Blog
Stay updated with our latest articles, insights, tips, and comprehensive guides designed primarily for expats planning to settle in the Philippines.
Taxes For Foreigners in the Philippines
Taxes for foreigners and expats can be complex in any country. The Filipino love for paperwork and beauracracy takes it to another level. There are edge cases that can get you.
expats 23-01-2026
Filipino Martial Arts -- A Living Tradition of Blades, Sticks, and Survival
When people think of martial arts, they often picture karate dojos in Japan or Muay Thai gyms in Thailand. What’s frequently overlooked is that the Philippines has one of the most practical, combat-tested martial traditions in the world—collectively known as Filipino Martial Arts (FMA).
culture 22-01-2026
Access To A US Phone Number While Living Abroad
A practical breakdown of the main ways a U.S. person can keep or obtain a U.S. phone number while living overseas, with pros, cons, and best-fit use cases.
expat 21-01-2026
Healthcare Options -- Philippines Edition
Healthcare in the Philippines is a mixed system — part public, part private — with large differences in quality, access, and cost depending on where you live and how much you (or your insurer) are willing to pay.
expat 20-01-2026
I'm Not Coming Home (INCH) Bag & When To Leave
There are always unlikely edge cases. A once in a millinium (eon?) tsunami, earthquake much stronger than usual (for the Philippines), war / invasion, use your imagination. For the last one, hanging around in country is probably a bad idea in any scenario. For the larger, natural disasters that directly impact your area, there are variables that are hard to plan for, but there are plenty of conceivable scenarios where the smart move is going to be to leave your home and probably leave the country.
preparedness 17-01-2026
Income Inequality -- Filipino Edition
Let's talk about income inequality in the Philippines, contrasted with trends in the United States, including why the perception that the Philippines is worse holds water--and where the nuance lies.
culture 17-01-2026
Health Insurance Options for Expats in 2026 -- Filipino Edition
Let's talk about health insurance options for expats in the Philippines.
expats 16-01-2026
My Favorite Restaurant in Manila -- Filling Station Bar & Cafe on Burgos Street in Makati
Filling Station Bar & Cafe on Burgos Street in Makati — one of Manila’s most talked-about retro diners and night-owl hangouts. A tribute to my favorite restaurant in Manila.
culture 12-01-2026
Postal Services for American Expats -- Everything Is Complicated
An American living outside the United States is generally going to need some way of receiving domestic United States Postal Service mail within the USA. There are several options for how to do this.
expats 10-01-2026
New Years: Filipino Edition -- Fireworks & Karaoke
New Years in the Philippines means lots of food, karaoke until dawn, and lots of fireworks all day--and, all night. We actually slept from earlier evening to just before midnight. Then, it was time for dinner. Shortly after that, karaoke started.
culture 09-01-2026
Lending Money To Friends & Family in the Philippines: What Expats and Foreigners Need to Understand
Never lend informally
culture 03-01-2026
The Northern / Western European Expat in the Philippines: Filipino Culture vs. European Culture
Let's explore cultural differences between Northern / Western Europeans and the Philippines.
culture 02-01-2026