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 down, read the menu and then leave without ordering. The restaurant was … [Read more...]
Green Onions
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 in the Bacolod area. I am not telling you that … [Read more...]
The Bright Future Requires Sunglasses At Night
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 I have not made a fortune but make enough to live comfortably every month. … [Read more...]
Positive Vibrations in 2014
2014 was a very good year in the Philippines. It was a very good year for my family and I and it was a very good year for the country. There were a number of economic and cultural advances made this past year. Some foreigners are still wearing their same crap colored glasses and one foreigner recently referred to the Philippines as a failed state. As always, some writers are … [Read more...]
Stupid Is As Stupid Does
In the Philippines, there is a saying that has the exact same meaning as the words of Forrest Gump in the movie. 'Tanga is as tanga does!" Yes, stupid is as stupid does. Over the years, I have listened to a number of expats complaining about their number one mistake in the Philippines. When I asked them if they would have done the same thing back home, the answer was always … [Read more...]
The Philippine Dream Attracts Many Cultures
When many think of an expat in the Philippines, they most often think of a Western guy lounging on the beach with a frosty, chilled tropical drink in his hand. Did you know that the Asian Indians were among the first foreigners to settle in the Philippines for the purpose of doing business? The first Indians arrived in the Philippines for commercial purposes many centuries ago! … [Read more...]