What a thread! It went totally sideways from Fedor to rabbits, deer, coyotes and bears. COOL!
All I can add is that everything in life is always very subjective to how we perceive it. One man's heaven is another man's hell.
I am also married to a Filipina and feel extremely fortunate for that blessing. It's true that the Philippines is a poor country, with a relatively small group of people/families (under 1,000) controlling the bulk of the wealth.
Everyone is on the hustle there to survive, working at whatever job they can find. Those who are better educated get the best jobs. The cost of living is relatively low, and a retiree from the USA can live well there on 2K a month.
Despite the poverty you see there, the great majority of the people are very friendly and enjoy their lives. You will hear laughter everywhere you go and be treated well just about everywhere. You will never have a problem finding someone to help you in any store, be it large or small. Good service is a way of life there!
I appreciate being treated well and being around considerate people wherever I am. That is something I often find lacking in this great country of ours. Of course, that is only my perception of things.
P.S. Pool is played everywhere in the Philippines! It's never hard to find a pool table and a willing opponent. Show them a couple of trick shots and everyone's face lights up!