Is it really that dangerous to live in the Philippines if I want to move there for business or for good?

Hi everyone,

I am Filipino and was born and raised in Switzerland, and all of my family is here. Recently, though, I’ve been thinking about going back to the Philippines to open a coffee shop or other business. Switzerland’s cost of living is high, and to be honest, I’m feeling pretty burnt out. Plus, with my girlfriend we invested in something that gives us a passive income of around $2,000 per month, which I could rely on while starting the business. I also have some funds set aside from a loan specifically for this venture.

Most of my family is against the idea because they’re concerned about the crime rate and other risks they’ve heard about, though my parents and my brother are supportive. My brother, who dreams of becoming a basketball player, also feels that Switzerland isn’t the best place for his ambitions since basketball isn’t very big here.

I’d love to hear your opinions—especially from people with experience living or running a business in the Philippines. Is it as dangerous as some people say, and how manageable is it for someone like me looking to start fresh?

Thanks for any insights!