Lifestyle & Money
Showing:10 of 87 articles
The 50-Year Land Lease Loophole Every Expat Building a House Should Know
How expats use 50-year leases to secure homes in the Philippines - practical steps and risks.
I Bought a Condo in Manila for $150,000 - Here's What the Contracts Don't Tell You
Real, practical pitfalls when buying a Manila condo for $150K - taxes, fees, and fine print.
The 40% Rule That Stops Most Foreigners From Buying Property in the Philippines
The 40% rule that limits foreign condo ownership in the Philippines.
GCash vs. Maya vs. Traditional Banking: What Actually Works for Expats in 2026
Practical guide: GCash, Maya, or banks - best picks for expats in PH (2026)
Freediving the Sardine Run in Moalboal: The Most Surreal Experience of My Life
Freediving Moalboal's sardine run - surreal, up-close ocean experience.
The Ati-Atihan Festival: Why Strangers Invited Me Into Their Homes (And Fed Me for Free)
A traveler's story of being welcomed and fed during Kalibo's Ati-Atihan.
I Tried Opening a Philippine Bank Account as a Foreigner - Here's What Nobody Warned Me About
I opened a Philippine bank account as a foreigner - unexpected paperwork, twists, and tips.
Cloud 9 Isn't Actually the Best Wave in Siargao - Here's Where Locals Really Surf
Local surf spots in Siargao that beat Cloud 9 for waves and vibe.
Swimming with Whale Sharks in Donsol Changed Everything I Thought About Wildlife Tourism
How Donsol whale shark encounters reshaped my ideas about ethical wildlife tourism.
Why Your Bank Is Ripping You Off (And How Wise Saves Expats Thousands in the Philippines)
How banks quietly overcharge expats in the Philippines - and how Wise cuts costs.