As I wrote the title of this article it occurred to me that I could be writing about any number of things. A whole lot has happened in my life since I started this blog three years ago, as I suspect would be true with any of you reading this. Time certainly has a way with us. Not always our way, or they way we expected it to be. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that not much I’ve learned is new except possibly to me.
But the funny thing that happened that I’m referencing in this case is the readership of my blog. I’ve known for some time now that a large percentage of those visiting are from the Philippines. That is not what I expected (if I even had any expectations) when I started this site. I figured that others in my situation of wanting to retire in the Philippines would be interested in the trials and tribulations of my journey to get there. I quickly realized that information about Samal was somewhat scarce, at least back then, so it became a combination of the two. At least from the angle that I am writing.
Recently I’ve reviewed my statistics (thank you Google Analytics) and found that the percentage of visitors from the Philippines had risen to an unbelievable 80% of all those coming to my site. 80% of that 80% are from Davao. Maybe you are not surprised, as this is a blog mostly about an island off the shores of Davao City, but I was sure surprised that it was that high. It made me think and evaluate to some extent. Of course, I must also remember that is just a snapshot of time, and can easily change, but the percentage is very high regardless.
I haven’t really tried to change my point of reference because of this knowledge of my visitors. I’m not really sure I should. I do think that ultimately I may need to make some changes in some aspects of the site though. The Journey to Samal Shop (closed), for instance, is not really geared to the Philippines audience at all. Some of the ads are not either. Content is another story.
It’s hard to say if some of the readership from the Philippines is interested in a outsiders point of view. Just because the visitor arrives from a Philippine address does not make them pilipino necessarily, either. I don’t think I’ll change my approach that much with regards to the content of my articles, but maybe keep in mind more as I’m writing them that I am not just writing for Americans.
So you may see some changes around here over time. Then again, they might not be things that you would notice either. Either way that’s the latest on the Journey to Samal, which BTW to me has become a metaphor for my trials and tribulations to retire in the Philippines, wherever and whenever that may end up being.
Google+
May 16, 2011 @ 06:41:39
Keep on writing articles. You are helping a lot of people about Philippines and most specially Samal Island. Kudos to you…
May 16, 2011 @ 06:45:26
Thanks, Lyn. It is my intention to keep writing articles, and especially about the beautiful Samal Island.
May 17, 2011 @ 02:14:40
I have been away from Davao for 3 decades now and every time I go home to visit it seems like a different place. Samal to me before was a remote area and unheard of. I remember when I was in college we went to Samal to visit, the area was was so remote, we can’t hardly find anybody to take us back to Davao city. Our visit was exciting because I was so fascinated with the untouched natural beauty of the place. To me that time the place was a paradise and it is still is. I never thought that it will grow this far from what it was.We are going home this month and we will try to purchase a piece of area where we can live and retire. Anyway, I have always enjoyed your writing and we all appreciate your contribution to the development of Samal as a tourist destination. You have made a lot of contribution that you propably did not even recognized. You have touched the hearts of Filipinos abroad to go back to our beloved home and appreciate the beauty of the country that we have forgotten to remember. As far as how I feel, every foreigner in the Philippines has the right to call my country there own. Continue on what you are doing because a lot of people loves your site the way it is. You have given us a lot of information on how to live like a Filipino again after getting used to living away for a long time. Personally, you have given me the courage to go back and live and retire there. If you and others can do it, me and my husband can do it also. Thank you so much Randy. God bless and Mabuhay to you and your site!!!!
May 17, 2011 @ 10:19:49
Hi Dine – thanks reading & contributing to the comments.
Samal is still very beautiful and many parts are still untouched with natural wonder. There has been a lot of development and I think it is inevitable that it will continue. That said, it may be a long time before Samal is over developed. Let’s hope so.
Daghang Salamat for your very kind words about my site and articles. To think that I may have written something that inspired you to retire in the Philippines is very gratifying. It certainly makes me want to continue to promote Samal & the region.
I hope you enjoy your visit and if you have anything to share, please don’t be shy. Good luck on the land purchase. That is always exciting.
May 17, 2011 @ 02:51:00
hi there! your sincerity in laying out your intentions for your site is admirable. Looking forward for more interesting anecdotes as well as facts regarding your sojourn in our country. Your insights are truly candid. Daghan kaayong salamat!
May 17, 2011 @ 10:06:32
Wala’y sapayan, Sharonmae. I try to be candid & I’m glad you appreciate it.