When expats are asked the question, "What do you miss most about the Philippines?", family tops the list. Then comes Pinoy food and friends.
In addition to this, I will let you in on a 'secret'. There is one aspect about living in the Philippines that I suspect a lot of expats miss almost on a daily basis. Especially if one has a family.
Can you guess what it is?
If you guessed "househelp", you're right! In the Philippines, labor is relatively inexpensive, and someone who has a decent job can easily afford a live-in helper. Work at a really good company, and you can get a driver, cook, all-around maid, and one nanny for each kid. Even if you don't want full-time help, there's always someone who will at least do your weekly laundry for you, ironing and pick-up/delivery included. If you live in a first world country, such help would cost an arm and a leg, unless you do it "under the table" or fly someone in from the Philippines (this could be less expensive, but there is paperwork involved).
I've realized that a lot of Filipinos in the Philippines think that those who are abroad live a life of luxury and ease. That expats sit in their comfy homes, drive their cars, buy all the latest gadgets and designer clothes, and generally loaf around rolling in green bucks. What's usually not in the picture is the rushing from one task to the next, and the lack of time to do everything that wants doing. Money is easier to earn abroad, but at the cost of personal time and physical labor.
Everything that a helper does in the Philippines also need to be done abroad. Cooking, laundry,cleaning, wiping butts, getting kids to school, buying groceries, every single thing. With no help around, the expat has to do it himself/herself, even after a full day's work to earn those green bucks. It is not uncommon for a kababayan abroad to still be hauling ass late in the night, while his friend back in the Philippines has time to sit in front of his rickety porch chatting with his neighbors.
So what's the point to all this?
The point I'm trying to make is this: There is no "greener" pasture. It only looks greener, but there are also hard rocks in the pasture on the other side of the fence.
So please don't ask me "Why don't you just get a maid?" or "But you have a dishwasher and a washing machine, don't you?". Honey, I can't afford a maid. And the machines don't load and run themselves, you know. I've often stayed up till midnight just to do half the laundry. And when I'm on vacation in the Philippines, don't think that my daily life is likewise as relaxed and filled with leisure. I'm on vacation , after all.
I know someone who said she'll never leave the Philippines because she can't live without her maid. Wise woman; she knows exactly what she wants.