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Chubby mermen are hugely popular with mermaids, because being chubby means they're excellent hunters.

Bank account without an ARC card. I met an expat who said he got a bank account without an ACR card. He suggested I go to the local RCBC branch to open one. So I did, and less than an hour later I walked out with a passbook and a debit Mastercard. I only showed my passport and gave my Philippine phone number. Sorry if this is common knowledge, but most of what I've seen says you usually need your ACR to open a bank account. Maybe this helps someone who doesn't want to wait 59 days for a bank account. The expat I met opened his in Cebu and I opened mine at the Lagro branch in Quezon City. So it may be RCBC's policy not to require an ACR.

Only speaking English / retiring in the Philippines

Hi, I'm in the middle of looking for a place to retire.

So I've been trying out different places. So far I've tried Colombia, Vietnam, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. By trying out, I mean going for 2 to 4 weeks and living as much like a local, rather than a tourist, as I can.

So far Indonesia has been my favorite. Until I found out what the tax implications were for a UK citizen.

I plan to retire early within the next 5 years.

I know life can be hugely different from one city to the next within the same country. But I usually start with the capital, and if I liked the first visit, I branch out to other areas on later visits.

So I've been researching Manila for the past few weeks, with a view to visiting around January or February '27.

I'm NOT looking for a cheap retirement. I'm looking for somewhere that feels like home, where I can build the next chapter of my life.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thank you.

One of these days, I'll get you

Coldplay concert reenactment

Scary balloon chaos

Just for your information. My Lazada order was just cancelled and the item returned. Reason given: customer could not be reached (by Flash Delivery). They told me they'd deliver on Sunday, but I texted them that we wouldn't be home because it's family day. I asked for Monday delivery and they acknowledged it. No delivery. I had doctor's appointments on Tuesday, so I asked for Wednesday. No acknowledgment. Today I got notified that they returned the item, and they said they didn't deliver because it was raining. Hmm…

Photos, Photos, and More Photos

Share some photos.

Share your experiences too.

The Philippines 🇵🇭 is a bit of a different place (as we all know).

Share away.

Boracay.

Have you ever dated a foreigner?

Mods, please approve this one.

To the expats living in the Philippines, and anyone thinking of dating a Filipina, there's one thing I've been curious about. I can't really say I've dated a foreigner, but I've matched and chatted with a few on dating apps.

This might sound like a shallow question, but I'm genuinely curious. Why do you so often ask whether someone has dated a foreigner before? Is there something you're trying to find out from the answer?

Hi, can I use Remitly to send 2.5 million pesos to BDO? What's the best option for an amount like this? I'll be sending from Germany to the Philippines

GTA Manila

"Way better than pagpag (leftover food salvaged from the trash), CJ"

Playing the oldest golf course in the Philippines

[Video]

Christmas tree cannon: a cannon made for shooting Christmas trees

The family's reaction to discovering Dad's old rap music video

As a Filipino-Canadian who came back to the Philippines and has a lot of expat friends, here's some advice for foreign guys who are talking to a Filipina online and thinking of flying over to meet her.
As a Filipino-Canadian who came back to the Philippines a decade ago and has a lot of expat friends, here's some advice for foreign guys who are talking to a Filipina online and thinking of flying over to meet her.

Note: 99% of Filipinas are not scammers. But watch out for the 1%.

Look for these red flags before you even buy the ticket:

🚩 'I love you' and marriage talk ridiculously fast.

🚩 She's already calling you her husband before you've met.

🚩 Constant emergencies: rent, hospital bills, sick relatives, tuition, broken phones.

🚩 She drops hints about money: 'I don't know how I'll pay my electric bill…'

🚩 She needs a new phone/laptop so you can 'communicate better.'

🚩 She avoids spontaneous video calls.

🚩 Her stories about work, family, relationships or where she lives keep changing.

🚩 Her social media doesn't match what she tells you.

🚩 She gets jealous or controlling even though you've never met.

🚩 She pressures you to send money, 'help the family' or invest in something.

🚩 You say 'I don't send money to people I haven't met' and suddenly her attitude changes.

My golden rule: you're flying to the Philippines to meet her, not to marry her, rescue her, support her family or fund her life.

99% of Filipinas aren't scammers. Judge the behavior, not the nationality.

A wave I rode in Siargao

The Philippines is so underrated as a surf destination. Which I'm pretty happy about.

The best place to live in BGC

I'm looking into renting an apartment in BGC. Where would you live? My budget is 2,000 to 5,000 euros a month. I've looked at Serendra, but I'm curious where you all would stay.

Boeing's smallest jet ever

Hamster massage

A legendary wipeout