Americans grew up with black cats, broken mirrors, Bigfoot, and the Boogeyman. Filipinos have aswangs, duwendes, kapres, tikbalangs, and plenty more. After retiring to the Philippines, I discovered our superstitions may be different—but the reasons behind them aren’t.
One of the biggest surprises about retiring in the Philippines is discovering that owning a car is no longer necessary. Here’s how expats really get around—and why I never want to own a car again.
One of the biggest culture shocks for many American retirees isn’t the food, weather, or language—it’s the noise. Here’s how I learned to stop fighting the sounds of the Philippines and started hearing them differently.
One of the biggest surprises of retiring in the Philippines is discovering that massages are not considered a luxury. They’re affordable, widely available, and for many retirees, a regular part of staying comfortable and healthy.
Cockfighting, known as sabong, is a deeply rooted Filipino tradition and a massive betting industry. After years living in the Philippines, it’s one cultural practice this American retiree still hasn’t learned to appreciate.
Worried about losing touch after moving to the Philippines? Here’s how I stay connected to family and friends in America using Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Talk360, Starlink, and my U.S. phone number.
A sari-sari store is much more than a convenience store. Discover how these tiny family-run businesses provide affordable goods, community connections, and economic lifelines throughout the Philippines.
New expats often believe receipts and paperwork guarantee results. In the Philippines, relationships, trust, and social connections frequently matter just as much—and sometimes more.
After more than a decade living in the Philippines, one American retiree shares the lessons, mistakes, surprises, and practical advice he wishes someone had told him before he boarded the plane.
What started as harmless joking among friends in Puerto Galera turned into an uncomfortable lesson about Filipino culture, pride, communication, and why foreigners sometimes get things wrong.