An American traveler's impressions of the Philippines

Here, I'm sharing an excerpt from an email sent to me by an American friend who recently traveled to the Philippines. There are so many truths to what he observed and experienced. Read on.


"For me, this was a trip unlike any other I had taken. It did not feel like a vacation, as much as an experience for me; I didn't go there for "fun in the sun". I really went on a discovery mission...


And it was almost all I imagined. The only thing lacking was the heat and sunshine I always hear about. It was rather cool and overcast more than I would have liked. But, many of the sunsets were spectacular. Here's a list of the other things I learned.....


Despite the poverty, Filipinos are the most kind and hospitable people I have met anywhere. People who have nothing were still singing and wishing me "Happy New Year" as I walked past them sitting homeless in the street. It was so humbling, and reminded me how damn lucky I am to have what I have. Most people in the US should be ashamed of themsleves for the complaining they do about how "bad" they have it.


Your homeland's government is to blame for the plight of the poor. Talking with the local people, nearly everyone agrees that the Philippines would have a much stronger social system if not for the corruption in government.


Filipinos can be pushy. LOL....it was not uncommon for people to "cut" me in a line, or to NOT wait their turn for anything. Boarding planes is like a race. When they announce "boarding rows 20-30"...shit...EVERYONE runs for the gate!!! LOL...


I LOVE riding the Jeepneys and Tricycles!!! Near the end of the trip, I stopped using taxis all together!


EVERYONE has a cellphone, and is texting all the time. But I noticed very few "smart" phones. I assume that the cost and lack of telecommunication infrastructure makes smart phones prohibitive.


A 30 min. foot massage costs less than $3. A full hour cost less than 5.


Despite the poverty outside, the shopping malls are glorious! Much nicer than our malls in the US..And obvioulsy, they are the place to "hang out".


I was glad I stayed in Malate; it brought me closer to the "real" Manila. When we visited Makati, it was obviously a "jaded" view because of all the money in that area. I noticed how the tricycles and jeepneys seemed to disappear in Makati.


In the province, the bats are the size of a goose. That really freaked me out the first time one flew close to me.


ALWAYS insist on using a meter in a taxi. The drivers nearly always inflate the price if you dont..


From what I saw in Rizal Park, families play together more than in the US. Maybe it was because it was holiday, but it was nice to see so many families in the park.


I miss the children. I loved seeing them smile when I gave them candy. Next time, I will give more.


Driving in the Phils is best left for the Filipinos. I'm glad I didnt drive anywhere. The lack of rules results in a "near death" experience every time you wind through traffic. What amazes me is......I didnt see even ONE accident.


And there was more....but I can tell you more stories later."