- Matthew Straight and April Pasilang opted for a tranquil off-grid lifestyle on a scenic Philippine island.
- The couple crafted their new home for approximately $85,000, which included a guest house, vegetable garden, and a serene pond.
- Living in this paradise has liberated them from material worries and allowed them to embrace their time.
Life in Cebu City, one of the Philippines’ oldest urban areas, was fast-paced for Matthew Straight and April Pasilang. The never-ending traffic made relaxation a rarity.
“We rarely opened our windows because of the constant noise,” noted Straight, 46, during his chat with Business Insider.
Matthew, originally from New Zealand, crossed paths with April, now 44, in the Philippines back in 2016. In July 2024, he found himself relocating from his home in Australia to be nearer to April.
The chaotic city vibe quickly dulled for them.
Thoughts of escaping to the countryside had always crossed Matthew’s mind, yet he was unsure if April shared the desire.
“When he suggested it, I was ecstatic because I wanted that lifestyle as well,” April, a yoga instructor, expressed. Growing up on the outskirts of Cebu City, she used to savor nature and a bountiful garden.
What started as an unplanned two-day trip to Bohol, just a ferry ride away, transformed their lives entirely.
In Corella, they found a piece of land close to the beach and distant enough from neighbors to guarantee peace. They impulsively made the purchase.
“I figured it would take about five years to realize this dream. I never imagined it would come true so quickly,” remarked April.
Crafting Their Off-Grid Haven
The couple acquired their 15,500 square-foot plot for 1.3 million Philippine pesos (around $23,000) and commenced construction.
Matthew sketched a basic floor plan, and they collaborated with local builders for their dream structure.
Designed to incorporate ample natural light and air circulation, their main residence includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms, complemented by a separate guesthouse for family and friends.
They created inviting outdoor spaces that include a swimming pool, lush vegetable garden, and tranquil pond, where they aim to grow organic produce.
Dedicated to self-sufficiency, the couple installed rainwater collection systems and solar panels to lessen their environmental impact.
“We’re looking to avoid that unpredictability of supply chains affecting us,” Straight mentioned.
With a total construction cost of 4.84 million Philippine pesos, they fully equipped their home with necessary amenities, ensuring a quick move-in by April.
“Now we’re starting a vegetable garden,” said Straight. “This morning we picked some eggplant, okra, and chili peppers.”
They plan to keep some chickens and introduce tilapia fish into their pond for added food sources.
Building strong relationships with neighbors has been a rewarding part of their journey, leading to regular exchanges of veggies and homemade goodies like April’s famous banana bread.
One local, a spry 75-year-old woman, runs a small convenience store visited often by local children.
“And there’s this 83-year-old guy who’s incredibly fit! He briskly walks carrying big water bottles- it’s impressive,” shared Straight.
The camaraderie they’ve felt here in Corella is a refreshing change from their past experiences in the buzzing city of Cebu—and in Australia, where Straight had lived far longer than he planned.
“Everyone genuinely cares for one another here; it’s heartwarming, and that generosity shines through, even during tough times,” he stated. “You learn to reciprocate that spirit.”
Friends from Cebu often stop by, while new acquaintances have been formed through their new passion for documenting their journey on their YouTube channel.
Intentional Living in Paradise
Stepping away from the city has allowed Matthew and April to embrace a much more mindful existence.
“Each morning, we crank open the sliding doors, brew a pot of coffee, and survey our garden. Our day’s agenda aligns with what our plants require,” April shared enthusiastically.
In the afternoons, Matthew conducts online nutrition consulting, and later, they ruminate on themes for their YouTube channel.
The hustle of city life is no longer their reality.
“We were always rushing around to beat traffic and check off items on our lists,” noted Straight.
Now, they are all about the slow life, aiming for a life that feels richer and more fulfilling.
Matthew’s life in Australia revolved around juggling too many responsibilities: from managing a gym to operating a taco venture and overseeing a café alongside various rental properties.
The devastating loss of his mother to pancreatic cancer in 2017 profoundly altered his perspective on life. He frequently flew back to spend quality moments with her during her illness.
“I realized I was leaving her to clock in for work, trading my time for money instead of cherishing moments with her,” he said reflectively.
This life lesson turned Matthew’s priorities upside down; he understood that a simpler lifestyle could bring true happiness.
At the time of his relocation to the Philippines, he packed only three boxes and two suitcases.
“It felt liberating to declutter my life and embrace a fresh journey in the Philippines, acquiring only high-quality items that would stand the test of time,” highlighted Straight.
So far, they are loving their new life. “We’ve retained all the comforts we had back in Cebu, only with greater ease and tranquility,” he added.
Beyond letting go of material attachments, the couple discovered a positive evolution in their mental health.
“We used to get those dopamine hits from checking our phones, but now we’re equally thrilled with seeing our garden thrive, like the okra growing daily,” Straight revealed.
Got a story about your own journey in building a dream home in Asia? Feel free to reach out to this reporter at agoh@businessinsider.com.
