So, the following post is just a few things I've learned since being here. To the best of my knowledge, it is accurate. Anyway, I hope you enjoy learning a bit about what I'm experiencing here!
Language
Although Tagalog and English are the official languages, there are many dialects. For most of the last weeks I’ve been here, most people we encounter speak Visayan, or Cebuano. Some things/words are the same, but many are different. Many people still understand the other two to some degree, but they are not their main languages. Then, in certain cities, there are other sub-dialects so to speak. This means that most people speak multiple languages. Many people around the Surigao area, for instance, speak Visayan, Waray, Tagalog, English, and the local city dialect (the name escapes me). Of course, they are not completely fluent in all of them, but it’s still amazing that they grow up speaking so many languages. Even though English is technically an official language of the Philippines, most people speak Filipino, also known as Tagalog. Also, depending on which area one is in, there are different dialects spoken. But, I can communicate here in English if I want to. However, if I say too much, many Filipinos will claim nosebleed. It's a joke here. Filipinos say that if they speak too much English, they will get nosebleeds. It's actually really funny, because sometimes I realize I'm talking too fast or too much in English and then I say something like, "Sorry, nosebleed?" And then the people I'm talking to just laugh and nod.
Language
Although Tagalog and English are the official languages, there are many dialects. For most of the last weeks I’ve been here, most people we encounter speak Visayan, or Cebuano. Some things/words are the same, but many are different. Many people still understand the other two to some degree, but they are not their main languages. Then, in certain cities, there are other sub-dialects so to speak. This means that most people speak multiple languages. Many people around the Surigao area, for instance, speak Visayan, Waray, Tagalog, English, and the local city dialect (the name escapes me). Of course, they are not completely fluent in all of them, but it’s still amazing that they grow up speaking so many languages. Even though English is technically an official language of the Philippines, most people speak Filipino, also known as Tagalog. Also, depending on which area one is in, there are different dialects spoken. But, I can communicate here in English if I want to. However, if I say too much, many Filipinos will claim nosebleed. It's a joke here. Filipinos say that if they speak too much English, they will get nosebleeds. It's actually really funny, because sometimes I realize I'm talking too fast or too much in English and then I say something like, "Sorry, nosebleed?" And then the people I'm talking to just laugh and nod.
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| Banana as big as our thumb |
Food
Well, the food here is soooo good. In many ways, it's not that foreign from food we have in the U.S. There is a lot of chicken, pork, and fish. However, it's just combined with different sauces than we're used to, like adobo and champorado. There is also rice, just way more than we eat it in America usually. Let’s just say, it is not a meal if there is not rice on the table. Spring rolls here are common, but they are called lumpia. A special kind of lumpia filled with banana is called turon. A special glaze covers the fried banana lumpia to make it especially tasty (and unhealthy, haha). Fruit is very common here, but they are different fruits from what we are used to.
Well, the food here is soooo good. In many ways, it's not that foreign from food we have in the U.S. There is a lot of chicken, pork, and fish. However, it's just combined with different sauces than we're used to, like adobo and champorado. There is also rice, just way more than we eat it in America usually. Let’s just say, it is not a meal if there is not rice on the table. Spring rolls here are common, but they are called lumpia. A special kind of lumpia filled with banana is called turon. A special glaze covers the fried banana lumpia to make it especially tasty (and unhealthy, haha). Fruit is very common here, but they are different fruits from what we are used to.
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| BUKO for everyone |
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| Santol |
Buko (coconut), mango, papaya, santol, dalandan, and many more are grown here, including 11 different types of bananas. Can’t get anything better than fresh fruit all of the time. Ice cream flavors are interesting as well; common flavors are mango, melon, ube, avacado, and chocolate.
Transportation
Transportation can get pretty crazy here. We mostly travel by a bus from different missionaries and churches, but many times we take forms of public transportation as well. We've ridden coach bus, public bus, jeepney, taxi, tricycles, and LRT (train). We will also ride boat and plane in the next week or two. Most of these are relatively inexpensive compared to the states, but they are waaaayyy more crowded. Manilia has 19 million people, so what does that tell you. I suppose it could compare to a big city in the U.S., but it seems way more crowded even than that. The driving is definitely more crazy here. People cut people off on a multi-daily basis. It's just expected. But drivers don't generally get road rage; it's simply expected to have aggressive driving. The honking is a normal occurrence, more to say, "I'm coming through." than to say, "I'm ticked off." It's definitely interesting, but I feel surprisingly safe. Oh, and no seatbelts!
Gestures
The gestures here are interesting, and it did take a bit getting used to. It's fun now, though, to sort of be on the inside a little bit on recognizing them and even doing them myself. I will definitely have to train myself not to do them when I'm back in the States. There is a thing here called a silent greeting, it is just a lifting of the eyebrows. People use it all the time to say hello silently or even to answer a question yes without speaking. It seemed weird to me at first, but now it's almost automatic. Also, if you ask someone where something is, you're likely to get a lip answer. This just means that people with point with their lips where something is rather than their finger or arm to point. It looks funny, but it's just part of how things are here.
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| Which way, that way |
Also, people are very hands-on touchy. It has a lot to do with crowded quarters, but also to do with how close families and communities are. When people are talking to you, it's not uncommon for them to put their hand on your shoulder, or hit you lightly randomly. Also, you very frequently see people walking down the streets and in the malls with interlocking arms, even girls with girls and guys with guys. Another thing that's common is the "psst" sounds. Mostly moms use it to get their kids' attention, and the reaction is immediate.
Behavior
The people here are very welcoming. At the churches we've been to and just different places, the hospitality is always something to be noted. It's not uncommon for us to get the best food, even though it feels awkward when those you are with don't have it. But the people here are very giving that way. Also, family is super important here. Families almost always live together, even extended. Even after children get married, it's not uncommon for them to stay living with the family. People also call non-relatives names that are considered part of the family. It's a sign of respect. Ate means big sister, and kuya, big brother. When I get introduced, especially to children, I get introduced as Ate Jinnae. It's a respect thing. Also, as a sign of respect, when talking to someone older, the word "po" is added to speaking. So if you're saying good morning to an older person, you would say, "Magandang umaga po". I actually really like these concepts. The culture is just so respectful. Also, everything is Yes Ma’am, Yes Sir, sometimes you even get a Yes Ma’am Sir.
Entertainment
Basketball is HUGE here, and I mean huge, it is all they watch or play. I don't think I've seen any other sport played. We had a chance to go to one of the PBA games which was a lot of fun. Another thing that's popular is singing and dancing. Filipinos love their music. American music is popular, especially among the younger crowd, but any music is enjoyed. There are also dances, such as the ocho ocho, that are popular. It's been fun watching and even learning a little of some.Here are some of the things that children do for fun. Really, they seem entertained by almost anything, but there are a few things I’ve seen quite often. Of course, there is basketball and dancing and singing. But I’ve often seen a kid playing with tires and sticks, just like I was taught was a pioneer activity (except with wheels). Another thing that is extremely popular is spider fighting. Kids can buy matchboxes filled with spiders. Then, they put two of them on a stick and watch them fight. It’s funny because people are not generally afraid of spiders here. I’ve even seen spiders as big as my hand fought here. It’s fun to watch and some of the boys on our team have even gotten into it.
The people here are very welcoming. At the churches we've been to and just different places, the hospitality is always something to be noted. It's not uncommon for us to get the best food, even though it feels awkward when those you are with don't have it. But the people here are very giving that way. Also, family is super important here. Families almost always live together, even extended. Even after children get married, it's not uncommon for them to stay living with the family. People also call non-relatives names that are considered part of the family. It's a sign of respect. Ate means big sister, and kuya, big brother. When I get introduced, especially to children, I get introduced as Ate Jinnae. It's a respect thing. Also, as a sign of respect, when talking to someone older, the word "po" is added to speaking. So if you're saying good morning to an older person, you would say, "Magandang umaga po". I actually really like these concepts. The culture is just so respectful. Also, everything is Yes Ma’am, Yes Sir, sometimes you even get a Yes Ma’am Sir.
Entertainment
Basketball is HUGE here, and I mean huge, it is all they watch or play. I don't think I've seen any other sport played. We had a chance to go to one of the PBA games which was a lot of fun. Another thing that's popular is singing and dancing. Filipinos love their music. American music is popular, especially among the younger crowd, but any music is enjoyed. There are also dances, such as the ocho ocho, that are popular. It's been fun watching and even learning a little of some.Here are some of the things that children do for fun. Really, they seem entertained by almost anything, but there are a few things I’ve seen quite often. Of course, there is basketball and dancing and singing. But I’ve often seen a kid playing with tires and sticks, just like I was taught was a pioneer activity (except with wheels). Another thing that is extremely popular is spider fighting. Kids can buy matchboxes filled with spiders. Then, they put two of them on a stick and watch them fight. It’s funny because people are not generally afraid of spiders here. I’ve even seen spiders as big as my hand fought here. It’s fun to watch and some of the boys on our team have even gotten into it.
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| Some of the spiders we caught |
Another thing among adults that is popular is cock fighting. It’s legal here, so there are arenas for it.. One of the things I find entertaining is the amount of people they fit on motorcycles. It's usually at least four, but I've seen up to six. While being here, even I have ridden on a motorcycle with three other people. It's fun but also scary.
Religion
The Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic, but there are a number of Protestants here as well. Religion is another big part of life here. Religious sayings are everywhere airbrushed onto Jeepneys and such. People are very open here, even the government and schools. Sometimes when we're presenting in schools I forget that I don't have to be careful about what I say. In some areas here, though, Protestants are known as born-again, and it's seen almost like a cult. But mostly it's open. There are also a number of Muslims scattered throughout, but there is a large number in the southern part of the PI, known as Mindanao.
Phrases
To start off, I will list a few common terms here.
CR- comfort room, the word for bathroom here
Aircon-what AC is called here
Chanelles or slippers-the word for flip flops
Religion
The Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic, but there are a number of Protestants here as well. Religion is another big part of life here. Religious sayings are everywhere airbrushed onto Jeepneys and such. People are very open here, even the government and schools. Sometimes when we're presenting in schools I forget that I don't have to be careful about what I say. In some areas here, though, Protestants are known as born-again, and it's seen almost like a cult. But mostly it's open. There are also a number of Muslims scattered throughout, but there is a large number in the southern part of the PI, known as Mindanao.
Phrases
To start off, I will list a few common terms here.
CR- comfort room, the word for bathroom here
Aircon-what AC is called here
Chanelles or slippers-the word for flip flops
Tissue- what we would call a napkin at the dinner table, you never say napkin here.
Jobs
Education is very important here. People need a college degree to even be a janitor in some department stores. Nursing is very extremely common here as a major. However, there just aren’t enough jobs for the amount of people graduating. Because of this, you commonly see someone with a nursing degree working as a maid or cashier or something. Many dream of getting nursing jobs in the States, but it’s a long process and also very hard to get there financially. It’s sad seeing so many people jobless, especially when most have college degrees.
Communication
Cell phones are very important here. Almost everyone has one, and they are very valued. Many times, people will buy load for their phone over food. I mean, not everyone does that, but it’s not uncommon. Also, phones aren’t really on plans, they are by load. Load is simply what allows a phone to text or call. A text takes so much load and load costs so many pesos. One of the phrases I learned first because of its abundance was “Load na dito”, which means load here now. Of course, Facebook is also popular, especially among younger generations. I have so many friend requests from all the people I’ve met that it’s ridiculous.
Education is very important here. People need a college degree to even be a janitor in some department stores. Nursing is very extremely common here as a major. However, there just aren’t enough jobs for the amount of people graduating. Because of this, you commonly see someone with a nursing degree working as a maid or cashier or something. Many dream of getting nursing jobs in the States, but it’s a long process and also very hard to get there financially. It’s sad seeing so many people jobless, especially when most have college degrees.
Communication
Cell phones are very important here. Almost everyone has one, and they are very valued. Many times, people will buy load for their phone over food. I mean, not everyone does that, but it’s not uncommon. Also, phones aren’t really on plans, they are by load. Load is simply what allows a phone to text or call. A text takes so much load and load costs so many pesos. One of the phrases I learned first because of its abundance was “Load na dito”, which means load here now. Of course, Facebook is also popular, especially among younger generations. I have so many friend requests from all the people I’ve met that it’s ridiculous.
Family
I know I mentioned that family was very important here. But I thought I’d talk about that some more. Even when separated by thousands of miles or much time, families are very close. A couple of girls on our team are Filipina by blood, but American by citizenship. Both have visited family here, even though they have seen them for ten years or more. And they are still super close. Some of their family they didn’t even meet until they came here, but they are still arranging to spend time with them before leaving next week. They are just so much closer than families in the States. Families would do anything for each other here. Families that seem close in the States seem to fail in comparison to families here. It’s just part of the culture, but it’s so rare in the States that it stands out so much to me.
Time
This culture is much more event based than time based. This just means that people care more about the event than about the time in which it happens. If something is supposed to start at 6, it probably won’t until at least 7 if not after. This makes it really hard for Americans to adjust to the culture since we are time based. Filipinos don’t understand why the person gets frustrated if they don’t show up on time because, to them, they at least showed up. We call it “Filipino Time”, and even Filipinos know and joke about it.
Bugs
Okay, so this isn’t really part of the culture as much as it’s just a part of nature. I’ve gotten much more used to bugs since I’ve been here. I have many mosquito bites, no matter how much repellent I seem to use. But there are just random flying and crawling bugs around everywhere. It is something that you can’t really be bothered by here or you’re going to be constantly annoyed. I’ve encountered red ants on more than one occasion, which leave a nasty bite. I’ve also knowingly drank my coffee even though a bug was floating in it. None of us on the team care enough to pick them out anymore; we consider them extra protein. Ha. But we encounter more than just bugs.
I know I mentioned that family was very important here. But I thought I’d talk about that some more. Even when separated by thousands of miles or much time, families are very close. A couple of girls on our team are Filipina by blood, but American by citizenship. Both have visited family here, even though they have seen them for ten years or more. And they are still super close. Some of their family they didn’t even meet until they came here, but they are still arranging to spend time with them before leaving next week. They are just so much closer than families in the States. Families would do anything for each other here. Families that seem close in the States seem to fail in comparison to families here. It’s just part of the culture, but it’s so rare in the States that it stands out so much to me.
Time
This culture is much more event based than time based. This just means that people care more about the event than about the time in which it happens. If something is supposed to start at 6, it probably won’t until at least 7 if not after. This makes it really hard for Americans to adjust to the culture since we are time based. Filipinos don’t understand why the person gets frustrated if they don’t show up on time because, to them, they at least showed up. We call it “Filipino Time”, and even Filipinos know and joke about it.
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| Largest worm EVER! |
Bugs
Okay, so this isn’t really part of the culture as much as it’s just a part of nature. I’ve gotten much more used to bugs since I’ve been here. I have many mosquito bites, no matter how much repellent I seem to use. But there are just random flying and crawling bugs around everywhere. It is something that you can’t really be bothered by here or you’re going to be constantly annoyed. I’ve encountered red ants on more than one occasion, which leave a nasty bite. I’ve also knowingly drank my coffee even though a bug was floating in it. None of us on the team care enough to pick them out anymore; we consider them extra protein. Ha. But we encounter more than just bugs.
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| Baby Gecko |
Frogs, lizards, and geckos crawl and hop around everywhere, especially when we’re not in the city. Many geckos live in our rooms, fall off the walls and ceiling onto the table while eating dinner, or crawl right up your leg. We hear them making noise at all hours of the night. It’s been interesting. It will be nice sleeping without bugs all around me, but it’s kind of fun just being used to it.
Anyways, this is just a little bit of insight into Filipino culture!
