China Still Attacking. Stay or Go?

Working Together with EDCA

 China is still attacking the Philippine's Coast Guard

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Check out the details about the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) 

 

Keep abreast of the latest news about the Philippines.

As an American expat, who has lived in the Philippines since 2007, married to a Filipina and raising three Fil-Am children, I am, of course, concerned about developments that may endanger my family. Several years ago, I was granted permanent residency. 

Adapting to the Philippines

My children are all enrolled in and attend a Philippine school not far from our home. They have adapted well to the school and have been welcomed by the staff and students.  They have made friends there and in our neighborhood. Bridging the gap between native Filipinos and Fil-Ams requires empathy, open dialogue, and a willingness to learn from each other. Both groups share a common heritage, and acknowledging their distinct experiences can lead to a more harmonious relationship.

My wife and I have friends here, Filipinos and Americans. She also has a sister and nieces who live near us. So, we are basically settled in and comfortable here.

We live in a house about 2.5 hours SW of Manila. We are all Vegans now. See how we live as Vegans. My oldest daughter does some baking and has taken some cookies to school for classmates. Recently she participated in an entrepreneurial event on campus. She set up a vending table and sold cookies and drinks to students and staff. She sold out of "cashew chocolate chip" and "red velvet cookies"! See some of her cookies near the bottom of the page.

Now we are concerned about recent developments in the waters of our country of residence.

Water Cannon Attack April 30, 2024

Should we stay or should we go?

We are thinking about buying another car. Should it be new or secondhand? Under the circumstances I think it will be a used car. It is still too early to make a decision about moving.

As a Vegan and an animal activist I write about veganism and hand out PETA leaflets. Many Filipinos have never heard of PETA and many don't even know what "Vegan" means.

This week I graduated from a local seminary with a Bachelor of Theology degree. I had completed three years of schooling in the USA years ago. Having a lot of spare time, I decided to apply to enroll here, in country, to complete my degree. Fortunately, I was accepted as a student and attended all classes on campus. I am now the first person in my family to have earned a college degree! My wife is next to get a diploma. The children are planning to keep advancing through school. Summer break is coming and that should be fun.

 I am now serving as pastor at an online "church." The Internet website "Church for Christian Vegans" and the Facebook Meta group, which is open to the public, Genesis 1:29 Church for Christian Vegans.

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Check out the Filipino military forces.

Read about some past conflicts in the Philippines.

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This post will be expanded upon. Check back for more information about China still attacking, stay or go? Uploaded May 2, 2024. 

Are Ferries Safe? in the Philippines

Ferry Boat Travel in the Philippines

Are Ferry Boats Safe in The Philippines?

Worse than the Titanic! Dona Paz burned and sank in December 1987.

I was living in Manila when the Princess of the Stars sank. Fortunately, none of my wife's friends or relatives were aboard. But many people lost their lives and many lost loved ones.

I know people who have sailed on ferry boats in the Philippines without incident. But I choose not to. Flying in the Philippines is the way we have traveled from island to island.

Before you decide to travel by ferry in the Philippines check out this list of maritime disasters in the Philippines.

In the Dona Paz video a survivor says, "I won't ride a ship again, even if it's free." After watching the video, you may decide to travel only by land and air in the Philippines.

Check out more about the Dona Paz tragedy at Wikipedia.

There are smaller boats which I would be happy to travel in. For example, small sail boats and catamarans which give rides to tourists in places like Boracay.

July 2, 2015. Hmm, maybe I will not ride in catamarans. See this story about a catamaran which capsized. Fifty-six souls perished when it capsized (at latest count.) See another story and video about the disaster.

Update Aug. 15, 2015, Another ferry engulfed in flames.

Update May 23, 2022, A Bangka on fire.

Some more advice

"Ferry accidents occur. Some vessels are poorly maintained and overcrowded. Accidents are more prevalent during the rainy season as storms can develop quickly. As a result, local authorities may suspend ferry services on short notice when a storm signal is raised, even if the weather is clear. You could get stranded at ports for several days.

If travelling by sea:

• use only a reliable company.
• don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.
• make sure you have access to a life jacket.
• plan for extra time, especially during the rainy season" (excerpt from travel.qc.ca).

Update June 19, 2023, from an article at The Manila Times titled

"PH ferry with up to 65 people onboard catches fire at sea, rescue underway."

"Sea accidents are common in the Philippines because of frequent storms, badly maintained vessels, overcrowding and spotty enforcement of safety regulations, especially in remote provinces."

Other forms of transportation in the Philippines are bicycle, motorcycle, airplane, bus, taxi, jeepney, train, tricycle and pedicab.

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about traveling by ferry boats or other types of boats in the Philippines. This page updated June 19, 2023.