Impression on the Philippines

Yesterday I aired a radio program via Ustream. I invited three guests. They are Filipino English teachers.

Click here to listen to the recording.

They graduated from the University of the Philippines(UP). UP is the most prestigious university in the Philippines. Those teachers are intelligent as well as friendly. They speak English fluently. I like them very much.

This is my first visit to the Philippines. My first impression is that people are truly hospitable and outgoing.. They find happiness in conversations with their family members and friends. They know how to enjoy their lives. I was hugely impressed.

On contrary, Filipino economy has not yet reached its full potential. Its economic development has been impeded by its notoriously corrupt politicians. It has been saddening me for many years.

I have visited almost all Asian countries but the Philippines until this year. What prevented me from coming to the Philippines? It was probably because I did know that Filipino people would be super-nice despite innumerable serious social issues. I did not want to feel depressed when seeing these difficult problems. I wanted to avert my eyes from them.

I have not reached the conclusion yet. After all, I am just an outsider; it will take a long time before I finally understand the essence of this tropical country. It is unlikely for me to fathom it to the full extent before I die.

I will try to comprehend this country better step by step as I socialize with this world's most amiable Filipino people.