5 things I love about the Philippines - apart from Air Supply, perfect sunsets and K-pop (2024)

Fireworks, Filipinos, the ‘ber months, beaches, cover bands, Filipinos, palm trees, sunsets, salsa, Batangas, bankas in Batangas, wearing havaianas year-round, – these are a few of my favorite things about the Philippines. There are a million ways this archipelago has captivated me, but I want to highlight five endearing features of the Philippines nation. A rich tapestry of culture, history, and the indomitable spirit of its people, the Philippines is a hidden gem of Southeast Asia that few truly know of the fullness of it. From the cheerful resilience of the Filipino people to the honesty, discipline, and professionalism displayed by its workforce, the warm hospitality and acceptance of diverse cultures, the nation's incredible heritage, and their enduring love of Air Supply - it’s difficult to know where to begin.

1. The Cheerful Resilience of the Filipinos: Let's start with the heart and soul of the Philippines - its more than 115 million people! One of the most endearing qualities of the Filipino people is their unyielding spirit and resilience, which shines brightly in the face of adversity. Over and over again, the Philippines gets battered by typhoons. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions wreak havoc on lives and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Filipinos show incredible strength and a positive attitude, bouncing back with a smile. The combination of strong faith and community orientation and their cultural values of pakikisama (camaraderie) and pagkakaroon ng malasakit (compassion) make the Filipinos the most resilient and soul-rich people in the world. These values are so strong that even if someone is juggling two jobs to make ends meet, they help and give to those less fortunate than them. This happens in daily life but was most evident during the pandemic and its aftermath. The infectious cheerfulness of the Filipino people is evident not only in times of tragedy but also in their daily lives. The warmth and friendliness of the locals can be felt throughout the country, making visitors feel instantly welcome and at ease. This unique trait has earned the Philippines the title of "Land of Smiles" and has cemented its place as one of the world's friendliest nations.

2. Honesty, Discipline, and Professionalism of the Filipino Workforce: Filipinos are known the world over for their strong work ethic, discipline, and unwavering commitment to professionalism. Whether working in the bustling city centers or the provinces, they take pride in their jobs, delivering services with dedication and integrity. This virtue of masipag is so deeply ingrained in the Filipino culture that it transcends borders, with many Filipinos overseas showcasing the same values in their workplaces. Whether it is the lady with the pretty tattoo on her wrist working in the parking pay booth, the security guards who stand attention with a smile all day, the medical assistant, the Grab deliverer, zumba instructors, gym attendants, the single mother hustling three jobs as a virtual assistant while running her food business, the traffic warden, and professionals from all segments of the economy – it's service with a stellar standard and a smile.

3. For a while, ma’am!: Beyond their strong sense of duty, Filipinos also exhibit patience and perseverance, not least when lining up for long hours for a crowded commute or waiting for their loved ones to come home for Christmas, maybe this year, from Dubai or wherever. This admirable trait makes the Philippines not just a hub for industries that require a dedicated and skilled workforce, such as the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, where the country has become a global leader, but has also created an impetus for innovation in digital applications – where public transport and building infrastructure have disappointed its workers, mobile and digital solutions such as SMS-based financial services over the past decade, the proliferation of digital commerce and payments more recently, and the freebie app services such as Netflix and WhatsApp provided by the mobile service providers to help everyone patiently pass time at no additional cost (I know someone who binge-watched an entire season of a K-drama in two days during her commute between Cavite and Taguig) are a blessing. Living here has certainly brought out the better in me – I’m more patient, accepting, and grateful than I ever was before.

4. Melting Pot with a Twist: From the cheer of “Mabuhay” and good morning when one sets foot in the Philippines, people are greeted by warm smiles and a genuine sense of hospitality – even at 5 am at NAIA! Philippines’ hospitality is legendary, and it is built on a longstanding tradition of accepting outsiders. I recall my 9th-grade social studies teacher telling us during the anthropology unit that if everyone in this world intermarried and all the races got blended, we would all look like Filipinos. Not sure about the scientific veracity of this evolutionary phenomenon if one ever did occur – but surely the Philippines is a melting pot of cultures, with a heritage to be celebrated. Rooted in rich traditions from its various tribes and clans, infused with 333 years of Spanish culture that leaves behind amazing salsa dancing, devout Catholic spirit and tasty food, and nearly 50 years of American rule (with a brief Japanese interlude), alongside centuries of migration from southeastern China and Gujerati Sindhis, we have the best overload of handicrafts, festivals, malls, sushi, Chinese New Year dragon dances, and Latin dance instructors right here in the Philippines. The recent Korean cultural invasion is visible not only in the fashion billboards across Manila’s streets and at airports, but also in the mushrooming of Korean grocery stores, alongside Jollibee, even in the provinces. Everyone loves some tteok-bokki, chicken and beer, and Kim Seon-ho! With the explosion of the BPO industry in recent years, along comes home-based startups by accompanying spouses of so many countries bringing us more variety in the food and services already so vibrant. It is this tapestry of cultures and influences that makes the Filipiniana spirit even stronger. The Philippines has a colorful and storied history, shaped by centuries of foreign influence and its people's strong sense of identity. The centuries of colonial rule and influence have added to the Filipino spirit which remains strong and resilient, weaving together a rich tapestry of traditions and customs.

5. And finally, it certainly is more fun in the Philippines!: Given all this above, Filipinos have an uncanny ability to find joy and reason to celebrate in even the smallest things. From fireworks lighting up the sky when a Filipina wins a global beauty pageant (which isn’t a rare occurrence) to the jubilant cheers heard as boxing legend Manny Pacquiao delivers a knockout punch, the Philippines knows how to revel in life's moments. I was recently watching the FIFA 2023 soccer match between the Philippines and Switzerland teams, and while the Swiss team clearly outperformed, the Filipino spectators in New Zealand were the happier ones! Notably, the Filipino's enthusiasm for the Christmas season is unparalleled. Yuletide carols can be heard from September 1 (the start of the ‘ber months when most of us put up our tree) – although my earliest encounter with jingle bell rock was in June one year, and during the first year of the pandemic, I decided to put up our Christmas tree in July for some much-needed cheer.

I end this by simply sharing that the Philippines is a true hidden gem of Asia. From Manila’s metropolitan sprawl to the paradise islands and far-flung provinces – it’s not only fun, but also fabulous. Every corner of this paradise is waiting to welcome you – and believe me, if you come here, and stay here “for a while” or for a little longer, you'll fall in love, just like I did! 🇵🇭💖