After a good juicy burger, a tasty palate-pleasing pizza is #2 on my favorite foods list. Since retiring to the Philippines over nine years ago, I’ve been hard-pressed to find a good pizza on our island province of Guimaras. Until now: Tansyong, best thin-crust pizza in Guimaras, if not the best pizza overall on the whole island.
retiring to the philippines
More Pics from our 1st Philippines Pool Party
I had more pictures from our new swimming hole that I didn’t publish in my last post. So I’ve added more pics from our 1st Philippines Pool Party. Last weekend saw our Guimaras relatives frolicking in our new lagoon. Even Lola, my mother-in-law got into the act! Thankfully, Grandma, seen in the next shot, did not wear a two-piece string bikini.
Our Filipino Workers Have Left the Building
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.
I Award the Barangay Queen Her Trophy at Local Barangay Fiesta
Celebrity status in the Philippines is a phenomenon many foreigners will encounter in the archipelago. Some expats, like Tom Ramberg over in Gen San, is often the recipient of wolf whistles from appreciative Filipinas whenever he steps out in public. I’ve been chased and screamed at by pretty pinays as I sat in the rear of a jeepney or tricycle in Guimaras, my island province home. Every time this event occurs I check my barn door to make sure it’s closed. It always is so I can only assume that the young ladies were either stoned on shabu or flirtatious Filipinas from the local KTV bars.
Read moreI Award the Barangay Queen Her Trophy at Local Barangay Fiesta
Latest Ultrasound Reveals No More Kidney Stones
Since retiring to the Philippines over five years ago, I’ve had three major kidney stone attacks. The archipelago’s tropical climate puts a person at greater risk for kidney stone formation due to the way our bodies manage water in a tropical setting. Perspiration becomes the customary way of how the body excretes water in tropical climates. Urination may slightly decrease due to urine being stored longer in the urinary tract. I wasn’t keeping myself hydrated enough before my attacks but now drink 2-3 liters of water daily. My latest ultrasound in the Philippines now reveals no more kidney stones and, as an added bonus, a healthy liver. I had been previously diagnosed with fatty liver disease back in July.
What’s Your Plan for Moving to the Philippines?
Chances are if you’re reading this article, there’s a strong possibility you’re considering retiring to the Philippines. What’s your plan for moving to the Philippines? I hope you have one. Moving to this archipelago of 7,107 islands without a detailed strategy once your boots hit the ground is about as smart as tugging on Superman’s cape. If you believe you can find a job in the Philippines, even though you might have a skill such as a carpenter or a plumber, I want whatever you’re smoking. Moving here with unrealistic expectations and no guaranteed source of monthly income is a gargantuan mistake. Frankly, you can save yourself a lot of grief and stay put.
Back in the USA. The Return of the American Expat
I hadn’t stepped foot in the United States of American for over five years since retiring to the Philippines. But this past late September, I was back in the USA. It was the return of the American expat. My only reason for my visit was to see my 82-year-old Father who had retired to Las Vegas several years ago.
The view from my hotel window in Las Vegas.
Institutional Incompetence or Delightfully Informal?
Here's a story submitted to me by Scott H who's currently in the Philippines on a well-deserved vacation. I can assure you that I've experienced what Scott goes through in his narrative numerous times since retiring to the Philippines in July 2009. A BIG THANKS to Scott H. Here's his shopping adventure in the Philippines:
Read moreInstitutional Incompetence or Delightfully Informal?
Delivery Truck Hauls in New Mattress for my Pinay Princess: Part 2
Of course I have embarrassed my Pinay Princess (again) and she has told me in no uncertain terms to let the matter drop. What's the "matter"? We're at Mandaue Foam shopping for a new mattress and wardrobe. Our sales associate had already quoted us a delivery truck charge of P150 pesos(3.48 US Dollars.) But now the cashier is telling us that the charge really should be P400 pesos (9.29 USD.) I'm not pleased, and I'm getting ready to walk away from the deal.
Read moreDelivery Truck Hauls in New Mattress for my Pinay Princess: Part 2