The Philippines Observer

I've had a few days in the bustling metropolis that is Manila, to take it all in and make my list of observations. It's a very curious city, that is unique in it's own way. It's kinda hard to define Manila, and the Philippines, in comparison to other cities/countries, but I will do my best to help you, gentle reader, to understand what this place is like. Strap yourself in, and lets go....

1) The Filipinos are a proud people. They are deeply religious, in a Catholic way. It controls all that they do, and affects them in ways they can't comprehend. Since about 90% of the population is Catholic - it's the 4th largest Catholic nation in the world, in terms of sheer numbers (ahead of even Italy) - the Vatican has a significant influence on daily life here. Contraception is difficult to talk about, or find information on. It is not taught in schools, and counselors that are willing to help with contraception are underground. I've seen an alarming amount of young people with children of their own. It's not uncommon for families to have 8 - 12 children. It's quite amazing to witness.

2) Manila is bereft of cultural things. I tried in vain to find something to do that had a smidgen of culture attached to it. It was pretty difficult to find anything. There is nothing like a world-class museum here, a la MOMA or the Tate. All of the listings I've found online, were for 'museums' that are a small room in a University or office building. The Centre of Culture in Manila is in the form of a large shopping mall. It's called "The Mall of Asia". I think you're supposed to say that in a booming voice.

3) Continuing on the 'proud' mention earlier, it's interesting to note that people here are quite proud to wear a uniform. Of any kind. It seems to give them a sense of belonging. It doesn't matter if it is a uniform from a fast-food outlet, or for a school, or a department store...they wear it everywhere. In Canada, people would not be caught dead in an outfit that identified where they work. The moment they leave the job, the uniform is off. Not here in the Philippines. It's like a badge of honour.

4) Dogs have jobs. I've been sniffed by 'guard dogs' lots of times here. The dogs look quite bored, because they never smell anything. I wonder just how often they get to sniff anything other than some humans butt?

5) Filipinos have an amazing capacity to accept things that are already old in other parts of the world. Case in point: I was in a magazine store, and there were many magazines that had dates from 2006. This, in a store that should thrive on up-to-date information.

6) Traffic is abysmal here. Sometimes it's just easier to walk. Cars just go nowhere. During rush hour, traffic lights are ignored, and traffic directors take over, but not everyone observes their direction. It's total chaos.

7) People are smaller here. It's hard to describe, but just imagine that most men here are about 8- 12 inches shorter than their counterparts in Canada or USA. It's quite interesting to note. Sure, there are the exceptions, but the general population are tiny. Both men and women. Finding clothes that fit me is kinda difficult.

So, tomorrow I am heading back to Hong Kong. It's been close to 3 months since I've been there, and I am looking forward to being back. I will be there to observe Chinese New Years. It should be fun. When I am there, I will also attempt to obtain my Visitor's Visa for China. The offices in Hong Kong are closed for CNY, but once they open, I will be there, waiting.