Many expats retiring to the Philippines are still seeking the best housing option for their particular situation. Some expats have not learned yet that foreigners cannot own land in the Philippines, however, they can own a condo or a townhouse if the complex is 60% owned by Filipinos. A foreigner can own a building, yet not the land, but this involves an attorney drawing up the … [Read more...]
Paradise Or Pair A Dice
Maybe your idea of paradise is living near the strawberry fields of Baguio? When many people think about the Philippines, they often conjure up an image of lounging on a beautiful white sandy beach with an ice cold tropical fruit cocktail. Others think about trekking around one of the breathtaking mountain resorts found on a number of islands. Yet, others visualize dancing with … [Read more...]
Where The Buffalo Roam
Many first time visitors to the Philippines will often see a statue of the Philippines National Animal, the carabao, in public parks and plazas. The carabao is a water buffalo but many locals refer to it simply as a buffalo. In this article, I will be referring to the carabao as a buffalo. In the countryside, which is often referred to as the province, owning a buffalo is a … [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...]
Tolerance Tempered With Tradition
If it uplifts you to come in contact with easy going people with smiling faces all day long the Philippines could be a place where you will feel right at home. The native residents are - for the most part honest,innovative, often hard working as well as tolerant and happy. The diminutive incomes, noise at all hours and traffic jams - they face it all with a smile. If I hear a … [Read more...]
Doctor, Will I Make It?
The vast majority of those retiring to the Philippines are older and some are on regular medication due to health problems. It is not an issue to take lightly if you are already in this situation. For those who are younger and for those who are older but in excellent health, the question still burns. "If I have a serious illness in the Philippines or if I am involved in a … [Read more...]
Shortwave Radio in The Philippines
Expatriates usually have a desire to know what's going on in the country they left behind. Whether you're an American living in Manila or a Pinoy residing in Los Angeles, I'm willing to bet you want to hear what's happening back home. This happened with me back in 1998 when my wife and I traveled to Japan from the USA on a sister city exchange. Surrounded by a culture with … [Read more...]
No Soup! A Paradise Cheeseburger
Doesn't that Pineapple Cheeseburger look fabulous? This is what I call a "Paradise Cheeseburger." You will not find a marvelous burger exactly like this one in the local restaurants of our area but it is so easy to make at home. Pineapple is readily available and very inexpensive. We have a couple of pineapple plants in our yard down at our farm, outside the city. Buns, bacon, … [Read more...]
Divers Do It Deeper In Coron
One of my wife's best friend has been telling us for years about how beautiful Palawan is, with so many fabulous places to visit. Since my wife's friend now lives in Wales with her hubby and two children, she asked us to visit her island, take many photos and tell her about the trip! I had heard of the Underground River in Palawan but some of the other places on this majestic … [Read more...]
Shanghaied Into Chow King Philippines
After living 9 years in the area of Hong Kong and mainland China before retiring to the Philippines, I made the statement that I would not be eating Chinese food ever again! Been there, done that too many times and I didn't want to do it again. However, I was not thinking clearly when I made that statement. Filipino cuisine is influenced by Chinese cuisine in a big way! I knew … [Read more...]