Originally Posted by
ginapeterb
Its nice to see so many replies from all of you about the documentary, I must say I am pleased to see so many differing viewpoints, thats what makes this forum so lively, the diversity of your opinions, thus showing only one thing about the Philippines.
I think its this:
The Philippines has something to offer for everyone, whatever you think, wherever you stay, whatever your experience is, you can't stop talking about it, but there is one thing none of us will escape, and that is WE SIMPLY LOVE THE COUNTRY, ITS PEOPLE AND ITS CULTURE.
My wife Gina and I were sitting last night reading all of your replies, and discussing this subject, I said to Gina, "You know sweetheart, look at some of the people we meet when we are in country", "They are so happy, they smile, they chat, they greet you, the kids on the street come up and say hello, everyone seems to be happy, sometimes when I look at them, I think, is their an injection for that ?" "Can I get that from my GP?"
No matter what the economic group or status is of individual's the one thing I notice so much about the people, is the ability to maintain their self respect in any given situation, what about the lady I was visiting, who lived in the Nippa Hut, who started to make me coffee !, when I gestured that it was ok, she simply insisted I sit down and drink coffee, and have something to eat"
What about that kind of hospitality, that only you can get in the Philippines, and of course other countries, where hospitality is the key to the culture, whatever we say about the Philippines, it simply has so much going for it, yes, why are we drawn to it, as my wife does say, we have an invested interested do we not, naturally, for most of you, the love of your life comes from the Philippines, in truth, when we examine our motives, we really do want the best for the Philippines, and even we will defend it the best of our ability.
Most of you will have been seasoned traveler's to the Philippines, your knowledge will be first class, and you will have seen most of what is on the documentary, it will come as no surprise to you, but maybe, when you really think about the documentary, you will start to realize, that its a mixture of all the facets of life in the Philippines that actually makes it so appealing.
For example, contrast the poverty, the plight of the poor, the middle classes, the rich, the beautiful mountainous scenery, palm trees, clear blue waters, the weather, that goes from tornado to beautiful sunshine, the eco structure, the abundant wild life, and diversity of wildlife, the music, and yes finally the people, when you throw all these ingredients into one pot, you come up with what is now the Philippines, whatever you think about it, the fact is, you are drawn to it, and once its in your blood, as it was me some 5 years ago, it will never go out of your blood.
Something keeps drawing you back for holiday's and ultimately to live there, maybe its the Place itself, it does that to you, by all of your comments, I can see
you've made it yours.
