
They say home is where the heart is and it's definitely in the Philippines when I come home. Funny thing is, I wasn't born there and I've never lived there. I've only frequented it since 1995. Just like any relationship, I've learned to love and fall in love with the Philippines because my parents are there. Life is so simple in PI--it is so humbling. When I go to PI, I go there knowing I can not expect to find what I find here in the US (i.e. getting up to go for a drive alone at my whim, tampons, toilet seat covers, sidewalks). It is a third world country therefore, it can not compare to the United States. Plus, going to the Philippines once a year makes me appreciate my land of birth. I am and always will be an American, however I'm very proud to say that my "original" country welcomes me with open arms and loves me unconditionally just as my parents do. So, who knows--I may just retire there. I do have a house there after all. I'm not too concern with the future, I'm more into living present as it is a gift.
I'd have to say the only thing I truly detest in the Philippines is the mosquito population. That's when you can tell I'm a foreigner there, I've got mosquito bites in places I didn't think the mosquitoes could reach. LOL!!! But, no matter--I'd take it and live with it just so I can be with My Loves.
Here's a taste of the Philippines for those of you who are exploring the possibilities of visiting PI. The first video of my parents was shot in 2011--it's an oldie but goodie, my parents are unhinged in this video. The second video was filmed on Feb. 1, 2013--they found out about facebook so they're not as open as the first video. Finally, the 3rd video shows my Aguila cousins (my mom's side) and I having lunch at Kamayan at Isdaan sa Bay in Laguna, Philippines, 2.17.13.
I hope you enjoy these videos as much as I enjoyed filming them. The videos are just a fraction of the joy I experienced during my trip. This trip is definitely another one for the books! I can't wait for my 2014 trip--let's see if I can convince my son Jonathan to go with me. I'll give him an offer he can't refuse. Tee hee.
~Maria