Island Life vs. Mainland Life in the Philippines

Reading all the ridiculous answers here, I had to go back and re-read the question. I like living on Luzon (the mainland). There's a lot to experience. Small islands are nice for a visit, but you can see a whole island in a day or two, and then what do you do? Luzon has big cities, provinces, mountains, beaches, and open land, all of it. That's my take.

You might not like a small island.. you'd need a soccer ball for a friend..

I've been traveling to the Philippines for 30 years. My wife's family lives in a small barangay with just a few sari-sari stores. There's nothing for me to do. The family sits around chatting and playing cards. I'm honestly bored. I have a house in a city about 50 minutes away by car, so on weekends when my wife goes to see her family, I stay in the city. Before anyone wonders, I get along fine with the family.

It's less island vs. mainland and more city vs. province. If you want a better quality of life, clean air, fresh food and produce, and good people, I'd recommend the province. Baguio and Cavite are cooler than other places.