Sip, Review and Save
I remember a former manager of mine who was like a broken record during our annual performance review season, preaching that "feedback is a gift." I have always thought about feedback as a bit like broccoli - you know it’s good for you but sometimes you'd rather avoid it altogether.
Think about it - most of us are accustomed to seeing those feedback stations at public restrooms with the different smiley faces requesting us to provide our input on our “experience” in the bathroom. However, the vast majority of us want to ninja our way in and out without touching anything more than necessary.
After a stint in The Philippines, I've learned that they've taken the idea of getting and receiving feedback into a national obsession.
Exhibit one - we're all lined up like obedient ducks, ready to brave the tarmac and inhale those delightful diesel fumes as we prepare to board our next airborne adventure. Just as I'm about to take that first step onto the tarmac, what happens? An airport employee appears out of nowhere, tugging at my shirt like I'm her long-lost BFF. At first, I thought I committed a security infraction, but no, she wanted my quick feedback on my airport experience. I mean, really? I haven't even strapped myself into my tiny airplane seat yet, and they want my opinion? I tried to brush her off with a casual wave, but oh no, she's like a determined puppy chasing a tennis ball. Insisting I rate my airport experience right then and there, as if my flight happiness depended on it.
Exhibit two - at one restaurant, a waitress shared with us that if she received the largest number of positive feedback reviews she would win a significant cash prize. So if we could do our darndest and give her a positive review she would appreciate it. The irony was that we had literally just sat down and had not even looked at the menu yet or for that matter received water. She smiled politely and asked us to leave a review right there and then. After she walked away, even the girls were a bit perplexed. Ayana said, “Daddy, why does she want a review if she hasn’t done anything yet?” “Well, Ayana,” I replied - “let's review her for the Best Actress in a Waitress Role. I mean, she deserves an Oscar for pretending like she's done something worth reviewing." She had no idea what I was talking about - but at least Janice smiled.
Most of us plan a lot of our lives around word-of-mouth or online reviews, which often feel like we are taking a leap of faith. But in The Philippines, it's like a comedy sketch. Those reviews may seem honest, but behind the scenes? Well, it's a bit of a circus. Want a free beer? Just scribble a Google review. Need a discount? Leave a glowing testimonial and watch the savings roll in! My pockets are practically bulging with QR codes, ready to shower feedback on everyone from the security dude to the chef who practically shoved his business card into our hands along with the required feedback QR code. It's like Christmas, but with more beer and discounts!
So I've got a confession to make….. I've gone and fallen head over heels in love in The Philippines. Now, you might think it's the food, the sun-kissed weather, the affordable way of life for tourists, or perhaps those postcard-perfect beaches. And sure, all of that is like the icing on the cake—err, halo-halo - the famous Filipino dessert, if you will. But for me, it's the people that steal the show. There's this indescribable vibe, this magic in the air when I chat with the locals. They're not just curious; they're genuinely intrigued, absolutely hilarious, and carefree like they invented the concept. They're like a shot of positivity straight to the soul! My girls? Oh, they're not exactly thrilled with my constant chitchatting with every local I come across. But hey, I'm just here trying to uncover the secrets of happiness, one conversation at a time. There's this simplicity to their way of life that's like a breath of fresh air—I just can't get enough! Now, I don't want to overly romanticize The Philippines and its citizens but seriously, in all my travels, I've never encountered a bunch of folks so positively unique. They're like a quirky unicorn in a field of mundane horses!
One thing that strikes me about Filipinos is their obsession with Western Pop Culture. For example, you know how some airlines play elevator music as passengers board the plane? Well, one airline, in their infinite wisdom, decided to pump out Taylor Swift's greatest hits. And let me tell you, it was pure entertainment! We were among the first passengers on board, and the reactions of our fellow passengers who walked onboard after us was priceless. It was like Tay Tay herself had magically appeared on the plane. People were "shaking it off," busting out their best dance moves down the aisles, lip-syncing their hearts out. One excited fan high-fived Ayana who was singing along, and enthusiatically exclaimed to her, "You're a fellow Swifty too!" The smile on her face was as wide as the runway. But Kasia? Well, despite being a huge fan of Taylor let's just say she wasn't exactly feeling the Swiftie spirit. In fact, she was more on team "Please Make It Stop" than "Love Story."
Their obsession with pop culture has reached epic proportions. Every top 20 hit has not just one, but two versions—a rendition by the original artist and a cover by a Filipino up-and-coming singer/musician. And let me tell you, some of these singers nail it so perfectly that we find ourselves playing guessing games, trying to figure out if it's the original singer or not. It's like a musical mystery that keeps us on our toes. Plus, karaoke bars are as common as palm trees around here, turning every Filipino into a bonafide pop star. I can only imagine the chaos they have for auditions to "Filipinos Got Talent." It'd be like a stampede of confidence, with each contestant absolutely convinced they're the next big thing.
And that, my friends, wraps up our Philippine adventure—a whirlwind of feedback stations, Taylor Swift surprises, and pop culture obsessions. But fear not, for the Filipino spirit lives on in all of us. So keep singing, keep dancing, and never stop chasing those karaoke dreams. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of a good Filipino pop cover.
