Philippines Named Best Retirement Destination for 2026

The Philippines has officially been recognized as Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th Trip Zilla Excellence Awards, the first time the country has received this specific title in the 40-year history of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).

The award was formally accepted by PRA officials on February 11, 2026, during the agency’s 40th anniversary celebration in Pasay City.

Why the Philippines Won

According to Trip Zilla, the recognition followed public voting by more than 100,000 travelers across Southeast Asia, showing strong regional confidence in the country as a retirement destination. The award cited four key strengths:

Warm Hospitality & English Proficiency

The Philippines is one of Asia’s most English-speaking nations, making communication and daily life easier for foreign retirees.

High Affordability

Lower cost of living compared to Western countries from housing and utilities to healthcare and food allows retirees to stretch their pensions further.

Diverse Lifestyle Options

Retirees can choose between beach life, mountain climates, or modern city living depending on budget and preference.

Improving Healthcare

Private hospitals in major cities now offer modern facilities and English-speaking staff, attracting more foreign residents.

By the Numbers

• Over 83,000 Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) holders currently reside in the Philippines.

• The PRA is launching its “WE CARE” campaign to improve retiree services, streamline processes, and enhance overall experience.

The SRRV program allows foreign nationals to stay indefinitely in the country with multiple-entry privileges and certain incentives (subject to program rules).

Why This Matters

For years, countries like Thailand and Malaysia have dominated retirement rankings in Southeast Asia. This recognition positions the Philippines more competitively in the regional retirement market boosting tourism, real estate, healthcare, and local employment sectors.

Sources:

• 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards (2026)

• Philippine Retirement Authority Official Statements (40th Anniversary Event, Feb. 11, 2026)

My Photo of The Day: My Younger Years-Age 45

Finally, My Dinner Last Sunday -From SeaFood City in Concord

Crispy fried pampano, slowly simmered in sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger, finished with soy sauce and a little vinegar and a shower of fresh spring onions; this is the kind of dish that feels like home. Just the smell, you know you're about to eat two scopes of rice. Simple, practical, very Filipino, not fussy but full of taste. Probably NOT tasty at all to Non-Filipinos specifically the fish head.

This is the kind of dish that doesn't need a fancy name, because in every sip of sauce and every bite of fish, there are memories of dining, stories, family and ancestral memories behind.

In addition at lunch, yesterday, after Ditas and I finished our trip to DMV to renew my Senior ID.

 Ditas and I purchased a Combo Dish containing pancit, rice and sautéed Pompano from Grilled City, Seafood City, Concord. 

ChatGPT Copied Photo in Artistic line with Watercolor Wash Style

Twenty-One Fascinating Facts About Dubai

21 fascinating facts about Dubai:

1. Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

2. The official name of Dubai is the Emirate of Dubai (إمارة دبي).

3. Dubai is known for its modern architecture, luxury shopping, vibrant nightlife, and ambitious development projects.

4. The Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, is the tallest building in the world, standing at over 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall.

5. Dubai's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, real estate, finance, and trade.

6. The Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, is the world's largest choreographed fountain system.

7. Dubai is home to the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world by total area.

8. The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago in the shape of a palm tree, is one of Dubai's most iconic landmarks.

9. Dubai is known for its luxury hotels, including the Burj Al Arab, often referred to as the world's only seven-star hotel.

10. The Dubai Metro is the longest automated driverless metro system in the world.

11. Dubai has a diverse population, with expatriates from over 200 nationalities living and working in the city.

12. The Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic.

13. Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates, is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East.

14. Dubai is home to the Dubai World Cup, one of the richest horse races in the world.

15. The Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city built along the Persian Gulf shoreline, known for its upscale residential towers and waterfront promenade.

16. Dubai's economy was traditionally based on oil, but it has diversified significantly in recent years to reduce dependency on oil revenues.

17. The Dubai Frame is a landmark observation tower that offers panoramic views of Old Dubai and the city's modern skyline.

18. Dubai's culture is influenced by Islamic traditions, but it is also known for its tolerance and openness to different cultures and lifestyles.

19. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a financial free zone that serves as a hub for banking, finance, and professional services.

20. Dubai Creek, a natural seawater inlet, divides the city into two sections: Deira and Bur Dubai.

21. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, located on the outskirts of the city, is a protected area aimed at preserving the desert ecosystem and promoting sustainable tourism.

Celebrating the 117th Anniversary of the Founding of UP

I am on this photo. I am on the back row, 8th from the Left. I believe this is the UPSCA ( Student Catholic Action) Group Picture of the Liberal Arts Chapter, 1954

We celebrate today 117 years of our beloved university, June 18, 2025.

The University of the Philippines (UP) was established on June 18, 1908 by Act No. 1870 of the First Philippne Legislature. Through these years, UP has brought forth countless men and women into the public life; and many of its alumni are now distinguished in the annals of our Nation's history.

We are reminded, regardless of achievements or station, that honor and excellence (and now service, too) must remain at the core of what it means to come from our halls. The laurels of an iskolar are found not just within our campus and classrooms, but towards a life lived in oblation for love of our neighbor.

Meanwhile, my photo of the Day

Monkey Orchid astonishes with its perfect mimicry—a flower that blooms with a face, complete with haunting eyes and a nose. This surreal creation of nature seems to stare back, blurring the line between plant and animal in a mesmerizing botanical illusion.

Lastly, Meet the Leaf Sheep:

The Adorably Tiny Sea Slug That Photosynthesizes Like a Plant

It looks like something straight out of a fantasy cartoon a tiny, wide-eyed creature with leaf-like flaps sprouting from its back. But the Leaf Sheep (Costasiella kuroshimae) is very real, and it’s one of the most fascinating animals in the ocean.

Despite being a sea slug, this little wonder behaves more like a plant than a predator. Why? Because it can actually photosynthesize a rare feat in the animal kingdom. The Leaf Sheep feeds on algae, but instead of just digesting it, it steals the algae’s chloroplasts and stores them in its own body tissues. This unique process, known as kleptoplasty, allows the slug to convert sunlight into energy, just like plants do.

Native to the waters of Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, this creature is not just cute it’s a scientific marvel. With its leafy appearance and eco-friendly diet, the Leaf Sheep is a reminder of nature’s boundless creativity.

In a world where most animals hunt for food, the Leaf Sheep just basks in the sun and lets science (and stolen algae parts) do the work.

Berkeley, California Named Healthiest City In US

The photo above is Berkeley, California, which was named the healthiest city in the U.S. for 2025 by Travel + Leisure, citing data from Niche.com .

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Why Berkeley Was Titled the Healthiest City

According to Travel + Leisure, Niche.com ranked cities based on general health indicators including:

• Rates of smoking and excessive alcohol use

• Levels of obesity

• Access to healthcare, gyms, and mental health services

• Lifestyle and environmental factors

Berkeley excelled across these categories and earned top marks due to several key qualities:

• Abundant Sunshine & Mild Climate: Around 256 sunny days per year and a Mediterranean-like climate encourage outdoor living and year-round activity .

• Easy Access to Nature & Recreation: The city boasts over 50 parks with sports facilities, trails, and playgrounds. It's also conveniently close to natural destinations like Muir Woods, Yosemite, and Pinnacles National Parks .

• Strong Overall Lifestyle Ratings: Berkeley received A+ grades in schools, nightlife, and outdoor activity—but scored lower in housing affordability (C-), safety (C-), and cost of living (D+) .

• Cultural and Social Vitality: Residents often point to Berkeley’s diversity and spirit of self-expression. One quote on Niche summed it up:

  “Berkeley is a totally unique city. I have never seen another place so littered with diversity... for all aspects of life where life is actually supposed to be fun, Berkeley thrives.”

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Quick Snapshot: Berkeley at a Glance

Feature	Highlight
Location	Alameda County, just across the bay from San Francisco
Climate	Mild Mediterranean with plenty of sunny days
Outdoor Lifestyle	Parks, trails, and easy access to iconic natural landmarks
Health Infrastructure	Strong access to healthcare, gyms, and mental health services
Cost & Safety Challenges	High cost of living, housing shortages, and some safety concerns
Cultural Vibe	Intellectually vibrant, diverse, and expressive

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In Summary

Berkeley’s combination of climate, outdoor amenities, healthcare access, and a dynamic social atmosphere make it stand out as America’s healthiest city in 2025. Despite challenges like affordability and safety, its strong communal spirit and commitment to well-being continue to attract acclaim and admiration. For more details visit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkeley,_California

Meanwhile, Did you know that .....

The Philippines had the very first medical school in Southeast Asia — the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), formally established in 1871. It was created by royal decree during the Spanish colonial period and became the foundation of modern medical education in the region.

UST’s Faculty of Medicine trained generations of Filipino doctors, including national heroes like Dr. José Rizal, who studied medicine there before continuing in Spain. To this day, it remains one of the most respected medical schools in Asia, a testament to the Philippines’ early role in advancing science and healthcare in the region.

Finally, Quotes About Lake Tahoe:

“As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.” – Mark Twain

“To breathe the same air as the angels, you must go to Tahoe.” – Mark Twain

“Lake Tahoe is the jewel of the Sierras, where nature’s handiwork is on full display.” – John Muir

 

AND Sometimes using the toilet in Japan requires an engineering degree  

Playing with ChatGPT Photo Copying Capabilities -Part 1

Today, I am playing with what ChatGPT can do regarding Photo Generation and Making Copies in various portrait styles from an original photo that I have. Here are the amazing results of my experiment.  The above photo is the original- Macrine (RIP) and I attending a party in San Francisco in 1982.  

I asked ChatGPT to make copies in six styles (in oil portrait, charcoal/pencil,  pop art, renaissance, line art/watercolor wash and legacy/heritage ) as follows:

1. Line Art with WaterColor Wash ( #12)

2. Heritage / Legacy Portrait( #10)

3. Charcoal / Pencil Sketch (#1)

4. Digital Oil (Ultra-Realistic)(#5)

5. Pop Art / Andy Warhol–Inspired (#7)

6. Soft Focus Romantic Portrait-Watercolor(#8)

Here are some popular and meaningful options, ranging from classic to artistic to commemorative that ChatGPT can do:

🎨 Classic & Fine-Art Styles

1. Charcoal / Pencil Sketch
   • Black-and-white or sepia
   • Emphasizes facial features and expressions
   • Very timeless and elegant

2. Pastel Drawing (Soft Chalk Look)
   • Gentle colors, slightly textured paper feel
   • Romantic and warm, great for couples

3. Impressionist Painting
   • Inspired by Monet / Renoir
   • Softer edges, visible brush strokes
   • Focuses on light, emotion, and atmosphere

4. Renaissance / Old-Master Style
   • Dark, dramatic background
   • Rich lighting (Rembrandt-style)
   • Museum-quality, very dignified

🖌️ Modern & Expressive Styles

5. Digital Oil (Ultra-Realistic)
   • Looks like a hand-painted oil portrait
   • Sharper facial detail than traditional oil
   • Ideal for large prints

6. Loose Artistic Watercolor
   • More abstract than the one you just saw
   • Paint bleeds, light outlines, airy feel

7. Pop Art / Andy Warhol–Inspired
   • Bold colors, graphic look
   • Fun, celebratory, contemporary

8. Soft Focus Romantic Portrait
   • Gentle glow, reduced background detail
   • Emphasizes closeness and affection

🕊️ Commemorative & Storytelling Styles

9. Vintage Sepia Portrait (1930s–1950s)
   • Aged photograph feel
   • Warm nostalgia, perfect for family history

10. Heritage / Legacy Portrait
    • Neutral background
    • Subtle symbolism (light, hands, posture)
    • Designed as a “family keepsake” image

11. Minimalist Portrait
    • Clean background
    • Focus entirely on faces and hands
    • Modern and very tasteful

✨ Creative Variations

12. Line Art with Watercolor Wash
    • Ink outlines with soft color fills
    • Elegant and unique

13. Silhouette with Soft Detail
    • Dramatic lighting
    • Artistic and symbolic

    Do you have a Favorite? Mine is the Line Art with watercolor wash, because the copy make us younger than the original photo as well as the harmony of the pastel colors in the photo. 

    Lastly, here are some photos of Snow on Mt Diablo, yesterday morning, Feb 18, 2026

     

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

What's the Spiciest Dish Globally? Are Filipino Dishes Spicy?

Several THD Residents have asked me if Filipino Food is Spicy. My Answer is No, but there are some dishes specifically from the 💚Bicol region that may be considered spicy. So What are the spiciest dish globally? Here's the Answer:  

Spiciest Dishes Globally

Determining the spiciest dish globally is subjective, as people have different tolerance levels for spiciness. However, some cuisines stand out for their bold flavors and intense heat.

Spiciest Cuisines:

Thai Cuisine: Thai dishes like Tom Yum soup and Som Tam (papaya salad) are known for their spicy kick, thanks to ingredients like bird's eye chilies.

Sichuan Cuisine: Sichuan dishes like Mapo Tofu and hotpot are famous for their numbing and spicy sensation, caused by Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies.

Indian Cuisine: Indian dishes like Vindaloo and curries are known for their bold flavors and heat, thanks to ingredients like red and green chilies, black pepper, and spices.

Korean Cuisine: Korean dishes like Kimchi and spicy stir-fries often feature gochugaru (red pepper flakes) and gochujang (chili paste) for added heat.

Some specific dishes that are notoriously spicy include ¹ ²:

Trinidadian Pepper Roti: A Caribbean flatbread filled with spicy meat or vegetables, often served with a side of hot sauce.

Sri Lankan Pol Sambol: A spicy coconut-based condiment made with chilies, onions, and sometimes Maldive fish.

I have devoured the following Cuisine during My Younger Years: 

Korean Kimchi: A traditional side dish made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbage or radishes, seasoned with chili peppers, garlic, and other spices.

Sichuan Mapo Tofu: A spicy Sichuan dish made with tofu, ground meat (usually pork or beef), and a variety of spices and chilies.

The above  are just a few examples, and the spiciest dish is ultimately a matter of personal preference. If you're looking to try something new, consider starting with milder dishes and gradually increasing the heat level to find your limit.

The Bicol Express Dish💜 You could regulate the Hotness of this dish by adding less chili peppers but more coconut milk. I love this dish ( medium Hotness)  

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on Spiciest Filipino Dishes:  

While Filipino cuisine is generally known for its sweet, sour, and salty profiles, the 💚

Bicol region

 is the exception, famous for its fiery dishes.

The title for the spiciest Filipino dish typically goes to:

• Bicol Express (Sinilihan):💜 Often cited as the most popular spicy dish in the Philippines. It is a rich, creamy stew made from pork, coconut milk, and shrimp paste, but its defining feature is the sheer volume of siling labuyo (native bird's eye chili) or siling haba (finger chilies).
• Gulay na Lada / Sinilihan: Many locals consider the authentic Bicolano version, Sinilihan, to be even spicier than the standard Bicol Express. It uses a higher ratio of chilies to meat, sometimes appearing more like a chili stew than a pork dish.
• Hinalang: Popular in Mindanao, this is a beef or pork soup similar to Nilaga but heavily infused with ginger and a massive amount of chili peppers, designed to be "explosively" hot.
• Gising-Gising: A vegetable dish made of chopped winged beans (sigarilyas) or green beans cooked in coconut milk. While it looks mild, it is "spicy by default" and can often surpass Bicol Express in heat depending on the cook.
• Laing: Another Bicolano staple consisting of dried taro leaves simmered in coconut milk with shrimp or pork. While it can be mild, traditional versions are packed with enough siling labuyo to provide a slow, intense burn. 

Finally, Here's the Scoville Pepper Scale Ranking:

I love the Poblano Peppers for My Chili Relleno Dish  

My Reel of the Day: Simple Recipe for Kare-Kare

What is the history of Kare-Kare?

Kare-Kare, a traditional Filipino stew, has a rich and complex history. While its exact origin is debated, several theories attempt to explain how this dish came to be a staple in Filipino cuisine.

Theories on the Origin of Kare-Kare:

Indian Sepoy Theory: One theory suggests that Kare-Kare was influenced by Indian sepoys who settled in the Philippines during the British occupation of Manila. They improvised their own cuisine using local ingredients, resulting in a dish called "kari-kaari" or "kare-kare" over time.

Moro Elite Theory: Another theory proposes that Kare-Kare was a regal dish of the Moro elite in the Philippines, predating Spanish rule. This theory suggests that the Moros, who were influenced by Arab traders, introduced peanuts and other ingredients to the dish.Kapampangan or Tagalog Origin: Some believe that Kare-Kare originated from the Kapampangans in 

Pampanga or the Tagalog people in Davao. The Kapampangans claim to have developed the dish from a Moro curry, while the Tagalog people claim to have created their own version after learning about the dish from Moro vendors.

What's the secret to a flavorful kare-kare?

The secret to a flavorful kare-kare lies in the rich and savory peanut sauce, which is typically made with a combination of peanuts or peanut paste, shrimp paste (bagoong), vegetables, and sometimes ground rice or rice flour for thickness. Other essential components include using a good quality beef broth, tender oxtail or pork, and a blend of spices and aromatics like garlic, onions, and ginger. Toasting peanuts and grinding them into a paste can add depth, while fermented shrimp paste provides that umami flavor. Balancing the flavors is key to achieving that authentic kare-kare taste.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/4351267025190874