I've heard some foreigners complain about the large family reunions held in the Philippines, however, I really enjoy them! My Filipino family does not hold a family reunion every year, but it is part of the vibrant Filipino Culture to hold one every few years. Most families have OFWs, workers abroad, so whenever a few of them are in the Philippines on vacation at the same time, … [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...]
Who You Gonna Call?
I've lived outside the USA for 14 years now and during these times, I always have a cell phone with me. I am not afraid but over the years, I can think of a number of situations when I needed to call someone for assistance and I needed them ASAP! Ever hear the word "emergency?" Not all emergencies are serious but to me an emergency is when I need help right away! No, I've never … [Read more...]
Ride The Double Dutch Bus!
Concerning travel in the Province areas of Negros Occidental, if you need long distance public transportation, you basically have two choice. The Ceres Liners, which seem to number in the hundreds all over the island, and then there is the Double Tire Mini Bus. However, there are a large number of the double tire mini buses that I refer to as the Double Dutch Bus! It is really … [Read more...]
What The Hell Happened?
Brownout! Welcome to the Philippines! No matter where you live in the Islands of Paradise, you will experience a brownout from time to time. If you live in certain locations, brownouts are an everyday part of life. According to news reports and to other expats, who have retired to the Philippines, areas of Mindanao and in Metro Manila are the current hot spots for … [Read more...]
How To Have More Money For Fun!
From what I have gathered from many conversations and discussions over the last several years, many people around the world are looking for ways to save money and cut their cost of living expenses. In the Philippines, there are a number of ways you can cut the cost of living and I am not referring to just tightening belts and dropping down in your quality of lifestyle! Rather, … [Read more...]
Rust Never Sleeps
One of my favorite singers, Neil Young, learned in the 1970s that he must constantly shift the artistic direction of his music to prevent becoming stagnant and rusting away. You and I also must keep moving forward to stay ahead of the continuous onslaught of time and age! Taking care of our bodies and remaining rust free is something some people have neglected earlier in their … [Read more...]
Nothing Rough About This Guide
One of my favorite activities since retiring to the Philippines is sharing about this fabulous country, the wonderful Filipino people and their vibrant culture. As one friend told another friend when we had gotten together one day, "Don't get Gary started!" I think that pretty much sums it up, as I love writing and actually talking about the Philippines! The best cities, the … [Read more...]
The Art Of Making Noise!
"Let's Get Loud" is one of one of our cousins' favorite songs and she sings it exactly like the original artist. I also enjoy the song and I think that could be one of the theme songs of the Philippines. Yes, amigos, there is noise here and it isn't going away because it has been around the last 28 years that I know about. I am sure the noise was here long before I arrived on … [Read more...]
Expats In The Philippines Thrive!
When I go out to the malls and the restaurants in Greater Bacolod, I see more expats in the Philippines are gathering and joining us all the time! The word is spreading and catching on that this part of the world is a great place to retire, live, do business and even raise children. If you are not interested in doing business and if you do not have plans to raise children, this … [Read more...]