Falling in love with the PhiliPPines
Living abroad can provide exciting opportunities. loRi BlaCKBURn learns how the Philippines charmed these expats into staying.
sean stone moved to Manila from Singapore. He is the director of Perfect Dives.
hevelyn almeiDa is
why did you move to the Philippines? To expand my business and build Perfect Dives which promotes diving as a form of sustainable ocean development in the Philippines
why did you move to the Philippines? Work opportunities. The Brazilian look is appreciated in the Philippine fashion industry.
what is your favorite part about living here? Scuba diving. If I’m not at the office then look around a coral reef. where would you take visiting friends and family? This year, I’m getting married in Cebu with a post wedding dive trip to Bohol. I’m training to be a dive instructor and certify friends. Bohol is perfect with reefs, beaches, and scenery. what sets the Philippines apart as a destination? The care free attitude in the provinces. Fill in the blank: Muck Diving is More Fun in the Philippines.
a Brazilian model living in Manila.
what is your favorite part about living here? The natural beauty and that Filipinos are talented singers. It’s similar to Brazil because people are friendly with strong family and religious values. where would you take visiting friends and family? Bohol for Chocolate Hills and tarsiers. Boracay for nightlife. Camsur for wakeboarding. have you picked up any Filipino traits? I learned to eat with a fork and spoon. I enjoy beef tapa and halo halo, too. what sets the Philippines apart as a destination? The blue ocean, white beaches, and good food. Fill in the blank: Summer Is More Fun in the Philippines.
DelPhine De loRme is a French artist based in Cebu. why did you move to the Philippines? Mainly because of the Filipino smile, but it also gave me time to paint and design with my talented Filipino team. what is your favorite part about living here? The opportunities. Creating Cebu’s ‘’GILT’’ lounge led to designing Cebu’s French cultural center and sharing France with the Philippines. I get my inspiration from the vivid colors of the jeepney! where would you take visiting friends and family? Siargao for surf, Cagayan de Oro for adventure, and GILT in Cebu for the best lounge! have you picked up any Filipino traits? Manny Pacquiao’s PacMan mania. I even painted a series representing his major fights. what sets the Philippines apart as a destination? Authenticity because many islands are untouched by mass tourism. Fill in the blank: Leaving it All Behind is More Fun in the Philippines.
92 I Mabuhay Magazine I June 2012
hylton le RoUx traded London for Alabang. He is owner and executive chef of Pi Catering.
why did you move to the Philippines? I saw culinary potential. My business, Pi Catering, thrives through Manila’s diverse food scene. I also launched a cooking show, ‘Market to Master’ that showcased Philippine wet markets. where would you take visiting friends and family? Antonio’s in Tagaytay is fine dining with spectacular mountain ambiance. It’s perfect when visiting Taal Volcano. have you picked up any Filipino traits? Saying huy and diba. what sets the Philippines apart as a destination? Breathtaking landscapes are a step away from city life. Fill in the blank: San Miguel beer is More Fun in the Philippines.