Quiet… don’t tell anybody this, it’s just between you and I, but today is my birthday (Feb. 20). I’m not going to say how old I am today, because I’m certainly getting older. Oh, well… I guess I will. I’m 45 today. I moved to the Philippines when I was 38, and have been living a good life.
Since today is my birthday, I thought that would be the subject for the day. Birthdays in the Philippines.
Here, birthdays are really a big deal! They have big parties and such. It would be almost unthinkable to not have a birthday party here, it seems! Back in the States, having a birthday is just not really a big deal, but it’s not like that here. Singing, cake, the whole “she-bang”.
One thing that is kind of different for me is when one of my kids has a birthday. In the States, if you have a birthday party for your kid, you just invite other kids. Here, you invite people of all ages, even if they don’t have kids! It is kind of fun, I guess. There have been several times when I have neglected to invite people (adults) to my kid’s birthday party, and it was kind of a feaux paus. It’s just not something that I am used to, I guess.
So anyway, yeah… I am a bit older today, but that’s OK. I hope I still have a little life left in me!
Happy Birthday, Bob!
Do you know that you're a "Tiger" according to the Chinese calendar? And, it describes Tigers to be "bold and adventurous, and are bestowed with initiative and charm. However, they have a tendency to be risk takers, making them act before they think about the consequences. They tend to make good bosses, explorers or racing drivers." I think this description fits you to a T! 😉 What do you think?
In the Philippines, the celebrant is expected to throw a party or take friends out for a meal or snack, and you'll be teased to no end about it. Friends will ask you for a "blow out" or a treat. As you know, here in the States, the celebrant gets treated out. I prefer the latter 😉
Don't worry, Bob, you have a lot of life left in you. You're like the Energizer bunny, you just keep going, and going… and going… You've made a difference in people's lives by your blogs and your sincere desire to help others. Thank you for all your hard work and for sharing your experiences in Mindanao with everyone.
Cheers to you, my friend! May you have many, many more birthdays to come…
Hi Bob, Happy Birthday! You need to be treated by the Mayor of Davao because you have nothing but good words for Davao. Your site is highly informative, down-to-earth and very entertaining. I'm getting addicted to it, especially the photo blogs, hoping that one day you'll show part of Samal where I unwind from the hassle-dazzle of the city. Feyma is indeed lucky to have you and obviously vice-versa. Still awaiting Feyma's reply to my latest blog. When my pinoy friends abroad are scouting for a place to retire in PI, I simply give them your website. Enjoy your day, you deserve it.
Hi Tina and Lettie – thanks for your kind words of greeting on my birthday. So far, I've had a great day today. Feyma and I went to Samal and just kind of explored some parts of the island that we have not visited yet, mostly on the north eastern part of the island. Lovely time!
Hello Bob,
Happy Birthday, and yes birthdays are a big deal in the Phils, woe betide me if I forget my wife's birthday, ohhh that would be a big fuss if I did not remember it, birthday's here also in UK are not a big deal, peoples birthday's pass without much of a do about nothing, but in the Philippines ones birthday is a big deal indeed, so enjoy it, I hope all of the family is attending you.
Happy Birthday, Bob. Feb. 20th is also my husband's birthday. Enjoy and have a blessed one. Pancit or spaghetti is for long life. Hope Feyma has it for your birthday. Did you blow 45 candles ? I guess this greeting is a little late—20th here but 21st in our beloved PI already!
Hi Bob,
Happy birthday! 45 years old is not old at all…still young right (I'll be 45 in december) Hope you had lots of fun on your birthday and I remember when I went there I was surprise that it's the celebrant that treats the others…different from western country but hey! it's -25 with the wind so it's ok to treat others if your there he he he enjoy your life… kore to come i'm sure
Hi Peter, Jul and Patrice – thanks also for your birthday greetings! I had a great birthday yesterday. Some friends dropped by in the evening for dinner with us, and we ended up having a great conversation with them that lasted until midnight! I'm a little sleepy today!
Hi Bob, find you info very uaseful I have a few years till we move (wife is from Mindaanao) but we are getting the fever. Happy Birthday !! Is BPI an FDIC insured bank ? I know that Metro Bank is The more We read the more we are convinced that Davao is the best place to live. Keep up the great info. Thank you
Hi Craig – thanks for your comment! Your sentiments are much appreciated.
To clarify about the banks – no Philippine banks are FDIC insured. FDIC is a US program. Here in the Philippines, they have what is called "PDIC" which is Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation. And, the answer about BPI is that is indeed covered by PDIC. PDIC covers deposits up to a maximum of P250,000 (about $5,000).
Have a great day, Craig!
By the way, Tina… in my haste, I neglected to answer your comment about my being born in the Year of the Tiger (1962). Yes, I did know that, and also I agree with you, I am indeed a Tiger, and it is a very accurate description of me!
Happy Birthday Bob!
I want to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Birthday and also to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog and learning so much about life and culture in Mindanao.
I responded to one of your entries a few weeks ago about my marriage to a woman from Dipolog City. Well… her birthday is the same day, I am glad to say.
Hope you enjoy your special day and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
William
Hi William – thanks for your greeting! I'm happy to share my birthday with your wife!
Happy Birthday Bob still enjoy reading your blog's. Keep up the great work and just so you know, your time taken to write is very much appreciated. I thank you for your time you and your wife take out of your busy life to still write your blogs.
Dustin
Hi Dustin – thanks for your comment. I am glad to know that you are enjoying my blogs.
happy birthday bob ! mine was the 5th im 43
Hi Ken – thanks! And… Happy Birthday to you!