OT: Philippines in my future...

[adouglas]

Remember that the girls in the bar probably cannot really "love you long time" and are just looking for a greencard.

Some of those girls are probably boys.....

 

[Aussie Mark]

Oh man, the drivers and the house-staff, man...they make everything easier.

If they do, it must be different to Indonesia. Managing household staff was a royal PITA at times, since you end up being a social worker, marriage counsellor, policeman, step-parent and instructor for the staff.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Some of those girls are probably boys.....

Or used to be.

 

[syciprider]

I was born and raised there (migrated here @ 25). I love the food, the folks and the 50:1 exchange rate, but I hate the congestion and the corrupt guvmint.

My wife and I spend more time in the countryside than Manila when we visit.

This was taken last summer on an island in the central Philippines. Note the odd shaped hills which are the attractions we were visiting.

 

[Freddels]

Bring toilet paper wherever you go. I'm not kidding.

Instead of TP, bring baby wipes. You can take a stack of them in a baggy and they'll take up less space and you'll use less of them.

 

[Freddels]

If they do, it must be different to Indonesia. Managing household staff was a royal PITA at times, since you end up being a social worker, marriage counsellor, policeman, step-parent and instructor for the staff.

When we visited Indonesia we had none of those problems.

Of course we were just visiting and got the benefits of the staff and didn't have to deal with the day to day mgmt. But we've heard the stories.

 

[kneeoh]

The house staffs, drivers, and such in the RP are some of the most loyal I've ever seen. My ex-fiance comes from a very well-to-do family in Quezon City - I was born there but moved here with my family at 7 months. The first few times I went to visit her family, I was truly taken aback by how well they take care of you. I actually felt guilty because everything was done for me, and done at EBMM levels of care. After a while, I realized the loyalty is based on the symbiotic relationship between the family and the staff. In the instance of my ex... the staff, who were all related... had their own house on the compound (it was just slightly smaller than the main house), and the ex's family put the children of the staff through school. The family doesn't see it as an added burden.

 

[ashiin]

amazing, glad you love san miguel, it's one of my favorite beers. Second to Corona.

I haven't been to Philippines since i was around 5, i vaguely remember what happened there. Pretty awesome.

 

[roburado]

I was born and raised there (migrated here @ 25). I love the food, the folks and the 50:1 exchange rate, but I hate the congestion and the corrupt guvmint.

My wife and I spend more time in the countryside than Manila when we visit.

This was taken last summer on an island in the central Philippines. Note the odd shaped hills which are the attractions we were visiting.

Thanks for the Chocolate Hills pic. One day, I need to go there.

 

[roburado]

Instead of TP, bring baby wipes. You can take a stack of them in a baggy and they'll take up less space and you'll use less of them.

That's a good idea. I think I'll use that next time. Don't have any kids, you see. So, it never crossed my mind. Thanks.

 

[roburado]

Some of those girls are probably boys.....

Yeah...especially in the Remedios Circle area. Makati certainly has its share too.

 

[tkarter]

Anthony should know enough from this thread that it will be like his second visit to the place.

Interesting thread.

tk

 

[roburado]

I think, Anthony, you'll have to bring home a Barrel Man as a souvenir.

 

[syciprider]

Lol.

 

[AnthonyD]

Thanks everyone for sharing your tips, insight and experiences! It is greatly appreciated.

Just returned from dinner and a late practice with the Band (Bongo killed again!)... My cousin assured me I will not be expected to eat balut (I've been worried - don't want to offend!). He said he's sure it will be offered to me, though mostly as an opportunity for his in-laws to have a good laugh at my expense.

His father-in-law who lives with him and I am friendly with loves it, so I am sure I will get an "up-close and personal" view of the whole experience through him.


And TK, you're right - who would've thought bass players would have such great insight on international travel!?














Barrel Man, eh!?

 

[kneeoh]

If not a Barrel Man, they make some very interesting ashtrays too.... hehe

 

[Freddels]

That's a good idea. I think I'll use that next time. Don't have any kids, you see. So, it never crossed my mind. Thanks.

Actually, I learned that one in the military, long before I had any kids.

 

[Freddels]

Last night I caught the end of an episode of Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre Foods show. He was in the Phillipines.

Try the Mangrove worms.

 

[Mikey]

Instead of TP, bring baby wipes. You can take a stack of them in a baggy and they'll take up less space and you'll use less of them.

Hey boys! What about Wonder Wipes?

 

[francric]

I recommend that you don't drink the water. Get bottled water wherever you go. Don't eat any fresh vegetables.

Some of those girls are probably boys.....

This would have been my advise................great thread. Rob you should go as the tour guide. Have fun Anthony.......