Winter and Cold
Mr. Paul Keating, my fellow LIP writer wrote a great article about winter last month, with a lot of responses from people who were still wearing thermal socks. I’ll say that the popular response was anti-winter. And yet they still live through it every year, as with that Mid-Atlantic Blizzard that’s happening as I write. I guess it would be the same for me when I chose the Philippines to live, and then if I groused about the rainy season. I’d get no sympathy (BTW, I like the rainy season!). In the early 1950’s while I was a wee tyke, my ...
Our trip to Claveria and Portabaga Falls
Over Christmas, I was starting to get a little stir crazy sitting there in Abulug: I am not one who likes just "sitting around", and start getting antsy after a few days. So, one day, Rebecca and I decided to take Juanito to the beach in Claveria. The beach in Abulug, by the house, is a "dirty" beach. It is composed partially of volcanic rock, combined with water from the river, that gives it a brownish tinge. Additionally, there is no natural harbor or lagoon at Abulug, and the currents on the Babuyan Straits are notoriously dangerous, so it is ...
What is your favorite dish?
I'm currently working on a new LiP article, but I had this idea I wanted to write about.. It isn't 100% on topic, but never the less is something I'm sure you can relate to. Cooking. Unlike most of the folks here on LiP I have to rely on trips to the local Filipino restaurant if I'm in the mood for good food. Since I don't have an Asawa and I'm not in the Philippines. I'm kinda on my own. I'm also not really a cook. I can make a few dishes, but nothing too crazy, although I do enjoy ...
An expats dream package
If you are into entertainment, whether it be movies, TV shows or any kind of videos, I believe that I have come up with an expats dream package! I have written about this before, but that was a few years ago, and I have made some major changes to my setup, which I want to share with those who have an interest in duplicating what I am doing. When you live in a foreign land, it can be hard to gain access to the type of entertainment that you are used to. This is especially true for TV shows, and events ...
Fashion Sense
Dressing properly comes second nature to me as I was raised in part by my grandparents. They taught me the value of looking your best and feeling good about yourself in the process. It's a pity this lesson is lost on some of the expats I meet. I've been wanting to write about this for a long time now but was toying in my mind with the wording so as not to come across pompous or insulting so if I step on some toes I apologize, as with everything I write, your mileage may vary. Here in the Philippines everyone dresses ...
A Country Boy visits the Big City!
My normal life is situated in and around the quiet and peaceful City of General Santos with the odd visit to Davao. Now, in my official capacity as the British Embassy Community Warden for the Gen San Area (Grand sounding title don't you think) I have to go to Manila to the British Embassy for an annual meeting! Firstly, imagine the Beverly Hill Billies and you get the idea of what my trips are usually like when I go there! Me in the Big City! It all started with me going to the Gen San Airport to catch the PAL Flight to Manila, ...
Time Out!
Every now and then we need to make time for ourselves. We all need time to take a step back from our businesses and go on a much deserved vacation. Personally, I try and take a vacation at least once every year. And by vacation I mean at least a week away from business. A one week mental-break from business can do wonders for you. A vacation can literally recharge a person, and can help you spot areas for improvement in our own business upon return. What was easily overlooked before is sometimes brought into sharper focus after getting back ...
Prepare yourself
It's time to get ready. You should always be prepared. Don't say that you had no warning, because the alarm bells are sounding, sirens are wailing and emergency lights are flashing. No, there is not a fire. The police are not looking for you, don't worry about that. Well, maybe they are, I don't know... but that is not what I'm talking about. What I am talking about today is that all of us expats, particularly American expats need to be prepared for a fall in the value of the US Dollar. The signs are evident and have been for some time. I ...
Good seaweed in the Philippines!
Yesterday for our lunch we made some seaweed salad. It was really good. Here in our household we mostly make the Guso (not sure what the English word for it) kind of seaweed. The looks its like young branches of the tree without the leaves and colored green. Blanch it or boil water and put the guso on a strainer/colander and just pour the boiled water over it for just few minutes and wash it right away with water to cool it so that it would not be overcooked. Put that aside. On a separate bowl cut some onions, bell ...
A Shipmate’s Passing
Today, February 2, 2010, is a sad day in the Philippines. Though the sun is shining, the children are playing and laughing, and life seems to continue on through time, life has ended for one of the "good guys." There are many others, worldwide, who share my current emotions. Barrio Barretto in Olongapo isn't going to be the same ever again. Other friends and shipmates in the Subic area are affected by the sad news even more so. To them, this is the passing of a legend - his like will probably never grace the islands again. He was of the old ...
Bob Martin
An expats dream package
If you are into entertainment, whether it be movies, TV shows or any kind of videos,...
Prepare yourself
It’s time to get ready. You should always be prepared. Don’t say...
Is age a limiting factor in language learning?
A while back I wrote an article telling that I was Back in the Saddle, back to studying...
Got Milk?
Last week, a friend and I were exchanging e-mails. He is also an American who lives...
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Our trip to Claveria and Portabaga Falls
Over Christmas, I was starting to get a little stir crazy sitting there in Abulug:...
New Year’s Traditions in Abulug: Keeping out the bad juju
This year, I decided to write about everything we did for New Year’s…...
Bulala Part II: The fishing village
In my last article, I mentioned that Rebecca got teary-eyed while we were driving...
From Cacao to Chocolate: A centuries-old tradition
Chocolate making came to the Philippines from the Spanish, who brought the cacao...
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Split Decisions
Well part of coming to live in a different place, one of the considerations is how...
In With A Bang!
Well I truly hope each and everyone of you had a joyous and fruitful holiday season...
Healthy Living
Once again I want to touch on some issues that have just evolved as I have integrated...
Whats In a Name
On first impressions when visiting the Philippines I casually noticed most names...
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Off to Subic
For the first time I went to Subic in Zambales, and after a two hour ride from Manila...
Manila Ocean Park
I have over the last six years visited Manila numerous times, and use to stay in...
Tidbits from Manila
I thought I would share a couple of experiences that I had on my last visit to Manila. I...
Of course its safe
As I travel around the Philippines from area to area, I am often told by people not...
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Fashion Sense
Dressing properly comes second nature to me as I was raised in part by my grandparents. ...
Backyard Chickens
Anyone who has been to the Philippines knows that chickens are way of life over here. ...
Pumpkin Pie
For me being an American what could top the holiday meal off any better than a nice...
The Miracle of Malunggay
There is a tree here in the Philippines called the Malunggay tree that goes by many...
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What is your favorite dish?
I’m currently working on a new LiP article, but I had this idea I wanted to...
Home Sweet Home
Its a typical rainy day here in Vancouver. Mind you, it isn’t cold and that...
Hello From Canada
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My Durian Experience
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Leavin’ on a jet plane . . .
Today’s guest post is from John Coldwell. You may know John as “John...
Whatta Pizza!
Today’s Guest Article is from Bob in New York. Bob is a regular reader and...
So you are thinking of moving to the Philippines?
Today’s Guest Post is from Lloyd Cromer. Lloyd is a long time reader of the...
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My neighborhood is under lockdown
Right now, as I type this, nobody can enter or leave the neighborhood where I live...
Governor Ampatuan hospitalized in Davao
Security is important for Davao City, and Task Force Davao, the military unit that...
It’s martial law…
Yes, folks, you read the title correctly. Martial law has been declared in Maguindanao...
Excuse the sawdust
We are undergoing some renovation here on LiP today. I ask that you excuse the...
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Good seaweed in the Philippines!
Yesterday for our lunch we made some seaweed salad. It was really good. Here in our...
Arranged Marriage?
A few months back I was introduced to a lady who happened to be looking for work....
A tragedy in the family!
I am writing today about what happened to my nephew. His name is Kevin. He is 9 years...
Helping out!
I am so happy that the year 2009 ended good for all of us here on LIP. We were giving...
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A Shipmate’s Passing
Today, February 2, 2010, is a sad day in the Philippines. Though the sun is shining,...
WINTER Blues
Winter has finally arrived. Though early morning frost has yet to form, the local...
WATCH OUT!!! (Pt II)
It’s still very disturbing, this “Watch Out! and accident business . The...
WATCH OUT!!! (Pt I)
Those two words, when used together, can be quite disturbing. The manner in which...
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Winter and Cold
Mr. Paul Keating, my fellow LIP writer wrote a great article about winter last month,...
It’s All Up Hill From Here
In choosing to live here, I wonder if we fully realize all that is involved. I live...
Do you have one?
Have what, you could ask? An, I love me wall, do you have one? First, what is a I...
Fulfilled in the Philippines
Ten years ago I bought two Dream satellite systems, as no cable is available in my...
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A Country Boy visits the Big City!
My normal life is situated in and around the quiet and peaceful City of General Santos with...
Babies Even Get Named at Cambridge!
In every corner of the world, including the Philippines people go out of their way...
Shark Transplant into Sarangani Bay.
In Sarangani Bay we have probably as many different species of fish as any other...
South Point Divers, Paradise!
If you drive about 45 km from General Santos City following the US Aid funded road...
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Time Out!
Every now and then we need to make time for ourselves. We all need time to take a...
Uncommon Advertising?
A few articles back a regular commenter, Dennis, suggested it may be useful to offer...
They Did It: Boardwalk Cloud 9 Surf Resort
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Tips, Gratuities and Service Charges
A little something extra. For the effort. I’m talking about tips and tipping....
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Franchising 101
In a world in which business strategies and techniques are continually improving,...
History of Franchising
The word Franchise comes from the Old French meaning freedom or privilege. In the...
Business Format Franchising
Companies choose to grow by granting a license to others to sell their product or...
What is Franchising?
Franchising is the most successful business system in the world. Yet the vast majority...
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Feelin’ Antsy
Well, I ain’t really feelin’ that antsy, but, it was just a play on words...
4th Week, 2nd Blog
This starts out the 5th week of living here in Davao City. It has been 30 days already,...
My New Life
Leaving the country to live somewhere else isn’t the usual request in the mind...
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Going Home, Part 2
After two weeks rendezvous in the RP and HongKong, we went back to Abu Dhabi. I submitted...
Going Home
Going Home. When you are working overseas, these words are always the best that you...
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