Expat Life in the Philippines

The best thing you can do while in the Philippines, whether there for a short business trip, vacation getaway, or long-term assignment, is to get to know the people. The beauty of this place is not overshadowed by the often conflicting images, sounds, and smells of this island nation.

Quick Tips:

There is hardly a need for discount coupons in the Philippines. The peso is depressed, and, at this point, hovers at 56 pesos to the dollar. It makes for very inexpensive lodging, dining, and entertainment fees.

Best Way To Get Around:

The jeepney is one of the most well-known modes of public transportation around the world. These brilliantly colored vans began with US military jeeps that were converted to allow for more passengers. As time went on, owners of these fume-sputtering vehicles began to decorate them and to stencil family names and more on every visible part of the jeep. They would comfortably seat about 12 people, but often you will see 20 or more hanging on for dear life. During the busiest of travel times, passengers will hang on to the rails on the outside of the vehicle, and it is not uncommon to see this on the highway travel to Pampanga.

When looking for resturants that offer food that is familiar in the Angeles area, Fortune is a happy find. The menu is large and so are the portions. The wonton soup is amazing and the size of the bowl--well, it would feed a small village.

Ribs, chicken, and fish are abundant on the menu and all are delicious.

The seafood is displayed in large tanks on the wall, and the waiter will bring the fish to your table for your approval before cooking.

You will have numerous wait staff at your table--they far outnumber the size of the group you are dining with.