Our Passion: Sharing Our Experience in the Philippines
Welcome to our personal blog! Discover the team and history of Palms & Horizons. For 25 years, we've documented our life in the Philippines to inspire and help those dreaming of this adventure.
Who are we? Two enthusiasts documenting their lives
We are Alain and Christophe, two long-time French expatriates. This personal blog is our hobby: we share our experiences, discoveries, and daily adventures to inspire those dreaming of the Philippines.
Alain
Retired Investor & Content Creator
Passionate about sharing his experience, Alain documents his daily life and shares practical tips for those dreaming of living in the Philippines.
Christophe
Retired Investor & Content Creator
Life enthusiast, Christophe shares all the secrets of successful integration, from housing to local culture, through this personal blog.
Our purpose: a reliable guide for your expatriation
“We created this blog to share our real experience. After 25 years in the Philippines, we simply want to document our daily life and hopes to inspire other enthusiasts. This is a hobby, not a business.”- Alain & Christophe, content creators
Fighting Disinformation
We verify every piece of information and expose traps to secure your installation project in the Philippines.
Guaranteeing Updated Info
Visa and immigration laws evolve. We follow these changes so that our guides remain relevant.
Sharing Our Experience
Our knowledge of the field is our greatest strength. We put it at your service, for free and with passion.
Our Mission and Core Values
Our mission is simple: to give you all the keys to succeed in your life in the Philippines. To achieve this, we rely on three pillars that guide each of our actions and expatriate advice.
Radical Honesty
We share the reality on the ground, with its advantages and challenges. No false promises, just verified information to make the right decisions.
Absolute Clarity
We translate administrative jargon into simple, actionable advice. Each guide is designed to be understood and used immediately for your life project.
Community Support
The success of expatriation relies on sharing. Our community is a pillar where each member contributes and receives benevolent help.
The importance of reliable support for settling in the Philippines
Expatriating is an exciting adventure, but the journey can quickly get complicated in the Philippines. Getting the right visa for the Philippines, estimating the cost of living by city, or choosing where to settle (Cebu, Davao, Manila…) are key steps. Without reliable landmarks, a dream can derail.
What often complicates things
Getting the right visa
Depending on your profile and project
Evaluating cost of living
Depending on the chosen city
Choosing where to settle
Cebu, Davao, Manila…
Successfully navigating local procedures
Without wasting time
To secure your project, we centralize practical and verified information, updated continuously. For example, our SRRV retiree visa guide is regularly updated according to the latest Bureau of Immigration requirements.
Beyond formalities, succeeding in your installation in the Philippines implies understanding local culture and daily life: housing, banking, health, mobility, climate. Cebu, a well-connected and dynamic international hub, offers an excellent entry point to settle and radiate throughout the archipelago. Our community is here to support you — ask your questions, benefit from feedback, and move forward serenely. For official information, always consult the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Expatriation to the Philippines
What budget is needed to expatriate to the Philippines?
The budget varies by lifestyle and city. On average, €1200 to €1800 per month allows a single person to live comfortably in Cebu or Davao (Manila is often more expensive). This covers housing, food, transport, leisure, and basic health insurance. Planning a safety savings is essential.
Is it easy to get a visa to live in the Philippines?
Accessible with preparation. The SRRV is common for retirees. Otherwise, start as a tourist then convert on site or apply for a work visa if you have a job offer. Starting early and strictly following official instructions avoids delays.
What are the main challenges for an expat in the Philippines?
Challenges are mostly administrative and cultural: bureaucratic slowness, cultural adjustment ("hiya" concept, relationship with time), and climate (heat, humidity, typhoons). Good preparation and an open mind help overcome them.
Why trust us for your life project?
Our legitimacy relies on 25 years of combined experience on the ground, thousands of expatriates accompanied, and a community that continues to grow every day thanks to the reliability of our advice.
Regular Updates
Visa laws change. We constantly monitor to ensure our information remains accurate.
Responsiveness & Support
A question? Our team and community answer quickly so you're never left stuck.
Lived Experience
Our advice doesn't come from a book, but from 25 years of life, mistakes, and successes in the Philippines.
Centralized Resources
Access the right forms, official links, and verified contacts directly without wasting time.
Direct Availability
We are not an anonymous entity. You can contact us for specific questions.
Total Transparency
All our content is free. We share our experience openly, with no hidden agenda or commercial interests.
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Direct Contact
A specific question about your expatriation project? Need personalized advice? Contact us.
Ready to start your adventure in the Philippines?
Your life project deserves the best advice. Explore our comprehensive guides and join our community of expatriates to start on solid ground.