I spent some time in the Philippines and was fortunate to have met your President Gloria Arroyo. Whether she was good or bad I don't know...lol. Two big things you left off were the fact there are so many islands and that a lot of the Philippines is mostly jungle. Riding in jeepneys always made for a fun time. One time I'd taken a motorcycle transport and rode in the side car. I'll say it turned out not to be a smart idea.