1. Manila is the capital and is 14 hours ahead of Calgary time. We are in Cainta, Rizal, which is near Manila (we can see downtown).
2. The primary language is Tagalog (pronounced "tug-AH-lug") but most everyone speaks English as well.
eg. "Salamat po" is "thank-you sir/ma'am"
3. It's the rainy season: intermittent bursts of heavy rain fall, always a white, cloudy sky. Your skin feels kind of sticky, my hair is ridiculous. Temperature wise – it's about 20's to low 30's.
4. Approximately 40 Php (Filipino Pesos) = about $1.00CDN
eg. 5Php for 1 amazing bakery treat
eg. $6USD for a bamboo boat ride to a private island
eg. 18Php for 1 soft serve ice cream
5. Transportation: most walk, some have vehicles/motorcycles (that they ride with rubber boots and ponchos), but most ride tricycles and jeepneys (see below).
A tricycle: picture an old motorcycle and side car with a metal roof, question it's safety, then fit 8 adults on it and see it weaving in and out of foot and motorized traffic.
A jeepney: a miniature metal bus that's spray painted with confusing cartoon like pictures, blasting rap music in multiple languages with an emphasis on the bass instrument.
Fun stuff.
Safe to walk and run here, just not in the dark.
6. Common sights: uneven roads/paths, red dirt, shy street cats and dogs, chickens tied by their ankle to small metal sticks, a lack of street signs, bars on shop windows, hidden passageways, street vendors, clothes hanging outside in the breeze and humidity, alcohol beside the oreos at the local minimart, small bananas for purchase, and always kids running around.
7. Food: white rice, chicken, sweet bread (!!!), candy is everywhere. Picture a small plastic bag with pop poured into it, a straw, and a kid drinking it at 8 in the morning.
8. Religion: Catholicism. The kids call Jesus "Papa Hey-soos" (spelled phonetically for your reading benefit). The license plates say "God's Love Is Infinite".
9. Where we are it's not multicultural like Calgary. Beautiful brown skin, black hair, dark eyes, and always a smile are characteristics of Filipinos. Common every-day attire and accessories: flip flops, shorts, T-shirts, a small wallet, umbrella, and sometimes a face cloth tucked into the back neck of their shirt. You may see face masks too, worn because of the pollution. Tip – carry toilet paper for public washrooms (which are called "comfort room" or the "CR").
10. The people: Filipino people are known for their smiles, and it is true that they will initiate saying hi to you, always, all day long. The usual questions asked by women are: what's your name, how old are you, are you married. Usual questions from kids are: what's your name, what's your age, and then they'll quiz you on their name (and most have 2 first names)! On a more meaningful note, Filipino people are extremely resourceful, hard working, happy, and calm. They are sure about themselves and value conversation.
This country will welcome you with a humid hug, feed you carbs, but will stare at you because you are white. (There are bleaching methods here – kind of like our tanning beds). But the adults will want to talk to you and the kids will want to play.
