It goes without saying that many Filipino-Western marriages have a big age difference with the husband being much older than the wife. This is not true of all Fil-Western marriages, but I'd say a majority. I recently wrote an article about the age difference in marriages and posted within my web site. http://www.philippine-islands-living.com/Philippine-marriage-and-age-difference.html
One of the issues I failed to mention was death. This is a huge consideration to take into account for any couple wanting to marry and have a big age difference. I am a 54 year old American and my wife is a 26 year old Filipina. That's a BIG age difference. Although, age difference in the Philippines it's not looked at as a negative as it is in the west. I was just diagnosed with lung cancer and that means I will be dying sooner than I planned when I married my wife. How Much sooner, I don't know. I knew four years ago before we married that with our age difference my wife could easily become a widow in her 40's or even sooner. She knew this also and we talked about this before we married.

With all this said, are you and your wife ready for death. Have you provided for your young wife. Chances are your wife will be a widow for many more years than she was married to you. Be sure she is provided for. Do you have life insurance, Money in the bank, stocks, what about your monthly bills and the mortgage. It's never too early to plan for the rest of your wife's life. If you really love her you will be sure she is ready and able to go it alone after you pass. Besides it's the right thing and moral thing to do. If you have not talked about these things with your wife, NOW is a good time. If you are not married yet be sure you get your will updated. If you are already married be sure your will is up to date. Show your wife that you really love her and have provided for her after you pass.

Salamat! What could I say! I really even don`t know if you can reach my thank friend and soulbrother, but I still HAVE to say that your additude to
give such a wonderful side for us to read and learn a life in Phils, really
can have my highest respect! I did started to read these sides 3 nights ago
and was amazed that someone else did felt so strong as like me, when first
time saw Camotes Islands from the sea! It was just the words I had written
if done something like this to tell about this wonderful island! I myself
also find and called it a Paradise! Then find how wonderful relationship you
had with your wife and soulmate...this what I find tonight as your March 16
story just was a schock for me! How does this happen to the such a nice people like you...I just donn`t know, don`t have an answer..even as a poor Finn have the insurence as like those poor filipinos - a prayer! That I will
do for you and Judith from now on... But what to say about this article you
wrote...this is dynamite! It shows so much you love Judith that it is like
said in the Bible..."LOVE is stronger than death.." If you believe this, I do also believe that you meet in heaven one day..BUT now live the life with
the most perfect thing given you here..with your loving wife, many years I
hope and pray!! Be blessed about what you both have done and what you ARE!
My best wishes - take care each others and God Bless! Leo "Lesi" Lopponen
from Finland

Hi Patrick, I've just stumbled into your website while researching costs of building a house in the Phil. I am Filipino born myself, but have lived in Australia for 28 years now. I recently took my two kids to Cebu last July - August after a 22 year absence. Camotes Island is very dear to my heart. I holidayed there in 1975 before moving to Manila with my parents. I stayed with my mother's friend and Kumare (ask Judith what this means), called Linda. I forgot her surname, but she had a son called Renante, and her husband used to work in merchant ships back in the '70s. It was the best holiday I've ever had, I fell in love with the place. But opportunities beconed, so here I am in Oz. I wanted to go back to Camotes again, but my 15 year old daughter did not fancy the boat ride. Perhaps next time. I do sincerely hope you will survive this cance. I work as a Clinical Nurse here in Oz, and I have nursed people with lung cancer. Not a very pleasant way to die. Kind regards...
Maria

Hi Patrick, I've just stumbled into your website while researching costs of building a house in the Phil. I am Filipino born myself, but have lived in Australia for 28 years now. I recently took my two kids to Cebu last July - August after a 22 year absence. Camotes Island is very dear to my heart. I holidayed there in 1975 before moving to Manila with my parents. I stayed with my mother's friend and Kumare (ask Judith what this means), called Linda. I forgot her surname, but she had a son called Renante, and her husband used to work in merchant ships back in the '70s. It was the best holiday I've ever had, I fell in love with the place. But opportunities beconed, so here I am in Oz. I wanted to go back to Camotes again, but my 15 year old daughter did not fancy the boat ride. Perhaps next time. I do sincerely hope you will survive this cance. I work as a Clinical Nurse here in Oz, and I have nursed people with lung cancer. Not a very pleasant way to die. Kind regards...
Maria

Hi! Nice to hear that there is someone else thinking to build her future
home in Camotes! I HIGHLY recommend this by myself too! Now in a month
maybe can buy a lot there to think to build the home later. What you said
about the lung cancer...please don`t talk about that in this side,ok?
I just think what Patrick and Judith might think...) I myself also seen what
it is...BUT IT ALSO CAN BE CURED!! I remember this wonderful couple in my
prayers as cannot do anything else this time....God bless you too, and all
your desires about living in Camotes Paradise Islands! Take care! Leo