The Art of Living Smart In the Philippines, life isn’t always easy, but it’s always madiskarte (strategic). From the Nanay who turns her front yard into a sari-sari store, to the Tatay who builds furniture out of scrap wood, to the student selling milk tea online after class, every Filipino household has its own brand…
Tips & Tricks
The Hidden Crisis Most Middle-Aged Men Don’t See — And How to Break Through It
You’ve built something. You’ve worked hard, maybe climbed the ladder, raised a family, and kept up the image. On paper, life looks “sorted”. Yet inside you ask: “Is this it?” You’re not alone. More men in midlife, especially men over 40, are quietly facing a crisis of meaning, purpose and direction. It’s not always dramatic;…
Navigating the New Digital Nomad Visa: What Expats Need to Know (2025)
1. The Philippines Opens Its Doors to Remote Workers If you’ve ever dreamed of trading your grey commute for a beachfront workspace, the Philippines may have just made that dream a reality. In April 2025, the Philippine government announced a landmark policy: Executive Order No. 86, officially introducing a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). This new…
Email Etiquette
Understanding Email Etiquette is crucial to avoid common pitfalls that may lead to HR issues. In the modern workplace, email etiquette is an indispensable skill. It facilitates communication, documents decisions, and connects teams across time zones. However, despite its utility, email can also be a minefield of potential pitfalls, especially when it comes to Human…
More Smart Technology in the Philippines
Last week we looked at how SMART Technology in the Philippines can help keep you safe. We looked at how it would be a good idea to understand that you have a developing problem with security instead of finding out when you arrive home to find your property gone or wake up face to face…
Smart Technology in the Philippines
Understanding current Smart Home technology in the Philippines, to be honest, should be very high on your list of design criteria when designing your home. Current Security Ideas Previously, I have talked about ex-pats building massive walls covered in broken glass or barbed wire to prevent theft or just allow a good night sleep for…
House Interior Design Philippines
Recently we have discussed building a house in the Philippines and all that it involves. House Interior Design Philippines varies tremendously. So hopefully, before you have signed off the final drawings, you have settled on the layout you want. Some people think that interior design starts and finishes at the wall colour. It is so…
Home Security Philippines
Your Home security Philippines is another big subject you need to consider about your house design. I covered a thought process in the previous articles regarding buying or building a house in the Philippines. Then I covered why building your home in the Philippines needs a good architect and contractor if you want value for…
More Construction Standards in the Philippines
This article looks at More Construction Standards in the Philippines. Previously we looked at how electrical and plumbing systems as standard were embedded in the concrete walls. Before I give my opinion on how I will have things done. I want to look at a few other construction standards you will find in the Philippines….
Construction Methods Philippines
Construction methods in the Philippines do vary from town to town and contractor to contractor. When building a house in the Philippines, there are many good building design and construction companies. Most do follow the Philippines Building Code but there are a great number that do not. We have looked at the environmental issues facing…