There's a very good website called Living in the Philippines. There's a lot of information there for Americans that are thinking of or planning on living here. Some of it is tailored to the area the author lives in, as can be expected. I'm not here to write a review. Please take the time to read the material presented there because there's a lot more than I ever care to write. There ARE a few things different in Olongapo City and the nearby provinces that aren't mentioned, though. For example, here in Olongapo City, clean and presentable blue jeans are perfectly acceptable for dining, shopping, and other activities.

I want to point out something to those Filipinos who became U.S. citizens prior to a certain date in 2003. If you lost your Philippines citizenship and haven't regained it, the Philippines passed a law that allows you to become dual citizens. I don't have the current details but you can contact either of the Philippine Consulates in the United States to get the information you need. My wife did some paperwork in 2005 and received a Philippines passport to go with her U.S. passport. It's her proof of citizenship when she travels internationally.

If you need or want more information about any specific topic, feel free to contact me using the Contact Form. I usually answer email within a few hours of receiving it — I do have to sleep sometime.