Personally, i experienced that in Western societies, that there is more pressure to conform to the norm, especially in mixed or salad culture because they want to categorize you into something and if you are not that then you're the outcast. In Asian countries, there is a dominant culture and if you are a foreigner then they are more flexible on you and less alienation, more acceptance. This is my own experience in real life.

What i am trying to say is, i do feel way happier in the Philippines compared to the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, there is this culture that wants you to be something you are not, that expects you to change and expects you to not care about it, and gives the feeling that its your own problem, a certain distance feeling, and invalidates how you are - by giving away vibes that it is WRONG. It feels like the Netherlands culture does not align with my values. The individualism is strong. In the Philippines, it is the opposite - collectivism.

In the Philippines, it is more introvert friendly. I am always being heard. The little things - the friendliness. This is the real reason i do love the Philippines, the people and the service industry. I can talk as quiet as i want and i am sure i will be heard. I am being the way i am and nobody has issues with it. I do not feel judged. That is why i want to live here. I dont care how beautiful or ugly it looks outside. The nice weather, the affordable life (as a foreigner). It feels like home, everywhere i go and i do feel safe - way safer than in any EU country. I never experienced any aggressiveness and i never heard anyone curse in public. I never got scammed and no attempts to overcharge me in the Philippines vs loud taxi drivers screaming as soon as i land in the Netherlands outside the airport.

I do like to tip smaller businesses when i can here. The politeness and respect. I never have seen undisciplined children after a certain age. This is how a society should be and it aligns with my values. I cannot emphasise this enough. Philippines is a culturally positive country and people rarely mention how important that is when choosing a country to stay in.