Let's just say that this holiday to the Philippines was the kind that made you count your blessings. Us Malaysians just don't know how to appreciate everything we've got in this country only because we compare ourselves to other richer & developed nations.

Even though Manila is supposed to be my second home, and I'd been going back there an average once every 2-3 years, I never found an affinity to the culture or place. In fact, I've always felt the opposite.

It was the smallest of things that made me appreciate where I call home to be. Have you ever noticed how much the streets of KL has cleaned up since the 80s? Have you realised that the conveniences of public transportation has improved tremendously over the last 20 years? Have you noticed that there are barely (if not they're foreigners) any street children begging on the streets? Don't you feel safe walking about in the city alone?

Our public toilets are much cleaner and more functionable - and we have toilet seats. We don't suffer electricity brownouts and inconsistent power supplies that our buildings need independant generators. We have clean water supply (albeit rusting pipes) and a decent piping & pressure system. We have a booming housing & real estate development to invest in and to live in. An average urban Malaysian own at least 2 cars at home. Our passport allows us to visit numerous countries without the hassles of applying for a visa, or get an affidavit of support just to get out of the country. We have gun laws that prohibit us to own arms indiscriminately.

Yes, we still have crime (which country doesn't?). Yes, we're still racially discriminated and some of us feel like second class citizens. Yes, we have narrow-minded leaders. Yes, we're a country with two sets of rules and an outdated constitution. But haven't you noticed the bigger picture lately?

It's the little blessings we take for granted, all of which we don't realise our neighbours don't have. And you won't know it until you've lived like them, not in the hotels of those cities in your own comfort bubbles. But in their own homes, walked in their shoes and grimy pavements, and felt the fear of the unknown. Or the uncertainty of getting a job, let alone keeping your job.

I've lived in Jakarta and Manila this year alone. And each time I was there, albeit for a brief period, I always felt like I want to come back to the comforts of home - in Malaysia.