My Heartfelt Welcome in the Philippines
🌺 From Guest to Family
When I first landed in the Philippines, I expected warmth—tropical weather, friendly faces, beautiful landscapes. What I didn’t expect was to feel like I had come home.
My journey took me from Clark International Airport to the misty mountains of Baguio City. Known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” Baguio sits high in the Cordillera region and is rich in tradition, resilience, and an unshakable sense of community.
🌧 A Rainy Day Welcome Full of Sunshine
From the very first day, I was treated not as a visitor but as someone returning home.
As soon as I arrived at the office, my new team at ThoughtFocus greeted me with open arms, broad smiles, and the most beautiful gestures of hospitality. I was gifted a traditional shell garland, a symbol of honour and welcome, and then—unexpectedly—invited into a dance circle.
We raised our hands to the sky and moved together in rhythm, waving in the air and stepping in a circle. It was simple, joyful, and deeply meaningful. I didn’t need to know the steps or the song. What mattered was that I was included.
🍲 Meals Made with Love
Later that week, my team prepared a home-cooked Filipino meal for me. On the menu:
- Kare Kare – a rich and comforting peanut stew with tender meat and vegetables
- Okoy – crispy golden shrimp and vegetable fritters
- And to finish, a light and sweet mango pudding
They didn’t just feed me—they nourished me with care, laughter, and conversation around the table. That meal will forever hold a special place in my heart.
🎶 A Song in the Rain
As the week ended, my team threw me a farewell celebration. There was music, dancing, laughter—and a profoundly emotional moment when they dedicated a song to me.
It was about a couple who always met and parted in the rain. They said it reminded them of my visit: every day I was there, it rained, and even as I left, the skies opened up again. What could have been dreary was instead poetic, comforting, and symbolic.
🦅 More Than a Goodbye Gift
Before I left, they handed me a carved wooden Philippine Eagle, the national bird. Known for its strength and grace, the eagle represents freedom and pride—and to me, it now also represents connection, community, and how strangers became family in just a few days.
They also surprised me with a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift, leaving me truly overwhelmed with gratitude.
đź’› What the Philippines Taught Me
Traditions in the Philippines aren’t just customs—they are acts of love. Whether it’s food cooked with care, a lei placed gently around your neck, a dance shared under grey skies, or a song sung from the heart, every gesture carries the message:
“You’re family now.”
I came to the Philippines thinking I was visiting. I left with full bags, a full heart, and a chosen family I can’t wait to see again.