Cultural Differences
I have been here for a bit over a week and have had the time to notice so many differences from the Philippines and the USA. Here are some of the observations that I have made.
The Philippines/Manilla seems to have adopted the American way of life. Tv shows, radio stations etc are all in english and they play american music.. I have to say though that I haven't found a station that has current music. Most of the music on the radio is from the 70's/80's
The gay populace is huge out here. It isn't uncommon to see crossdressers or people going through "transition". I know that in the US, some people are judgemental or stare if they see a man dressed as a woman. Out here, it is in the open and no one takes a second glance. The men seem to be more feminine or gentle (not sure how to phrase this) and I don't see "macho". I had to joke though, but many of the men that I have seen dressed as women or going through transtion, have amazing figures.. I want to know their secret!!!!
So many people smoke out here. I think it would be comparable to the US in 70's or 80's.. It seems like everyone smokes...
They don't use knives to eat. They use a spoon to cut things. It is interesting to watch...
Foodwise, they have alot of Carbs for their meals.. I have noticed that rice is with everything. If not that then they have so much pasta and it seems like they add sugar to everything. Spagetti with sugar.. it is sweet. I kinda liked it. I have a huge sweet tooth, but the fact that they have so many carbs and sugars in their foods, I am so curious how they are all so skinny. I don't see many meals with vegetables.
Their food/drink portions are so much smaller. The water bottles that you buy or when you get bottled water, they are a good 1/3 smaller that what I am used to seeing.
Hot food is usually cold or room temperature. Cold food items like milk, eggs etc seem to always be room temp. I have to ask for the specifically to be cold. Now this is just in the hotel resurant but if you go to the grocery store or a market, most of the eggs are not refridgerated, meat is out in the open. I am not sure how that works and they don't get sick.. Maybe it is a difference in our bodies... ie drinking water.. It bothers the visitors but not the locals?
If you order bacon or have it on your meal, you better ask for it to be SUPER, SUPER crispy. if you don't, you will get it almost raw..
The lotions and creams have a whitening agent in them. So you have to really search for those that don't have that included.
Everything is yes/no mam'm/sir. The respect level is amazing out here. They are so polite. I am not just talking about people in the service industry. I am talking about everyone. It is amazing.. I don't feel any negativity, you don't hear people complaining about anything.
The Tv shows seem to have a censorship included. They will block "sex" scenes, voice over certain cuss words. This is even on the HBO channel so they keep things PG for the most part.
People will travel hours one way to get to work
Food/drink portions are so much smaller.
