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 here. Also, Joys grandfather offered his bed as my bed for my stay here - an offer I refused but was very thankful for. I don't want to put anyone out but he would be happy to sleep on the floor whilst I sleep in his bed. Also, Filipino people will turn over to an English speaking channel so that I can watch TV, even if they speak little to no English. 2. The Weather Despite hating it, I also love it. Right now in the UK it is roughly sitting around 0 degrees. Here it is around 30 degrees, so I am never cold. 3. The Food I am not a huge fan of traditional Filipino food but a few things are moving me over in favour of Filipino food. Lechon Manok (roast Chicken on a spit) is my current favorite for dinner and everyone loves it. I have found a love for Ice Tea with Lemon despite never drinking it in the UK (as I generally dislike Tea). Filipino baked goods are delicious and 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 here and I can see why. Spaghetti sauce is sweet but still tomato based and very nice... Sarap! 4. The Laid back Attitude This also makes for Filipino Time which is something I dislike, but to sit down with a group of Filipino's and simply relax and take life with a pinch of salt is something we should all do. 5. The Scenery Here in Mindanao, we have some of the most amazing scenery. When I was driving here to Valencia from Cagayan De Oro the scenery was like something out of Jurassic Park. The vista I got to witness in Tagaytay was simply stunning and a pleasure for every minute I could stare out onto the lake and see the hills and volcano in front of me. Likewise here in Valencia there is a Volcano called Mount Musuan, it is a stunning site to see every day (so long as it never erupts ) 6. The Family and Friend Orientations In the Philippines 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 will be paying for the education of one or more relatives back home and this attitude carries on with a "Pay It Forward" kind of attitude. Neighbours will remain friends and will always esquire how they are doing and regularly meet up for meals and drinks. Something lacking in the UK. 7. Meal Time Meals here are a family gathering where everyone comes together around the table and food is in the middle of the table for people to scoop up what they want and conversations are as much a part of the ritual as eating is. Something in the UK we should strive to return back to instead of the TV dinner experience! 8. The Prices I can have a slap up meal for about 2 British pounds! As a gift I bought my baby niece a baby walker and it costs about a third of the same kind in the UK. Drinks cost very little 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 (seeing as I don't work here). And of course 12 hours of Sunlight means you have plenty of time in the day to enjoy the day! 10. Love of Music Every Filipino loves music and makes time to listen to music every day (or at least every one I have come to know). So on my daily travels I will hear music coming out of bakeries, stores and Tricycles. So far my memories of the Philippines consist of images and the music of Bruno Mars and The Black Eyed Peas!
