The Soul of Japan on The Philippines

 

Preface: This is not a piece on WW2 history though some references will be made on that period. This is purely an observational analysis of the people, cuisine, and travel. 

Japan owes a tremendous war debt to the Philippine nation for the lives that were decimated during WW2.  500,000 to be exact!  The Japanese occupied the Philippine Commonwealth from 1942 to 1945 and were later liberated by the Allied Forces.  

Flying over Manila Bay on a downward slope preparing to land, our plane flew right over the old battle siege site of Corregidor Island the most heavily fortified island battery in military history once commanded by the late General Douglas MacArthur.  Upon landing, just as the wheels touched down, you could see a billboard reading I Love the Philippines in brilliant colors.  

The nervous anticipation is palpable.  A land of history and soul.  We are in Manila taxing to our canvas tunnel to deplane I am suddenly reminded of Eleanor Kastner the first Philippina momma from my school days.  I grew up with her boys from elementary school through junior high school.  She fed me well and introduced me to the culinary beauty of her country and soul music at a tender age and fostered in me an appreciation for her culture. 

I have been to P.I. twice for island hopping so far, and hope for many more opportunities. 

Why visit here:

1. The people are warm, friendly, and conversational, even to Japanese tourists. 

2. The culinary dishes can range from very basic to extremely exotic and questionable like the infamous Balut where you are basically eating a fully developed chick still in its shell.  Even more wild is a dish called Pinikpikan where you beat a live chicken to death!  This practice ensures that the blood remains in the muscles after it's been killed thereby making the chicken meat more flavorful and less wasteful.

3. You love snorkeling and scuba diving while admiring and protecting the local coral. 

4. You love gorgeous sunsets. 

5. You love mangoes and bananas that taste better than Japanese varietals.  Most of all, cheap.  

6. You love swimming in deep warm lagoons.

7. You love Chinese food from the oldest Chinatown in the world in Binondo.

8. You love high-quality natural hot spring spas tucked away in the mountains. 

9. Two-week-old rice wine and San Miguel Lager.

10. You are a history buff. 

11. You love fried chicken that tastes far better than any U.S. chicken franchise.  

The Philippine locals are humble and gracious to their overseas guests.  Even if they know your name they will often use honorific pronouns to address you.  

They are generous and will do their best to accommodate you and make you feel comfortable and welcome. 

Getting around is better on foot or an Uber-like service.   Jeepney vehicles are not recommended.  Either that or rent a scooter.  

We like to buy all of our food from supermarkets and then stock our hotel fridge, especially with ice.  You will need this to make nightcaps in your room. 

In conclusion: This country with all of its islands is great if you are prepared for it. It has a lot to offer almost every traveler.