Quite recently, I found myself doing what I do best when I’m avoiding my own thoughts: scrolling. Somewhere between outfit videos and unsolicited life advice, a viral street interview popped up. Filmed in Europe. Casual. Harmless. The question was simple: Which country has the friendliest people? I barely registered it—until the Philippines came out on top. Thailand followed closely behind. I paused. I rewound. I watched it again. And as a Filipino, my first reaction wasn’t pride. It was confusion. Are we… really that friendly?
