Philippines No. 5 in Countries to Find Love

By: Veronica Leighton

 

When it comes to the topics of love and beauty, the Philippines, though a third world country, always numbers or is included among the top ten. It is not a surprise for us to hear this as Valentine’s celebration in the Philippines has been known as the busiest holiday there is in the Philippines, from filled-up restaurants, hotels, motels, vacation spots and spas, not counting the fact that the traffic congestion doubles on this lovers’ day.

Studied and identified by the members of social network InterNations, this very interesting love topic seems to tell us that we can conquer love if we move in any of these places, if our actual intention is to look for love. Let’s find out what each country has to offer for people who are looking for love or sweet relationships. For the annual Expat Insider 2015 survey, InterNations asked more than 14,000 people living in 195 different countries about their satisfaction with their romantic relationships. Here are the places to find love or sweet relationships.

1. Ecuador – the best destination to spend your life together and expats in Ecuador are among the least likely to be in a long-distance relationship.

2. Costa Rica – the friendly locals and highly rated work-life balance are just some of the reasons why expats decide to move to this tropical paradise. The most popular reasons for moving to Costa Rica were for a better quality of life and a thirst for adventure.

3. Malta – Surprisingly, a considerable number of foreigners move to Malta for love, with 14 percent compared to the global average of 10 percent. The country proves to be perfect for those looking to improve their career prospect and romantic relationship simultaneously.

4. Israel – the fourth most popular country for families, Israel is also home to some of the world’s most harmonic relationships.

5. Philippines – Filipinos seem to be easy to connect to: 93 percent regard the friendliness of the local population positively and a striking 66 percent of non-single expatriates living in the country are also in a relationship with a local resident. A popular destination with retirees, the majority is aged 51 or older, with almost three out of four expats in the Philippines being men.

6. Indonesia – appeals most to expats looking to make the most out of their money or for those looking for adventure. It seems expats here are not only well off, but also receive a warm welcome, with 86 percent regarding the local attitude towards foreign residents as friendly.

7. Panama – While many expats moved there for a better quality of life or were motivated by financial reasons, love doesn’t seem to have been a main deciding factor regarding the relocation. In fact, the majority of those currently in a relationship and living in Panama are together with somebody from their country of origin and moved there together.

8. Thailand – In this tropical paradise, more than half the expat respondents who are still single agree that the expat lifestyle in Thailand does not impact having a relationship negatively. Much like in the Philippines, the majority of expats living in Thailand are men.

9. Portugal – Considerably more women are charmed by life in Portugal, or at least there is a significant higher percentage of female expats to be found there (62 vs. 38 percent). Although only just over half of the expats living here are in a committed relationship, they are some of the happiest, with almost nine out of ten of them overall satisfied with their love life.

10. Mexico – seems to be one of the most welcoming countries for expats, with over 60 percent of respondents going so far as to rate the friendliness of the local population as very good. Although Mexico ranks relatively poorly for working abroad, many moved because they wanted to live in this particular country or were looking for a better quality of life. .******

One very interesting love story I ran across around Valentine’s time was this, about the oldest living couple in the U.S., John and Ann Betar. Here’s their love story….John Betar, 104, was born in Syria and arrived in the United States in 1921 at 10 years of age as a World War I refugee. He spoke only Turkish.

He fell in love with “the girl next door,” Ann Shawah, now 100, while driving her to Bassick High School each morning in their hometown of Bridgeport, Conn.

Much to their distress, Ann’s father announced that he was arranging for her to marry a man 20 years her senior. On Nov. 25, 1932, at 21 and 17, the couple fled to Harrison, N.Y., where they got hitched the same day.

The Betars raised four daughters and one son in Fairfield, Conn., where they still live, and now have 14 grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren — and counting.

“I’m so glad to be living through all this modern stuff,” Ann said, “because it’s an education to me! It’s something I knew nothing about … but through your children, your grandchildren, you learn an awful lot!”

Her husband added, “I’m just happy to be living, without pain. So nice, so lucky.”

Shedding a little light on the secret to a happy marriage, “Really, it’s just about devoting your time to understanding one another,” Ann said.

“Live within your means: Be content with what you have in life,” John said. “Oh, and always agree with your wife!” (Yahoo News)

The longest married couple in the U.S. (83 years), John and Ann Behar.

VT’s pick as Valentine’s couple, Consul General Generoso Calonge & wife, Mrs. Gloria Calonge.

 

VT’s Pick for Valentine’s Couple of the community

I thought of my lucky stars when I saw the First Couple, Consul General Generoso and his wife Gloria Calonge together at the function of the Chinese Mutual Aid Association’s celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year and registration day–also for the Valentine’s weekend, held at the Truman College.

This was my very first time to sit down and engage in a conversation with Gloria, as she works and resides in Washington, D.C. as a practicing lawyer, a very rare occasion, indeed, for me. I have known all along that the Calonge’s take turns visiting each other, Chicago-Washington, D.C., back and forth (the reason we don’t see her that often here in Chicago).

Both engaging and charming couple, my first question was how long they’ve been married (32 years), followed by the tips they could share for their long-lasting marriage…Gloria’s instant reply with a smile, was, “Could be the separation or distance that we have been facing and experiencing for many many years due to reasons of work.”

Congen’s life as a diplomat is like that of a military person, getting transferred from post to post, while that of Gloria’s is as a full-time stationary work in her profession as a practicing lawyer in D.C.. So, the secret formula is, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” I quipped. The Calonge’s both agreed, with an addendum from Gloria, “Although I am the one who’s flying more often than he is wherever and whenever he gets assigned around the world.” Then Congen looked at her lovingly and started computing with his fingers those times of her LOVE visits, just the two of them could be together anywhere in the world.

5th PIYESTA PINOY at Navy Pier 3/20/16 3rd Piyesta Pinoy at Bolingbrook 6/11/2016

Chicago, Il. – Two of the biggest Filipino American events in the Chicago area will both be back in 2016 – the Piyesta Pinoy in Chicago will be indoors during spring time while the Piyesta Pinoy in Bolingbrook will be outdoors during summer time. Once again, both events will be coordinated by the Philippine American Cultural Foundation in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago.

Save the Date in the spring – Sunday, March 20, 2016 for the Philippine Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy sa Chicago) as part of the Neighborhoods of the World series Sundays February 21 to April 17, 2016 at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens. Chicago is famous for its ethnic neighborhoods – and Navy Pier is proud to honor the city’s Filipino community with this cultural celebration for all ages.

Join us for a lively afternoon of music, dance, colorful costumes, food and local vendors selling folk arts. The Filipino community is so glad to have been invited to participate for the 5th year in a row in this wonderful opportunity to showcase our culture and to share them with the people of Chicago as well as the guests and visitors that go to the Navy Pier, one of Chicago’s most visited tourist attractions. This year’s celebration is extra special as Navy Pier celebrates its 100th year anniversary.

Save the Date in the summer – Saturday, June 11, 2016 for the Philippine Fest Celebration (Piyesta Pinoy sa Bolingbrook) at the beautiful Bolingbrook Performing Arts Center in Bolingbrook. Last year’s event attracted about 7,500 people in attendance, 10 food vendors, 25 merchandise and service vendors and 10 not-for-profit organizations. It featured 12 hours of music and dance entertainment including superstar Sam Milby from the Philippines, singer Geneva Cruz from California plus several other interactive activities and children’s games. With your support and participation, we hope to make this year’s an even bigger event.

PACF is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! Let us continue to promote and share our rich Filipino cultural heritage and traditions in America, so our children, grandkids and future generations will remain proud of their Filipino cultural identity and heritage as Filipino Americans. Founded in 1996 as a Not-For-Profit tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization, PACF is highly dependent on the goodwill and generosity of its supporters, its volunteers and friends like you. We need your assistance in our fundraising activities to promote our Filipino culture to Filipinos and Non-Filipinos in Illinois through music, dance & exhibits; sponsor our youth PACF Performing Arts Group; co-sponsor cultural projects such as Philippine Fests (Piyesta Pinoy) in Bolingbrook & Navy Pier locations; recognize FAHM Outstanding Filipino American Seniors; showcase the Philippines in Asian & International Fest; expand its educational/ cultural/social services programs and intensify its humanitarian efforts.

Your participation and support are always valuable and critical to the survival of PACF and its programs. Your help in any capacity is greatly appreciated. ##