The Many Faces of the Philippines: A Juxtaposition for Travellers
Tin Mendez Tin aspires to live a creative life every day. She likes to tinker with paper, wires and anything she can fabricate into something new. She is fascinated by stories of the past and years gone by, old pictures, abandoned buildings and wild nature. While her past work experience was in the field of design, currently, she juggles writing gigs about her travels while at the same time establishing her personal creative career.
The Philippines, love it or hate it, is a country that will captivate you with both its beauty and flaws. It will mesmerise you with both its backwardness and grandness. It will break your heart quite often, but will never forget to uplift you after.
Also read: 23 Photos That Will Make You Fall in Love with the Philippines
Here is a small attempt to understand the country through its many faces.
1. It may have the worst traffic in the world,
Image credit: R Sio
but really, not on every street.
Image credit: Tonee Despojo
2. It may be known for the many cheap mischiefs,
Image credit: ©DocTony Photography
but if you are truly an explorer, you will search for the true beauty within.
Image credit: John Christian Fjellestad
3. It does not only have the smallest of things,
Image credit: Keren Tan
but also the biggest…
Image credit: Klause Stiefel
4. It is generally known as a tropical beach destination,
Image credit: Deortiz
but if you’re not much of a beach bum, go take a hike!
Image credit: Christian Ronnel
Also read: Hiking in the Philippines: 15 Trails with the Most Scenic Views
5. You will see a lot of poor people,
Image credit: Wayne S. Grazio
but that doesn’t mean they are unhappy.
Image credit: Frisno Boström
6. Slow internet can be a bummer,
but you’ll never run out of entertainment.
Image credit: Elias Schewel
7. And, yes, if you are travelling alone, good and cheap single-serving Filipino food is hard to find,
Image credit: Brian Evans
but that is because Filipinos always eat with friends and families.
(Hint: Filipino food is better experienced when home-cooked! Experience it with a family.)
Image credit: Shubert Ciencia
8. It rains pretty often too,
Image credit: Robert Verzo
but the sun always shines the next day.
Image credit: Roslyn
In my travels, I have met many people, Filipinos and foreigners alike, who shared their frustrations of the Philippines. As conversations fade, they concluded the topic with a smile to themselves. I understand then why this country continues to mesmerise. It is not the most efficient nor the most modern. It is not the cleanest nor the safest. With its many problems and flaws, it also has many flavours and characteristics to offer. It welcomes everyone. It simply is just more fun in the Philippines.
Also read: 23 Reasons Why It Is So Much More Fun in the Philippines