Location: Company HQ – Reading / Viewing Time: 10mins
One of the questions I get asked a lot is the title of this post – What’s it like to live and work in the Philippines? As someone who has lived in the Philippines for the last 10 years, I have many stories to tell, of course – anyone would! But, I believe that when people ask a question like that, they are more interested in the what, where and why - rather than stories.
So, I decided to shoot this quick video to give you a bit of an insight into the country, its people and how things get done here. Please, do not expect an all encompassing guide on the subject (its only a short clip!), and remember these are just my own personal opinions and ‘take’ on living and working here.
A vibrant tourism industry and more and more international corporations setting up in the country must mean that there is ‘something’ more to the country than just its awesome outsourcing industry and amazing virtual assistants..!
In the video I discuss, among other things:
- My first experience with a Filipino family, at their home.
- The importance of family to the Filipino people.
- Filipino’s views on studying and working.
- Ways of getting around the city / country.
- The answer to the ‘Is it safe there…?’ question!
- What it takes to set-up shop here.
- A few more things!
Go check out Dan Andrews’ site, too – great resource.
So, please feel free to drop your comments and any additional questions below after checking out the clip and I’d be more than happy to answer any additional queries that you might have. Hope you guys are having a killer week!
Related Posts:
- My Top 10 Virtual Assistant Video Tip Series is LIVE on YouTube!
- How to Work with Virtual Staff to Build a Business Empire (Tips from the Trenches – via Manila!)
- An Inside Look at a Philippines Outsourcing Call Center!
- VBL004 – Dan Andrews and his Philippines Tropical MBA!
- What is Outsourcing and How Does it Actually Work, Anyway..?
Most Popular Posts
- The VBL Community ‘Niche Site Project’… PLUS – Unveiling My Own Niche Site!
- How Much Do You Pay a Home-Based Virtual Assistant from the Philippines?
- Passive Income Streams – 6 Ideas for Online Money-Making Success!
- 6 Reasons Why People Will Unsubscribe from Your Blog, and How to Stop Them!
- Tim Ferriss – Still a Lifestyle Designer, or Just the “4-Hour” Guru?
About Chris and the VBL
Stay up-to-date! Subscribe NOW!
That was a cool report, Chris.
I have some friends over there, and I’m very interested in visiting that country.
It’s quite surprising that it’s so safe, I thought there was a bit more “action” going on.
And I thought they welcome foreign business men with arms wide open – I believe their job situation isn’t the brightest, and they love people creating opportunities ?
If the internet connection and food are good, I will definitely go.
Hey Mars
Glad you liked the video. Indeed, they love foreign investments – just as long as its shared out, if you know what I mean. As a foreigner you cant get over here and just set up shop – it doesnt work that way. If only… But – that doesnt mean its impossible!
The food is great and the internet connections are stable – so, when are you coming?!!
Chris
Thanks for the great info, Chris. I enjoy your emails and posts – you just keep making me more and more want to come over there!
I outsource some of my work, and I have a Phillipina lady who does a great job for me, and she’s been helping me for months now. I concur about the great work ethic you mention.
Hi Bill
Thanks for the kind comment – appreciate it.
Thanks also for following, and enjoying the content. Its comments like this that make it all worthwhile, as they say.
And you SHOULD come over and visit. You’d love it here… Everyone always does!
All the best,
Chris
Interesting video, Chris. One of these days, I’m going to have to make it out to the Philippines. My girlfriend (who is Filipino) has a lot of family back there, and I know she’d probably like me to tag along one of the next times she goes to visit them.
You’ve just given me another reason to go!
Thanks buddy.
- Eric
Hey Eric
Awesome to hear you’re GF is from the Philippines – they do make excellent partners, if I say so myself!
Its all that Chicken Adobo as far as I’m concerned – love the stuff!
Yes, you guys must come out. We’ll put together a boat trip one day and hop from island to island. It will be great fun!
Chat soon, bud.
Chris
Great video, with some great insights to the country and more importantly doing business in the country.
Hi Matthew
Thanks for the comment and feedback, matey.
I actually have a couple more of these ‘types’ of vids planned for the future sometime.
Cheers,
Chris
Excellent video!
Glad you enjoyed it, Jeannie.
Thanks for stopping by!
Chris
Chris I lived in Manila between 1999 and 2001.During that time the President was overthrown,there were bombs going off,I experienced one Typhoon,one earthquake,and one volcano eruption.I hope things are better.
My question to you is how you get Filipino people to tell you when they are unclear on what you want them to do?What i found was I would tell them to do something,then i’d say “do you understand?”
they’d say “yes” when in fact they did not,they just said yes because they’d think they were being disrespectful if they said no.They just wanna please all the time and that just causes so many problems.
Pollution any better?
Traffic?
Corruption still rife?
Kidnapping?
Power cuts?
Andrew
Hi Andrew
Great comment. Thank you.
I was also here in 2000 and beyond, and remember Mr Estrada’s problems, for sure! I have actually experienced three earthquakes myself, but all have been minor – there have been a few volcano’s go off, too – but, I’ve never been near them!
In regards to getting Filipino staff to open up to you, I have found that being very open with them helps a lot on this. You talk with them, brainstorm with them, involve them – treat as part of the team, and not just a member of staff.
As Filipino’s generally dont like confrontation, email is a great way to get the ‘real truth’ from them, so to speak. The fact that they can open up in words, without having to have an immediate conversation helps.
But, to be very honest, I basically dont have a problem like this with my guys – they are all TOP workers, and I love having them in my corner.
Pollution – Still bad. You simply have to choose a place to live that isnt bang smack in the city!
Traffic – Roads are getting wider and cars are getting more expensive. About the same.
Corruption – Lets not go there!
Kidnapping – Never known anyone involved in anything like this… But, appreciate it goes on – but, then again, it goes on everywhere.
Power Cuts – Depends where you are. But, sometimes it can get pretty bad.
Thanks again for the insightful comment, I appreciate it, bud.
Chris
Great video Chris, you have excellent charisma which makes you easy to listen to.
I plan to spend some time living in the Philippines in the next few years and had just recently been speaking to a friend here in the UK who is Philippine and has been living and working over here for a few years so it was interesting to get both your viewpoints.
Your site is one that I have overlooked in my RSS feed in the past but it is going to be prioritised more in the future. Excellent stuff.
Hi Jonny
First up, totally dig your blog…! Rockin’.
When the time comes around – if you need any help on the Philippines side of things, just let me know.
Glad to hear I’m climbing up the RSS list of yours, bud. You should also download the eBook and get on my subscriber list, too – I do a lot of additional stuff for sub’s through this medium.
Welcome to the VBL Blog, and I hope to hear more from you here in the future, bud.
Best,
Chris
Mabuhay mate! (did i really just mix 2 cultures?) Just watched you over at Cody’s site and how you manage to entertain while being informative. That’s a marketable skill, IMO. It doesn’t matter that the “bidyo” is 10 months old because it’s timeless in its essence. Your attitude is also something I believe Pinoys have; they don’t take things too seriously nor too lackluster. They know how to have fun and they know when to buckle down and get things done. I miss my second home like the dickens and I can always count on things being about the same when I arrive!
As you know, that can be a negative or positive depending on what it is. Now on to the good stuff for anyone that may read a 10 month old post..lol
1) 40% ownership on businesses for foreigners. Filipinos own the other 60% – i won’t get all political about this one but i will say i disagree with it. It’s just the way it is for now!
2) Land ownership of any kind is forbidden unless you marry a native or rent a condo. Don’t be thick and try to grease any palms either. That’s a great way to get in trouble. Do everything on the up n up and you will succeed.
3) Taxation is NOT something you want to cheat on as an ex-pat. Let the people who live in barrios, drive trikes for a living, and have 5 kids operate under the radar. You can pay your business taxes, so do it and eliminate the risk of deportation and public scandal. It makes the entire ex-pat community look bad and helps enforce the validity of rule number 1.
Last but not least, I want to re-emphasize the infrastructure issue. In a poor country, money is king. If you can afford an investor visa, do it. If you can afford an office space, do it. Likewise, do not expect building your life to go according to plan. The Filipino mentality is not one of urgency and you WILL get what you pay for, eventually, but do not expect it on a Western timeline. Note: don’t whip the horse to get the buggy going faster, it won’t work but it will make you appear to be an ingrate. Accept graciously that what takes hours in your country could take days or weeks there. It is not a personal issue (most of the time), it’s an infrastructure issue in a developing country. Yes, you may really be the first person to ask for those goods and services. Or you may be one out of thousands and the company or individual you are dealing with has a large backlog. Either way, don’t be in a rush simply for productivity’s sake. =)
I hope i have expounded somewhat on your great video Chris and I look forward to future posts and possibly hearing from you!
Cheers!!