Not only is the Philippines more fun for young tourists looking for adventure but also for foreign retirees seeking refuge for old age.

The country has been ranked 15th out of 22 of the "World's Top Retirement Havens in 2013" released by Ireland-based website International Living.

The ranking grew from only 19 countries in the previous list, which did not include the Philippines.

The Philippines got a score of 79.5 point in the Retirement Index, based on eight categories crucial for retirees, including discounts and other perks.

These include real estate, retirement benefits, cost of living, ease of integration, entertainment and amenities, health care, retirement infrastructure and climate.

The Philippines' highest performance was in terms of cost of living (100 points). It ranked highest among the 22 countries in this criterion.

It scored lowest in the special benefits area, getting the lowest score in the list (57 points). Spain and Thailand got the same score.

"Among the top retirement spots in the world this year, you'll find great variety in the cultural offerings, climates and lifestyles," the website said.

Ecuador sat on top of the list, with a score of 91.9 points.

"Ecuador's major cities have top notch hospitals, clinics and well-trained physicians," the website said.

"All residents are eligible to participate in the country’s Social Security health care system for incredibly low monthly premiums," it added.

Ecuador was followed by Panama (89 points), Malaysia, (87.6 points), Mexico (85.1 points), Costa Rica (84.4 points).

"Each destination is desirable in its own way, but they all offer something increasingly hard to come by at home: A good quality of life for a reasonable price," the website said.

It noted, however, that "no 'formula' can spit out the name of the place that's just right for you."

Retirees should consider what's most important to them, "maybe climate, maybe language, maybe cost, maybe distance from home," it added.


ALWAYS FUN IN THE PHILIPINES

Pinaka Maganda !

Most Beautiful !

That is a nice list. That helps somewhat. However, there are more factors you have to look into such as laws, regulations, taxes, things like that. It is more complicated and has to be researched to the fullest on each country you want to retire to OR to relocate to where your foriegn bride lives. Can you make a living overseas? Can you buy a house or a property if you are not a citizen of that country/ex-pat. Best answers will be from ex-pats who understands better as well as you ask your bride (or friends you have are living overseas) about everything. Do not forget political stability. Say you want to retire in Fiji, I think that is one gorgeous archepelgo however it is very unstable and had a few coup da tats.

Also your political beliefs are factored as well as what the advantages in those countries. For example. You have worked for years giving the American Government your Social Security and FICA as well as Medicare and Obamacare (ACA). Some countries will not give you those benefits because you have not worked there. You have to get it from the US. But if you want to be ex-pat, you are bound to lose what you have given your 30 percent all of your life in the US to the US Government. Those are something you have to think about. For example-you are Conservative, many countries now have swifted to the leftist, socialist, communist, anti-Christian, anti-American feelings and in fact, they may not be very friendly to you because you are an American living in their country! Now you know how you feel about those illegals coming in the US! Same difference!

Laws such as if you are Deaf, you can not drive in other countries because they do not allow Deaf people to drive! I have to look into that factor because I am Deaf. And yes, I am researching.

Also you need to take a trip or trips out there to look into everything you are there.. such as if you like the weather there, the singles there.. programs for ex-pats such as organization or even they have American/Canadian communities where you can live in..

The research organization only gave very limited details and not giving in its entirely. So, it is a flaw.

Also the top five have various of lanaguage barriers for you if you are only speaking English. For example, Costa Rica, Panama,...they speak Spanish there. Habla espanol? Pocito. Ok, that is a problem for me because I do not know entirely that language. I have been to Centroamerica four times and LOVE IT! I said I want to live down in Costa Rica. But I have to look into seriously laws and everything. I got my connection there and I can go anytime. I will be anyway since now that my mom has passed away. I was close to her. So, now I will go anywhere. I can go where I am well received than where I live (cold narrowed minded city namely Syracuse, NY) It sucks here. And the political leaning in this country sucks.

Also you have something very strong beliefs and some countries still have those rights you want, you need to focus on those countries such as Switzerland has a law REQUIRING everyone own a gun legally. That is correct, everyone owns a gun in Switzerland. or anti-abortion, there is the Vatican or a strong Catholic country. If you are so against divorce, try the Philippines (you can only legally separate but not divorce and its against the law for an American man to marry a legally separated Filipina and you can be subject to arrest and be in prison in that country! They have very strong morals there. In Russia, if you have an accident with the car, RUN! Get out! Why? What I heard, they can arrest drivers and go thru hell before you are released. So, not worth it.

If you are so much in love with socialism and communism, I recommend you look into countries that are like that. They may help you but I doubt they will. It is true. Check it out.

Thank you for reading this lengthy advice.