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 their farm. A very sad and tragic story. The husband was reportedly found in a deep … [Read more...]
New Wonderful Experience
To get the most out of some things, we often need someone to guide us. I had been to Cebu City several times in the past, mainly for US passport renewals at the US Consulate. Before the trip, I had gathered online a list of places to see and the names of a few restaurants I wanted to try. I was never impressed with Cebu City. Too much traffic for one thing. Too many people … [Read more...]
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
I know several expats in the Philippines who do not have any foreign friends by their own choice. They told me that most foreigners here are more trouble than they are worth. I haven't reached that point but I can very well see where they are coming from. Many had bad experiences in the Philippines with other foreigners but they get along extremely well with Filipinos. I … [Read more...]
How Life Really Works
I've already heard a few grumbles from some foreigners about what they will spend in the Philippines this holiday season. With that attitude, they may as well not spend anything. My wife has a large family but I am not expected to buy 1,000 gifts or feed 1,000 people. However, I enjoy giving and I always have. I don't give because I have to or because I am expected to. I only … [Read more...]
Say It Ain’t So, Gary!
"It ain't so, Gary!" There, I said it. I communicate with more than 50 foreigners most days, every week in email, in my article comments, on the RTTP Forum and in personal consulting. It never ceases to amaze me about some of the things that foreigners have been told about the Philippines...by other foreigners! There is a lot of misinformation going around and a lot of it is … [Read more...]
Expats In The Philippines Thrive!
When I go out to the malls and the restaurants in Greater Bacolod, I see more expats in the Philippines are gathering and joining us all the time! The word is spreading and catching on that this part of the world is a great place to retire, live, do business and even raise children. If you are not interested in doing business and if you do not have plans to raise children, this … [Read more...]
Pleased to Meet You
I have learned over the past 28 years that expats living in the Philippines all have different agendas and needs. We cannot all be put together in one painting and be painted with the same wide brush! We are all unique individuals and I never met anyone exactly like me. Some expats have the need to get together with other expats several times every week to be happy living in … [Read more...]
The Kano Coconut Telegraph
The coconuts are piling up! It has been my experience over the past 27 years that there are some fabulous expats who have made the Philippines their home, however, every expat you meet in the Islands is not your friend! All expats in the Philippines do not have any intentions of being your friend and some set out from day one to cause you problems. Call it the Green Eyed … [Read more...]
The Good, Bad And The Ugly
Over the past 27 years, I have met many expats who are living in the Philippines. Some of the expats worked for foreign companies, some played basketball in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), some were engaging in business with their Filipina wives, some were military retirees who had spent time in the Philippines during their tour of duty and some were older retirees … [Read more...]
Crab Mentality Is All Around
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 or spending time visiting the islands. However, I have experienced far … [Read more...]