Philippines, you are beautiful.

Your tenacity.

Your kindness.

From the chaos of traffic-filled roads to the vibrant pulse of your shopping malls.

From the endless array of miscellaneous items sold on every corner

to the daily grind of your people—

selling whatever they can for a simple, comforting meal from a local karinderya.

The extremes of living conditions color this country from every angle.

Luxury storefronts stand alongside squatting neighborhoods—

all of it, unmistakably here.

Celebrations rise to another level.

The air fills with music, endless honking, warm greetings,

and the sizzle of hundreds of food carts packed tightly along the streets.

It’s chaos.

It’s magic.

Sometimes it leaves you with barely enough space to breathe.

But what the Philippines does best

is welcome anyone and embrace everyone.

This country is strong.

It is resilient.

Philippines, you are beautiful.