I just finished reading your complete blog (after being enticed at first with your photo series today morning)

And I must admit… I enjoyed every bit of it. hats off. Kudos to you for having written such a fine, truthful, entertaining, informative and candid account. 6 months of toil, time well spent.

I guess you already must have realised this, you are probably one of the few Indians who has seen so much of this country, and written about it. As for accounts from other foreigners, their views often tend to be skewed in one of the two extreme opposite directions.

Glad that you had such a good time. When you are here next time, do drop in a line and I will willingly be your guide for some more places in the Phils.

Incidentally, about your question about Filipino culture, teh original Filipino natives are usually accepted as the “aetas” – you can still find them in places like Subic bay (http://expattraveller.blogspot.com/2012/11/pamulaklakin.html) – while they are often seen as “uncivilised” by many, they are actually far more advanced than most cultures including western ones – and you will notice strong similarities between the “ayurveda” that you use in India to the herbal cures that the aetas use.

During your next trip, do visit the Banaue rice terraces – it will give you an opportunity to interact with other indigenous tribes of the the Philippines – the Cordillerans, Ifugao and Igorot people – generally untouched by Spaniards and Americans.

But then, as told to me by the famous guide, Carlos Celdran, perhaps that is what Filipino culture is – like a “halo halo” – a melting pot of different cultures, Spanish, Japanese, American, Korean….. which actually does not really make sense, but just like the halo halo, is amazingly tasty, and each ingredient / cultural influence brings that extra surprise and taste to the dish! yummy!

By the way, my travel blog is not as interesting or funny as yours, but still, do have a look at it and let me know your thoughts -http://expattraveller.blogspot.com/