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Pearl of the Orient

The Philippines - Pearl of the Orient


This Group is devoted to expanding awareness of the marvels of the Philippines, particularly diving there and experiencing the culture.


First of all, I'm pretty opinionated about the Philippines. In fact, I'm totally in love with the country, the people and the diving. I'm not a dive expert of any kind, being fairly inexperienced. But I have traveled all over the world the past 25 years and have never found any place that is SIMPLY WONDERFUL like the Philippines.


That said, I believe that all of the Malay Island groups and their Peoples are spectacularly beautiful and but terribly important culturally.


For those who haven't had the opportunity to walk among these pretty people, be sure to put it on your "must do at least once before I die" short list along with Bali and Cayman.


But do it not only for the diving which is arguably the most varied and exciting in the world, nor for its great natural beauty, but also for the chance to make friends with some of the sweetest, most affable and selfless people on earth.


If you are a non-diving partner or just thinking about diving, you MUST see the Philippines - if just to experience the people. I know you will love it. The Filippinos posess the world's most beautiful culture. It is tolerant, inclusive and warm. Neither individualitsic or collectivist, the society is communal and the traditions of faith (predomianty Catholic) are the glue. Other than East Timor, it is the only predominantly Christian society in Asia and the only one where almost everyone speaks English.


Unlike the US and many industrialized societies, the Philippine system of law doesn't try to force its people to behave in ways intended to create an environment of equality, fairness and inclusion. It simply doesn't have to. To the Filippino, these things are the way of life.


Imagine that! A free democratic and capitalistic society where faith is actually encouraged by the government and even the poorest of people give the little they have to help others. And they do so without hesitation and without the crude intervening hand of an arrogant, paternalistic, wasteful government. The economy of giving and caring for others there is actually more free. It brings to mind what it might have been like before the industial revolution in America.


Finally, the Filippinos love the West, particularly America and Americans. The partnership between the American and Philippine governments and our two peoples runs very deep. You may not know much about them, but these people know a great deal about us and the sacrifices our two peoples, and the rest of the Allies, made for each other in WWII.


Of all the brave men and women in underground movements across Asia during WWII, the Allies had no truer nor more sacraficial ally than the people of the Philippine underground. In my view, the US Civil War over slavery and the struggle to liberate the Philippines are two of Liberty's most stunning achievements. To this day you can't visit an Allied cemetary or war memorial on a Sunday without fnding Filippino famlies there honoring US dead. They understand that America is in the business of freedom.


Wow! I'm really gettiong out there! Well, are you ready to visit this amazing place and experience the miraculous diving and beautiful people? I'm ready to go and I just got back from Peurto Galera four weeks ago!! Come go with me and particpate with this group. My next ticket may just be one-way!


Robert Howard