Every Bit is Lovely

In more than two decades of my existence, we have identified ourselves as “NPA” - No Permanent Address.   We don’t have our own house or lot. My family and I have lived in Surigao City, Magpet Cotabato, and Davao City. (I remember we moved about nine times to different houses in those places, excluding the boarding house rentals when we started studying in college.) We've tried living in the city, on a farm, on the seaside, and by an estuary. That means we experienced a different type of community with diverse people in various settings and ways of living. I’ve seen our people's values, which make Filipinos radiant wherever they go. Just as how our Ms. Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee said,   “…We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines – with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles. And we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more.”   I’ve seen how respectful most are towards the elderly - by saying “mano po”, the gesture of touching ...