by Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
Hello there, Philippines!
As soon as we stepped out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, we were greeted by the familiar chaos: traffic, the humid air, and the endless buzz of Manila streets.
It’s the same scene every time we come home for vacation. It usually feels exciting. But this time, it felt… different.
The heat, the traffic, the unpredictability. They’re not just temporary nuisances anymore. This isn’t a short visit.
This time, we’re staying. For how long, we don’t know yet – but it will be at least half a year.
After living in South Korea for more than a decade and then spending nearly two years in Switzerland, we had gotten used to the convenience, safety, and orderliness of life in two first-world countries.
Now, we’re back to the kind of life my husband and I once knew as children – and for the first time, our children are experiencing it, too.
Callie and Yohan, who are used to punctual trains and buses, now find themselves hailing tricycles and jeepneys at the roadside.
They’re adjusting from the cool winters and crisp air to the sticky, humid heat that soaks them in sweat.
My son Yohan’s prayer one night made me smile and pause. He prayed, “Jesus, as we sleep tonight, please protect us from ants, mosquitoes, spiders, lizards, rats and monsters.”
Yes, our children have become more cautious of bugs and critters: things they didn’t get to encounter much in Switzerland (except for ticks and silverfish).
We’ve had to get used to the traffic jams, the unpredictability of service, and long waits, especially at the bank. In fact, when we tried to open a local bank account, we waited for over three hours. It was frustrating.
And crossing the streets in Manila (even in Nueva Vizcaya) feels like navigating a war zone.
On our way back to the hotel after visiting the Mall of Asia, we were about to cross at a pedestrian lane when a jeepney suddenly turned left, almost hitting my daughter, so I had to scream.
Just a few days after arriving, we already had a scary experience.
In Switzerland, cars slow down at every crosswalk where children feel safe and parents feel secure. There, pedestrians are a priority. Here in the Philippines, jeepneys, buses, and tricycles rule the road. We had to teach this to our children.
To say it’s been a major adjustment is an understatement.
There were days I found myself ranting, complaining, and even asking God why He brought us back.
But I knew I had to make a decision: either stay bitter or let go of the frustrations, because we want to enjoy this time in the country.
Coming from Switzerland, one of the most expensive countries in the world, we were pleasantly amazed by the affordability here. Dining out with the whole family in the Philippines costs about the same as one meal for one person in Switzerland.
We’re able to buy things we previously had to deny ourselves, and it feels good to say “yes” to our kids more often. They’re thrilled by all the new sights and experiences, and by simply being surrounded by more “yeses.”
Coming home has been bittersweet.
We love being with family and friends, savoring the food, and enjoying the lower cost of living, but we also miss the structure, the cool weather, and the convenience of Swiss life.
This season is full of uncertainty. We still feel foreign in our own land. But we believe this chapter is meaningful. It’s a chance to show our children their roots, to help them appreciate the life they had, and to grow in empathy.
They’re seeing beggars in the streets. They’re hearing real stories from Grab drivers about daily struggles. We hope these experiences shape their hearts to be generous, compassionate, and grounded.
We look forward to going back to Europe. But for now, we choose to be fully here: to let our children experience Filipino culture and be surrounded by family and friends, and to deepen our love for our country, despite our frustrations and disappointments with the system.
We will choose to enjoy this new season and make the most of it.
Pilipinas, kumusta ka? Ang tagal nating ‘di nagkita. Tara! Gumawa tayo ng mga magagandang alaala.
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