The Philippines has officially been recognized as Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th Trip Zilla Excellence Awards, the first time the country has received this specific title in the 40-year history of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).
The award was formally accepted by PRA officials on February 11, 2026, during the agency’s 40th anniversary celebration in Pasay City.
Why the Philippines WonAccording to Trip Zilla, the recognition followed public voting by more than 100,000 travelers across Southeast Asia, showing strong regional confidence in the country as a retirement destination. The award cited four key strengths:
Warm Hospitality & English ProficiencyThe Philippines is one of Asia’s most English-speaking nations, making communication and daily life easier for foreign retirees.
High AffordabilityLower cost of living compared to Western countries from housing and utilities to healthcare and food allows retirees to stretch their pensions further.
Diverse Lifestyle OptionsRetirees can choose between beach life, mountain climates, or modern city living depending on budget and preference.
Improving Healthcare
Private hospitals in major cities now offer modern facilities and English-speaking staff, attracting more foreign residents.
By the Numbers
• Over 83,000 Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) holders currently reside in the Philippines.
• The PRA is launching its “WE CARE” campaign to improve retiree services, streamline processes, and enhance overall experience.
The SRRV program allows foreign nationals to stay indefinitely in the country with multiple-entry privileges and certain incentives (subject to program rules).
Why This Matters
For years, countries like Thailand and Malaysia have dominated retirement rankings in Southeast Asia. This recognition positions the Philippines more competitively in the regional retirement market boosting tourism, real estate, healthcare, and local employment sectors.
Sources:
• 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards (2026)
• Philippine Retirement Authority Official Statements (40th Anniversary Event, Feb. 11, 2026)
My Photo of The Day: My Younger Years-Age 45
Finally, My Dinner Last Sunday -From SeaFood City in Concord
Crispy fried pampano, slowly simmered in sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger, finished with soy sauce and a little vinegar and a shower of fresh spring onions; this is the kind of dish that feels like home. Just the smell, you know you're about to eat two scopes of rice. Simple, practical, very Filipino, not fussy but full of taste. Probably NOT tasty at all to Non-Filipinos specifically the fish head.
This is the kind of dish that doesn't need a fancy name, because in every sip of sauce and every bite of fish, there are memories of dining, stories, family and ancestral memories behind.
In addition at lunch, yesterday, after Ditas and I finished our trip to DMV to renew my Senior ID.
Ditas and I purchased a Combo Dish containing pancit, rice and sautéed Pompano from Grilled City, Seafood City, Concord.
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