Blog
Stay updated with our latest articles, insights, tips, and comprehensive guides designed primarily for expats planning to settle in the Philippines.
Adventure: Finding a Fedex Shipping Location in Tacloban
So, a few days ago, I had to go to Tacloban to mail some documents. At the risk of revealing what part of the Philippines I live in, that was the closest city that had a Fedex shipping location. Things did not go as planned.
expats 17-02-2026
Data Protection and Privacy Standards / Regulations in the Philippines
Many people will tell you that privacy is dead in the modern age. I think that's a pessimistic view of the world. Yes, you've got to put some work into it, but a reasonable level of privacy can be achieved. Of course, it depends upon which country we are talking about. This blog is mainly focused on North American and EU-based audiences. So, what laws and regulations exist in the Philippines to protect citizens and residents' data and privacy?
privacy 16-02-2026
Philippines Digital Nomad Visa: 2026 Edition
If you’ve been eyeing the beaches of Philippines while answering Slack messages and cashing overseas invoices, you’re not alone.
expats 14-02-2026
Real Estate Shenanigans: Volume 2
This blog post chronicles the multi-year effort to obtain clean titles for the four lots of land we bought that make up our small farm.
realestate 11-02-2026
For the Love of Notary Public Services in the Philippines
If you’ve spent any time dealing with Philippine government offices, banks, utilities, or even private corporations, you’ve likely encountered a familiar refrain -- “Sir/Ma’am, this needs to be notarized.”
culture 09-02-2026
Real Estate Shenanigans Series
A collection of blog posts describing real estate transactions in the Philippines.
realestate 09-02-2026
🌍 International Schools in the Philippines: A Guide for Expat Families
Choosing an international school in the Philippines is one of the biggest decisions expat families make. Quality education that’s recognized internationally, especially with US or European accreditation and curricula, can ease transitions between countries and help with future university placement abroad. International schools here typically offer English-medium instruction, globally recognized programs like IB (International Baccalaureate), US-style standards, British and other European systems, and a diverse, multinational student community.
expats 07-02-2026
Building a Real 'Plan B' -- Why Many Westerners Choose the Philippines
For a growing number of Westerners, 'Plan B' no longer means a vacation home or a retirement fantasy. It means something more practical. The Philippines can be part of that plan.
expats 04-02-2026
Philippines Spousal Visa (13A) -- 2026 Edition
If you’re married to a Filipino citizen and planning to live in the Philippines long-term, the 13A Non-Quota Immigrant Visa (commonly called the spousal visa) is the path that turns you from “perpetual tourist” into a legal resident.
expats 02-02-2026
Philippines SIRV Visa -- 2026 Edition
If you want Philippine residency without being married to a Filipino and without renewing tourist visas forever, the SIRV is one of the cleanest legal paths available.
expats 01-02-2026
Extending Your Tourist Visa While Living in the Rural Philippines
So, during my first long-term stay in the Philippines on a regular tourist visa, I wanted to stay about three months. To do that I needed to extend my tourist visa. I was at the house in the rural Philippines. So, the closest BI office is a few hours drive away. This was a while ago before I had learned aboout how the Filipino immigration system works. So, I hired an immigration firm to take care of it for me.
expat 29-01-2026
VPN Usage for Expats -- What You Need to Know
For expats living abroad, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is less about secrecy and more about functionality, access, and stability. Whether you’re dealing with government portals, banks, streaming services, or everyday browsing on questionable Wi-Fi, a VPN often becomes part of your digital survival kit.
privacy 28-01-2026