"Some backpackers I have met seemed to consider that the Philippines had always been a “no-culture country”, with no authentic buildings for example. But what everybody forgets is that Manila used to be called the “Paris of Asia”: a wonderful city full of old buildings, centre of Asian trade, rich of several influences. And why is it not like that anymore today? Because foreign armies bombarded the country during World War 2. Once again, the point is not to victimize the Philippines; I am just angry against people who seem to say that Manila has always been “empty and ugly”."

Marion Waller