I think many have heard about R & R. Rest & Relaxation. What about R & E? Recreation and Entertainment? How does that sound to you? Based on my experience over the past 28 years, the Philippines provides R & E for just about everyone. No matter what you enjoy! Well, unless you are a hunter. Foreigners cannot own or possess firearms and most all wildlife is … [Read more...]
Old Time Rock n’ Roll!
Let me introduce you to my rock n' roll friend! RJ Jacinto. Flasback! 1987. One of the first celebrities I had the pleasure meeting in the Philippines, after enjoying his energizing show, was RJ Jacinto. The Father of Philippines Rock n' Roll. He was and still is indeed electric! Song after song of non-stop full tilt electric boogie on his guitar. He can sing, too! Rock n' Roll … [Read more...]
Human Trafficking and Sex in the Philippines
It's a dirty business! The sex trade is nothing new in the Philippines, as it has been around for many, many years. With the lure of big money, every day young women make their way from the provinces to the bars in cities, seeking work. For many of them, it is their choice to seek such employment, as they are only following in the footsteps of other relatives, sometimes even … [Read more...]
Lawless Avenues
If you read the current news in the Philippines, you know about a 19 year old US Marine being a suspect in the murder of a 26 year old transgender in Olongapo City. This incident has become highly politically charged in the Philippines, fueled by activists, leftists, militants and those who are anti-American. Olongapo City was known as Sin City for many years but when … [Read more...]
On The Road With Gary
You can drive all the way from Luzon to Mindanao, although I have never tried it and never plan to! Much of your trip will be with your vehicle on a RoRo upon the seas of the Philippines. I have been on a RoRo from Bacolod to Dumangas, Iloilo with our family vehicle, along with the San Miguel Beer delivery truck, the Gardenia Bread delivery truck and an assortment of other … [Read more...]
What’s The Latest Balita?
There are always many interesting things going on in the Philippines and there is never a dull moment around my house or in Negros Occidental! October 16-20 kicks off the Main Events and the last weekend of the annual MassKara Festival in Bacolod, The City of Smiles. MassKara is the Bacolod version of Mardi Gras and Carnival, only without the public nudity. The next election … [Read more...]
On The 140th Day Of Christmas!
Are you ready for Christmas? You are already one month behind! The Christmas Season in Bacolod City kicked off on September 1 with the first Christmas songs of this new Christmas Season. There are still 110 days left, so you still have plenty of time to celebrate. The Feast of Santo Nino (Christ Child) is most famous in Cebu but many Filipinos in Negros Occidental also … [Read more...]
Hillbilly Central
A number of foreigners have asked me where the largest expat community is located in the Philippines. There are more than 300,000 US citizens living year round in the Philippines, however, many of those are Filipino-Americans, who retired to the Philippines. That group usually retires near their hometowns in the Philippines before they immigrated to the USA. Supposedly, … [Read more...]
Say It Ain’t So, Gary!
"It ain't so, Gary!" There, I said it. I communicate with more than 50 foreigners most days, every week in email, in my article comments, on the RTTP Forum and in personal consulting. It never ceases to amaze me about some of the things that foreigners have been told about the Philippines...by other foreigners! There is a lot of misinformation going around and a lot of it is … [Read more...]
More Needful Things!
I've heard it said and read many times about foreigners' opinions that are simply wrong! One such myth is that you simply cannot buy quality appliances, electronics or furniture in the Philippines. I think they were working with a limited budget that they were willing to spend on household goods and they bought the cheapest crap available. Well, I agree, that is not going to … [Read more...]