Concerning travel in the Province areas of Negros Occidental, if you need long distance public transportation, you basically have two choice. The Ceres Liners, which seem to number in the hundreds all over the island, and then there is the Double Tire Mini Bus. However, there are a large number of the double tire mini buses that I refer to as the Double Dutch Bus! It is really … [Read more...]
What The Hell Happened?
Brownout! Welcome to the Philippines! No matter where you live in the Islands of Paradise, you will experience a brownout from time to time. If you live in certain locations, brownouts are an everyday part of life. According to news reports and to other expats, who have retired to the Philippines, areas of Mindanao and in Metro Manila are the current hot spots for … [Read more...]
How To Have More Money For Fun!
From what I have gathered from many conversations and discussions over the last several years, many people around the world are looking for ways to save money and cut their cost of living expenses. In the Philippines, there are a number of ways you can cut the cost of living and I am not referring to just tightening belts and dropping down in your quality of lifestyle! Rather, … [Read more...]
Where’s The Beef?
One of the burning questions among foreigners who are visiting the Philippines for the first time and among those who are actually retiring to the Philippines is about food. Food is indeed an international language, as everyone has to eat to remain healthy! Most people I know, Filipinos and foreigners alike, enjoy eating delicious food. I am not an exception! Even though I … [Read more...]
Rust Never Sleeps
One of my favorite singers, Neil Young, learned in the 1970s that he must constantly shift the artistic direction of his music to prevent becoming stagnant and rusting away. You and I also must keep moving forward to stay ahead of the continuous onslaught of time and age! Taking care of our bodies and remaining rust free is something some people have neglected earlier in their … [Read more...]
Nothing Rough About This Guide
One of my favorite activities since retiring to the Philippines is sharing about this fabulous country, the wonderful Filipino people and their vibrant culture. As one friend told another friend when we had gotten together one day, "Don't get Gary started!" I think that pretty much sums it up, as I love writing and actually talking about the Philippines! The best cities, the … [Read more...]
The Art Of Making Noise!
"Let's Get Loud" is one of one of our cousins' favorite songs and she sings it exactly like the original artist. I also enjoy the song and I think that could be one of the theme songs of the Philippines. Yes, amigos, there is noise here and it isn't going away because it has been around the last 28 years that I know about. I am sure the noise was here long before I arrived on … [Read more...]
Expats In The Philippines Thrive!
When I go out to the malls and the restaurants in Greater Bacolod, I see more expats in the Philippines are gathering and joining us all the time! The word is spreading and catching on that this part of the world is a great place to retire, live, do business and even raise children. If you are not interested in doing business and if you do not have plans to raise children, this … [Read more...]
Prepare For A Long Wake
My father in law passed away on June 8 at age 84 after an extended illness. With relatives spread out in Manila, Zambales, Guimaras and in both southern and northern Negros Occidental, the funeral is not until Saturday, June 21. I was asked to be one of the speakers at the funeral service. It is a sad time but for me, I am happy that Tatay is no longer suffering and wasting … [Read more...]
The Catfish Hunter
One of my favorite foods of all time is battered and deep fried catfish. Served with enriched hominy grits, deep fried hush puppies and Cole slaw, it just doesn't get any better than that on my dinner plate! We can get all the ingredients needed in Bacolod City to prepare my favorite, complete with the side dishes. My wife has long been opposed to preparing catfish in the … [Read more...]