I’ve been living in Angeles City for about two weeks now. So far I’m loving it here–it’s already starting to feel like home. I’ll share just a few of my impressions:
Chillax:
There’s something innately relaxing about this city. I have so many of the amenities of Manila without the hassle. Most of the stuff I need for day-to-day life (grocery store, laundry mat, gym etc) is within walking distance of my place. I’m pretty sure I’m going to enjoy this more relaxed pace of life.
Night Life:
Angeles City is known as the “entertainment capital” of the Philippines. We all know this has some (well-deserved) negative connotations. That’s a spiritual stronghold I may talk about some other time.
But there is an upside to a city that prides itself on partying: most places stay open late. The mall next to my old place (SM City Manila) usually closed around 9:00 p.m. I know Manila has an active nightlife of its own, but I’m not really into bar hopping. Sometimes just I wished there was just a coffee shop or restaurant near my place where I could go in the evening to hang out. That isn’t a problem here–plenty of places stay open until midnight and beyond.
Expats Everywhere:
I used to go days without seeing another Westerner when I lived in Manila. Here I see one every time I leave the house (many live near or in my neighborhood). I talked to a Brit, a German, and two other Americans during my last gym visit. This has taken some getting used to–kind of a reverse culture shock happening within my own adoptive country.
But Filipinos are still curious as to why I’m here, so I have several opportunities for outreach in day-to-day activities.
Kapampangan:
People are appreciative (and shocked) when I converse with them in Tagalog. But there’s also a local language here in Pampanga. I may try to learn it, but I’m not going to commit to that just yet.
In Awe of His Divine Direction:
I happened to run across an old email I sent to a friend back in July (my 9-year anniversary here in the Philippines). Here’s what I told him:
“I’m praying about what God wants out of me for the next few years. I’m asking Him to show me if there’s a slightly different direction He wants me to go, such as pastoring or starting a new work here in a different part of the Philippines.”
I’m still amazed at the process that brought me here. The Lord has been so good to me.
