Our Filipino workers have left the building after almost two years. Brother-in-law Joery led a crew that built a nipa hut on our property in November 2014. In January 2015 Contractor Boy began work on our new home in the Philippines with a 22-man crew. We moved in the first of July 2015.
region of the philippines
Our Parking Lot Attendants in Guimaras Arrested for Shabu Possession
Our parking lots attendants in Guimaras, the island province we call home, were recently arrested for shabu possession. Two males and one female, a sister of one of the men, were taken into custody in handcuffs, and were allegedly in possession of shabu, meth, methamphetamine.
Scammers and Would-Be Thieves in Bacolod City
During a recent shopping sojourn to Bacolod City, the “City of Smiles,” my asawa and I were impressed by several things. The friendly people and the stores that actually hired more mature workers, impressed me. The public transportation system was cheap and easy to use. The cab drivers were honest. The Check Inn Pension House where we stayed was affordable and centrally located and had a decent restaurant where we had a couple of meals. But two incidents during our three day stay are worth noting, especially to any expats that might be planning to visit Bacolod. 
The City of Smiles is known for its annual MassKara Festival held every October
Better Quality of Life in Iloilo
Ilonggos enjoy a better quality of life, at least in two targeted areas, compared to other provinces in Western Visayas, the region of the Philippines my asawa and I reside. That’s according to a 2009 Human Development Index study recently released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) published in the Sun Star Iloilo.