| When it comes to retirement locations in the | | | | Cebu has a large population of foreign retirees in |
| Philippines, one has many options - major urban cities, | | | | relation to its population. Foreigners are drawn to its |
| larger rural cities, beach resorts, mountain retreats. | | | | abundance of beaches and resorts. It is a beautiful |
| Each has its own unique and attractive features. The | | | | city, surrounded by mountains on one side and the |
| major advantage of retirement in a major urban | | | | ocean on the other. Like Manila, it too has its upscale, |
| Philippines city are (i) international airport accessibility, | | | | modern shopping malls, casinos, and a great night life. |
| (ii) excellent healthcare accessibility, (iii) all major | | | | Being a smaller city, getting around the city is much |
| sports activities, and (iv) secure, upscale shopping, | | | | easier. It is now only beginning to see construction of |
| night life and entertainment. In this category of major | | | | high rise condominiums, which are abundant in Manila, |
| urban cities are the Manila metropolitan area, Cebu | | | | and a favorite of western retirees. |
| City in the Visayas area of the country, and Davao | | | | Cebu has great medical facilities and it has just |
| City in Mindanao. | | | | recently launched an effort in conjunction with the |
| MANILA | | | | national government to further develop Cebu as a |
| Manila is the capital of the country, and the primary | | | | major medical tourism and retirement center for |
| port of entry for every foreigner flying to the | | | | foreigners. |
| Philippines. It is the gateway to the Philippines. For a | | | | All in all, it has most of the westernized benefits of |
| foreigner seeking quick access in and out of the | | | | Manila, yet a lower cost of living, combined with the |
| country, Manila is the place to be. Travel to Manila | | | | presence of many, many beautiful white sand beach |
| from California is 15 hours, from Hawaii it is 10 hours, | | | | resorts. Those who love living near the seaside, have |
| from Tokyo it is a little over 4 hours, from Hong | | | | interests in diving and other water sports, yet like |
| Kong it is less than 2 hours, from Singapore it is 3 | | | | the efficiency and amenities of a smaller modern city, |
| hours, and from Europe it is basically 20 hours. Once | | | | then Cebu City would be your choice. |
| you are in Asia, sitting in the China Sea, Manila is at | | | | DAVAO CITY |
| the center. Trips to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, | | | | Davao City is THE city of Mindanao, and by square |
| Viet Nam, and Indonesia are quick and easy from | | | | miles it is the second largest city in the world. Its |
| Manila. | | | | population is approximately 1.4 million. Located on the |
| Manila is actually part of a major metropolitan area | | | | southern of Mindanao, it is the most rural of the |
| with an overall population of over 11 million people. So | | | | three major urban cities, and it has the lowest cost |
| yes, it is crowded overall, yet, like all major cities in | | | | of living. So, if you enjoy the lifestyle of a large city, |
| the world, there are areas within the metropolitan | | | | but have limitations on your cost of living, Davao is |
| area which are quite diverse from one another. | | | | the place for you. |
| Depending on one's retirement income, retiring | | | | Davao City does not get large numbers of foreign |
| foreigners tend to favor either the upscale, highly | | | | travelers, yet for those seeking outdoor adventures, |
| westernized Makati, Ortigas/Mandaluyong, or Alabang | | | | the options are plentiful. Living in Davao is a bit like |
| areas. These areas have all the amenities westerners | | | | living in both an urban and a rural city, as the city has |
| are accustomed to, including all the biggest and most | | | | modern shopping centers, upscale gated communities |
| upscale shopping malls in the country. Makati is the | | | | and hotels, yet living there you become deeply |
| financial hub of the Philippines, and it is full of western | | | | rooted to the land outside the city. Just outside the |
| style upscale condominiums with all the latest | | | | city is Mt Apo with forested slopes and abundance |
| amenities. | | | | of hiking opportunities, and located on a gulf, it is only |
| For those wanting an upscale, big city living, with | | | | a short boat ride to white sand beaches. Most of the |
| access to the best entertainment, sporting events, | | | | land outside the city has been turned over to |
| unlimited shopping options, and most westernized | | | | massive plantations growing pineapples, bananas, and |
| lifestyle, within easy reach of foreign destinations, | | | | other citrus. The city has a new, great world class |
| Manila is your best choice. The downside is that it is | | | | golf course, and low rise condominiums are newly |
| the most expensive than Cebu City and Davao City. | | | | being built. It has committed itself to the |
| CEBU CITY | | | | development of a world class medical center, and is |
| Cebu City is located on the island of Cebu in the | | | | aggressively pursuing medical tourism. |
| chain of islands known as the Visayas. It is more | | | | In conclusion, it has been my experience that for a |
| centrally located in the country and is a domestic | | | | person who wants to retire in a major urban city in |
| trading and transportation hub. It is much smaller than | | | | the Philippines, the choice between Manila, Cebu and |
| Manila, with a population less than 1 million, yet its | | | | Davao usually comes down to one's pension and/or |
| people have a higher per capita income level. It is | | | | other monthly retirement income. Manila is the most |
| very pro business, and a more efficiently run city | | | | expensive, Cebu is next, and Davao has the lowest |
| than Manila. It is very progressive and has become a | | | | cost of living. Manila is the most cosmopolitan, and |
| large center of commerce. It has aggressively | | | | the Davao the most rural. All three are attractive |
| expanded its airport, which does receive certain | | | | spots for a foreigner seeking retirement in the |
| direct international flights, though few in number. | | | | Philippines in an urban environment. |