Ang Banyagang may Pusong Pinoy: 4 Reasons Why I Chose to Live in the Philippines instead of UK

A year ago, I left the comforts of my home in Wales, UK to explore the world. Although I have also traveled to places in America and Europe, my year-long exploit in Asia made me realize that I have never encountered a place as beautiful as the Philippines. I fell in love with the country, and more importantly, its people. That’s why, as of last year, I chose to settle here.

And yet, even an emotion as powerful as love, has a rationale. So after giving it some thought, I have come to realize why mahal ko na ang Pilipinas.

1. Filipinos are the among the friendliest people on earth.

Many foreigners, particularly those looking to retire, have chosen to go to the Philippines because of its undeniable hospitality. Although foreigners are not allowed to purchase land, they generally buy condominiums in Metro Manila, such as in Makati City or Bonifacio Global City.

At first glance, most would assume that they are simply taking care of the fact that the Philippines has cheaper housing prices than their home country. Yet there are other countries with even cheaper real estate, but many foreigners still choose to come, live, and settle here. The question then becomes: Why?

Based on my experience, I would hazard a guess that although foreigners may initially be attracted to the affordable condominiums, they choose to stay because of the people. Filipinos are the friendliest people I have ever met, and the warmth they bring into a community makes you feel that you have never left home.

2. Fitting in is easier in the Philippines.

The Philippines is the third largest English speaking nation in the world – a fact of which some Filipinos I’ve met boast about. In my experience, they have every right to be proud. Filipinos speak impeccable English – in addition to the hundreds of other languages and dialects they speak fluently – which explains why the country has surpassed India as the preferred destination for business process outsourcing (BPO) centers in the world.

For the foreigner looking to invest in real estate in the Philippines, this means that they will have an easier time adjusting to life in the country. In other words, there is little to no communication barrier preventing you from understanding the people around you.

What’s more, Filipinos are extremely welcoming when it comes to learning other aspects of their culture. As an example, I had several friends who coach me how to sing Tagalog songs. I sang my first Tagalog, sintunado-free serenade to surprise my girlfriend on our first Valentine’s Day.

3. The country is on an upward climb.

I’ll admit – prior to visiting the Philippines – I had very particular expectations on what the country would be like. I expected the cities to be much less developed, owing to the media coverage I got of the Philippines after Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana).

Yet the country is nothing like I imagined. In fact, where I live and work now – Bonifacio Global City – can be mistaken for any other metropolitan part of my home in Wales. Some might say that areas like BGC represent just a small part of the Philippines, but I would beg to differ.

As someone who also currently works in Philippine real estate, I know that there are dozens of more townships just like BGC arising all over the country and will see completion in the next few years. Real estate is booming across the Philippines, and for foreigners who are looking to settle in a home that offers the same, if not, better lifestyle similar to theirs overseas for less money, it’s a big factor.

4. The Philippine’s real estate industry is in the midst of a major historical change.

The prosperity that real estate brings to the Philippines will eventually cascade to more and more Filipinos, such as BPO workers, to own their homes within the next five to ten years.

This change is significant because home ownership is one of the most direct paths toward financial independence and success.

You don’t even need to take my word for this fact. Just look up. The Metro Manila skyline changes almost on a daily basis, as the construction of new condominiums is always ongoing and never-ending. Yes, a significant portion of those condos will be filled up by foreigners and other outside investors, but a large portion of these units will also be bought up by hardworking Filipinos who aspire to have a better life.

Conclusion

In the same way that the Philippines has fulfilled my dream to a gorgeous, tropical country as my home, I hope that the coming years will see more Filipinos realizing the same, albeit permanent dream. I am saying this because I truly believe that this goal is within the reach if there is heart involved. I’m seeing more homebuyers and brokers taking this leap of faith in shaping what should our communities and way of life should be, and I want to see more people following suit.

It may be scary to take that leap of faith, but knowing that I am now in the position of helping others realize that dream of being a homeowner, I simply have no regrets. I am very grateful for being able to live here and I look forward to seeing more homeowners in the years to come!

Having concerns about homebuying? Check out how first-time homebuyer and mom Tisha Escalona took that leap of faith here.