A while back, John Miele wrote an article about the top 100 things he liked about the Philippines. It is something that has been on my mind ever since, because I really enjoyed the article and found it informative. I really enjoy reading a very positive account like that, and find it inspiring.
Since the subject has been on my mind, I wanted to write a list of things that I love about the Philippines. Unlike John’s list, this is in no particular order, because I love many of these things quite equally, and would find it hard to rank them. Some of the things that I love are the same, or similar to the things that John likes, but some are quite different. Let’s have a look, remember, in no particular order.
Family. Where I come from, we are not particularly close to our extended family – cousins, aunts, nieces, nephews and such, at least not as close as extended family is here in the Philippines. In my house, I have, over the years had probably a half dozen nieces and nephews live with me at one time or another. At first, this was hard to adjust to, quite hard. I like my privacy, and having all these people living under my roof felt somewhat as an infringement on my personal space. Over the years, though, it is something that I got used to and grew to love. Honestly, now, if one of my extended family moves out of the house, I genuinely miss them. Even at times when we have had a little “speed bump” in our relationship, when they leave, I miss them and hope that they are doing well. Extended family has really become an important part of my life.
Durian. Durian, the king of fruits! It is a Davao favorite, and a favorite of mine too! A common thing that people say about Durian is that “it smells like hell, but tastes like heaven.” Well, I don’t see how that can be said, because I love the fragrance of a good durian! Before I started eating it, I thought it smelled very bad, but now I love the smell of it! I particularly enjoy eating durian when I have a foreign visitor with me, because almost every foreigner thinks the stuff stinks, and is appalled at the thought of even tasting the stuff. There is a certain pleasure about sitting down and eating durian in front of such visitors, and seeing the look on their face!
Roasted peanuts with garlic. It’s a Filipino specialty, and I love it. Peanuts roasted in garlic. Hmm… very delicious! I never tasted this kind of thing in the States before, and it is a perfect combination. Makes me think it could be a business opportunity to sell this in the USA, I bet it would catch on!
Public Markets. The palengke, or merkado is a staple in Filipino life. I particularly enjoy going to the wet market, the place where things like fish and meat is sold. Honestly, visiting this part of the market is filled with a pretty rotten smell, but if you can get past that, it’s a wonderful experience. Just seeing the people – vendors and customers – interacting with each other, the genuine friendships that you see there, it is really a study in Filipino societal culture. I am not even talking about going there to shop. I enjoy just grabbing my camera and heading to the palengke to watch and document the happenings there. It never fails that you meet some really interesting people there, and see some interesting things there too. I love visiting the palengke!
The beauty of Tawi Tawi. I have been to Tawi Tawi, but only once. Well, that is one more time than most foreigners, though. You see, Tawi Tawi is an area where few tourists go, because it has the reputation of being a real terrorist zone. Tawi Tawi is a province that consists of 107 islands in the Sulu Sea. It is, honestly, the most beautiful place that I have seen in my lifetime. I visited there in February 2007, and I hope to go back again some day soon. Unfortunately, right now things are a little unstable there, and I don’t advise making a visit to the area, but when the time is right, I will go back again. You don’t even have to touch ground before you realize the beauty of the place, as flying into the airport has to be the most beautiful airplane landing that I’ve seen before, and I’ve done a lot of flying. Once on the ground, you will see the cultural richness of the place, and the friendliness of the people. Tawi Tawi is probably about 95% Muslim, and a lot of people are scared of Muslims, although I don’t understand why. There are bad people in any religion, and that should not allow you to miss out on the beauty of a place like Tawi Tawi. I know that I am happy that I did not.
The varying cultures of Mindanao. Mindanao, the island where I live is a very culturally rich part of the Philippines. I guess that as I think about it, the only other part of the Philippines that can even come close to the cultural richness of Mindanao is the Cordillera area where the Rice Terraces are. Here in Mindanao, you have three basic groups of peple, Christians, Muslims and Lumads. Lumads are the native people of the island. All three groups can be broken down into sub-groups. For instances, there are dozens, perhaps hundreds of smaller tribal groups that make up the Lumads. When it comes to Muslims you have the Maguindanao, Maranao, Sama, Tausig, Yakan and many other Muslim groups. Some of these groups are mortal enemies with other Muslim groups, so it is not always easy to talk about “the Muslims” as a single entity. Anyway, I have really enjoyed seeing these various groups, interacting with them and learning more about their cultures. I love the diversity of Mindanao!
Filipino Kids. There is just something about Filipino kids that is special. I don’t know for sure what it is, but they are so cute! Their eyes, looking at you, always pull at your heartstrings! I love interacting with Filipino kids, especially young kids, like 5 years old or less. Especially since I’ve learned to speak Bisaya, interacting with these kids is a real charm. Filipino kids are often quite shy, but when they hear you speak in their language, they open up quickly, and are fascinated that a white guy can speak Bisaya! It is a real highlight of my day when I can get into a conversation with some Filipino kids and get to know them a bit.
The Weather. Well, this is sort of a no brainer! Warm sunny weather almost all the time, what is not to like? Here where I live in Davao we don’t have typhoons, so the weather here is almost always good, except for an occasional rain shower, but those are usually only 30 minutes or less anyway. The weather is something that keeps me loving the Philippines!
The girls. Well, hopefully Feyma won’t get mad at me (I know she won’t), but what a feast for the eyes. It is hard to go anywhere without having a lot of beautiful women everywhere you look! I have often told people that the hardest part about living in the Philippines is that there are simply too many gorgeous women here, and it is really true. That is a plus in many ways, but also a minus for a married man! You have to keep on your toes to make sure you don’t get your wife upset!
The fruit. There are so many wonderfully luscious fruits to enjoy in the Philippines, it’s hard to decide which one you should have at any given time! My favorite fruits here are Pomelo, Mangosteen and Mango in that order. Oh, yes… durian too!
Green Mango Shakes. I never have been a fan of green mango (unripe mango), but I love a good green mango milkshake! There is nothing better!
Filipino Peanut Butter. I have to agree with John Miele on this one. There is no peanut butter in the world that is better than Filipino peanut butter! It is wonderful stuff!
The beauty of Bukidnon. I love Bukidnon Province, here in Mindanao. It is a beautiful place. In Bisaya, “Bukid” means “Mountain” and thus Bukidnon is the Mountain Province of Mindanao. The weather is crisp and cool in Bukidnon, the mountains are majestic, and everything about the place appeals to me! I love Bukidnon, and I visit there every chance that I get.
Albino Carabao. In general, I really have an affection toward the Carabao. It is a beautiful animal, and a real workhorse for the Filipino people. A lot of things just would not get done without the carabao. In particular, though, I like albino carabao! The pink color of an albino carabao is kind of unique. I call them “Kanobao” as a playful nickname, like an “American Carabao” since they are almost the same color as a white person. I really enjoy seeing people riding down the highway on the back of a carabao, and I have a secret fantasy of wanting to ride a carabao myself. Maybe one of these days I’ll do it! I think it would be a blast.
BBQ on a stick. Filipino barbecue, usually Pork, put on a bamboo stick is simple heaven when it comes to food. I particularly like the little piece of fat at the bottom of the stick. Is it healthy? No way! Is it good? You better believe it. It’s hard to pass by a good stick of pork BBQ.
Speaking Bisaya. I really enjoy being able to speak in Bisaya, the local language where I live. There is no better feeling than being out with a group of foreigners at a restaurant or coffee shop, and to suddenly start speaking Bisaya to the waiter. The looks on the faces of the foreigners is priceless… shock, and even jealousy are so evident. It’s kind of an ace card up your sleeve when you can do that. I enjoy it a lot. The ability to communicate is great, and the shock that you get from other foreigners only enhances the experience.
Here is a rundown of other things that I love in the Philippines, without the detailed explanation:
Bobot - a candy made out of peanuts. It’s delicious.
Ampao - a puffed rice snack.
Tsokolate - a hot drink made out of native chocolate.
Calamansi - a tart citrus fruit that serves many purposes.
Massage - no better way to pamper your body than a good massage.
Free WiFi – here in Davao you can get free WiFi access at hundreds of locations around town.
Meeting people – people who read my blogs visit Davao often, and many times they want to meet me, I enjoy it a lot.
Samal Island – Beauty, peace, a get away from the City.
Surprising People – I like to surprise people (Filipinos) by showing them that I am not a “typical” foreigner that they expect.
Banana Pie at Blugre – it’s simply delicious.
Buko Juice – coconut water. It is refreshing, healthy and delicious.
Driving - I love the freedom of driving in the Philippines. Basically there are no traffic rules that you have to follow except that you don’t get into a wreck.
How about you, are there other things that you love about the Philippines? If so, please share them with all of us!
About MindanaoBob
HI BOB,
YEAH, PEANUT BUTTER MADE IN THE PHIL ARE SO DELICEOUS. ESPECIALLY NOW THERE’S A BIG SCARE HERE IN THE USA FROM PEANUT BUTTER SALMONELLA.
14 days before gear up Bob…thanks for making me look fwd to it even more!
My favorite moment: The blast of hot night air as i step out from the airport terminal and fondly recall the frozen hell i left behind..then off to Makati for a good late night snack at North Park then a good cuban cigar on the 19th floor poolside at City Garden..aaaahhhhhh its my welcome back routine !!!
WOW I’ve read a couple of your books, and have read your blogs,,,, I’m ready to move now…. Thanks for all your work and effort that you have put into educating people about the Philippnes.
Good morning Bob! Now, this article is surprising. You like ampao? and peanuts???
Now, I know what to give you for your birthday hahaha!
I suddenly remembered what one of our expats in Palawan told me. What foreigners like most about the Phils. is not the beaches, you can find nicer beaches elsewhere. Neither the weather, you can get it somewhere else. They like the women! (He said it in a flattering way, not bastos) He said that Filipinas are just naturally beautiful for them.
Hi Bob – With “back home” being in a rural barangay, one of the better things I’d list is the enjoyably slow pace of life. From arising before the sun does until calling it a night after a “midnight snack” and chat session with family & friends, one has the wonderful opportunity to enjoy every single minute of the day without having to rush on to the next one.
WELL WRITTEN PAUL ….I LOOK FWD TO THE DAY I CAN LIVE IT !!!
Forgot to mention the total enjoyment of “Manila” cigars like Tabacalera and Alhambra. There has been a tremendous improvement to cigars made in the Phils over the past five to ten years, from plantation produce in the Cagayan Valley region (mostly Isabela), manufacture in Manila, to better marketing.
Sir Bob I thought you love the monsoon rains too as I do.
Hi Bob! You’re fond of albino carabao? What about “english carabao?”
Do you enjoy them the same way we do? I’m really curious w/ this cause I’m going to use this joke before a class of predominantly americans.
I think I love just about everything about the Philippines Bob … .. Phil n Jess
Hi Bob, you forgot kinilaw in your list!(i think thats the correct spelling). Also for shock value with other foreigners eat some balot in front of them, then try to get them to eat it! cheers
Hi Bob!
Marie and I were introduced a few years ago by a cousin. At that time she had never been married even though she was in her forties. She once told me that she would give up everything she owned, her house , her car, and her career, just to be happily married. Even though I had never been to the Philippines and we were just writing back and forth twice a day, I made the commitment to one day move to the Philippines. I told Marie that you are willing to give up what you worked so hard for just for me so I will return the favor by moving to the Philippines. Maybe at the time it was a selfless act but after I visited the first time I was really happy. The thing I love about the Philippines the most is Marie, everything else is just a bonus!
The way my wife’s family and extended family treat me as one of their own!!
ya know Bob i enjoy reading your column so much and i think its because it genuinly exudes your love for your adoped country. you write like a kid in a candy store and it really is pleasing to read thet you love the place you now call home. lot of people are always in search of thier oasis in life i’m glad you found yours and i hope i grow to love it as much as you do. I agree with your list some i havent tried but i will but yes its the kids and the beauty in the women especially but of most all the peoples there that has me wanting to call mindano home again.
Bob,
Now I realize even more why my son , Nick Nichols, loves the Philippines.
Also I will have to try roasted peanuts in garlic. We do not seem to have
these in the United States.
When I read your articles I realize the Philippine Islands are beautiful.
Evelyn Nichols
you know, i’ve also got that mercado bug. except in my case, it’s with a “c” not “k”.
maybe i was too young or too much a local to appreciate some things in davao. but where i am right now, i’ve come to enjoy the mercado here, having regular lunches & shopping.
i’ve also come to enjoy being the token asian in town. lots of gringos & locals, but no filipinos. it is nice to surprise people & end up having a lot of fascinating conversations.
i guess it sometimes takes one to step out his world & into another culture to notice & enjoy these things.
durian though. god, i miss durian.
Sir Bob What about coffee with yours truly here when i am in town Must be one of the hihlights of your life.
Bob and others – There are a only a few things for me:
1. The smiles on the faces of children;
2. The friendliness of the girls/women;
3. Fruits;
4. Driving;
5. Inexpensive Domestic Help;
6. Inexpensive Quality Medical Care.
That’s it
sorry bob my mistake, I thought you did like it. I LOVE IT, cheers
Bob: our lists are pretty close together… I forgot about the peanuts… They are really good when hot and fresh.
Hi Bob! Yes, carabao english is mangled english for comical effect. I’m about to do some erap jokes in my class. I’ve done some w/ an american but I don’t remember if she finds the humor in it.
Hi Bob,
Wonderful list! I like most of them too except Durian. I still have to acquire a taste for it. My olfactory sense just gets the better of me.
Is Bobot a local product of Davao? I’m just not familiar with it or maybe I have tasted it once but just don’t know what it’s called.
Now I’m craving the food on your list!
(except of course Durian) 
Hi Bob, I can agree with both you on many of your picks but I’d like to add some of my own in no particular order: I love so many things but these are just a few:
Snacks and sweets–ensaymada, budbud, pan de sal
lovely sweet children with their sense of wonder
almost tribelike family ties and sense of unconditional love
lush exotic plants folwers and trees blooming all year long
mystical Catholic worship that I find so comforting
warm open friendly people with a sense of humor that can rise above their hardships
Karaoke
and as a woman, lets here it for the pogi, gallant, romantic, sensual filipino men that all treat me like a queen!
..one question Bob…your not the guy people talk about at the Davao airport who frequently stands in the parking lot with a “2000 yard” stare and a puddle of drool gazing at the durian sculpture are you?????
NIce article Bob…I love everything about Davao.Cant wait to live there permanently again.Looking forward to it!
Hey Bob, I’m happy you’re starting learning speak “bisaya”…goodluck to you !I think I’ts much pretty good and very important for you communicating locals dont speak English.And I’m sure you will learn more better and uderstood for filipinos life culture.”My husband favorite filipino attitude is “bahalag walay kwarta basta kalipay lang kanunay” and my husband dont like attitude filipino is ” Pahirama kog kwarta kay b-day or any party for her/him,kid etc and pay later…well for me it’s better not to celebrate than borrow money! Oh yes Bob, have you ever try bibingka and suman that’s my favorite snacks…its deleciousss!What about “TUBA” or Lambanog my husband like the taste of tuba…the sweetiest tuba he called ‘Tubas Wine”….Cheers Bob!!!
Hi Bob it’s me again just one question, have you tried “Salabana, Kaimito(star apple) Atis and Eva ” ? When I was my kid time we found this fruits from the Forest and we called this “Prutas sa Kalasangan.”
hey bob, just taste tuba it’s enough…dont need to be drunk he he he ! Cheers again !!!!
Hey Bob salamat, Salabana is tam-is and Eva is Aslom pangutan-a si Feyma about this fruit to let you taste lami man kaau…mag bisaya lang ko kay kasabot naman ka! Anyway thanks a lot for your wonderful sites…daghan man Nalipay! Oh yes…maybe you can make a new blog just for “Visaya Dialect only” I’m sure alots of Bisaya will being enjoyed! Again thanks a lot bob and sorry I gave you a lot of comments which is good fun for me…God Bless You and Your family…May the God always protect you on your Job !!!
Kudos to you Mr. Bob, kabalo na ka mo bisaya… how i wish my hubby would learn too. Best regards sa family…
Hi Bob,
I googled Boston Baked Beans. Now I know, I’ve eaten Bobot in the past. I just didn’t know it’s name.
Yes, they’re good!
Thanks for the info.
H i Bob, Ha ha you’re never almost done–there’s always something new that you didn’t know! Congrats Bob, maayong swerte! Queen
I know… I was just teasing you.
Hi Bob…will be in Davao for Araw ng Dabaw, will catch up with you and Feyma. Looking forward meeting you and Feyma in person.
I am a Filipino, residing here in Australia for over 30 years now. I realized how beautiful and unique the Philippines is. From natural resources and interesting culture. Last time I was in the Philippines was in 2007. I really enjoyed the food, the tropical fruits, the famous halo-halo and most especially the Filipino hospitality. I may one day retire in the philippines and do some more volunteer work. The Philippines has a lot to offer and potentials. Mabuhay ang Philippines!!
Reading your article put a smile on my face and it made me realize how much I miss Mindanao and of course DURIAN!
Hi CRIS – I agree, it’s good stuff!
Hi brian – Yes, I remember the blast of heat and humidity when landing in Manila! It’s been 9 years since I experienced that, since I never left here since I moved here. I can tell that you are looking forward to your trip!
Hi Dave – Thank you so much, your words mean a lot to me. I am glad that you found some usefulness from my work!
Hi Cathy – First let me tell you this… one of the things that I enjoy is hearing from good friends, and you are one of them. It’s like you wrote on your blog recently – sorry I didn’t have a chance to comment on that yet.
Honestly, Cathy, you don’t need to give me anything for my birthday, the friendship that you and Milper offer is more than gift enough.
Yes, I do like Ampao (it is a favorite thing of mine) and peanuts too. Like you said, though, the women here are special in their own way. Beautiful inside and out (most of them anyway), and I treasure that in Feyma too. There is a lot of temptation for a foreign man here, though, and that can be a downside!
Hi Paul – I too enjoy the slower pace of life, it is suited just right for me.
Hi Eric – I do love monsoon rains, but only if they are short rains!
Hi Roy – I am not certain that I know what you are talking about. Do you mean Carabao English, like poorly spoken English? If you clarify, I’d be happy to answer your question.
Hi Phil n Jess R. – Well, to be honest, there are things I don’t like about the country, but they are minor.
Hi Jason – I didn’t forget to list kinilaw, because I was listing the things I love here, and I don’t love kinilaw! I love sashimi, but my opinion of kinilaw is that it is a waste of good tuna!
Hi Tom Ramberg – Very touching story, and I am glad that you told it. And, I’m glad that it turned out to be the best for you too!
Hi Nicholas – It is a wonderful feeling, isn’t it?
Hi Tommy – I hope you are doing well, my friend, and I am happy to read your comment. The Philippines is not perfect, but it is good enough for me, and I love the place. I am sure that you will too if you keep an open mind.
Hi Evelyn Nichols – Nice to hear from you, it has been a while. I haven’t seen Nick for quite some time, I hope he is doing well. I guess it’s about a year since I saw him.
Yes, the Philippines is a place of beauty, sometimes to see it you must scratch the surface a bit, though.
Hi macky – I am so happy that you are experiencing some of the same joys in life that I experience every day. I can feel your passion in the words that you write. I’m not just talking about the durian either!
Hi Frank Fealey – Well, Frank, I was trying to keep the lid on our little coffee rendezvous quiet to respect your privacy! I’ll have to put those meetings at the top of my list though! Meeting with you is just OK, but the coffee is great!
Hi Steven – nice list, I hope that you continue to enjoy living in the Philippines.
Hi Jason – No problem. It is just not something that I am a fan of. We all have different tastes!
Hi John Miele – Many items the same, many different too! I think it nearly impossible to come up with a comprehensive list, but we can keep trying! Thanks for inspiring me to write my favorites.
Hi Roy – Probably, some Americans would have a hard time identifying with that kind of humor. Anybody who has some connection to the Philippines would understand it, but others may not.
Hi Beth – Give Durian a try – you can certainly acquire the taste!
I am not sure if bobot is nationwide or not. I know that I have found it all around Mindanao, and I am thinking that it is made somewhere in the Metro Manila area, but am not certain on that. It is a peanut, covered in Candy, kind of similar to a US product called “Boston Baked Beans” – very delicious.
Hi queeniebee – Nice list. I have to agree on most of them…. except the last one, of course!
Hi brian –
Hi Berlin Austin – Nice to see you! I am glad that you are looking forward to returning to Davao. Feyma and I will be here… I can’t imagine every leaving.
Hi Gar – Ha ha… I’m not just starting to learn Bisaya, I am almost done! Out of 60 lessons, I have finished 42 of them, so I am well on my way!
Yes, I have eaten bibingka many times, and suman too (I particularly like Durian Suman). I don’t drink Tuba, because I am not a drinker.
Take care, Gar, and thanks for visiting.
Hi Gar – I have eaten Star Apple, and I like it. Same with Atis. To be honest, I never heard of Salabana. I have not tried Eva before.
Hi Gar – Oh, I have tasted tuba, maybe 15 or more years ago.
Kumusta ka, Gar – Malipayon kaayo ko sa imong mga comment, ug malipayong ko ug magenjoy ka sa akong blog. Maghimo ba ko ug bagong blog tanan bisaya? Possible. Magtan-aw ko kana.
Salamat
Hi ann – Kumusta ka? Pwede pa magtuon sa imong bana sa bisaya. Magsunod sya sa blog ni Bebe diri sa LiP, ug magtuon gamayng bisaya sya. Salamat sa imong komento.
Hi Beth – Glad you were able to come up with what I was talking about! I sure to love them too!
Hi queeniebee – Of course, that is true. I meant, though, that I was getting close to completing my formal lessons.
Hi queeniebee –
Hi Berlin Austin – We will look forward to that!
Hi Joseph – Thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like you love the Philippines!
Hi SassySingleMom – I’m glad you enjoyed the article! I’ll save some durian for you!