The other day, I re-read Bob’s column reporting that Live in the Philippines readers are moving to the Philippines. Bob was not expecting this migration, regardless of its size and scope. Like many of us who follow his columns, Bob views it as a good thing. My wife Emy and I viewed it as a good thing, too. We thought it is such a good thing that we are participating in the “flood of humanity” to the Philippines. Our move, however, is more of a “MacArthur-like” return than just a simple “Gee, that’s a beautiful place” move. Do not get me wrong. Any reason to move could be a good reason in our eyes. We are returning to our friends … [Read more...]
A nude awakening
July 31, 2009 By 52 Comments
Did I type that right? A nude awakening? Isn't the old saying supposed to be a "rude" awakening? Read on, and you decide. I live in a kind of mid-level neighborhood. Oh, it's probably slightly upscale by Philippine standards, probably a little downscale by US standards. Most of the people who live in my neighborhood are Filipino professional types, and Missionaries from abroad. The neighborhood is certainly not "upscale" - it's not a gated community or anything even near to that. Twenty years ago, this would have been an upscale Philippine neighborhood. These days, it is an upper-mid level neighborhood that has declined from what … [Read more...]
Several Steps Back To The Time Of Coal Power!
July 30, 2009 By 14 Comments
The City where I was born is called Bradford, situated in West Yorkshire in the Industrial Heart of the country in the gloomy Northern Area of England! This area really became developed in the Industrial Revolution when the invention of Steam Power was the latest and greatest technological breakthrough to hit the world! Bradford was at that time the center of the worlds woolen industry so with the new power source, literally thousands of new facilities or mills were constructed in order to speed up the production of the finished woolen cloth and vast fortunes were made by the Wool Barons! In order to produce the steam, Coal, which is a fossil … [Read more...]
Return to Mayberry?
July 30, 2009 By 106 Comments
Last week, I had a meeting in Intramuros, and was waiting at Luneta Park for my colleagues to arrive. So, I chose one of the little food stands by the park entrance, bought a Diet Coke, and sat there half people watching and half messing around with my Blackberry while waiting. So, I'm sitting there, and see a group of about 20 kids, very obviously street children, around 10 years old or so, just hanging around by the side of the fountain in the park. A cop walks up to them, and I'm watching, expecting him to shoo them away or something. He walks away, towards his car, opens the trunk, and brings them a soccer ball for an impromptu football … [Read more...]
My First Impressions
July 29, 2009 By 31 Comments
When i first came to the Philippines I really didn't venture to much into the Barangay or neighborhoods, mostly just visiting the major landmarks maybe the beach and pretty much stayed in the bigger cities. But, now that I am a resident here the whole meaning of living in the Philippines is different. The sights, smells, and sounds: I guess you can equate it to living in the countryside without leaving the city. What I mean is when I listen to my surroundings I hear roosters crowing, pigs grunting and squealing, and of course motorcycles and cars zooming the streets along with the daily vendors walking or riding up and down the streets … [Read more...]
Philippine Playboy!
July 29, 2009 By
People often ask me how I ended up in the Philippines. The short answer is for a better life. I must say, that the Philippines has exceeded my expectations. However, that also required an open mind and a re-evaluation of what is important. Yes I have a few less creature comforts here than I did in the USA but it didn't take me long to realize those things were not as important as I thought. Central air, super fast Internet connection (equal to T3), a DVR attached to my cable box with over 200 channels and hot water throughout the house come to mind. Those things are nice but they don't matter, you don't need them. Some of these things … [Read more...]
Showing beneficiary of the action
July 28, 2009 By 3 Comments
Lesson 13 Showing Beneficiary of the Action or The Reciever of the Action or the location. In showing the direction or the beneficiary of the action we need to have a marker. Markers for the reciever or the direction of the action Singular Plural Proper Noun Kang kang ________ ug kang ________ Common Noun Sa sa mga *The plural markers for the proper noun kang ______ug kang _________, the second kang is optional. You can say kang _____ug _______. Para – it means for (para usually uses the marker kang when it’s proper noun and sa when it is a common noun) Examples of para kang or kang: Moluto … [Read more...]
Home from home
July 28, 2009 By 14 Comments
I was speaking in the last two articles about my recent trip to Baguio and the coastal area s of La Union ,and was recounting some of the places I have stayed at and my feelings about them. I finish off this little travel report by telling you about a place I stayed at , which in all honesty was one of the nicest places I have ever stayed at period. After a disastrous stay the night before at a really poor run resort complex we moved a short tricycle ride to SUNSET BAY in the Barangay of Canaoay near San FernandoCity in La Union ,which has very well maintained and furnished apartments with satellite TV , and full amenities for a price I … [Read more...]
The Crown of Thorns Sea Star, Coral Killer!
July 27, 2009 By 10 Comments
I am sure that in this day and age most educated people around the globe know or have least heard of the terrible depletion of the worlds Coral Reefs and the reasons that the leading marine scientists blame for the problems! Global warming gets all the blame for everything nowadays but in reality it should not! Many issues are to blame for the problem of Coral Death and man himself does have a part to play but also cannot be totally to blame! Some of the causes are the work of man such as: Illegal dumping of Chemical and Toxic Waste being dumped at sea! Agricultural Pesticides and Fertilizer being washed from the farms into the Rivers and … [Read more...]
Crossing river to city
July 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment
ALABEL, Sarangani (July 27, 2009) – Grade VI pupils of New Canaan and Kiangkos Elementary Schools cross a river and walk for eight hours Thursday, July 23, during their educational tour “Making Little Dreams Possible” sponsored by the Alcantara Foundation. A few weeks ago, volunteers from the provincial government and staff of the Quality Education for Sarangani Today (QUEST) went up the mountains to visit the schools, bringing along workbooks for the lumad school children. (Released for publication on LiP by Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE) … [Read more...]
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