I was recently talking to a friend in the UK who was considering retiring to the Philippines. I mentioned that I had lived there for a while and intended to retire in the Philippines in the future. However, he confided in me that he had one nagging doubt - he loved to gamble online almost every day, but he had heard that it was illegal in the Philippines. I knew from … [Read more...]
Motorcycle Madness in Manila
I personally know many expats in the Philippines who love motorcycles. To a number of expats, riding a motorcycle is their lifestyle, while others enjoy having cheap transportation at their disposal. My dad, in Alabama, owned an Indian motorcycle but he would never allow my brother or I to own a motorcycle or to even ride on one. He thought they were too dangerous for anyone … [Read more...]
Free Bird And All Five Horizons
If you like the feel of a bikers bar without getting your butt kicked and without biker chicks, Crossed Pistons Saloon is the place to visit in Cebu City. It is located on Morales Street, near Harold's Hotel and the Silver Dollar Bar. If you are looking for a girlie bar, skip Crossed Pistons because that is not what they are about. I was sent on a mission one evening when I … [Read more...]
Marvelous Coffee And A Laid-back Lifestyle
Did you know that the Philippines was once the world's 4th largest coffee producer in the world? For a number of reasons, the Philippine coffee industry fell on hard times. Coffee rust and the explosion of coffee growers in South America both played big parts in the demise of the Philippine coffee industry. It has only been during the last 10 years that an effort has been made … [Read more...]
Oh, Happy Day
Remember the old Edwin Hawkins Singers song, "Oh, Happy Day"? It is one of my favorite songs to sing during the Easter season. It is here, in full swing, and it is an entire week long celebration in the Philippines. Holy Week is probably the most important holiday in the Philippines or at least on equal footing with Christmas. Many foreigners do not realize just how important … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
I’m An SM Mall Rat!
Well, usually only one day per week! Like the malls in every city, the malls of Bacolod are also crowded on the weekends, so I usually go to SM Mall in the daytime one day during the first days of the week. Our son is in school, my wife is a PTA officer and she also volunteers at our son's school, so I go out one day alone. Not for hanky panky! Rather, to engage in one of my … [Read more...]
Pleased to Meet You
I have learned over the past 28 years that expats living in the Philippines all have different agendas and needs. We cannot all be put together in one painting and be painted with the same wide brush! We are all unique individuals and I never met anyone exactly like me. Some expats have the need to get together with other expats several times every week to be happy living in … [Read more...]
Go Tribal In The Philippines!
The Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines, their way of life, their culture and where they live in the Islands, may well be one of the most overlooked, yet very interesting, aspects of the entire Philippines! In the Highlands of Luzon, there is estimated to be 100 tribes and sub-tribes, who have preserved their lives much in the same way as was lived within their tribes … [Read more...]