In this video, I’m reflecting on why I chose to build our life in the mountains of Ronda rather than the high-end condos of Cebu City or Manila. For me, the choice was simple: I wanted peace, quiet, and a true tropical paradise, not a replica of a lifestyle I could find in any other country.
Waking up at 5:30 AM here is a world away from my old life in Norway. Back home, my mornings were spent shivering in the cold, scraping ice off my car, and heading to a freezing office. Here, I wake up, make a cup of coffee, and step out onto the patio of our new build. Even though we’re still in the curing phase for the cement roof—which requires constant watering to stay strong—I can already enjoy the incredible views. From our spot on top of the mountain, I have a lush green valley on three sides and a clear view down to the ocean on the fourth.
I know a lot of foreigners advise against living "like a local" because of the roosters, the dogs, and the constant karaoke. Honestly, it took me a few years to adjust, but now? The chickens are my friends, and the karaoke doesn't bother me. I’ve even got software to filter it out of my videos if I need to! I’m not doing this for the money; YouTube is a hobby for me, fueled by my other revenue streams, so I have the freedom to live exactly how I want.
A big part of that freedom is how I’ve secured my future here. Since foreigners can’t technically "own" land, I’ve set up a 99-year lease for a symbolic annual fee. I even have my own little 30-square-meter "hideaway" office building down the hill. It’s minimalistic, but it has my top-of-the-line computer gear and everything I need. If anything ever happened between Jessa and me, I’m legally protected and can stay close to Liam. It’s all about being smart and adjusting to the system.
I also touch on some of the "quirks" of living here, like the "drop it where you're done" habit I see with tools and equipment, or the ongoing challenges with garbage disposal. The Philippines is a bit like time travel—it reminds me of Norway in the 80s in some ways—but for me, the pros far outweigh the cons. If you can adjust to the rhythm of the islands, it’s a slice of heaven. This mountain is my everyday view now, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Thanks for being part of the journey!
