Lots of good stuff - not so good for you.
Fresh, fast and full of flavor
The jeepney - packed with riders
Another one cruises by
They all have names and once had cool paint jobs.
If you can't sfford the 40 cent Jeepney - the little motorbike will have to do.
He's a Virgo - what's your sign?
Just got back from Manila. I have now been there at least 12 times over the past year and have really come to like the place.
I was trying to figure out why I like it. It isn't a pretty place at all. There is an amazing amount of poverty, traffic is terrible and it can be dangerous in the wrong places. There are also very few (make that none) places of interest to see in the city. I have come to the conclusion that it is the people. I also find that the food is pretty good too. Oh yeah and they have the coolest form of public transport - The Jeepney (http://sdsd.essortment.com/philippinejeepn_reuf.htm ).
The people of the Philippines are extremely happy and upbeat. Whether they are rich or poor (and most are poor) they have a very positive attitude a pleasant smile and a way to make you feel good. From the hotel where I get "Hello Sir!" from about 10 people between the time I get out of the car to the time I get onto the elevator to the smiles and greetings I get at our offices in Sucat or at any restaurant, store or bar I walk into I always feel welcome.
The Philippines is also an oasis of American and Spanish culture in Asia. Everyone has a Spanish name and the language, Tagalog and the many regional dialects, all have elements of Spanish, English, Malay and other odds and ends. The culture is more like that of the US. People love Basketball, baseball and keep tabs on whats going on in the US. This probably comes from the fact that the US were their hero's in World War II. They even drive on the proper side of the road unlike the rest of Asia where they drive on the wrong side.
The food is really good (other then the duck eggs). Very Spanish and Caribbean. I've already written about it so I won't bore you.
Last week me, Sophia, Myrna and two of Myrna's friends went to see a Filipino movie. It's called The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (http://www.blossomingofmaximooliveros.com/). A very low budget film that has won many festival awards. It is set in the slums of Manila and really gives a good flavor of what it must be like to live there. A funny and also touching film it also gives a look at many aspects of life in the slums. I highly recommend it and think it might coming to the US soon if it isn't there already.
I will be there again soon as the President is coming to our plant!
3 comments:
Hi Mr. Todd! I suddenly missed the buzzling city of Manila after going through this post... I fancy how you describe our country...humbling indeed! I remember how stressfull it was to go through the hassles and buzzles of everyday life over there but of course, theres no place like the so-called home...going home to a real family after each challenging day and the company of cool giggling friends for a cup of coffee at a fave cofishop and the never-ending gossiping that comes along with it...I suddenly wanna go home! ehehe, well, soon! See you guys soon! Btw, send my regards to Madam President..tell her im not staining our name so far...eheheh
oww its just me, Catherine
You have a really nice blogspot Sir, got your link from our friend Cathy...
It is indeed very stressful here in Manila with all the traffic and pollution but hey this is my home for the past 3 years and for the next 2 years at least (until I move some place else like Singapore or Dubai)... I love Manila better at night, where you can really appreciate its beauty and marvel sans the traffic jam.
Keep it up Mr Todd!
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