The Top Ten Things I Like About Working in the Philippines (so far):
Two months ago I arrived in Manila to start work as an editor on a show for Al Jazeera. As an observational documentary spread over six one-hour episodes about the lives of people living in the slums, the subject material is fascinating.
But, as that story is still evolving I'll leave those details to another post. No, this post is a simple observation about the 10 coolest things I have discovered (this far) about working in a mega city beset with tropical storms, rampant religion and jeepneys.
As I had already started to list some of my favourite things when Typhon Yolanda slammed into Leyte and Samar, I decided to hold off what is essentially a flippant commentary when the country is in such turmoil. Nothing much has changed on that front, chatting to a U.S. guy based at the embassy yesterday, he told me about the huge logistical issues facing the relief effort.
So for anyone wondering what to do for gifts this Christmas time, how about shelling out a few pesos for the survivors who are really doing it tough right now. Having personally witnessed the Philippines Red Cross shifting a mountain of relief goods, they are a great place to start:
http://www.redcross.org.ph/
So, in no particular order:
10. My Filipino work boots
But, as that story is still evolving I'll leave those details to another post. No, this post is a simple observation about the 10 coolest things I have discovered (this far) about working in a mega city beset with tropical storms, rampant religion and jeepneys.
As I had already started to list some of my favourite things when Typhon Yolanda slammed into Leyte and Samar, I decided to hold off what is essentially a flippant commentary when the country is in such turmoil. Nothing much has changed on that front, chatting to a U.S. guy based at the embassy yesterday, he told me about the huge logistical issues facing the relief effort.
So for anyone wondering what to do for gifts this Christmas time, how about shelling out a few pesos for the survivors who are really doing it tough right now. Having personally witnessed the Philippines Red Cross shifting a mountain of relief goods, they are a great place to start:
http://www.redcross.org.ph/
So, in no particular order:
10. My Filipino work boots
9: No Nanny State
Speaking of health and safety, there's no need to worry about finding foods containing the heart association seal of approval, if its not deep fried, crumbed or dripping in some sugary concoction, the Filipinos don't want anything to do with it. Fair play.
8. Interesting marketing strategies
While we are on the subject of health, when was the last time a pack of gaspers cost the same as a bottle of water and were sold alongside eggs.
7. Safe shopping malls
Lets face hit, packing heat when you're off for a bit of retail therapy ain't cool, and as shopping malls are pretty much the number one national pastime (aside from shoes and basketball) its great to think that they give you a box to leave your glock in.
6. Tattoos
We like to think that in New Zealand we are the most heavily tattooed nation on a per capita basis. Well, Filipinos might argue otherwise. From the primitive prison ink styles (pictured above) to some elaborate realism, there is some seriously well inked people here and some very talented practitioners of the art.
5. Beer in jars
Interestingly, going out for a few jars, is just that. So the extra strong Red Horse might not be the greatest combination of malt (and very few hops) on the planet, but at $2 for a 6.7 % beer in the 500ml bottle, who's splitting hairs. Plus, if I want an exquisite Belgium brew, my local supermarket has quite a selection.
4. Rats that scare cats
I'm no fan of these furry little pests, but you have to admire the Philippine rat. Not only have they managed to thrive and grow to extraordinary sizes while the local dogs and cats are incredibly malnourished, they have absolutely no fear of people.
3. No ambiguity
Whilst on a drive looking for a good place to grab a beverage, I was left in no doubt what the neon-lit building across the road was. If I needed a mall, I would be heading there.
2. The Filipino Smile
Its pretty infectious and these kids are pretty much as poor as it gets. Given the dire circumstances that some of the people that we are meeting experience, you wouldn't begrudge them for walking around with a permanent scowl. Not the Filipino. Super resilient and in possession of a quirky send of humour, a smile given will always get one back. Hey, I'm seldom known to smile myself, but its hard not too here.
1. The Pan Pacific Lounge
This photo is special for a number of reasons. It features two of the very friendly and skilled Pan Pacific staff who daily greet me with a chilled glass of chardonnay followed by a cocktail or three. It also shows the bar where complimentary beverages are mixed for 2 hours every day...yes that's right, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m we get to sit in a wonderful lounge overlooking the night time lights of manila, sipping on any cocktail we can think of while dining on a buffet on delicious pre dinner snacks. After a gruelling day editing in my hotel room or battling the touts on the street outside who are convinced that even after two months here I still need Viagra, a Rolex and a pretty girl, the lounge bar is the sort of place that if you were given a free pass to it once you would be stoked...let alone to have it available for the 122 nights I am staying in the hotel. Never once do the staff looked bored to see you, in fact the opposite, they treat every evening like its a special occasion...which it is. Cheers.
