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Goodbye, Philippines
Our Move is quickly approaching We will miss the Philippines So, as I told you a couple of months ago, Feyma and I are moving back to the USA. We have settled on living in Logansport, Indiana. I thought I’d post more today about the pending move, when it is going to happen, what I am going to do there and other such loose ends. I am basing the topics that will be included in…
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The night before Christmas in Davao
There is a poem that is quite famous, called “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” although these days, it is more commonly known as “The Night before Christmas.” It was written by Clement Clarke Moore. Although the original date that it was written is unknown, it was first published in 1823 by the Troy, New York Sentinel. The original publication did not credit an author, it was anonymous, however Moore was later credited with having authored…
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Membership Shopping Philippines
Membership Shopping in the Philippines More players are coming online Membership shopping is coming of age in the Philippines. There have been membership shopping stores in the Philippines for years. However, in recent years the membership shopping scene is getting new players and better competition. I find that membership shopping stores offer a lot of items that are not otherwise available. I also find the prices for membership shopping in the Philippines to be very…
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Balikbayan Box: Everything you need to know
Shipping things to the Philippines? You need to learn about the Balikbayan Box! Do you have items that you want or need to ship to the Philippines? The least expensive way to do it is via the Balikbayan Box. It is not the fastest way, but it is the cheapest, by far. What is a Balikbayan Box? I have mentioned “Balikbayan Boxes” many times on this site. The other day, I got a note from…
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Internet in the Philippines
How is the Internet in the Philippines? My Experience over 2 Decades in Country Internet in the Philippines. Over my years of living in the Philippines, one of the most discussed (mostly negative) topics among expats. It is also a largely negative discussion among Filipinos. Now, I am moving back to the States soon, so today, I have decided to go back through the archives of the site, look at my experience with internet in the…
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Philippine Dual Citizenship: Complete Guide
Philippine Dual Citizenship The process we followed I intend this article to be a complete guide to Philippine Dual Citizenship. Everything from thinking about it to going through the process. This article is a compilation of our Philippine Dual Citizenship experiences and thoughts over the years. You have to read the entire article to get the full scoop. Feyma (and our kids) are dual citizens now, but in the beginning thought they would not go…
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Money, Money everywhere, and not one Centavo to Spent
Blahdity, blah blah, how much money do you need to live in the Philippines and how much reserve do you need in savings? I have seen this subject written about on the internet ad nauseum. And I cannot answer this question for you, because “I’m Not You!” You will need as much money as “You” need for a lifestyle that you can afford. I didn’t say want, I said to afford. Nothing more, nothing less…
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Renting in the Philippines
Buying or Renting in the Philippines? Why I think it is better to rent Should you be renting in the Philippines? Sometime in the past, I published an article here about renting a place to live. Almost immediately after the article was published, a number of people questioned why I would be renting in the Philippines instead of buying a property. Jim Cunningham put it in a non-confrontational way, simply wondering why I would choose to…
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Philippine Real Estate Primer
It is the #1 Question of Foreigners Can I own Land in the Philippines? Philippine Real Estate, it is a prime topic of foreigner conversation. In this article, we will address the hottest topic out there in terms of foreigners living in the Philippines. The ownership of real estate here. Let’s have a look at ownership of Philippine Real Estate. In short, you cannot own land in the Philippines unless you are a natural-born Filipino…
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What have I accomplished Living in the Philippines?
I have lived in the Philippines for 19 years It has been a major part of my life Yes, Feyma and I have decided to depart the Philippines. Probably forever. It is unlikely that we will ever live here again. Maybe we will be back for a visit, but even that is uncertain. I am not anti-Philippines, in fact, I love the Philippines. I had a good and successful life here. In terms of the…
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What about LiP?
Bob and Feyma Martin are moving to the United States. What will happen to LiP? This website, commonly referred to as LiP, has been around since 2006. Starting around 2007 it got quite successful, took on a multi-author platform, and has been part of my daily life (I am the owner, publisher, and a site writer) ever since. I also know that LiP has become a daily excursion for many readers. People tell me every…
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When are we moving?
Feyma and I are moving back to the United States When will it happen? Frankly, Feyma and I have settled on the decision, it is not in question at all anymore. We are moving to the United States. But when? We will be staying in the Philippines for another 5 to 6 months or so. There are a number of factors in the “when” question. Nicole Our niece, Nicole, who has been living with us…
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