Attempting to briefly categorize Filipino culture
My first impression of the Filipino culture: Philippines strangely resembles the USA, almost a generic, knock-off version. Share similar interest in sports, music, excessive TV and screen usage, fascination with celebrities. However, my experiences with several different groups of friends inviting me to join their festivities as well as the family who invited me for dinner last night revealed an incredibly genuine and hospitable culture.
Almost everyone speaks English
Much easier traveling alone in the Philippines since everyone speaks English. Learning as much Tagalog as possible each day. Beautiful island living in Puerto Galera. Itinerary for each day getting back on track. Morning pictures, food, swim, read, nap, meal, walk for more pictures, edit pictures, have a few meaningful conversations, write, sleep… repeat. Filipinos exhibit strong family ties and often live and work in the same place. This spills over into their welcoming nature. Need to be as polite and patient with the dozens of individuals trying to earn a living selling knick-knacks and jet ski rides. Part of the reason I switched beaches, due to the incessant requests to buy junk. Walked 16,791 steps today, 8.67 miles, feeling free and happy.
Strong Family Values and home-cooked meals
Fulfilled an ideal itinerary for the day. Awoke with the rising sun. Admired and photographed Mengie’s flower garden. Hiked through the Mangyan Village to a waterfall. Spent several minutes directly under the magnificent waterfall. My guide, Al, refused payment and said it was a friendly offering. I insisted on giving him 100 pesos.
Swam. Read. Walked down Tamaraw Beach. Scaled boulders and walked to the end of white beach. 13,879 steps or 7.16 miles in all today. Didn’t see a single vehicle. Enjoyed conversation this evening with the family who owns Mengie’s. Reinforced my understanding of the strong family values here in Philippines.
Not excited about venturing back into Manila. Wish I didn’t stick out so much. I’m a clueless sitting duck and salesmen of all sorts flock to me. Aim to reach today’s level of simplicity again very soon. Reading my book when a salesman approached wanting to trade me 500 pesos and a pearl for my watch.
Days like today when I truly miss my family. Thanksgiving on my own in Philippines just isn’t the same.
Fortunately Mengie prepares delicious, family style meals. Better than a previous Thanksgiving in Chiang Mai spent alone 2 years ago.
Filipino people seem intrigued by the fact I travel alone. I enjoy the freedom of making my own decisions. My impulses and curiosities rarely match those in my presence so I like to be in complete control of my own movements.
Purchased a 100 peso pair of janky goggles that fill up with water within 200 meters.
Decent night chatting with a few locals around my age. Perhaps I spent a tad too long in Puerto Galera, but my body appreciates the replenished nutrition and hydration. Conquering solitude tonight. Need to stay the course. Continue traveling. See the sights.
Lucky to be who I am and done what I’ve done. I can’t help but contemplate my odd place in this world. Sometimes I have it all figured out and the next day I’m hopelessly lost and alone.
