It's good to see robust discussion again on the group. It would be a boring old world if we were all the same. Respect and politeness seem in short supply in this messed up world but I believe we need to personally hang on to these traits to stop us becoming completely unglued.

I don't write much as the older I get I realize the Philippines runs to the beat of its own cultural drum....nothing changes quickly here its the way the big families and companies want to keep it...with the support of the Catholic Church. It's all about family survival for the Filipinos which is why so many want to move overseas for the future opportunities it brings to the family.

As an expat of 20 years here, one lost house and 2 wives and one defacto wife later I made nearly every mistake in the ex-pat book lol but it has been a fantastic journey one I wouldn't have missed!

We privately and some publicly, moan about the frustrations of living here but the pluses out do the negatives for most of us...plus most have an amazing Filipina partner the very best thing the Philippines has to offer in my book.

We are all at different stages on our journey through life living here.

I wish each and ever member a Merry Christmas and hope 2024 brings good luck, health and happiness. Cheers!