Philippines travel guide books abound but it’s sometimes confusing to know which ones are the best. The fact that you’re logged on to this website tells me you’ve at least considered visiting The Philippines, if not moving there for retirement. I’ve just turned 54 and am not convinced the USA is where I want to spend the rest of my own life, so I’m at the “serious … [Read more...]
The Land Of Wondrous Smiles
The Filipino people are simply amazing! Many face economic hardship daily, they often endure natural calamities and other disasters and life is a struggle for many if viewed from the Western logic, yet many are still happy everyday. They can still break out with such a fabulous smile even during tough times. The children in my article photograph live in San Nicholas, Cavite, … [Read more...]
A Personal Story of Life in the Philippines
I guess I first fell in love with the Philippines on my bus trip from Clark to Subic. I saw the poverty, and soon found out that just a small amount of my money went a long, long way in the Philippines. Gary, as you have said in many ariticles, it is not only about the low cost, but about the Filipino people. For me, the people are real, not plastic. They seem to be people … [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...]
Where The Buffalo Roam
Many first time visitors to the Philippines will often see a statue of the Philippines National Animal, the carabao, in public parks and plazas. The carabao is a water buffalo but many locals refer to it simply as a buffalo. In this article, I will be referring to the carabao as a buffalo. In the countryside, which is often referred to as the province, owning a buffalo is a … [Read more...]
Voodoo Killed The Radio Star
Did you know that there is an actual place in the Philippines that many locals refer to as "Voodoo Island?" Siquijor is that island and it is located in the Central Visayas, near Cebu and Negros Oriental. While touting the moniker of "Voodoo Island" may be seen as negative, many Filipinos travel to Siquijor seeking advice concerning spells and the breaking of spells. There are … [Read more...]
Tolerance Tempered With Tradition
If it uplifts you to come in contact with easy going people with smiling faces all day long the Philippines could be a place where you will feel right at home. The native residents are - for the most part honest,innovative, often hard working as well as tolerant and happy. The diminutive incomes, noise at all hours and traffic jams - they face it all with a smile. If I hear a … [Read more...]
Deja Vu All Over Again
When was the last time it happened to you? That eerie feeling that you have been some place before, a person you see for the first time but it feels like you met them long ago or you are doing something and you say to yourself, "hey, didn't I do this very same thing in the past but..how could I?" Welcome to the Philippines! At least this has been my experience concerning … [Read more...]
Forever Summer Days And Nights
One of the concerns of expats retiring to the Philippines is the weather. Personally, I see the sunshine in most everything and I know there will never be a harsh, cold winter in the Philippines. Many think that typhoons rage and hit every area of the country, every year, but this is not true. Since storm records have been kept, one will discover that the information reveals … [Read more...]
Big Wheels Keep On Turning
One of the most popular vehicles you will see on the streets and roads in the Philippines is the Multicab. This is the workhorse of the Philippines, as it is very diverse and can be used commercially and privately for transportation. It is also very affordable and the parts are cheap to replace when needed. We bought a Suzuki Multicab in 2009 and this is what I learned to drive … [Read more...]