SIR is the basic system that guides Philippine Society, it is the foundation of Filipino Culture. SIR stands for “Smooth Interpersonal Relations.” Continuing on with my series of articles about SIR, today I want to look at the first Value that comprises Sir: In Group. “In Group” is also known as “Kita” in the Bisaya […]
Missing the big stuff
A lot of times, people from back in the States, or other parts of the world will ask me when they meet me – “Is there anything you miss from back home?” Or, people who follow me on the Internet will often e-mail me before they are coming to visit the Philippines, one of the […]
Moving to Bukidnon to Retire
Today’s Guest Column is from our friend, Jim Cunningham. Jim and his wife, Marilou are soon to embark on a trip to a new life. In just a day or two they will move permanently to Talakag, Bukidnon. Jim retired just a couple of months ago, and this trip is something that he has been […]
Series: SIR? Yes Sir!
SIR is the basis on which Philippine Society functions. It is the very foundation of Philippine Culture. It is also something that most foreigners don’t understand, even if they try. I don’t fully understand it, although I have a pretty good understanding of SIR, I think, but there is always a need to learn more […]
Watch Your Mouth
We Americans are often outspoken. In my case I know I often ‘shout’ from the hip and sometimes regret it later. I’ve seen a lot of fellow expats that make me look like a statesman. Some folks are even loud, abusive and “bastos” … but I’m talking here about conversations in a normal voice without […]
40 Days
Last week I went back to the province to attend the 40th day of my mom’s passing. Here in my province the 40 days is a big day. Since my mom was a Catholic we did everything in her beliefs. My sister whose a Catholic carried it on. Nine days before the 40 days my […]