LIFESTYLE & CULTURE BM: What’s your very first memory of the Philippines? Derek: I’ve only known the Philippines through what our parents and grandparents have told us. This was my first trip there. And the first thing I think of when I think back is of the people. Darion: Stepping off the plane and feeling the warm, thick, tropical air and thinking, “Wow it’s hot, but it feels good.” Dante: First time I went home was over ten years ago. I remember the warmth of the air on my skin and the sounds of the bugs, buzzing around the bushes... Dion: This was my first trip to my homeland. I just remember as we were flying in, I was getting emotional. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this trip. Arianna: Humidity like I’ve never met before sticking to my skin back in 1999. BM: What’s your initial impression of the Philippines? Derek: This is home. Why haven’t I been here before? Why were they keeping it a secret? Darion: Of course, the physical beauty of the islands is undeniable, but what struck me really were our people themselves. Everyone one was extremely welcoming and encouraging to us. Dante: It’s good to be home. Something immediately within you, its like a lot of things start to make sense. Dion: It was hard to have an initial impression. The minute we landed in Manila, we were whisked away to a press conference. Arianna: The large divide between poverty and wealth. There is so much beauty in [the Philippines.] Even in strife, there is immense joy and pride lining every road, concrete or dirt, province to big city. Visit www.balikbayan magazine.com for more Basco Balikbayan photos.
Underground River Tour
BM: What’s the most amazing place you visited here? Derek: Maybe because it was the first island we went to, but Palawan will always represent the Philippines to me. We only experienced a fraction of what Palawan [has] to offer, but I fell in love...and I can’t wait to return. Darion: If I have to pick [one] place, I’d have to say Palawan was my favorite. I love the natural beauty of it.
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balikbayan June 2012 – July 2012
Dante: This last trip, Palawan was incredibly amazing and beautiful. Dion: Every place we visited was amazing! And very different as well.
Basco brothers enjoying Isla Pandan, Palawan
BM: What’s your most unforgettable experience in the country? Derek: When we got the opportunity to swim with [a] whale shark, or as we Filipinos like to call [it], the Butanding! I even wrote a song about it called ‘The Butanding, He’s My Best Friend!’ Darion: Being on the land, [where] our grandfathers built their homes and where their journeys started, was really emotional and fulfilling. Dante: Going to the provinces of my parents. As Americans, we often wonder where [we are] from. Finally we were there, standing on the very earth where our family has been living for the last few hundred years. It was very emotional. Dion: The [day] we saw the Underground River comes to mind. I was proud that one of the 7 Wonders of Nature is in the Philippines. Also that day we ate tamilok on the beach. Arianna: The whale shark was one of the highlights of the trip. BM: Do you agree that ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines?’ Derek: Between the people, the food, the tropical activities and beauty of the Philippines, I have to honestly say... “IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!” Darion: Yes. It is definitely more fun in the Philippines. We couldn’t [have] had a better time and [we] can’t wait to go back. Dante: Yes! Definitely more fun in the Philippines! We have the footage to prove it! Dion: It absolutely is more fun in the Philippines! BM: Based on your recent experiences in the Philippines, how do you now define being a Filipino? Derek: I never knew how FILIPINO I was, till I went home. I also take pride in my work and work very hard like every other Filipino. So being a Filipino is being a hard worker (like the many nurses here in the States) and being very friendly and