As I have explained a number of times in the past, one of the goals of the Bureau of Immigration and the Philippine Retirement Authority is to make it easier for expats to retire to the Philippines. The key word is easier, as I never said "easy." Of course, there are requirements that must be strictly met in order to qualify for a retirement visa in the Philippines, however, … [Read more...]
That’s The Sound Of The Men
No, they are not working on a chain gang! Although that may well have been a much better option than to experience the now outlawed Wheel of Torture. Some police stations had a Wheel of Torture, which they subjected prisoners who had committed heinous crimes and others who were drug traffickers. Spin the wheel and see what we get to do to you today! 20 Pacman. That is 20 … [Read more...]
Living Behind The Fence
There are many fabulous places in the Philippines to retire, live and enjoy life. A Philippine jail or a Philippine prison is not one of them! Not even for a single night! This article is my first installment in a series about Philippine Prisons. I want to be perfectly clear, I am in no way bashing or belittling the Philippine Bureau of Corrections or the Philippine Department … [Read more...]
English In The Philippines Diba?
English in the Philippines is one of the great attractions about the Philippines for expats and is one of the official languages of the country. It is not only nurses and other medical professionals, domestic helpers, laborers, entertainers and engineers that are OFWs. The USA also recruits licensed teachers from the Philippines and China recruits English teachers from the … [Read more...]
Ball Of Confusion!
It is that time of the year once again. A time when many expats bitch and moan! Time to ditch those shorts and put on some long pants. Time to dig out a real shirt and put away that muscle T. Time to put the sandals and flip flops in the closet and put on some socks and shoes. Time to go to the BI office to file that annual report and pay the P310 fee! This is a requirement … [Read more...]
Big Bamboozle!
Do not get on this boat with strangers! Especially if a tout gets your attention by saying, "Psst!" And no matter how nice looking the tour guides are. I will let your imagination run wild about all the things that can go wrong. If you are traveling the seas around the Philippines, especially the far south Philippines, always use reputable passenger ferries. If a private boat … [Read more...]
Money, That’s What I Want!
It has been said that money is the root of all evil but that is not exactly how the saying goes and it is often misquoted. "The love of money is the root of all evil" is correct. What about, "I would love to have more money?" I don't think that is wrong, as I think we all can use more money in our lives. Many expats are married to wonderful Filpinas but let's face it, we cannot … [Read more...]
Cold As Ice!
As I always say, "Everyday unfolds a new adventure in the Philippines!" The last two days have been new personal experiences for me. For the very first time in the Philippines, I feel cold! An LPA, Low Pressure Area, moved into Negros Occidental, dumping a lot of rain on the Bacolod Area. It has been dark skies, dreary and very breezy the past two days. Temperatures can be … [Read more...]
A Barrio Holiday Season
For me, there is no better place to spend Christmas and New Year than in the barrio! Nowadays, most villages in the Philippines are referred to as a "barangay," however, my wife's hometown is rich in Spanish history and many people still refer to the village as the "barrio." Our barrio is located about one hour south of Bacolod City and there is hardly a stranger unless they … [Read more...]
Dreaming Different Dreams
Ever since I was a little boy, I have always been a dreamer! Back in those days, in the 1960s, my dreams were not actually realistic and were child-like in some respects. As a teenager, a young adult and as a middle age adult, I still had dreams and the dreams became more realistic with time. I think everyone should have a dream because dreams have a way of making life more … [Read more...]