The 2-year mark is quickly approaching...

Liam and PeeJay are taking a break from packing Balikbayan boxes  for our BIG move in 2013

Our original plan was to move to the Philippines and after two years, re-evaluate our move and see where we want to go from there; either stay in the Philippines or move back to the States. We are 2-months away from our 2^nd year of living in the Philippines and as of now, we have no intention of moving back to the states anytime soon.

The big question MOST PEOPLE have is...

Why a mixed family of four would ever want to move from a first world country to a third word country?

We have our reasons, and some may not agree, but we are all happy living in the Philippines and do not regret moving here almost 2 years ago. Don't get me wrong, we do miss our relatives and friends in the States, but our decision to move here was not an easy one to make. Really good sushi, burritos and Target Greatland are also on the top list of why I sometimes miss living in the States. Living in the Philippines is not for everyone especially someone from a first world country, it's a choice that we are glad we made. And remember, vacationing in the Philippines is VERY different than living here because everyday is not a “sunny, beach and pool day.”

Beach Resort in Batangas - infinity pool

Just think, many Filipinos dream of leaving the Philippines to be in America, and very long ago, that dream was of my parents. My parents wanted a better life for their family and in 1993, that dream of theirs became a reality as the plane from Ninoy Aquino International Airport landed at San Francisco International Airport with us on-board. Living in California as a 9-year old was challenging at first because I didn't speak English very well and everything was new; the food, the people and the environment. But it didn't take long for my brother and me to adapt to living in the States and started to enjoy it very much. It wasn't until I was older that I realized how difficult it was to live in the United States America especially for my parents. The dream they originally had in mind was far from reality because jobs were not easy to come by especially for immigrants. Money didn't grow on tress in America, which many Filipinos in Philippines think. Mom's uncle and his family helped us for years and I'm eternally grateful for having them all in our lives. Her uncle gave us a roof over our heads, jobs for my parents, and even had his children take care of my brother and me at times. We were lucky, but my parents still worked very hard.

San Francisco International Airport

As a married adult with children, I'm not really sure that life in America is much easier and better than life in the Philippines and I say that because many families work hard just to make ends meet sometimes. And in the end, people work many hours to pay bills and save money, but what's money compared to the quality time spent with family? Yes, I know we need money to survive and buy necessities, but living in America has taught me that I need the latest gadget.

There had been times when I thought about how our life would have been if we were still living in California; me working full-time as a Preschool teacher and Patrick as part-time life-guard at a local swimming pool. Patrick James and Liam Elliot would probably be at a home-daycare center because we definitely couldn't have afforded putting them in a child development center. When the boys are home, they'll probably have many hours of screen time (television and ipads) because both Patrick and I would be too tired from work to really interact with them. We would probably just spend Sunday as a family.

Currently here in the Philippines, Patrick still works 6-days a week, but he's home-based and we are so blessed for his job with a company who is based in San Diego, California (USA). He's not making a lot of $$$$, but it's more than enough to support us, his family. We even have some $ at the end of the month to put away as savings. But the huge advantage with Patrick having this job is that I get to be a stay-at-home Mama. It is such a great thing to be able to spend quality time with my children especially since they are still both very young. Patrick's job of being home-based and working hours being at night gives us a lot of family time throughout the week even if it's just watching PeeJay and Liam on their bikes outside, taking a walk in our neighborhood, getting an ice-cream cone and a slice of pizza at the nearby mall and even being able to take afternoon naps together.

FAMILY is the most important reason why we are here in the Philippines instead of America. The following are also some reasons why we've chosen to live our life here...

1. Exposing PeeJay and Liam (and Patrick, too) to the Filipino culture, food and language.

Some of the boys' favorite foods are sitaw (legumes) and daeng (dried fish). They can understand and speak both languages; English and Tagalog.

2. My parents let us live at their house. It's not a multi-million pesos house, but it's in a decent subdivision and we have luxuries that many Filipinos do not including; air-conditioners, televisions with cable, internet access, and an oven just to name a few.  Plus we can use both of their vehicles at anytime.  

3. Being able to keep all the money Patrick makes from his job instead of having the the United States government take portions of his hard-earned money. We're exempted from taxes for both US and Philippines.

4. We're not focused on owning the latest gadget. Our priorities have changed, Patrick and I do not need to have the latest video game or smart-phone. We go shopping, but mostly bargain shopping where we can use our wonderful barter skills.

5. We are able to adopt next year! Yes, we are looking forward to meeting our daughter. If the 3-year residency wasn't an issue, we would have probably had our little girl last month. Though, we know that something so precious is worth the wait.

This was our social media announcement picture to let everyone know that we are adopting

I'm sure there are more reasons, but that's all I can think of at the moment. If I do have something to add, I will edit this post as needed.

So, when will we be in the States to visit? Most likely sometime in 2017, about a year after our adoption should be finalized. We really don't want to adopt, then go immediately to a whole different county different from our daughter's. Patrick and I want to make sure we give our daughter ample to to get use to us and close family members first, our current environment, and slowly introduce her to how it is in the States by teaching her some English and broadening her palette beyond just Filipino foods.

Just a random thought:

It is my hope in the future when Patrick and I get much, much older that the two of us will move to an island in the Philippines where we can have the view of ocean every single morning. And Patrick assured me that he'll be able to fish for our supper everyday, but I just have to make sure our kids send us jars of peanut butter every few months to our secluded island.  

Shower Renovation - It's More Fun in the Philippines

Patrick and I recently renovated our shower in our bathroom.  Originally, I just wanted a hot shower heater installed, but then the bathroom tiles really needed to be changed so we decided to do a bit of renovation.  Patrick said we only had a $300 budget for the renovation so I told him that I just want the shower part of the bathroom changed.  

Our (old) shower had off-white tiles on the floor and halfway up the wall.  It also has glass doors. At first, Patrick wanted to do the renovation on his own; take tiles off and put the new tiles on.  After 3 sessions of 3 hours each, Patrick decided that we needed to call for back-up.  The tiles were so old that it was difficult to peel it off the wall.  He was only able to remove tiles for an equivalent of the small wall, but was so exhausted every time.  So then, we hired family contractors to do the job -- a father-son duo (Tito Jose and Kuya Jomar)!

While Kuya Jomar hacked away the tiles in our shower, Patrick and I headed to a home improvement store in GMA called, Wilcon Depot, to pick out new tiles.  We went with the grey-blue theme and spent P5,500 on everything; three types of tiles, grout, bags of tile adhesives, white-blue shower curtain with a liner and curtain rings, and a glass-metal shelf for our toiletries.  

Two and half days later, our shower was good as new and only spent P2,550 for labor! The total amount we spent was P8,050 ($180.90) for both materials and labor.  

Liam: "Mama, ang ganda ng shower mo!" (the shower is beautiful)

Next week, we're off to pick up our new shower heater to be installed which will cost us about P5,000 ($112.36). I can't wait!

PeeJay and Liam really like our new shower and PeeJay says he will soon be taking his showers in there, too.  

Even though we only renovated the shower, we did change our faucet for our bathroom sink, too!

My favorite part about the shower renovation are niches for shampoos and soaps! 

Only in the Philippines 🌅

*Filipinism - literal translation of Pilipino words into English.

> fall in line = get in line

> "fill up" the form = "fill out" the form

> for a moment = hold on

> for a while = hold on; wait

> open the light = turn on the light

> close the light = turn off the light

> CR = bathroom

> malling = window shopping

> bottomless = refillable 

> take home = to-go / take-out

> aircon = air conditioner / AC

> Colgate = toothpaste 

{Only in the Philippines...}

FALL IN LINE = QUE UP

Signs that say, "fall in line" are posted everywhere, but yet Pilipinos refuse to que up.  Patrick and I had dealt with people cutting us in line (fast food restaurants, government offices and grocery stores) several times and let it go in the past, but now we know better.  We've learned to speak up and let the person know where the back of the line is.  Many of the other people get mad when others cut in line, but refrain from saying anything because most Pilipinos are passive-aggressive and are not confrontational.  Pilipinos are "hiya" (shame) so they refuse to speak up even though they know others are in the wrong.  People who cut in line will continue to cut in line unless someone speaks up to them.  

 

PAYING

Stores, even the big grocery stores, seem to always not have any change in their registers throughout the day.  And half the time, ATM cards cannot be used because the "system is offline.  So remember, carry cash and plenty of small bills.  

FREE is NOT really FREE

Free parking is common at malls, but it's not really free when you have to pay the "parking boys" who try and help you in and out of your parking space.  I want to emphasize on the word "TRY" because half the time, the "parking helpers" make it more difficult to back into the parking spot.  It's optional until one of them chases you down to make sure you "pay" for using the parking space.  

FEE for EVERYTHING

Packages are sent to us; to my two boys specifically, from friends and family from the States through the Post Office.  What I don't understand is why we have to pay P100 to pick our package from our local Post Office when shipping cost has already been paid in full back in the States.  And to make things worst, it cost P200 to get the package delivered to my door if I opt that option of having it delivered by the postman.  I can only assume that this unnecessary fee is the workers' "merienda" (mid-afternoon snack) money for the day.

This past Monday the family and I applied for our Philippine Passport.  Before going to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, we made sure we had all required paperwork and brought several copies, just in case.  After our application has been approved, stamped and signed by officials,  we were asked to make copies of it.  Yes, we had to make copies... for them, which costs us P4 each when it should be their job to do so for filling purposes.  And paying P950 for a Philippine Passport is no longer an option unless you're a senior citizen.  The DFA is forcing everyone else to pay a total of P1200 for "rush processing" of a Philippine Passport.  AND... passports can be delivered by LBC for a fee of P120 each. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the fee my family and I also had to pay to have our passport application filled out by a local travel agency which was P300 each.  

When we arrived in the Philippines in 2013, Patrick and I wanted to get a drivers license so we had identification with our local address.  Did you know that for a fee, you can have your Philippine driver's license personally delivered to you by the end of the day you applied for it and only having to show up to take a picture at the LTO.  And if you're worried about the written test, pay a fee for a form that has the right answers already filled out. There's no point in worrying about the actual driving test because it's nothing like the 'real world.'  The test is exactly like a mini go-kart track; with four left turns, a speed bump and a small bridge.  No parking skills required.  It's no wonder why the driving here in the Philippines is terrible; nobody follows traffic lights, speed limits, and nobody uses their headlights, signal lights or look before changing lanes.  You know you're in the Philippines when you see a 2-lane road become 5-lanes and cars making a left turn from the right most lane.  If you get pulled over, you just pay the traffic enforcer / police a small fee and you can be on your way to break another traffic rule!

TAWAD (barter)

There's no such thing as FINAL PRICE, there's always room for "tawad."  Patrick found a jersey stand at our local mall.  During Christmas time, the football jersey he was eyeing (Steelers) cost P350.  Already a good price, but decided to wait until after the new year to purchase.  Last week, we went back for it, the guy told Patrick that the jersey was P250.  I then asked the seller, "Kuya, walang tawad?" We got it for P200! YES!

Last month, PeeJay begged DaDa to take us all to the beach.  Since PeeJay had winter break, Patrick agreed!  We headed back to our favorite boat raft beach in Batangas because we all really enjoyed it last time we were there especially taking the pedal boats out in the corals to feed the fishes up close!  Before turning into the barrio/baranggay of Matabungkay beach, we were already stopped by a man offering us to see the resort they have for renting.  I told him that I was only going to pay P1,500 for everything and he agreed so we followed him towards their beach spot.  We got their place, it was nice; newer rafts, clean sand and not much crowd around.  The guy told the owner of the raft what we were willing to pay, then  he started adding other expenses to the original P1,500 we agreed on earlier.  I reminded him that P1,500 was all my husband was willing to pay for everything; boat raft, life vests for the kids, and the unlimited use of pedal boats to go out to the corals for the fishes.  The guy then informed me that the use of the pedal boats were a separate fee so I signaled to Patrick that it was time to walk away.  Off course, they followed us back to our vehicle saying that we won't be able to get anything for P1,500.  Boy, were they wrong, because we drove a few kilometers down the road and voila... P1,500 for everything!

One time, my older cousin, Ate, accompanied me to the open market in Binan to pick up a few items like Pilipino shirts (Kamiseta de Chino) for Patrick and treats for the boys.  We took the Jeepney which costs us P8.50 each from the entrance of our subdivision (Filinvest) to our destination.  On our way home, we knew that we won't be able to make it on time to pick up PeeJay from school if we took the Jeepney so we decided to take a tricycle instead.  One tricycle driver parked just outside the market immediately asked us if we needed a ride.  Ate asked him right away how much to Filinvest.  The driver said, P60.  Ate told him P40 as she quickly walks away with me close behind her.  Then the driver yells out... "sige, 40 pesos na lang!"  We hopped on and got to PeeJay's school with two minutes to spare!

can't believe a year has already passed...

these are some things I've learned and things are uniquely Philippines that I've seen during the year we've been living here because it is true... "it's more fun in the Philippines!"

Weather:
   It is hot, but surprisingly we've had cool, windy days and nights also.  Most days, I am in a t-shirt and pair of comfortable shorts, but there have been some days I wore sweatpants with a thin long-sleeve shirt.  Other nights, I've worn jeans with a hoodie.  At night, I usually have my pajama pants since hubby and I keep the air-conditioner on all night.  
   There's plenty of rain during the rainy season, lots of roads even get flooded so many businesses will close down.  With the pouring rain come thunder and lightning also at times.  It rains mostly from end of Sept to end of January so if you're a person that doesn't like rain, plan your  Philippines trip accordingly.  

Flood on the road on our way to church, Harvesters Baptist Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna


Food/Drinks:
   Well, there's a lot of Filipino Food!! Chicken/pork adobo, pancit, sisig, grilled tilapia, indian mango with alamang, menudo, afritada, shrimp sinigang; are just some of my favorites.  Many of these dishes can simply be paired up with a few scoops of white rice and breakfast, lunch or dinner is set! 

   Other types of food are also available, there are many fast food places nearby; McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, KFC, Jollibee, etc; and all serves rice... yes, rice.  I have yet to find a Taco Bell... there have been tiimes I craved a supreme taco and a chicken chalupa supreme.  There are a lot of affordable meals at the fast food restaurants under 100 pesos, but make sure you have some back-up options for food you want to order because often times, many places have been out of 2 or more things.  For example, a few weeks ago, we went to Jollibee, two Jollibees actually and both were out of spaghetti and french fries.  Another time, Chowking was out of wonton soup and chorizo.  McDonald's has been well-stocked and it even sells fried chicken with rice all day!  If street foods are your thing, there are plenty like bbq, lugaw (rice soup), isaw (chicken intestine), siopao, and ready to eat ulam (entrées), just to name a few.

   I also still in-search for a wonderful sushi place; I've tried a few Japanese restaurants, but haven't lived up to the ones I've had back in San Francisco.  Back in the States, hubby and I were eating sushi at least once a week, for months now I've craved for nigiri, but haven't fulfilled that craving yet.  Hoping to get some sushi really soon though.
   Most  people buy their groceries at the Open/wet Market especially for fresh veggies, fruits, poultry, fish, and meats because it's cheaper than grocery stores and there's much more variety of cuts.  The family usually just buy fish and meats at the wet market; vegetables and fruits at a nearby farm and the rest at the nearby grocery stores, either Walter Mart, Save More, Pure Gold Jr or Shopwise.  The grocery stores carry most ingredients needed for everyday use.  There are some things I wish the grocery stores had in stock like gravy and stuffing since PeeJay likes it.  While my mother in law was in the Philippines, she had a hard time looking for fresh cow's milk in gallons; all milk here are usually powder-based or in carton pints that's un-refrigerated imported from New Zealand. 

A while back, we've discovered S&R, it's like a Sam's/Costco, so we make a trip to  Alabang monthly to buy imported things in bulk like variety of SPAM, powdered milk, fresh salad mix, various cheeses, cookies and whatever else we see and want.

   Coffee in households are not freshly brewed, it's rare to have a coffee maker.  Many just use the instant coffee, usually sachets that's called 3-in-1 (which I prefer) which already has coffee, cream and sugar for only 6 pesos each.  Juices are also pretty popular especially with the kiddos.  The boys like the different Zesto, but recently we've been making big batches of powdered juices like Tang to keep in the fridge since it's less expensive. Water is filtered using a Britta pitcher and most of the water we drink at home is purified water which gets delivered daily in huge gallons for 30 pesos each.  

Shower/Bath:
   PeeJay and Liam take baths... warm baths.  A kettle of hot water is poured into the bucket of some cold water, then tabo (water dipper) is used to rinse the boys.  Other days, the boys spend their day outside in the kiddie blow-up pool.  

The rest of us take cold showers.  Yes, cold.  I can't even remember the feeling of taking a warm/hot shower anymore since it has been so long since I've experience it.  Actually, I take it back, I remember the exact day, it was Valentine's Day, a hotel in Tagaytay was the last time I've had a hot shower.  Most days, I don't mind the cold water because it really helps cool me down during the day and helps me sleep better at night.  It's not unusual to take 2 or more showers a day.  If you really can't stand the cold water, there is a device you can purchase that you can drop into the bucket filled with cold water to warm it up.  We had that device in our bathroom, but I had it removed because I really didn't want the risk of getting electrocuted.  

When Patrick and I are in the mood, we take the kids to the swimming pool which everyone always have a great time even though we only swim for an hour.  

Bugs/Insects/Animals:
   Everywhere.  Where you say?  Everywhere.  There are just no avoiding it, ants and flies are everywhere; inside and outside the house.  Lizards, which come out mostly at night hang out at the ceiling/walls and likes to make a "tick, tick, tick" noise.  Cockroaches and spiders are ginormous - makes PeeJay scream so loud it can be heard from a block away.  I dislike mosquitos and mosquitos is one of the reason I do not hang around outside much.  Every time, the boys go outside, they need to  be slathered with Off-Lotion so that the mosquitos will avoid biting them.  Hundreds of black centipedes crawl around outside which Liam has been an expert in killing by stepping on it with his slippers.  Frogs make their way in plants near the front door and croaks in unison after the rain.  Chickens roam the neighborhood freely and roosters "cock-a-doodle-dos" at random hour of the day/night.  The female cats are always pregnant, but most of the kittens never make it to adulthood.  When we arrived here in the Philippines, we had 9 cats and 5 kittens. Currently, there are 3 cats (one is pregnant) and no kittens.  Almost all the dogs here in our gated community/neighborhood are either on leashes or cages, but there are plenty of dogs outside on the streets, even on the "freeway" (SLEX) sometimes.    


Karaoke:
   All Filipinos like to sing.  Most not very good singers (like me), but nonetheless enjoy getting in front of everyone to sing their heart out on the karaoke.  Karaoke is present at all special events including birthdays, reunions, and even someone's death is like a party because at most wakes I've seen, people are karaoke-ing.  

Transportations/Traffic/Driving Regulations:
   My parents own a van and a car so we're pretty lucky.  At times when Patrick needs to  do auditions/tapping in Makati/Manila/Quezon City area, we're able to borrow the van.  The family also has an on-call driver, which we pay 500 pesos/day with additional 100-200 pesos for food depending on how long the trip is.  When Patrick's goes to the gym on the next town over, he usually uses the electric scooter I purchased when we first arrived in the Philippines.  The scooter has been very convenient since it doesn't require a registration or license to drive around.  
      When we don't want to deal with traffic or parking and we're only headed to the nearby mall, Patrick and I will take PeeJay/Liam on the Jeepney.  It only cost 8.50 pesos for each of us and PeeJay/Liam is free since he's on our lap.  A Jeepney can carry 20-26 passengers depending on how long it is.  There are some designated stops, but a passenger can say, "para" anytime to get off practically anywhere.  Riding a tricycle is also another way to get from places; cost a bit more than a Jeepney and Patrick seem to be too big to fit comfortably inside it.  There's also a thing called a "padyak" which is a bicycle with a sidecar attached to it.  The fee for those things are similar to the tricycles.  Surprisingly, many people also walk, but it's so hot out that I prefer not to.  

Traffic is not as bad as a remember when I use to visit the Philippines. The reason may be that when we need to get to the city, we plan and give ourselves a few hours to arrive at our destinations.  Also, we've learned to avoid traffic hours during the morning and later in the day when everyone is going to and from work.  Rush hour traffic is expected and people just need to plan better and give themselves plenty of time to travel.  

   There are traffic rules, but I can't say that every driver follows them.  Our driver has gotten pulled over a few times in the past for either running a red light, using a bus only lane, and not wearing a seat belt.  At all of those times, our driver paid his way out of a ticket, 50 pesos, 100 pesos and 220 pesos; the cost of the violation just depends on how much the arresting officer is willing to accept at that point.  Many times, traffic lights are useless because drivers do not obey it and probably the same reason why I have never seen a stop sign anywhere.  Mileage or how far you are to your destination is not usually clear; there may be a sign for it, but it won't tell you specifically how far you are from it, which can be frustrating because the sign can be 1, 9, or 20 kilometers from the actual place you are trying to get to.  
   Remember that there is no specific "passing lane" while driving because you can pass on the left or right.  And turn signals are optional.  Parking lots are usually filled with parking attendants that stand around helping guide drivers to their specific parking spot. 5 pesos is usually what we give to the parking attendant who's helped us when leaving because parking is usually free.  
   The Department of Motor Vehicle here is a joke.  I mean: it explains why so many people are such inconsiderately bad at driving.  The actual driving test is one big oval route with a bridge and speed bumps; all left turns.  If you  pay enough money for the written test, the right answers will already be filled-out for you!  


Television/Movies:
   We shipped our 42-inch flatscreen HD television from the states prior to our move here in the Philippines.  By the time we arrived, cable has already been installed with various channel options like National Geographic, HBO, Cartoon Network and Disney Jr.  I do miss the Food Network, but we've been lucky to have watched new episodes of "The Walking Dead" at the same time it aired in the US last season.  Our current cable provider is Cignal, there are others like Sky Cable, that we're not able to subscribe to due to our location.  
   The hubby and I try to see a movie in theaters at least once in 2-3 months for fun.  A ticket costs180 pesos and for a 3-D movie, it's 300 pesos per ticket.  It is common occurrence to see babies and very young children at the theaters.  I couldn't believe there were infants at the "Godzilla" screening.  
        DVDs are available everywhere; you can get 3 for 100 pesos or even 4 if you know how to barter. The TV series are 40 pesos per season which I usually get to catch up on TV shows from the States.  The DVD copies are usually pretty clear and watchable with occasional background noise of people laughing, Spanish subtitles only and even a "theater goers" head at times.  Be warned that the DVD stands get raided at random times, but don't worry, the stands are restocked with DVDs in less than 24-hours. 

Internet/Cell Phones:
   We have internet, a wi-fi network set up at home.  We pay for a 2Mbps speed, but we're running on .54Mpbs or less most of the time.  Often times we have intermittent internet connections especially towards the end of the month.  Unlimited internet usage is what we SHOULD have, but it becomes limited once we reach our data cap for the month and the speed is throttled.  Calling Smart Bro's costumer service for the internet is always a long, frustrating task.  When solutions given over the phone doesn't solve the internet connection problem, I usually unplug the cables (this way, the costumer service representative cannot discover a signal from the internet) and this forces Smart Bro to send one of their technician over to fix the problem without any questions ask.  There are many Internet cafes, about 20 pesos per hour. 

   Pilipinos sends a lot of text messages, rarely uses their cell phones to make a voice call.  It because texting is much cheaper compared to a phone call (1 peso vs 8 peosos).  Many also are not on calling plan.  Pre-paid is the way to go by buying LOAD via card (100, 300, 500 pesos) or E-LOAD from a nearby sari-sari store.  There's also a thing called Pasa-LOAD, a friend can share 1-500 pesos of their load to you.  Cellular data costs 5 pesos/15 minutes of internet browsing.  

QUICK TIPS:

1. Have Patience: It seems like EVERYTHING takes twice as long especially at government offices because not everybody is properly trained for their specific job.  The most inefficient way is what we usually encounter here in the Philippines, life would be so much easier if things are planned out ahead of time accordingly.  I think it's because many Pilipinos have a "Bahal Na" attitude (whatever happens, happens)! 

2.  Everyone seem to owe somebody money:  Rule of thumb, don't let anyone borrow money unless it's a life or dealth situation. 

3.  Expect to pay a HIGH electricity bill:  It seems like it's more expensive here than in the US, with air conditioners in every bedroom, a couple of fans, televisions, microwave, mini toaster oven and other electronics. 

4.  Umbrella is a MUST HAVE:  Weather it's raining or not, bring an umbrella with you all the time.  An umbrella is a great tool that can provide shade, too on sunny days!

5.  There are LOTS of knock-off things for sale for a quarter of the price of its original counterparts:  For cheaper things in bulk, hit up Divisoria or Baklaran (a place where you can literally find/buy anything you want).  Never settle for the final price, always "tawad", to get the lowest price.

6.  A Real Hamburger is rare to find:  Most burgers are made with Salisbury steaks. 

7.  If you're a foreigner, expect to be the center of attention ALL THE TIME:  And if you're a white guy, you're name is "Joe" ... learn to accept that because that's the name you'll be called by strangers.  Also, learn some useful phrases like, "nakakaintindi ako ng Tagalog" to quiet the whispering around you in public. 

8.  Religion is big in the Philippines:  Mom's side is all Catholic while Dad's siblings and their families are Iglesia Ni Cristo.  I grew up Catholic until I met my husband.  We started attending Harvesters Baptist Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna when we arrived in the Philippines.  The morning service can last up to 3 hours (sans Sunday school), so bring plenty of snacks for the kiddos. 

9.  People expect that you're rich, just because you're from the States or a Balikbayan.

10.  Pilipinos are one of the nicest people you will ever meet because the culture is very family-oriented. 

(This is one of the main reason why Patrick and I decided to move to the Philippines, to instill the value of how important family is to our children)

*The 1Million Pesos Question: 💲

Will we ever move back to America? 

   We have another year to go before we seriously need to think about this question.  At the moment, we are all happy living in the Philippines and enjoying our life here.  PeeJay is doing so well at school and learning so much!  And he and Liam are both communicating in Tagalog and English.  Patrick has had many auditions as an actor and is learning "the way things work" here in that profession.  I am loving the opportunity to be a "stay-at-home mom" and being with PeeJay and Liam as much as possible, watching them grow.  It does "take a village to raise a child" and I'm glad/thankful Patrick and I have "a village" of our own here in the Philippines because of my parents, aunties, uncles, cousins and others always willing to provide the boys love and care. 

   I miss family and friends in the US, so Patrick and I at least need to look into vacationing/visiting next year perhaps... we'll see ✈️!

mid February 2014 - beginning of May 2014

Photo Bucket: a look-through pictures for the last three months 

#itsMoreFunInThePhilippines

Liam eats his favorite cereal independently with a spoon -- he calls Cheerios, "oooos!" 

Friends from Quezon City visits us for lunch. Albert (guy in blue shirt) and I went to school together at Oceana High School in Pacifica. Now we're both residing in the Philippines -- small world, indeed 🌐

DaDa works as a Virtual Assistant for a company in San Diego, California. Some days are "bring your kid to work day" ☎️

Beach Resort in Tanza, Cavite: PeeJay loves collecting all the different kinds of shells 

Receiving a Balikbayan Box here is like Christmas... a great BIG thank you to Ya-Ya and Uncle Restie. 📦

Liam rides the Electric Scooter around the neighboorhood for the first time - from the looks of it, I think Liam enjoyed himself 👍

a morning visit to Tagaytay to buy fresh fruits, veggies and meats 🐄🍍🌽🍓

Patrick waits to shoot his first ever TV SHOW in Makati 📹🎥 called, The Boston: The Kitchen Musical 

Happy PI Day 2014: Egg Pie

The Myers Boys celebrates St. Patrick's Day in the Philippines - no pinching, please!

Karakol: Carmona Fiesta 💃

Myers Brothers just hanging out looking cute in their overalls...

haircut time for PeeJay ✂️

PeeJay's first Jeepney ride - he loved it 😍

weight check: 28 pounds 💪

Happy Birthday, Ate Andeng 🎂

Paradizoo Farm in Tagaytay: Liam feeds a baby goat with milk 🍼 and PeeJay poses with a 5-legged cow 🐄

PeeJay gets his daily gross movement activity daily by riding his bike around the subdivision 🚲

San Francisco Giants Opening Day 2014 -- Liam represents even in the Philippines ⚾️

Happy Birthday, DaDa 🎂

Patrick enjoying his birthday dessert from Red Ribbon, Mango Cream Pie 

Happy 60th Borthday, Lolo 🎂

Easter 2014: Egg Hunting, Boys Edition

🍼 transitioning continues... 

SM Mall Santa Rosa - Shakey's Pizza 🍕 and Dunkin' Donuts 🍩

Happy Birthday, Kuya Ryan 🎂

a great Mother's Day with the LOVES of my life -- this year it's also my birthday 🎂💐

FIRST rain of the 2014 season - May 14, 2014