Now if anybody can spot that obscure semi-movie reference I will be impressed! But now I've got your attention I want to ask you to consider becoming a much more active member of our rapidly growing community of expats and soon-to-be expats. Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a budding Tom Clancy or Stephen King? Maybe even a Robert Kiyosaki or a Deepak Chopra. Whatever your … [Read more...]
Money’s Too Tight To Mention
For everyone planning on retiring to the Philippines this year or within the next few years, they are really doing so at a great time. It is really an exciting time in the Philippines concerning their robust economy! For the past 27 years, I have remained up to date with the latest happenings in the Philippines and the Philippine economical situation has been no exception. Last … [Read more...]
The Mysterious Islands of Guimaras
Have you ever heard of Jordan, Philippines? It is the capital of Guimaras Island, located between Negros Occidental and Panay Island in the Western Visayas. Among local Filipinos, Guimaras is one of the "Mysterious Islands," with its folklore. If you are going to Guimaras Island from Negros Occidental, you will need to take a pump boat from Valladolid and it is a 2-3 hour … [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...]
Yummy Homestyle BBQ
We enjoy going out to eat in local restaurants several times each week but my wife and I agree that the best food we enjoy is made at home. Food for Filipinos does not seem to be a problem but some expats are picky about their variety of food and I am to some extent but I do not go overboard. I don't require my food to be imported from the USA, Europe, Australia or New Zealand. … [Read more...]
Sundown in the Philippines
When the sun goes down in the Philippines, you can feel the pulsating beat of the city or town coming to life. Even the small villages have a vibrant nightlife, only on a much smaller scale. Music lounges with live bands, discos, resto bars, karaoke bars, European style pubs, sports bars, cabaret bars, tapas bars, comedy clubs, girlie bars and alternative life style bars are … [Read more...]
Thinking of Bringing Your Vehicle?
For the latest information on bringing your vehicle to the Philippines, please visit this page. Do you have a favorite car that you are thinking of importing to the Philippines when you make the move to retire to the Islands of Paradise? Like the governments of many other countries, new laws are passed every year and things change. It is no longer allowed to import a … [Read more...]
Pearl of the Orient
I won't bore you with a lot of statistics and geographical information that you can easily search and read on the internet about the Philippines, however I want to share the real Philippines with you. The Pearl of the Orient. Twenty seven years seem like a long time to many people but it doesn't seem that long ago to me when I made my first trip to Manila, Philippines in … [Read more...]
An Insight Into Philippines Lifestyle
Can you live in a bungalow, a common style house in a gated subdivision, or do you require a highrise condo? Your choice of housing will be an important first step in determining your cost of living in the Philippines. Once you have settled on the type of residence you will enjoy during your Philippines retirement years, a lifestyle check may be in order. Can you eat a pork … [Read more...]
Getting Around Like A Local
Owning a private vehicle in the Philippines is not a requirement if you live in a mid-size city or in a large city. All forms of public transportation are cheap and readily available in many areas of the country. There are many taxis, jeepneys and tricycles, also known as trikes, which are the main means of public transportation within the cities. For those not in a hurry, … [Read more...]