Philippines: To boldly go where no Western woman has gone before . . .

trophy wives
I saw a lot of this when I was in the military (USAF). The reality is that marrying a Filipina means marrying the entire family. Marrying an American was a sure-fire ticket to the USA for the bride's family. They seemed resigned to their lot in life. Their husbands were guys that probably wouldn't have been as successful landing an American wife in the looks department. I think that poverty and family loyalty plays a major role in these situations.

Emily, Amazing!
I am thoroughly inspired after reading that. I have heard about a number of people's trips to the Philippines but your wonderful island experience there, and your evocative way of describing it, make me want to get on the next plane :-)

Very Inspiring !
What an inspiring story ! You've captured the true essence of the Filipino culture and way of life........great blog !...cheers!...joh

Amazing Asia
Emily, the Philipine island sounds simply amazing. We have been home for 5 weeks now and reading it makes me so jealous. Enjoy Asia its just amazing. You will be starred at everywhere and have to pose for lots of pictures, but just learn to get used to it. Happy travels in China, our favourite country. Hope your sign language skills are good, you're going to need then. Oh and sign language for "you choose the food from the menu for us" results in the most amazing food - enjoy!!!

Awesome
Hi Emily That sounded absolutely awesome. We thought we had had some amazing travel experiences, but I have to say that yours just shows how touristy they really were. We went through a similar depression as you I think when we got back from the Antartic, and it took a good 6 weeks, some sunshine and a few whales to get through it. Glad you have. Let the good times roll.

very nice!!!
go on, tell me how to get there, you know you want to! i did a similar thing to my foot over in south africa a few years back and i have to admit i started to cry when the 'pharmacist' told me how much he wanted for some medicine for it. I just let it rot for a while and it wnt away after a few days. here endeth the lesson. sound like youre having a great time! nice one!

I have to agree with Mum here sis. That was the dumbest thing you've ever done.....BUT it did sound like a blast and i'm glad it all went well! hehe Another thing....not sure about phillipines but in thailand expect more of the same old western men and their 12 year old looking wives. It made me sick at first but then i was told the deal and it didn't seem as bad. Aparently they had very very shit lives beforehand and these (usually) fat gits actually support their whole families. I guess it's taking one for the team so to speak! Still, It's not as bad as being a prostitute!

an amazing journey
I haven't yet read any of your other blog entries, but this was a great story. As a fellow blogger, I know it is often difficult to capture experiences in words. Thank you for taking the time to share your adventures on a road less traveled.

Sleeping boy
I like the sleeping boy photo and his background story. You can find this type of child in Philippine rural areas who would follow and admire you from the distance, whether you are a foreign or a local visitor from the big city. You have captured an island's culture so astutely.

Wow
Wow Em!!! Once in a lifetime, if you're lucky........ You're obviously a very lucky lady. Lost for words. XX

HI!
First, I want to say, wow! I got interested in the blog title, especially being a Filipina abroad, I hunger for bits of news about my country...You have captured in words the real and unadulterated Philippine experience.. the life in all its simplicity, the people, the culture, and how friendly and caring Filipinos are... being immersed in the provincial life. It is true that because of the poor life and the dream of bringing better lives to our families , a lot of Filipinas, whether single or married, leave our families behind, as self-sacrifice, to do domestic jobs abroad, (a lot fo them teachers by profession, in Hongkong, Europe) or teachers in China, USA, etc. or even get married to foreigners as options or way out... The family is very important to us, and it is our duty to take care of our parents and relatives (didn't marry, w/ no children) when they grow old. Some of our men thinks that the Filipinas, our women, are more capable than them or maybe others are just lazy and enjoys spending the monthly remittance that their Filipina wife is earning abroad....but also a lot of our men are working in the Middle East countries, too. My country, Philippines, is actually experiencing "brain drain", because a lot of the professionals work abroad. Albeit, this is the case, Phlippines is still benefitting due to the monthly remittances(in dollars/pounds/euro) of millions of Filipinos sending money to their families every month.. I'm among them...We are called by our government as the "modern heroes" because we help our economy. On the lighter side, I am working in Guangzhou, China, as a Teacher and have stayed here for 4 years already and can speak their language...Guangzhou is about less than 2 hours drive from Hongkong and Macau...Keep in touch...when you're in China...you know my email address..Safe travels...

WOW
I worked as an doctor for 14 island villages in the Philippines for 2 years and I must say that you beat my experiences with the night swimming with phosphorescent algae and doing laundry by the river. My life changed too when I once went tide pooling for edible mollusks with the kids and when I offerred them some money for an afternoon's work, their parents told them to return the money to me because they don't want the kids to expect money for good deeds. You have been truly blessed to have met Tao and have been able to experience something only very few have had the privelege to experience... even for Filipino standards. I can only assume that you are a peron with a very enlightened mind and a huge heart to have been rewarded by fate with such an experience. This is one of the best travel blogs I have read, and just the story I was looking for before going to bed. Safe travels to you Emily! Rock on!