My mate was going to the Philippines to reconnect to a life he abruptly needed to leave. I knew this trip was a necessity since all of us who migrate from our homes need to go back to find ourselves and move forward. He did connect in a positive way, which was nice for me to observe.

I was going to the Philippines to merge the stories, food and culture I experienced here in the States to the places, food and culture in the actual environment. I wanted to observe how to cook some of the dishes I haven’t been able to perfect, to walk the places my mate walked in his youth, to meet the people he misses so dearly, and to bond with the families I haven’t had a chance to meet yet. (This blog will not be about the families, but I want to make a note that I really felt at home in the Philippines and I contribute that to my Filipino family (both married into and directly)).

So, my mate and I had different trips in the same place.

But, if you ask, “Why go the Philippines?” my response would include the following:

Boracay Island

The beaches—just imagine the following: lying on white, sugary beaches under the gentle breeze of a swaying palm, listening to the clear, blue ocean gently lap the beach, tempting you to enter. The Philippines have several of these beaches with more commercial or more remote accommodations. I would like to explore some of the other beaches, especially Palawan and Bohol.

Snorkeling & Diving–The Philippines reside in an area of the world where tropical waters reach some cooler currents. Also, the Philippines has tectonic activity as the Pacific Plate moves underneath the Philippine Plate. This draws several marine animals to the 7,000 islands—corals, tropical fish, and whale sharks. We had just missed the whale sharks before they migrate to unknown places. Can you imagine seeing such an animal? Since swimming with whale sharks has been a dream of mine since I was a young child looking at pictures of whale sharks in National Geographic, we will need to return.

Geological formations–Because of the tectonic activity along the Ring of Fire, the Philippines has very interesting land formations such as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol (not really made of chocolate, but turning brown during certain seasons) and the smallest active volcano in Tagaytay (Taal). The Philippines have travel experiences in the mountains (northern Luzon) with Bananue rice terraces, the beach (see above), and major cities.

Shopping–While I am not a big shopper, I could see the Philippines a mecca for those who love to shop. With every type of mall or shopping center available, one can find clothes, jewelry, native wares, and anything in between from flea markets to high end. While not everything is cheaper than the States, you can find wonderful items to match with your current wardrobe and house. Also, where else can you go to see fireworks while shopping? Answer: Mall of Asia.

Sisig at Harbor View

Food–The Philippines has a bad reputation for weird food. Most people know the Philippines for people eating dog or balut. In the five weeks I was there, I never saw dog in my food and well, I am not brave enough yet for balut. But I did taste so much wonderful food and learned how to prepare many new dishes. I am not as intimidated to go to the asian market to find cooking ingredients. Some of my favorites: rellenong bangus, nilagang baka, grilled squid and tuna, caldereta, sisig and bibingka. Now, there are variations of each these dishes and so many others that I cannot list here for space. For example, sisig can be wet or dry, crunchy or chewy, hot or cold, spicy or not spicy. Bibingka could have salted egg cooked inside the rice cake or used as a topping. The Philippines is like many other southeast countries where sweet and salty are combined in a perfect way. Adobo (again, so many variations and should be eaten everywhere by my opinion) can combine salty soy/vinegar with sweet tomatoes and egg. I wouldn’t see that combination here in the States, but when you eat it together, well…my mouth is watering. And yes, I ate street food. Isaw and fishballs. For those turning up your nose, isaw is grilled to perfection at Mang Larry’s on the UP campus and fishballs are similar to sausage balls just with a different meat. If you are a foodie, you need to travel to the Philippines. Another food I miss: mangoes and mango shakes.

Transportation–Manila, although congested, has many ways of getting around town. A tricycle (a motorcycle with side car) is a little uncomfortable for long distances, but good for a cheap way to move down the street or pick up a connecting light rail. Yes, Manila has a good light rail system which will get you where you want to go in less time than driving or taking a taxi. Rush hour is a little tight, but the Metro in Washington, D.C. is the same at rush hour. Jeepneys are good for the experience and again, cheaper. But a cab is also inexpensive and usually air-conditioned.

Little Vendor in Tagaytay

Night life– For those of you who have traveled to Spain where no one sleeps, Manila is the same. If you want cheesecake at 2 in the morning, then you can get cheesecake. If you want beer and pulutan (appetizers), there are several places for you. In the Philippines there are art crowds, punk crowds, clubbing crowds, and lounging crowds. Because of the heat, night time is the time to be cool outside and socialize.

Did I get sick? Yes, on the second day I had bad ice at a chain restaurant in a mall. The rest of the trip I drank the water from a Brita filter and even had ice, without getting sick. I even brushed my teeth using tap water.

So, since returning, I have made at least three people consider the Philippines their next vacation destination. Yes, there is some danger in the Philippines, but if you travel, you know the drill of keeping your bag close to you and not to flash your money around. Some parts of the Philippines are a little more dangerous for American tourists now in the wake of “fear and terrorism”, but so much of this fear can be avoided if stay toward the north.

If you decide to travel to the Philippines, plan the key places you want to see because you cannot get it all done in one trip. The beach alone will cause your senses to slowly relax and enjoy. Filipinos love to relax and enjoy life. Don’t rush and you will enjoy the best of the Philippines—food, life and culture. MORE IMAGES

As my travel book states:

We go to China because we want to be surprised, to access the inaccessible, to ponder the opposite, to observe the alternate, and to go home perhaps understanding more about where all we’ve seen fits in the larger scheme of things. We come to China to observe our reactions to China. –Janet Carmosky (14)

I didn’t have any expectations, read little bits of history, literature, myths and short stories. I came with an open mind because American media has spun China in so many different directions I am too dizzy to make assumptions. While I lived in Chinatown, San Francisco, for a year and have worked with many Chinese people, I know too well, displaced people do not truly represent a culture as a whole. Actually, my perception of Chinese people here in the United States as pushy, angry, and arrogant people, with the exceptional few.

Chinese man plays tai chi ball at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Mrs. Wu, of royal origin, invited us into her home, one of few hutongs left in Beijing, and shared with us her daily life and views on Catholicism, meeting new people and living in Beijing. She is 73-years-old, and reminded me so much of Daddy and Mommy Silva. So much so, I could not chat with her long as I might sob openly as thoughts of Daddy’s impending death loomed over my head. Some of this sadness left me as I giggled with the pedicab driver as he joked with his fellow weight-bearers.

The scope in size of China and its expansive ancient sites are awe-inspiring. The Great Wall in all of its splendor and endurance. The Forbidden City that would take several days to explore and imbibe, with the thought people lived there. The Terra Cotta Warriors, a sliver of the overall protective force for Emperor QinShihuang and his burial site, overwhelms the imagination when trying to place them with all the other major sites of the mausoleum. Shanghai and neighboring provinces engulfing but semi-rejecting its European influence from the earlier centuries of Western glimpses to the Orient.

While we were ushered to particular masters, I sat amazed at the craftsmanship and pride the Chinese have toward art. The silk embroidery makes one believe in magic as fingers work decades on one piece of beauty. The price of such beauty is more than I could make in two years. Jade and pearl jewelry and sculpture, silk mastery in all areas, tea experts in pottery and growth, makes me wish American would understand the importance of art to national pride and culture. Likewise, the musical and theatrical performances were equally impressive. Despite seeing “censored” locations, I could see centuries old crafts enduring.

So while I choke on the air of China, I still see clearly aspects of Chinese culture I found opposite from my expectations. Some say seeing China is viewing the apocalyptic future of featureless land and empty souls, but I saw land sick and rich with people happy, proud and full of dreams with only a few qualms. I am curious to learn more. MORE IMAGES