I am regularly asked by friends in America and also by foreigners from all over the world a common question. "What do you do every day in the Philippines?" "Have fun," is usually my first reply. I make the most of every day and have fun in our area of the Philippines. My approach works great for me. Of course, what is fun for me may be boring to you and what you consider fun … [Read more...]
Nature And Health
It is really not anything new to me but to many others, the recent published medical studies linking nature to health has been a buzz. The research indicates that people who are outdoors the most and have contact with nature seem to be less prone to illness than those who spend most of their time in the cities or indoors. More people in other countries are now getting away for … [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...]
Positive Vibrations in 2014
2014 was a very good year in the Philippines. It was a very good year for my family and I and it was a very good year for the country. There were a number of economic and cultural advances made this past year. Some foreigners are still wearing their same crap colored glasses and one foreigner recently referred to the Philippines as a failed state. As always, some writers are … [Read more...]
Balikbayan Boxes Make Everyday Christmas
Many Filipinos are very happy this holiday time of the year because they received at least one Balikbayan Box from relatives abroad. Many foreigners refer to the famous Balikbayan Box as the BBB. There is not a better way to ship goods to the Philippines than by the Balikbayan Box. You do not pay a shipping fee by weight but rather by the size of the box. In Gainesville, … [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...]
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...]
Night Flight
I think many have heard about R & R. Rest & Relaxation. What about R & E? Recreation and Entertainment? How does that sound to you? Based on my experience over the past 28 years, the Philippines provides R & E for just about everyone. No matter what you enjoy! Well, unless you are a hunter. Foreigners cannot own or possess firearms and most all wildlife is … [Read more...]
Old Time Rock n’ Roll!
Let me introduce you to my rock n' roll friend! RJ Jacinto. Flasback! 1987. One of the first celebrities I had the pleasure meeting in the Philippines, after enjoying his energizing show, was RJ Jacinto. The Father of Philippines Rock n' Roll. He was and still is indeed electric! Song after song of non-stop full tilt electric boogie on his guitar. He can sing, too! Rock n' Roll … [Read more...]