InterNations Featured Blog
Recommended Expat Blogs: Philippines
Everybody who has spent time in a different country knows that expat life is not quite like anything else in the world. The confusion of the first few days and weeks, the slow, but steady process of acclimation, the little peculiarities and quirks that might strike you about your new surroundings: almost any situation you encounter can make for a great story. If you are so inclined and want to blog about it, of course!
Our InterNations recommended blog section features talented expat bloggers from around the world. Their offerings to the blogosphere have been selected for their great entries and high quality, whether they may be funny, informative, interesting, deeply personal or a combination of all of the above.
Let’s hear from our featured bloggers in the Philippines:
Liana: Mango Mornings
My transition here has been eased by the fact that everybody speaks English and that we live with family. Of course it also helps that your dollar goes far too. Local restaurants and services are very inexpensive. For example, I got my iMac fixed for just 1,000 pesos, roughly US$25. On the other hand, my favorite American shampoo brand is twice as expensive. So, it’s just a matter of eating and shopping locally. After all, why move abroad if you’re not willing to try new things?
Rick: Your Guide to Living in the Philippines
One that comes to mind involved a store clerk who had to leave the department where I was shopping in order to check on the availability of merchandise in which I was interested. Instead of saying, “Please wait” or the equivalent Fil-English “Awhile”, she asked “Can I hold you?” I felt like replying “But will you respect me in the morning?” Instead I just held my tongue and nodded.
Naomi: Last Train Home
Your greatest luxury is not money or anything money can buy, it is now privacy and silence, which you will most likely not experience for more than 3 seconds at a time (even in the CR) until you leave the islands.
Jan: Expat in the Philippines
I have been in the Philippines several times before in the last 25 years, so I didn’t experience any culture shock. My Filipina wife has not lost her identity and we had many Filipino friends in the Netherlands and Germany. So we were well prepared for a life here. The preparation took about one year, we have done it thoroughly and we have not forgotten anything.
John: Texan in the Philippines
I had visited here several times and I was somewhat prepared, but I believe that no one will be fully prepared for the adjustments you have to make. It's just something you have to make work for you. I'm told it takes about 5 years to fully adjust. I didn't believe that at first. It thought I could adjust faster, but I was wrong. I now believe it will take about those 5 years.
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