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...]
Where’s The Beer?
For those who are not keeping up with the latest news in the Philippines, many will probably be asking the question from May 9-13,"Where's the Beer?" The COMELEC, Commission on Elections, has imposed a nationwide ban on alcohol sales from May 9-13 due to the May 13 Philippine Election. Exemption from the alcohol ban will be possible for hotels and establishments certified by … [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...]
Crab Mentality Is All Around
What goes up, must come down! Crab mentality is a popular saying among Filipinos and it refers to behavior associated with envy and jealousy. "If I can't have it, neither can you and I will pull you down!" I have heard many foreigners over the years complain about crab mentality while living in the islands or spending time visiting the islands. However, I have experienced far … [Read more...]
Angry White Guys Need Not Apply
Living in the Philippines is an awesome experience, and for me, it was possibly the best decision I ever made. Everyday I wake up grateful for the chance encounter that snowballed into me packing up shop and moving here in 2004. The flip side of the coin though, is that everyday I'm also reminded why I left the West in the first place. Let me explain... Whenever I venture … [Read more...]
Thinking of Bringing Your Vehicle?
For the latest information on bringing your vehicle to the Philippines, please visit this page. Do you have a favorite car that you are thinking of importing to the Philippines when you make the move to retire to the Islands of Paradise? Like the governments of many other countries, new laws are passed every year and things change. It is no longer allowed to import a … [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...]
Getting Around Like A Local
Owning a private vehicle in the Philippines is not a requirement if you live in a mid-size city or in a large city. All forms of public transportation are cheap and readily available in many areas of the country. There are many taxis, jeepneys and tricycles, also known as trikes, which are the main means of public transportation within the cities. For those not in a hurry, … [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...]