To everyone in the #Philippines, especially foreigners and those planning to visit our beautiful country, make it a habit to:
Bring a liter of water at all times.
The heat index (or feels like) is now at 38°C (I don't know what it is in °F we don't use that). This is still, actually, cool for us locals.
In the coming weeks, and months, it might go up as high as 45°C, like it did in the last few years (even without #ElNiño). 42°C – 45°C is what we locals consider very hot, and there are locals who collapses, or die, because of heat exhaustion. (Watch out for announcements of heat waves too.)
Now, if you're a foreigner who came from colder countries, you definitely are not accustomed to this weather. So, don't even dare assume "you can do it". Bring water with you at all times, especially if you have existing conditions.
Mineral water is highly recommended, preferably between pH8 and pH10 (alkaline levels). Distilled/purified water are below pH6 (acidic levels). Of course, if your doctor said you can not drink alkaline/mineral water, then don't. Especially people who can't process minerals.
Are you a foreigner who's considering migrating here in the #Philippines? Here are some things to consider you probably will not read from anywhere.
I. Traditions and hierarchy
If you are from a culture where hierarchy and respect is highly valued, you should consider migrating as far away from Manila as possible.
You see, the closer you get to Manila (or National Capital Region), the more Westernised it is. Filipino traditions of hierarchy and respect is fast eroding.
For example, if you are from Spain or China, any form of marriage dowry/service is long gone. However, it is very much alive elsewhere.
The Filipino traditional marriage dowry is the guy going into service for the woman's family until he gets their blessing. Filipino-Chinese can choose between that or the Chinese tradition of exchanging precious gifts.
Another thing, Manila no longer cares about family clans. But elsewhere in the country, it still matters.
II. On respect.
If you are Korean or Japanese, you'll be happy to discover that the Filipino language, and all Philippines languages, are rich in words of respect, like how it is in #Hangugeo and #Nihongo.
However, in Manila (or National Capital Region), many of these were forgotten because of the prevalence of English.
Example, if in Korean there are different levels of respect based on age and/or hierarchy, we do have different levels as well. The farther you go from Manila, the more this respect through words are still observed. In Manila, levels of respect is practically non-existent, and if you speak that way, people tend to get surprised because it sounds "old fashioned".
Another example. In Korean culture, the youngest, or the newest member of the company/team, gets ordered around; it's a thing here as well. Also, they're expected to pay for everything, HAHAHAHA. The only difference, we don't have a seating arrangement, so they usually choose the corner to avoid getting ordered around. (Wise, right?)
III. Age.
We don't ask each other's age here. However, it is NOT rude to ask someone's age, even women.
If you're Western, don't be surprised if someone asks your age, especially if you're a woman. We do understand in Western cultures it is rude to ask a woman her age, or anyone for that matter. But you're here in the Philippines.
If you're Korean or Japanese, feel free and be a ease to ask someone's age. Again, it is NOT rude here. We do understand, especially for Koreans, that asking one's age is important to determine respect rules and hierarchy. That's perfectly fine with us.
The way we view "age", which affects the use of respectful words and determining hierarchy, is more about how you look. If you're 20 and you look 80, well, people will use respectful words and treat you an elderly. Seriously.
If you're 50 and you look like underage (under 18), same thing, you'll be treated as an underage, you'll even be asked for an ID to prove your age. 😉 I experienced that a lot, especially if I cut my hair short.
While it is not rude to ask someone's age, it is also in our culture to not bother with it and just guess it.
Is it rude to guess? NO.
But of course, it doesn't mean the person will not be offended if you thought they're 80 when they're actually 20. I mean, who wouldn't?
The thing is, if you guessed our age wrong, we just laugh at it. But still be careful, mental health and all.
The new #tourism slogan and brand campaign was created by DDB Philippines Inc., for a sum of 50 million pesos, as per the published terms of reference of DOT’s Notices of Bids issued in February. The new slogan replaces #itsmorefuninthephilippines created in 2012 by BBDO guerrero for 6 million pesos.
Happy 125th Independence from Spain my beloved Nation, the Philippines!
(Which ironically, we're still using the name they gave us.)
For today's independence post, let's talk a bit about General Pío del Pilar.
The attached image is the KKK (Katipunan) flag used by General Pío del Pilar, the namesake of barangay Pio del Pilar, #Makati City.
His flag was called “Bandila ng Matagumpay” (en: “Flag of the Triumphants”) and was first used on July 11, 1895. (And his KKK faction was called “Matagumpay” (en: “Triumphants”)
Pío del Pilar was a force to reckoned with. He liberated , defended, and participated in many battles against the Spaniards. Some of these places we know today as Mandaluyong City, Las Piñas City, the Municipality of Pateros, Taguig, the province of Nueva Ecija, parts of Cavite province, and Calamba City (in the province of Laguna), to mention a few. (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%ADo_del_Pilar )
Fun facts:
General Pío del Pilar was born in Barrio Culi-culi, San Pedro de Macati.
Barrio Culi-culi is today's barangays Pio del Pilar and Bangkal.
While San Pedro de Macati is now Makati City.
His father was a farmer from Pasay City (one of the oldest cities in the country, and itself was a “kingdom” in pre-colonial times, named after Dayang-dayang (princess) Pasay, daughter of Rajah Sulayman of the “kingdom” of Maynila).
And his mother was an embroider from Mandaluyong City.