Comments Posted By Brian
Displaying 181 To 210 Of 1,084 Comments
Re; your meal
In general, are you seeing signs of pricing increases or size decreases in portions, not only at restaurants, but other daily things? I guess decreasing portions is a things as Swan mentioned. Beef prices are up 50%+ in the US. Not sure if that is a worldwide thing, or mainly in the US. Inflation seems to be pretty stubbornly high.Re: trikes
Wow. Didnt realize that they were that small. I was envisioning something like the tuk-tuk’s in Thailand. Swan in pretty petite and she looks cramped. How in the heck do you fit in one?Re: Venezuela
Maduro was/is an asshole and had to go. He and Chavez ruined what was a pretty good country. But, not sure if there is a plan B. (See Iraq for example). Not sure what Trump is expecting. We make Venezuela the 51st state?» Posted By Brian On 05/January/2026 @ 1:07 am
Re: tourist arrivals.
I wonder how many of the tourist arrivals to Indonesia are just Bali. My guess is at least 75%, if not more.I don’t think that the PI markets itself very well, and as you mention, there are a lot of challenges for someone visiting who is not an experienced international traveler that they wouldn’t face in other SE Asian countries.
(Somewhat funny, but in that map, the countries are identified pretty accurately geographically; the flag of Thailand is over the country of Thailand, same for Indonesia, etc. but the flag of the PI is on Indonesian Borneo.)
» Posted By Brian On 02/January/2026 @ 9:29 am
Re: hosting
Not uncommon that web hosts will put a cap on the max size of your website. And since yours has been going strong for a number of years, not surprising that you have run up against that limit. As to whether or not that is the cause of your recent problems, I have no idea.Question for @Kevin. Since you don’t really have your own domain, but rather a sub-domain on blogspot, do they have a cap on your blog size? Not being very savvy on web hosting, owning domains, etc, but I thought that one of the advantages of owning your own domain (thought having it hosted by someone else) was that you had control over the total amount of your content. Even if you wanted to move to another “location” that offered better pricing for more storage, all the content was yours. Is that something easily done with a website like blogspot?
John, what do you pay? I have domain, but dont really use it as a website. My web host (Tigertech) costs roughly $110/year for 50 GB of storage, 100 mailboxes, etc. Been happy with them so far.
Re: homeless Brit
Yeah, you know my thoughts. Loser in home country. Comes to 3rd world country. Still a loser.Re: Stickman Bangkok
You are probably aware, but he is finally closing up shop on his website. Lots of interesting reads on there over the years. Never met him personally, but corresponded a few times on non bar Thailand stuff and he was always very personable and willing to give me pointers and suggestions.» Posted By Brian On 02/January/2026 @ 9:13 am
Can’t edit comments so I will add this
Looks like 20 cases of beer plus whatever you brought. So, let’s say 500 cans of beer. 102 people, but probably 1/2 drank little to no beer. So, for those who drank, an average of 10 cans each. LOL
» Posted By Brian On 02/January/2026 @ 8:49 am
Interesting. I have never had a problem with accessing your blog. #shrug
Not sure if it is the browser/computer combination I use or what.
» Posted By Brian On 02/January/2026 @ 8:46 am
John, I wouldn’t think of it as begging.
(and take the below with a grain of salt, as I am neither a doctor or a counselor, nor do I play one on TV!)
I would reach out and say something like:
Dear XXX,
I completely understand that you do not agree or approve of some of my lifestyle decisions in the not so distant past. Believe me, I do understand. I wish I could say that I have been a perfect person, but I am probably more flawed than not. I can’t change the past, but can try and do better in the future. If life does have a do-over, there are definitely things I would do differently. But one of things I know I would not change is that I always tried to do the best for you and give you my love. yada yada yadaMy armchair analysis is that the loss of these close relationships bugs you a lot. I dont think it is begging to reach out. Again, what is the downside? You wont be any worse off if they do not respond or respond in a negative manner. (At least I dont think so). Anyway, good luck as you navigate the sucky things that life can throw at us.
» Posted By Brian On 29/December/2025 @ 8:16 pm
Merry Christmas!
Re: family and spouses
Would you really be worse off if you made an effort to contact family (and spouse) again? What is the worse that could happen?
A. They ignore you or tell you they have no desire to see you. Result = no different than current status quo
B. A dialogue starts.It wouldn’t be easy but the path of least resistance (doing nothing) is not always the best path to take.
I often look at decisions and see what is the downside. If no downside, then why not give it a try? As per the cliche, “you miss 100% of the shots you never take”
» Posted By Brian On 26/December/2025 @ 11:43 pm
Re: Picture of trash
Not sure if it was you or I saw it on a different site, but based on both absolute volume and per capita, the PI is far ahead of other countries when it comes to the amount of plastic waste that goes into the environment. Maybe the tourism board could have a “we’re #1” campaign.Re: Reekay video
Kind of click bait. For most people, I think there will be zero noticeable impact. Kind of like when trading stocks went from X$ per trade or per share, to basically nothing. Opened things up a bit, but I am not sure it was not a seismic impact. Yeah, instead of Western Union charging USD$8 to send money, it will now be $2. Good for the consumer, but (to me) not really earth shattering.» Posted By Brian On 23/December/2025 @ 1:14 pm
Good on ya for helping out those less fortunate than us.
» Posted By Brian On 21/December/2025 @ 11:40 pm
>I sat there alone for two hours watching darkness turn to light. And thinking. About my life. About the future and whether I wanted one. I felt like I was at a decision point: Let go? Move on? Hold on? Ultimately, I chose to continue down the road I’m traveling, but with a renewed sense of caution and situational awareness
Again, my 2 cents from a 10,000 foot view and probably not seeing the whole picture……
I think you need a change of some sort. Not sure if that would be an extended trip somewhere, a possible change in location, a change in lifestyle, or something else.
Seems like your current lifestyle is not matching up with what you really want. You are in a good position in that you have the resources to make a change if needed. You keep mentioning the “too old to start over”, but what does that really mean? Do you really have such deep meaningful relationships (other than maybe Swan) in Baretto that doing something different would be earth shattering? What is so different about making a change at 70 vs 65?
Maybe we are only hearing the “downs” in your life rather than the “ups”.
Anyways, here’s looking at a brighter tomorrow.
» Posted By Brian On 17/December/2025 @ 12:56 pm
>…and the recent lack of tourists that makes the bar business here a struggle.
Have you noticed that? I saw a headline, but did not watch the video about how tourism to the PI was down, while all other SE Asian nations were experiencing a boom in tourism. Any thoughts on this? Has the PI peso weakened against currencies other than the USD, like the UK pound, euro, etc? This would seem to make it more attractive to western tourists if this were the case.
Related, but have you seen an increase in non-western tourists to the PI, like folks from China, India, etc.?
» Posted By Brian On 13/December/2025 @ 11:38 pm
>Mr. Kim told me his only regret was not retiring sooner, so he could enjoy more time with his family. Those words resonated, and when I was asked to extend my employment with USFK for one more year, I respectfully declined.
Yep, one of my first comments on your blog was along the lines of, “you cant add time to the end of your retirement, only to the beginning.”
Re: @Kevin comment: ” people have been trying to become increasingly artificial versions of themselves.”
I think that people have always tried this, using what was available at the time. The difference today is that technology has evolved to make this easier for the average person to change things about themselves and is hence more obvious. If plastic surgery, boob jobs, etc were readily available and affordable to people in the 1970’s, I think that people then would have taken advantage of it same as today.
» Posted By Brian On 12/December/2025 @ 12:34 pm
>nope, no desire to reopen old wounds. For what it is worth, we did talk shortly prior to my leaving Korea. She said she regretted her decision and wanted to try again. I was too far gone by then to take that step. The trust I had in her love for me had disappeared. Maybe I was wrong, but something had died in me by then.
Obviously, we readers don’t know the depth of what you went through. But you still seem to harbor some pretty deep feelings for your Korean ex. I am a forgiving person and certainly do believe in second chances.
If I were judged on the worst episode or period of my life, I would certainly not come out smelling like roses, and probably would be living as a hermit, shunned by just about everyone. LOL I think this is true of every person.
(again, we were not there and you may have already given that second (or third, etc.) chance on that part of your life.)
» Posted By Brian On 12/December/2025 @ 12:21 pm
Wow. Much bigger hash gathering that I had imagined. Takes a lot of effort to put that on. Kudos to the hosts.
Also, thought the hash shirts were pretty clever. One of the first hiking pictures, I was like,”Why is some guy hiking in a vest and tie?”
>…the sweet sound of bagpipes.
Not what I would call the sound that comes from a bagpipe. LOL» Posted By Brian On 08/December/2025 @ 3:07 am
>I pride myself on maintaining control when I drink, and yesterday was a failure in that regard. It is rare that I get falling-down drunk, and it is an embarrassment when I do. Hopefully, I learned my lesson about over-indulgence yesterday.
Not sure if this was an intentional or unintentional joke, but either way, I got a laugh out of it. 😛
The good thing is that when you over indulge, it is in a place where you are not a danger to others (i.e. behind the wheel of a vehicle).
How many other Hash groups attended, other than your Subic Bay group and I assume the Dagupan(?) group?
» Posted By Brian On 07/December/2025 @ 3:52 am
Looks like a nice gathering.
(As an aside, surprised that his wife looks to be from the UK. )
» Posted By Brian On 05/December/2025 @ 9:38 am
The joys of traveling. LOL. But as you said in so many words, any landing you walk away from is a good landing.
As popular at Siragao seems to be, it is surprising that there are not any non-stops from Manila. (Maybe there are, but did not fit your schedule?)
» Posted By Brian On 04/December/2025 @ 6:19 am
Re: previous back and forth about moving to Siargao
Understand about being a nice place to visit but wouldn’t want to live there. That is probably true of a lot of places. Generally, humans like to nest and establishing some sort of life and routine is appealing and makes it tough to move. The devil you know……..Re: eviction.
Yeah, what a pain in the ass. Reminds me when I was in Syria (pre civil war of course). Came back from work, walked past the front desk, said hi, went up to my room and found it completely empty. Back downstairs to the front desk, “Oh, we moved you to a different room!” (Face palm by me). As you have said many times, take a deep breath and understand that it is the PI way.Re: T-shirt
Not sure if it is an act or not, but you seem to have the grump man look down pat!! LOL» Posted By Brian On 02/December/2025 @ 12:27 am
Seems like Siargao is a pretty nice place. Appears to have some definite advantages over Barretto. Though, I am sure there are disadvantages not yet apparent (or maybe they are).
Do you have any thoughts of moving to someplace other than Barretto or are you fixed in place there? Inertia is a powerful thing! LOL
» Posted By Brian On 01/December/2025 @ 12:10 am
>I don’t understand how people allow themselves to be unfunded in a third-world country. I’ll flee for home long before I wind up living on the streets.
I agree. But, most foreigners that end up on the streets are generally starting with very little to begin with. They have no backstop (and no way) to get back and survive in their home country. Not always the case, but they think that their USD$500/month will let them live like a king in a developing country, and find out that is not the case.
» Posted By Brian On 30/November/2025 @ 2:28 am
Re: legal jeopardy
I was thinking more in terms of Swan. If she could get in trouble living with you; her not being married and you being married, but not to her.Though, I am guessing that the PI authorities have bigger fish to fry. And if they went after you or others in your situation, they would probably round up 25% of the expats in the PI. LOL
» Posted By Brian On 28/November/2025 @ 12:26 am
Feel free not to answer, as it really is none of my business. (But, it obviously does not stop me from asking. LOL)
Would an official divorce have an impact on (either positive or negative) on your pension?
Is Swan or you in any legal danger living with you? IIRC, you have previously mentioned that adultery is technically against the law in the PI and can result in some pretty severe penalties.
» Posted By Brian On 24/November/2025 @ 11:07 am
Happy early Thanksgiving.
@Kevin is correct in that routine makes the time pass quickly such that one day runs into the next.
>Time seems to go by faster because of the combination of fewer new experiences and the way our brain processes routine activities. Childhood is filled with novelty, leading to densely packed, vivid memories that make time feel slow in retrospect. As we age, routine becomes more common, leading to fewer distinct memories, which makes time feel like it is slipping by quickly.
Obviously, things by default are going to be more of a novelty as a kid. First time you see a squirrel – super cool and amazing. When you see one as an adult. Meh.
Goes to show that it is important to seek out new things and get out of the rut. Having said it, if a person is happy with the routine that they are in, good for them. Everybody is different.
» Posted By Brian On 22/November/2025 @ 1:38 am
@John
LOL Hadn’t heard that joke before about the bulge in your pants. 🙂Re: visa
I think you are probably okay. You mentioned that other than being a pain in the ass to get, you meet all criteria for a retirement visa, so if push comes to shove, I suppose you will just have to jump through all of the hoops to get it done.In Thailand, they are cracking down on the people who do a one day visa run, etc. Either fly out or more common is to cross the border into Laos, Cambodia, etc. and come right back in to Thailand. A lot of the retirees could pivot to a retirement visa, for example, but easier to do the visa runs. Those that cant are probably in pretty dire straits economically. I think the digital nomads and remote workers will be impacted the most. No different from the US. You can’t come to work in the US on a tourist visa.
If you are not a contractor and actually working for a company (and the company doesn’t know you are remote in country X), it can cause huge tax issues for the company.
As long as visa rules are clearly spelled out, then I have no problem with it.
» Posted By Brian On 21/November/2025 @ 12:12 am
@Kevin – good movie.
Re: video
Well, I think that there is another reason guys come to the Philippines looking for love and it has to do with the fact that the wallet somehow looks much exponentially bigger than it does in the States. LOLOn a completely different note, Thailand recently began cracking down on visa runs.
>Thailand has tightened enforcement on visa runs, giving immigration officers broad discretion to refuse entry to travelers who show patterns of repeated tourist entries without securing a proper long-stay visa. Digital nomads, long-term tourists, retirees, and frequent visitors relying on border hops are most affected.
One article I read mentioned that this was something that all SEA countries were looking at. Any rumblings that the PI is looking to change things?
» Posted By Brian On 19/November/2025 @ 11:09 pm
One other comment.
I think you should do the Subic to Angeles walk. Swan would probably enjoy it. Hire a car/driver for the whole trek as a support vehicle. That way, you could go as slow are as fast as you wanted. Need to take a break or bypass a particularly challenging stretch? Just hop in the car. Not a race or a competition, so who gives a rats ass how you do it.
» Posted By Brian On 18/November/2025 @ 12:33 am
>Touching the lives of others in a meaningful way is Dave’s true legacy
Yup, that is a good measure of one’s life.
A lot of those bar names are still around in BKK. Did not realize that Dave had set up camp in BKK prior to coming to the PI.Kudos to Swan on her run, but it doesn’t seem anything out of the ordinary, based on how much you walk already. You should have been there to cheer her on!! LOl
Re: the penny
Yeah, I have advocated for getting rid of the penny for a long time. One hundred years ago, the penny had some value. I am almost to the point of getting rid of the nickel also. If you are paying cash, and your total amount ends in 0-4, the price gets rounded down. Ends in 5-9, it gets rounded up.» Posted By Brian On 18/November/2025 @ 12:31 am
Re: Dave
And Time continues to be undefeated in the game of Life.
How long had he been ill?
For good or bad, my guess is that other than your personal interactions with Dave, you will not see much difference in how the bars are run, the corruption, bar raids, etc. Seems like somebody always steps in to fill the void, even though to me from a 10000 ft view, sees that it is a futile effort with too many bars chasing too few patrons.» Posted By Brian On 17/November/2025 @ 2:47 am
Re: Paradise resort
I would imagine if anyone wanted to do something at that site, the original buildings would have to be razed. Tropical weather is not very nice to structures that are not maintained.Surprising that a place like the Whiterock has never been visited by you. Another one to add to you list. LOL
» Posted By Brian On 16/November/2025 @ 12:37 am
«« Back To Stats Page>Yes, I do think the countries you cite are worse than the Philippines. The Brits and Aussies I’ve met here are not pleased about the degradation of their homelands. For example, in the UK, Muslim immigrant “grooming” rape gangs run wild,
A bit of a disconnect. Obviously, the locals do not think the same as you do. As you mention, there would probably be a net outflow of people from the PI to places like UK, Australia, US, etc. You are an “immigrant” to the PI. Do you think that the locals look at us “immigrants” the way we sometimes look at immigrants to the US, UK, etc.
I wonder that myself. Do they think, “Brian, he’s a great guy, hands out candy to the kids, slips a few pesos to the homeless lady, etc.” or are they thinking, “Brian, what an a**hole. Comes in here, thinking that by throwing around some money and candy, he can buy himself into our good graces. We don’t need that type of immigrant. What is he contributing to our society?”
Probably they think a bit of both.
When we go into a country and our income is 10x+ the local income, it makes it easy to say that the country is great, people are friendly, etc. How friendly would the people be on the candy walk if you didn’t bring candy? Try it.
I have loved my time living overseas, both in Asia and other places, and could see my self retiring (or at least spending a chunk of the year) overseas. But, we will have to agree to disagree when you say that the PI (overall) is better than the US, Australia, etc. In certain circumstances ($ goes further, meeting and dating those of the opposite sex is easier) definitely, but on a macro scale, there is no way.
Anyway, an interesting discussion.
» Posted By Brian On 13/November/2025 @ 12:44 am