Today’s Guest Column is from David Katague. David has a blog about his place in his beloved Marinduque, give it a visit, and visit David if you happen to be in Marinduque too!
Several weeks ago, I listed the ten most annoying things that bothers me in the Philippines in this web magazine with the thought of writing the ten things that I love about the Philippines in the future. I was writing it as a balikbayan retiree and from the point of view of an enthusiast of the “snow bird” lifestyle. I did mention in that article that those annoying things are easily outnumbered by the things I love about the Philippines. I could give a list of more than 100 items I love about the Philippines, but I will limit it to my the top ten and from a point of view of a balikbayan retiree. These top ten items are not in order of importance.
- The cheap standard of living, cost of food, services ( maids and drivers) With the exception of electricity, everything is cheap in the Philippines specially services, for example haircuts, massages , pedicures and manicures is much, much cheaper in Philippines than in US. A specific example are mens’ haircut. I pay between 60 to 100 pesos in Marinduque, but here in Sacramento, I pay between $12 to $15 for a haircut. For a $1000 a month, I live like a King here in Marinduque. The current exchange rate is 47.8 pesos for one dollar as of this writing date.
- The simplicity of life . The locals are easy going and do not hurry for their appointments. There is not much traffic if you reside in the provinces and in small towns.
- The abundance of fresh vegetables and fresh fruits ( papayas, mangoes and bananas) at a reasonable prices as well as the Filipino cuisine( lechon, lumpia and pancit) and delicacies ( bibingka and leche flan).
- Accessibility to the beaches, mountains, caves , rivers , islets for picnicking, bathing, snorkeling, scuba diving or just relaxing ( I am talking about Marinduque, Not the big cities).
- Social support system is fantastic. The presence of relatives specially during Christmas and Easter seasons is an experience one can not forget.
- Availability of all modern amenities, good restaurants, international food , modern health services in Manila, Iloilo, Cebu and other big cities.
- The dry and cool weather, ocean sea breezes ( at Chateau Du Mer )during the months of November to February.
- The numerous fiestas and festivals whole year round, specially during the months of January and May. I wrote an article on this subject in one of my web blogs.
- The hospitality of the people and their attitudes toward foreigners and visitors.
- Historical and Cultural heritage we have as a nation from Spain , such as our old churches, folk dances, Kundiman music, Putong, Kalutang and respect for our elders and freedom of the press and speech from the United States.
Drinking halo-halo on a nice hot day…… ummm, I can taste it now
Great list David. I love walking around and looking at the old churches from the Spanish era. We don't see any buildings from the 16th century in my part of the U.S.
Hi Bacolod Barry: Yes, I forgot about the Halo Halo in my list of favorite dessert.. Yum, Yum! Cheers!
Hi Jake: Our old Cathedral in Boac is more than 400 years old. It has been restored, but inside the church ( the altar) is still the original. It is really beautiful if you love old architecture. Have a good Day!
Hi David, I think you covered just about everything. For me I love the ability to garden all year round in the Philippines. In New England in the US, the growing season is so short, but in Cebu I get a chance to grow exotic lush tropical trees, plants and orchids in my yard. It has become a real obsession for me, but one that gives me a lot of pleasure. You just can't forget to water in the dry season!
Hi David – A wonderful list! I'm sure you could go on and on, and I totally agree that the good list is much, much longer than the bad list! One thing I enjoy is arriving at a meeting (either business-oriented or social) in a calesa after a leisurely "rush" to get there! 😉
Hi Queeniebee: I also love to garden. As you said it is very relaxing. I would love to see your collection of orchids and tropical plants. I have a collection of euphorbias, hibiscus, bougainvillas and orchids also. Have you seen my favorite orchid- the Princess Mikasa in one of my sites? It is almost blue! Happy Gardening!
Hi Paul: A calesa ride? I have not ride in a Calesa since I was a little kid. But, I see a calesa in Gasan, the next town south of Boac. How's the packing? Good day and keep up with your fantastic sense of humor as always!
We'll have to get together someday to see each others gardens! I'll have to check out your almost blue orchid on your site. Initially I didn't know too much about many tropical plants and trees, but now I read and study about them–and try to learn a lot of their names. My Filipino nephew is big into gardening and helps me a lot. Recently he helped build a small orchidarium for my collection attached to bamboo posts.
I don't have as much experience with orchids, but I'm learning…
Happy Gardening to you too!
Hi Queeniebee: I have a few books about orchid growing. I found that fertilization, watering( misting) in the morning not in late afternoon is very important. That is nice that your nephew built an orchidarium, so you could control the sunlight, wind, water and insects from your orchid plants. In my case, they are all outside but they have only morning sun. My niece is a commercial orchid grower in Iloilo. My favorite blue orchid was a gift from her. I had to hand carry it in the plane from Iloilo to Marinduque. For pictures of my orchids, and other tropical plants collection visit,
http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com
Hi David, I've visited and really liked the garden pictures! I've added your site to my favorites–Thanks! queenie
Hello Bob, your list is nice, and has a similarities from the other foreigners why they like the Philipines.
I've watched your videos on youtube and find it fascinating and very thankful.
Hi faf_476 – Actually, I didn't write this article. It is a guest submission from David Katague, a Filipino! 😆
I'm glad that you enjoy my videos!