Recently I read an interesting piece on one of the better Philippine blogs I follow about a fellow expat's problems with a trip on Air Philippines one of the better-known domestic carriers here in the Philippines.  the article pointed out many of the l ittle "idiosyncrasies" one has to learn to live with here ... the fact that Internet reservation systems and the "real world" of the airline are often not connected, the fact that you often have to accept being re-routed through a "hub' … [Read more...]

One of the most consistent questions asked by persons living overseas and thinking about travel or a move to the Philippines is "can I use my electric-powered xyz there?" Fortunately, the answer is almost always "yes".  But you can't always just plug it in and go.  Here are some basics: Philippine commercial power is standardized at (nominally) 220 Volts, AC, 60 Hertz (Hz or cycles) Most North American power is 110 volts, AC, 60 Hz ... an obvious mismatch The rest of the world most … [Read more...]

There is a lot of misinformation and half-baked information circulating about this subject in most of the on line Philippines resources I visit, so I decided to do my bit to try to clarify a few things. First, an important DISCLAIMER: I am not an attorney, I don’t even play one on TV.  If you need legal advice … and on citizenship issues you often do … then seek advice from a competent attorney.  These issues are not the place to be trying to save money.  I have been … [Read more...]

Well, perhaps I am a bit over enthusiastic there.  I'm not yet sure I have the secret to individual fortunes.  But I do know how Philippine businesses could increase their bottom line profits tremendously ... at absolutely no cost.  So if you know someone in business here or if you're thinking of starting a business, here's a couple free tips that truly could be worth a fortune. Answer Your email: One rule of writing is to hold your reader's interest by putting first things … [Read more...]

'Habitat for Humanity' goes on recruitment drive By Tarra QuismundoMANILA, Philippines--It takes no expert to pile blocks, drive nails or paint walls, just the heart to make time to rebuild lives one by one. Seeking to enlist more volunteers for a noble mission, international humanitarian organization Habitat for Humanity is going on a road trip to typhoon-ravaged Bicol this September for a volunteer build, an event that hopes to add hundreds more to its roster of goodwill servants.... read the … [Read more...]