Japan-Philippines defence pact in focus .. Ishiba visits Marcos
"Japan-Philippines defence pact in focus as Ishiba visits Manila for key talks with Marcos"
Shigeru Ishiba is expected to push for full ratification of a reciprocal access agreement, paving the way for expanded military cooperation
By: Sam Beltran Published: 3:01pm, 28 Apr 2025
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s visit to the Philippines this week reflects the two countries’ rapidly deepening alliance, analysts say – pointing to a landmark defence pact nearing full ratification as a symbol of Manila’s emergence as Tokyo’s “most reliable partner in Southeast Asia”.
The Philippines’ Presidential Communications Office confirmed in a statement last week that Ishiba would undertake an official trip to the country on Tuesday and Wednesday, during which he will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr.
The meeting between both heads of state “will aim to deepen and improve economic and development cooperation, political and defence engagements, and people-to-people exchanges,” according to the statement.
Ishiba and Marcos Jnr are also expected to discuss regional and global developments, as well as explore new pathways towards peace and stability under their “Strengthened Strategic Partnership” – a framework established in 2015 to advance shared principles and goals in the region.
Relations between the two countries are now “at the highest levels diplomatically”, said Julio Amador, interim president of the Foundation for the National Interest in the Philippines and founder of policy advisory firm FACTS Asia. He pointed to the signing of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) – a defence pact allowing both nations’ troops to be stationed on each other’s soil – as a milestone.
“At this juncture, the Philippines is now the most reliable partner of Japan in Southeast Asia in the areas of defence, trade relations and now human resource needs of Japan, considering that Japan is an ageing population,” said Gary Ador Dionisio, dean of the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance, adding that this had been the case since both countries signed the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement in 2006.
Chester Cabalza, founder and president of the International Development Security Cooperation think tank, shared similar views, expressing hopes that Japan would welcome more Filipino entrepreneurs and researchers “to venture into their economy as Japan faces gerontological challenges”.
Cabalza predicted more Japanese investments as the Philippines “will pursue wider appreciation of Japan’s cutting-edge technologies, research and development and support for a self-reliant defence posture”, while building resilience in trade ties as the two counties’ common ally, the United States, imposes global tariffs.
Unratified defence pact
Analysts say Ishiba’s visit is particularly significant given that Japan has yet to ratify the RAA, signed with Manila in July last year.
The Philippine Senate ratified the landmark agreement in December, creating a legal framework for joint training, exercises and operations. Once finalised by Japan’s Diet, the RAA would allow Japanese forces to operate in the Philippines for the first time since World War II – when American and Filipino troops fought Japanese occupying forces.
Philippines vows major exercises in coming Balikatan military drills with US
Japan is acting as a full participant in this year’s edition of the annual Balikatan joint military exercises between US and Philippine forces, which began on April 21. While Japan had previously taken part only as an observer, this year it is participating more actively by conducting joint patrols with US and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea – activities that, unlike troop deployments on Philippine soil, do not require ratification of the RAA.
Once the RAA is ratified by Japan’s Diet, it is expected to pave the way for even broader participation in the drills, including joint training exercises on land.
Both Japan and the Philippines have been long-standing allies of Washington, whose efforts to strengthen global alliances have intensified amid China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Amador described ties between Tokyo and Manila as “on an upwards trajectory”, adding that defence cooperation would be vital to the relationship. He noted that the Philippines was one of the first recipients of Japan’s Official Security Assistance, a framework established in 2023 to provide defence equipment and support to the armed forces of like-minded countries.
Under this programme, Tokyo has committed to supplying the Philippines with coastal surveillance radars, rigid-hulled inflatable boats and other non-lethal equipment to enhance its maritime domain awareness and bolster its security capabilities.
“As the first recipient of the Official Security Assistance, the Philippines will look to Japan to supply it with equipment to enhance the former’s capacity in securing its maritime domain,” Amador said. “[Japan] in turn wants to help the Philippines defend and secure its waters.”
Meanwhile, Dionisio said the pending ratification of the RAA reflected Japan’s “all politics is local” approach. It would ultimately be the responsibility of Prime Minister Ishiba’s ruling party to guide the process through the Diet.
Still, he said Ishiba’s visit would help demonstrate to Japanese lawmakers that the Philippines was fully prepared for the agreement’s implementation.
Cabalza added that Tokyo was “weighing Manila’s credibility as a strategic partner” and hoped the visit would shift perceptions among Japanese leaders about the Philippines’ seriousness in pursuing defence and security cooperation
--
More regional arms race fun.
You would think the fools would just work with China for more regional trade, prosperity, and peace.
hi-ho .. our dear old fatty Fred-Xi writes:"You would think the fools would just work with China .."
Suspect more like,: "You would think the fools would just work for China .."
Ahh .. work for China .. same as you do Fred? 😎
Happy trails ppl
Ahh .. work for China .. same as you do Fred? 😎Happy trails ppl - @PalawOne
Indonesia works with China, and it's pretty great.
We have:
- a fantastic MRT
- a total upgrade of the whole rail network that has improved services, efficiency, and safety with hardly any increase in fares.
- a massive toll road system that saves literally days on long distance journeys
- A new 300kph high speed rail that will span most of Java when it's finished
- a large number of new jobs
- easy access to cheap but high quality Chinese products that US aligned countries have rejected
- and lots more
The upshot is, the Chinese have invested billions more here than the US has in the Philippines, and none of that is military. The majority of US cash into the Philippines is weapons, but hardly anything that helps the local population.
Chinese investment is about building, but none is about destroying.
It's a bit of a pity for you that the 'honest as the day is long' Marcos family gets their cash from the US.
The Philippines is being put into bomb sights as they pander to the US whilst we are in Chinese investor's portfolios as a great place to do business.
Let me see - danger and potential war, or a sack of cash, new systems, and a good relationship that is profitable to all.
Hard choice - NOT, but you made the wrong one.
`
Hope Indonesia is happy with all the Chinese investment.
Quote: "Islam is the largest religion in Indonesia, with 87.06% of the Indonesian population identifying themselves as Muslims"
Oh-oh! We all know how mainland China treats their own Muslims!
Good luck there, Fred :-)
`Hope Indonesia is happy with all the Chinese investment. Quote: "Islam is the largest religion in Indonesia, with 87.06% of the Indonesian population identifying themselves as Muslims"Oh-oh! We all know how mainland China treats their own Muslims!Good luck there, Fred :-) - @PalawOne
No, we don't know.
Nobody can come up with any evidence that doesn't come from the US government or Falun gong.
Every piece of evidence I have found so far is traceable to these two. Since both are dedicated to destroying the Chinese government, and one is a religious cult, their word has to be questioned.
Additional
https://philpapers.org/rec/LEWILH
Guess who funds them. Yes, The CIA through the NED.
This arms escalation is an issue expats should keep an eye one.
The more the US builds up forces to threaten China, the more chance a war, or at least a limited conflict, is.
Fred said . . . .This arms escalation is an issue expats should keep an eye one.
The more the US builds up forces to threaten China, the more chance a war, or at least a limited conflict, is.
***********************
China has good friends: Russia, North Korea, Pakistan and Iran.
Fred said . . . This arms escalation is an issue expats should keep an eye one.
The more the US builds up forces to threaten China, the more chance a war, or at least a limited conflict, is.
***********************
Indonesia has spent Billions & Billions of dollars purchasing aircraft's & arms from the US. The list is to long, but major aircraft purchases have been: F15, F16, F35, AH 64D & MV22.
Fred said . . . This arms escalation is an issue expats should keep an eye one.
The more the US builds up forces to threaten China, the more chance a war, or at least a limited conflict, is.
***********************
Indonesia has spent Billions & Billions of dollars purchasing aircraft's & arms from the US. The list is to long, but major aircraft purchases have been: F15, F16, F35, AH 64D & MV22. - @Enzyte Bob
Now changing to non-US purchases.
Fred said . . . .This arms escalation is an issue expats should keep an eye one.
The more the US builds up forces to threaten China, the more chance a war, or at least a limited conflict, is.
***********************
China has good friends: Russia, North Korea, Pakistan and Iran. - @Enzyte Bob
North Korea?
Think again. China needs NK to keep the US away from their borders, as Russia does to keep US land based missiles out of range of Vladivosk.
Neither actually want NK leaders in power. Too much trouble if the US threat goes away.
Only an observation Fred but perhaps you should reread P1's OP.
Who mentioned the 2 world super powers? While you lick Chinas behind and trash the US constantly the post is about local security and rightly so given the incursion on these 2 countries sovereign waters and Indonesia will be next, head out of the sand etc.
Since you bring up all the great things that China has done for Indonesia,,,,,,,, What is the financial debt? The required obligations and ass licking?
Why do you think so many countries are pushing back? Even Australia is not stupid enough to fall into the free money investments that are not so free, strings attached. Australia is currently trying to drop a 50 year lease that a Chinese company holds over the Port of Darwin, a stupid decision made 10 years ago by a non thinking government at the time.
Personally I have nothing against China nor the US though there is a slippery slope both are trying to traverse given stupid ideologies. Both sides are guilty.
We own the land here and would never consider trying to take some or all of the neighbours land or rights but some think they can do what they like. Sovereign countries, international waters etc.
Both are as bad as each other.
The winners? The arms manufacturers at the cost to the average person simply trying to put food on the table for their family.
I will still purchase from both countries you keep rabbiting on about and others but these US tariffs? What a load of crock.
Only an observation as an Aussie. Australia buys twice the quantity of products from the US compared to what we export to the US but still slugged with tariffs of 10% and 25% slugs on steel and aluminium,,,,,,, the Chinese are the hardest hit and a pat on the back to them for standing their ground,,,,,,,, you don't want our products we will sell them elsewhere, the US consumer will be looking at empty shelves.
Australia's industries will probably do the same, agricultural, resources and a few brains.
Fortunately I am retired and do have the time to watch world events that seem to be crumpled and not unfolding for the betterment of our world but control and lining pockets. Egos.
My only observation that cuts to the quick is the backlash the US administration is receiving not only from world dignitaries but the people that elected him and his sheep to power are turning away and the opposition seem to be treading water waiting for the saviour to shine the light.
OMO and sorry for the rant.
Cheers, Steve.
Personally I have nothing against China nor the US - @bigpearl
Neither have I, but I rather dislike policies that causes massive death and suffering.
I am against US foreign politics, US wars, US mass murders, and US led revolutions against other countries. I'm against the US policy that is trying to control Indonesia's banking system, and the US attempt to put a puppet president into my country.
I am very much against US intimidation of countries because they refuse to align with the US.
All of the above, but not the US itself.
Perhaps you can see the difference.
Equally, I don't especially like China, but I do like what they have done for Indonesia and Indonesians.
Personally I have nothing against China nor the US - @bigpearlNeither have I, but I rather dislike policies that causes massive death and suffering.I am against US foreign politics, US wars, US mass murders, and US led revolutions against other countries. I'm against the US policy that is trying to control Indonesia's banking system, and the US attempt to put a puppet president into my country.I am very much against US intimidation of countries because they refuse to align with the US.All of the above, but not the US itself.Perhaps you can see the difference. - @Fred
Well said Fred, as for the truthy bits you write, who could disagree?
Re the more iffy bits though, you must allow us folk to be sceptical.
Most everyone on the planet prefers to like and admire every place.
But, when you quote entirely from your Chinese-script, it's painful.
Here's a tip to your Chinese masters, allow our Fred more freedom?
In fact, trust your folk more, and allow them the same? Scarey-good?
Then, every country will respect you, not as now just the desperates.
Then, and good heartedly .. go China!
Peace all and out 😀
--
So stop banging on about the greatness of China and the foibles of the US....... You want to get tacky I can offer you to look at Indonesias history, the country that apparently now has come out of the dark ages but at what expense to the souls that over decades were fleeing Indonesia for a better life, desperate and very sad and the same crap continues in so many countries to this day. REFUGEES looking for a better life. Don't paint Indonesia with a golden brush. Ask yourself what were Chinas wants and who will become a subjugated country.
Ask yourself why China has not simply walked into Taiwan and assumed control, Imminent threats wins the days from aligned powers.
We all know that Chinas plans are a century in the making while other countries shoot from the hip, seems to be working at some levels.
Both powers need to pull their heads in and focus on the needy, not the greedy.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve.
Ask yourself why China has not simply walked into Taiwan and assumed control, - @bigpearl
So easy, I don't need to look.
China never invaded Taiwan because their forces were defensive in nature. They simply didn't have the equipment and expertise to mount an invasion.
The Chinese military has only expanded into aircraft carriers and so on because of foreign threats.
I've asked so many times, why does Fred spend so much time on the Philippine forum?
He has never been to the Philippines, never will and has never contributed one thing to help new Philippine Expats or future Expats.
@Enzyte Bob
I've asked so many times, why does Fred spend so much time on the Philippine forum?
It’s obvious Bob. Fred is a paid up member of the Chinese communist party and works for the propaganda directorate - Asian expat division. 😎
Excommunicated from the Indonesian site? Banged the drum too many times? Who cares. We do.
The Point is that forums such as here have an opportunity no matter country whereone can give and share life and experiences in the particular country one lives in for the benefit of the members sharing that countries pros and cons. Decent information for those considering a particular country to glean an insight at so many levels. A truly interesting and giving community.
Political and religious beliefs really have no part in an expat forum, plenty of those around on the net and honestly not what sites such as this are supposed to be about, sure it comes up from time to time but perhaps one needs to read the forum rules from time to time as a reminder why we are actually here.
While a great site we have a limited number of active members/contributors and honestly? The last thing we need is bashing another countries short fallings or political beliefs.
I want to talk about my view from the office window watching the waves roll in 70 metres away, the dogs playing, the A/C we enjoy, the climate, the quiet etc. in the country I live in and not far flung atrocities from other countries. My focus and life is the Philippines.
Cheers, Steve.
"Japan-Philippines defence pact in focus as Ishiba visits Manila for key talks with Marcos"
Shigeru Ishiba is expected to push for full ratification of a reciprocal access agreement, paving the way for expanded military cooperation
- @PPalawOne
This is very strange
We have a thread about increasing military assets.
Marcos, a member of one of the most corrupt families in recent history, is winding up tensions by working with other countries to counter a threat from a nation that, up to US interfering in the region, only had a defensive military with almost no reach outside China's territorial waters.
Now we see a situation where China has been forced to upgrade its military in order to balance out the threat, and you lot are complaining about the threat you created, but still missing the big point - You caused it.
As for this 'Race card' effort, you are missing the point again. I'm anti war and hate. If China was doing that, I would be equally vocal in my condemnation.
Thing is, they aren't.
Oh, and the xenophobia bit. You have no idea about my trip or trips to the Philippines.
Equally, events in the region directly change the situation where I live.
The Marcos stupidity, probably we'll bribed for stupidity, changes the picture in the entire region.
I do not normally contribute on topics like this and am not going to now but I will say this - This topic was always going to to be controversial and for my liking there are far too many similar to this.
I agree with Big Pearl that this Forum should be about sharing life experiences and advise about life and the challenges of living in the Philippines and politics and religion should be kept out for the most part. However I would point out that Fred was not the original poster and since he is a member of this forum, he like the rest of us is entitled to his opinion and we need to respect that even when not in agreement with his views.
Even money that the mods close this thread within a few days.
Close the thread? Ask yourself why Cherry, probably because there is the Fred factor.
Agree this site is for sharing and giving info to those living in or considering making the Philippines home and little more. No need for political or religious rhetoric here, a challenge every day without that sh1t.
I love the Phills and don't need reminders of other countries woes, we can see plenty on the news and no need to add more here.
Maybe the thread will be closed but the biggest sh1t stirrer will hang in there to throw yet more political rhetoric into a topic given the opportunity, like a whinging kid.
Cheers, Steve.
`
Must say ..
As another Philippines expat-in-progress, it seems a little odd that the Philippines and Japan are about to sign mutual-defence agreements.
Odd, and good, that both countries strongly feel the need to join forces.
Odd, because my dear wife's mother well remembers her and all of the family members running into the jungle many times, in order to escape the Japanese troops. The Japanese occupied her Philippines island for several years during World War Two.
And then, her father was selected to be the U.S. Company Clerk for the island's U.S. troops when they re-took the island. At war's end, they even offered to take her father back to the US with them, and pay for his university education.
(With a shortage of men, his aunties wouldn't let him go to America, and my dear wife is the result 😃)
Now, the Phils and Japan are definitely playing on the same team.
Oddly, China was on this very same side. Now China is on the outer?
It all seems crazy. Why not all fight climate change, the real enemy?
Seems like a crazy world depicted in George Orwell's "1984" novel.
Yet, here it is, right on our doorstep, and in black & white .. today!
Quote: .. "Long-time allies the United States and the Philippines have flexed their military muscle by firing six rockets in a defence drill on Palawan Island, in a show of sustained American commitment.
On Monday, about 500 troops from the Philippines, the US and from Australia conducted a maritime interdiction drill in Rizal, where Manila’s navy intercepted a remote-controlled vessel approaching the coast.
Manila and the US are bound by a 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty that calls on both sides to help each other in times of aggression by an external power."
Close the thread? Ask yourself why Cherry, probably because there is the Fred factor. - @bigpearl
Threads get closed because of insults, not an unwillingness to accept WMD style propaganda without question.
Just before the WMD lies allowed the US to invade Iraq and kill more people than Saddam ever managed, a bunch of people questioned the truth behind UK/UK claims.
They were anti-American, lefties, troublemakers, and, as history has shown us, they were absolutely correct.
Now we have the same thing, a new evil enemy has appeared, and we are supposed to accept the new 'truths' without question.
The 'truth' requires us to forget the forced labour, comfort women, and mass killings of POWs in favour of accepting a new friend. That friend refuses to teach anything about their atrocities in their schools, and finds even the slightest hint of an apology very difficult.
They weren't rapes, the Japanese say so.
https://www.npr.org/2018/11/30/67242339 … rced-labor
Enemies are now friends, including the US supplying arms to the very communist country you tried to destroy - Vietnam.
https://apnews.com/article/vietnam-arms … 964ea96941
Forget the thousands of dead US troops, that same communist government is now your friend.
Only a fool would believe the 'new facts' when they are fully aware the last lot of facts were pure fiction.
Now to the problem, the 'facts' about Vietnam, and the 'facts' about Iraq allowed wars to be started. If we blindly accept the 'facts' about how evil China is, where can that lead?
In 1967 an attempted coup in Indonesia with China implications.
Yesterdays enemies are today's friends.
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve.
In 1967 an attempted coup in Indonesia with China implications.
Yesterdays enemies are today's friends. - @Enzyte Bob
Are you sure?
The CIA was committing terrorist bombings in Indonesia in the hope of getting rid of the president they felt was too close to the USSR.
https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Lawrence_Pope
They were also shipping arms into Indonesia from the Philippines.
The Indonesian communist party were blamed for a coup attempt. That coup consisted of killing army leaders, but nothing else.
The result was a massive purge of communists (I don't have a problem with taking out the trash), and a very pro-US new president who bought a lot of US manufactured weapons.
So, who was to blame? Before you answer, take a look at now declassified UK government and US embassy papers of the time.
@Fred
While we are off topic and seems some here are pretty good at leading the conversation away from the OP.
I asked you Fred some posts ago with all the great and wonderful things that China has done for Indonesia the costs/recompense and no answer? Strings attached? I'm not stupid enough to believe that China plowed billions upon billions into Indonesia without a cost to the country, the average punter and where it could lead.
Back on topic. What Japan and the Philippines are doing is mutual and remember aligned with US and regional interests,,,,,, like it or lump it you have to ask yourself if China is doing the same thing. Seems they can declare sovereignty over international waters and build military bases within those waters so ask yourself why?
Fred as you well know our region (I look at the South China Sea every day, it's my front yard and the waves lap 70 metres away) and is a hot spot for potential hostilities, ask yourself if you are going to get the same problems in your neck of the woods. Simply this coalition is for mutual defence/protection, the old saying? United we stand.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve.
I asked you Fred some posts ago with all the great and wonderful things that China has done for Indonesia the costs/recompense and no answer? Strings attached? I'm not stupid enough to believe that China plowed billions upon billions into Indonesia without a cost to the country, the average punter and where it could lead.
- @bigpearl
I answered.
- Toll roads that save hours, even days
- A world class MRT
- A 300kph train that will span most of Java
- Trains that are cheap to use, but safe and on time
- Massive industry that provides countless jobs.
- and a lot more
The Chinese companies involved are making a fortune, and we get very cheap transport and goods, as well as jobs a plenty for Indonesians.
You have no idea what you're missing out on by aligning with the US.
Since Chinese investors, coupled with local companies so Indonesia has control came here, everything has improved massively.
No bombs, no threats, no trying to get puppet presidents into power, just solid business that benefits both. As a devout capitalist, I like that.
The big problem with people who don't know is that they read the propaganda about the evil Chinese taking over, but they never even look at the reality.
Freds propaganda?
I am not aligned with any country, only my better half and yes we have disagreements and spats. I am also aligned to my bank accounts and investments, those are the true things that matter most to keep food on the table and pay the bills.
Countries politics and embellishments are all tarred with the same brush and one needs to be clever enough to read between the truths, lies and ultimately the real agenda.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve.
Freds propaganda?I am not aligned with any country, only my better half and yes we have disagreements and spats. I am also aligned to my bank accounts and investments, those are the true things that matter most to keep food on the table and pay the bills.Countries politics and embellishments are all tarred with the same brush and one needs to be clever enough to read between the truths, lies and ultimately the real agenda.OMO.Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl
I am aligned to my country, and my people.
I, like you, am aligned to making my bank account look very healthy, and I want that account free from other country's influences (China or the US).
At the moment, my country is benefiting from Chinese business, but my purely Indonesian (non visa/mastercard) accounts are being threatened by the US. They want in and are trying to do so with threats, but they can offski.
Now tell me why I like the people who are helping my country, but dislike the people who are threatening the integrity of my bank accounts.
Ner, don't bother, it's a bit obvious.
By the way, just in case you would like to question my ability to think.
I buy what I want regardless of anything, but I don't buy pointless crap like new cars every few years.
I have yet to start using my salary from January.
Thinking skills do that for you, and those same abilities make me look at everything in a cold, disinterested manner.
Anti-US is a title given by the foolish as it's really just an understanding of history and present day geopolitics.
God helps those that help themselves rings a bell so perhaps you picked the wrong country or banks you do business with or as it seems you simply want to blame your pet hate for causing your woes.
Never had an issue with my Aussie banks in 8 years knocking around and 6 years living here full time, nor our BDO (local) accounts nor debit cards in either country. Remember here in the Philippines they are fairly stiffly aligned with the US and banking regulations and makes us laugh here when we get a call from the bank asking "sir did you know P1M was transferred to your account?" Yes mam. "Sir what's that for?"
Same as the last 8 years, living expenses aside from the calls everything works fine.
Fred, 2 opposing super powers actually keeps the world functioning and competitive and all prosper in different ways but I can clearly see one has fallen into the rabbit burrow for one mans ego,,,,,, going to take some time to dig out of that hole,,,,, it's quite comical really and watch we do. Many of us know Fred who the winner will be and may well be a wake up call.
We are fairly wealthy and enjoy our life in PH. When they start blowing up my beach maybe Indonesia might be an option. In the mean time the goings on are entertaining and at times I shake my head as many do.
Regardless it's out of our hands.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve.
Regardless it's out of our hands.
OMO.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl
It is to a point, however, if we allow lies to flourish, the chances of a war are increased significantly.
If I see the lies, I will repond.
Remember WMDs before you believe the crap.
Whatever Fred. We are all thinkers and not blindsided by bias propaganda.
Cheers, Steve.
Fred said . . . ."I buy what I want regardless of anything, but I don't buy pointless crap" (quote)
************************
A number of years ago you said you have 20 year old underwear. They must be 22+ years by now?
Whatever Fred. We are all thinkers and not blindsided by bias propaganda.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl
Sadly, that doesn't appear to be true for so many
Fred said . . . ."I buy what I want regardless of anything, but I don't buy pointless crap" (quote)
************************
A number of years ago you said you have 20 year old underwear. They must be 22+ years by now? - @Enzyte Bob
But I only have a couple of pairs left.
The new ones are also M&S, so I expect long service from them as well.
A number of years ago you said you have 20 year old underwear. They must be 22+ years by now?- @Enzyte Bob
But I only have a couple of pairs left.
The new ones are also M&S, so I expect long service from them as well. - @Fred
I read that post 3 times before realising you didn't say "S&M".
Never mind. I'll see myself out.
Articles to help you in your expat project in the Philippines
Lifestyle in the Philippines
About to move to the Philippines? Wondering how you're going to adapt to your new environment and lifestyle? ...
Getting married in the Philippines
Getting married in the Philippines provides a backdrop of immense beauty through stunning beaches, tropical ...
Dating in the Philippines
The beauty of the Philippines, with its dramatic modern and old Spanish architecture, plus the golden sands and ...
Leisure activities in the Philippines
Consisting of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a real treasure that you can explore during your stay ...
Choosing your neighbourhood in Manila
Choosing a neighborhood is one of the most critical decisions that expats need to make when moving to Manila. Each ...
Accommodation in Manila
There are lots of renting options to choose from when relocating to Manila. Most expats in the Philippines live in ...
Diversity and inclusion in the Philippines
The culture of the Philippines is very diverse. This is due to the large mix of different nations in this country, ...
Obtaining a Philippines driving licence
Whether you are converting your existing foreign driving license or applying as a first-timer for a Philippines ...
Find more topics on the Philippines forum
