Philippines. A Few Thoughts

Well it is very hard to sum up a country, or even a city, after only a week so I am not going to try. However, I will point out a few things I noticed.

- Diversity. Not to make this a dump on Korea thing, but Korea can often lack for real diversity. Everyone seems to like Kpop, Korean or Koreanised food and dress in a very similar way. In contrast the Philippines has guys who looked like Iron Maiden roadies, businessmen, beach bums etc. Various cabs and stores had music ranging from Metallica to Billy Ray Cyrus. There was western fast food, high end cuisine from all over the world (that was authentic) and various Filipino food as well.

- Latin feel. I guess being a Spanish colony for so long it was bound to happen, but the Philippines felt almost Latin rather than Asian. Catholic churches instead of Buddhist temples. Spanish names. Shopping malls. In fact wealthier parts of Manila reminded me more of Los Angeles than of Bangkok, Seoul or Taipei.

- Why does Manila get so much hate? As a tourist destination everyone dumps on it. I sort of get it but not really. The poverty is intense, as is the begging and touts. However it is not much worse than parts of Bangkok and certainly much better than Cambodia and India from what I have heard. Not to be dismissive of poverty but if it bothers you so much why did you travel to a third world country? Also, much of the poverty is related to drugs. In some ways it seems like east Hastings st. in Vancouver. However most Filipino's seemed very hard working and were getting by. Also their attitude was amazing, but more on that below. As to the city, there isn't that much to see in Manila, in fact a day is probably enough, but there is lots to do. We found a few cool places to eat and drink and shop. Taxi's will overcharge but so what? It's like $1. Plus if you are on your way to Boracay you will paying triple the norm for everything in the Philippines anyway so who cares?

- Island time. 20 minutes for a beer, 17 hours for a 9 hour bus ride. Island time.

- The countryside. Much though I just defended Manila, the countryside is where it's at. It is stunning and very clean.

- People. Filipino's may be the friendliest people I have ever met. Even coke head cabbie was nice. Friendly, honest, laid back and hard working. I was about to have a dig at Koreans here but in fact Canadians could learn a thing or two from Filipino's as well.