The article I penned here back in September last year certainly provoked some comments. Some of you asked for further information, and one of you, Mitchell, wrote in with a longish comment that was converted into an article. Mitchell used a young Canadian, Kyle, as an illustration of the safety of living in and traveling around Mindanao. Let me make three things … [Read more...]
About Stephen Bentley
Nose Bleed! Nose Bleed!
‘Nose bleed’ is an expression you soon hear as an expat when mixing with Filipino friends or the family of your spouse or girlfriend. Many of your Filipino acquaintances will make an effort to speak in English with you, assuming you as the foreigner, are from an English speaking nation. However, don’t be at all surprised after thirty minutes or so if they revert to speaking … [Read more...]
Christmas in the Philippines
"Maligayang Pasko Sa Inyong Lahat" or Merry Christmas to Everyone! The typical Filipino does not need much of an excuse to celebrate and party. Christmas in the Philippines is no exception. The manifestations of the onset of Christmas start here as early as September. That is when you first notice the street vendors and stalls selling their Christmas lighting and … [Read more...]
Banking in the Philippines
You have now made your move and decided to relocate to the Philippines. You will obviously want to have easy access to your money which is almost certainly paid into your bank back home. To do that, you will want to open a bank account here in the Philippines. Which bank should you choose here? A large, reputable bank is preferable. All the major banks here all have slightly … [Read more...]
Dirty Kitchen? Is That Where You Eat Dirty Ice Cream?
Any foreigner new to the Philippines whether tourist or not will soon hear the terms ‘dirty kitchen’ and ‘dirty ice cream.’ It was during my house hunting that I first heard ‘dirty kitchen.’ I was genuinely puzzled. The words were uttered with pride and an inner satisfaction which added to my puzzlement. How on earth could someone be proud of a ‘dirty kitchen’? It conjured … [Read more...]
Travel Advisories for the Philippines
Sometimes in life someone gives you a nudge towards an idea to write an article. Often that idea is overtaken by real events and even tragedy. That was certainly the case when RTTP suggested to me I may wish to write a piece based on the Philippines military launching an offensive in an attempt to capture Islamic militants in the south of the country. These foreign militants … [Read more...]
How to Supplement Your Retirement in the Philippines
Some of you will have planned your retirement here well ahead of the time you actually set foot on Philippines soil. Some may arrive here on a whim. I understand that, as I would say I tend toward impulsiveness. However even I researched retirement to the Philippines fairly extensively before I booked the flight and said goodbye to the UK once and for all. One of the sources … [Read more...]