🌴 California Expat Newsletter – Letter #1 (June 2025)

Subject: It Wasn’t the Beaches That Kept Me Here


📓 From John’s Journal

I didn’t plan on staying.

Back in 2019, I flew to the Philippines just to set up a support office for my business in California. It was supposed to be a smart move, not a life change. I came three times that year. Every time I left, I felt an ache, like I was leaving something behind, but couldn’t name it.

By January 2020, I stopped pretending I lived anywhere else.

I didn’t leave California because I was running away. I stayed in the Philippines because it felt like coming home — not the kind you’re born into, but the kind you grow into without even realizing it. 

So now, here we are.

This letter is for the ones who are trying to live here, love here, laugh here, not lose your mind here.

If that’s you, keep reading.

 

👥 First California Expat Meetup in BGC

We recently had our first California Expat Meetup in BGC, and it turned out to be a really special day.

☕ In the afternoon, we partnered with the Coffee Snobs BGC group for a relaxed coffee meetup. It was a simple way to connect, share stories, and meet others who are also finding their way here.

🍽️ Later that evening, we had dinner together at Fable Café + Lounge in BGC. Nearly 40 people showed up. We took up most of the restaurant. What stood out most wasn’t the number, but how easy it was to talk, laugh, and start building friendships with people we’d just met.

🎥 Big thanks to everyone who joined us, and a special shoutout to Romeo Bass for capturing the day on video and photos. 

✨ There will be more meetups ahead. Hope to see you at one soon.

 

📺 What I’m Watching on YouTube

  • Chad Foster Explores 🇨🇦 – Calm, thoughtful. Watch →
  • Tom & Lay 🌏 – Irish–Filipina couple. Watch →
  • The Filipina Pea 🇵🇭 – Honest and funny. Watch →

 

🛠️ Expat Life Hacks 

💸 GCash

Use it daily, but don’t advertise it unless you’re ready for a flood of “Can you GCash me load real quick?” messages. 

It’s super convenient for bills, food delivery, and even tipping, but set boundaries, or you’ll become the neighborhood ATM.

 

📝 Assistants

Doing government paperwork or standing in endless lines? You might feel like you're about to turn into the Hulk. 💢💚

But for just ₱500 and a snack, your local assistant can handle it—before you even finish your second cup of coffee. ☕

Let someone you trust take care of the hassle. Save time. Save stress. Keep your sanity.

 

🚕 Shopping

Ask Prices First.

“Magkano ito?” (How much is this? – in Tagalog) or “Tagpila ni?” (How much is this? – in Bisaya)

Whether you're in a taxi, palengke (wet market), or sari-sari (small corner store), always ask the price before handing over your cash. It’s a small step that saves you from big surprises, and it’s totally normal here to clarify before committing.

 

💬 Word I Love This Month: Tara!

Means “Let’s go!” Use it when you’re ready to head out, start something new, or dodge awkward moments 😅

 

🎤 Karaoke = Group Therapy

It’s not about pitch. It’s about release. No one cares how well you sing, just grab the mic. You’re not performing. You’re joining in.

 

❤️ Love & Family in the Philippines

Dating someone here? You’re also dating:

  • The family
  • The culture
  • The tita (aunt) judging you for not eating rice 😅

Go slow. Be real. They’re watching. And (usually) cheering you on.

 

💼 Work, Sort Of

Running a business here? Great. But don’t copy-paste your old life.

  • Systems that survive power cuts
  • Trust before task lists
  • Hire locals. Treat them like gold 💛

👉 Book a Business Consult

 

🤝 Meetups: Beyond YouTube

We're doing relaxed meetups in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Not just building a channel, building a community.

📍 Join our Facebook Group

 

📤 Before I Go

If you enjoyed this, help us grow:

 

– John Smulo
California Expat

 

🎁 Resources & Freebies