My father in law passed away on June 8 at age 84 after an extended illness. With relatives spread out in Manila, Zambales, Guimaras and in both southern and northern Negros Occidental, the funeral is not until Saturday, June 21. I was asked to be one of the speakers at the funeral service. It is a sad time but for me, I am happy that Tatay is no longer suffering and wasting … [Read more...]
The Catfish Hunter
One of my favorite foods of all time is battered and deep fried catfish. Served with enriched hominy grits, deep fried hush puppies and Cole slaw, it just doesn't get any better than that on my dinner plate! We can get all the ingredients needed in Bacolod City to prepare my favorite, complete with the side dishes. My wife has long been opposed to preparing catfish in the … [Read more...]
Lift Up Every Stone!
As I have often related, there are more Filipinas than some may realize who do not have any interest whatsoever to living in the USA, not even for 5 years to qualify for her American husband's Social Security benefits. No, not for any amount of money, as they are perfectly happy living in the Philippines! My wife told me early on, as our relationship blossomed for 20 months … [Read more...]
Death Conquered The Streets
There's a man going around taking names but everyone is not treated the same way! If you are a criminal in Davao City, you are on very dangerous ground! I remember when colorful mayor Rody Duterte was first elected as Mayor of Davao City way back in 1988 and yes, I was in the Philippines at that time. Word has it that Mayor Duterte held a press conference the day he was sworn … [Read more...]
Seeds For Life
I have told you before that 1 hectare of land in the Philippines can feed a family of 4 for the entire year! This hectare will produce more than enough fruit, vegetables, dairy products and meat for your family. You will even have a surplus to sell in the market or for storing. It is up to you or you can be generous and give some of the produce away to needy families in the … [Read more...]
Time Is On Your Side
Back in 2009 when my wife and I decided to retire to the Philippines, one of her main concerns about me was what I would do with my time! I assured her that I had time on my side and no need to be concerned with my getting bored in the Philippines, as that will never happen! Yet, I realized her concern was real. We know Americans who retired and passed away within a year of … [Read more...]
Some People Call It Third World
It is always funny to me and some of my expat amigos when we hear other foreigners referring to the entire Philippines as Third World! We agree that some areas in the Philippines can very well be referred to as third world but Bacolod City is certainly not Third World! It is my world! It is also a real world where most Filipinos are real people and not plastic people. I am just … [Read more...]
Sweet Home Philippines!
I just returned this week from a several week visit to Florida, USA, to lend family support to a very ill relative, and I have a very fresh perspective about life in the USA, as opposed to life in the Philippines. It is fabulous being back in Sweet Home Philippines! For those who say they can live as cheaply in the USA as in the Philippines, this certainly isn't true … [Read more...]
Shootout At The Kano Corral
Whenever a foreigner is murdered in the Philippines, it sends shock waves out among the expat community! It does not happen that often but it happens. There are statistics available online concerning the number of foreigners murdered in the Philippines since the 1980's and the number is much less than Americans murdered in Chicago during the year 2013! No my friends, it is not … [Read more...]
Who Were You Thinking Of?
Every single day, I am contacted a number of times by expats from around the round world with a variety of questions about retiring to the Philippines. Including , the cost of living, medical care, cost of insurances, safety and security, the best places to live and the whole nine yards. Without failure, at the top of the list is about relationships with the women of the … [Read more...]