How Filipinos can invest properly
Some things may seem so basic and should be part of common sense. But actually, many do not think out issues carefully. People do things mostly on impulse and those who are not impulsive, analyze…
The Snails of Barcelona
I see them everyday, smell them, squeeze myself through them. They are practically everywhere. Queueing in front of the metro ticket vending machine clueless what to press. Standing on the left side of the escalators…
La Tomatina: Attack of the flying tomatoes
The clock strikes 11, the siren sounds off and the crowd goes wild. I can barely move. Thousands of bodies push themselves back against the wall giving way to the five giant dumper trucks filled…
A Catalan school with a Filipino heart
Two years ago, I was invited by a Filipino family to attend their 12-year old daughter’s graduation ceremony in one of the schools in Barcelona. There I was, standing in front of a sea of…
A Not So (Un)pleasant Bagoong Incident
I vividly remember that “smelly” incident that happened in Madrid eight years ago. I accompanied my friend Mae to Barajas Airport to collect Jesica who was arriving from Manila via Doha. When we got to…
A look at (traditional) education
Many of our expat Filipinos are working so hard with the primary objective of sending their children to a good school. This is a most noble goal but we need to be clear on what…
Homeless in Santiago de Compostela
Twelve years ago, I had an epiphany. I had a vision of myself walking on the cobblestone streets of Spain surrounded by chatting Spaniards. That vision became an obsession. I took up Spanish classes, opened…
Conversations over dinner: the independence of Catalonia
Jordi looked at me trying not to laugh and then turned serious. “Nats, although the September 11 terrorist attack was a terrible thing that affected not only the US but the whole world, this is…
One flag, different hues: Independence Day celebration in Barcelona
I can feel my neck sweating under the scorching heat. It´s exactly four in the afternoon and the Plaça dels Àngels is teeming with curious onlookers and participants. We are waiting for the arrival of…
Networking and Pyramid Scams
How do you best avoid pyramid scams and focus on investing your hard-earned cash on much more worthwhile ventures? A pyramid scam is a business model where you earn money primarily from bringing other people…