From a non-Filipino point of view...

Hello Ms.Torres,

Firstly let me express how much I enjoy reading your blog even though I'm neither a Filipino nor do I live in the Philippines. My first experience of the Philippines was last year, my post graduation vacation and despite certain presumptions (having grown up in a chinese family and all) I immediately fell in love with the place. A beautiful country with beautiful people that definitely surpassed all my expectations.

When I returned home to Canada, I started reading Philippine oriented blogs to re-live what I thought was paradise. It was then that I learned of the corruption and mass poverty. The more I read, the more I was infuriated, touched, and sympathetic. However, I am optimistic because you and people like you exist and sooner or later one of you will rise to the challenge and pull Philippines out of its rut.

Thank you for thinking, writing, and sharing your thoughts and ideas. You've broadened my horizons and expanded my mind.

----------
Thanks Ken, and to my new found friends who've been sending me reactions regarding this blog in the past few months. Keep in touch! :)