Something you will learn when you are in the Philippines is that a number of English words take on a completely different meaning here. Most Filipinas desire a dirty kitchen! No, it isn't a roach and rat infested kitchen with grease splatters on the walls and a pile of dirty dishes in a clogged sink. A dirty kitchen is simply an outside kitchen, not located inside the main … [Read more...]
Voodoo Killed The Radio Star
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 advice concerning spells and the breaking of spells. There are … [Read more...]
Curiosity Killed The Cat
Some say that curiosity killed the cat but if you are planning on retiring to the Philippines, you should let your curiosity run wild! It is best to learn all you can about the Pearl of the Orient before you get here and if you are already here, it is a never ending saga in learning new things everyday. Even after 27 years with my personal Philippine connection and even after … [Read more...]
How to Minimize Culture Shock
The impact of culture shock when retiring to the Philippines can be greatly lessened in several ways. The most important way is to realize from the beginning that the Philippines is a developing nation and many Westerners refer to it as Third World. I live in Bacolod City and I don’t see Third World but I do see some things as still being developed. If you are from America, … [Read more...]