I wanted to scream and I still do! I mailed something to Singapore via USPS (United States Postal Service), but the package arrived empty. When the recipient went to the post office to pick up the package, it had already been opened by some sort of cutter and the contents, one (1) camera and one (1) lens, had been removed. It appears that somewhere after it left the USA, it was stolen. I also paid for other services like insurance and confirmation/tracking number. Someone is responsible for it, even though I don’t know who! The content of the package is worth $1,450 or Php 60,000. Shoot!!! I...

Here is my personal story and rant at the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI); this is based upon my actual experiences. To apply for a credit card in the Philippines is not easy. Most banks require you to present a statement of income or your employment documents. As a balikbayan, in the Philippines, I can’t present any of the requirements, because I reside outside of their territory. But at the Bank of the Philippine Islands [BPI], you can have a credit line, as long as you can deposit a minimum bond of Php 13,000; and that also means, your credit can’t exceed above your deposit. The pr...

My daughter Maria is four years old, and she is eligible for preschool. Hubby and I have decided to send her to a pre-k program, to help build her socialization skills early. Of course we want her to be able to get along with other children, but it will also help her to develop her language skills. This will have a positive effect on her, in preparation for her transition to a proper school. Perhaps, preschool does not need to be mandatory in all schools. This is also voluntary for the parents to decide if they will send their children for pre-k. In general, public schools have programs, fo...

These are my rants about my frustration when it comes to dollar exchanges in the Philippines. I know in every company there are policies to follow, but with my experience, they have made me angry. About 3 years ago, I went to a bank for an exchange of my money. I think I had $300 US in my pocket with a dollar bill and 20 dollar bills. They didn’t accept most of my dollars, for some reason, it didn’t pass the quality test. That means, they want a crisp or new dollar bill. I was planning to open a dollar account at this bank, but I had changed my mind because I was already disappointed. So, ...

Well, I’m still working on it. I do not have very much experience as a driver, but I can drive four wheels. Driving an automatic car is completely different than one with a manual transmission. Right now, I am learning to drive using a manual transmission vehicle in the Philippines. If you want me to rate my driving on the first day, it was 0/10 but by the 4th day and with 5 hours completed, I have built up my self-confidence for a score of 8/10. Driving in the Philippines is crazy as hell! Use of the horn is more frequent, in general. Drivers on public utility vehicles are rude. Drivers a...