Thursday July 23rd 2009
Local Time: 8:17am
Manila, Philippines.
Team Manila. I won't be making anything in the Philippines.
I've been gone for almost a week now, time flies when you're sweating buckets.
More...
I'm quite thankful that I was here three years ago. Had I not come here the culture shock probably would've been 10x more...shocking. In the last few days since my last post I've:
>> showered every single day - 2x a day
>> been terrorized by a cat with the most sinister of eyes.
>> attempted to have a conversation with locals - my Tagalog still sucks.
>> seen a few large cockroaches, eek!
>> took a two hour+ commute from one end of the city to the other (by comparison it's Brampton to Mississauga - which normally takes me 15-20 mins or so, 30 mins with traffic. Traffic here is EPIC. OOO-EMM-GEE. Ridiculous to the power of 9 LOL)
>> took an oath to be more environmentally friendly.
>> been stuffed with 12+ people in an FX taxi (I would never agree if it wasn't for the A/C.)
>> almost died from the pollution riding a jeepney.
>> took a few rides on tricycles - one form of commuting I actually enjoy...sometimes.
>> had McDo (fried chicken and rice at Mickey D's - f'real! f'real!)
>> began my 4 week long Mall tour beginning with Mall of Asia and Megamall - Mall of Asia is impressive, but way too big for my liking. I don't even think we covered the whole mall.
>> dropped a couple of thousand pesos shopping - already! shit son it hasn't even been two weeks!!
>> *Side Note: I find it SO FUNNY when I see filipina women with less than average white men and how they hold on to their man with dear life when walking through the mall. He ain't going no where fast.
>> wanted to kill a certain someone ever since we got here - he's so full of shit. How the fuck do you "know" so much? YOU piss me off.
>> been internet deprived because this certain someone is taking up everyone else's time talking to his "damn loving girlfriend" LOL, that's laughable.
>> learned that going wandering on my own is NEVER an option. Someone is always assigned to keep me company - trying to escape to go exploring on my own has since proved to be impossible.
>> my sister is sick and one of my tita's thinks she has the H1N1 virus - NO she doesn't but it's so funny how dramatic people are making it.
>> I was trippin' balls when I saw some of the "brutha's and sista's" shopping and speaking fluent Tagalog - their parents must be diplomats.
>> seen some the guys which I can only suspect are homies from the filipino equivalent of the NBA, no one here is THAT tall.
>> almost agreed to attend a presentation of investing in SM condo properties - I'd move into one of these condos. Very nice.
>> learned to appreciate the fact that I'm a Canadian citizen.
The plans for today are: tennis, badminton and volleyball at one of the country clubs...or country club-ish places...then shopping at Green Hills. I'm a get me some shoes! I miss home but I'm trying to make the most out of this and enjoy myself while I'm here. Who knows when I could get away like this again.
The plans for tomorrow until next Thursday: La Isla to see my grandparents. My parents arrive here on Monday afternoon. My cousin's 15th birthday also on Monday (a holiday for my family) which I AM coordinating. So far it's playing out to be like a debut. I managed to get my hands on the biggest speakers, cake and balloons ever. Here's hoping all goes well.
It's been lonely at times but when I get time to myself at night I look up to the stars, they keep me company. Wherever I am, I'll keep you posted.
Peace Outside.
- J. Dean
[PS.] Thank you for all the letters, emails, well wishes and FB inbox messages =) It's nice to know that people at home miss you when you're gone.
