Living in Manila: the ultimate expat guide

Van in Cebu: "Philippines has a laid back happy lifestyle"

Van comes from California. She moved to the Philippines four and a half years ago with her daughter to study Nursing. She particularly enjoys going to the beach, partying and blogging.

From the US to the Philippines: A retired American expat in Tagaytay

Gary comes from Southern California. He retired in 2013 after serving in the US Army Signal Corps and occupying several corporate executive positions in the private sector for over 35 years. Nowadays, he is enjoying a relaxed lifestyle in Tagaytay, Philippines.

This month's expat blog: Travel Gourmande

After spending 12 rewarding years in Dubai, Arni and her family decided to move back to the Philippines and "set up their nest". Today, and after a decade of a hectic career-oriented lifestyle in the Middle East, Arni and her French husband run their business in the Philippino countryside. With every opportunity, Arni steals some time for blogging — what started as a journal filled with travel and culinary tips, expanded to be the record of an eventful life journey. Are you ready to join Arni in her adventures and get inspired?

Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity

Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.

How different countries approach midday breaks

Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.

Understanding inheritance law and taxes

The cross-border inheritance of assets presents a complex legal and financial terrain for expats with families in other countries. No two nations share identical inheritance laws, and the specifics of bilateral tax treaties vary as well. So, how can you navigate this minefield without losing access to your inherited assets, complicating the donation of your assets to your children, or facing excessive taxes? Here are some tips.

Expat women: Why setting boundaries is important

Launched in October 2017, the #Metoo movement has empowered women to speak out. Globally, women from all walks of life, both well-known and private, have come forward to expose violence against women. Central to these discussions is the concept of consent, which at first glance appears straightforward—voluntarily agreeing to engage in an activity. Yet, its application, particularly regarding women, often faces scrutiny. Common misunderstandings persist, such as interpreting a "no" as a "yes," or considering a coerced "yes" as consent. This raises a critical question: How do you, as a woman, establish personal boundaries while living abroad?

How to manage international teams and overcome cultural barriers

Taking on a management role abroad is an intriguing career move, yet many underestimate the significance of understanding cultural nuances in the workplace for a successful international leadership role. What key aspects should you consider beyond the usual cultural stereotypes?