Mike,
How can I thank you for making these encounters possible? As I mentioned before, I could spend a lifetime scouring Bohol for kindred souls, but at TB, it's possible to build friendships in just a matter of weeks and months.
As you yourself had experienced in your down moments, I am grateful to have TB to stand by me in moments of yearning for my family.
Ben, I have realized that geographical roots have a big role in our lives. You've mentioned of the impenetrability of the Japanese community in which the Filipinos in Japan have no way of penetrating into the elite Japanese culture.
A Thai friend of mine was educated in Australia and New Zealand for 10 years, but during those years he wasn't able to really integrate his life with the Australian students and into the Australian community. Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin named his party "Thai Rak Thai" (in English Thais love Thais)
Filipinos must love Filipinos. Filipinos must help Filipinos. Boholanos must love all Filipinos regardless of provincial origin and upbringing.
In your case, you will always find beautiful souls in TB because birds of the same feather are the same birds (I mean "flock together").
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=12385.0