Southeast Asian countries poll

[MODU]

I've been to half of those countries already, but definitely Singapore and the Philippines.  Spent a week in Singapore back in the early 1990s, and as I've said on here numerous times, if I were to ever have to leave the US, Singapore would be my first choice as a second home. 

The Philippines are next because a) I speak Tagalog (though I'm getting rusty), b) the Northern-half (especially Luzon) is very "Americanized", c) all the lovely lovely ladies, and d) my retirment money will allow me to live like a king out there. 

[MODU]

The Philippines are next because a) I speak Tagalog (though I'm getting rusty), b) the Northern-half (especially Luzon) is very "Americanized", c) all the lovely lovely ladies, and d) my retirment money will allow me to live like a king out there. 

How does it happen that you speak Tagalog?  Were you 'in the service' there?

I grew up with, worked with, and have been friends with Filipino's all my life.  Many of them were aboard the various ships I've sailed on.