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SCMP Reporter

Connecting with teens around the world
Name Raiza Verroya Cusi
Age 21
City Manila
Star sign Pisces
If there is a characteristic that sums up Filipino people, it's our hospitality. We also smile no matter how much trouble we have in our life.
Filipinos are always included on the list of the happiest people on Earth. Filipino food, festivals and family gatherings are the favourite things about my country.
My school life has always been exciting. I have learned valuable life lessons from working on presentations, writing papers, doing research and working with other people.
Since my father is a painter, I am an art enthusiast and attend art exhibitions and festivals.
Besides the Filipino language,  I am  very comfortable  with English.
I have been learning French since I was 17, so I hope by the end of my master's degree, I will be fluent in French, too. Studying for a semester at Lingnan University has given me a basic grasp of Cantonese.
I think the most interesting thing about me is my ability to express emotions through poems.
I was always impressed by the way Princess Diana and Mother Teresa empowered women through their humanitarian work.
They have inspired me to help others. That's why I  always dream of  becoming my country's president.
Filipino cuisine is influenced by the people from different nationalities who have settled down in our country over the years.
It's a mixture of western cooking methods and Asian ingredients and flavours. Fresh seafood is a key Filipino dish.
We have lots of festivals all year round. As the majority of Filipinos are Catholics many festivals are religious feasts in honour of patron saints.
They often feature processions and several days of family gatherings. Christmas is considered to be the most important festival of all.
It's a time when families get together to celebrate Jesus' birth.
For me, the defining feature of Hong Kong is its convenience.
A Hongkonger commented  that the large number of convenience shops was one of the city's symbols.
That's true - Hong Kong is brightly lit, open 24 hours and you can buy practically anything.



e-pal: the Philippines