1. The People -=- Generally, Filipino people will go out of their way to help a stranger or a visitor. Yes this is not always the case and certain areas are to be avoided but I have experienced incredible service in shops and restaurants there.
2. The Weather -=- Despite hating the high humidity, I also love it. I prefer it so much more than shoveling snow.
3. The Food -=- I enjoy most of the traditional Filipino foods, with only a few exceptions.
Lechon Manok (roast Chicken on a spit) is one of my favorites.
Filipino baked goods are yummy yummy-yummy too. I am happy to try anything and have yet to come across something baked I dislike. Also, the Filipino spin on western food is quite nice too, Fried Chicken with Rice and Gravy is very popular in the Philippines and I can see why.
Spaghetti sauce is sweet but still tomato based and very nice... Sarap-Sarap :-)))
4. The Laid back Attitude -=- This also makes for Filipino Time which is something I dislike.
There is nothing like sitting down with a group of Filipino's and simply relaxing is something we all should do.
5. The Scenery -=- If you have never been to the Philippines it has some of the most amazing scenery. I could go on and on and on about all the wonderful things to see and do in the Philippines.
6. The Family and Friend Orientations -=- Despite the fact that Filipinos in the USA do not seem to unite for a common goal, in the Philippines it is very different and families work together.
Distant relatives who have made a lot of money will sponsor a cousin or similar to go to college or some other course to better themselves.
Overseas workers pay for the education of one or more relatives back home and this attitude carries on with a "Pay It Forward" kind of attitude.
Neighbors remain friends and will always ask about how they are doing and regularly meet up for meals and drinks. Something lacking in the USA.
7. Meal Time -=- Meal are a family gathering where everyone comes together around the table and food is family style. Food is put in the middle of the table for people to scoop up what they want. Pleasant conversations are as much a part of the ritual of meal times as is the food. While growing up in Pennsylvania this was a regular practice. Unfortunately in the USA this is something we as a nation have moved away from yet the practice is alive and well in the Philippines. In the USA we should strive to return back to this instead of the current TV dinner type of experience!
8. The Prices -=- I can have a quick yummy meal for just a few US dollars!
As a gift I bought a friends daughter a baby walker and it costs about a third of what a similar unit in the USA would cost.
Drinks cost very little too. And, for a westerner this gives us a few extra pesos for tips which makes us seem nicer in the eyes of those serving us.
9. Twelve Hours of Sunlight -=- Being near the equator there is roughly 12 hours of sunlight every day.
This makes for a graceful awakening some time before 6am and you quickly adapt to waking and sleeping naturally and not relying on alarm clocks.
And of course 12 hours of Sunlight means you have plenty of time to enjoy whatever it is yo plan to do that day!
10. Love of Music -=- Every Filipino loves music and makes time to listen to music every day (or at least every Filipino that I know does).
So on my daily travels I will hear music in the malls, coming out of bakeries, stores, tricycles, jeepneys, cars and trucks. Basically you hear music anywhere you go in the Philippines.
Now you heard my ten things. What are yours?
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-=-Dr. Dave-=
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