Why the Philippines? The Journey to My First Destination

For years, I was caught in the grind—working, making money, and chasing what I thought was success. But something felt off. After the world came to a standstill during the pandemic, I had time to reflect. I realized my life revolved around work, and I had been measuring success in dollars instead of experiences. That’s when I made a decision: I was going to explore the world, not just as a traveler but as an observer of cultures, values, and the true meaning of happiness. Two Years of Research: Seeking a Different Perspective Over the past two years, I’ve immersed myself in studying cultures outside the United States. I wanted to understand why people in some parts of the world seemed happier, despite having less material wealth. I looked at economic models, social behaviors, family structures, and overall life satisfaction. One common thread stood out—many societies prioritize relationships, community, and simplicity over material gain. In Western culture, we’re often told that success is defined by how much money we make, the house we own, or the car we drive. But in many other parts of the world, success is measured in connections, family ties, and quality of life. I wanted to experience this mindset firsthand, and after months of narrowing down potential destinations, the Philippines stood out. Why the Philippines? The Philippines is often ranked as one of the happiest countries in Asia, despite facing economic and social challenges. After speaking with expats, reading personal accounts, and watching countless documentaries, I became fascinated by the resilience and optimism of the Filipino people. There’s a warmth and openness in their culture that seems rare in many parts of the world. Here’s what drew me in: 1. Family and Community-Centered Life In the Philippines, family comes first. Unlike in the U.S., where independence is often prioritized over familial ties, Filipinos value close-knit relationships. They look out for one another, creating a support system that makes even the toughest challenges more bearable. 2. A Different View on Work and Success Filipinos work hard, but they don’t let work define their entire existence. Many of them have a "work to live" mentality instead of a "live to work" one. They find joy in simple things—sharing meals, celebrating small wins, and spending time with loved ones. 3. Happiness Despite Hardships The Philippines is not without struggles. Many people work long hours for modest wages, yet their spirit remains unbroken. They smile, they laugh, and they keep going. This resilience is something I wanted to witness firsthand. 4. An Opportunity to See Life Beyond Consumerism Coming from a society where advertising tells us to buy more to be happy, I wanted to see a place where happiness is not tied to possessions. The Philippines offers that contrast. People find joy in experiences, nature, and social interactions rather than in material wealth. What’s Next? This is just the beginning of my journey with JoGo Wonder. The Philippines is my first stop, but it won’t be the last. I plan to document the daily lives of average workers, interview locals, and dig deeper into what truly makes a society prosperous—not just financially, but emotionally and culturally. If you’ve ever felt like there’s more to life than just the rat race, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s explore together, challenge our perceptions, and discover what truly makes people happy. Follow along as I uncover the stories, values, and wisdom that can only be found by stepping outside our comfort zones. Stay tuned. The adventure is just beginning.