Article previously written and published in Jan 2013 - revised.

I wrote this while sitting and staring out my window in Tupelo, Mississippi, while all I could do is yearn for the day that I return back to the easy way of life in the Philippines.

Of course "easy life" is a relative term with the applied connotation that one doesn’t have to do much of anything if they don't want to. Many things can simply wait until tomorrow to be done or, with very little peso-persuasion, tasks can be done in timely fashion by someone more willing. The term "peso-nality" (coined long ago) simply means having the ability at will to spread the wealth around. A few pesos here and a few pesos there will usually muster up any number of volunteers for anything that resembles labor, along with much thankfulness for the opportunity to earn their share. So, it can be a relatively easy life in the "Domain of the Golden Dragon."

I can remember once when hanging out on a Guam Beach back in 1974, fully dressed in the uniform-of-the-day (shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops), and having the beach all to myself, smack-dab in the middle of January! With my feet buried in the cool white sand, I had my snorkeling gear and a cooler of refreshments at my side with an ocean vista to die for. And all I could think about was what my friends were doing back home in Illinois. Actually, I knew exactly what they were doing… shoveling snow!

After downing two beers, and with a few more passing thoughts of frigid winter-like scenarios, I decided to nominate myself as a candidate for full-time living in this Domain. I only needed one vote, and it was a projected overwhelming majority! The hard part was figuring out how to do it. For what it was worth, I had no complaints and smiled a lot that particular winter.

Silent Occult Mysteries of the Far East?

For the benefit of those that aren’t familiar with the Domain of the Golden Dragon, it refers to an unofficial award for those who cross the International Date Line at sea. While the domain is not a physical location per se, the "Golden Dragon" symbolizes the powerful and often mythical dragon of Asian cultures, representing the mysterious and challenging waters of the Pacific and the passage into this "domain" by sailing west. This naval tradition recognizes sailors, particularly those in the U.S. Navy, for completing the voyage across the imaginary line at roughly 180 degrees longitude (International Date Line) which separates two consecutive calendar dates. Recipients are given a certificate or medal, often with elaborate ceremonies, marking their entrance into "the realm." With the extensive Navy operations In the Western Pacific since (and before) World War II, this unique passage has become so common that few initiation ceremonies actually take place these days. But the certificate, decorated with a Chinese-style dragon, will still find its way to a spot on that sailor’s wall at home (featured photo).

As a career Navy man, I’ve had the privilege of crossing the dateline on several occasions. The dateline is actually the longitude of the 180th meridian, separating east and west. It’s the meridian opposite the Prime Meridian which joins the north and south poles and passes through Greenwich, England. I was lucky enough to actually go through the ceremonious hazing during my first transit across the line. I received my certificate, which I proudly display on the wall in my man cave. It reads as follows:

Know, All Ye by These, Presents: and to all pirates of the Yellow Seas and other derelicts of Far Eastern Seas, Greetings: Know Ye: On 5 August, 1986, within the boundaries of my Dragonic Realm there appeared the Good Ship USS Beaufort (ATS-2). Be it known: That the said renowned vessel crossed the 180th Meridian in Latitude 17-41N. All her Officers and Crew have been duly inspected and found qualified by my Venerable Court. It is therefore, my privilege to proclaim, with all the authority of my sphere of influence, that Randy Landis has been found worthy to be granted membership in my domain, the Silent Occult Mysteries of the Far East. And be it further understood: That the above named is now a member of my August Retinue and is therefore entitled to all the Rights and Privileges accorded such personages. Disobey this order under penalty of our royal displeasure. L.G. Nibbs, Commanding.

Although I first arrived in the Dragon’s Domain in 1974 (via aeroplane), tradition has it you must ‘sail’ into the domain to be considered for the rights of privilege. Sorry, you should have joined the Navy!

The Guam Realm.

My arrival in Guam at the ripe age of 19 provided me my first look at this unique culture (and beautiful Asian women). Even though Guam is an incorporated territory of the USA, the local culture results from a blend of local Chamorro and Filipino, with American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and other nationalities thrown into the mix. While many of my Navy co-horts would sit around the barracks day-in and day-out and complain of nothing to do, I immersed myself in the island lifestyle and quickly fell in love with the island lifestyle

Beaches, BBQ’s, and Beer (3 B’s) always makes for a fun time recipe in Guam. ) The 4th “B” or Babe’s was a bit more elusive, but not necessarily required to enjoy the island life. I beached a lot, snorkeled, learned to dive, fished, did some cliff diving, learned to fly, fished, did some boonie stomping (island exploring), bought a boat, ski’ed, fished, bought a motorcycle and literally moto-crossed myself around the island. Did I mention fishing? I attended Fiesta’s, Novena’s, and even played in local card games and learned to play Maj-jong. I even attended a cock fight or two. For a flatlander from Illinois, It wasn't hard to find things to do.

One of the more challenging things to do in Guam was find woman. There were plenty of women on the island but it seemed like they were part of an endangered or protected species- protection administered by their distrustful older male family members. It was rare to find local girls out partying or simply unaccompanied and, except for a handful of nightclubs staffed with Korean "buy me drink" ladies, there weren’t many places to go to meet women. Ladies of other ethnicities such as Japanese, Korean, or Chinese were even more difficult to meet likely due to the more extreme cultural differences and language barriers. (Fast forward to 2025 - things have changed a lot!)

While Chamorro is the largest indigenous population in Guam, Filipino is the second largest ethnic group and totals nearly 30% of the island's population, heavily influencing Guam's food culture. For example, attend any island fiesta and you will find that Filipino food has woven its way into the into the uniqueness of Chamorro culture - where every fiesta you will find pork or lechon, red rice, pancit, lumpia, and many other of the Filipino descended delicacies. There is always beer and adult beverages of course... and tuba. Tuba in Guam is a traditional fermented drink made from coconut sap, introduced to the island by Filipino helpers during the Spanish colonial era.

Milking coconut sap for Tuba

Guam is truly the melting pot of Asia and if it was a recipe it would be stir-fried Asian, sautéed with Chamorro, drizzled with Filipino, and served up with a touch of Americano. After spending nearly 5 years (two tours) living on Guam, and 3 years living in the Philippines, it left me with this unending affliction. Since my early days there, my enchantment with the tropic island life hardened like concrete. For me, there was only one cure - a one-way ticket to the ‘Domain’ forever. Now some of you are probably thinking "Guam?... I never thought of living there!" I say check it out, but you better have a good income or be prepared to keep working. Guam is expensive.

The Philippines Realm.

To me the Philippines is a lot like Guam, but with a more definitive culture. It’s not so small that you will get island fever (as some claim) on Guam. It has many more beaches and a diverse economy with a variety of lifestyles to choose from. The friendliness of the Filipino people, combined with their genuine nature to please, is unlike anywhere else. Their hospitality in Southeast Asia is second to none.

Many foreigners thrive on the ability to live in a laid back society where the government still trusts you to make your own responsible decisions. This of paramount importance to anyone who loves liberty and freedom and is in stark contrast to the West where cultural meltdowns continue and liberties are threatened. If you can immerse yourself into the culture of the Philippines like many others do, you will discover there is a certain richness about living there and it has nothing to do with having money or having an abundance of material things. It has everything to do with having a good loving woman at your side, with strong family values, and being surrounded by a culture of caring people.

On occasion you may hear an expat say they that they crave for a certain food or a miss particular western convenience, or they might think out loud about missing the seasonal weather back home. Actually, you may hear many complaints from expats from time to time, but it all means a hill of beans when one summons up the real reasons they are there – it's because they cherish their adopted Filipino culture and the overall enjoyment of life in the Philippines.

The Philippines is not Guam, and it’s definitely not like living in the West. Wherever you decide to live over here, it’s simply all about living the good life... in the realm of the dragon.

Domain Of The Golden Dragon