When reading this I feel glad I live in a country (France) where 99% of the people have no idea where the Philippines are located and probably imagine the president is Imelda Marcos.... I am 54 and do not give a damn what people around me think, but for my gf in Davao, it is really something to be in a relation with someone she can be proud of. Because I call her everyday over her lunch break (06.30 AM here...) I am famous among her office mates especially since I am not the usual American/Briton/Australian and I just offered her a dermatological treatment for age spots on her cheeks she could not otherwise afford. All of this has made a reputation to me there and of course I will be careful to confirm the good impression when I am there in September....
