This was a massive day for The Dahl Family. After years of exploring every corner of the Philippines—from the bustling cities to quiet beach towns—Jessa and I finally made a decision that feels like coming home. We bought land in Ronda, Cebu.
Now, buying land in this country is never a simple "walk in the park." It’s an adventure filled with paperwork, negotiations, and a lot of patience. But today, the hard part was behind us, and we were finally standing on a piece of the world that belongs to us. As we drove up, Jessa and Liam were fast asleep in the back, leaving me alone with my podcasts and the anticipation of seeing our new property again.
We’ve lived everywhere—the beach, the city, the small towns—but what Jessa and I truly love is the mountain. This spot in Ronda checks every single box on our list. It’s elevated, offering that perfect mix of a mountain breeze and a view that honestly takes my breath away. From the top of the plot, you can look out over the lush green mountains and see all the way down to the ocean.
The land itself is a bit of a "diamond in the rough" at the moment. It’s overgrown with brush and trees, and the old fencing is pretty much destroyed. But that doesn't bother me; it just means it’s time to get to work. The first priority is a massive cleaning operation. We’re going to bring the family up with bush knives and cutters to clear everything out so we can see exactly what we’re working with.
One of the best features of this plot is the "flat part" on top. In the mountains, finding level ground is almost impossible, but we have a solid, flat area that’s perfect for building a strong, permanent house. It’s safe from landslides and away from any overflowing water—two things you must consider when building in the Philippines. We’re planning a solid concrete house, something that can stand the test of time and weather.
Liam already thinks the whole place is his personal playground. He was already trying to "help" with the clearing by exploring the bushes—though I had to keep a close eye on him so he didn't wander too far down the slope!
It’s a bit of a distance from the city and a little further from the rest of the family than our current spot, but life is about compromises. To get this view and this peace of mind, it’s a trade-off we were more than happy to make. This land represents our "new world," a place where we can build a future and give Liam a space to grow up surrounded by nature.
I can't wait to start the renovations and share the progress with you. Thanks for being part of this milestone with us.
See you in the next one!
