Pristine white sand beach in Anda, Bohol, Philippines, with turquoise waters and palm trees.

Scenic bamboo walkway through lush greenery in the Philippines, perfect for eco-tourism and nature lovers.

Traditional Filipino bangka boat on a sandy beach, used for island-hopping in the Philippines.

Tall coconut trees in the Philippines swaying under the tropical sun, a classic island landscape.

Colorful Philippines fruit stall with fresh mangoes, bananas, and pineapples at a local market.

Graceful green sea turtle swimming through the clear blue waters of the Philippines’ coral reefs.

Green sea turtle feeding on seagrass in the Philippines’ marine ecosystem, essential for ocean biodiversity.

Massive school of jackfish swirling in the clear waters of Balicasag Island, a top Philippine diving spot.

Tropical paradise of Pamilacan Island, Bohol, known for its white sand beaches and rich marine life.

White Beach in Panglao, Bohol, a stunning Philippine destination with soft sand and crystal-clear water.

John Hawkins, retired civil engineer and author, shares insights on retirement, travel, culture, and diving in the Philippines.

About This Site

Welcome to Live Life The Philippines — a practical guide for retirees, expats, and long-term visitors looking to build a life in the Philippines. This site shares firsthand insights into daily living, local culture, and what it’s really like to make the Philippines your home.

The Author

I'm John Hawkins, a retired Civil Engineer with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Now based in the Philippines, I’ve turned my focus to web development and content creation — combining technical skills with a passion for sharing what I’ve learned through lived experience.

This site is both a resource and a record of experience. I focus on the realities of retiring, living long-term, and adjusting to life in the Philippines — from managing daily costs and healthcare to understanding local culture. After moving here, I also returned to diving for the first time in 35 years. These days, I log over 100 dives a year and share what I learn about marine life, dive sites, and underwater videography throughout the central Philippines.

Live Life The Philippines mission – helping retirees, expats, and long-term visitors navigate life with insights on cost of living, culture, and healthcare.

Our Mission

Our aim is to support retirees, expats, and long-term visitors in making informed, confident decisions about life in the Philippines. From cost-of-living breakdowns and healthcare options to cultural context and diving experiences, we provide grounded, real-world guidance to help you settle in and thrive.

Living in the Philippines Hub

Everything you need to build a life in the Philippines.

Culture of the Philippines a national flag and a tribes man

Filipino Society Hub

Explore what shapes life in the Philippines — from culture and history to family, faith, and the systems that guide daily living.

Dive the Philippines Hub

Built on personal experience, this hub covers key dive sites, seasonal insights, filming tips, and trusted local knowledge.

The Philippines offers stunning islands, warm hospitality, and an affordable cost of living for retirees, expats, and long-term visitors.

Why the Philippines?

The Philippines offers a unique blend of affordability, natural beauty, and genuine hospitality that makes it a compelling place to live. For retirees, expats, and long-term visitors, it’s a country where day-to-day life can be both manageable and rewarding. This site shares firsthand perspectives on what makes the Philippines not just a destination — but a place to call home.

Real-life insights on living in the Philippines from expats, locals, and long-term residents.

Who We Are

We're a small, independent project built on lived experience. Everything we publish is drawn from real life in the Philippines — backed by practical knowledge, careful research, and input from locals and expats who know the country firsthand. Our goal is simple: to share useful, honest insights that help others make informed choices about life here.

Authentic insights on Filipino culture, retirement, and daily life with a clean, mobile-friendly site design.

What Sets Us Apart

We don’t recycle advice or content written from afar. Every guide on this site is built from real experience — whether it’s navigating the visa process, understanding healthcare, or diving the reefs I visit regularly. It’s practical, honest, and written by someone living it day to day.

The site is also designed to be fast, clean, and easy to use — especially on mobile — so you can get straight to the answers you need.

Stay Connected

We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, suggestions, or personal experiences to share, feel free to reach out. Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, or contact us via email.

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