A client from California worked 40 years at the same company.

Then he gave himself 30 days in the Philippines.

He is part Filipino and grew up in California. He wanted to reconnect with his roots, and he wanted a solid read on the rental market before making any big decision.

The 30-Day Plan

Our team built the trip around the things he wanted to do. We curated the 30-day itinerary, booked his accommodations and activities, and arranged a private driver.

Early on, we toured several one-bedrooms around BGC in a single day. Later weeks bring more viewings, including two-bedrooms, and a trip through the provinces to the region his family comes from, Camarines Sur. Our staff goes with him.

The goal was simple. He wanted to see what living here actually looks like before he decided anything.

Day Five: Makati

On day five we spent the day in Makati, with two of our relocation specialists beside him.

We started with shopping at Greenbelt. He needed something light for the 80 degree weather, so he picked up a Dri-Fit polo.

We walked through the Ayala Museum. Then we sat down at Ayala Triangle.

Makati feels different from BGC. It is more open, with more green space, and it has more of a neighborhood feel. It is a bit like how Manhattan has Central Park, and this is what Ayala has to offer. Families were out. Kids were playing soccer. It was 80 degrees, and we had a cold beer outside.

He noticed the quiet. He said it was quieter than BGC, and you could feel his stress level come down.

Lunch was Filipino food at Manam. Then we ended the day at the Manila Peninsula. He called it opulent, but not uncomfortably. He compared it to Vegas, and then he said he could make it his home.

His summary of the day was short.

It was a good day.

Why You Scout First

Both cities have modern conveniences and Western amenities. A spreadsheet will not tell you which one feels like home. An afternoon in a park will.

This client still has most of his trip ahead of him. But I have never had a client who did a proper scouting trip and then decided not to move.

If you plan to scout or move in the next one to four months,

Click here to start your move to the Philippines the right way.

Travel Well,
Evan Lorezca
The Savvy Expat