Russian envoy to Filipinos: Teach us how to smile

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

PAGADIAN CITY — If there’s one thing Russians would love to learn from the Filipino people, it is how to smile.

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev told officials during his visit here on Monday that while Russians were known to rarely smile, Filipinos found it easy to smile at every opportunity, even in the face of disaster.

Filipinos also smile at strangers, Khovaev noted, saying he wished that Russians could also be as light-hearted.

“I’m infected with your smile. We Russians do not smile as often as you Filipinos do,” he said. “So, it’s time for you Filipinos to go to Russia and teach the Russian people how to smile.”

Khovaev, who prides himself as “the first Russian ambassador to visit” Western Mindanao, said he would also help convince his compatriots to visit and discover the Philippines. —Leah Agonoy