During my 20 years of living in this country (specifically around Metro Manila area) these are all

the things that I can say.

Housing

You’re lucky if you are born from a family who owns their own house and lot. Housing in this
country is not the best according to international standards.

However, if you are renting, then you’ll find apartments hard unless you are used to small and
tight places because that’s the usual scenario. Most of the apartments rented here are not
furnished. Standard prices for a one bedroom unfurnished apartment (22sqm-45sqm) around
Metro Manila are 3000 php–5000 php if you’re lucky. The bigger ones would cost more
especially if you live near the central business districts. It could reach 10000–20000 monthly.

But if you belong to the upper middle class then you can probably afford renting in
condominium units that are furnished. A 20–25 sqm unit can be as cheap as 7500 php or more
depending on the owner. In central business districts like the ones in Makati, they are far more
expensive reaching 18000 php - 20000 php for studio unit and perhaps around 20000 - 30000
php for a one bedroom unit.

Condominium units can look like this.

Not bad huh?

If apartments are too expensive. There are dorms and bedspaces out there that can save a lot of
money. But the only problem is not much privacy at all and you’ll have to fight for the bathroom
if your schedules are the same with your roomies.
Family

We are known for being family-oriented. That can be a good thing. Your parents will not kick
you out even when you got old. You are not expected to move on your own place unless you
want to. Even married children would still stay under the roof of their parents. This can be good
if two parents are both working, grandparents can take care of their grandchildren. But in other
cases, it makes the household too crowded and conflicts are inevitable that would often result
into a cold war in your house.

Kids are expected to help their parents when they finished school While a good kid will do this
themselves, others are forced solely for the purpose of “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude). Your
parents raised you and in return, it is your job to take care of them and your little brothers and
sisters. Their education? basic needs? the bills? You handle all of this now.

Usually this is something that holds back filipinos from finding themselves and their personal
happiness because they ended up shouldering their parent's responsibilities. And of course as a
good child, that's what you would do.

However, I am glad that my parents are not like that at all. I am fortunate to have a working
parent who earns pretty well. I do give my fair share even though it is small, I try to help. They
want me to find my own happiness and success. For that, I am always grateful.