Did you know that the Philippines was once the world's 4th largest coffee producer in the world? For a number of reasons, the Philippine coffee industry fell on hard times. Coffee rust and the explosion of coffee growers in South America both played big parts in the demise of the Philippine coffee industry. It has only been during the last 10 years that an effort has been made … [Read more...]
Adjustment To Life In The Philippines
There are indeed adjustments to be made to Life in the Philippines. Depending on location and personal attitudes, it may not be a walk in the park for some. The transition was easy for me. After being away for so many years and living abroad, even some returning Filipinos cannot make the transition. They are still looking for the things here like where they lived many years … [Read more...]
What I Like About The Philippines
I learned long ago that every foreigner who lives in the Philippines does not enjoy living here, yet some are still here. Something is keeping them here. I also know that the Philippines is not for everyone. Due to attitude and other reasons, some can never adapt to life in the Islands. An American from Arizona recently asked me why I enjoy the Philippines so much. I had … [Read more...]
Oh, Happy Day
Remember the old Edwin Hawkins Singers song, "Oh, Happy Day"? It is one of my favorite songs to sing during the Easter season. It is here, in full swing, and it is an entire week long celebration in the Philippines. Holy Week is probably the most important holiday in the Philippines or at least on equal footing with Christmas. Many foreigners do not realize just how important … [Read more...]
Beat Of My Own Drum
When I was still a young adult I quickly realized that I was not guaranteed that tomorrow will still be there for me. I did not follow the main crowd in high school. Peer acceptance and social acceptance did not mean much to me, although I was never a law breaker and I was not anti-social. I simply saw things differently and what was important to others did not mean squat to … [Read more...]
A Guide to the Philippines for First Timers
Thinking about retirement can be stressful, and overwhelming at times. It becomes even more overwhelming when thinking about retirement in another country. However, there is a reason people retire in other countries. It gives you the opportunity to live a life you wouldn’t otherwise be able to in your home country. The Philippines is one of the easiest and most enjoyable … [Read more...]
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
I know several expats in the Philippines who do not have any foreign friends by their own choice. They told me that most foreigners here are more trouble than they are worth. I haven't reached that point but I can very well see where they are coming from. Many had bad experiences in the Philippines with other foreigners but they get along extremely well with Filipinos. I … [Read more...]
Don’t Say You Weren’t Warned
Based on some personal conversations lately, several expats think they have a voice in Philippine politics and believe that the laws of the country should be geared toward them and not the Philippine citizens. That is not happening. Many Filipinos do not take it kindly when foreigners poke fun or say inappropriate remarks about the people, their country and the Filipino … [Read more...]
Street Food Is An Everyday Food Fair
Street Food is a very important part of the Filipino Culture and it is also a very important part of the foreigner's experience in the Philippines. There are many different types of popular and locally affordable street foods in the Bacolod Area. My article is Negros Occidental specific, where I have lived for the past 6 years. You will see large pots filled with Batchoy and … [Read more...]
Fresh Off The Boat
Are you excited about retiring to the Philippines? Feeling anxiety? Are you nervous? If you have newly arrived, do you feel like you are fresh off the boat? In 1986, I moved to Metro Manila to live for a year. Back then, there weren't any forums or even internet to seek advice from other expats in the Philippines. I did not have a Filipina girlfriend or a wife in those days. … [Read more...]