One summer, Leanne's parents called for her. "We're going to the Philippines for a vacation!" They told her excitedly. But as much as they were, Leanne was not excited. She started imagining swarms of mosquitoes and sticky heat on her skin. On the day of her arrival, she was surprised. At the airport, her relatives smiled at her and greeted her warmly. "Welcome home, Leanne!". As Leanne looked around, she observed that her cousins were placing her parents’ hands on their forehead. "What’s that, Nay?" she asked her mother. "It’s a sign of respect towards your elders, called mano." Leanne was unfamiliar with this act. But as her parents told her to, she did the same gesture to her Titas, and Titos.

During her days there, her Lola would cook her delicious meals every day. Their table was always filled with food, lechon, adobo, sinigang, and desserts like leche flan, made by her relatives. One day, her village held a fiesta. Leanne never saw anything like it. The streets with colorfully decorated, a parade of dancers in costumes and music filling the place. Leanne was excited, feeling joyful and joined in with her cousins. For the first time, she saw how generous and respectful Filipinos were. People made everyone feel welcomed, it was something she never imagined. As days passed, she realized that the Philippines wasn’t that bad, what she had imagined. It wasn’t scary or smelly. It was full of joy, happiness, and warmth.

When it was Leanne's last day, she spoke to her Lolo and her Lola. Her grandparents asked her, "do you like it here?". Leanne nodded. "It’s nothing like what the others said. The Philippines is fun." As they left to leave the airport, she hugged her relatives. "I want to stay longer." She said. Leanne and her family said their goodbyes as they got on the plane. On the plane back, she discovered that the Philippines wasn’t just her nationality, but also a place full of respect, warmth, and her home.

The cultures meet, each with its glow.

In the mountains where peaks are high,

So high that they catch an eye.

Be amazed of “The Walled City”

Intramuros, filled with beauty.

Mayon’s peak, a conical shape,

Oh, what a natural landscape.

Boracay with its fine, white sand,

Where massive waves hit the land.

The Banaue Rice Terraces,

Carved with hands, leaving you breathless.

Chocolate Hills found in Bohol,

A nature’s wonder, brown and small.

The Philippines’ pristine beauty,

Flaunts culture and diversity.