“Everything is slowing down here”

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Sanne Karsten emigrated last year with husband Steven and sons Siem, Tijn and Gijs to the Philippines. A country with a lot of natural violence and contrasts, but just as much a place where they feel at home.

“My husband and I were in Manila ten years ago. To be honest, I thought it was a busy stinking city at the time, from which I wanted to leave as soon as possible. So when Steven was asked for a job here, I had my doubts. Nevertheless, we took the risk: we wanted to live in another country with our children, because we also lived abroad in our youth. We knew how special it was to experience something like this with your family. Moreover, this city seemed adventurous to me, a little different than usual.

A disadvantage was that we arrived in the Philippines exactly during the lockdown. We were only allowed to leave our house for groceries; the children were not even allowed to go out on the street at all. It was only after three months that we drove out of town as a family for a weekend away. Only then did the boys see the power lines above the ground, the roadside merchandise stalls, people walking barefoot in the street, they smelled all those smells everywhere. And we saw them think: this is something completely different from what we are used to.

Lots of contrasts

Manila is a city of many contrasts. We have a very nice house with a swimming pool and a nice garden full of plants and shade. It is located in a ‘village’, a kind of compound. If you walk out the gate there, you will see palm trees and mango trees, but also power cables and rats running through the sewer everywhere. There is a lot of high-rise buildings and traffic, it is always busy. Yet it is a nice city, you just need to know where to go and how to escape the crowds. And we now know that.

For example, we like to go to the island of Mindoro. After a two-hour drive and an hour on the boat, you immediately arrive in a completely different world. It is quiet, the beach is beautiful, the water is bright blue, there are palm trees: just like the well-known tourist pictures of the Philippines. We often rent a banka, a boat, with which we sail from island to island – once docked we have lunch at a restaurant. The boys jump off our boat on the way, they snorkel, dive or lie down. On the island you can also walk very nicely, there are beautiful waterfalls with blue pools where you can swim.

“After a two-hour drive and an hour on the boat, you immediately arrive in a completely different world”

Another favorite getaway is the city of Tagaytay. It is a bit higher than Manila, which makes it slightly cooler; many people from Manila go here to escape the crampedness of the city. The road to Tagaytay is already worth it; you drive through streets where something different is always being sold. There is a street with large earthenware pots in all colors and sizes and lots of plants. In the next street you will find all kinds of Asian rattan tables and chairs. You can enjoy yourself here all day long. Tagaytay itself is located on a lake, with a volcano in the middle that you can walk around.

natural disaster

When we first arrived at our house, there was a document ready with instructions: ‘What to do during an earthquake’. We had already experienced our first earthquake by then, in the quarantine hotel after arrival. It felt like someone was shaking my bed.

That’s when we realized we didn’t know what to do when something like this happens: do you go outside or should you stay inside? We ended up having to google it. I am now more used to the idea that there is a lot of natural violence here. A volcano has erupted nearby, and there are regular large typhoons, which are big storms. We’re pretty relaxed about it ourselves – what else can you do? The stark contrast between rich and poor is heartbreaking. We try to help where we can and to involve the children. But you can’t solve everything.

Also read – Traveling through Colombia with children: 8 tips for an adventurous holiday >

More time

We’ve lived here for almost a year now and people still ask us if it doesn’t feel like one big vacation. That is not the case: the boys go to school, we have our work. In the weekend we drive to football matches and hockey, just like in the Netherlands.

“The big difference with the Netherlands: everything goes a little slower here”

Yet there is a big difference: everything goes a little slower here. We now have great friends here, but there are far fewer social obligations than in the Netherlands. That’s why we have so much time together as a family. We are really together on weekends, and the small group of people we have met here really feel like family.

The way we lived in the Netherlands, always super busy with small children and a lot of work, there is nothing left of that here in the Philippines. I have become a much more relaxed person as a result. To experience this with each other and as a family is really valuable.”

To sleep

Base

The Olive Tree Villa in Tagaytay is a nice, small-scale base for hiking trips and you can enjoy delicious food.

the-olive-tree-villa-in-tagaytay.business.site

Luxury

At The Farm in San Benito you can enjoy ultimate luxury from nature, massages, yoga, and above all nothing at all.

thefarmatsanbenito.com

Peace

If you really want to get out of the city, Sunset at Aninuan Beach Resort on the island of Mindoro is a nice address. Not very fancy, but the best service.

aninuanbeach.com

Undiscovered

Coco Grove Beach Resort is located on Siargao. That is still a fairly undiscovered island, and everything is just as nice.

cocogrovebeachresort.com

To eat

Oasis

Restaurant Blackbird is an oasis of calm in the middle of Manila. They have a nice garden where you can sit, and the wine and food are delicious.

blackbird.com.ph

Tiger

People’s Palace in Manila is a Thai restaurant where you can find the best crying tiger (a steak dish) or vegetarian curry.

peoplespalacethai.com

dim sum

You can eat real Asian food at Din Tai Fung in Manila. Ideal for with the kids, especially the dim sum.

facebook.com/dintaifungph/

Coffee and ice cream

We like to have coffee, breakfast or lunch at Wildflour café. And we get the best and largest ice cream at Coldstone.

wildflour.com.ph, facebook.com/coldstoneph/

To do

ceramics

After Pinto Art Museum, end the day with a late lunch or drink at The Crescent Moon Cafe and Studio, where you can make your own crockery or buy beautiful ceramics.

crescentmoonantipolo.com

To walk

You can hike beautifully in the Philippines. Via the website pinoymountaineer.com you can find all beautiful walks and hikes, classified by region and walking level. Also nice with children.

This article is featured in the Kek Mama Summer Special 2022.

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