Many Filipinos are very happy this holiday time of the year because they received at least one Balikbayan Box from relatives abroad. Many foreigners refer to the famous Balikbayan Box as the BBB. There is not a better way to ship goods to the Philippines than by the Balikbayan Box. You do not pay a shipping fee by weight but rather by the size of the box. In Gainesville, … [Read more...]
How Life Really Works
I've already heard a few grumbles from some foreigners about what they will spend in the Philippines this holiday season. With that attitude, they may as well not spend anything. My wife has a large family but I am not expected to buy 1,000 gifts or feed 1,000 people. However, I enjoy giving and I always have. I don't give because I have to or because I am expected to. I only … [Read more...]
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
I recall very well, as if it were only yesterday, when I first moved to the Philippines in 1986. I have shared the story many times about my living with a Filipino family for one year duirng that time. I also vividly recall many things that happened during that year so long ago. The members of the family I lived with spoke English to me but when communicating with each other, … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving in Bacolod
I have been asked many times over the years whether there is Thanksgiving in the Philippines. The answer is always "yes and no." The majority of Filipinos do not celebrate Thanksgiving in the Philippines. However, there are many Filipino-Americans who have retired to the Philippines from the USA and they indeed celebrate Thanksgiving here. Many supermarkets in Bacolod stock … [Read more...]
Night Flight
I think many have heard about R & R. Rest & Relaxation. What about R & E? Recreation and Entertainment? How does that sound to you? Based on my experience over the past 28 years, the Philippines provides R & E for just about everyone. No matter what you enjoy! Well, unless you are a hunter. Foreigners cannot own or possess firearms and most all wildlife is … [Read more...]
Old Time Rock n’ Roll!
Let me introduce you to my rock n' roll friend! RJ Jacinto. Flasback! 1987. One of the first celebrities I had the pleasure meeting in the Philippines, after enjoying his energizing show, was RJ Jacinto. The Father of Philippines Rock n' Roll. He was and still is indeed electric! Song after song of non-stop full tilt electric boogie on his guitar. He can sing, too! Rock n' Roll … [Read more...]
Human Trafficking and Sex in the Philippines
It's a dirty business! The sex trade is nothing new in the Philippines, as it has been around for many, many years. With the lure of big money, every day young women make their way from the provinces to the bars in cities, seeking work. For many of them, it is their choice to seek such employment, as they are only following in the footsteps of other relatives, sometimes even … [Read more...]
Lawless Avenues
If you read the current news in the Philippines, you know about a 19 year old US Marine being a suspect in the murder of a 26 year old transgender in Olongapo City. This incident has become highly politically charged in the Philippines, fueled by activists, leftists, militants and those who are anti-American. Olongapo City was known as Sin City for many years but when … [Read more...]
On The Road With Gary
You can drive all the way from Luzon to Mindanao, although I have never tried it and never plan to! Much of your trip will be with your vehicle on a RoRo upon the seas of the Philippines. I have been on a RoRo from Bacolod to Dumangas, Iloilo with our family vehicle, along with the San Miguel Beer delivery truck, the Gardenia Bread delivery truck and an assortment of other … [Read more...]
What’s The Latest Balita?
There are always many interesting things going on in the Philippines and there is never a dull moment around my house or in Negros Occidental! October 16-20 kicks off the Main Events and the last weekend of the annual MassKara Festival in Bacolod, The City of Smiles. MassKara is the Bacolod version of Mardi Gras and Carnival, only without the public nudity. The next election … [Read more...]