Today I am relaxing, I did not sleep well last night but I am still awake, and for the first month of my retirement I can tell you what it is to be stress free. I still work some when I am in the USA, but not nearly as much or as hard as before. I have learned, more correctly I am learning, to enjoy my pensions, set a little aside for a rainy day and to enjoy each day to the … [Read more...]
New Wonderful Experience
To get the most out of some things, we often need someone to guide us. I had been to Cebu City several times in the past, mainly for US passport renewals at the US Consulate. Before the trip, I had gathered online a list of places to see and the names of a few restaurants I wanted to try. I was never impressed with Cebu City. Too much traffic for one thing. Too many people … [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...]
Groovin’ On Every Afternoon
I am regularly asked by friends in America and also by foreigners from all over the world a common question. "What do you do every day in the Philippines?" "Have fun," is usually my first reply. I make the most of every day and have fun in our area of the Philippines. My approach works great for me. Of course, what is fun for me may be boring to you and what you consider fun … [Read more...]
Nature And Health
It is really not anything new to me but to many others, the recent published medical studies linking nature to health has been a buzz. The research indicates that people who are outdoors the most and have contact with nature seem to be less prone to illness than those who spend most of their time in the cities or indoors. More people in other countries are now getting away for … [Read more...]
My Kitchen Rules
My kitchen differs from my wife's kitchen due to the diversity of the cuisine, which is prepared. However, I am not complaining about my wife's kitchen, as she can also be diverse in helping me prepare international dishes. Without a doubt, topics related to food remain hot topics among foreigners who have retired to the Philippines. While we can be adventurous, most people … [Read more...]
Positive Vibrations in 2014
2014 was a very good year in the Philippines. It was a very good year for my family and I and it was a very good year for the country. There were a number of economic and cultural advances made this past year. Some foreigners are still wearing their same crap colored glasses and one foreigner recently referred to the Philippines as a failed state. As always, some writers are … [Read more...]