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...]
Free Bird And All Five Horizons
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 that is not what they are about. I was sent on a mission one evening when I … [Read more...]
Love That Chicken From Popeye’s
I love that chicken from Popeye's. That is what I told my brother in Florida earlier this evening and he was amazed. He didn't know there were Popeye's Louisiana Kitchens in the Philippines. There's not. We make Popeye's Chicken in our home kitchen. I got the original recipe from the internet and I can make Popeye's chicken from all locally sourced ingredients... at local … [Read more...]
My Kitchen Rules
My kitchen differs from my wife's kitchen due to the diversity of the cuisine, which is prepared. However, I am not complaining about my wife's kitchen, as she can also be diverse in helping me prepare international dishes. Without a doubt, topics related to food remain hot topics among foreigners who have retired to the Philippines. While we can be adventurous, most people … [Read more...]
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
I recall very well, as if it were only yesterday, when I first moved to the Philippines in 1986. I have shared the story many times about my living with a Filipino family for one year duirng that time. I also vividly recall many things that happened during that year so long ago. The members of the family I lived with spoke English to me but when communicating with each other, … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving in Bacolod
I have been asked many times over the years whether there is Thanksgiving in the Philippines. The answer is always "yes and no." The majority of Filipinos do not celebrate Thanksgiving in the Philippines. However, there are many Filipino-Americans who have retired to the Philippines from the USA and they indeed celebrate Thanksgiving here. Many supermarkets in Bacolod stock … [Read more...]
What’s The Latest Balita?
There are always many interesting things going on in the Philippines and there is never a dull moment around my house or in Negros Occidental! October 16-20 kicks off the Main Events and the last weekend of the annual MassKara Festival in Bacolod, The City of Smiles. MassKara is the Bacolod version of Mardi Gras and Carnival, only without the public nudity. The next election … [Read more...]
On The 140th Day Of Christmas!
Are you ready for Christmas? You are already one month behind! The Christmas Season in Bacolod City kicked off on September 1 with the first Christmas songs of this new Christmas Season. There are still 110 days left, so you still have plenty of time to celebrate. The Feast of Santo Nino (Christ Child) is most famous in Cebu but many Filipinos in Negros Occidental also … [Read more...]
Where’s The Beef?
One of the burning questions among foreigners who are visiting the Philippines for the first time and among those who are actually retiring to the Philippines is about food. Food is indeed an international language, as everyone has to eat to remain healthy! Most people I know, Filipinos and foreigners alike, enjoy eating delicious food. I am not an exception! Even though I … [Read more...]
Sweet Home Philippines!
I just returned this week from a several week visit to Florida, USA, to lend family support to a very ill relative, and I have a very fresh perspective about life in the USA, as opposed to life in the Philippines. It is fabulous being back in Sweet Home Philippines! For those who say they can live as cheaply in the USA as in the Philippines, this certainly isn't true … [Read more...]
Shop Til you Drop!
Ever since the new Super Metro Store opened in Talisay City, right outside of Bacolod, the BUZZ among the expat community has been about all the favorite expat food items that are available in their store! Imagine a Super Wal-Mart in the Philippines! There is not one Wal-Mart in the Philippines but Super Metro is the next best thing! A number of cities in the Philippines … [Read more...]