Happy People – The Reason for a Journey to the Philippines

The Philippines is a very small country, discovered in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, the reason why its culture is mostly of Spanish influence. Known officially as the “Republic of the Philippines”, it is situated in the Southeast Asian region on the west of the Pacific Ocean. It comprises of 7,107 islands. Philippine tourism’s tag line – “more fun in the Philippines” is based on the many beautiful places in the different islands. But most especially, the people make the country fun to visit. These people despite being poor in material things are happy people.  

 Filipino people are the third happiest citizens in Asia, coming next to Singaporeans as the happiest and Malaysians as second. This was the assessment made by Eden Strategy Institute’s “Happiness Index”. Also in relation to the United Nation’s International Day of Happiness, CNN Philippines, based on Gallup poll Filipinos ranked as 6^th happiest people in the world in 2014. Its ranking dropped by one step as it was 5^th placer in the 2013 survey made by the same group.

Let us identify some of the reasons for this. Why could most Filipinos be happiest despite poverty? Recalling that the Philippines had been influenced by Spanish colonization, the country is a predominantly Catholic nation and the people believe that everything is a blessing from the Divine Almighty. God never abandons the country and its people. They were able to survive all the natural calamities, earthquakes, typhoons and the like. The recent visit of Pope Francis had given new hope to the people. That makes the Filipino people; they are very hopeful and would not easily surrender.

The other main reason why Filipinos rank as among the happiest people in the world is traced on the close family ties. There is always someone to cling to; you will never be alone. To quote Eden Strategy Institute’s Happiness Index, “in the Philippines, happiness comes from a sense of large, extended families”. At young age, the value of family ties is deeply inculcated in every Filipino; they have ready smiles despite hard life and they find joy in extending an arm to help.

              

As a visitor in the Philippines, you will not only enjoy the beautiful sights – the beaches and the beautiful gifts of nature. Why do people go to Boracay and Palawan? The pristine beaches and the ever good people are main reasons. You would not think that the Philippines is a poor country when you go to the Malls in the Metropolis. You will find designer shops; the shops that you find in first world countries like Hermes, Louis Vitton, Chanel, Prada, Kate Spade, and others have established outlets in the Philippines. Food and wine are great. And as you enter the shops, diners and other places, happy Filipinos with their smiles imprinted on their lips will welcome you wherever you go.

And most of all, your foreign currency can stretch a long way, with a US dollar converting to 44 pesos. What more can you ask, dear tourist? It is indeed more fun in the Philippines.