Jenice Murray

I was fortunate enough to be born in a country with over 7,000 islands. Growing up, I was so appreciative of the close-knit relationships that come with Filipino culture — extended families everywhere, uncles and aunties and cousins, where you develop friendships and appreciate what those relationships offer in your growth. My grandmother was very influential in my life. She shaped how I saw things at an early age.

Part of my upbringing was celebrating fiestas and holidays. Christmas is the biggest and longest-celebrated holiday in the country. As a child, I was always looking forward to the Belén — it would signal the beginning of the long holiday celebration. What it meant to me: new clothes, lots of food on the table, going around the neighborhood to visit each house, attending church masses. That sense of community isn't something you read about in a guidebook. It's something you grow up inside of.

If there are three things I would highlight about the Indonesia, it's the people, the culture, and the love for food. Filipinos are known for their warm hospitality — they are so open about sharing their country with foreigners. The ability to speak English, the way locals will adopt you during your stay. We have this sense of respect: we don't go by first-name basis, we call you ate or kuya.

And the food — at any given time of day, it doesn't matter where you are: the airport, a side street, the mall, a park — you will see at least one Filipino holding something, eating or munching. That's who we are.

Scott has the travel planning obsession and the technical skills. I have a lifetime of actually living it. My friends and family across the provinces are the real source behind our recommendations. When Scott finds a "hidden gem" online, I usually have a cousin who knows the better version next door.