There are lots of articles out there about how retirement in the Philippines is amazing, and how, after a long and diligent life of hard work, expats find their little slice of paradise in the tropics, where they can live it up drinking cocktails and visiting tropical beaches until they shuffle off this mortal coil. There aren’t too many articles detailing the cases in which … [Read more...]
Is it Still Safe to Retire in the Philippines?
By now most people who keep an eye on the Philippines will have come across sensationalist headlines of blood in the streets and a growing body count since the election of President Rodrigo Duterte. Naturally, this causes many people concern, and some may be wondering if it's still safe to retire in the Philippines. So, are the rumors true? Yes, to a large extent the … [Read more...]
Mindanao Revisited
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...]
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...]
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...]
Personal Safety Tips in the Philippines
Last month, the expat community in the Bacolod area was shocked by the deaths of an American and his Filipina wife. They had lived in the area for some time and had an organic farm in Murcia, outside Bacolod City. Many of us knew the couple and some of us actually bought organic vegetables from their farm. A very sad and tragic story. The husband was reportedly found in a deep … [Read more...]
Philippine Flu Season Is Here
It's that time of the year again. The flu and cold season is here and runs from July-December in the Philippines. Frequent and proper hand washing is one of the best ways to help avoid catching colds or the flu, in my opinion. Muscle aches, bone aches, backaches, a dry hacking cough, a low grade fever and loss of appetite are the symptoms that are making the rounds. In … [Read more...]
Motorcycle Madness in Manila
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...]
American Pie
Several years back, I recall a foreigner's plan for his restaurant in the Philippines. He was going to cater only to the foreign crowd and he just knew they would pack out his restaurant morning, noon and night. It didn't happen and not even close. He lost many Filipino customers, who would come in, sit down, read the menu and then leave without ordering. The restaurant was … [Read more...]
Green Onions
Are you considering opening your own restaurant when you retire to the Philippines? There are probably not many places around the world where you can accomplish your dream with less money. I am referring to the place as right here in some areas of the Philippines. I personally know several foreigners who have successful restaurants in the Bacolod area. I am not telling you that … [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...]