Actually, I HAVE heard these from a family member who is treated by one of the many Filipino doctors in the area of my hometown in the United States. This family member knowing that I will soon be moving with my wife to our home in the Philippines was worried for my safety and voiced their concern to me.

Now, being from an area of the U.S. where not many people have any knowledge of the Philippines other than what is portrayed on the TV news or Internet websites, I would expect such a warning. But for this to come from an actual Filipino who was born and raised in the PI it is shocking. It goes to show that some people when they reach a certain level of prestige or income in their life turn their backs on where they come from.

My answer to this good doctor would be: Yes, there are places in the Philippines where this could happen but I am many many miles away from such areas. Probably just as far from certain neighborhoods in the big cities in the United States where I couldn’t walk down the street without fearing for my life. This is what the world has become and to live in fear that just being in an area unfamiliar to me would make me fear for my life is just wrong. I choose to experience life and enjoy myself before my time on earth is finished.

My advice to any person from any country that decides to move to another country or just visit another country. Read the info the State department puts out. Know the areas where you are visiting, stay out of the areas where you shouldn’t be, and just enjoy yourself. Salamat Po

OK, after those scary headlines you know where I ‘m going don’t you.  Yes, another American Idol post, and I must ask that you forgive me for being involved in such a show but IT IS addicting. The injustice that I’m talking about of course is that Fil-Am singer Jessica Sanchez last night not only ended up in the bottom three, but she actually got the least votes of anybody and was on the verge of going home until she was saved by judges J-Lo, Randy “Dawg” Jackson, and my favorite rocker Steven Tyler.

Like the judges, I agree that Jessica is not only the best singer in AI right now, but probably one of the best in the whole show ever. So, I like many others couldn’t believe that Americans got lazy and didn’t vote. After all, what could they be doing that is more important? Working at jobs, struggling with the economy, pawning their possessions to buy gasoline and food or watching another TV show? No, those things come in second when American Idol comes on and the hour afterwards which is dedicated to voting for Jessica Sanchez. Come on Americans do your duty!

Here is Jessica’s performance this week:

First there is Heejun Han who was born in South Korea and immigrated to the U.S. when he was in his teens. A very good singer and a funny guy also. The judges seem to like him which is always a plus and he gets plenty of votes from the viewers of American Idol. In the end I feel that although all of them are equally talented Heejun will not be in contention by the final show.

Now we have Jessica Sanchez a 16 year old young lady who is has a Filipina mother and Mexican father. She was born in San Diego California and was previously seen on America’s got talent. I see her winning the competition or being in the Top 3. In fact Top 3 would be the worst she should do but you never know how that worksbecause the winner is usually a surprise.

Anyway we will just have to sit back and wait until May 23rd which will be the Finale show. In the meantime watch this video of Jessica talking about where she would like to go on tour. Can anybody guess where?

Recent news in the last couple of days have enforced my opinion as you can see from the recent rant of an American Airlines Flight Attendant. It’s a wonder more of this doesn’t happen but it may and is only covered up. Anyway, maybe if this doesn’t keep you away from some of these airlines maybe you will keep an eye on the airline crews attending to you on your next flight.

In the future Craig promises a photography contest with cash prizes for readers who submit the best photos of their Philippines experiences and scenery. You can visit this website by clicking on the following link: Filipino Friend Photo.

A sampling of his work can also be found on his Facebook Page

Christmas With Charice

1) Transportation-I seem to walk more in the Philippines than in the States even though I love riding trikes and jeeps. The reason I walk so much more is a matter of my location much more than any economical or cultural reasons. Our home in Laguna is so close to everything that the only time we ride is areas quite a distance from our home. A five-ten minute walk will get us to the supermarket, coffee shop, shopping mall, and anything else you could want in a city. As far as when we are in the Province,after we arrive it’s relaxing on the beach with a swim or walking over to the Sari Sari to get some San Mig.

2) Eating-In the Philippines we eat very little processed food or fast food as there are too many kinds of fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables to waste eating french fries or pizza. Now, I still have to have my Zagu drink now and then but that’s about it.

3) Sleeping- No matter if we are in the Province or the city I just get sleepier earlier in the evening and wake up much earlier in the morning. Haven’t figured out why but I do. I still have marathon overnight computer work sessions but those are few and far between.

Well folks that is a small sampling of the changes I have when living in the Philippines vice the United States but I am eager to hear some of the changes you all have experienced, so comment please!

The Official Website of the Province of Pangasinan and It’s People