THE PHILIPPINES
A country of contrasts and contradictions – discover more about its landscapes, culture, and people.
The island state of contrasts
The Philippines is a nation that’s difficult to encapsulate in words. Comprised of 7,107 islands, some uninhabited, it is home to approximately 117 million people. However, the true population is hard to determine as many are not officially registered, often ‘falling through the cracks.’
This country presents almost unimaginable challenges. In one moment, you may be serving meals to starving children, and just a few blocks away, you’re surrounded by bright lights, billboards, and sprawling shopping malls that almost make you forget the poverty nearby. Rich and poor coexist so closely here. In some areas, people live in makeshift corrugated iron huts, while right next door stand magnificent skyscrapers. On one side: noisy engines, street vendors shouting, children playing in the streets, and homeless people filling the city. Nearby: high-end shops like Gucci, Prada, and Rolls-Royce showrooms.
The extreme contrasts of life in the Philippines can be overwhelming, and adjusting to them might never fully happen. Yet the questions linger.
Everyday life in the capital Manila is also characterised by the strongly fluctuating tropical weather, the unbelievable traffic, natural disasters and the high cost of living in blatant poverty.
Life in Manila
f you travel through Manila, be prepared for "rush hour," which stretches from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and again from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The term “heavy traffic” is frequently heard and often used as a common reason for delays. The streets are packed with cars, and what might seem like a short 12-kilometer trip can take two to three hours.
The whole country is defined by these contrasts: while seeking shade from the intense sun, you could find yourself caught in a sudden downpour. While noise and chaos reign in Manila, just a short journey into the rural provinces might bring you into serene environments where birds sing, far from the city’s pollution. Yet, in these seemingly peaceful rural areas, many people live without electricity, clean water, or proper medical care, dreaming of life in the capital.
The Philippine culture
Filipino culture is very different from European or German culture. This can often lead to misunderstandings or even injuries in ‘normal’ human interaction. Communication is a major issue here.
While Germans tend to be direct and say what they mean, this isn’t the case in the Philippines. Asian cultures are often referred to as "shame cultures," and to truly understand what that means, one must experience it firsthand. Navigating these cultural differences requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to reconcile.
‘Only those who set out on their journey will discover new places.’
- Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Everyday worries
Many Filipinos face daily challenges that are almost unheard of in Europe. One major area is “insurance.” Germany is a country of insurance, where going to the doctor and receiving support is taken for granted. In the Philippines, it’s a different story. Disasters like fires and floods can leave people without anything in an instant.
Nobody can ‘afford’ illnesses here. Many people don't even want to know the diagnosis, as they wouldn't have the financial means to pay for treatment anyway. In many cases, there is already a lack of transport costs to the hospital.