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...]
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...]
Tik Tik Times Running Out
What is that sound late at night? Tik Tik. In the Western Visayan Region of the Philippines, the belief in aswangs prevail strongly among many people. Tik Tik is the sound that an aswang allegedly makes when it is stalking you. If the tik tik sounds far away, it is best to hitch up your pants and head for safety among other people because that far away sound is a decoy. The … [Read more...]
Do You Have The Guts?
Some foreigners call it a blood sport and say it is inhumane. Others perceive it as one of the favorite pastimes of the Philippines as it is, a very popular activity in a different culture. Whether you detest cockfighting, can tolerate it or if you enjoy watching it and getting caught up in the excitement, cockfighting is here to stay in the Philippines. Cockfighting is not … [Read more...]
Scared to Go Outside
When foreigners are inquiring about retiring to the Philippines, they are often given two fallacies about crime in the country. The first myth is that it is open season on all foreigners and every foreigner will be robbed or murdered at some point. The second myth is that all Filipinos are warm, friendly people and they would never bother a foreigner. The truth is that there is … [Read more...]
An Insight Into Philippines Lifestyle
Can you live in a bungalow, a common style house in a gated subdivision, or do you require a highrise condo? Your choice of housing will be an important first step in determining your cost of living in the Philippines. Once you have settled on the type of residence you will enjoy during your Philippines retirement years, a lifestyle check may be in order. Can you eat a pork … [Read more...]
How to Minimize Culture Shock
The impact of culture shock when retiring to the Philippines can be greatly lessened in several ways. The most important way is to realize from the beginning that the Philippines is a developing nation and many Westerners refer to it as Third World. I live in Bacolod City and I don’t see Third World but I do see some things as still being developed. If you are from America, … [Read more...]