I wonder if anyone has ever thought about what it feels like to revisit a place 20 years later? Recently, we were planning a trip for two at the end of July, but during this peak summer holiday season, flight tickets were either very expensive or the schedules were terrible—late departures and early morning returns, leaving only two days for our own activities. After much discussion, we finally decided to book fanfare flights to the Philippines and embark on a 5-day, 4-night “adventure.”
Traveling with a Lomo Instant is stylish and fun
To be honest, when I was planning to buy the tickets, I hesitated for a long time. The trauma from the 2010 Philippines incident was just too deep, and the way the Manila government handled it was truly disgraceful. Coming back to the Philippines 20 years later, I found that most people here are not bad, and the scenery is quite nice. If that tragedy hadn’t happened back then, I believe the Philippines would still be a popular holiday destination for many today.
While writing this article, I thought long and hard. I didn’t want to reopen old wounds, nor did I intend to actively encourage everyone to travel to the Philippines. However, I felt that honestly recording what I saw and felt during this trip to the Philippines might still be a worthwhile endeavor. As for whether the Philippines is safe or worth visiting again, that’s for everyone to judge for themselves.
Returning to the Philippines, those Jeepneys looked somewhat familiar
My earliest impression of the Philippines is hazy—it was when I was around 5 years old, visiting with my family. Back then, I loved watching *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*, and the colorful Jeepneys left a particularly deep impression on me. I even remember specifically looking for one with a Ninja Turtles design to ride. Now, 20 years later, the colorful Jeepneys still weave through the city streets, giving me a strong sense of going back in time.
Taken at an ordinary Filipino home, there’s always a unique vibe
Our 5-day, 4-night itinerary began with a day in Manila. We had wanted to watch the sunset by the sea, but a sudden heavy rain forced us to take shelter in a nearby mall. The next morning, we strolled around the historic district, then visited a resort farm and a secluded island. Most Filipinos don’t speak great English, which made communication a bit difficult, but they were generally very helpful—a detail that left a deep impression on me. Did we encounter any thieves during the trip? No. There were more people trying to sell us stuff or asking for tips on the street, though. That’s probably a common experience in other countries too, so nothing too surprising.
I wonder how it would feel to return to the Philippines 20 years from now, if given the chance?
Text and photos: A Story from a Half-Tourism Journalist
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