A great time for hitting the links in the Philippines is at dawn and it is a great way to begin the day! Golf is a very popular sport among both men and women in many areas of the Islands. Most expats and foreign tourists alike agree that the Philippines is not only an inexpensive…
With so many islands to chose from, it can be overwhelming to those who are about to make their first journey to the Islands of Paradise. I heard of one expat putting the names of 5 locations in a hat, where he intended to visit in the Islands, and he visited each one in accordance…
What is that sound late at night? Tik Tik. In the Western Visayan Region of the Philippines, the belief in aswangs prevail strongly among many people. Tik Tik is the sound that an aswang allegedly makes when it is stalking you. If the tik tik sounds far away, it is best to hitch up your…
For those who are not keeping up with the latest news in the Philippines, many will probably be asking the question from May 9-13,”Where’s the Beer?” The COMELEC, Commission on Elections, has imposed a nationwide ban on alcohol sales from May 9-13 due to the May 13 Philippine Election. Exemption from the alcohol ban will…
Some foreigners call it a blood sport and say it is inhumane. Others perceive it as one of the favorite pastimes of the Philippines as it is, a very popular activity in a different culture. Whether you detest cockfighting, can tolerate it or if you enjoy watching it and getting caught up in the excitement,…
When foreigners are inquiring about retiring to the Philippines, they are often given two fallacies about crime in the country. The first myth is that it is open season on all foreigners and every foreigner will be robbed or murdered at some point. The second myth is that all Filipinos are warm, friendly people and…
One of the questions expats ponder and ask others about is, “What will I do in the Philippines other than going to the beach?” I agree that to most expats retiring to the Philippines, no matter how beautiful and relaxing, the beach would soon get old to them. Bacolod City is not only famous for…
Now if anybody can spot that obscure semi-movie reference I will be impressed! But now I’ve got your attention I want to ask you to consider becoming a much more active member of our rapidly growing community of expats and soon-to-be expats. Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a budding Tom Clancy or…
If you live in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, you will be happy knowing that PAL Express has added two new flights to favorite tourist destinations. Beginning on May 17, 2013, PAL Express will be offering two weekly flights, on Friday and Monday to Boracay and to Palawan. The earlier you book your flight, the better…
Have you ever heard of Jordan, Philippines? It is the capital of Guimaras Island, located between Negros Occidental and Panay Island in the Western Visayas. Among local Filipinos, Guimaras is one of the “Mysterious Islands,” with its folklore. If you are going to Guimaras Island from Negros Occidental, you will need to take a pump…
What goes up, must come down! Crab mentality is a popular saying among Filipinos and it refers to behavior associated with envy and jealousy. “If I can’t have it, neither can you and I will pull you down!” I have heard many foreigners over the years complain about crab mentality while living in the islands…
Living in the Philippines is an awesome experience, and for me, it was possibly the best decision I ever made. Everyday I wake up grateful for the chance encounter that snowballed into me packing up shop and moving here in 2004. The flip side of the coin though, is that everyday I’m also reminded why…