Over the past 27 years, I have met many expats who are living in the Philippines. Some of the expats worked for foreign companies, some played basketball in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), some were engaging in business with their Filipina wives, some were military retirees who had spent time in the Philippines during their tour of duty and some were older retirees … [Read more...]
Diving Subic Bay
It was about 7:00 pm and very dark - the night was still; the stars were shinning above as I did a back roll into the water off the boat; still descending into the 12 meter deep, dark but crystal clear water; I turned on my flashlight and shone it into a rock crevasse - just in time to see a one meter eel take a small wriggling reef fish into it's mouth. The eel had a choice of … [Read more...]
Show Me The Money
One important question that most expats have about retiring to the Philippines is how to access their pensions and/or their money in USA and other foreign banks. Since I am American, I am familiar with access to money in USA Banks from the Philippines and it is not a problem for my family and I. There are a number of banks in the many cities in the Philippines which have a … [Read more...]
Build, Buy, Rent or Squat
Many expats retiring to the Philippines are still seeking the best housing option for their particular situation. Some expats have not learned yet that foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines, however, they can own a condo or a townhouse if the complex is 60% owned by Filipinos. A foreigner can own a building, yet not the land, but this involves an attorney drawing up the … [Read more...]
Paradise Or Pair A Dice
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...]
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...]
Shortwave Radio in The Philippines
Expatriates usually have a desire to know what's going on in the country they left behind. Whether you're an American living in Manila or a Pinoy residing in Los Angeles, I'm willing to bet you want to hear what's happening back home. This happened with me back in 1998 when my wife and I traveled to Japan from the USA on a sister city exchange. Surrounded by a culture with … [Read more...]
Divers Do It Deeper In Coron
One of my wife's best friend has been telling us for years about how beautiful Palawan is, with so many fabulous places to visit. Since my wife's friend now lives in Wales with her hubby and two children, she asked us to visit her island, take many photos and tell her about the trip! I had heard of the Underground River in Palawan but some of the other places on this majestic … [Read more...]
Confessions From A Jollibee Tagalog Speaker
Garlic Bangus, Longganisa, and Palabok Fiesta. Those are a few of the Tagalog dishes on the menu at Jollibee Restaurant, which is a Filipino icon at home and abroad. Those Tagalog dishes are fried milk fish with garlic, Filipino style sausage and rice flour noodles with crab or fish sauce and garnished with small shrimp, ground pork skins, hard boiled eggs and chopped spring … [Read more...]