The Philippines is a Christian nation. According to statistics, about 95% of the population registered or claimed to being a Christian. Unfortunately, though, in my assessment, 9 out of 10 of those who claimed to be Christians are just "gray cow" Christians, worse, may not be real Christians at all.
Here's what a "gray cow" Christian looks like. He is baptised as a Christian, most when they were a kid. Goes to church on Sundays, sometimes every other Sunday. Prays, in variety of forms, mostly through a liturgical, repetitive prayer commonly known as rosary. Some who hates the rosary prays a different way but do so only for the sake of praying. Owns a Bible, but is used as a display in their altar. Gives offerings, whatever is left which is normally some loose change after he bought his Big Mac.
I'm not here doing some religion bashing. I'm just stating some facts that actually happen among us. If you want to get rid of the religious rat race where you feel you're going nowhere, consider these:
* If you really want to become a real, "purple cow" Christian, you need to start by having an authentic relationship with Jesus, if you still haven't. I don't mean joining a religion. I mean Jesus, the one who died for your sins.
Follow this link to have some idea how.
* Go to a bookstore and get a real Bible. Not the kind that your mom placed on your family altar. Get something that is new. I suggest the one that has a "New Living Translation" on it. If you're new to reading the Bible, don't start from Genesis, start from the Gospels. I suggest starting from the book of John.
* Find a church that teaches about Jesus and the Bible. You need a spiritual family to support you. Remember that I'm not talking about religion. If you see a church that claims they are the only way, run as fast as you can. If you find a good one, volunteer. Help out.
* Give generously. Support the needy. Remember that what you have is not yours, it's God's. By being generous, you're acknowledging that God own what you have and you're just giving it back.
* Invite your friends to church. If you like a movie, you share the excitement to your friends and actually invite them to see it themselves, right? Now, Jesus has the most amazing story. A story that can change everyones lives. How can you skip sharing Jesus to your friends?
Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Give suggestions on how to be a "purple cow" Christian. Share you thoughts please. 
