Staying for Good in The Philippines?

Staying for good in the Philippines? Yes, why not!

My view, and not only mine, on safety and security has changed over the last 30 years. I have written about it several times in different publications. As I said before, I did stay in more then 60 countries worldwide. The rise of terrorism and natural disasters told me that there was not and that there will be no place on earth, which is entirely and absolutely safe.

Foreign travel advisories especially regarding the Philippines, and mostly Mindanao are (sorry!) absurd and never well proven. Many friends of mine abroad are still planning to retire in the Philippines and stay here for good. Some of them are getting discouraged because of all these negative news.

As I said, there is no absolutely safe place in the whole world. I visited "dangerous' places like the "Black-People-Soweto" in Johannesburg, the Golan Heights and some well known infamous parts of Los Angeles, being the only White among Blacks birthday parties. 

Even before living in Mindanao, I went to several places in Davao Oriental, Monkayo and even stayed in Cotabato. Of course, media, especially from so-called "safe countries" (again which are these?) still love to sensationalize the negative aspects in the Philippines.

Back to the other half of those foreigners, who are planning to settle down here: they feel happy and safe. Of course, sensibility and awareness are always parts of our life. Here and everywhere. this has nothing to do with the Philippines. 

The dream that globally governments and people might build peace and unity by respecting all cultures and religions and work for equitable distributions of the world's resources, and more for sustainable development that respects nature, will remain as a dream.

Whatever are the decisions of others, I stay in this country for good and forever. Living in a gated village or not - one can live a simple but meaningful life - here in Davao City or where ever in the Philippines.

Mabuhay!