The first thing that struck me when I reached the Philippines, well apart from the Humidity was the Poverty, and not only that but the massive difference between the Classes. When passing a huge Shanty town there would be a relative mansion next door. I spent the first night in my hotel room crying from the total culture shock. I soon learned to lock my hotel door because prostitutes happily let themselves in and sat down on my bed quite disappointed when they saw I was female.
On the first night I stayed in downtown Cebu (which all the guide books tell you not to) the noise of the traffic (lots of honking horns) and Karaoke which the Filipino adore went on all night. I don't know what you have to do to get a licence in the Philippines, and If you ever visit I recommend not driving. A two lane road becomes a five lane with many Motor cycles and Jeepneys (a colourful type of Public transport) all fighting for space. It seems that anyone who owns a car considers themselves a Taxi driver and I guess it's a good idea to check before you get in and to make sure the meter is running or you may be overcharged great deal.
Another thing that struck me is the timidity of the people. Usually in a country that has been repressed for so long a defiant spirit arises though this is not the case in the Philippines. People are generally happy to go about their own lives and not interfere with yours. I find more beggars on the streets of Melbourne than I found on my whole trip there, The Filipinos are a very proud people and Very religious.
On a visit to the very crowded Basillica Sto. Nono People lined up for more than a Kilometre to touch and kiss the glass surrounding the statues of Various Saints.
Something I found quite saddening was the lack of a distinct Filipino culture. Everything seemed a mix of Spanish and American cultures. I was hoping to hear some Traditional Music but there was none that I came across and the Filipinos adore music (lot's of tone deaf 80's hits belted out in Karaoke) As far a art work goes again the closest thing to a traditional art form was the bamboo weaving of the Nippa huts that line the beaches on the smaller Islands.
I came across very few Westerners while there, especially in Downtown Cebu where I stuck out like a sore thumb. The few Westerners I did see where mainly Older men with their young Filipino wives. This also made me sad.
I don't want it to sound like I had a bad time, I adored the Philippines and wish I had a chance to stay longer. I'll fill you in with a few of my Journal entries soon and If I can figure out how to post pictures maybe a few of those as well (especially the Tarsier a small primate I saw while trekking thorough the Jungle).
Paalam na ho (Goodbye)
Lada
On the first night I stayed in downtown Cebu (which all the guide books tell you not to) the noise of the traffic (lots of honking horns) and Karaoke which the Filipino adore went on all night. I don't know what you have to do to get a licence in the Philippines, and If you ever visit I recommend not driving. A two lane road becomes a five lane with many Motor cycles and Jeepneys (a colourful type of Public transport) all fighting for space. It seems that anyone who owns a car considers themselves a Taxi driver and I guess it's a good idea to check before you get in and to make sure the meter is running or you may be overcharged great deal.
Another thing that struck me is the timidity of the people. Usually in a country that has been repressed for so long a defiant spirit arises though this is not the case in the Philippines. People are generally happy to go about their own lives and not interfere with yours. I find more beggars on the streets of Melbourne than I found on my whole trip there, The Filipinos are a very proud people and Very religious.
On a visit to the very crowded Basillica Sto. Nono People lined up for more than a Kilometre to touch and kiss the glass surrounding the statues of Various Saints.
Something I found quite saddening was the lack of a distinct Filipino culture. Everything seemed a mix of Spanish and American cultures. I was hoping to hear some Traditional Music but there was none that I came across and the Filipinos adore music (lot's of tone deaf 80's hits belted out in Karaoke) As far a art work goes again the closest thing to a traditional art form was the bamboo weaving of the Nippa huts that line the beaches on the smaller Islands.
I came across very few Westerners while there, especially in Downtown Cebu where I stuck out like a sore thumb. The few Westerners I did see where mainly Older men with their young Filipino wives. This also made me sad.
I don't want it to sound like I had a bad time, I adored the Philippines and wish I had a chance to stay longer. I'll fill you in with a few of my Journal entries soon and If I can figure out how to post pictures maybe a few of those as well (especially the Tarsier a small primate I saw while trekking thorough the Jungle).
Paalam na ho (Goodbye)
Lada
