Tipping in the Philippines: Why It’s Not Europe, and Not America Either

European advice about tipping does not travel cleanly to the Philippines. Here, tips are usually not demanded — but they are appreciated, useful, and often a meaningful gesture of respect. I read a travel piece about tipping in, primarily in restaurants, in Europe that basically said this: Don’t tip American-style.Don’t scatter coins on the table.Don’t … Read more

When Prices Rise in the Philippines: Global Costs or Local Greed?

Filipinos know global problems affect prices. What they do not trust is how quickly every problem becomes someone’s excuse to charge more. The truth is not all economics and not all greed — it is a mix of both, and ordinary people pay the difference.

🪖 Semper Fi, Verify: Outsmarting the Fixers Hunting Veterans in the Philippines

Veterans beware: Facebook “benefits help” scams are popping up. Here’s how to spot fakes and verify accreditation. Semper Fi — verify before you comply.