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Nationality: Filipino

Occupation: Virtual Assistant

How did you find about the Philippines?

I was born and raised in this country.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Manila, Baguio, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Legaspi, Sorsogon, Mindoro Oriental, Aklan, Cebu, Bohol

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

There are plenty of destinations for different kinds of travelers.

     Food

You’ll never go hungry in the Philippines! Filipinos love to eat and it shows: food stalls and restaurants in every corner, and celebrations meant having more food.

     Culture

Very diverse, with influences from our Asian neighbors, our Malay ancestors and Western colonizers, yet remains distinctly Filipino.

     People

Filipinos are like bamboo; they’re very resilient. When trouble brew, they will get swept with the maelstrom, but they will always bounce back.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

I don’t like how people are taking our natural resources for granted. We have a collection of the best islands in the world, but we don’t know how to take care of it.

What do you like about the Philippines?

I like how it has so much to offer. Whether you’re an urbanite who love to party or an adventure seeker who loves nature in all it’s glory; the Philippines have something for you to enjoy.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation: Team Manager / Entrepreneur

How did you find about the Philippines?

Actually, the Philippines found me, because I am borne from it.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Subic, Pansol, Baguio City

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

They always vary depending on the kind of local governing entities which dictates the ambiance, culture, appearance, and the life of the place. Moreover, places in the Philippines which are advertised internationally are, most of the time, the only places that are well-preserved and well-maintained. The rest are just as common as they can be.

     Food

Food in the Philippines is the best!

     Culture

Again, it varies… There are so many cultures within this small country that one must have a hard time thinking how could so many beliefs and customs evolved from just one heritage.

     People

Most are friendly, and most of them also do not care.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

I will just focus on the thing that I dislike the most about the Philippines. Its government and the officials that govern it.

What do you like about the Philippines?

Almost everything is good and great and excellent for me.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation: Internet Marketer and Professional Travel Blogger

How did you find about the Philippines?

I am proud to be born in the Philippines.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Boracay, Palawan, Batanes

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

Never fails to surprise me. Simply Awesome!

     Food

One of the reasons I will never migrate out of the Philippines.

     Culture

God Fearing and Music loving culture.

     People

Friendly and very Creative.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

Corruption in the Government.

What do you like about the Philippines?

Awesome Beaches! With 7,107 islands , you’ll never run out of places to explore!

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation: Artist

How did you find about the Philippines?

Through text books. And I realized it was the place I lived in. 🙂

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Bohol, Davao, Jolo, Liliw, Nagcarlan, Majayjay, Pagsanjan, Kalayaan, Baguio, Agoo, Pampanga,, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, Goa Camarines Sur.

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

Beautiful

     Food

Unhealthy but delicious!

     Culture

Unique and varied.

     People

The same all over the Philippines.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

A little too hot for me maybe, but everything else that’s in nature is great. The thing I really dislike is people. Not all people, but people who don’t care about keeping the surroundings clean. There’s trash everywhere and they don’t care. It’s the people in government who are corrupt that keeps us from developing.

What do you like about the Philippines?

How beautiful many of its places are. And of course, all my family is here.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation: Abstractor/Indexer

How did you find about the Philippines?

I was born here. This is my native land. Philippines, my Philippines.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

The farthest I have gone north is Tuguegarao, Cagayan and in the South Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

There are a lot of beautiful spots here in this country. This is the primary reason why foreigners love to come here.

     Food

Every particular place here has its signature food. In the north, of which I am from, we boast of our Kilawin, Dinakdakan, Pansit Luglug, and many other local delicacies.

     Culture

Our culture is very rich. The presence of various festivals attest to this. It is also interesting to note that those who have colonized us have influenced our culture.

     People

Filipinos are known for their hospitality. This is why a lot of countries desire the services of Filipinos in the care-giving business worldwide.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

Politics, politics, politics…

What do you like about the Philippines?

Every aspect of this country except for dirty politics, stagnant economy, pollution, poverty, and dichotomy between the rich and the poor, showbiz, etc. etc. Moreover, I want to emphasize how we value family structure, our religion, and our country.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation: Self Employed-Animal Industry

How did you find about the Philippines?

For me, Philippines is a haven of beauty and mystery. You can explore it through reading the history. I said that not because I am a filipino nor I want to make my answers good to the readers, History will tell us why many ruling countries tried to conquered us.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

More on Southern Luzon such as Bicol region, Calabarzon, and Masbate were I considered the places as an idyllic site for outdoor enthusiasts. I also visited Sagada, Mt. Province and Mindoro which I can give a triple ten score for satisfaction.

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

I don’t want to call it place, I called it “paradise”. The places here are the primary product of the Philippines. It has various adjectives that make them unique. Despite of having problem in geological structure, places here are continuing to develop projects to attract tourist and investors.

     Food

Food are not only use to answer the hunger of people but also to signifies the individuality of one particular place. Who are not familiar in chicken adobo and kare-kare across the board? No one!

     Culture

The Philippines’ culture and festivities are one of the most interesting subjects in exploring this country. I can say that watching festivals are food for the soul. It underlines how artistic the Filipinos are and how we celebrate it using smile and happiness.

     People

For me, filipinos love others more than they love theirselves. That is why the word “hospitality” always associated to us. We have different dialects due of geological structure, we are separated by islands, but we are still united and mutually connected to each other because of one common characteristic, by making other people happy and serving them the beauty of our country.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

The system, the political system. The Philippines is rich but the filipinos are poor. It is very sad to think that the wealth of our country was manipulated by foreign investors and it really scares me that in the near future, we’re become visitors of our own country, discriminated and repressed.

What do you like about the Philippines?

Almost everything except the system, like what I have said, the Philippines is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts where people like me enjoyed most. The rain forests, the fauna and flora, the seasons and the pain before you explore it is what really makes me love this country.

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation: Freelance writer

How did you find about the Philippines?

You could say it’s in my blood. I was born in Quezon City, to Filipino parents, and raised in Parañaque.

What Philippine locations have you visited?

Various areas in Metro Manila (of course!), Boracay, Baguio, Zambales, Pangasinan, Tagaytay and Anilao in Batangas, Cavite, Subic Bay (Olongapo), Angeles City (and other parts of Pampanga), Guimaras, Iloilo City, Laguna, Quezon Province, Tarlac, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, and Daet, Naga, Donsol, Legaspi (Bicol Region). The number of local places I’ve visited locally is pathetic, considering we have more than 7,000 islands.

What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?

     Places

I probably need to visit more places to give this question a good enough answer. Metro Manila is convenient in terms of accessibility to entertainment and items one needs on a daily basis (there are malls, sari-sari stores, and bars everywhere!). Many of the restaurants, pubs, movie theaters, hotels, and retail stores that you see in the West are present here. But give the local establishments a try if you can – open yourself up to new experiences.Areas in the provinces that aren’t overrun with tourists as yet are breathtaking and delightful pockets of paradise on Earth. Traveling to these places can be inconvenient (think a plane ride and/or several hours in a crowded bus) but a lot of them are worth the transportation trouble. If you’re the type of person who can’t live without malls or a lively nightlife in a bar then you probably won’t have a rip-roaring time in places like Sagada.

     Food

I’m not a big fan of ultra-spicy food, so I tend to forgo dishes like Bicol Express. Neither do I like much of the street food, so count me out when things like isaw, balut, adidas, and betamax are on the menu.On the other hand, I love seafood, and thank goodness there’s no shortage of that here so far. There are dishes like grilled squid stuffed with tomatoes and onions, humungous prawns sautéed in butter or stewed in tamarind sauce, stuffed milkfish, kinilaw na tuna (something like tuna sushi). Meatlovers like myself can also take comfort in dishes like bulalo (a kind of beef stew), chicken or pork adobo (meat cooked in vinegar, soy sauce and pepper),pochero (pork, beef or chicken stewed with vegetables in tomato sauce), etc.

And of course, there are rice dishes in various incarnations. Rice with toppings of beef, pork, chicken, or seafood, yang chow fried rice, nasi goreng, and so on.

Then there’s my favorite green mango salad, too! Diced Indian mango with onions, tomatoes, and bagoong (a kind of pungent fish paste).Dee-lish. Plus, there’s also dried fish or dried squid dipped in vinegar. Not the most aromatic of dishes, but delectable, in my opinion. Especially when accompanied by steaming-hot, freshly cooked rice, or fried rice, to be eaten with one’s fingers. Mmmmmm.

     Culture

Friendliness or hospitality or pakikisama is one of the many characteristics of Filipino culture. Especially when it comes to fiestas in the provinces! I was with friends in Guimaras during a fiesta sometime ago, and everyone was expected to visit each and every house and partake of the food laid out. After visiting just three houses, my tummy was full to bursting. But we were told we had to go visit lots of other houses too – and eat part of their spread! – or else those homeowners would take offense. I wished for a replaceable stomach that time.Then there’s karaoke or videoke. Everyone sings, even those who can’t. But if you don’t sing – or don’t want to – it’s ok. You can cheer, clap or laugh, at least. Everybody sings, everybody dances. Even those who don’t show a noticeable ability to do either. Doesn’t matter if one can’t sing or dance to save his or her life. As long as one is having harmless fun (or showing appreciation of those locals who CAN sing and dance) then all is well.

Filipinos, like many other people the world over, love their alcohol. If a local you don’t know calls out to you “Tagay!” it means he or she is inviting you to drink whatever it is they are drinking. Just remember that at some point, you’re expected to order more drinks and pay for those, though no mention is made about such things.

In non-touristy areas in the provinces, hospitality to visitors is a given. So it’s not an uncommon occurrence to be invited for lunch, coffee, dinner, or a snack by total strangers who will take offense if you offer to pay them for the refreshments they had laid out for you. But as in all other places, there are locals who won’t hesitate to take advantage of tourists. So it’s a good idea to find out beforehand about how much things cost so you don’t get taken in for a ride. If you’re aware of things like the cost of a tricycle ride from the main road on Station 3 in Boracay to the Jetty Port, then you know that you’ll only have to pay 20 pesos, and not the 200 or so pesos that some tricycle drivers try to charge otherwise.

Holy Week is a big thing, especially in the provinces. Good Friday is an official holiday, with most of the offices and commercial establishments closed for the day. In some areas outside Manila, re-enactments of Christ’s flogging and crucifixion are performed. Not a sight for the faint-hearted!

     People

Smiling, friendly, accommodating, polite (in most cases). Shyness is sometimes mistaken for aloofness. But once you get past the initial awkwardness then everything will tend to go smooth as silk. Lots of Filipinos are gabby by nature. Sometimes one wishes for them to just shut up! But we are good storytellers as a whole, and who can resist telling a good story, even to a complete stranger?English is widely spoken and understood in the Philippines. Even the lowliest street person, though far from being fluent in the language, is able to understand and converse with English speakers. Sometimes people in the street speak in pidgin English with lots of hems and haws and hand gestures, but more often than not, English speakers need not fear a language barrier.

Like everywhere else, though, there are locals who will take advantage of foreigners as much as they can. Scammers, swindlers, pickpockets, thieves, fraudsters, we have them, sure. They come in all sizes and forms: as taxi drivers (not all), money changers (not all), policemen (not all), and the doves who fly low (a euphemism for prostitutes). They give the country and other Filipinos a bad name, but I believe that the good done to visitors by my countrymen outweigh the bad. It’s just that the good isn’t given as much publicity.

We are unfailingly polite most of the time. A lot of visitors get a kick out of being addressed as “Ma’am” or “Sir” in restaurants and other commercial establishments by the service staff, even if the guest in question is just ten years old.

What do you dislike about the Philippines?

Mind-numbing bureaucracy in some governmental agencies (not all). Insane politics. Traffic. Poverty. Summer humidity. Terminal tax at the airports. Damn mosquitoes. People who take advantage of other people, even fellow Filipinos.

What do you like about the Philippines?

The sheer vastness of potential experiences here. The variety of cultures in the islands. The helpfulness and courtesy of my fellow Filipinos. I’ve encountered so many who work in resorts, restaurants, hotels, etc., who have been willing to go beyond what their job description entails just to help. And no, they didn’t ask for a handout for such unexpected friendliness and service.The laughter that pervades almost every crevice of society. No matter what the tragedy, Filipinos will find a way to lift everyone’s spirits through humor.

The beaches. Lots and lots and lots of beaches.

And of course, how can I forget San Miguel Pale Pilsen?

Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.

Kasarinlan (Nationality): Filipino

Trabaho/Lokasyon (Occupation/Location): IT Personnel/Manila

Paano mo nalaman ang tungkol sa Pilipinas? (How did you find about the Philippines?)

Dugong pinoy. Pinoy blood.

Anong mga lugar sa Pilipinas ang iyong nabisita? (What Philippine locations have you visited?)

Luzon: Candon (Ilocos Sur), San Fernando, San Juan, Bacnotan, Bauang (La Union), Villasis, Urdaneta, Dagupan, Alaminos City, Bolinao, Binmaley, Lingayen, Mangaldan, Sta. Barbara, Mangatarem, San Carlos (Pangasinan), Balanga City, Morong, Orani (Bataan), Balagtas, Bocaue, Malolos, Marilao, Meycauayan, Pulilan, Sta. Maria (Bulacan), Angeles City and San Fernando City (Pampanga), Iba, Pundaquit and San Narciso (Zambales), Alfonso, Cavite City, Tagaytay City, Noveleta, Mendez, Gen. Trias, Dasmariñas, Bacoor, Trece Martires City (Cavite), Los Baños, Calamba City, Calauan, Nagcarlan, Paete, Pagsanjan, San Pablo City (Laguna), Antipolo and Cainta (Rizal), La Trinidad (Benguet), Daet, Naga, Legaspi, Donsol (Bicol Region)

Batangas, Tarlac, Baguio City, and Metro Manila

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Visayas: Boracay Island (Malay, Aklan), Jordan, Nueva Valencia (Guimaras Island)

Iloilo City

Mindanao: Cagayan de Oro (Misamis Oriental), Iligan (Lanao del Norte), Pagadian City, Guipos (Zamboanga del Sur), Dipolog City, Dapitan City (Zamboanga del Norte)

Camiguin, Bukidnon

Ano ang iyong opinion sa mga sumusunod? (What are your opinions on the following things about the Philippines?)

     Mga Lugar (Places)

Mayroong 7,100+ na pulo ang Pilipinas at bawat isa sa mga pulong iyon ay may kanya-kanyang malawak at kamangha-manghang mga bagay na maiaalok. Hindi madaling mapuntahan ang ibang mga lugar ngunit kapagka narating mo ang mga iyon, mabibihag ka ng kanilang ganda, ng marangyang kabuuan at ng mararamdamang kapanatagan. Kailangan lamang matutunan at maituro ang pangangalaga sa bawat kalikasan at huwag hayaang masira ng teknolohiya.There are 7,100+ islands in the Philippines and each one of these islands has its own broad and fascinating array of things to offer. Some places are not easy to get to but once you have arrived, you will be captivated by their beauty, by the lavish fullness and the feeling of peace. We only need to learn and teach the proper care of every environment and not to allow technology to ruin nature.

     Pagkain (Food)

Ang Pilipinas ay may iba’t ibang klase ng pagkain. Mula sa western, exotic, asian hanggang sa pinaka-native na putahe. Karamihan sa mga lokal na pagkain ay maaaring hindi maganda ang itsura o amoy para sa mga banyaga ngunit kapagka ito’y natikman, hahanap-hanapin at babalik-balikan. Ang mga prutas na kahit mayroon sa ibang bansa, nangingibabaw ang tamis at kasariwaan nito.The Philippines has different kinds of food. From western, exotic, Asian up to the most native dishes. Most of the local foods may not look or smell good to foreigners but once these have been tasted, one will crave and keep coming back for them. The fruits may exist also in other countries, but they are outstanding in taste and freshness here.

     Kultura (Culture)

Napakaraming kultura ng Pilipinas. Mula sa iba’t-ibang rehiyon ay may kanya-kanyang pagpapahalaga sa kanilang nakagisnang kultura. Mula sa pamumuhay, sining, musika, paniniwala, relihiyon, at marami pang iba. Malawak ngunit maipagmamalaki ang kulturang atin. Sana lamang ay bigyang pansin ng bawat isa ang mahahalagang aspeto nito at pahalagahan.The Philippines has many cultures. From different regions people have different ways of valuing the cultures they grew up with. From livelihood, art, music, beliefs, religion, and many others. Our own culture is vast but worthy of pride. I only wish that every one of us could pay attention and give importance to the important aspects of this.

     Mga Tao (People)

Pilipino… kadalasa’y Pinoy o Noypi kung tawagin. Mula sa opinyon ng mga banyaga – masipag, matiyaga, maabilidad, palangiti kahit sa gitna ng hirap at kalamidad at higit sa lahat, palakaibigan at maasikaso. Mula sa opinyon ng mga kapwa ko noypi — mabuting kaibigan, masipag, matiyaga, maasikaso, magaling makisama at may mga nagsasabing walang disiplina, mandaraya, gaya-gaya at mahilig sa imported.Ngunit may isang bagay na maaaring hindi alam ng nakararami tungkol sa mga Pilipino. Kung bakit sa gitna ng kahirapan, makikita ang mga ngiti at sa bawat sakuna o kalamidad, nakukuha pang tumawa at magbiro. “Pamilya ang nakakapagpasaya sa mga pinoy, hindi pera o karangyaan”.

The Filipino… often called Pinoy or Noypi. From the opinion of foreigners – industrious, patient, resourceful, smiling even in the midst of poverty and calamity and most of all, friendly and caring. From the opinion of my fellow Noypi – a good friend, industrious, patient, caring, good with people and there are those who say undisciplined, dishonest, parroting and overfond of imported goods.

But there is one thing that many may not know about the Filipino. This is that in the midst of poverty, you may still see him smiling and that in every disaster or calamity, he still manages to laugh and crack jokes. “Family is what makes Pinoys happy, not money or luxury.”

Ano ang ayaw mo sa Pilipinas? (What do you dislike about the Philippines?)

Nakapagtatakang mga banyaga pa ang may magandang panananaw sa atin. Siguro dahil sa alam natin ang sakit ng bawat isa. Para sa akin, ipinagmamalaki ko ang pagiging pinoy, hindi dahil isa ako sa kanila. Totoo man lahat ang mga nababanggit sa itaas, masama man ito o mabuti. Hindi ko itatanggi alinman doon sapagkat may mga panahong may katotohanan iyon. Ilan sa mga halimbawa o karagdagan dito ay mañana habit (mamaya na), crab mentality, Filipino time at pananamantala sa mga lokal at mga banyagang biyahero na kung ating susuriin, dala ng kawalang disiplina at kahirapan.At ang nangungunang problema ng bayan… korapsiyon. Mula sa pinakamababang antas ng lipunan hanggang sa pinakamataas na namumuno. Ngunit hindi dapat isisi lamang ang mga ito sa gobyerno sapagkat ang bumubuo ng gobyernong ito ay mga Pilipino din. Bumabagal ang pag-unlad at pumapangit ang imahe. Hindi ito dapat gawing dahilan upang hindi maisaayos ang mga ito. Maraming bansa ang may ganito ring mga kaugalian ngunit bakit sila umaangat at ang mga pinoy lamang ang nangingibabaw sa mga pangit na paningin? Siguro’y dahil wala tayong ginagawa upang maitama ang mga ito. Walang kumikilos para panatilihin ang kanilinisan at kaunlaran ng bawat rehiyon at walang pakialam sa naidudulot na masamang epekto sa napakaraming likas na yaman na kung titingnan, kayang sustenahin ang mga pangangailangan ng Pilipinas. Siguro’y dahil sa Pilipino mismo ang nagpapabagsak sa kapwa niya Pilipino. Ilan lamang ito.

Sana’y mabigyang-pansin ang mga opinyon at suhestiyon ng mga nagbigay nang kanilang Photographic Profile upang mapansin ng mga kinauukulan at maiangat ang antas ng bansang Pilipinas. Layunin ng website na ito na maiangat ang turismo ng bansa at maipagmalaki ang likas na yaman.

It is puzzling that foreigners are the ones who have a good view of us. Maybe it’s because we know each other’s problems too well. As for myself, I am proud to be Pinoy, not because I am one of them. Though all of the things stated above are true, bad or good. I will never deny any of them because there are times when there is a truth to them. A few examples or additional info are the mañana habit (do it later), crab mentality, “Filipino time” and taking advantage of local and foreign travelers which, if we will examine them, are due to lack of discipline and poverty.

And the country’s leading problem… corruption. From the lowest level of society to the highest position in office. But the government is not the only one to blame for all this because the Filipinos are also the ones who make up this gvoernment. Progress is slowed and the national image is tarnished. This should not be turned into a reason for not fixing these things. Many countries have these habits also but why are they progressing and the Pinoys only are excelling in bad imagery? Perhaps it’s because we’re not doing anything to fix these. No one is moving to maintain cleanliness and progress of each region and there is no regard for the bad effects brought onto the many natural treasures which, if examined closely, may sustain the needs of the Philippines. Maybe it’s because the Filipino himself causes the downfall of his fellow Filipino. These are just a few.

I hope the opinions and suggestions of the people who gave their Photographic Profiles are given attention, so that the authorities may take notice and raise the quality of life in the nation of the Philippines. This website aims to promote tourism in the country and boast of its natural treasures.

Ano ang gusto mo sa Pilipinas? (What do you like about the Philippines?)

Halos lahat. Ang mga pagkain, mula sa simpleng pritong isda na may talbos ng kamote hanggang sa adobong tagalog, mga kilawin, bopis, maasim na sinigang at ang nakapaglalaway na mga lamang-dagat. Ang kultura, mula Aparri hanggang Jolo. Ang mga tao, na laging nakangiti anuman ang dumaan na mga sakuna at problema. Ang klima, tag-araw, tag-ulan at taglamig. At ang mga lugar, mula sa kailaliman ng dagat hanggang sa nagtataasang bundok. Mula sa malawak na kabukiran hanggang sa pinakasulok ng mga kuweba. Mula sa makulay na pagsikat ng araw hanggang sa iba’t-ibang anyo at ganda ng paglubog nito.At higit sa lahat, ang lambanog at mga lokal at natural na alak gawa sa buko, bigas, tubo, kape at iba pa. At ang isa sa pinakamasarap na beer, San Miguel Beer. Ito ang Pilipinas.

Nearly everything. The foods, from simple fried fish with yam sprouts to Tagalog adobo, kilawin dishes, bopis, sour sinigang and the mouth-watering seafoods. The culture, from Aparri to Jolo. The people, who are always smiling no matter what misfortunes and problems befall them. The climate, sunny, rainy and cold. And the places, from the lowest point of the ocean to the peaks of the mountains. From the vast fields to the very corners of caves. From the colorful sunrises to the different forms and graces of its setting.

Above all, the lambanog (coconut vodka) and local and natural wines made of coconut, rice, sugar cane, coffee and a lot more. And one of the best beer, San Miguel Beer. This is the Philippines.

Ang paborito mong mga lugar sa Pilipinas. (Your favorite place/s in the Philippines.)