Philippines Guide

Philippines Guide

​Living in the Philippines can be a fantastic experience, one that many would love to call home. The food, the people, the diverse cultures, and the incredible landscapes are just a few of the highlights of this remarkable nation.
​But just like anywhere you choose to live, there are always challenges and nuances to navigate. At Social Expat, we have compiled a wealth of useful articles and information to help make your transition as smooth and comfortable as possible.
​If you would like to share tips and information from your time living in the Philippines, then feel free to let us know and we would love to publish your experiences! Check out our ‘Write for Us’ page or send us an email about how you can write with Social Expat!
​Your Ultimate Living Guide to Get Around the Philippines
​Welcome to your ultimate Philippines living guide! The Philippines is one of the world’s most diverse and enchanting nations located in Southeast Asia, acting as a true paradise for residents and nature lovers alike.
 
​At Social Expat, you will find essential guides to help you prepare before you move and plan your life in the Philippines; from a brief guide to local life, to the best places to visit across the islands.
 
​For questions and more information about expat advice and more local guides about getting around the Philippines, feel free to contact us at philippines@socialexpat.net or visit our Instagram @socialexpat.philippines.

Philippines Guide Articles

Planning a trip to the Philippines often means choosing between busy cities, quiet beaches and outdoor adventures. Cebu makes that decision easier by bringing many of these experiences together. Located in the Central Visayas, Cebu combines an urban centre with historic landmarks, offshore islands, beaches, marine life and waterfalls. For travellers planning their first Cebu […]

Motorists along MIA Road in Pasay City found themselves in the middle of an unexpected rescue operation on Wednesday, 2 September, when two runaway dogs darted into oncoming traffic. The pair, later identified as Joe, a male Pomeranian, and Sethie, a female Pug, had managed to slip away after the lock on their enclosure broke. […]

For some couples, a dream wedding comes with a beautiful venue, perfect weather and a carefully planned ceremony. For one Filipino couple, however, their big day came with something a little less expected: a church filled with floodwater. Leian Lieza Galang and Gilbert Chico went ahead with their wedding despite hip-deep floodwaters inside Saint John […]

Every memorable event starts with someone who makes people feel welcome. At Social Expat, our Mavericks are that person. They are the spark, the initial conversation, and the warm welcome that turns a room full of strangers into a community of friends. If you love meeting people, thrive in dynamic social settings, and are passionate […]

A dog was safely rescued from a balcony during a deadly residential fire in Pasay City, Metro Manila, after volunteer firefighters reached the trapped animal amid the emergency response. Footage circulating widely on social media shows rescuers Jamphy Belchez and Jimari Lao, volunteers from the San Andres Manila Fire & Rescue Volunteer Association Inc., pulling […]

Travellers planning domestic or international trips from the Philippines may see lower airfare costs in the second half of August 2026 after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) reduced the airline fuel surcharge by one level. The CAB announced that the fuel surcharge would be lowered from Level 13 to Level 12 for the period from […]

When the sun sets over Manila Bay, Metro Manila undergoes a dramatic transformation into one of South East Asia’s most captivating evening capitals. The metropolis offers a vast spectrum of evening entertainment, ranging from opulent mega-clubs equipped with world-class lighting systems to intimate speakeasies tucked away in residential neighbourhoods.  The Evolving Manila Club and Party […]

Looking for the best expat event August has to offer in the Philippines? Social Expat Philippines is bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and international residents through a series of exciting networking experiences in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Whether you’re hoping to grow your business network, meet fellow expats, or simply enjoy a great evening […]

Filipina tennis player Alexandra Eala made history on Monday after defeating top seed Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 to win the Mubadala DC Open, becoming the first athlete from the Philippines to capture a WTA Tour-level singles title. The 21-year-old left-hander staged a remarkable comeback in a rain-delayed final that began on Sunday evening before […]

Roderick “Papalo” Saranza has found an unusual way to celebrate one of football’s greatest players. The artist from Tandag City in the Philippines recently transformed a stretch of beach into a giant portrait of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, using nothing more than sand, carving tools, and a little help from virtual reality technology. The large-scale […]

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