Is the USA better than the Philippines?
If so, is it true in every respect?
On my other blog, Live in the Philippines, We had a rather extensive series of articles based on the theme “Philippines vs. USA”.
This series of articles got started when one of the semi-regular writers there, Jay Stainback, wrote a few such articles. Jay went on to write more and more such comparison articles. Later, my son, Aaron, wrote some similar comparisons too. I also got into the mix as well with some such comparison articles.
In these articles, did the USA always come out the winner on such comparisons? No, it did not. But, some of those articles were sometimes slanted toward things that were certainly more favorable to the Philippines. Things like who had the best fruits, who had the best weather, and such. Well, the Philippines is a tropical country, so of course, it has a much wider selection of fruits and also has great weather.
Frankly, I believe that many Americans, especially those who have not traveled to other countries would be shocked to learn that the USA is not the best in everything. Most Americans think that the USA is the best at virtually every aspect of life. It is not always true, though.
Now that I have been living in the Philippines for a number of months after living nearly 20 years in the Philippines, I have decided to start making some similar comparisons, and doing it “from the other side of the pond”.
Some of my comparisons might be shocking
In some categories, I think that many will be shocked that the Philippines will actually be better in some things that the USA really should be better. I am not going to give examples, because that will give away some future articles, but you will find that at least in my opinion the Philippines will beat the USA in things that the USA has a natural advantage in.
But, my opinions will reflect my true life experiences, and I will detail why I sometimes side with life in the Philippines.
The USA is also better in some categories as well, which should not be shocking.
So, tune back in and see where I stand on the Philippines vs. USA argument! I am sure you will enjoy my thoughts. You might not always agree, but that’s OK!
Bob looking forward to your comments on this subject it may help us decide. Emily and I are trying to decide where we are going to retire. My family and I a have rift that I do not expect to be able to mend.
Emily and her family is close most likely she will out live me due to our age Gap of 15 years.
So in my thinking it would be best for her. For me I can be happy where ever I am so it does not matter. If we live in the Philippines she wants a house built. That fine with me if we do.
If we decide on the states we would move to a remote area off the grid and just have a small house. I can do my Amateur Radio Hobby any where but most likely have more Antennas and Radio’s in the states.
But the biggest advantage for my wife her family would be closer. Emily has never desired to be involved with the local Philipino community so in my line of thinking she has also isolated herself to a large degree and I do understand why. Is she happy being married to me yes and we have been married 20 years now. I want what is best for her.
I can retire in about three and a half years. If we stay here I may go back to school and start a second career. I am just not the type to site around and do nothing.
Have a wonderful day.
Hi Nathan – Trying to decide on where to retire is a major life decision, for sure.
Life in the Philippines is not for everybody, but I did have a very nice life there.
Good luck, whatever you decide! Congrats on the 20 years!
Hi Bob,
Like Nathan I’m looking to retire in the Philippines. I want to retire from being a software consultant and go back to school. I want the time to learn escrima, Visaya, and Java (I think I really hate Java, but want to see if it’s just me not liking the line courses or if it’s really the language). Working full time at 74 just doesn’t give me the time to do new things. I really want to slow down. I believe living in the Philippines at slower pace will allow me to do that – or else it will drive me crazy 🙂
I’m looking forward to your take on the differences.
Hi Tony, I hope that everything works out for you just the way you’re thinking. expect some differences, though, from what your expectations are. If you’re open to that, it will probably work out fine for you.