In The Beginning...

When I first visited Manila in 2002, I had no idea what to expect. I was in the midst of a four-year long-distance relationship with my now-wife, and after an 18 hour journey landed on Ninoy Aquino International Airport.  All I really knew about the Philippines could be summed up pretty quickly:

• Imelda's Shoes
• Popular Revolution
• Erupting Volcanoes
• Sinking Ferries, and
• Muslim Terrorists

I suppose having low or no expectations about a place is always a good way to start.

Since then, I have been compulsively coming back. Every trip increased my appreciation for the country, and respect for its' culture and inhabitants.

Is it third world?  Yes.  But so what?
Is Manila a big, dirty, chaotic  city?  Yep. For sure.

But the people are the friendliest, Metro Manila has all the conveniences you can ask for (including world-class restaurants, bookstores, museums, supermarkets, malls, cinemas, theaters and stores), and - although I bet this goes against everything you've heard about the place - it is actually quite safe as long as you use common sense.

Oh...and did I mention the country itself is breathtakingly stunning?

My intent is to give you the back of my mind...no matter if it's the good, the bad or the ugly. In the process, I hope to give a feel for the real Philippines...as I experience them.

Enjoy.