Only in the Philippines

Philippine tourism is booming. Foreign tourists are coming like they have missed the country for so long. It’s a good sign for the people. It’s a very positive sign for the economy. The tourism tagline “More fun in the Philippines” couldn’t have been more fitting for these visitors.

But it’s not just fun in the Philippines. There are other things people should know about this country of warm and friendly people with very strong sense of humor. Their unique and endearing ways kept them close to the hearts of those who came to know them.

• Dancing Prisoners
  

Michael Jackson died, the prisoners danced to his legacy. Not every prison officer in other parts of the world can mobilize in a unified way a throng of prisoners in their bright orange prison suits, dancing with pride in a well-choreographed Michael Jackson’s Beat It. And for that gained global viewing and recognition. Only in the Philippines…

• Texting capital

Even the poorest of the poorest owns at least two cellphones to keep their unlimited connection to loved ones. Others own more depending on the number of mobile phone networks there are. Where one phone is enough for most people all over the world, the Filipinos need them all to stay connected – Smart, Globe, Sun, Red? Only in the Philippines…

• Mountain Climbing

It’s not the group of mountaineers you normally see trooping to the mountains for a fund-raising event. They are the Ifugaos trekking the mountains with such ease and grace like they are walking the runway for a tribal fashion show. Their means of commuting from one place to another is miles and miles of walking, uphill or downhill, non-stop. Only in the Philippines….

• Body Language

Ever seen a mother calling to her son by mere nodding of the head or by using her hand waving towards her direction? There’s no need for name calling. Only a loud hissing sound and an arm resting on her waist while waiting for the boy to come to her. When asking for the food tab in a restaurant, one would draw a rectangle in the air and the waiter will come rushing with the bill. No need for words. Just actions. Only in the Philippines…

• Regional Festivals 

People prepare for the festivities like there’s no tomorrow. It’s a pageantry of colourful costumes, head dresses, life-size props depicting the region’s culture and heritage. Sinulog, Dinagyang, Maskara, Ati-Atihan … You can only witness the stories of the regions through music, songs and dances…Only in the Philippines…

• Loot bags

Nope, not from a kid’s birthday party but during special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, adult’s birthday parties. They are no loot bags but the hosts are ready with containers filled with food from the party, ready to be distributed to specific guests as give-aways or freebies. It’s common in the rural areas where foods are prepared in homes instead of hotels or classy function halls. No one goes home without a loot bag. Only in the Philippines…

• Pasalubong

It’s innate and natural. Filipinos love souvenirs. And souvenirs they will bring home wherever they may have travelled to – local or outside the country. The family goes on vacation to Ilocos and when they head home, they will never fail to stop at ‘pasalubong centers or stores’ to buy products and food distinct to the place. Only in the Philippines….

• Double-Decker Bus, Philippine Style

You’ve probably seen the streets of London with double-decker bus. The Philippines has its own version – a full-packed jeepney with passengers seated on the roof where the seats down below can no longer accommodate them. Not usually found in the metropolis but common sights in the provinces where transportation is rather limited. Unlike the bus in London, the Philippines’ has no seat arrangement and one will enjoy fresh air. Only in the Philippines….

• Retail at its Best

The Chinese traders must have taught the Filipinos very well that they took in the retailing lessons quite far-out. Go to the nearest market and you will see all sorts of merchandise in retail packs – cigarette, laundry soap, cooking oil, garlic, ground or powder pepper. You name it they have it in packs of P5, P10 or P20 at the most. This highlights the flexibility of the Filipinos, adjusting to the situations, and still enjoying life. Only in the Philippines…

• What’s H in a Name?

The Filipinos are a bunch of creative thinkers especially when it comes to names. Parents have formulated certain unwritten rules when naming their children – Jose for boys and Maria for girls. There may be second names but who cares? What’s important is they bear the names Jose and Maria. And what’s the letter H doing in most of the names of the Filipinos like Lhyn (Lyn), Jhun (Jun), Bhong (Bong), Jhenny (Jenny), or did you hear her call him Dhan or Bhoy? No apparent reason for H being there but they like it spelled that way. Only in the Philippines.

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