It was October 10, 2010, or as I like to remember it 10-10-10. I arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, filled with excitement to meet Flory in person for the first time. We became acquainted through a mutual Facebook friend four months earlier and had been in nearly constant contact ever since. After collecting my bags, I made my way to what appeared to be a waiting area, but there was no sign of Flory. As I waited, I couldn’t help but wonder if she had changed her mind, leaving me stranded in an unfamiliar country. The waiting area was surprisingly small, and I noticed that no one else seemed to have a welcoming party either. After sitting for about 40 minutes, I decided to ask an airport staff member if there was a payphone I could use, as my ride was nowhere to be found. It was then that they informed me that the public was not allowed inside the building and that those waiting for passengers had to wait outside.
With this new information, I exited the building and walked down a ramp. To my immense relief, I saw Flory waiting across the street in a designated waiting area, separated by a rail barrier. The sight of her brought a wave of relief and joy, and I knew that everything was going to be alright.
Unfortunately, I did not capture those first moments in a photo or video but the snapshot below from Google street view shows the area right outside the airport. I exited the building walking down the ramp on the right and she was waiting in the area to the left of the street.
We made our way to Manila in a taxi. I noticed that the city was quite similar to large cities in the US. The busy streets, tall buildings, and modern conveniences seemed very familiar. However, there were unique aspects, like the popular fast-food chain, Jollibee, which offered a different take on familiar dishes and was the scene of our first meal together.
As Flory and I travelled to smaller towns close to where she lived, I found them more intriguing. One of the first things I noticed was the prevalence of tricycles and jeepneys. These colorful vehicles are a common mode of transportation, adding a lively touch to the streets.
The outdoor markets in these smaller towns were quite different from what I was used to in the US. The markets were full of activity, with vendors showcasing their products in front of their shops. The smell of freshly cooked street food filled the air throughout the markets. The variety of goods was impressive, from fresh produce and handmade crafts to spices and local treats. The vibrant colors, diverse offerings, and lively atmosphere of the markets made them a memorable part of my trip. It was a great opportunity to experience the local culture and daily life in these smaller towns.
Before my trip to the Philippines, Flory had expressed her wish to visit Baguio. So, it was only natural that we headed to Baguio shortly after my arrival. It was an amazing trip. On our first day, we started at Burnham Park, which is known for its beautiful lake where you can rent boats and paddle around. The park also has lovely gardens, a skating rink, and various food stalls offering local delicacies.
Next, we headed to Mines View Park, where we had a blast taking pictures with ponies and loveable St. Bernard dogs. The park offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and abandoned gold and copper mines. It is quite a sight to behold.
After that, we explored Wright Park, which is split into an upper and lower section connected by two sets of steps. The reflecting pool in the upper section, known as the Pool of Pines, beautifully mirrored the surrounding pine trees. Wright Park is also famous for its horseback riding area, where visitors can ride horses along scenic trails.
We then visited The Mansion, the summer residence of the Philippine president, located just across the reflecting pool. We enjoyed the stunning lawns and the unique architecture of the building, and of course, we took some photos at the front gate. The Mansion is a popular spot for tourists due to its historical significance and picturesque setting.
Our next stop was the Botanical Garden, where we saw fascinating plants, national symbols, and a small replica of the Golden Gate Bridge, symbolizing the sister-city relationship between Baguio and Vallejo, California. There were also other interesting items, like a walkway lined with little Buddha statues, representing the sisterhood with the Japanese cities of Karuizawa and Wakkanai. Even though the garden has added many attractions since our visit, it was still very interesting back in 2010.
On the second day, we visited the SM Mall and were lucky enough to catch a high school band marching and performing inside. The mall itself is a great place to shop, dine, and enjoy various entertainment options.
The bus ride back to Manila turned into an adventure as we faced torrential rains on the mountainous roads. The roads, carved out of the mountain, sometimes seemed just inches away from our vehicle, making for a thrilling ride even on a normal day. The heavy rain made it even more exhilarating.
The most enjoyable part of the trip was, of course, spending time with Flory on the family farm. That’s where I truly discovered the beauty of Filipino culture. Families in the Philippines, especially those in the countryside, are incredibly close-knit. Life seemed to slow down in that environment. Every evening, without exception, the extended family gathered for quality time. Human interaction extended beyond family members, as neighbors regularly stopped by each other’s houses to catch up, and friends from other locations were frequent visitors as well.
The delight of my time in the Philippines didn’t end with experiencing Filipino culture for the first time. I also thoroughly enjoyed the countryside. Flory’s family farm was a paradise of delicious fruit trees. After trying the tree-ripened mangoes, all the mangoes I had eaten previously suddenly seemed like imitations. There were banana trees, papaya trees, jackfruit trees, and a variety of other unfamiliar but tasty fruit trees. My two favorites were mangoes and tamarinds. Their farm had a very large tamarind tree that provided me with enjoyment throughout my stay.
There were other intriguing novelties that made the visit interesting. One was the abundance of sensitive plants, or as Filipinos call them, Makahiya. These plants fold their leaves immediately when touched. I had only seen these plants on TV shows and always wondered if I could order one to keep as a house plant. There, I was surrounded by them everywhere.
The first trip turned out to be both enjoyable and educational. Although I had already traveled to many countries, this journey stood out by offering an exciting experience and opening my eyes to new ways of life. My second trip wasn’t too far off in the future. While it was interesting in its own right, it naturally didn’t have the same profound impact on my outlook as the first one.