Philippines, my Philippines - how do I love thee? Let us count five ways!

Philippines, my Philippines - how do I love thee? Let us count five ways!

At Human Nature, we believe that your love story with the Philippines begins here. There are just so many rich and wonderful reasons to love our country that we can’t help but count them! Here are five fun and simple ways to fall in love with the Philippines:

1. Travel locally. Before you jump at that international seat sale, try exploring the richness of our country first and see what foreigners have been raving about. Many foreigners see more of the Philippines in a month than most of us do in our entire lives. Think you have no time? Not enough money? Think again. These culture-craving explorers are often young workers and students who set aside a little money to hop on a bus or a boat and go backpacking on weekends – hitting Baguio, Sagada, Vigan, Coron, you name it! Don’t be afraid to rough it, either. You’ll be amazed by the sights, flavors, and experiences you've been missing!

2. Volunteer. Expand your options and break free from the belief that social immersions and outreach programs are merely academic obligations that expire after graduating. Adopt a positive and realistic perspective and see the cumulative value of the mornings you spend helping rebuild a community and your afternoons at the local orphanage or children’s hospital wing. You don’t have to be a martyr to build a nation; you just need to know your skills and interests and take some time to put them to good use within your own social spheres. Be part of the solution.

3. Get inspired. Talk to successful and inspiring Filipinos and understand why they still choose the Philippines, despite the many opportunities abroad. Learn their stories and draw inspiration from their passion. Get to know young innovators and their vision for the nation. It’s easy to become disenchanted and jump at international opportunities without looking back. If you feel like you need a patriotic pick-me-up, their insights may just be exactly what you need to hear.

4. Shop. Be on the lookout for outstanding Filipino-made products. Get over the notion that international brand names are better, because there is so much talent hidden in our own industries. We also don’t always realize how much of our own resources go into imported goods – so why not choose them from the start? Support small industries instead of big franchises, whenever possible: Buy your groceries from your local supermarket, frequent countryside and artisan fairs, and have regular weekend brunches at your nearest food market. Not only will you be contributing greatly to our economy, but you will be surprised at the amazing products you will discover!

5. Know your heroes. Make it a point to engage ordinary Filipinos like your local sorbetero, delivery man, taxi driver, merchandiser, or sales clerk on a daily basis. You will find many extraordinary heroes in these ordinary citizens that embody the Filipino values that we are all proud of: faith, resilience, and a resolute willingness to work hard despite the odds – not to mention good ol’ Filipino humor! You never know who you’ll encounter, who will make you laugh, or who will warmly affirm your faith in the Filipino spirit.


How did you fall in love with the Philippines? Send us your story, blog entry or share your own personal love story in our comments section below. Spread the love! <3