I personally know many expats in the Philippines who love motorcycles. To a number of expats, riding a motorcycle is their lifestyle, while others enjoy having cheap transportation at their disposal. My dad, in Alabama, owned an Indian motorcycle but he would never allow my brother or I to own a motorcycle or to even ride on one. He thought they were too dangerous for anyone … [Read more...]
Free Bird And All Five Horizons
If you like the feel of a bikers bar without getting your butt kicked and without biker chicks, Crossed Pistons Saloon is the place to visit in Cebu City. It is located on Morales Street, near Harold's Hotel and the Silver Dollar Bar. If you are looking for a girlie bar, skip Crossed Pistons because that is not what they are about. I was sent on a mission one evening when I … [Read more...]
Groovin’ On Every Afternoon
I am regularly asked by friends in America and also by foreigners from all over the world a common question. "What do you do every day in the Philippines?" "Have fun," is usually my first reply. I make the most of every day and have fun in our area of the Philippines. My approach works great for me. Of course, what is fun for me may be boring to you and what you consider fun … [Read more...]
Night Flight
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...]
I’m An SM Mall Rat!
Well, usually only one day per week! Like the malls in every city, the malls of Bacolod are also crowded on the weekends, so I usually go to SM Mall in the daytime one day during the first days of the week. Our son is in school, my wife is a PTA officer and she also volunteers at our son's school, so I go out one day alone. Not for hanky panky! Rather, to engage in one of my … [Read more...]
Go Tribal In The Philippines!
The Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines, their way of life, their culture and where they live in the Islands, may well be one of the most overlooked, yet very interesting, aspects of the entire Philippines! In the Highlands of Luzon, there is estimated to be 100 tribes and sub-tribes, who have preserved their lives much in the same way as was lived within their tribes … [Read more...]
Burning Down The House
Burning down the house is exactly what happened to this beautiful mansion during the early days of World War II to prevent the Japanese Imperial Army from making it their Headquarters when they invaded Negros Occidental. It is reported that it took days for the inferno to burn down the roof and the thick wooden floors. Today, this mansion and beautiful grounds on the border of … [Read more...]
Diving Subic Bay
It was about 7:00 pm and very dark - the night was still; the stars were shinning above as I did a back roll into the water off the boat; still descending into the 12 meter deep, dark but crystal clear water; I turned on my flashlight and shone it into a rock crevasse - just in time to see a one meter eel take a small wriggling reef fish into it's mouth. The eel had a choice of … [Read more...]
Ready To Party, Diba?
Some expats have it in their minds that every bar in the Philippines is an exotic bar with dancing girls. This is far from the truth, as there are many exciting nightclubs with couples dancing to the pulsating beat of the latest hot music on the international scene. The Philippines is one place that on any given evening, you can tell your significant other to put on her party … [Read more...]
Divers Do It Deeper In Coron
One of my wife's best friend has been telling us for years about how beautiful Palawan is, with so many fabulous places to visit. Since my wife's friend now lives in Wales with her hubby and two children, she asked us to visit her island, take many photos and tell her about the trip! I had heard of the Underground River in Palawan but some of the other places on this majestic … [Read more...]
Watching Sports in The Philippines
Sports fans often just want to catch a game, no matter where they are. If if involves something you can bounce, pass, shoot, kick, throw or catch, there's a chance you'll find people who want to watch it from the stands or on TV. It's no different in The Philippines. When most people think of Pinoy sports, Manny Pacquiao comes to mind first. Pacquiao is a world champion … [Read more...]
No Stranger In Paradise
Some may think that I am only talking it up when I say that everyday unfolds a new adventure in the Philippines but this has been so true in my life, even after living here year round for the past four years. No, I haven't left the Philippines once since 2009. If you are looking for adventure, you have to go out of the house, as adventure is not going to come to you! Negros … [Read more...]