Somewhere along the line, āsafeā turned into āimpossible.ā Did anyone ever think about older folks when they started designing modern packaging? Not āolder folksā as a punchlineāolder folks as in: people with a little arthritis, less grip strength, and hands that donāt feel like vise grips anymore. Because I swear half the products on the … Read more
Neighbors, not contractorsāfair pay, clear scope, sharp tools, and mutual respect. On the edge of the jungle where I live, things grow while you blink. One day itās tidy, the next day the vines have an attitude. When itās time to push the green back, my Filipina landlady calls the people who know the terrain … Read more
A little prep saves a lot of heartburn. This is the quick, practical checklist I wish I had before my first trip: phones, money, docs, safety, and the small gear that keeps pickpockets and headaches away. Before You Arrive (10-minute checklist) What to Pack to Deter Pickpockets (and how to use it) Phone & Money … Read more
Why Iām Pointing You to Mike and Pea My friend Mike came to the Philippines in his late 60s, traveled the islands, then settled down in Dumaguete and married a wonderful Filipina. Heās living the good life and has spent the last few years vlogging about the Philippinesācandid, practical, and no fluff. Here on my … Read more
Three of the Philippines’ most popular retirement destinations offer very different lifestyles. Here’s what long-term expats and retirees should know before choosing. Note: These observations are based on my personal experience living in the Philippines since 2012, primarily in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Your experience may vary depending on your budget, health, personality, location, and … Read more
Headlines love a villain. Lately, theyāve picked AI.āAI is driving scams.ā āAI stole grandmaās savings.ā Hereās my take: Guns donāt kill people. People kill people.Same idea here: AI doesnāt scam people ā scammers scam people. AI is a tool. Like a hammer or a car, it does what the person holding it decides. If youāre … Read more