Here’s another blessing brought to me by the traffic-driving tidal wave that is Entrecard (if you’re new here, please view my Entrecard posts).

I am talking about this blog that I discovered, Everything Everywhere Travel Blog, which is basically the memoirs of a traveler who left his home to live the life of a world wanderer.

His posts on the Philippines are poignant and insightful, and I was tearful at how he pointed out the strengths of Filipinos as well as this country’s flaws that prevent it from reaching Developed Country status. It hurts me to admit that even if Filipinos have the pride and belief in our nation’s capability, there are certain setbacks that are shockingly obvious.

In his blog, he discusses the brain drain that continues with every single overseas Filipino worker that lands a job abroad (or every single nursing student that dreams of getting the hell out of here); how politicians focus more on self-promotion and corruption than actual service; and how the hard-working, poverty-stricken Filipinos have to deal with these day by day for the rest of their lives (or until they migrate to another country).

Softening the brutal frankness of his assessment of this country’s socio-political condition are the beautiful photographs he took, featuring smiling locals and tourist spots; and his description of the cornucopia of mundane things that make the Philippines the most hospitable place for a traveler to visit.

Thank you for all of these and I am happy that you visited. Personally, I never left the Philippines (yet) to work in another country because I am one of the few who still believe in this country’s potential. Call me idealistic or foolish, but I just cannot let go of the hope that a country with so much natural resources, and an almost 100% English-speaking population will progress in time.

Do visit again, soon. And when you go to northern Philippines again, please pass by our family restaurant Halo Halo de Iloko to taste the best fruit melange in the world.

:D

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My favorite SMS joke:

When the Lord created the universe, He announced to His angels, “I will create each country on earth in such a way that it has a strength and a weakness. To the inhabitants of the Philippines, I will bestow innate adaptability and concern for others, so they may scatter to the rest of the world to help sick people be well again”. Then one angel asked, “but where is the balance there, dear Lord?”… With a booming laugh, He answered, “you should see the idiots I assigned to govern this country.”