Maybe your idea of paradise is living near the strawberry fields of Baguio? When many people think about the Philippines, they often conjure up an image of lounging on a beautiful white sandy beach with an ice cold tropical fruit cocktail. Others think about trekking around one of the breathtaking mountain resorts found on a number of islands. Yet, others visualize dancing with … [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...]
The Look Of Love
Do not get fed to the gators! Oops, no alligators in the Philippines but there are crocodiles. One of the most sought after answers for single and available foreigners is "How can I meet a fantastic Filipina in the Philippines?" Retiring to the Philippines is not a dating site, however, there is no denying that every retiree who moves to the Philippines is not a long time … [Read more...]
Curiosity Killed The Cat
Some say that curiosity killed the cat but if you are planning on retiring to the Philippines, you should let your curiosity run wild! It is best to learn all you can about the Pearl of the Orient before you get here and if you are already here, it is a never ending saga in learning new things everyday. Even after 27 years with my personal Philippine connection and even after … [Read more...]
Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe
With so many islands to chose from, it can be overwhelming to those who are about to make their first journey to the Islands of Paradise. I heard of one expat putting the names of 5 locations in a hat, where he intended to visit in the Islands, and he visited each one in accordance to the order the names were drawn. I guess that is one way to do it! Chatting with other … [Read more...]