Thanks to Super Typhoon Yolanda, boats are now sitting on dry land, far inland! However, the greatest sorrow of this devastating storm is that an estimated 10,000 people in the Tacloban, Leyte area lost their lives. I do not think words can actually convey the grief, sorrow and sadness of those of us who live in the Philippines or who have a strong connection with the … [Read more...]
The Philippine Dream Attracts Many Cultures
When many think of an expat in the Philippines, they most often think of a Western guy lounging on the beach with a frosty, chilled tropical drink in his hand. Did you know that the Asian Indians were among the first foreigners to settle in the Philippines for the purpose of doing business? The first Indians arrived in the Philippines for commercial purposes many centuries ago! … [Read more...]
Trick Or Treat?
Halloween, as Americans know it, is not celebrated in the Philippines, however, there are Halloween costume competitions for children in the various malls and in some of the bars that are popular with younger people. At the stroke of midnight on the night of October 31, some of the rural cemeteries begin having visitors! They are not aswang, other ghouls, witches, vampires or … [Read more...]
The Ring Of Fire
If you have been watching the news, then you know by now that there was a terrible earthquake two days ago on the islands of Bohol, Cebu and on several other islands in the Visayas and Mindanao. At our house in Bacolod City, we really felt the tremor with a little house swaying and shaking of some household items but nothing serious where we live. Regardless, our heart goes out … [Read more...]
No, I Won’t Back Down
If you are going to live in the Philippines, one of the best friends you can make are with the government workers at the Bureau of Immigration, aka BI. If you treat them nicely, they will treat you nicely. That my friends, is the Key! One must understand that every BI Office in the country does not provide the same services. There are BI Field Offices, District BI Offices … [Read more...]
The Kano Coconut Telegraph
The coconuts are piling up! It has been my experience over the past 27 years that there are some fabulous expats who have made the Philippines their home, however, every expat you meet in the Islands is not your friend! All expats in the Philippines do not have any intentions of being your friend and some set out from day one to cause you problems. Call it the Green Eyed … [Read more...]
The Mercury Is Rising!
It's about to happen! One of the biggest Festivals in the entire Philippines is about to explode in full tilt boogie beginning on October 1. Since 1980, the MassKara Festival has been an annual event in the City of Smiles, Bacolod City, and every hotel room in the city will be booked for 3 solid weeks. That is how big this festival is! It is a combination of Mardi Gras and … [Read more...]
A Wonderful World With Beautiful People
If you spend one weekend in the Philippines, you will never want to leave! An old retired US Navy guy told me this not so long ago and he shared his many wonderful experiences in the islands. He met the love of his life in the Philippines, as he married one of the lovely local ladies and is still married to her today, some 35 years later. I already knew about the grandeur of … [Read more...]
In My Midnight Confessions
How do you meet a fabulous lady in the Philippines? If I had P1 for every time I have been asked that question, I would have a nice little nest egg in savings to last me for some time! I remember back in the 1980s, the best way to find a lady living in the Philippines was to join Cherry Blossoms Introductions in Hawaii and become a member. You were then sent a list of photos … [Read more...]
See You In September, Christmas
Merry Christmas from the Philippines! September 1 officially kicked off the Christmas Season in the Islands of Paradise and it will not end until early January, 2014. For many, the Christmas season will not end until mid January, after the Festivals of The Three Kings, The Black Nazarene and Santo Nino. It really is more fun in the Philippines! The country is famous for having … [Read more...]