Welcome to the Silent Gardens and Beaches of the Visayas

Among friends here we had long discussions about the frequency of typhoons and the best place to live. So we did analyze the typhoons from 1950 to 2008 in the North-West Pacific and created maps and charts.

An expat's life in the Philippines is a dream. The 7107 Philippines islands make every "long nose" dream. Filipinas and Filipinos are a wonderful bunch of people. They are always cheerful, friendly and warmhearthed. The usual Pinoy is either a fisherman or a farmer (rice, copra, pineapple, mango and others). Pinoys do work as much as they need to live, but not a minute more.
The sparetime Pinoys invest in fiestas, festivals and other come togethers. Filipinos are borne musicians and Pinays are of a natural beauty.

But there may also occure some problems. The first problem comes with the Bureau of Immigration. There are too many types of visa available and if one does not know the law and regulations, one can soon get in trouble with the BI. We try to inform our fellow expats about the latest decision of the BI and the PRA. We also maintain a list of diplomatic representations (embassies, consulates, associations) in the Philippines. Nothing is more difficult to find than a working phone number or an e-mail address.

At the end of 2008 we started a new project: The Expat's Forum. It is still under development, but we think by end of January or early February 2009 we will be able to put it on-line. The main purpose of this forum is the exchange of information between expats. visitors will also be welcome, but expats will have priority and more privileges.

We encourage all expats to send us their ideas, their needs and their experiences.

If you are fond of volcanoes, you find an interactive map of all active Philippines volcanoes in our Volccano page. For each volcano you find a description and a report of its latest activity.

If you look for maps or political information you find them in our geography and politics sections.

If you ar fond of cooking, have a walk with us on the local market. We also invite you to try Nara's recipes. And maybe in the near future Ierene will open here a cooking corner. (Hmm, we will have to get her away from her beloved stove ...).

Daily news are published in our blog. This can be information that shakes the country, cultural events or simply gossip. We also use our blog to inform our readers about new projects and new pages.

Hmm, it's so difficult to describe the Philippines because each one of the 7107 islands has its own identity, its own language or dialect, its own culture.

So, it is still the best idea to come here. See, feel, smell, experience the diversity of this archipelago in the South China Sea.

We hope to soon see you, hear from you or read your comments.

Let us say "Mabuhay", meaning "Yours is the life".

Your Silent Gardens Team

We encourage you to use our feedback and inquiry forms you can find on nearly every page. We try to answer your questions within 24 hours. We also wait for your critical comments. Only with your help we can get better.

Your e-mail: (make sure it is correct)


Your name:


Please re-type verification image:


Your message:

Looking for an adventure trip? Hummer.ph.

And a last message. The editor of this website is deaf. He is happy because he lives in the Philippines and because he can hear again. A cochlear implant allows him to communicate, to enjoy music and share the laughter of the children. A bright "Thanks!" goes to the CRIC in Geneva.

In the Philippines over 2% of the people are deaf or have sever hearing problems. Our editor helps them and imports hearing aids and sponsors ear clinics. If you want to help him, please make a donation to:

AA-Education, Geneva

An account balance is available on this page. Personal information will be kept confidential.

Welcome to the Silent Gardens and Beaches of the Visayas