Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Philippines Ousted by Cambodia as the Friendliest Country in the World

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Philippines Ousted by Cambodia as the Friendliest Country in the World

According to the latest posting of Asean Urbanist in Face Book, Cambodia is now the most friendly country in the world. The Philippines has been demoted to number 2. During the past decade, I believe the Philippines has always been rated as the Number #1, I wonder why? If you know the reason let me know.

But according to the travel.com Australia is their number 1 friendliest country in the world.

Australia tops the list as the world's friendliest country due to locals' laid-back attitude and willingness to help tourists.
Taiwan stands out as another one of the friendliest nations in the world due to locals' eagerness to assist despite language barriers.
The Netherlands, Finland, Greece, and Portugal are also recognized for their friendliness, welcoming cultures, and high quality of life.

https://www.thetravel.com/friendliest-countries-in-the-world/

Who is correct? That Depends from Person to Person based on their personal experiences during their travel or temporary residence in the country they voted as number 1.

Another list by the travel.com listed South Africa in their #1 list, followed by Vietnam and the Philippines was not even in their top ten.

Friendliest Countries in the World

South Africa. First up on our list of the friendliest countries in the world is South Africa. ...
Vietnam. Vietnamese people are noted for being quite humble and welcoming to tourists and expats. ...
Colombia. ...
Hungary. ...
Netherlands. ...
France. ...
Saudi Arabia. ...
New Zealand.

On the other hand, the most unfriendly country in the world was Iraq.

Iraq. Even though Iraq has a rich cultural heritage, many foreigners do not visit the country due to constant political turmoil. Constant geopolitical tensions have caused locals to harbor suspicion with respect to Western tourists, making Iraq one of the least-welcoming countries in the world.

The World Economic Forum ranked the world's unfriendliest and friendliest countries based on locals' perceptions of how welcoming they are to foreign visitors. Chad, Venezuela, and Russia were ranked as some of the unfriendliest countries, while Brazil, Iceland, and New Zealand were ranked as some of the friendliest.

Do you have a list of your top ten most friendly countries in the world, based on your travels or readings? I will be happy to hear from you. Meanwhile here some news about the Philippines.

President Bongbong Marcos has been included in Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2024. The annual list puts a spotlight on individuals from around the globe who have made a significant impact in various fields such as politics, business, entertainment, science, and more.

Author Charlie Campbell cited Marcos's initiatives to bring back technocrats into government positions, stabilize the Philippine economy post-pandemic, and elevate the nation's global standing, as reasons for the chief executive's inclusion on the list.

Campbell also highlighted Marcos's leadership strategy amid rising geopolitical tensions: "Bongbong has stood steadfast against Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea and bolstered his nation’s alliance with the U.S. in the face of 'rising tensions in our region and the world,' as he said last May. Many problems persist, including extrajudicial killings and journalists routinely attacked. But by trying to repair his family name, Bongbong may reshape his country too."

More Facts about the Philippines: 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒  

Northern Luzon (Igorot, Gaddang and Ivatan), Mindanao (Non Muslim and Muslim tribes), Central Visayas (Cebuano), and NCR and Southern Luzon (Tagalog)

- The Islands of the Philippines are inhabited by a number of different ethnic groups. There are 134 ethnic groups in the Philippines, the majority of the population is composed of ethnolinguistic groups whose languages are Austronesian also known as Malayo-Polynesian in origin. Many of these groups converted to Christianity, particularly the lowland-coastal groups, and adopted many foreign elements of culture. The major( 8) ethnic groups of the Philippines are the Visayan, Tagalog, Ilocano, Bicolano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, the Igorot and the Moro. About 8% of all the Filipinos are tribal groups.

Note: There are 195 countries in the world today. This total comprises 193 countries that are member states of the United Nations and 2 countries that are non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine.

https://www.worldatlas.com/features/countries-by-area.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR28hYWbJaXGEGGwlS_JFAd64FrApEIb0mrJbQGPVQ7xefHXtdts4EXIbh4_aem_ATo49IRBFagKiSD1Bdm9lneJRCtS1hagfyWuh0rG9eBV2Fj7WGbu1vBBB0lYvFaXdr0dapR0H0aRzGJg8hsISdIY

Lastly,  here are 5 of the must-visit destination in the Philippines for Tourists 
 | The Philippines is home to a multitude of breathtaking tourist spots that showcase the country's natural beauty and cultural richness. 
1. Palawan: Known for its stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, Palawan is a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River and the idyllic beaches of El Nido and Coron.

2. Boracay: Famous for its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, Boracay is a popular destination for those seeking sun, sea, and fun. The island offers a range of water sports activities, luxury resorts, and delicious dining options.

3. Banaue Rice Terraces: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Banaue Rice Terraces are an awe-inspiring feat of ancient engineering, showcasing the intricate farming practices of the Ifugao people.

4. Cebu: A bustling province in the Visayas region, Cebu is a cultural and historical hub with attractions such as Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, and the vibrant Carbon Market. The nearby island of Mactan is also a popular diving destination.

5. Bohol: Home to the iconic Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and historic churches, Bohol offers a mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Visitors can also enjoy cruising along the Loboc River and exploring the vibrant underwater life in Panglao Island.
These are just a few of the many incredible tourist spots that the Philippines has to offer. Each destination provides a unique and memorable experience that showcases the beauty and diversity of this tropical paradise.

May I add Number 6: Marinduque- My Island Paradise and Location of Chateau Du Mer and Number 7- Iloilo-The Province of my Birth and Teenager Years.  Good Day to All and Have Good Weekend! 

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Joys of Retirement

I have been retired from USFDA since 2002. At first, I feel I have lost my identity as an individual or have lost my contribution to society. However, within a few weeks all these feelings were gone. It started when my wife and I started baby sitting one of our grandchildren. As some economics professor states: "Your children are your capital investments, but your grandchildren are your profits. That is why you love your grandchildren more than your children". I really agree with the statement. Retirement also gives you lots of time to do things you like to do, such as your hobbies and of course travel. In my case, I turned my hobby of gardening and landscaping into a small business in the Philippines. This endeavor was planned about five years before 2002. That year my wife and I started construction of our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque , Philippines. The next year we built a beach house, followed by a Conference Hall two years later. Needless to say, planning and executing the landscaping was a challenge and very enjoyable. With the help of local labor, I not only enjoy the time gardening and landscaping, but also help improved the economic situation of the province by providing work and jobs to the local residents. With plenty of time, I have engaged into two specific activities as follows: First, I created a website for my small business. By trial and error, I created and design the website, www.chateaudumer.com I have never been a computer nerd or expert. But with plenty of time and patience, the fruits of my labor could be enjoyed if you visit the website above. The second activity, I have not done before was to utilize on-line activities, such as shopping, paying bills ( save you stamps) and playing computer games in the Internet. I really enjoyed playing duplicate bridge on line. You play with players all over the world and can chat in between games. But be careful, you are not spending too much time in the computer. It is very addictive. With a lots of time, my wife and I devoted more time on our favorite humanitarian project. For the last 15 years, we have been involved with medical mission to the province of Marinduque. For details please visit the website: www.marinduqueinternational.org As a summary, the joy one gets on retirement is very specific for an individual. Some enjoy their free time by learning new activities, getting involved with humanitarian projects or spending more time with their grandchildren. Others hate it, since they missed their former jobs and co-workers. Others with no children still enjoy retirement by traveling, turning their hobbies into business or more community involvement. Of course those that retire and hate it, is believe to die earlier than those that enjoy their retirement years. So, plan your retirement as early as you can. The happier you are on retirement, the longer you will live.