB

• Data: 100 MB / day for Facebook
• Calls: unlimited to Sun, Smart, and TNT
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 1 day
• Activation required: CTU30

Calls & Text Unlimited 450 | P 450 (USD 8.84) – 1 GB

• Data: 1 GB 
• Calls: unlimited to Sun, Smart, and TNT
• SMS: unlimited to all networks
• Credit Validity: 30 days
• Activation required: CTU450

When we connect to the Philippines internet we expect fast speeds and reliable service. Yes, the Philippines internet is still developing.

In summary, we need to remember that the Philippines is a developing Nation. They’re just starting to get wireless phone service, internet, and TV programming where most people have access to it. More competition will come into the market as more time goes by, and prices will go down. That’s the capitalist way. Within the next few years, we’re going to see new companies start in many of these Niche Industries, ultimately bringing prices down. 

Right now, the Philippines mostly uses prepaid phone service. You will buy a 100 peso, USD 2, voucher and plug it into your phone. Pre-Pay services is a costly way to get mobile service, but it’s at the price point where people can afford to use it. What’s the weather you use technology or not Technologies there and developing. Our advice is to find the place where our advice is to visit a few places that you think you’ll like in your retirement and then do the research on the technology part. 

Many parts of the Philippines still don’t have access to broadcast TV, cable TV and have poor internet service. If these items are essential to you, you want to ensure that you have these services in your retirement destination.

Philippines Influence hopes you’ve enjoyed this article. 

We would love to hear your comments and experiences. Please list them below. 

~ Staff

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