This week has been one of those weeks that have just been so surreal. Due to family reasons (not to be disclosed here), I flew with the rest of my family back to the Philippines. The details of the trip are too personal to really disclose here, but let’s just say that it was trip that I don’t think I will ever forget. This trip was so short (we left Brisbane midnight Monday, arriving back this morning) that I think that we spent more time in transit than the combined time of all of the rest of our other activities. Both the purpose of the trip and one of the books I’m currently reading (highly recommended), ‘What Should I Do With My Life‘, by Po Bronson, made me more highly observant and appreciative of the differences between Australia and the Philippines.

I have only visisted the Philippines about four times since my family moved to Australia but there were still so many things that still surprised me. Here’s a brief list (because I can’t describe all of them):

• The Filipino Melting Pot – Even though we describe the melting pot of cultures here in Australia, the defining characteristic about the Philippines’ culture is that has soaked up every other culture that has had significant influence over it. Spain has had the most effect on the culture with its rule over the Philippines for the longest running time. Spanish names continue to flow down from generation to generation and anyone who has studied Spanish would still be able to understand a fair amount of the national language, Tagalog. The native Asians and the effects that the Chinese have had are clearly evident by looking at national dishes that are served. Modernisation and the effects of the USA can be seen by the proliferation of fast food joints and large corporations littering the towns and countryside.
• Local Transportation – Transportation in metro Manila (the capital of the Philippines) is largely dominated by three types of vehicles (other than cars). These are the Tricycle (either a pushbike or a motorbike with a side car), the Calesa (Horse and Carriage) and the Jeepnies (colourfully decorated equivalents of mini-buses). It’s such a strange sight to see such a mix of traditional and modern day modes of transport.
• Artful Driving – Like any overpopulated country, getting around on the streets by a car is crazy (but certainly not impossible). Indicators tend not to operate as efficiently as the car horn in letting cars know that they are right next to each other, and despite the two official lanes on the highway there always seemed to be some car overtaking in a ‘third lane’.
• Squatters – The rampant history of war, corruption and natural disasters has certainly not helped the Philippines’ move forward as a developing nation. As a result there still many squatters that build shanties wherever they can. It’s not unusual to see a river bank completed surrounded by these shacks, with many even having TVs powered by illegally tapped electricity lines.
• Friendliness – Filipinos are well known for their hospitality and friendliness. Perhaps its the devout nature of the 90%+ catholic people and the family-oriented culture that makes them so friendly but conversations always seemed to have a very warm feel about them.