American expat Jake is entering semi-retirement in a land halfway across the world from home, and it's an adventure he's enjoying so far. He now lives with his fiancée in General Santos City, Mindanao, the Philippines, where he's learning the local language, adapting to the local culture, and having fun on the beach with his family.	Jake Lee

-Where were you born? 

Los Angeles, California, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?

General Santos City, Mindanao, Philippines

-Are you living alone or with your family?

I am living in an apartment with my fiancée and her 2 boys. We have spent the last 2 months refurbishing the apartment and are just now settling in.

-How long have you been living in the Philippines?

2 months

-What is your age?

51

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the Philippines?

I was a therapist in the States and was axed due to downsizing like so many corperations are doing these days. So I went into semi retirement and moved here to the Philippines with my fiancée of 2 years that I met on the internet and have visited 3 times previously.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

No, not at all, actually it was quite easy.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Not really, I have excellent health and have been covered by the VA in the States ever since I left the military.

-How do you make your living in the Philippines? Do you have any type of income generated?

As I stated before, I am semi retired, plus I will be generating extra income via the internet for additional cash. Getting a regular job in the Phils. is practically impossible for expats. But there are other ways to generate income. A good book "49 Ways to Make a Living in the Philippines" can be purchased from another expat here in Mindanao, Bob Martin, at his website: www.liveinthephilippines.com. Bob is a very nice individual and has lots of help and information to offer on his website.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language? 

I don't speak very much Tagalog yet but I am learning with the help of my fiancée. I think it is important to try to learn the language and customs of any country you wish to reside in. It shows the locals that you take pride in their country and that you are trying your best learn their customs and it shows you respect them and their ways.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I have family and friends in the States and we keep in touch via the computer, messenger, email, and text. And yes, there are always times when you miss family and friends, but my new family here is very loving and supportive and always there for me when I need a hug. My family and friends abroad are very understanding of my decisions and have been supportive as well. My greatest recreational activities are here at the beach with my family.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I'm not sure what the future holds as of yet, but I'm positive. I have just started a blog of my experiences here, sort of as a hobby.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

We are renting a large apartment from my fiancée's father who is a businessman here in Mindanao. The cost is P10,000 per month but you can find smaller and cheaper apartments.

-What is the cost of living in the Philippines?

The cost of living is cheap, much cheaper than the States. And so far we have managed to find everything we need.

-What do you think about the Filipinos?

The locals are quite nice and they treat me well and with respect, and always ready to help me when I need it.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Philippines?

The positives, over 7000 islands surrounded by water, heaven if you're a beach-goer like me. The negatives, not living long enough to see them all.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Philippines?

Before making the move to any country, search, research, and search some more. Get all the information you can so you will be making an informed decision.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Philippines?

http://mylifeingensan.blogspot.com - My blog.

www.liveinthephilippines.com and http://mindanao.com/blog - Bob Martin's website and blog.

www.mindanaobloggers.com - A consortium of bloggers across Mindanao.