Where and How: I lived in the Philippines for six months in 1990. I was in the Navy and I was deployed to Cubi Point military base in Olongapo City. I was insulated in some ways because the base was considered U.S. soil, but as soon as you walked out the gate, you were immersed in the culture.

Best Advice: Be open to a new culture. Don't expect it to be like the United States. Food is different. Entertainment is different. Electricity is different! Go with it.

-- Cecilia Freeman, Assistant Community Manager

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