> The Philippines lack a vision or a dream or something I too am a tourist to the Philippines, but I saw the world through my Father (Manila) and Mother (Iloil

> The Philippines lack a vision or a dream or something I too am a tourist to the Philippines, but I saw the world through my Father (Manila) and Mother (Iloilo). Manila is gritty, pessimistic, but practical and pragmatic. Iloilo is the dreamers, the hypemen, "too the moon". I'd say Iloilo is where I'd want to visit as a tourist. But Manila is probably where I'd choose to live, if I were to go to the Philippines. While I appreciate the go-getter culture of Iloilo, I imagine it'd get tiring. --------------- > - Everyone had SUVs and cars from TV series, as cycling and public transit aren't that developed. But I was able to ride around Jeepneys to get to-and-from where I needed to go in Manila. Maybe it was because I was a tourist with extra time on my hands, but I didn't mind it too much. Transit infrastructure was bad compared to USA of course. But the transit I did see was huge trucks, huge cargo vessels, and other such large-scale industrial transit. Things are happening in Manila for sure, and it seems like the city has its priorities straight with regards to what makes money. ---------------- I don't know if I'd call labor poorly allocated as much as its the nature of extremely-rich and extremely-poor living together in the same city. Its a difficult problem, and I don't think the nature of neighborhood level "Barangay" government units helps with that. But it does seem like people know "who is in charge" of each area. Iloilo errs on the other side of things. My entire Mom's side is speculating on various investments everywhere. Guimaras Island is getting a bridge ya know? And its the hot topic on how exactly to "play" the bridge and make the most money, buying/selling properties on Guimaras, or shops / roads / etc. etc. I don't know exactly where all the money comes from, but being the Philippines I've got my worries that I probably shouldn't look into it too deeply. That city was just too damn optimistic. ---------- As an American, I'd compare Manila to New York City. Huge, sprawling, pessimistic but grounded in reality. My cousin was pretty happy that his bus route was upgraded from open Jeepney to Air-conditioned Bus, for instance. A small pleasure and improvement, but these little things matter. I'd compare Iloilo to Silicon Valley. Optimists and opportunities around every corner, dreamers, entrepreneurs. But with those are probably scammers and conmen hiding behind the optimistic veneer. It could just be the difference from my Mom's side vs Dad's side though.