Sometimes in life someone gives you a nudge towards an idea to write an article. Often that idea is overtaken by real events and even tragedy. That was certainly the case when RTTP suggested to me I may wish to write a piece based on the Philippines military launching an offensive in an attempt to…
Last month, the expat community in the Bacolod area was shocked by the deaths of an American and his Filipina wife. They had lived in the area for some time and had an organic farm in Murcia, outside Bacolod City. Many of us knew the couple and some of us actually bought organic vegetables from…
Some of you will have planned your retirement here well ahead of the time you actually set foot on Philippines soil. Some may arrive here on a whim. I understand that, as I would say I tend toward impulsiveness. However even I researched retirement to the Philippines fairly extensively before I booked the flight and…
It’s that time of the year again. The flu and cold season is here and runs from July-December in the Philippines. Frequent and proper hand washing is one of the best ways to help avoid catching colds or the flu, in my opinion. Muscle aches, bone aches, backaches, a dry hacking cough, a low grade…
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…
Several years back, I recall a foreigner’s plan for his restaurant in the Philippines. He was going to cater only to the foreign crowd and he just knew they would pack out his restaurant morning, noon and night. It didn’t happen and not even close. He lost many Filipino customers, who would come in, sit…
Are you considering opening your own restaurant when you retire to the Philippines? There are probably not many places around the world where you can accomplish your dream with less money. I am referring to the place as right here in some areas of the Philippines. I personally know several foreigners who have successful restaurants…
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…
We hear more often from the guys who lost their shirts trying to do business in the Philippines. Most discourage others from even trying because they failed and they don’t want to see another foreigner succeed. I’m sorry about their bad luck but it hasn’t rubbed off on me. I am successful. My wife and…
Four years ago, when we first moved to the city from the farm, that was the burning question. Who let the dogs out? It was about 10pm one evening when we returned home from Chicken Alley, listening to live bands, when we noticed our front gate was open. Our 2 dogs were missing. One dog…
On Saturday, June 6th, I woke up and discovered I live in a different Region of the Philippines. Without actually moving, I now live in the NIR. Negros Island Region. I went to sleep Friday night living in the Western Visayas but woke up Saturday morning living in the NIR. Imagine that. President Aquino used…
That is the big question many foreigners have, as time is growing near for them to retire to the Philippines. What to take with them and what to leave behind? I remember those days in 2009 when my wife and our son began the countdown to paradise living in the ‘Land of Smiles’. It was…