What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Alabang often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Many locals speak Tagalog, which can be difficult for expats to understand. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to navigate for those who are not familiar with them. Expats may also find the traffic and congestion in Alabang to be overwhelming, as the city is known for its heavy traffic. Finally, the cost of living in Alabang can be high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local economy," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Alabang, Philippines.

"As one expat has mentioned here about crab mentality in Filipinos I never knew what it meant. It was not until I started building my wee bungalow with pool that my once friendly neighbour and family in the province started ignoring me. Believe it or believe it not, if you really dig into the Filipino psychi that you realise they don't like seeing others getting on when they are not, they just hide things deep down and hold grudges just like westerners. Do you know any Filipino expats in your country?? In my country I see how their mindset changes, that open friendliness changes, they become less approachable. Another thing I have first hand experience with, Filipinos, they do not like to spend money on anyone other than themselves or family. I have never in all my years been treated to a lunch or dinner by a Filipino, it's always me paying even though I know they work in good jobs and have a good bank balance, they will still not buy for you like you buy for them. . Only one time a Filipino guy did buy me a beer but he was visiting from Canada. Apart from that, I think in general many many are very tight with money especially if you are a foreigner in their company. I dated a Filipina for a few days years back, she let slip over a few beers that she had a coconut plantation that gives her a good income 4 times a year during harvest time, plus she worked as an events organiser who earned a good salary. She lived in a nice apartment in Quezon city, had the latest iPhone, laptop and much more. For the first few days together I paid everything not knowing this, I even flights to Boracay, hotel etc, all the meals, beer even for the odd bottle of water at 7/11. Never did she once opened her wallet to buy a water, an ice-cream or beer. When she told me over the beers about all her assets and bank balance, I was shocked, next day I told her it's time to say goodbye, I was horrified to think she sat and enjoyed a free ride without even making a some contribution to expenses. My mind has since changed a lot about Filipinos the more time I live among them, they are no different to westerners really," commented one expat who made the move to Alabang, Philippines.

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