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The People

Halo-halo is a Filipino word that means mixture. While it describes a popular dessert, it could also describe the Filipino. They look like Asians, write and speak English like Americans, worship like Spaniards, and have an outlook that is international.

Like the Southern Chinese, the Thais, Malays, Indonesians and some Burmese, the modern-day Filipino traces his remotest genetic lines back to an Australoid and Mongoloid stock. You will also find a touch of Caucasian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic in their gene pool as well. But to truly understand the Filipino, you have to look at the land. The historic isolation between islands and the topographic isolation on each island, become the primary influence governing regional traits and societal behavior.

This diversity makes Filipinos all the more interesting. However, what is apparent isn't how different they are from each other, but rather how alike they are. Brought together by a common history and looking forward to a common future, it is not surprising to find a sharing of certain traits. Their warmth, graciousness and hospitality—all part of the Filipino psyche—will make your stay a delight.