It does not matter if you are a night person or a day person, when visiting the Philippines, you will be looking for a place to lay your head for much needed rest from all the excitement! Don't be concerned, as there are so many fabulous places to lodge in the Philippines to meet just about every budget and you will not be sleeping in a tree like my little tarsier buddy. Isn't … [Read more...]
El Cheapo Rides Again
Being a foreigner retired and living in the Philippines, I know that many locals are curious about the things I do when out and about. Like most everyone these days, due to the state of the world economy, I like to spend the least amount of money as possible on my everyday living expenses but I refuse to cut down on the quality of my living. I have talked to many expats over … [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...]
Jungle Boogie
Let me introduce you to a few of my buddies, who I met at Mambukal Mountain Resort. They are getting ready for the Mambukal Mudpack Festival, which begins the third weekend in June. This is one event you do not want to miss in Negros Occidental. You may ask, "Well, how do I get there?" Mambukal Hot Springs and Mountain Resort is located in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, which is the … [Read more...]
Ready For The Dawn Patrol
A great time for hitting the links in the Philippines is at dawn and it is a great way to begin the day! Golf is a very popular sport among both men and women in many areas of the Islands. Most expats and foreign tourists alike agree that the Philippines is not only an inexpensive location to play golf but many of the courses are excellent. Did you know that the oldest golf … [Read more...]
Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe
With so many islands to chose from, it can be overwhelming to those who are about to make their first journey to the Islands of Paradise. I heard of one expat putting the names of 5 locations in a hat, where he intended to visit in the Islands, and he visited each one in accordance to the order the names were drawn. I guess that is one way to do it! Chatting with other … [Read more...]
Tik Tik Times Running Out
What is that sound late at night? Tik Tik. In the Western Visayan Region of the Philippines, the belief in aswangs prevail strongly among many people. Tik Tik is the sound that an aswang allegedly makes when it is stalking you. If the tik tik sounds far away, it is best to hitch up your pants and head for safety among other people because that far away sound is a decoy. The … [Read more...]
Where’s The Beer?
For those who are not keeping up with the latest news in the Philippines, many will probably be asking the question from May 9-13,"Where's the Beer?" The COMELEC, Commission on Elections, has imposed a nationwide ban on alcohol sales from May 9-13 due to the May 13 Philippine Election. Exemption from the alcohol ban will be possible for hotels and establishments certified by … [Read more...]
Scared to Go Outside
When foreigners are inquiring about retiring to the Philippines, they are often given two fallacies about crime in the country. The first myth is that it is open season on all foreigners and every foreigner will be robbed or murdered at some point. The second myth is that all Filipinos are warm, friendly people and they would never bother a foreigner. The truth is that there is … [Read more...]
Bacollywood Walk Of Fame
One of the questions expats ponder and ask others about is, "What will I do in the Philippines other than going to the beach?" I agree that to most expats retiring to the Philippines, no matter how beautiful and relaxing, the beach would soon get old to them. Bacolod City is not only famous for being the City of Smiles, it is also known as Bacollywood! One thing I have … [Read more...]