For the intrepid wanderluster who seeks to leave no stone unturned. We’ve rounded up a truly breathtaking selection of photographs that gives typical travel photos a further layer of sheer amazingness. Check them out!
Trailblazer – Ion Gonzaga
Blogging Pioneer
Known as ‘Boy Dubai,’ Ion Gonzaga has been one of the earliest bloggers in the UAE scene and has now gone on to reinvent himself and his career. Currently, the Lead Digital Transformation Consultant of Accenture Middle East, Ion, leads the UX design of the region’s would-be first highly interactive B2B platform. This year, he also formed BXDNOW.COM, a network of content co-creators and writers around the world committed to empowering GLOCAL communities through stories shaped in a meaningful perspective and encouraging context.
At present, the website has contributors from UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Philippines, Singapore, and New Zealand. “We have just started bi-monthly workshops about blogging, vlogging and about online tools to use in creating digital content,” he says.
Ion has represented the UAE in different blogging events, written for magazines and dailies, spoken at blogging conferences, and partnered with major brands for commercial collaborations – earning several awards in the process such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.
Always the storyteller, he encourages his peers to reach out and share people’s stories with the world. “I believe it’s about time to ‘unlimit’ ourselves when it comes to our concept of community,” he says.
Trailblazer – Junie Sorsano
Pioneering Vlogger
Junie Sorsano is a pioneering vlogger who gave representation to ‘everyman Juan de la Cruz’ on the web since he debuted on his Youtube channel in 2011. His wholesome and down-to-earth blog, has since become an invaluable source of information and advice, and sometimes comfort, for Filipinos in the UAE and beyond.
Now, as the head of Megaworld International in the UAE, Junie, who started as a vlogger in the UAE, gives credit to the experiences he had as an influencer on social media. Considered as one of the earliest personalities in the region, Junie has received numerous accolades. The most recent once being his inclusion in as a Finalist for Hospitality Excellence Food/Travel Blogger of the Year for the Middle East Excellence Awards 2019. He also landed a gig at GMA Pinoy TV as a host for the show Trending Pinoy which is now in its second season.
Having worked with brands such as LBC Express, UAE Exchange, The Visa Center, Style MNL, MPQ Travel and Tourism and others as a brand ambassador, Junie believes that his professional ethics and integrity have been vital in gaining trust in the sector. He also gets inspiration from people who send him words of inspiration and gratitude for promoting Filipino presence in the multicultural scene.
As a message to aspiring Filipino vloggers, Junie says, “If you love what you are doing, you will definitely elevate everything that you do, and become better and become successful.”
Bettina Micu
Social Media Professional
Bettina Micu’s exposure to the fashion and blogging scene as an influencer in recent years has served her well. At 21 years old, she has handled the social media campaigns of some 30 clients within the beauty, fashion, hospitality, F&B, and events industry. She considers 2019 as the most exciting year of her life, wherein she had the privilege to execute campaigns for large scale initiatives such as Club Social & Wasla Music Festival. She also shot her first campaign for Real Techniques, produced and directed three YSL beauty assignments, landed a project with Fashion Forward October Edition, and is now set to become the Creative Lead at her agency.
Taking time off from being in front of the camera to work behind the scenes, wasn’t easy, she admits. “It’s extremely intimidating to stand next to so many talented creatives in this region. I’ve been absolutely terrified, but I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing. In the end, I don’t want to be remembered as someone who was fearless; I want to be remembered as someone who constantly practiced courage.”
As a Filipino born and raised in the UAE who had to grapple with her identity growing up, Bettina also says, “My biggest motivation at work is knowing I am representing Filipino women. I am a proud, courageous-Filipino woman, and I want to show my colleagues and the people I meet just how intelligent, hard-working and passionate Filipinos are.”
You’ve probably read about their love story, but we’re here to give you an update! This time, it’s more than a love story. We’ve talked to Marj and Julian recently to catch up. More than the ‘kilig‘, we’ve also learned some life lessons from this young couple. Happy Valentine’s Day!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo1r1kwlTRk/
A little background: If you don’t know already, Julian and Marj met on Instagram almost 6 years ago. Started talking in 2015 and only met each other in person physically 6 months after they started dating. From then on, they knew it was going to be crazy but in a good way! Julian asked Marj to be his wife later that year and most of the remaining months before she moved to the USA, was all about waiting for my fiance visa to get approved.
It sounds like a very quick and simple process right? It actually took a lot of sleepless nights, endless Skype calls, crazy whirlwind of emotions, and a whole lot of faith to get through that process.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHzast7jGSH/
Marj: It’s been 6 months since I left Dubai and booked a one-way ticket to the USA to be with the love of my life. It was a scary step because that meant leaving my family behind and leaving the place I call home but it’s all worth it! There were times when I almost lost hope because of how long it took but now that we are together, remembering the process we’ve gone through was a reminder that we did it all for love. I can’t believe that I now have a husband and I’m spending the rest of my life with my best friend!
It actually took a lot of sleepless nights, endless Skype calls, crazy whirlwind of emotions, and a whole lot of faith to get through that process.
Julian: After almost 4 years now since we started talking, words can’t express how amazing it feels to finally be able to be with the love of my life every day and end the 7000-mile distance between us! Looking back at everything we went through, I know God definitely kept us strong through our LDR relationship. Finally being able to call Marj my wife feels so good and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt1UvsTHyJp/
Dubai and USA are night and day. Growing up in the Middle East, I got so accustomed with so many things that are totally different here in America. The weather, the culture, the people, the freedom, etc. It’s like a “this exists?” moment every time I discover something new out of my ordinary.
Marj: Marrying Julian was one of the best things that happened to me and it was an easy yes doing life with him. Marriage can sound scary because it does come with a lot of responsibility, but it’s definitely fun and exciting when you are doing it with the one you love. It’s only 4 months since we got married but I can already say that it brings out the best on both of us. Doing life with another person with a whole different personality and attitude can be challenging, I hear people say that once you get married, it’s the end of the road for you. To be honest, I feel more alive.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpBGdaLFg8B/
After almost 4 years now since we started talking, words can’t express how amazing it feels to finally be able to be with the love of my life every day and end the 7000-mile distance between us!
Julian: I couldn’t ask for a better wife than Marj, in marriage and getting to know her daily she inspires me to be a better me in every single way. I know marriage will be full of ups and downs, especially living with one another you’ll get to know how to get on each other’s nerves haha! But I wouldn’t wanna spend the rest of my life with anyone else but Marj. We have lots of plans/goals/dreams that we want to accomplish and with her by my side, I have no doubt they will all be crossed off our list.
Marj: Dubai and USA are night and day. Growing up in the Middle East, I got so accustomed with so many things that are totally different here in America. The weather, the culture, the people, the freedom, etc. It’s like a “this exists?” moment every time I discover something new out of my ordinary. Homesickness hit me hard during my first few months of moving here whenever I am reminded that I left life and my family behind. Moving to the USA and getting married in the same year are teaching me to be more responsible for so many things. Adulting is happening and I’m not sure if I’m the best person to ask for a bit of advice from. I’ll update you in 3 years maybe? haha.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtY655kn7sW/
Love can do many things and in this case, brought two people from 2 different backgrounds, 7000 miles apart together.
Marj: Love conquered 7000 miles distance for us. Our faith in God kept us going and trusting Him that everything will fall according to His plans and honestly, the love we have for each other is an overflow of our love for God. This experience is proof that love is more than the physical things and goes beyond what the eyes can see. Love met us where we are and that’s a wonderful thing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnbsjPtnNUW/
Julian: Love can do many things and in this case, brought two people from 2 different backgrounds, 7000 miles apart together. Most importantly our mutual Love for God and our beliefs definitely were the cornerstone of our relationship, He gets all the credit for where we are now and where we will be in the future.
Get to know them more here: @_lifebytwo | Personal Instagram accounts: @marjanne.co & @jasuarez
Filipino Christmas: Christmas Through the Eyes of an Emirati-Filipino
Emirati-Filipino Fahed Al Baloushi aka the “Emaratino” has always been exposed to the duality of Filipino and Emarati culture throughout his whole life. He continues to discover and learn more about both his roots through his travels and interactions with the community. Here, he shares his experience and the insights he has gained from the recent Filipino Christmas celebration hosted by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Hjayceeelyn M. Quintana and the Bayanihan Council in Abu Dhabi.
https://youtu.be/QSRiQRYvBTk
How did you feel witnessing the Paskong Filipino event in Abu Dhabi?
First of all I’d like to extend my greetings to the Ambassador and the Bayanihan Council for the great opportunity to attend the and event. And second I would like to say thank you. I felt like I was in the Philippines. The community has made such a remarkable event to be remembered. I have never seen such gatherings with all the representatives of schools , families, and nationalities come together. It was absolutely overwhelming and enjoyable!
What understanding did you gain about the Filipino people from your experience with them?
Filipinos are such a happy people regardless of everything in this world. They could literally turn any simple situation into a happy moment. I’ve encountered such situations many times in my life, and the most recent one, was the Pinoy Pasko 2018 in Abu Dhabi. You can only imagine how important Christmas event are to Pinoys. Despite their families being across the world, they still gather all together with their friends overseas and celebrate it with happiness and pride.
How was it like for you growing up Emirati-Filipino?
My father is from Abu Dhabi and my mother is from Pangasinan. The rewarding moment of being mixed is that I am able to understand and embrace both cultures fully. Although growing up in biracial family may be different from most situations, you would realize over time how much of a blessing it can be. I remember as a kid, I would communicate in Arabic with all my Arab friends but when I speak to all my kabayan friends, I would switch to Tagalog. These skills, for me, have become an advantage in the case of sending out a message, raising awareness and even spreading love and equality.
What Filipino nuances/values do you identify with the most? How about Emirati? How do you balance both cultures in your life?
The Filipino value that I identify the most would be social behavior in terms of being very welcoming and happy. Once you realize that you have two cultures together you’d look on the bright side and spread the happiness in the same way it was given to you. For a reference, the bridge created between what I do as an Emaratino is to show people that, despite our differences, our best values can always be shared together.
What is your message for Filipinos and Emiratis alike during this season of giving?
For the Filipinos, I would like to say, Maligayan Pasko! And happy holidays to my Lola, family and friends in the Philippines. May god bless you with health and more happiness. For the Emaratis, I would say “ Shukran” for all the guidance and the support from my culture, friends and loved ones. I will continue to give my best in representing both cultures to the max!
Stay blessed and positive, “ Stay astig and all the way pwede!”
Fahed Al Baloushi is an Emirati-Filipino blogger who learns about his culture through his travels and experiences with the Filipino and Emarati communities. His motto is: “Stay astig, all the way pwede!”
Follow Fahed on Facebook
Follow him on instagram @fahed2255
ILLUSTRAGRAMERS: Filipino instagrammers we love!
Instagram has set the new benchmark for all things cool and trendy – where style and aesthetic approach are key in gaining internet fame. From the Philippines to the rest of the world, here are the cool kids, the Pinoy instagrammers we love!
Itching to book a ticket somewhere but don’t know exactly where to go? Here are some photos from our favorite travelers that can help unleash the wanderlust in you.
When it comes to vacations and trips, this rule applies: “If it’s not on social media, it didn’t happen.” You’re going to be taking pictures of the places and yourself, so of course, the framing has to be good. And if you’re putting the images online, they better be IG-worthy!
Hannah Magsayo
Benj Ramos
Gelo Santos
Michael Emlano
On another note, separation anxiety is real. You’ll somehow get attached to the place, the people and everything you have experienced when you were visiting. And these “sepanx” thoughts will not leave you for a while, so you’ll find yourself scrolling through
your camera roll thinking about all the fun you had on your last trip. But hey, at least you had an amazing trip!
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Check out more Pinoy Instagrammers on Illustrado Life!
Marga Esquivel
@marga_esq
This NYC based Filipina model came on the rise when she booked shows for Gucci and Chanel. She also shot a lookbook for Marc Jacobs and Nasty Gal. Her minimalist-tomboy look got us double-tapping on Instagram. She is definitely a #GirlBoss in her own right!
Kerwin King
@kerwinking
Apart from being a social media influencer, this boy from Manila is also an actor, singer and an illustrator! If you’re trying to work on your color blocking and pastel aesthetic that is only one filter away from being IG-worthy, dive in head first to Kerwin’s account! He will not disappoint. ‘Nuff said.
Cher Lui Pio
@cherluipio
This chic from Manila serves awesome realness on Instagram as if all of her posts are “unfiltered”. She’s not all about glam and bright photos — which makes her a unique Instagram resident. But it doesn’t mean that she steps out of her house looking less that stylish! Learn how to make your clothes work with Cher, we promise — it would be feed changing!
Rodel Flordeliz
@rodelflordeliz
NEXT ATTRACTION: Say hello to DJ Flynn Rider aka Rodel. Who doesn’t like a good smooth energetic radio voice? Match this with a good sense of style and a nice Instagram feed, and who wouldn’t hit that follow button upon landing on his account? What are you waiting for? Click that follow button already!
By Paolo Benitez
Filipinos are known to be some of the most adaptable people on earth. With over 10 million Pinoys working abroad, you can almost guarantee a Pinoy in every country. Mga Kababayan, our love for the motherland is never ending, and that’s a given. We all look forward to going home in the summer, seeing our family and friends and breathing in that provincial air. And while away, we all speak of our country with a certain pride and joy that almost brings a tear to our eyes.
We’ve all heard about foreigners coming to the Philippines too. “It’s more fun in the Philippines” as they say. Our country becomes a hot spot during vacation season, with tourists coming in left, right and center. Ironically, however (for the most part), that’s all we associate foreigners with. In fact, you’ll rarely hear about Non-Pinoys living in our country either, but when they do, they become the stuff of legends.
Often, our separation from home makes us miss out and forget the natural beauty that our country has to offer. A handful of travelers have taken to sharing our pride and love through their experiences in the Philippines. These are the game changers, adventurers and free spirits that have taken to loving our country just as much as we do.
Dwaine Woolley
Australian – born, but Pinoy at heart! Dwaine Woolley is a Youtuber and internet sensation who has gone viral through showcasing his life in the Philippines and his ability to speak three Filipino dialects (Tagalog, Cebuano and Waray).
Follow Dwaine:
FB: Dwaine Woolley
IG: @dwainewoolley
Youtube: Dwaine Wolley
Susie Potter
Having moved to the Philippines to be with her boyfriend, Susie Potter is a Hungarian girl who has taken it upon herself to be one with Pinoy culture! Her constant exploring brings her more reasons to love the Philippines every day!
Follow Susie:
FB: Susie Potter
IG: @susiepotter93
Youtube: Susie Potter
Brian Ahern a.k.a Aheezy Da Islander
Aheezy Da Islander moved to the Philippines to be closer to his wife (who is of Visayan descent) and to learn more about the Filipino culture. Having fully immersed himself in the Pinoy way of life back home, Brian regularly vlogs his Pinoy family life.
Follow Aheezy:
IG: @aheezydaislander
Youtube: Aheezy Da Islander
Brock Blohm, Edges of Earth
Brock is a world traveler and Philanthropist. Through the many good things he did for the less fortunate and his new-found love for the Filipino people, he recounts his stay the Philippines as a rewarding and humbling experience.
Follow Brock:
FB: Edges of Earth
IG: @edgesofearth
Youtube: Edges of Earth
Grietje Evenwel, Travel Gretl
Her love for Pinoy culture and the Philippines natural beauty keeps her coming back! Gretl is a free spirit and world traveler who’s love for exploration knows no bounds. She regularly makes handy travel guides which can be viewed on her youtube channel.
Follow Grietje:
FB: Travel Gretl
Youtube: Travel Gretl
“I’ve always wanted to travel, I’ve always wanted to try living in another country at least for a while so it was obvious that I will move here when I met my boyfriend who is from the Philippines.” – Susie Potter
“I came to the Philippines in 2011 to do missionary work in Leyte and Samar.” – Dwaine Woolley
“After conducting a rather deep Google search, I do that I wanted to head to the Philippines because of beauty of the country. I booked a plane ticket and landed without any plans at all. I was going to make plans day by day.” – Brock Blohm
“I was in Myanmar in a bus (solo traveling) talking to a guy. He asked why I like Myanmar, and I told him I liked a lot, but the open and friendly people mainly. “You should go to the Philippines” he said, according to the friendly people thing. Okay! I thought. Sounds good! I hadn’t considered the Philippines before, but when I came home I said to my boyfriend: we’re up for the Philippines. When he said okay, it was settled.” – Grietje Evenwel
“I married a Visayan babae.. after my contract in the military We decided to move here so I could meet all of her family, friends and to learn her language and culture.” – Brian Ahern
“I’m living in Northern Luzon and even though it’s that part of the Philippines that tourists don’t visit that often, there’s a lot to love about this place! I love the all the beautiful hidden places you can visit here. Hidden beaches and waterfalls without too many people….where there will be no crowd just the beautiful nature itself. It happened many times that we visited a beach around this area and we basically didn’t meet anyone during our trip. It’s definitely an amazing experience to have a whole beach on your own for a day. I love the fact that I can reach amazing places like these anytime just in a few hours.” – Susie Potter
“I stay in the island of Leyte. What I love the most is that despite the poverty, Filipinos are so happy. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. Kahit mahirap ang buhay, masaya pa rin sila.” – Dwaine Woolley
“On my first trip to the Philippines, I stayed for 15 days. I planned to travel around the beautiful landscape of Northern Luzon, after arriving and experiencing a taste of manila, I decided to stay. I stayed in Makati. Every single day I traveled miles and miles on foot. I went everywhere. I even went to the places with the locals told me not to go. It was too dangerous for a foreigner they said. That made me want to go even more. On my second trip, which was another 35 days or so, I travel by bus down through many cities in southern Luzon, I went to Mindoro, and then I went to Palawan. This was a whole different experience in itself. This footage is not on YouTube because I have not found time to edit it, just yet. It will be on my channel in a couple of months. What strikes me most about this country was the people. The people were always so kind and friendly and very welcoming to a foreigner. No matter what their background, they wanted to talk to me. Everyone wanted to welcome me, rich or poor. Kindness seemed to be embedded deeply within the hearts of everyone.” – Brock Blohm
“I did 3 trips to the Philippines. To Palawan 2x, Mindoro, Batanes and Banaue and surroundings.
I was most surprised by Batanes. The landscape there is something you don’t find in the rest of the Philippines, and the extreme safety is something you find nowhere in the world even. I remember in Itbayat when we went to see sunrise over the sea and hills. It was so quiet, so beautiful. It really felt as if we were at the end of the world.” – Grietje Evenwel
“I stay in the Visayas Region 7… This is Lapu Lapu’s home territory! Beautiful historical churches, overwhelmingly super happy smiling people. I Just love it.” – Brian Ahern
How is living in the Philippines different from living in your home country? Do you get homesick?“I’m pretty sure I could list more differences than similarities! The lifestyle and the mentality of the people is so so different here than in Hungary, where I’m from. The first thing I’ve noticed when I got here is that everyone is so relaxed in the Philippines. For example I don’t think that I’ve ever seen someone here running because they were in a hurry. Life is definitely less stressful here. But of course I still get homesick quite often because I miss my family. Otherwise I definitely prefer this less stressful and more positive environment.” – Susie Potter
“The Philippines feels like home to me. Why you ask? Because the people here make me feel like I’m at home. They are very kind, very polite and hospitable. They laugh alot and are constantly smiling. I feel that anyone I meet is my instant friend. In my home country, people tend to be a little cold, and get upset over small things. In the Philippines people seem to know how to handle problems well and focus on the positives in life. It’s a great atmosphere to be in. I certainly don’t feel homesick here because this feels home to me. The only thing I miss in my country is my family.” – Dwaine Woolley
The poverty here was mind-blowing. It’s not a fun topic to talk about is a real one. Before arriving in Manila, I can count on my two hands how many homeless people I had seen in my entire life. Honestly. To walk around Manila and experiencing the unimaginable level of poverty was quite sad. I felt very bad for many people and did what I could to help. The prices where significantly lower than that of the USA which is very encouraging to a traveler because it allows us to stay for a longer period of time. Everyone was so friendly – the employees who were representing large companies all the way down to the people working on the streets, everyone was. Always. It didn’t matter if I was purchasing a meal inside an expensive Mall, grabbing a quick quail egg from a stall on the street. Everyone greeted me with a smile and thanked me for my business. The human element is slowly drifting away with in modern society – and it’s very encouraging to see a whole country who still hangs on to this utterly important piece of humanity. Fortunately, I do not get homesick. We live in a world full of technology and I use it to the fullest potential. I’m able to communicate to all of my friends and family back home with a click of a button. This somehow replaces my desire to go back home. – Brock Blohm
“Well nature and temperatures are obviously different. Small things are arranged in other ways (like when you say ‘yes’ and what that means). There is a whole lot of different kind of foods to try. The Philippines and the Netherlands both ain’t famous for their foods, but there is still a whole lot to discover! I don’t really get homesick. I always know when I go back again.” – Grietje Evenwel
“Yes, of course I get homesick and feel the missing wanting feeling of my family there sometimes but if I’m focused on a goal I tend to not think of that. The most recent time I felt it was recently out of nowhere because of an Instagram picture. A Filipina woman was standing infront of a car Washington State. Seeing the license plate maybe sparked it.” – Brian Ahern
“Yes a lot! Actually I’m about to make a video about this topic. The positivity I mentioned earlier had an effect on me too. My favourite example is that the first time when I’ve ever experienced a typhoon I was so nervous and scared…but after seeing how well local people are handling it I got a lot more relaxed about it. And about everything else also. I think I adopted this peaceful stress-free mentality pretty well. And there are some smaller things too, some funny ones like I adopted some local gestures and habits (for example eating everything with spoon)” – Susie Potter
Yes I certainly have. I learned to speak 3 languages in the Philippines which are Tagalog, Cebuano and Waray Waray. (Di na pwedeng mabenta) I understand the Filipino sense of humor and have became Filipino at heart. It’s funny because when I go back to Australia to visit my family they ask me things like “why are you eating with a fork and spoon?”, “why are you pointing with your lips?”, “why do you keep saying pak ganern? What’s that mean?”. – Dwaine Woolley
“At this moment in time, I’ve been traveling around the world for 10 months. I have come across many cultures. I don’t feel that I have adopted any piece of the culture that I can identify. Who knows, maybe I have and I just don’t realize it.” – Brock Blohm
“Trying to help strangers in the street more. When I see people with a map I ask if I can help them. Haha, they always look surprised and say ‘no’ immediately. Though I don’t think I’m that scary.” – Grietje Evenwel
“Oh man what have I not?? haha! I have eaten Sardinas with Suka, a ton of Balut, Pancit Canton with rice… kaon daghan lechon manok but dili kaon baboy because of my wife’s religion. – Brian Ahern
“I think I started to learn how to appreciate small things in life. I’ve seen so many poor people here who didn’t live in the best conditions but they were still so happy and thankful for what they had! It definitely helped me realize what is really important in life.” – Susie Potter
“The Filipino people have changed my outlook on life. Their culture and attitude has taught me to cherish and love what I have in life. They have taught me to be grateful and to laugh more.” – Dwaine Woolley
“It takes a lot to change my ways and my habits. But one thing that I noticed the Filipinos had, was resilience. They seem to make things work even when all odds were against them. Observing their mindset to ‘make it work no matter what’, definitely motivates me too put a bit more effort into a situation when it is tougher than usual.” – Brock Blohm
“First time we went was after a hard time me and my BF had in our lives. (no problems together or anything, just in our private lives). In the Philippines, relaxing far from home, we could let go of troubles and we really came back a bit different than we left.” – Grietje Evenwel
“Don’t need much money to live a Happy go lucky Simple life style/Layed back life style when all you need is a bamboo house and food on the table and there will be smiles all around” – Brian Ahern
“If I would have to sum it up I would say filipino people are probably the friendliest people ever!” – Susie Potter
“They are beautiful people with big hearts. Very joyful and full of life” – Dwaine Woolley
“I could literally talk for an hour about the people, alone. Everybody was so kind, friendly and curious. Everyone would come up to ask me the same questions over and over. It didn’t matter which part of the Philippines I was in, it was always the questions; What is your name? Where are you from? How old are you? Are you married? What hotel are you staying at? I wasn’t sure of their intentions, so I simply took it as a sign of curiosity. There were many times that I visited the slum areas of the Philippines and I was greeted countless times by people. I can’t tell you how many times I was invited into their home for a quick beer or even dinner. This was quite surprising to me, as many of them, I could see, struggled every day to pay their bills. But yet they still found it in their hearts to not only welcome me but to offer something without asking anything in return. Very heartwarming.” – Brock Blohm
“They are friendly, open, proud of their country (as they should be) but also many times hard working abroad, missing their country and family. I’ve been in the airplane so many times on an international flight, when going to the Ph, next to a Filipino. Talking proudly about going back to their families, and the love for their country.” – Grietje Evenwel
“Super friendly, Funny and Talented.” Brian Ahern
“I love all the exotic things here! Exotic looking trees, exotic fruits, exotic birds, rice fields and carabaos…These are all things that were not real for me before. I mean I’ve only seen things like these on TV before so seeing all of it in real life is an amazing experience. Even after living here for 3 years I still can’t get over fact that there are real life monkeys living in the forests, or that I’m walking under real palm trees and eating fruits I didn’t even know about before.” – Susie Potter
“Apart from the people, I love the food! Ginataang gulay, caldereta, Bicol express, anything with gata is amazing. Nakakapag paligaya sa tiyan!” – Dwaine Woolley
“The landscape and the people. Seriously. Need I say more? This is literally one of the most beautiful places on Earth and it is full of people who are so kind and welcoming. Doesn’t quite get much better than that.” – Brock Blohm
“The combination of amazing nature, real stunning, with the good people next to it. That’s amazing. Also behind the scenes. I make vids of many countries but no one is so reactive and encouraging as the Filipino people.” – Grietje Evenwel
“The People Beauty of tropical country, also the Diversity of Culture and Dialects rich in their unique history.” – Brian Ahern
“It’s not that I don’t like something it’s just that I’m sad to see a few things. Of course I’m sad to see the poverty, being a big animal lover I’m very sad to see that there are so many dogs and cats living here in very poor conditions. I’m not used to seeing these things back in Hungary or if I did, it was easy to help them. But since there are so many homeless, starving animals here I can’t help all of them. Same thing with people.” – Susie Potter
“Every country has its Pros and Cons. No country is perfect. The only thing I don’t like is the pollution in Manila. And the traffic of course. Hopefully people will begin to build and invest outside Manila to reduce the traffic and pollution” – Dwaine Woolley
“Well, terrorism. This made me a bit nervous as a foreigner. Even while I was staying in Palawan, a man just south of me lost his head to terrorists. Scary stuff! But, every country has its problems. There is no perfect country.” – Brock Blohm
“It touches me when I hear about troubles in the country, like in the south or anything drugs related. If I would live in the Philippines I am sure I would notice some differences in the deeper structure from the Netherlands. Everything here is quite well arranged when you compare it to the rest of the world. I hear stories about bribery and so on, am sure I would struggle there.” – Grietje Evenwel
“Of course there are things like Infrastructure that tick me off. Lack of planning because of corruption in the past.” – Brian Ahern
“If you would like to visit the Philippines I would recommend you to find some less popular, less touristy place. You can experience the beauty of the nature and the life of the local people a lot better if you go to those areas that tourists don’t usually visit.” – Susie Potter
“Unfortunately the media portrays the Philippines as a dangerous place. In my experience, I have felt safer in the Philippines than in any other country I’ve lived in. There is nothing to be afraid of here. Go swim with the butanding in Oslob, visit Palawan and Boracay, taste the local food and get to know the people. They will change your outlook on life.” – Dwaine Woolley
“I encourage everybody to Simply let go. Let go of your current belief systems that will hold you back from doing or experiencing the culture at hand. Also, say ‘yes’ more often. If a local invites you to do something..simply say ‘yes’. You literally have no idea what you could be missing out on if you say ‘no’.” – Brock Blohm
“Be open, be friendly, and bring sunscreen 😉 ” – Grietje Evenwel
“Just be friendly. Don’t compare it to something else. Just because they speak very good English doesn’t mean this is the USA. Just respect their country because you’re the stranger and guest here in the Philippines.” – Brian Ahern
“I would tell to all Filipino people that no matter where they live in the world they should be very proud of their country because it’s such a unique and amazing place with amazing people!” – Susie Potter
“Be proud to be Filipino. You are an inspiration to people like me.” – Dwaine Woolley
“To be honest? Don’t change a thing! Your buildings and your architecture, no matter how beautiful, will not bring me back. But your kindness, your generosity, and your warm welcoming smiles, will!” – Brock Blohm
“I can mainly say things according to tourism. I would say: it will get busier and busier in the Philippines with foreigners like me. I saw it in El Nido for example. Please conserve and structure your natural beauty’s they are such an amazing thing you guys have!” – Grietje Evenwel
“Mga kababayan! Mahal kita! Stay strong and Stay Focused on your Goals!” – Brian Ahern
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PAOLO GABRIEL BENITEZ – Junior Contributor
A visual communications student, Paolo is an aspiring artist, seeking to make his mark in the world of cinematography and the performance arts. When not dancing in the living room in the middle of the night, he functions as a perceptive young man, seeking to learn how things are the way they are and providing insight on the various issues that plague his generation.
Related articles:
Foreigners in the Philippines – How I Met the Philippines