Although the Philippines are primarily influenced by mainstream Asian culture, Filipinos proudly identify as unique from continental Asia's oppressive history. From not allowing Christian influences to enter until Spanish colonization to winning a bloody war against American colonization, Filipinos learned from their own mistakes and have an innate understanding of self-determination--something that often eludes other Southeast Asian countries. And with more than 100 distinct languages and almost 7000 local dialects, we're not limited to one set of cultural values any more than we are one language.
This is what most appeals to me about living here--the ability to experience national pride without feeling like I'm sacrificing my individuality or having my lifestyle decisions dictated by an oppressively narrow society."
