photo by Jim Dierking via Flickr
People who have gone on a Philippine adventure or have toured the country know that Filipinos are a happy bunch. It’s no secret that the Philippines continuously scores high when it comes to population happiness polls year after year so it’s no surprise that in 2017, this beautiful country again ranked in the Top 10. In a poll conducted by The Gallup International Association, the Philippines ranked the third happiest country in the world . That’s pretty exciting considering that 55 countries were included in the poll. So the big question is why are Filipinos so happy? Let’s take a look below to find out some reasons why.
photo by Matt Kieffer via Creative Commons
Warm Weather and Ocean Sports
With the average low in a whole year coming in at 78°F and the high hitting 85°F, it’s year-round party time. Sure, there’s a rainy season in the fall but the temperatures are still very comfortable. No extreme heat waves or snowstorms, the Philippines is a piece of paradise that both locals and travelers truly enjoy.
Bonus points: this stellar weather is paired with equally awesome ocean waters. Marked as a leader in marine biodiversity, the Philippines offers the best in scuba and snorkeling. Balmy water temperatures also make for great water sports such as water skiing, wakeboarding and surfing. It’s no wonder that locals get in on the action and with easy access to the water, who needs a gym when you can go enjoy the deep ocean blue?
Social Culture
Filipinos are very social people and in 2017 they proved it as they came in as the top users of social media in the world . According to the study, Filipinos spend an average of 8 hours and 59 minutes online daily – even if the country’s internet speed is below average.
Clearly, being connected is important to locals and they enjoy meeting new friends and sharing their culture with others. This is true both online and in-person; with a culture like that, it’s no wonder Filipinos have lots to smile about.
Holiday Celebrations Are Legit
Filipinos really know how to celebrate the holidays. Christmas season? It’s not a day, not even a week, it’s a whole month and oftentimes longer! Xmas decorations often pop up starting in September and many key celebrations including the Feast of the Black Nazarene occur in January.
In addition to the winter holiday season, Filipinos have festivals all year long and enjoy throwing huge fiestas and parties for every event however big or small. With none-stop partying filled with good food and good mood, it’s no wonder they rank as some of the happiest people in the world.
Problems Solved in Groups
You already know that Filipinos are very social people so it would make sense that their problem solving occurs in groups as well. Two heads are better than one and if you have your community to help you solve problems instead of bearing all of the weight of the stress yourself, you’ll find the solution quicker and feel better about the process along the way.
Friends are called, moms and dads are called and even brothers and sisters. Every opinion is heard when solving problems and the issue, no matter what it is, is dissected from various points of view. With a support system like this, it’s no wonder Filipinos love their country and their people.
photo by Judgefloro via Creative Commons
Comfort Food
Love complex flavors, cheese, meats and stews? Well, Filipinos do too! Some of the best comfort food dishes originated in the Philippines and with multiple culture influences incorporated in the dishes, there’s something for everyone. Locals love eating out as well as at home but when they eat out, they mostly go eat at Filipino restaurants. Why? It’s because Filipinos know that they have great food and they enjoy eating it just as much as tourists do. And with food being one of the key components to a happy life, there really is no reason why people should be surprised that the Philippines has some of the happiest people in the world.
See for yourself
Ready to see for yourself why the Philippines is so amazingly happy? Go on a custom tour with Uncharted Philippines and have the most enjoyable adventure of your life!