My First Days Back in the Real World (Philippines Update 🇵🇭)

Quick update from the Philippines.

I’ve been in Makati, staying near the Greenbelt area, and I’m not gonna lie… it’s been a bit of a shock (in a good way).

After spending so many years in China — especially where life can feel isolated and repetitive — this place feels like stepping back into the real world again.

The first thing I noticed: the food

There are endless places to eat here. Not just a lot of restaurants… but a lot of variety.

I’m talking:

So many of the things I’m seeing here are totally normal for most people… but after being “cut off” from it for years, it feels almost unreal.

The second thing: the prices

Here’s what surprised me most…

Everything feels cheaper than China.

For example, my usual Starbucks americano that costs me around $4.50 in China was only $2.88 here.

Even shopping has been a win.

I picked up some clothes that actually make sense for this weather — linen shorts and a linen shirt — and it was about half the price of what I’d pay in China for the same thing.

And the options here are just better.

So far, I’m enjoying the “international city” lifestyle

Makati feels like that perfect mix of:

But here’s the thing…

I don’t want to romanticize it too much yet, because I’m still in the early stage.

So I’m doing what I always do:

I’m testing real life in different environments.

What’s next

Next week, I’ll be heading to a beach town to see how I feel living in that slower, coastal vibe.

After that, I’m going the complete opposite direction…

I’m making my way deep into the province, into a more remote “jungle-type” area, right near the base of a volcano.

Big city → beach → remote province.

I want to feel the difference in my body and mind:

Because one thing I’ve learned is this:

Where you live affects who you become.

A personal note

Sometimes I think about how strange my life has been.

I didn’t start out with some perfect plan.

I came from a life that had a lot of chaos, a lot of pain, and a lot of moments where I honestly didn’t know if I was going to make it.

But somehow… I did.

And not only did I survive it — I built a life abroad from scratch.

That story is in my memoir… because I know there are other people out there who feel stuck, trapped, or like they missed their chance.

You didn’t.

And I’m living proof that you can reinvent yourself at any stage.

I’ll keep you updated as I move from the city to the beach to the province.

Talk soon,

John