Photo Source: Tourism Dept. of PhilippinesDave DeWall, author of Philippines Plus Dave DeWall, from Central Illinois, is the author of Philippines Plus and lives in the Philippines.
The Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 needs to be updated. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. recently expressed his desire to have the current immigration law in the Philippines conform with the requirements of national security and economic development.
The 13a Permanent Resident Visa. In the opinion of Gary Wigle and myself, along with other American expats, this visa is the cheapest, most hassle-free visa a person who intends to retire and live in the Philippines can obtain. Of course, your spouse has to be Filipino in order to sponsor you for it, but once you have the 13a, living in the Philippines becomes that much easier.
A new six-month, Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) will soon be available for foreigners intending to stay in the Philippines longer. Currently non-visa required nationals are admitted for 21 days and have had the option to extend their stay in the archipelago by applying for a visa waiver. This current visa waiver entitles them to an additional stay of 38 days and allows them to stay in the Philippines for a period of 59 days. If you want to stay longer, the tourist visa has to be renewed. 
Valle Verde Mountain Spring Resort in Guimaras is unlike any other Guimaras resort. They offer a peaceful rural mountain setting to relax in. Their mountain side haven is for those who seek a little rest and tranquility. Do you need to cool off? Enjoy their beautiful mountain spring or their full size swimming pool with showers and changing rooms. Pool side pavilions are also available to reserve.
The best of the 2013 Manggahan Festival. The mango mash ended two months ago. But I’ve lived in the Philippines for close to four years now and despite the government’s push to adopt Philippine Standard Time, I’ve decided to embrace the more laid back, traditional “Filipino Time,” thus I’m just posting this article now.
Our 14-year-old nephew, Sharwen, seen in the lead photo, is headed for a career as a fashion model, a sort of Filipino “Farina” from “Our Gang.” Thanks to some late night shenanigans from his cousins, April and Michelle (also seen in the picture), our nephew has been subjected to hair styling sessions which he seemed to be a willing participant in.
