Filipinos Are Friendly

[JJReyes]

Recently read another survey placing the Philippines as one of the friendliest and most hospitable countries to visit.  Then you experience it.  

At the airport, I had difficulty using my phone to call the driver of the pre-booked car to our hotel.  A complete stranger asked if he could help.  Giving him the phone number, he called, described what we look like and the number on the pillar next to where we were located.  He waited until our car arrived before calling for his vehicle.  

Two porters at Seda Hotel BGC immediately recognized us upon arrival.  They were extremely friendly and helpful.  One remembered my last name!  We last stayed at this property January 2024.  Maybe it's my generous tips whenever they called for a Grab driver using their personal phone and account, but the hospitality was genuine.

We had dinner near Market! Market! and I asked our waitress for the closest 7-Eleven or Lawson to buy bottled water.  The complimentary bottles supplied by the hotel are not enough.  She suggested packing unopened bottles in a paper bag and plastic to take back.  While the price is higher at the restaurant than a store, it was the thoughtfulness and convenience that mattered.  

It's good to be back.

[Mike J]

21 hours ago, JJReyes said:

One remembered my last name!  We last stayed at this property January 2024.

I agree and can relate.  There is a company several km from us that sells tile.  The wife and I found the tile we needed and went to pay.  A young man standing near the counter said "Hello Mr. Johnson".  I apologized and said I had forgotten his name and where had we met?  His reply; "You bought tile here for your deck three years ago."   Clerks at the local 360 Pharmacy welcome me with "Hello Uncle".   Love the looks it gets from other customers.  The man at the local post office sends me a txt message when mail comes in.   Just three small examples related to the service industry.  And that does not count the local people that I meet while shopping, taking walks, etc.