"Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long on the wine, those who go in search of mixed wines? Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. ... They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I didn't feel it. When shall I awoke, that I may seek another drink?" (Proverbs 23:29-35). The writer of this Proverb expressed very well the effect of alcohol. Have you noticed already how cheap is any kind of alcohol … [Read more...]
Reminder for foreigners living here
January 31, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Just wanted to make a quick reminder to any foreigners who are living in the Philippines with any kind of Resident Visa. You must go to the Bureau of Immigration and complete your annual check in any time during January or February. If you do not complete your check-in before the end of February, you will be illegal here, your Visa no longer in force. After February, you can still go to the Bureau and Check In, but you will need to pay a fine at that point. It is not a huge fine, but much better to complete your check in within the prescribed time and remain legal! While this procedure applies to permanent residents, foreigners who hold … [Read more...]
Can the carabao be a cure for Global Warming?
January 30, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Yes, you read the title correctly! I am wondering if the Carabao can be at least a part of a way to resolve Global Warming, and I am not joking! I recently read an article in the Philippine Daily Inquirer which told of a scientist who believes that he can use the carabao to alleviate Global Warming! How, you ask? Well, it is somewhat complicated. But, you see, the carabao can eat almost anything. It has "rumen fluid" in it's stomac, which contains organisms that can things like rice stubble into biofuels! You know the stubble that covers a piece of rice? It is a tough substance that generally cannot be eaten. When rice farmers harvest … [Read more...]
Meeting with visitors
January 29, 2008 By Leave a Comment
One thing that I enjoy about this site (and my others) is that people who are regular readers seem to be always coming to Davao City! And, my practice is that when they come, I am happy to meet them, sit down for a cup of coffee or lunch with them, and get to know each other. I really enjoy it. Believe it or not, this has really gotten to be a very regular thing! Just two weeks ago, I met blog readers every weekday, that's right, on Monday through Friday, every day! On Friday I even met two different blog readers (one for breakfast and one for lunch). So, you can imagine, it keeps me busy, and keeps me meeting new people! The other … [Read more...]
Winter in the Philippines?
January 29, 2008 By 14 Comments
It should be now as I learned from other Philippinos and expats? Mmh, this reminds me of several comments (and complains) of different expats, who really miss winter here in the Philippines. At my first glance, I thought, they are just kidding. I am staying in the Philippines now since more then nine years and I must confess, I have never ever miss the winter with snow and ice and "bad road conditions". How about you? Do you miss such stuff? Or do you try "to heal this desire" in going back to your home country, which provides you now with real winter elements??? … [Read more...]
A few words about Podcasts
January 28, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Well, over the weekend, I put up my first Podcast on the site! Actually, it was my first Podcast on any of my sites! About 2 or 3 years ago, I was a guest on a US based Podcast, but somebody else put that all together, all I did was talk! Anyway, I have been thinking about the Podcast over the weekend, and I have a few things that I want to share with everybody. I mentioned on the Podcast that I would be accepting phone calls over Skype from anybody who wanted to participate. Basically, for any reader of the site, if you have any questions related to our topic here (Living in the Philippines), you can call me on Skype and I will do my best … [Read more...]
Wedding Gowns!
January 27, 2008 By 38 Comments
When Bob and I got married over 17 years ago. We purchased my wedding gown in a small department store in General Santos City. At that time there were no malls in General Santos yet. Prior to our wedding I came home to Gen San to visit my parents from studying college in Cebu City. A few days after my visit me and my sister went to the city to shop. Inside the store we saw the gown in the mannequin that really caught our attention. My sister told me that the gown was really perfect for my size. I just gave my sister a quick smile. Bob and I already knew each other then. So then when time that we are going to get married, when we shop for my dress … [Read more...]
Cebu air we will get you there
January 27, 2008 By 5 Comments
One of the things we all have to do when living in this great country is adapt, thus we can enjoy the life and not die from a heart attack caused by frustration. Now I took great advise from Bob that was just aim to get one thing done a day, anything above that is going to be a huge bonus, hes so right. Now knowing that and remembering there is NO POINT in losing your temper I thought I would spend a couple of minutes telling you about my attempts to book and fly on CEBU AIR. I booked a flight to DAVAO to BANGKOK return online and when I got to the end I was unable to make a payment as most European and USA credit cards can not be used ...something … [Read more...]
Does religion makes one religious?
January 27, 2008 By 10 Comments
Since I live in the Philippines as an expat, I observed innumerable religion directions. Tune in your cable TV and experience almost 15 different channels (and directions) only here in Davao City. Religion - the belief in supernatural power, which governs universe; religion - the recognition of God as an object of worship; religion - the system of faith and worship; religion - usually expressed in conduct and ritually.... . Does religion really makes one religious? I attended a church service long time ago. I never forgot the preaching. It's easy to recognize someone, who loves to eat junk food for example and doesn't care about his or her … [Read more...]
Banking in the Philippines
January 26, 2008 By Leave a Comment
OK, I have set up a new home for Podcasts on the site, and all future Live in the Philippines podcasts will be found here in this area of the site! Since I published my first podcast in my regular column, I will leave it there, but will also add a duplicate copy here, so that for future reference, all podcasts can be found here. Remember, this is just my first attempt at Podcasting, so it is not perfect by any means. But, it is not too bad, and future Podcasts will improve! For today, our topic on the Podcast is banking in the Philippines, and I am joined in the discussion by my friend, Dave Starr. To listen, just click on the gray button … [Read more...]
Recent Comments