I'm a Southern California-based writer on the Lifestyle team who likes to try and rank viral foods and read and recommend awesome books.

BTW, the date in the bottom picture is wrong, and I know that because I simply was not alive until '98.

But also, yes, the Philippines really is that lush and gorgeous.

(My parents and I aren't really sure what the stone statues are, and I can't seem to pinpoint them to anything. If any fellow Pinoy knows, feel free to let me know in the comments!)

Also, peep how Jo's knife has "LOLA" engraved on it. 🫣

Fun fact: There are eight major languages spoken in the Philippines (Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Kapampangan, and Pangasinense), but there are over 100 dialects.