Full Version: American expat and writer Ward's rural life experiences in Bicol, Philippines

American expat and writer Ward's rural life experiences in Bicol, Philippines

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Ward breaks all the stereotypes about Caucasians living in a third-world country. Instead of leading a fast-paced life in the larger cities, he grows rice and raises farm animals in the Philippine province of Bicol – and works as a freelance writer on the side. Even though this simple life in Bicolandia could use some improvement (as Ward is the first to admit) it’s a place where he feels at home.
  
Ward Tipton



Julu 24 2006

-Where were you born?
I was born in Shelby NAS, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

-Are you living alone or with your family?
I’m living with something of an adopted family.

-In which country and city are you living now?
I live in the Bicol region of the Philippines.

-How long have you been living in the Philippines?
On and off since 1998.

-What is your age?
41

-When did you come up with the idea of living in another country?
I have been doing volunteer work in foreign countries for many years.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Nope!

-How do you make your living in the Philippines? Do you have any type of income generated?
I raise rice, chickens and pigs. Mostly rice and pigs right now. I do some freelance writing on the side as I am allowed to do that with no work visa as long as I am only working from home. I have been a writer for many years, so that was nothing new to have to seek out.


-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I speak some Bicol and some Tagalog. I am not by any means proficient, but I speak enough to get by without having to expect anyone else to speak English.

Customs, while very different from language, are still an important factor as well. It is important to understand that everyone has differences. I have no more right to impose my way of life or my ideas on anyone than they do on me. Respecting local laws and local customs should always be important.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Why should I get homesick? I am home here!

-Do you have other plans for the future?
I have lots of plans and many dreams. Most of them are about building a better life here. Despite what seems to be the prevalent belief about foreigners, I am poor. I have one small rice field and a couple of breeders.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
I live on a home I built on my family's lot here. It is small, some would say cramped. Three by five meters, a nipa roof, but it is plenty enough for me na lang. Given the local standards, it is actually quite roomy. And I have my own indoor CR (toilet facilities). Though in all honesty? I would like to have a real shower too some day.

-What is the cost of living in the Philippines?
It depends on how thrifty you are. I am fortunate in that I share my business with my family here. We live within our means. While we are not rich, we make enough to eat well, and have a few luxuries on occasion ... such as a beer with the other expats about once a month or so.

-What do you think about the Filipino people?
There are good and bad people everywhere I have been. Here is no different. If you seek out the bad, you will find it. If you are looking for good people, you will find them. I think that is more up to the individual with only rare exception. I do not go out much, but I feel every bit as safe as I do in most American cities.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the Philippines?
There is good and bad everywhere. To define it would require more space than is available here.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in the Philippines?
Don't argue with the locals. If you are nervous about new foods, try a small amount before you ask what it is. Do not come here thinking you are better than anybody (or everybody) else here. With the exception of some of the places I went down South, there have always been groups of expatriates. They can usually be found on the Web, or easily spotted in local areas. Do not press yourself upon them, but try and strike up a conversation. They may be "locals" who know where the good things are.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about the Philippines?
My personal site is at Ward Tipton ([url]http://www.wardtipton.com)[/url] where I have information about me and my writing, editing and photography services. The photography I only handle with freelance articles I am writing since otherwise it would be a violation of the terms of my visa.

I also have a blog ([url]http://www.wardtipton.com/blog)[/url] and personal forums ([url]http://wardtipton.com/yabb/YaBB.pl).[/url] I just started blogs on MySpace and LiveJournal, but those are mostly for networking and marketing purposes. I have been spending a lot of time on a personal writing project I am hoping will pay for my service (vehicle, a motorcycle in this case) and help me to start saving enough money for a hollow-block home (cinder block). I have not started promoting them yet, so any help I could get (COUGH hint hint COUGH) would be greatly appreciated. LOL!