A slower, simpler, more intentional life in the Philippines

— built step by step

Who Back to the Philippines Is For

Whether you’re still dreaming, actively researching, or already preparing documents and budgets, this site is built to help you make smarter decisions before you move.

Balikbayans & former Filipinos: Trying to reconnect, return, retire, or regain citizenship while figuring out housing, paperwork, banking, and daily life.

Foreign spouses & partners: Trying to understand visas, long-stay options, healthcare, housing, and what life in the Philippines really looks like.

Retirees & near-retirees: Wanting a slower, more affordable lifestyle without walking into expensive surprises.

Explorers in planning mode: Still comparing locations, costs, logistics, and timing before making a big commitment.

What You’ll Find Here

Choose the level of help that fits your time, budget, and how hands-on you want to be.

Practical Guides

Easy-to-follow content on moving, retiring, visas, citizenship, banking, housing, healthcare, transportation, and settling into life in the Philippines.

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Planning Tools & Templates

Checklists, worksheets, starter resources, and practical tools to help you organize your move step by step.

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Real Stories & Lessons

Our personal journey, research, property planning, decisions, mistakes, and lessons learned as we prepare for life in the Philippines.

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Back to the Philippines Handbook

An upcoming deeper-dive resource for people seriously planning a move, retirement, or next chapter in the Philippines. Coming soon.

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About Us

About Us

Why we’re building Back to the Philippines

I was born in the Philippines and moved to Canada when I was 10 years old, but my roots never left me. I recently reclaimed my Filipino citizenship and am now a dual citizen. My husband and I are both Canadian, and together we’re planning our return by buying land, building a future home, and creating a slower, more intentional life in the Philippines. Back to the Philippines is where we share our real journey, practical research, and useful resources for balikbayans, foreigners, and future retirees exploring the same path — while building with purpose and looking for ways to support local people and communities. ~ Hanna & Moe

Latest Guides & Stories

Practical articles, real-life insights, and helpful updates from our journey back to the Philippines.