Ah the Philippines.
It’s good to be back and plunge right smack into the familiar.
The country has so much memories for me – Luneta Park, Manila Hotel, Ongpin, crispy pata, Lydia’s Lechon, Banaue, Bagio, Bohol, Philippine Rabbit, bagoong, Max, Jollibee, Pasgangan falls, balut, halo halo, Manila Bay, adobo, Tito Rey, ensaymada, Kamayan, pancit palabok, the bamboo organ in St Joseph church in Las Piñas, bibingka, Josephine Resatuarnt Tagaytay, ube ice cream, “How’s my driving?” sign at the back of public transport, Alhambra and Tabacalera cigars, jeepneys, Cebu, thick mango juice, sisig, Don Juan Urquijo, chicaron, lumpia, lugaw, Lea Salonga – some things just stay with you forever.
The country has so much to offer with its rich heritage and culture and history and warm, friendly, courteous people.
I am fond of its people – not well off like some others in the region, but most of them happy, kind and hospitable, and I think of the word “fiesta” whenever I am in the Philippines!