Asiabill's Comments

AsiaBill commented about Travel Improves Social Status of Hobos, On Saturday November 14th, 2009 01:33:14 PM

I've always encouraged anyone who wanted to call me a derogatory name to "call me anything EXCEPT a "nice guy'". Social status involves several things, first of all,
1 )What family background one came from?
2 )What schools and universities one graduated from
3 ) How does one make a living?
4) What clubs one belongs to?
5 ) Who and what social status of the spouse one married?
6) Prime Real Estate ownership often lifts social status.
7 ) How attractive one is?
8 ) What types of charities and volunteer work one belongs to and does?

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AsiaBill commented about Persistent Frog in Haiti Hotel Room, On Saturday November 14th, 2009 01:20:42 PM

There are a fair number of toads and frogs on Boracay Island and they turn up inside our house quite often. I just pickup toads and frogs barehanded and toss them outside our 2nd / 3rd floor house window into a large tree with many branches and never noticed having any dead frogs in the ground floor garden so they must be able to withstand the fall.

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AsiaBill commented about When were the Glory Days of Haiti Ayiti, On Saturday November 14th, 2009 01:05:33 PM

Aloha from Hawaii! Here visiting our daughter for 3 weeks then back to the Philippines. Enjoyed the "fun facts to know and share" in this post. . I have often compared traveling the world to going back in history in a "time machine". How's the "scenery" on the beaches? Have FUN!

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AsiaBill commented about Accepting We Work to Travel, On Monday October 12th, 2009 09:17:46 PM

Hey Andy, Small World, I followed your behavior about 15 minutes later this morning as I "worked" and organized today's "Things to Do" schedule. Back in Manila now with a slight Boracay sunburn anxious to get on with the project. Here's a couple of one-liners I used most of my life that you may or may not like and adopt in the future: "When whatever I'm doing feels like a "JOB" I CHANGE it ASAP" and "When whatever business I'm doing requires a GUN it's TIME to CHANGE businesses". So what do you think about your upcoming destination? Will you be heading to a country where you have been before or to a new country not yet experienced?? Keep up that POSITIVE ENERGY thinking "Oh what a beautiful day it is" and HOW LUCKY we are to be ALIVE and living the lives we have chosen to live.

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AsiaBill commented about Obama Becomes Eunuch, On Monday October 12th, 2009 05:56:03 PM

My first reaction a couple of days ago was of SURPRISE about this topic being posted and now I can see it has gotten more comments then most of your other Philippines' related posts. Such American political content makes you sound like one the many retired, ex-military American expats living here in the Philippines, sorry but really isn't there always a positive translation or analysis possible regarding American or international political news reports? I think it's another GREAT OMEN for the FUTURE of keeping the "AMERICAN DREAM" alive around the world just like, what would have seemed impossible event of anybody with a name like "Barack Obama" getting elected in the USA. Such facts, now history, shows that even the smallest odds for the most depressed peoples on earth can change if / when they're able to make it to the States. And if not them, the new immigrants for their children and grandchildren. And withOUT "the American Dream" and withOUT the American population being the most shop-o-holic consumers in the world how would the USA maintain its world leadership????

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AsiaBill commented about My Plans After Philippines 2009, On Monday October 12th, 2009 05:44:40 PM

Brazilian beaches where the eye candy will soothe your soul and the sun and life on the beach may help heal your sciatica. On the contrary I doubt your readers are the ones experiencing rumbling and disgust as no matter where you are and how long you stay there your daily experiences and what you choose to write and which images you decide to post will continue to satisfy their needs to know what "life on the road" is in REALITY. Sounds like you are the one feeling like moving on and for the reasons you have stated many times already NEED to leave the Philippines. To each their own, at the moment I would fit into the category or an expat resident keeping himself busy as ever with daily details and living a life full of action. In the next few months or next year should the idea of opening or operating a hostel somewhere in the world ( maybe even the Philippines ) cross your mind again keep in touch and you are most welcome to "pick my brains" about such, not that you'd need to of course.

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AsiaBIll commented about Snails in Philippines, On Saturday October 10th, 2009 05:32:15 PM

Very Cool, Reminds of growing up and also of seeing new species of plant and animal life discovered in the Philippines being featured in National Geographic Magazine. Great close-ip pics!!

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AsiaBill commented about The Wanna Follow Group, On Thursday October 8th, 2009 01:53:59 AM

Andy this new generation group you are describing must really annoy and distract you and is also known as "SHEEP" . I have learned to reduce seconds and minutes wasted to a MINIMUM withOUT being out and out RUDE. I'm thinking quietly to myself, "SAY WHAT?? Get yourself a LIFE, I'm BUSY with MY OWN". Another way to describe this group is the "EVERYBODY'S AN EXPERT" group since Tony Wheeler's first LP guide, "S.E Asia on a Shoestring" was published in 75 and dozens and dozens of guides have followed until recently BBC World bought out majority share of Lonely Planet I have noticed the same situation as the Frenchman you referred to described, the MORE Published Content / INFORMATION ( or often misinformation and gossip style "facts") the LESS budget travelers feel the need to REACH OUT to meet and help each other. Reminds me alot of the film with Bruce WIllis I watched recently, "Surrogates" the writer predicted a future not far away in the future but hopefully such movies will help postpone such widespread social behavior.

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AsiaBill commented about Philippines Typhoon Transportation, On Wednesday October 7th, 2009 01:47:56 AM

Tricycle drivers happen to be one of my pet peeves about the Philippines as 90 of the time they are MORE expensive than a metered taxi. I really H- - - these guys and prefer to walk 10 miles rather than giving them a peso. The way I look at beggars and other "stamby" scammers, hustlers and street urchins is IF NOBODY GAVE THEM MONEY rewarding them for their choice in livelihood they would NOT EXIST. I have a strong preference for not patronizing businesses aka BOYCOTTING I don't approve of nor like for whatever reason.

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AsiaBill commented about Philippines Sirens Song, On Wednesday October 7th, 2009 01:41:18 AM

Your comment reminds me of a guy I met in LA while buying 1000 John Lennon buttons for resale who said, "defintion of friends, those who take up space between birth and death". Ever since then that's sort of how I think of LA / southern California, one of foreign investors' favorite places to invest.

The Kung Fu series exposed us to "perpetual travel" and reading the biographies of most of the "New World" explorers from the late 1400s to the late 1800s exposed me to perpetual travel and ignited my boyhood dreams of living an adventurous life. So you're NOT such an oddball Andy, you're LIVING your DREAMS so REJOICE in the JOY OF SUCH A LIFE!!!

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AsiaBill commented about Philippines Cultural Fatigue Examples, On Wednesday October 7th, 2009 01:33:45 AM

Guess you are living proof that people are "creatures of habit" and become exhausted when constantly needing to adjust to a change in familiar routines and living space's amenities. The first time I really felt this same type of fatique was when I came back to the States after being away for a 7 year period between 88 and 95 especially when I went to any supermarket or department store with SO MUCH SPACE and SO MANY CHOICES for each and every staple. At that moment is when I could reflect back on the issue whether a totalitarian communist government with much fewer choices or whether a democracy with zillions of choices satisfied mankind's basic needs the best. Since I grew up brainwashed against communism like most citizens of nations of the "free world" I like to give such issues and choices a fair amountof contemplation. Basically I'm a typical American capitalist ( "pig" ) and decided with myself that communism was a GREAT IDEA on paper but in reality just couldn't work and could be compared to human beings as being the same species as having the same fingerprints which we DO NOT. Each of us is different and unique and I use this same logic to the relationships between men and women as so many people have become VICTIMS of women's "liberation" . Equality is NOT the only issue and the plain facts of life is that each sex is different with different needs and
priorities.

Your one liner, "Solution, Minimize the cultural adjustments needed, and maximize your activities that energize your self-esteem." NAILED IT!
I try not to sweat these little things that don't work or seem impossible to improve and have reduced my basic lifestyle needs and expectations. Like confuscious say,
" Busy better than Bored" and regarding Budda's teachings of "awareness" Confuscious say, " A Sensitive Man is a Nervouse Man" so maybe your sensitivity level NEEDS a release from such trivial irritations. So what say YOU? you know yourself better than anyone else!!

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AsiaBill commented about Drunken Sailor Travel Budget, On Wednesday October 7th, 2009 01:00:24 AM

Mabuhay from Boracay! Living a SIMPLE thrifty lifestyle keeping active and entertaining oneself withOUT constantly spending money, shopping or seeking human contact through consumerism is a sure way of reaching control and financial freedom over one's life. But my wife and I do indeed KNOW EXACTLY what you are talking about, when one lives their life like this those around him make the type of remarks and maintain the same attitudes you are talking about above. I find this attitude or cultural group mentality the WORST in the States but it's very common here in the Philippines also where the "millionaire for a DAY" attitude is also a widespread Filipino cultural trait. How else would SO MANY PAWN SHOPS all over the Philippines stay in business and prosper? But again as I've mentioned before this spendthrift critical attitude toward "Cheap Charlies" seems MOST common in catholic cultures.

My wife and I don't let it bother us much as we have ALWAYS KNOWN, "it's LONELY at the TOP" so prefer our OWN COMPANIONSHIP ( and our cash savings, bank deposits and land titles ) to maintaining a "posse" eager for us to offer them "FREEBIES" each and everyday they wake up looking for others to support their consumer junky habits.

A Word to the WISE read Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac" , Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" and "Thoughts of Thoreau" for such universal tips like "never a borrower nor a lender be", "early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise" . WALKING and READING and spending lots of quality intimatecy time are FREE and for those who want to travel REMIND YOURSELVES working that 2nd and 3rd job even at less salaries than hoped for allows you to SAVE MONEY and "SEE the LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL" as when working you are NOT spending.

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AsiaBill commented about Cultural Fatigue, On Friday October 2nd, 2009 07:01:39 PM

I have seen dozens of foreigners who went "TROPPO" another term used describing Expats who have lost the plot while traveling or living in tropical countries where the alchohol is often dirt cheap. "Rummies" is another term used for foreigners who have gone "downhill" by getting drunk everyday on the U$1+ liters ( quarts ) of local rum.One sign of a foreigner's "cultural fatique" is when he switches from drinking beer to rum and starts creating a number of "poor me" stories he shares with tourists seeking their sympathy and monetary charity.

One New Zealander was a great example, he started out renting an apt in Makati, driving a late model sedan and within 2 to 3 years ended up practically homeless driving and sleeping in a jeepney. Recently a guy from Detroit who'd grown up in Brooklyn, NYC came over to meet a Filipina he'd been chatting with and only had a U$700 / month unemployment check to support himself then got a job as a telemarketing supervisor in a call center, according to him for nearly double what Filipinos get. About a year or more later his unemployment had run out, he was let go from his local job and he was spotted sleeping during the daytime in public areas nearby.

The manners issue is weird because S.E. Asians, Filipinos included inside their family and employment social circles are extremely polite, respectful and mannerly but when they're in public manners and respect for others seem to disappear. I noticed this in Bali also. I often say that manners and morals are a "luxury" of the middleclass as neither the POOR nor the RICH seem to care as much abut them. Population density may also be responsible for the lack of manners you are coming across during your present stay in Manila. Years ago I read about behavior studies about how mice change when their space is limited and population increases.

An old friend of mine in California coined a phrase that stuck with me that went something like this, " widespread possession of guns among Americans makes a very polite, mannerly society" except it was shorter and more catchy.

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AsiaBill commented about Thailand versus Philippines Culture, On Friday October 2nd, 2009 11:07:57 AM

All of your observations above are factual and widely shared by those of us who have traveled in both countries many times. I ike the analogy of the film, "Twins" with Danny Devito and Arnold Schwarzeneggar (sp?) being offspring of a genetic experiment where all the postive genetic traits went to Arnold and all the negative traits went to Danny the same seems true of Filipina women and Filipino men. I have never been to a country where the sexes seemed so unequal and no need for expressing the differences as you and others above already have done so. This cultural anomally continues to plague me though as ALL Filipino men grow up with and are raised by Filipina women / nanays. So I think Filipina women have a meglamania complex or power trip going on where they want to be thE "man" or thE provider so allow their son's to be weak and less responsible and less self supportive and less financially independent. It seems like Filipino men do not really become MEN until their Mothers pass away, often around 40 years old when they are almost grandfather ages.

Thais are so much more nationalistic and united under their King's cultural heritage and leadership where as Filipinos are extremely territorial and clannish like tribal cultures. Filipinos discriminate aganst each other amongst themselves even more so than with foreigners who always seem welcome good influences and candidates for marrying into their families.

I love Thailand but what can I say the Philippines and the Filipino people will ALWAYS be Home Sweet Home.

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AsiaBill commented about Why there are very few backpackers in Philippines, On Friday October 2nd, 2009 10:48:12 AM

I'd missed this post of yours and am pleased to find out that you have already realized that operating a hostel / hamg out for backpackers here in the Philippines would not only be FUN, an adventure in itself but also more profitable than in most deveoping nations in the world with much less competition. You mentioned the issue of screening out the NON backackers. I know California hostels screen out the homeless by requiring an international airline ticket and or passport. So it occurred to e that you could screen out nonbackpackers by requiring to see at least 2 or 3 stamps on their passports of countries other than their own country of origin. Another way to screen out others is by NOT offering air-conditioned rooms NOR Cable TV because most real world travelers / backpackers find no need of either nor want to pay more for such. Another subtle way is making some sort of age limit like not allowing anyone over a certain age to check in. One more way is to simply maintain a certain ATTITUDE which you already maintain naturally as just being YOU, YOURSELF of ZERO toleration for certain type so behavior or answers to questions which rubs you the wrong way. That will screen out MOST if NOT all such NON backpacker types which you deem UNWORTHY of your companionship / accommodation. We did this for maybe the first 10 years until we went to the States for our daughter's education.

Of course PRICE is nearly EVERYTHING when it comes to budget travelers or backpackers so some Australian Hostels also offer FREE stays for backpacker residents who help clean up and change the beddings etc. I really have no idea but it's probable that you might have your own "fan base" so setting up a hostel / guesthouse could provide that "base" a solitary location where they could pass through and "pick your brains" or share travel adventure stories together with each other. So WHY NOT! It seems a natural small "business' for a well traveled adventurous person who likes to have FUN ut also feels the need for a "homebase". WE LOVE WHAT WE DO!

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AsiaBill commented about Cultural Fatigue, On Friday October 2nd, 2009 10:11:43 AM

Interesting Concept and thanks for posting it cause I never heard of it before and I love exploring new paths of thoughts. I've met many peace corps people or people who were formerly peace corps volunteers. I found them similiar to Foreign Service Embassy staff and military personel, those who thought they needed to join an organization to travel the world or rather chose to join an organization to "see the world" rather than choosing to GO FOR IT alone. Many peace corps volunteers stayed away and continued living overseas after their 2 year to 4 year terms expired and these seem to be the most interesting individuals for me. I wonder if cultural fatique condition is possible in one's own country of origin???? That might explain why I KNEW that the middleclass American way of life was NOT for me.

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AsiaBill commented about Is Philippines in Danger of Military Coup, On Thursday October 1st, 2009 02:38:39 AM

This guy listed Philippines as high probability of a coup by Guerillas so he REALLY doesn't know what he's talking about. The NPA forces are a joke and have turned into old fashioned "banditos" with protection and loan shark rackets ( with lower interest rates than the rest so they consider themselves helping the poverty striken masses ). If a coup / Martial Law comes it would actually be GREAT for the country as GMA wuld remain in power so more infrastructure projects could be finished but I strongly doubt such a coup is in play as the Filipino people have PROVEN they will NOT allow such government leaders to do such power grabs for long. It was FANTASTIC to be here and be part of PEOPLE'S POWER, something I'd always dreamed about while a rebellious teenager in the States. The Filipino people as expressed in Cory Aquino's speech to the US Congress / Senate pulled off the cheapest revolution in recent history without it costing Americans multi-billions of tax payer money to create a democracy ( in fact Marcos' dictatorship was aided and supported by Reagan and many American generals and bankers ) So in summary NO WAY JOSE!

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AsiaBIll commented about Home Away from Home 16 Minutes, On Wednesday September 30th, 2009 07:22:04 PM

WELL PUT! and such is life! You're more than welcome to come hang out here without checking in. I've been busy doing my thing and each time I was getting ready to come down your way I was all hot sweaty and dirty getting involved in our present renovation. So finally I went down to Ermita yesterday and wouldn't you know it, Murphy's Law, I forgot my cell phone. So walked around a bit and can see why you're feeling how you are lately. Then walked around Robinson's Mall found a new supplier of electric hot showers at the HandyMan Store bought a few things and went home. Keep up the great energy level you have and change your habitat and you'll meet new friends not that you need them of course.

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AsiaBill commented about Too Many Photos of Philippines Children, On Wednesday September 30th, 2009 07:05:17 PM

You have 20 days left in the Philippines so why choose a "tourist zone" like Ermita to stay and hang out. OF COURSE there will be a higher per capita number of beggars and "POOR ME" types, scammers and hustlers there and WHY? Because foreigners PAY THEM so why wouldnt their numbers grow. Begging is a profession and maybe HALF the beggars in Manila are BADJAOS from a small island in the Sulus south of Zamboanga who since the mid 1800s have maintained a "slave culture" . A few of the "masters" will load up large bancas with as many "slaves" as possible and send them out on the streets of Manila with babies and young children like you have posted to extract more sympathy. I read an Australian Anthropologist's book about the history of these people mabe about 12 years ago which explained that in the 1830s there was only about 400 residents of this island and 25 years later due to their kidnap and enslave methods their population grew to 25,000. The upside was some slaves could join the capture missions and when they caught enough other new slaves they could earn their freedom and eventually become a slave owner.

After all those years of traveling the world in 85 countries and rapping about Africa where this type of tribal culture also exists I'm a bot surprised that you haven't mentioned such facts of life. I have found many similiar cultural traits between Filipinos and Africans as both have tribal roots and origins.

Which leads me to another topic that I need not elaborate as this post will likely be directed into the deleted section. Two Thirds of the world's population is ENSLAVED by the one third. Why are the wealthy G20 countries where they are at economically? Could it be their use of CHEAP LABOR??? It always blows me away when the SAME citizen consumers who LOVE shopping and acquiring stuff made by people making U$2/ day salaries "FEEL" sorry for the poverty conditions overseas so choose to donate to NGOs and charities. I taught my daughter that there are many reasons why American is a great and powerful country but don't forget "stealing" the largest piece of real estate on earth helped make America what it is easliy as much as any o their endeavors, work, inventions and "democratic" government. There's GREAT aspects of American culture just as their are GREAT aspects of Filipino culture and BOTH have their downsides.

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AsiaBill commented about Untie Yourself, On Monday September 28th, 2009 11:51:25 PM

I stopped "preaching" about merits, the incredible adventure, the actualizing of peoples' dreams so many years ago finding that the majority of people's attitudes is"hey can somebody shut this guy up and TURN UP the TV". The fact is that we world travelers, adventurers, nomads, "gypsies", hobos were born this way and we are a certain breed , maybe about 10 of the population, maybe less. Most people sort of secretly HATE us as when we share our stories of making our DREAMS a REALITY without intending to we make other people feel depressed and like failures in their own lives. It's the SAME thing with entrepreneurship, MOST people just don't GET "IT", the incredible HIGH of being "the Master of one's own Universe" . And Andy, you are not just a traveler or hobo, or blogger, you're also a very successful entrepreneur in your own niche of the travel industry. Most people choose to NOT be in CONTROL of their own destiny opting for the "BEING TIED UP" lifestyle. Good Luck if you can INSPIRE even a few dozen people enough that they hit the road with only their own determination and faith in the unknown road ahead.

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AsiaBill commented about Philippines Street Children Search, On Monday September 28th, 2009 11:40:11 PM

The best way to help such kids is to provide employment for their nearly unemployable parents. nearly all of our staff would be considered unemployable and come from long lines of such people. When people give aid or charity it does NOT teach these children the value of working hard and striving for goals. Everytime they hit me up I say "Para hindi libre". I know people who grew up on the streets of Manila and became incredible wealthy so such cases doesn't always fit in to the "poor kids" category.

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AsiaBill commented about Philippine Girl Eye Language, On Monday September 28th, 2009 11:34:36 PM

Filipinas' smiles are captivating and will continue to welcome people traveling or planning to relocate here in the Philippines. The Filipina on the right obviously is showing you that she likes you and wondering if you're also interested. Smiles like pictures are worth a 1000 words. TOO MANY SMILES TOO LITTLE TIME!

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AsiaBill commented about Toxic Shame Cycles, On Sunday September 27th, 2009 06:17:35 AM

Well creative adaptation to the traditional explanation of "DOUBLE STANDARDS" prevalent in Catholicism and true to your somewhat frictional way of expressing yourself. Having a conversation about such issues as "TOXIC SHAME" is about as productive and entertaining as conversations about any religion or politics- - BORING! One thing my wife and I have in common is our COMPLETE DISTRUST for ALL ORGANIZED RELIGIONS and though neither of us find Roman Catholicism worthy of worship I for one LOVE the CATHOLIC CULTURES be they Irish, Polish, French, Italians, Brazilians, Latinos or Filipinos because they are VERY human oriented compared to Protestants who LOVE their pets more than other human beings, LOVE to work, LIVING TO WORK rather than WORKING TO LIVE rather than enjoying the basic PLEASURES IN LIFE! So if such characteristics like SHAME are considered TOXIC then BY ALL MEANS GIMME SOME MORE OF THAT POISON any day of the week but keep those hardworking "HONEST" WASPS away from me.

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AsiaBill commented about No Double Clicking Travel Tip, On Saturday September 26th, 2009 10:53:56 PM

About 4 to 6 weeks ago I had the same thing happened when booking tickets to Honolulu to visit our daughter since can not get off her day job for the xmas holidays. The deal was book before Aug 31 for tickets between Sept something to Nov 30 or early Dec, I forget already so I got U$630 RT but Camilla mention a 2 for 1 deal between MNL and Honolulu so I waited, contacted Emperor Travel in Ermita near corner Padre Faura and Del Pilar street and was ed U$670. So I waited to book til later in Aug so if lucky it wouldn't be billed to my credit card for payment til Oct 11. Lucky I did as I got U$434 RT, what a DEAL, I LOVED it. So Good Luck, U$700ish sounds like a good deal to the midwest.

FORT WAYNE INDIANA brings back OLD memories as a group of guys from there picked up my friend in Iowa hitchhiking on their way to Tucson AZ and introduced us. We had a GREAT time together partying so I planned to join them in Tucson in a few months after saving money and did, sharing a 2 bedroom apt with six guys who all worked partime or full time during different shifts.

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AsiaBill commented about Nomad, On Saturday September 26th, 2009 10:41:28 PM

I think mankind or all human beings are nomads and have always been throughout history, it's just a matter of what time period and specific region or country they happen to be living. When people find discontentment with any region, country or occupation overbearing their survivor instinct and stubborn resistance to continue living in that manner kicks in they wander or they move to somewhere else. Apparently you have grown bored, tired, negative, lazy or who knows, possibly too comfortable here in the Philippines so it's TIME TO MOVE ON. When I feel the same I GO!

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AsiaBill commented about Which country do you want me to visit, On Friday September 25th, 2009 10:45:55 AM

The feeling of MOTION in my life is what TURNS ME ON and it's NOT limited to traveling. Need I remind you that I'd already been to over 30 states and 30 countries before you gave up drinking in your late 20s. In my mid 20s after being in Asia for 2+ years I KNEW I wanted nothing to do with aimless wandering as it does NOT give me the HIGH I get when I travel to places and regions I'd dreamed about going since I was a school kid. I'll be taking off again for 4 to 6 months after Chinese New Years 2010 in late January / early Feb. The northern part of Vietnam will be my first stop on the way to Burma where I've always wanted to go and haven't made it yet. Then either Western Nepal via Kathmandu and Muktinat, Mustang over to Ladakh and Leh then I will need to decide turning south along the western coast of India or north the southern Silk Road via northern Pakistan( depending on the situation ). But since you have requested votes I vote Brazilian beaches with lots of "eye candy" scenery where average people are in good shape like yourself and you can kick back and give your back a long rest.

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AsiaBill commented about Which country do you want me to visit, On Thursday September 24th, 2009 07:47:56 PM

Why go anywhere if you've you've run out of motivation? Why grow old alone? In a very short period of time your savings will allow you MANY other choices than the empty drifting if not already. Settle into a homebase in one of your favorite places on earth with a loving companion for awhile at least until you heal that strained muscle. Meditate on other possible "missions" and "dreams" you may have had in some long almost forgotten period of your life. OR if increasing the numbers of countries you've been to really does matter to you then why not make a goal of breaking the 100 country mark since you have only 15 more to go?

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AsiaBill commented about Prepaid Flash Chip Broadband Internet is Here, On Thursday September 24th, 2009 07:28:08 PM

Raw and sarcastic but FUNNY, wonder how an American audience at home would react should you ever consider a different line of "work" , a standup comic. Thanks for the smerks and amusement. Our place definitely falls into both the "Mom and Pop" and foreigner owned "hotel" ( Asian guesthouse ) / hostel categories with the wi-fi free but available in less than a dozen of our 29 rooms and living / dining / lobby common area spaces.

Watching protesters in Pittsburgh getting maced and arrested by cops this morning reminds me of a short conversattion a few days ago with one of our Canadian guests and the rejection of globalization and free trade with a movement to return to the past. Back in the day where most if not all any community on earth's needs were produced in the community or very near it. Along with the ever evolving and growing trade came the ever increasing disparities between the world's populations. TWO THIRDS of the human race is living in ECONOMIC PRISONS so it's a bit difficult to convince them of the HOPE for their FUTURES is depended on free global trade and the inter-dependence of the world's nations.

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AsiaBill commented about Philippines is Politically Correct, On Tuesday September 22nd, 2009 05:43:58 AM

Sounds sort of like "Right and Wrong" are considered "Black and White" to you reminds me of growing up with "George Washington could not tell a lie after he cut down the cherry tree" . Also sounds like very American judging others by there own proclamation of what's the ONLY proper way of dealing with life's many trials and issues. Reminds me of my parents' narrow "holier than thou" way of judging others through their own particular translation of Judeo-Christian morality. I also find such common, almost universal American attitudes amusing when verbalized with such candor. Reminds me of a popular sign hanging in small business locations, "in God we Trust ALL others pay CASH" . I don't really care about who chooses to lie or appointing myself as a judge to distinguish who lies or what statements are false, all I know is it's too much work for me to lie and I don't care about who I offend by being honest. But then again there's no reason to state ALL one's thoughts when many can be frictional making other people stressed or hurt. It took me until I was 40ish before I could forgive my parents for their shallowness and deception. I realized that they had LIED to themselves a THOUSAND TIMES MORE each day they woke up than to anyone else and if asked they'd stand up and DENY they EVER LIED.

Choosing to move onward is fine and you're absolutely right, the Philippines as any other nation IS WHAT IT IS and its people ARE WHO THEY ARE. But maintaining a superior, I AM IN CONTROL OF MY OWN DESTINY type of attitude so when too many people one encounters rubs one the wrong way in any one country then one chooses to move along and away from anything which isn't interesting and non-confrontational seems to me as somehow lacking adventure and self -realization. Reminds me of American G.I.s who often say, "yah I did Germany, I did korea, I did the Philippines" when they lived on American military bases aka American "islands" located around the world. But in this case one's BRAIN/ THINKING/ATTITUDE is the "American Island". But for zillions of people it seems important to identify with a certain nation, adopting and firmly remaining loyal to its cultural opinions about ALLOTHER NATIONS and THEIR PEOPLES.

For me, ever since I was quite young I loved to have my own attitude and experiences challenged by other people and other cultures rejecting some of its influences only after careful thoughtful introspection and embracing others which seemed better than my own principles and attitudes. And this in a nutshell is why I am motivated to type such long posts on your forum regarding your views.

Comment About Philippines is Politically Correct

AsiaBill commented about Goodbye Baguio Have a Nice Life, On Monday September 21st, 2009 10:11:48 AM

EXACTLY! Just like the poem by Dylan Thomas, I want to live FOREVER and go OUT SCREAMING into the light. I don't plan to accept aging as a limitation to HOW I choose to live my life. I THRIVE off motion, learning and adventure but there are various forms of motion and adventure. For almost 2+ I have made family a priority, expanding our small businesses and now finally doing very overdue renovations to our "second child" our Manila guesthouse near the airports. I KNOW that in a few months from now it will be easy to cruise for years after such efforts and plan to take off for 6+ months maybe longer until I get bored of traveling the world and come back home to the Philippines. I KNOW what you mean about being around old people or people who act old my younger sister was OLDER than I was when she was only 16 years old. I've learned that age is all in the mind and many younger people in their early 20s discriminate against anyone over 35 years old. I know guys in their 60s who are STUCJ at being a goof off 14 year old. See you soon raccoon, Bill

Comment About Goodbye Baguio Have a Nice Life

AsiaBill commented about Philippines is Politically Correct, On Monday September 21st, 2009 09:58:10 AM

Hey Andy, A week ago you were bitchng about the lack of manners here in the Philippines and my first reaction was, Huh, Say WHAT?? cause you'd included Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" amongst your favorite books. In one book I read, Thoughts of Thoreau I remember one chapter which started with a one-liner something like, "Some people who are always courteous and polite when speaking with others are referred to as mannerly while others who do not speak truthfully are referred to as LIARS" meaning mannerly people are LIARS in disguise to me. So I wondered what's up with your attitude? Anyway generally speaking when asked direct questions Asians, including FIlipinos'first reaction is to lie or avoid answering by changing the subject. It use to bug me alot also but then sometime in my 40s I realized that they follow the axiom, "the TRUTH HURTS" so consider it more morally upright to lie. In a way whoever who demonstrates this type of behavior is considered MORE CIVILIZED. Very similiar to the English compared to Americans and very similiar to the higher Income / educated levels of American society compared to the majority also. Though I have accepted this behavior and no longer judge it as wrong it doesn't come natural to me. A few years ago I realized that I AM a PEASANT and prefer being one rather than a mannerly civilized human being. I like being CLOSE to my ANIMAL NATURE and instinct enjoy allowing my often savage frankness to voice itself without meaning any harm to others. I maintain that if I have no intentions of hurting others no premeditated thought of causing others discomfort, pain or suffering then my KARMA is FREE from evil. My daughter would counter, "but Papa if you accidentally run over someone with a car although you didn't mean to and the person is still dead". Which brings us to another topic of debate, when a comment is made and one person is hurt or feels uncomfortable WHO is responsible? the person who made the comment or the person that for some reason, some inner psychological "baggage" can't deal with such a comment and CHOOSES to FEEL PAIN????

Comment About Philippines is Politically Correct

AsiaBill commented about HoboTraveler.com in La Union Philippines, On Saturday September 19th, 2009 05:59:33 PM

After about 3 years into my first nearly 4 years around the world at age 25, I noticed some of the other long term budget travelers' headspace / attitude was becoming increasingly drab, lacking enthusiasm like people who find themselves in a rut. That's when I realized the difference between traveling the world, making one's dreams reality and just a drifter who keeps moving with lack of purpose running on empty. I KNEW then I didn't ever want to be a drifter but wanted to follow my dreams. Funny how people you meet ask, "How many countries have you been to?" because I never bothered to count them for many many years after leaving the States thinking that such a mindset was some sort of ego tripping, goal oriented competition.

So I guees I fit into the category of living in countries since I went broke several times in the late 70s and early 80s so needed to stay in Germany, Korea and California for awhile to make and save enough money get back to living "life on the road". I fell head over heals inlove with my Filipina wife upon spending our first 5 nights together in 3 countries and meeting each other on Boracay Island for a 2+ weeks. When asked "why the Philippines?" I answer, "had my wife been from Siberia I'd be a VERY happy camper living in Siberia". I've been alone for long periods of time but prefer the companionship of a best friend, confident, partner and lover to living life as a loner.

There are still many places I've always dreamed of going so I have several upcoming trips planned. Sometimes it's wise to be practical and no long lasting friendship or marriage survives without compromise so though earlier this year I wanted to TAKE OFF around right NOW this year has has been a record breaking year business wise so i decided to continue with the building projects and renovations until Chinese New years. Then I'll take off for 4 to 6+ months, maybe the first 9 weeks with my wife. After my trips traveling alone in 2004, 2005 and 2006 after about 3 months I realized I do get "homesick" and miss our "dream" lifestyle here in the Philippines where I'm very comfortable, meet dozens of interesting people of the few thousand travelers who pass thru every year and feel motivated by entrepreneurial endeavors.

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AsiaBill commented about Etymology of Phrase Ugly American, On Saturday September 19th, 2009 05:08:03 PM

All through the mid 80s to the mid 90s maybe 80 of our Manila guests were Europeans, 50 of whom were German speaking ( Austrian German or Swiss ). So occasionally a guest would make some complimentary comment about our guesthouse or my wife and I so I would counter with something like "No I'm just a typical dumb, fat, lazy, loud mouth American" and these somewhat sheepish introverts would burst out laughing as I verbalized their inner opinions of Americans.

American individual's "CAN DO" attitude, their emotional excitability and open sharing attitude is refreshing compared to many peoples on this earth. But the American military's 18 to 22 year olds stationed around the world living in American "island" bases in prime areas around the world getting drunk and roudy on the twice a month paydays have done alot to give this "ugly American" opinion of Americans abroad. Don't forget the Europeans consider our American gene pool is made up of the world's rejects, former criminals, debtors and "serfs" many of whom after prospering in the States felt the need to go back to "the old country" of their origin to flaunt their successes.

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AsiaBill commented about I am tired of Travel Fantasies, On Friday September 18th, 2009 05:58:53 PM

After the distress, anger and annoyance passes away I try to put myself in the position of the person or culture which caused it. Regarding the Philippine population EXPLOSION, for the poor people having 10 kids is similiar to buying lottery tickets in the States. It's a sign of acceptance of failure with the the only positive HOPE for the future is that just MAYBE one child will be either a genious and prosper, beautiful / handsome enough to hook up with a spouse with finacial assets and means or be hardworking and lucky enough to make enough money to support their parents. Since there's not much of a social security system and what there is doesn't pay enough to retirees to live well having 10 kids is like a built-in pension plan with each adult child sending you P1000 / month.

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AsiaBill commented about Ultrasound in Philippines for 12 Dollars, On Thursday September 17th, 2009 11:36:06 PM

Sounds like good news that your problem is a badly strained twisted muscle instead of a nerve or cyst. Like the saying goes, "getting old isn't for whimps" cause it takes 3 times longer the heal and our mental attitude is stubborn resisting the obvious that our body is aging and can't be expected to perform as well as our minds. The saying, "there's no fool like an old fool" comes to mind with so many aging expats here in the Philippines that I meet while passing through our Manila guesthouse. I recently had some blood an durine tests and surprisingly most came up VERY normal and healthy except for my blood sugar and pressure which on right on the line of between medium high and high. So I decided t attack with new diet, getting my old Schwinn bicycle fixed so back to biking around for errands and decided to try a couple of new supplements I haven't tried before now.

Andy, I don't know how important each and every item you travel with is for your livelihood and comfort but it might be a good idea to do some "spring cleaning" and cut your packs' weight in half, at least temporarliy until you heal. Even if you use a cart or wheels you will still be lifting them sometimes throughout the days when you're in motion. If you're in Ermita now where do you hang out? I'll be going there this afternoon as my friend's son just arrived from the States.

Comment About Ultrasound in Philippines for 12 Dollars

AsiaBill commented about I am tired of Travel Fantasies, On Monday September 14th, 2009 10:34:16 PM

Good Points Andy! Well Put!! It's getting to the point where nobody on earth knows the truth nor is informed of the truth, nor can trust reported "factual data" as the truth or maybe it's always been this way throughout time. Like the saying goes something like, "the victors write history". An old friend based in Guam when not traveling the world and an old friend based in Hong Kong called me yesterday and we were talking about general public health and how brainwashed the whole subject has become serving private interests for profit. In the States the majority of diseases are largely diet related and the government does little to restrict unhealthy diets being promoted by the same corporations who finance their election campaigns. And the inter related profitable benefits of promoting unhealthy diets and lack of common sense advice network to other industries like health care, pharmaceuticals and insurance and government pension plans. The saying, "you ar what you eat" comes to mind it's almost like a diabolical scheme created and supported by the major spheres of powers profit from mankind's diet, then profit by the ill health and medical care, then profit by selling them "a pill for every ill", then hopefully they will die saving the government from supporting them in older age.

I've also been influenced by such one sided propaganda and didn't realize it or admit it til about 7 years ago when I was on an internet forum discussing the Vietnam war period of time and always thought that the an unusual percentage of the soldiers sent to Vietnam were Black aka African Americans and hispanics. I found out I was WRONG and then admitted that I too had been DUPED by the liberal media and journalism of the times and had held that opinion for 20 years without proof.

It's just like you said, once any topic is spoken about and not challenged it becomes "fact" and SO MANY people rely on verbal commnication as their sources of information rather than research various sources in print from a variety of sources. And as you have pointed out, especially in the Philippines among Expats who spend much of their time drinking with other expats and among Filipinos via gossip networks.

Comment About I am tired of Travel Fantasies

AsiaBill commented about Challenges of Travel in Philippines, On Monday September 14th, 2009 10:07:12 PM

Everything is relative! Traveling in the Philippines is 10 times easier now than it was 10 years ago with the "RoRo" system aka Nautical Highway coordinating overland bus routes with inter island ferries and the competitive airlines and airfare prices like Cebu Pacific Airlines. Also widely understood and spoken English by the majority of the Filipino population with English road signs and telephone book yellow pages in English is another factor which makes traveling in the Philippines easier. There are negative factors also as you say like the widespread inability of most Filipinos to give simple directions or instructions on how to get to places ( I swear 90 of the time they say "LEFT" they mean "RIGHT" ), the lack of any unified travel hubs as Manila has dozens of bus stations and 4 airport terminals and the absence of daily air transportation to many provincial locations like Siargao for example.

Generally speaking the average first time arriving traveler in the Philippines has been to Thailand 3 or 4 times and other S.E. Asian countries so tend to judge the Philippines, its people, its costs of living, and its travel costs in comparison. There are endless adventure trips all over the Philippines for anyone who has simple needs and can live like the locals but as you say don't expect Tea Houses every hour like most of the treks in Nepal and guest houses open to budget travelers. In regards to travelers and travel related expenses I often say " it's either triple to ten times the going price or it's FREE" and for whatever reason that's how the Filipino people are accept it or not. I LOVE THE PHILIPPINES and no matter how many countries I've traveled and will travel in the future the Philippines and the Filipino people will ALWAYS feel like HOME.

Comment About Challenges of Travel in Philippines

AsiaBill commented about 70 Dollars for Travel Shoes, On Saturday September 12th, 2009 11:56:46 PM

Good quality shoes are available in SM and other shops but the best shoes are NOT cheap with the ones Iike costing over U$100. The most expensive shoes I ever bought in the Philippines were 50 discounted and cost P2400 ( U$50 ). On our recent trip to Hawaii for our daughter's graduation I was lucky to find several pairs of shoes I ilked at Ross Dress for Less so splurged and bought 4 pair. I was abloe to find good shoes at Fort Bonifacio's aka Global City's Market Market on the 2nd floor filled with small kiosk vendor locations and on the side was a shoe shop. If I remember right they were about U$35. If you have size 91/2 or under there are 10+ times the number of shoes as there is in size 10, 101/2 and 11. Occasionally size 12 can be found at great discounts here in the Philippines.

I have had MANY varieties of "stinky shoes" and use various foot powders and sprays to defend myself and wife from them.

Comment About 70 Dollars for Travel Shoes

AsiaBill commented about Call a Foreign Doctor Today, On Saturday September 12th, 2009 11:53:43 PM

I don't trust "professionals" much anywhere and consider them overpaid and often NOT on TOP of their "game". I prefer, like yourself to educate myself about subject matter I have little knowledge about.

I think the gay population is nearly the same in all countries because I hold the opinion that being born gay is universal for a certain percentage of the population, the same as being born left handed, tall or short, or with various levels of intelligence or with certain deformities etc etc In S.E. Asia the gays are more free to express themselves at early ages and allowed to be gay and dress gay if that is their natural inclination. I think the Americans and Europeans could learn from S.E. Asian culture in that respect among others. I never did understand what's the big deal about being gay and why it creates such hatred and hangups among the human race????

Comment About Call a Foreign Doctor Today

AsiaBill commented about Who Owns These Philippines Homes, On Friday September 11th, 2009 07:15:27 PM

There are many reasons other than status why financially successful people and families avoid too much association with the masses. In much of the world morality has been replaced by SURVIVAL instincts as it has here in the Philippines. The problem with meeting Filipinos and Expats with similiar educational and income levels as yourself is because most of us are BUSY living our "dream lives". So if you want to hang out with such people you will likely meet them either at their business or at resorts or clubs where they frequent. I have been here MANY years and do NOT have any Filipino "friends" although I am familiar with hundreds of Filipina(o)s who pass through our guest house near the Manila airports. The plain and simple truth is that Filipino "friends" and relatives for that matter RARELY if EVER pay their own way and expect us with greater wealth or income to pay for them so I never felt the NEED to "buy" friends just like I never felt the NEED to pay for dates preferring to go "Dutch treat" with dates or split the bill with friends. Occasionally I have NO PROBLEM at all with this type of social dynamic but day after day it gets tedious and ANNOYING!

Tourists or Expats who have their lives well organized with retirement or "winter" houses and / or businesses somewhere in the Philippines are the BEST MOST INTERESTING human pool for comradery and long term friendships. The one thing we learn as "world travelers" is that we cross paths with each other only for brief periods of time so need to get to know each other without holding back. So it's a matter of acceptance that the people we BOND most with will pass through our lives and likely not be seen again. Another one liner that comes to mind is " Want a friend? Buy a dog" which is another disadvantage about traveling the world- - - NO PETS! Since I have lived a very mobile lifestyle for most of my life and always dreamed of having a dog ( all 3 dogs I grew up with in Des Moines were killed by cars ) so bought our yellow Labrador "Jackson" 3 years ago. he has been a comfort and a reminded me of "Man's best friend".

Comment About Who Owns These Philippines Homes

AsiaBill commented about I Live a Dream Life - I am Grateful, On Friday September 11th, 2009 05:20:02 PM

I was driving across western Pennsylvania in 2002 listening to a classic rock radio station when a rush of nostalgia came flowing through my memories of past lives. I came up with 10 lives I'd already lived each "life" with its own geographic location, friendship social network, means of making a living and time span. I was "high" on life and knew so much living was ahead of me. Now, seven years later after moving back to the Philippines I'm still doing "my thing" waking up each morning to invent my day. Living life spontaneously is an incredible adventure what a long strange trip it's been!

Comment About I Live a Dream Life - I am Grateful

AsiaBill commented about Everyone My Ages is Older Than Me, On Friday September 4th, 2009 05:02:05 PM

For me it was National Geographic Magazine which gave birth to fantasies and dreaming about an adventurous life. Then followed by reading the biographies of all the new world explorers available in my elementary school library. I always wished I had an older brother but I was the eldest so faced the hardships of breaking my parents' expectations, rules and regulations and narrow way of looking at life. And I was easy to raise compared to what my youngest brother put them through. I love books which inspire me or make introspective enough to alter my viewpoint and understanding of life.

Comment About Everyone My Ages is Older Than Me

AsiaBill commented about Is there Value in Calling a Professional Traveler, On Monday August 31st, 2009 05:15:29 PM

Hey SAURABH, RELAX, Chill OUT, why are people SO sensitive about the slightest comment about their country of origin??? I've been to India a half dozen times and though I always preferred staying and traveling for much longer periods in Nepal and Sril Lanka than India, I do plan to go back to India soon. The prevalent fatalistic cultural mind set in India always made me depressed so it was never one of my favorite countries.

Back to the topic of this post, I agree with your Thai travel agent people want something, ANYTHING for NOTHING especially backpackers and budget travelers my wife and I know them better than they know themselves. My wife and I have toyed with this same idea for many years but always came to the same conclusion people who get ripped off, overspend, or get somehow conned or scammed will only WISH they would have paid those of us with wisdom and experience or consultancy / advice fee AFTER they lost their money and by that time it's too late. PRIOR to choosing their path offering advice for a fee will be looked upon as some sort of hustle or rippoff. Such is human nature! My wife and I have given advice and shared our experiences with our Townhouse Hostel guests since 1986 for FREE so much so that one of my one liners is, " our rooms are FREE you're paying for the information".

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AsiaBill commented about Sciatica is a Doomsday Diagnose, On Sunday August 30th, 2009 09:00:32 PM

We follow the accepted norms of the country we are traveling in so tip 15 + at our recent trip in Hawaii or California. But in Asia tipping is NOT recognized so we just give some spare change( P7 to P43 ) unless the extremely unusual thing happens when we get an unusually competent waiter / waitress ( one chance out of 100 ) then we give P50 to P100. And we tip only because we want to reward the indidual Filipina(o)'s work ethic and know it's TOUGH to make a living here in the Philippines for employees. Sometimes stinginess is rewarded, sometimes stinginess is punished and who knows why? Guess that's where the saying that goes something like, "penny wise dollar dumb ( foolish ) comes from, eh?

Anyone in pain will tend to make decisions which are not always the wisest and adopt grumpy, more critical than usual attitudes, such is being human.

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AsiaBill commented about Philippines I Refuse to Grow Old, On Sunday August 30th, 2009 08:15:54 PM

We can refuse to grow old but it won't change how those around us and those we cross paths with will view us. Being stubborn and hanging on to our opinions without being open minded enough to consider our present beliefs, attitudes and opinions can be mistaken is one sign of BEING OLD. My younger sister by only a year was OLDER than me when she was 16 years old. And I haave met 60++ year olds who were YOUNGER than me, more open minded, healthy and carefree. Aging is all in each of our heads and can be adapted anytime we put our mind to changing ouselves from within, evolving with the changes around us. I also LOVE that Dylan Thomas poem about going out SCREAMING into the LIGHT.

Comment About Philippines I Refuse to Grow Old

AsiaBill commented about How many other things are we missing, On Sunday August 30th, 2009 08:09:08 PM

Such is life when lived for the future or anchored in the past more than living and enjoying life's moments in the present. It's a weird and difficult struggle for humans to focus their attention, emotions and thoughts at the present past or future as it seems that living a quality lifestyle requires some sort of harmony between all three. Of course anyone who chooses to live mostly in either the past, the present or the future will be missing something in life as all three are necessary for me, anyway.

Comment About How many other things are we missing

AsiaBill commented about Philippines Man Says Work for Your Own Country, On Sunday August 30th, 2009 07:39:29 PM

Filipinos are some of the most colonial minded people on earth so always believe the "grass must be greener" ANYWHERE outside the Philippines. That is unfortunate and obviously NOT true but such attitudes are nearly impossible to change and requires widespread govt advertising campaign and national educational curriculum changes over a period of decades. Changing Filipino attitudes about working abroad would be like getting Americans to follow simple advice like "waste not want not", "never a borrower nor a lender be" or "delayed gratification" . So I doubt the simple facts of Filipinos getting hired abroad for as little as U$250 to U$500 / month and being away from their wives and family compared to getting hired here with a good company or starting some small business to eventually make P8000 to P20,000 ( U$160 to U$450 ) / month here in the Philippiens will SINK INTO THEIR MIND SET. "Tigas ng ulo" is a widespread national character trait here being STUBBORN or HARD HEADED.

Comment About Philippines Man Says Work for Your Own Country

AsiaBill commented about Never Never Open a Paypal.com Email, On Sunday August 30th, 2009 07:19:14 PM

We have used PayPal for many years and have NEVER had any problems since they were bought out by eBay years ago. But of course the type of paypal SPAM you are referring to also comes disguised a Yahoo Alerts etc. etc. which are simply DELETED ASAP.

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AsiaBill commented about Shoot the Messenger a Writer, On Tuesday August 25th, 2009 06:23:32 PM

Good Post Andy, It's true what you say but we can't allow those who HATE us to effect what we like to do and will continue doing long after their poisonous attitudes infect their own lives. We LOVE what we do so DO AS WE FEEL and our helpful intentions are rewarded with unbelievable good Karma in various aspects of our lives. Like you mentioned before how many people can prosper from such a blog, one out of 10,000. How many guys in S.E. Asia came from Blue Collar family backgrounds, hooked with an attractive local woman who's educated and financially independent ( self made ) and prospered?? Also maybe one of out 10,000. ( or more ). Like Howard Stern says the listeners who HATE him listen 2 to 3 times longer than his fans who love him and the way he makes people laugh at the worst time of their day, on the way to work. I rarely agree with O'Reilly and I often disagree with you but respect both of you enjoy the input.

Comment About Shoot the Messenger a Writer

AsiaBill commented about Stopped Physical Therapy in Philippines, On Wednesday August 19th, 2009 09:08:31 PM

Thanks Pauline for posting that terrible bit of news. The rufi which is often used by foreigners as a date rape drug is only used in the Philippines by organized groups of thieves usually small groups of young women looking like educated office girl employees. For me it sort of symbolizes the cultural differences between S.E. Asia and the Philippines and the cultures of wealthier nations.

Andy the ISSUE of love being purchased here by many expats is NOT really any different than most men back in the States or anywhere in the world for that matter. WHY do men strive to succeed? in ANY endeavor? WHY do womens quest for the nest drive their choices in life? Its simple human animal nature! And judging one culture using other cultures as reference points is nearly always relative. HOW many men have PAID the majority of the downpayment and mortgage payments of house which were taken away from them during divorce eharings? Tens of thousands or millions? Wo knows but I meet hundreds of such guys who were previously married to housekeepers who neither themselves nor their ex-wives would EVER consider their relationship and marriage a LOVE PURCHASE but how would a CPA or any small business person view it?? Most likely nearly all men or the majority of them are purchasing love.

I like yourself am an exception here in the S.E. Asia as I have never had a long term relationship with a woman who was NOT 100 completely self-supportive and financially independent and always dated Dutch Treat style.

Comment About Stopped Physical Therapy in Philippines

AsiaBill commented about Doctors Mom Mike and Chris, On Wednesday August 19th, 2009 08:50:45 PM

Sorry Vic I havent heard much from Howard Stern since 2004 when we sold our house in CT and moved back to the Philippines. Started listening to him and read all his and Robins books and watched his film from 95 when we moved our daughter back to USAS public School in Santa Cruz, Ca near the beach. From 99 to 2000 when we homeschooled our daughter for a year while traveling around the world we came back and was disappointed about his divorce but still listened to his show sometimes. Heard his interview with Eric Dexter ( Eric and Mac Horns sex around the world website - dont think its allowed to post the their site ) . Anyway SO WHAT did Howard say about the Philippines? Nothing hed say would surprise me.

Comment About Doctors Mom Mike and Chris

AsiaBill commented about Tricycle Taxis are Hated in Philippines, On Wednesday August 19th, 2009 08:40:21 PM

Trike drivers in RP are are a pain in the ass whether they are motorized or pedal bike with sidecars as 90 of the FIlipinos earning their living this way OVERCHARGE , victimize their passengers anyway and anytime they ca, During 90 of their work hours they are IDLE stambys hanging out waiting for their next victim. The trike drivers in AC are particularly hardcore hustlers and would rather knife or scam you than be bargained down from the ripoff rates by even P10. 100 of the time they are MORE EXPENSIVE than metered taxis but most often operate where taxis are not available.

On the PLUS side their common negative and shifty character traits are GREAT for me and my health as I age motivating me to walk long distances rather than give them a peso.

One of Bills Ten Travel Tips for the Philippines applies to trake drivers as well as taxi drivers Never take parked taxis as they are waiting for their next victim usually at all the major transportation hubs like airports bus stations and LRT stations. Always flag down MOVING TAXIS as they tend to be too busy working so can be trusted to charge by their meter what is fair and the market price for their service.

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AsiaBill commented about Doctors Mom Mike and Chris, On Tuesday August 18th, 2009 07:43:01 PM

Andy, Youre in PAIN and have every right to be a bit extra surly and opinionated about the majority of single or recently hooked up male visitors to S.E Asia.NOT to diminish your self diagnosises and feeling out intellgence of the various experts and doctors you are seeing as I do exactly the same I do remember a Howard Stern interview regarding back pain. More or less the doctors hed interviewed said back pain was psychosomatic. An example was made of coolies in Asia who carry huge weight on their backs and how strong the human back muscles were and how sometimes when someone is NOT so happy with some facet of their life their mind somehow tricks their body into being an obstacle. Another thing came to mind, there was a best selling author who wrote a book on the benefitrs of jogging who died of a heart attack while jogging at a relatively young age, late 40s to mid-50s. One thing I have noticed during the brief periods of time I remained sober or without any kind of mood enhancer was that I took things and life SO SERIOUSLY , lacked a sense of humor, became more obsessively detail and task oriented that Id drive my wife and others near me crazy. But then again I also notiuced an incredble CLARITY almost like a psychic thing using daily events to direct my future paths in life and choices.

Food for Thought! Andy, HOPE you are feeling better ASAP. Nothing meant as any sort of criticism as YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE as each of us like Popeye the Sailor man said,I YAM WHAT I YAM.

Comment About Doctors Mom Mike and Chris

AsiaBill commented about Bus San Fernando to Angeles City Philippines, On Monday August 17th, 2009 03:48:32 PM

Andy, if you think it boring or tedious riding a bus in traffic its worse for me as Im driving most of the time but its all a matter of acceptance and also choosing the time of day to drive as there are windows with lighter traffic. In the nearby Coastal Mall on Sunday afternoon I learned NEVER to go shopping on Sunday as I waited in the check-out line OVER an hour. Anyway my spirits are higher now and I get less frustrated now then when I was younger 3 one liners I use as mantras are, time will tell , Its only money, one day at a time ( which you are familiar with already as a reformed alchy ). Ciao for now, Bill

Comment About Bus San Fernando to Angeles City Philippines

AsiaBill commented about MRI in Philippines Hospital, On Friday August 14th, 2009 09:54:11 PM

Thanks Alot Andy for this post as my wife and I are planning to take three days for an Executive Check-up at ST Lukes ( USA Embassy approved located in Quezon City ) of maybe at our nearby San Juan De Dios hospital just down the street on Roxas Blvd. Have been ed by ST.Lukes already P19,000+ for males and P21000+ for females on an OUT Patient basis ( staying inside raises the cost by 4 TIMES??). Thanks to you I will ask about the cost and purposes of having an MRI and If its included in the package and if not how much additional cost. Over the last ten years I have had my share of ACHES and pains, researched each myself and luckily eventually each source of pain became healed and functional again. ( Aging isnt for whimps ). You are in MUCH BETTER shape than I am or have ever been since HS althletics anyway. Im back in Manila for awhile attacking all the eye sores and various renovation projects here at our Townhouse Hotel / Hostel Manila.

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AsiaBill commented about Avoids Cheating, On Saturday August 8th, 2009 04:41:25 PM

The two times we went to Pagudpud we drove and I remember checking out a few palces before finding one for P1000. The TIP in a seldom visited location like Pagudpud and for that matter almost all the coastal resort areas in Luzon is for YOU the guest to TELL the caretaker, manager, resort staff that you need a P1000 room or you need a P700 room PERIOD. Dont forget whatEVER the published room rates are in the Philippines its always possible to pay from 1/3 to 1/2 especially if its low season like now AND quite often the owners NOT there so the staff are stealing or rather need money for themselves as their salaries might be irregular.

Tip 2, Never walk around checking out places to stay with your backpack or luggage otherwise youre THREE TIMES LESS LIKELY to be granted a discount simple human nature and poker player psychology because the resort staff thinks youre pay their ed rate rather than lug around the weight. So if 2 or more people are traveling then one person stay with the baggage / backpacks and the other hike around looking at places to stay and bargaining. It helps alot when seeking a discount if you are staying from 5 to 10 days and willing to pay for the whole stay in advance.

GOOD LUCK! Thailands always been a great place to travel but the Philippines will ALWAYS be HOME.

Comment About Avoids Cheating

AsiaBill commented about Thai Girlfriend in Tow in the Philippines, On Friday August 7th, 2009 08:26:04 AM

We paid U$20 in Pagudpud.

IF does NOT translate in S.E. ASIA.
like BORROW or LOAN in Tagalog -( Give ME is the closest translation )

Traveling with women and leaving EARLY, you gotta be kidding.

Walking around randomly withOUT a PLAN with a woman, you gotta be kidding

I cant help being a TIME FREAK as life is limited so time is precious, priceless actually.

Comment About Thai Girlfriend in Tow in the Philippines

AsiaBill commented about Working in Baguio Philippines on Internet, On Thursday August 6th, 2009 04:39:58 PM

Such trivial issues as FREE Wi-Fi is at Philippine hotel owners bottom of the list of priorities barely worth their concern. As an expense monthly its less than the cost of one employee and FAR less than water or electricity. We found out a few of our yearly guests were stealing our Wi-Fi and finally after maybe 6 month got around to changing it to direct cable access with a limitation of 8 per DSL connection. There are certain expenses that are considered in the toilet paper category.

To JD, Small World, I grew up in Iowa also.

To Andy, The white sand beach in Ilocos Norte is PAGUDPUD and weve stayed overnight there twice when driving up along the coast all the way past Aparri in the NE tip of Luzon. The weather noticibly cooler there and now after the Marcos installed those huge Wind Generators the panoramic view of the coastline has been interrupted. But within a few years the Iloconos might have most of the electricity cheaper than any other province. Time will Tell.

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AsiaBill commented about Baguio to Vigan Philippines Bus, On Wednesday August 5th, 2009 07:19:43 PM

Many Good Points Andy, Im aware of both the Malate Pensionne and Bengie at Friendlys but as you have pointed out both have risen their room and bedspace rates. Im also aware of the low cost of rooms in all other S.E. Asia countries except recently with the Thai Bahts appreciation their accommodation rates are rising.

I leave the country more than I go to inner Manila but a few weeks ago I was looking for the DYI ( do it yourself ) store there as the one in nearby coastal mall closed to buy the ONLY cheap electric hot shower made in Brazil available in RP. Anyway I took pics of room 4 rent ads which were only P250 in Recto on the edge of Chinatown and the University belt. But though we havent raised our room rates for over 12 years out of 29 rooms we have only one P300 room and only 2 P400 rooms.

I paid from U$2.50 to U$12 from Northern Sulwesi overland to Lake Toba and Aceh.
In Vietnam I paid U$10 most of the time but for the same room we charge $14 to $20.
In Thailand I know there are cheaper alternatives but pay U$15 to U$18 at one of the Sawasdee Chain locations.
In Laos an old friend of mine from Canada and I paid from U$6 to U$12
In Cambodia same as Vietnam U$10 but it was a great room in a hotel with large lobby like 3 star hotel. ( no Elevator though and my room was on 4th floor as the rooms on 2nd and 3rd floor were more expensive ).

Im often amazed at who has been labeled a backpacker or when accommodations here in the Philippines claim to be BUDGET HOTELS. I mean my newbie neighbors located OFF the beach with 8 to 12 rooms are charging U$25 to U$45 and when I read the backpacker guests compliments and referrals I find it hard to believe what ducks they are when it comes to spending and consuming. For ME backpacker budgets are U$7 to U$14 / day often with two people sharing the room rate. I guess it points to my age and how I live and travel the world and reflects the present world economic crisis with the younger generation SPENDING so easliy and NEVER experiencing the DOWN cycle of economic reality. Maybe in the next few years things will change and rental rates will also adjust and go downward. As for us if we EVER had a REAL competitor to our guest house we KNOW we could go down to almost FREE even if just for FUN.

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AsiaBill commented about Buying a Plane Ticket Guilt Travel Tip, On Wednesday August 5th, 2009 10:47:58 AM

I have always looked at making any consumer choice of any corporate made or distributed product or service as WAR with many battles. Just a few months ago Cebu Pacific Airlines tried a NEW strategy and dont get me wrong I LOVE CPA the BEST thing thats happened to Philippine tourism EVER. Anyway we bought one way tickets from MNL to Caticlan for only P1300 during peak Filipino summer school holiday dates. WOW cheap eh? only U$27+ then about a week later checked to fly back to MNL and the cheapest was P4000 and they ranged up to P6000 ONE WAY ( U$85 to U$125 ) So I think, nice try go to the new ZEST Airlines office formerly Asian Spirit Airlines ( same staff for 7 to 9 years) and bought a one way ticket for my wife and I for P1600 one way ( U$32+ ). You just NEED NOT to let your guard down or you will be BENT OVER and well you know what I mean. Too Bad the lady had to change her flight dates and got screwed for P3000. They did get us once earlier this year when we showed up FIVE MINUTES LATE but in plenty of time to catch the flight cost us a few thousand pesos also. You WIN some and you LOSE some such is life.

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AsiaBill commented about Baguio to Vigan Philippines Bus, On Wednesday August 5th, 2009 10:36:26 AM

Sorry to disagree AGAIN Andy, this time about the cost for traveling overland and a backpackers daily budget for traveling the Philippines.

By bus and Ferry about U$1.25 to U$1.75 / hour of overland travel and sometimes cheaper if buying a promo fare domestic airline ticket.

a few Pan De Sal and instant coffee LOCAL- P15
Add an egg P15 to P20 U$1 MAX

Lunch Rice + two or three Rice Toppings U$2+

Dinner any one of a dozen Fast Food chain restaurants P100 to P200 ( U$2 to U$4 )

Accommodation from P180 / bedspace to P500 private room ( U$3.50 to U$10+ )

Add 6 hours of travel U$9

Total U$17 to U$26 and usually backpackers do NOT travel 6 hours everyday so that total goes down to U$9 to U$17 so call it an average of U$20.

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AsiaBill commented about Camp John Hay, On Monday August 3rd, 2009 10:19:54 PM

Sorry Chris and Andy, Have to disagree! It has alot to do with attitude, when 1 out of 10 people allow themselves to get depressed and out of a job often due to their excessive spending and consumer habits to some of us among the 9 out of 10 we see OPPORTUNITY. When major corporations go bankrupt for similiar bad expense, marketing and accounting decisons what remains creates opportunity for others in the the same market.

Three important details about investing in any type of real estate in the Philippines is
1 ) once its paid for the resident investor has access to all types of educated, skilled and uneducated unskilled cheap labor. Business owners in the G20 wealthier countries have tired of so many of their employees striking and demanding higher and higher pay, paying ever inflating health benefits and rising retirement incomes not to mention government intervention. It seems like nobody understands that the wealthy and those who provide jobs do NOT need to work nor bother with such headaches.

2 ) Once a real estate investor or small businessman establishes himself in a Filipino community the level of trust is incredible compared to the wealthier countries where agents and attorneymiddlement have firmly installed themselves between the BUYER and the SELLER. We have had Absolute Deeds of Sale signed and notarized and the land transferred to my wifes name BEFORE making full and final payment withOUT interest. That type of TRUST disappeared in the States from 50 to 100 years ago.

3 ) Here in the Philippines in the Spirit of Self-Determination Filipinos and foreigners can build their own house, depending on location, withOUT any interruption from local government. And most anywhere they can build their own structure withOUT an archetect, withOUT a contractor, withOUT a sub-contractor by simple hiring masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers etc directly on a daily salary basis. They can use the Tel yellow pages to call local building materials suppliers to canvas prices in ENGLISH and arrange delivery. For 20 years the cost of building in U$ hasnt gone up much, for ground floor structures with steel roofing U$100 / sqm and for 2nd , 3rd, 4th and 5th Floor structures built with steel rebar and concrete U$150 /sqm. NOW those are numbers which anybody can get EXCITED ABOUT when deciding to invest in the Philippines.

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AsiaBill commented about Cheap Hotels Baguio Philippines, On Monday August 3rd, 2009 04:47:45 AM

Funny Thread! Filipinos are an easy going people with few obligational necessities. You are SO RIGHT about Filipinas NOT willing to accept staying in a LOCAL accommodation at LOCAL but at the same time I advise guys that doing such is the BEST TEST on their Filipina penpal, chatmate or financee as to their intentions and expectations of their new Kano boyfriends financially.

Andy, You mentioned your stubborness to stay as American as you grew up and as when you left the States 11 years ago in another thread. I found that to be a bit weird or condescending towards the worlds great numer of cultures and people. I always felt exactly the opposite, that for short periods of time while visiting each country and culture I wanted to absorb and experience as much much native food, drink and daily habits as possible. Granted Im not so foolish nor naive to think I can GO NATIVE and BE ACCEPTED by the locals as one of them but even if its an ILLUSION I prefer to pursue such. Otherwise the way you explained your determination to stay AMERICAN makes me think of your travels to 80+ countries as similiar to visiting 80+ ZOOS with a variety of local plant and animal life.

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AsiaBill commented about Working in Baguio Philippines on Internet, On Monday August 3rd, 2009 04:24:29 AM

I am constantly frustrated by our ISP in both Manila and Boracay but since our income is not so depended on such services I have adopted a laid back attitude like with Brown Outs or when the electricity reached low peaks and neither our desk top computer nor our 53 inch big screen Tv has enough power to function here at Casa Camilla Boracay.

One of our yearly guests from Switzerland, Theo, an Old Asia Hand based in Asia for most of his lifetime like myself who plays Poker professionally On-Line has his own small generator and hooked up directly with two ISP so should he be in a tournament if theres brown -out or one ISP DOWN then he can continue playing. He plays 3 AM to 9AM as this is a segment of time when less professional on-line poker players world -wide participate as he says thats when the housewives play. Maybe you ought to consider living on the beach between international travel adventures like Theo. He rents one of our new studio apartment units at U$3500 / year or U$10/day and knows if if likes to travel we offer a sub-let option of renting it out daily from P1500 to P2500 / night depending on the time of the year.

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AsiaBill commented about What I Look for in a Friend, On Sunday August 2nd, 2009 10:12:27 AM

The Bar Fine term is outdated and supposedly shunned now so EWR ( early work release ) has replaced it and is a better explanation. Good for you for not drinking alchohol since your late 20s! I often find drunks boring with a tendency to repeat themselves and their stories but I really enjoy those who have lived their lives as a constant adventure and know many things from experiences. It seems many people are introverts which can open up to strangers only after having a few drinks.

Judging foreign expat men here in the Philippines and S.E. Asia needs to be done in comparison to their lives and lifestyles in their, often, VERY LONELY and expensive home countries. Everything is relative! Probably the majority have been divorced and previously married to housekeepers their ex-wives after the divorce keep the house leaving them to start all over again.

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AsiaBill commented about Camp John Hay, On Sunday August 2nd, 2009 09:56:47 AM

Baguio is simply another elevated alternative to Tagaytay for Manilans and Central Luzon residents to escape the heat of the Filipino summer months from March thru May. I agree with most of what else you say about Baguio and I usually only pass through on my way to or from Sagada and Banaue.

We have prospered incredibly in U$ from buying real estate in prime locations since 79 up to the present with returns similiar to those buying California beach community real estate in the late 50s thru the late 60s. The Filipino population is exploding and has been for the past 20 years not so much different than the ever increasing popuation of California so where theres growth there is prime location real estate appreciation. And during downturns in the economic cycle prime location real estate suffers little or far less than half of other properties.

Our Manila location has gone up 800 in U$ land value and my wifes first Boracay property up 3000 ( U$1000 to U$30,000 ) from 79 to 89 and our 3rd property from 90 to 2006 up 1500 ( $100T to $1.5M ). Also on Caticlan near Boracay from $700 to U$10,000 from 89 to 2001 nearly 100 / year. There are many people who choose to be critical and hesitant about investing in the Philippines and many Filipinos who overprice their properties. THANK GOD for ALL of them leaving wise frugal, patient investors to prosper beyond their dreams.

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