After one week in the moutain region north of manila for some R&R, we reached Dumaguete which is a medium sized town of approximately 120,000 inhabitants in the central part of the Philippines called the Visayas. It has direct flights from Manila daily and at the same time has some good spots for diving and snorkelling nearby. It is also known for its delicious sans rival and silvanas which are meringue wafers filled with butter cream, as pictured below.

The town boasts a pretty seaside boardwalk lined with century old acacias trees, perfect for a stroll away from the din and dust of the town center. Unfortunately the rest of the town (with the exception of the private residences) is a mishmash of dust, traffic (tricycle), and rambling construction. Somehow I am beginning to come to terms with the fact that most anywhere in the Philippines, you have the choice between living in a bubble-like private area with 24h security guards or the rest of the country where you are subject to the pollution-laden reality mentioned above. This is of course a gross generalisation, and I had set out to prove to myself that it was possible to enjoy a pleasant existence in a non-exclusive, non-secluded manner. But the pace of growth and haphazard development far exceeds that of urban planning, environmental sustainability and education.

Fortunately while in Sagada up North, I was able to visit Gaia, a restaurant a few minutes walk from the town, perched on side of the cliff view a stunning view on the rice terraces. The menu is strictly vegetarian and the entire establishment is waste-free, meaning they recycle and compost everything. Gaia was a sign of hope in an otherwise downward spiral of unchecked development, and the type of place I would like to open.

So much to consider in contemplating returning to the Philippines from Switzerland !