It was about 7:00 pm and very dark – the night was still; the stars were shinning above as I did a back roll into the water off the boat; still descending into the 12 meter deep, dark but crystal clear water; I turned on my flashlight and shone it into a rock crevasse –…
Some expats have it in their minds that every bar in the Philippines is an exotic bar with dancing girls. This is far from the truth, as there are many exciting nightclubs with couples dancing to the pulsating beat of the latest hot music on the international scene. The Philippines is one place that on…
Many expats retiring to the Philippines are still seeking the best housing option for their particular situation. Some expats have not learned yet that foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines, however, they can own a condo or a townhouse if the complex is 60% owned by Filipinos. A foreigner can own a building, yet…
Maybe your idea of paradise is living near the strawberry fields of Baguio? When many people think about the Philippines, they often conjure up an image of lounging on a beautiful white sandy beach with an ice cold tropical fruit cocktail. Others think about trekking around one of the breathtaking mountain resorts found on a…
Many first time visitors to the Philippines will often see a statue of the Philippines National Animal, the carabao, in public parks and plazas. The carabao is a water buffalo but many locals refer to it simply as a buffalo. In this article, I will be referring to the carabao as a buffalo. In the…
Did you know that there is an actual place in the Philippines that many locals refer to as “Voodoo Island?” Siquijor is that island and it is located in the Central Visayas, near Cebu and Negros Oriental. While touting the moniker of “Voodoo Island” may be seen as negative, many Filipinos travel to Siquijor seeking…
If it uplifts you to come in contact with easy going people with smiling faces all day long the Philippines could be a place where you will feel right at home. The native residents are – for the most part honest,innovative, often hard working as well as tolerant and happy. The diminutive incomes, noise at…
Expatriates usually have a desire to know what’s going on in the country they left behind. Whether you’re an American living in Manila or a Pinoy residing in Los Angeles, I’m willing to bet you want to hear what’s happening back home. This happened with me back in 1998 when my wife and I traveled…
Doesn’t that Pineapple Cheeseburger look fabulous? This is what I call a “Paradise Cheeseburger.” You will not find a marvelous burger exactly like this one in the local restaurants of our area but it is so easy to make at home. Pineapple is readily available and very inexpensive. We have a couple of pineapple plants…
One of my wife’s best friend has been telling us for years about how beautiful Palawan is, with so many fabulous places to visit. Since my wife’s friend now lives in Wales with her hubby and two children, she asked us to visit her island, take many photos and tell her about the trip! I…
After living 9 years in the area of Hong Kong and mainland China before retiring to the Philippines, I made the statement that I would not be eating Chinese food ever again! Been there, done that too many times and I didn’t want to do it again. However, I was not thinking clearly when I…
Garlic Bangus, Longganisa, and Palabok Fiesta. Those are a few of the Tagalog dishes on the menu at Jollibee Restaurant, which is a Filipino icon at home and abroad. Those Tagalog dishes are fried milk fish with garlic, Filipino style sausage and rice flour noodles with crab or fish sauce and garnished with small shrimp,…