The original inhabitants of the archipelago known as the Philippines are of Malay origin. For centuries Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern traders visited the Philippines often leaving more than just a cultural influence. The Philippines was under Spanish control for 400 years and the Filipina has adopted many of the Latina characteristics and have a unique beauty all their own.

The Philippines is not considered part of the Latin world today but has been strongly influenced by its Latin past. Discovered by Portuguese explorer Magellan on his historic circumnavigation of the world the Philippines was named after King Philip of Spain who was funding the expedition.

Living, Traveling and Retiring in the Philippines as a foreigner or "expat," is a dream come true for many foreigners living in the Philippines. Beaches, ocean and mountains are all at their doorstep. The sun almost always shines in the Philippines out of the northern typhoon belt.

The Philippines is the only English speaking country in Asia. It has a culture known for its hospitality, beautiful beaches and warm and friendly people. You can experience a high quality standard of living for a very low cost. And that means with loyal live-in maids and helpers, cheap taxis, fine rental homes in quality neighborhoods, with rents so low you will have a hard time believing it. And it has a wide range of entertainment from exciting night life to golf, international restaurants to stunning resorts beyond compare. It also has many intangibles to bring you joy for no money at all.

The Filipino people make even foreigners feel needed and wanted here. Many have lived in their own countries in the U.S., Europe, etc. as retirees, and they felt lost in their own countries. But in the Philippines they feel wanted and appreciated, not yet put out to pasture. They can be a provider of help and information, and an asset to this developing country. They are not just a barnacle on the bottom of the ship of the United States or other First world countries. Other foreigners living and retired here share this feeling.

Filipino women are renowned for their beauty, caring disposition and having strong family values. These attributes make a Filipino woman a desirable choice for many single men. Men love to see the beautiful Filipinas smile. Even the smile of the Filipino men are warm and friendly. Many foreign women find the Filipino men polite, romantic and attractive. Many foreign men, on the other hand, are attracted to Filipinas and marry them. Some stay in the Philippines, some take their wives back to their countries. Some return to the Philippines later, to live or retire. Some only return every year to visit. Many people who have been to the Philippines realte that once you have been in the Philippines, you will come back. According to them, the Philippines and the Filipino people are addictive.

Generosity is part of the culture in the Philippines. Getting to know the Filipino culture will greatly enhance your living or traveling experience. But it is not something you have to do. The Filipino people are very tolerant of foreign culture and customs. They understand it's hard to adapt to another country right away. Filipinos have traveled the world as contract workers, and know the problems of acculturation

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