Today I rode with Kuya Gilo, a neighbor, to town.  We had an interesting conversation.  When I told him the family is moving to California he got excited and congratulated us.  Like most of our friends and acquaintances who know of our plan to migrate, he was very supportive.  He even invited us over to meet his relatives who will be coming from California for a visit to the Philippines next week.

Except for a photojournalist friend who was concerned about the "brain-drain", most support the move to migrate.

A few also offered to give the names of relatives in the States.  They even went to the extent of informing their relatives that we will be coming over- it is typical of Filipinos to look after their own.  It's a comfortable feeling - the feeling of being protected. 

I don't know if this was meant to warn us - in your first few months you will be invited to many  Filipino and Fil-Am homes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, coffee, cook-outs, etc.  It will be a challenge!  How you manage your time and your appetite will be tested to its limits.  Personally, I like the idea.  It's still Pinoy and it's a warm feeling!