Halo Halo/ Goodbye

So, I spent this am cleaning up my room, packing up and making my final rounds - saying goodbye to the friends I've met here, and the folks I met during my daily routine.

Right now the sky is pouring out a very heavy monsoon-like rain. I'm not looking forward to 24 hours in transit, but considering what I learned about ship journeys to the US from here, I am thankful for airlines and airports.

After 4 weeks of trying to eat healthy here (hard!), the advertisements for "Halo halo" sundaes won me over, and I finally gave in and tried it yesterday. The purple ice cream looked so tempting, and it was even better than it looked. "Halo halo" is full of all sorts of tropical fruits and ice creams and is garnished with cornflakes (picture courtesy of Maxschicken.com). Wish I could bring home for my folks back home, but they will have to settle for my other favorite snack here - Nagaraya Cracker Nuts. They will travel better.

slow tempo/ short hair

Slow Tempo
This past month has been a great opportunity to slow down, reflect, and assess my goals for the next phase of my life. However, I am not the only one taking things slow here.

One thing that is really different here is musical tastes. The more sentimental (ie: slow) the song, the more popular it is - no matter the decade. Musicians here are really talented, and there are many. Pinoy cover songs on the radio of American rock ballads are something you'll hear often - "loving you is easy 'cause your beautiful" sung by a Pinoy artist was on the radio few minutes ago here at the cyber cafe.

The other day on the mainstream station they were playing "Making love out of nothing at all" which I haven't heard since the 80s. I also have heard album tracks of Michael Bolton, Josh Groban and Bette Midler on the radio that were never hits back home. The slower the tempo, and the more gooey, the better.

For that reason, I am very surprised that pop country music isn't more popular here. (Maybe I'll start a business exporting pop country albums and tampons.)

There's a noted lack of heavy metal type bands and emo music - you know, anything that is angst-y. There is an niche called "Original Pinoy Music" (or OPM) which is mostly in Tagalog, and isn't as schmaltzy but it's more quirky or catchy than it is angry or harsh. I am probably not the best person to describe OPM, but it seems to be exemplified by groups such as "Rivermaya" or "Kjwan" and "Sandwich."

Short hair
As I have wrote about a lot, I have spent the past 18 months changing my life dramatically; my social life, my hometown, my relationship patterns, my attitudes toward myself, my artistic path and employment. I have developed lots of skills I didn't know I had, and appreciated things I had only criticized myself for in the past. I have taken risks and made bold choices that challenged everything I had experienced before. So far it has paid off, but it hasn't been easy.

Perhaps in honor of all these changes, I had my hair chopped off yesterday. The last time I had my hair cut was when I left religion (and founded www.pokrov.org). This time my cut is a lot more fashionable than the GI Jane cut I had back in 1998 and it is the start of a new beginning as well. (Shout out to my man, Mr. Ruben here in QC who designed the new look)

I leave for NYC via Hong Kong in almost 24 hours. I am excited, but a little bit sad. I've gotten used to things here and learned to love so many things about this country.

Kikay/ Service industries/ alone time

As I understand it, Kikay is the Filipino term for beauty and primping. There is a TV show here called "Kikay Machine" where they teach you how to get the best body waxing, how to store your bras properly, get the best hair cut, etc... I learned a few things from this show, and also from just watching how people do things here. This is a much more service-oriented culture, so going to a salon or a spa is something that normal people do, not just wealthy people.

I'm not an economist, by any stretch, but here I've noticed that while groceries and goods here are cheaper than in the US (about 1/4 of the price), the most major difference is in the service/labor industries (beauty, cleaning, laundry, etc.... - about 1/10th the price). For instance, in NYC a massage would set you back $150, here it would be about 300-600 Pisos (by the current exchange rate, that would be $8-$12). This is probably also why medical tourism is taking off too, because the doctors don't charge a lot for their time. Seeing this first-hand has given me a lot of compassion regarding outsourcing (eg: call centers, etc...).

On a personal note, since I've been here I've noticed how uncomfortable I am with people doing things for me. Most stores have someone opening the door for you, and at the Burger King they have a lady who is paid to offer free hand massages.

I haven't taken advantage of the free hand massages yet because, while in theory it seems great, I have found the reality of having any kind of service a bit uncomfortable. Perhaps it's being descended from American homesteaders. I got the message that I must be independent and self-sufficient. If I'm not, I feel like I'm weak. I also noticed how much alone time I am used to, and how unusual that is here.

Like all good travels, I have learned even more about myself than the place I have visited.

Ready to leave

Ok, I've been here almost 4 weeks and I leave Monday. I have started feeling detached, and ready to go back to New York. I am ready to frequent my haunts and see my peeps.

For the most part, I have had a wonderful time here in the Philippines, but food and transit have been challenges, and I have found myself feeling stuck and hungry more times than I would have liked. There isn't anything equivalent to Greyhound, or Amtrak, or even the MTA or MUNI here or, even China-town bus services, for that matter.

I am looking forward to the liberation of being able to go back to NYC, cook my own food, and get around, and not feel so conspicuous.

In other news, while I'm complaining a little, I have made time for continuing my adventures. Thanks to Tita, I finally rode a Jeepney. I just haven't wanted to do that on my own. While my head hit the ceiling and my legs were too long, I am no longer a Jeepney-virgin (ha ha!). We also rode the Manila trains to Makati and visited the Ayala Museum. The most interesting part was the dioramas of Philippine history from prehistoric times until the present. The dioramas ended around the 1950s, but the final "multi-media" presentation that covered post-WWII and Marcos era, etc... was kind of lame. However, the amount of violence and bloodshed that this country has experienced definitely comes through.

The Damian Domingo paintings were out on loan, there only a few Juan Luna paintings, and a few Fernando Amorsolo paintings. I think I had actually seen more of this collection when it traveled to San Francisco at the Asian Art museum back in 2007.

[As a travel note, The National Museum here is much more extensive and much less expensive.]

On Tuesday night I got to see a star-studded line up of musicians at the Conspiracy Cafe, including Cynthia Alexander, Gary Granada, and Joey Ayala. It was really, really great.

The accidental medical tourist

When I arrived in Metro Manila I got sick. I developed a number of symptom; laryngitis, fever, migraines, etc... I ended up going to see a couple of doctors recommended by my friends. What I didn't realize is that I had stumbled upon a burgeoning industry here in the Philippines, and I became the accidental medical tourist.

There are many reasons for this trend of medical tourism. First of all, the doctors here are excellent, and well educated. Also, the medical care is a fraction of the price that it is in the US. Of course the value of the dollar is a consideration. My guess is that the overhead costs are much less, and furthermore, the people here aren't litigious, like Americans tend to be, so the doctors don't have added expense of malpractice insurance and legal fees.

How shocked was I when the doctors saw me the same day I called, and charged about 1/10th of what US doctors charge! They were excellent, and friendly, and multi-lingual and professional. I finally understood why my hotel is primarily visitors from Guam who were here to go to St. Luke's Hospital across the street. When I started talking to people in elevators, they said they come here to get treatments that are cheaper and better than those covered by their US medical insurance.

Another aspect of this phenomenon is the doctors here often go abroad to work. For instance, if you do go to a hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area, chances are your nurses will be Filipino (another example of the Balikbayan - or Overseas Worker). What I didn't realize until recently, is that most of them are actually doctors here - good ones - who make more money in the US as nurses!

Of course this particular industry is controversial. While I am glad that it is bringing some income here, is it also taking health care away from people here who need it? Why can't Americans take care of our own people?

Furthermore, maybe some American people can fly around the world to get medical care, but there are a lot of people in the US that need help who can't do that. Health care is not a luxury, it is a right.

I came away from my experience realizing how bad our American system is. I also have a great admiration for the medical professionals here and I think they have a lot to teach us.

Easter/ family dinner

Yesterday Manila was the quietest yet. A few stores were open, and the cigarette vendors never seem to take a break. Today is back to normal. Jeepneys and cars are back on the streets, and stores and businesses are open again.

For Easter I went to Rodel's family dinner. I enjoyed a filipino feast which included Talapia, rice wrapped and steamed in banana leaves, noodles, mango salad, coconut water, and mango cake. I joined the extended family and we commemorated Rodel's parents, but mainly sat around and discussed culture and politics. It was a great time.

Rodel's sister talked about how the "Six degrees of separation" are actually two degrees here in the Philippines. Considering that my first week here I met friends and family of people in the Bay Area (by accident!) I think that tends to be true.

It's definitely too early to enumerate the ways that this trip has opened my mind. But I can say that I do understand more why Filipino Americans often extend their trips to the homeland. Time sort of stands still here. While things are busy in Manila itself, I would say that in general the people here are relaxed and really know how to enjoy life, eachother, and have a unique way of accepting whatever it sends their way.

People remain connected to their home provinces, and return often to join with extended family and nature. I have learned a lot about different ways of approaching life. I think New York will feel different when I return - I think I will be much different.

Anyway, that's all for now. I am sure I will have adventures to report.

Spolarium

Ok, this Mel Gibson movie is reminding me of Juan Luna's painting that I saw at the National Museum - Spolarium:

Good Friday continued (a trip to Tagaytay)

Right now I'm sitting in a Burger King for the free wireless. The video screen that normally has the latest and hippest pop videos is currently showing a lengthy and gruesome torture scene from a movie about Jesus - I think it must be the Mel Gibson one. I think I might have to leave here soon as it's really awful. The lady mopping the floor just stopped and started crying. Seriously.

I avoided the real blood and gore that happens during the self-flagellating rituals. Luckily yesterday Tita kidnapped us and took us to Tagaytay in Cavite. This was an exciting trip and a beautiful place that we got to experience on an important day (ie: Good Friday).

On the way from Manila, I noticed that the landscape is reminiscent of California, and along the road there are stands that sell corn, pineapple, mangoes, and a variety of cooked foods. A big mushroom farm has a restaurant called "Mushroom Burger" where mushrooms are sold and mushroom sandwiches are served. We ate dinner there.

Tagaytay has a fresh lake formed by a volcano, Lake Taal. It was really, really beautiful. It's not that far from Manila, and the temperature is much cooler. I actually needed a sweater, but have gotten out of the habit of bringing one.

There was a lot of traffic on the way back, and we got blocked in on a small village street during Good Friday processions, so we just got out of the car and watched. Joe and I, being caucasian, were stared at a lot - especially by the kids. In the provinces, westerners are less familiar I guess. We were staring too, so it all evened out.

During the procession, large church statues are decorated with sparkly clothing, dried and plastic flowers and electric lights. The lights are powered by generators attached to the cart. The floats were wheeled through the streets by gentlemen of the town. Folks holding candles and saying the rosary were leading the way. Everyone in the town has there windows open and candles lit.

We went back to Manila via side-streets. Once there, called my mom for the first time in three weeks and talked with her while. It was a good day.

Good Friday piety, etc....

The streets here are virtually empty. It seems that everyone has gone back to the provinces for family time, or are busy with church services. It is common to commemorate the stations of the cross by visiting 14 different churches. On my Filipino cell phone, I've gotten about 10 messages today about Jesus' sacrifice and love for mankind.

The other night at about 2am I went by a group of ladies who had set up a shrine on the street corner and were chanting the passion of Christ in Tagalog. Apparently they sing non-stop from Palm Sunday until Good Friday. There was a small tent (with writing on it - I think it was advertising a soft drink) covering a temporary shrine and the ladies took turns singing from the bible.. This penitential ritual is called "Pasion." These ladies sang with an amplified sound system - their prayers broadcast on behalf of the entire neighborhood for 4 days.

Yesterday I was channel surfing and found a Filipino nativity movie with Pinoy actors. Another movie - which looked like one of those bible flicks from the 50s or 60s - was playing, dubbed in Tagalog.

Evangelical preachers - both American and Filipino - are plentiful on TV... The Jesus Christ church from Davao City, and Fr. Apollo (see below), are on a lot. The choir sings in every style, ranging from blues, gospel, country, and pop christian (See second video below).





Today there are going to be some bloody penitence complete with reenactment of the crucifixions.

In other news, I took my first motor tricycle ride. Luckily three weeks of Manila smog innoculated me to the exhaust blowing in my face from the cars in front of us. Many of the transit vehicles here are from US military surplus that was left here after WWII - Jeepneys and Trikes.

Oh, some things I have noticed here. These are just my subjective observations...

-no one has tattoos, except the visitors from Guam
-I've only seen 2 people with iPods or head phones
-other than rich vs. poor, there is a lack of sub-cultures (ie: hippies, bikers, boho, goth, etc)
-obesity is not a problem here. In fact, one of the latest news is that due to a rice shortage, all the fast food restaurants have been asked to serve half-portions with their meals. Can you imagine that happening in the US?!
-men don't lose their hair
-there aren't as many "weirdos"- at least in public

Conspiracy Cafe in Quezon City

Conspiracy Garden Cafe has become a popular hang out for me... it is the hub of interesting art, music and political protest

Aside from enjoying the tofu sisig, I have seen/met some great artists here:

Cynthia Alexander

Gary Granada

Noel Cabangon

Rica Arambulo

Beauty, news and politics- Filipino style

Now that I have recovered from being sick, I have been considerably more social ... and also a lot more independent. I have become accustomed to some of the things I initially found shocking about Manila, and am really enjoying this city a lot. The people I have met are so interesting, and also helpful in telling me about the culture, simultaneously giving me insight and perspective into my own.

Beauty

Taking advantage of the relaxed holy week atmosphere here, yesterday Tita and I went to the salon. While she had her nails done, I finally got my hair color fixed.. When I was looking for pictures of the right shade, the only blonde I found in the magazines was Uma Thurman. So I came home with Uma's shade from the Tag Heuer watch advertisements:



While I was nervous because already one salon had turned down my business due to my unusual (for here) hair, I was really impressed with David's salon in the SM Mall at North Edsa (might as well give them a plug!)

Here in the Philippines beauty has an important role. While women don't wear tons of make up or sexy/revealing clothing, a sort of classic feminine Filipino style of beauty is prized and prevalent (ie: ladies here are pretty). There seems to be some sort of connection with beauty and politics. And beauty pageants are popular and definitely appear often in the daily news stories. As a former beauty queen herself, Imelda is a perfect example of the intersection of beauty and politics.

Politics

Last night Tita and Ima and I sat around the piano with wine and hacked away at show tunes and torch songs. I haven't had that much fun in a long time.

I quizzed Conrad last night and learned more about the complicated political situation here. Some of the news stories here require a lot of background info. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a controversial figure with corruption scandals galore.
One story that has monopolized news here is the Philippine National Broadband Network Controversy which I am still trying to understand. Take a look for yourself and you'll see how complicated it is. Maybe I'll ask one of my friends to guest-blog about it. Here is one of Conrad's recent column about Gloria in the Inquirer.

In other news ...

Of course one of the major stories is the boxing match - Pacquiao vs. Marquez. During the match on Sunday, I forgot to mention that I saw several tv sets outside on the street with a bunch of men gathered round.

One story a little more light-hearted is the beauty queen who has gotten a lot of flack for her lack of English skills. Frankly I think the US beauty queen from SC last year was a lot more embarassing. And I don't understand Janina San Miguel couldn't have answered questions in Filipino, but here is the clip of her "controversial" moment:

Holy Week!

On Palm Sunday I went to the Quiapo Market which was full of vendors selling everything - talismans and candles for prayers, street foods, fruits, vegetables, single cigarettes, kitschy religious souvenirs, and all sorts of potions with powers ranging from preventing hair loss to inducing abortions. Though on Sunday the market was dominated by candle stands and colorful palm creations in honor of the day.

The market is right next to Quiapo church, which is known for the "Black Nazarene" statue which is highly revered. It was hard to tell where the church began and market ended. Hundreds of People were crammed in the enormous church, and the amplified mass sounds were spilling out the side doors windows. People were all carrying intricately arranged palm leaves and singing. I said a prayer in the shrine of the holy gifts (at least I think that was what it was). Like most of the churches here, you feel like you are outside with a roof. There are many doors and windows to let the air flow. Western churches with the front doors, and maybe a side exit or two, are not exactly wise in this weather.

The smells were quite something. There is a scene in the movie with "Room with a View" where Judi Dench and Maggie Smith walk through Florence, and Dame Judi enthusiastically raves about the sights, sounds and smells of the city. Maggie Smith nods and politely smiles, and then tries to subtly cover her nose with her handkerchief. In Quiapo I felt like Maggie Smith with my friend Tita playing the Judi Dench role. I'm doing my best to really experience life here, and not simply going to American chains and high end malls - but sometimes I'm a bit overwhelmed by sights and smells (the point of travelling, I suppose!).

We then went to see the Manila Cathedral. That has more of a gothic western feel... it was built in the 1950s, and is the eighth Cathedral built in the exact same spot due to various war bombings, earthquakes and fires. Manila is one of those cities that is always being re-built. I wonder if some of the casual approach to maintenance of city streets and buildings is due to this phenomenon.

After that we went to see Intramuros, which is the remnants of the Spanish city that used to be the core of Manila. It was close to the museums I went to last week. We scaled the walls, and walked til after sunset. It was magical. Tita's son Miguel took artsy photos while she and I shared a cigarette. Imabelle joined up with us too. We had dinner and went home. It was a long day.

Manila is quiet right now. I've been told that many residents leave town for family gatherings this week. Judging by the lack of usual smog, this is true. The streets are empty and a lot of places are closed.

In other news, my friend Joe who encouraged me to come here arrived from Guam. He is a lot of fun and I am so grateful to him.

I'd also like to take a moment to laud the Filipino doctors and nurses I have met. More to come about that. I think the US could learn a lot from the accessibility of doctors here.

I got it from my mama...

Thanks mommy!

"Genius has not country..."

Genius has no country, genius blossoms everywhere, genius is like the light, the air, it is the heritage of all - cosmopolitan like space, like life and like God. - Jose Rizal


Today I woke up and found myself in full health again. YAY! I went out and about by myself. First I went to the Malate church. This church has a long, bloody history. I said some prayers there. I'm not particularly religious right now, and don't know if I've changed or if it's just here, but the churches seem to be kind of powerful. I find myself feeling a need to pray there.

There are a lot of reasons I came to the Philippines. Mostly it was a spirit calling me. It wasn't just my interest in this culture, but it was a strange inexplicable pull. I found myself reading more articles and books about the country, admiring the people, art and music, etc... and just needed to see it for myself. Jose Rizal, hero of this country - and a personal hero of mine- was one of the reasons I wanted to come here. The more I read about him, the more I am amazed. No wonder there is a religious group devoted to him (the Rizalistas).

Anyway, I considered taking a Jeepney, but I didn't think I was ready for that. I'm still a Jeepney virgin. I chickened out and took a cab to the National Museum of the Filipino people.

Manila is constantly surprising me. The contrasts are incredible. There are lots of shanty towns, pollution and poverty. Despite that, people create beauty wherever they are with the most limited of resources. It's kind of amazing.

Still, it is shocking for me, even though I have been living in Harlem for the past year. And just when I think I can't stand it anymore, I stumble on something incredibly beautiful.

Of course, the generous people are one of those beautiful things. Also, the churches and the music. Today the museum was a magnificent surprise. It was also elegant in a sort of grand and airy, tropical and uniquely Filipino way. I've noticed the architecture here is really awesome - hallways are wide, rooms are well designed and have a strong link with the outside environment.

The Museum had lots of exhibits on archeological finds. There are so many things I learned ... about trade routes, colonial history, language influences, etc... [and, as an aside, today I got a text message from Joey Ayala. I think I know who told him to text me, but it made my day! I'm going to see him play soon.]

I saw some great art at the museum too - including paintings of Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo. I was actually very moved by their paintings. Somehow they capture a certain time and place and humanity that brings you in. Truly genius. The quote from Jose Rizal (above) is about those two painters.

It is true, I think, that genius appears everywhere, like God, like beauty. I thought about that a lot today. Where we are from inspires us and influences us, but it is who we are that is the most important thing. We all have genius, and need to clear ourselves to find it. That's what I hope to do in my life.

Being sick/ sounding like a Fortune cookie

I am recovering from some sort of flu or something. While I am much better today, yesterday I felt lame - like I had come all the way over here, only just to sit in my room and feel sick. It seemed pretty pathetic. My body had no energy, I think I have a fever, and I felt tears roll quietly down my face. I could tell I was just as I was about to throw a full pity party, so I stopped and thought of all the things I have accomplished since last year and I felt proud that I made it here at all.

I also reminded myself that I'm not really missing out on life. Besides I have another 2.5 weeks here to have plenty of adventures. (At least I'm learning a lot on cable tv. There are interesting programs on history, culture and food. They don't have as many commercials here, which is nice.)

Back in New York nothing ever slows down, so this is a really good opportunity for me to try things at a different pace and to turn off the striving that I have become accustomed to just to tread-water back home.

It's a good reminder that things happen even if you don't "do" anything. Sometimes if you just go with the pace you find yourself in, the best things happen.

When I start sounding like a fortune cookie, it's time to sign off!

Ciao, will write later.
-G

The Philippines - Week 2

So, I think as a result of numerous factors, an onset of migraines hit me (heat, lack of food, etc). I have spent the last couple of days holed up. Today I am much better, and am sitting among a throng of teenage boys in an internet "gaming" cafe.

Pinoy Films
So, despite being ill, I have had a chance to watch some entertaining Pinoy films. There was one about an Imelda-esque evil dictator and two Hansel-and-Gretel-type children who were avoiding her influence through wits and gumption.

Another film called "Mr. Suave" was about a sort of Don Juan type guy played by Vhong Navarro who turns into a mannequin everytime he gets close with a woman. I wasn't really sure what was happening the whole time, but it made me laugh and was really entertaining.

Other miscellaneous observations:

* The news last week was that Filipinos have surpassed 1 billion text messages a day - talaga! To show solidarity, I have landed my own cell phone during the time I am here.

* Ladies - if you visit here, come with your own stash of tampons. They don't sell them here at all. It sucks. In fact, maybe I should start a business here and start selling them.

* Hip hop, rap and R&B are the music styles of choice. Unlike the U.S. where you have classical music playing at the Bloomingdales, here you'll just as likely have Mariah Carey or Ne-yo at upscale department stores.

* Everyone sings... the lady doing laundry, the taxi driver, etc... It's great.

* I went to the Philippine government hospital for veterans to visit my friend's father. I also strolled through St. Luke's hospital here in Quezon City. Hospitals here have a completely different feel. They are airy, and open. St. Lukes had a piano player in the lobby. They don't have the same air-tight feel of U.S. hospitals. Entire families hang around and stay the night. You can get family rooms and roll out beds.


That's all for now. I'm doing good. I'll try and write again soon!

-G

The Philippines - week 1

Ok, so I've been here all week. I arrived Sunday night, and it's now Friday. Perhaps it's time to write a little bit about my experiences.


Week 1
First of all, I am having a lot of fun. The hardest part is getting around. I have wanted to go see some things, but taxis are pretty much the safest way to get from place to place. But it's hard to tell if they are safe cabs or not. Buses and trains are not practical, and I don't think i'd fit in a jeepney. It makes me realize what a marvel the civil engineering of New York is.

Anyway, as a result, i find myself reluctant to extend far outside of my small radius of the hotel unless I have someone with me. The first two days I had a Guamian friend, Jesse, who helped me see the sights. My friend Imabelle has been very helpful as well.

Manuel Quezon
I am staying in one of the cities in the Manila area called Quezon City, named after Manuel Quezon - called the father of the national language. Here is a quote of his: "I prefer a country run like hell by Filipinos to a country run like heaven by Americans. Because, however bad a Filipino government might be, we can always change it."

This isn't in the American history books - like many of our colonial ventures, but The Philippines were under American rule from 1898-1946 - after 300+ years of Spanish rule. This makes for a very interesting cultural combination of Malay, spanish, american, chinese, etc...
This place is an interesting combination of ancient and modern. Lucky for me, it also means most people understand English, though I am trying to pick up some Tagalog while I am here.

The Ranch

From my hotel, I look down upon a small ranch, which you can't see from the street. It was probably much bigger, but it is now surrounded by developments. It's a strange juxtaposition to the streets around here which are full of Jeepneys and cabs, and garbage and various fast food joints, and small cigarette and snack counters. I am near a large hospital complex and several schools. St. Luke's hospital is one of the best hospitals around, and a lot of Guamians come here for medical help. I have been considering getting my dental work done here. Let's just say that the cost of my entire trip here for a month would be cheaper than paying a New york dentist!

On this little remains of a "ranch" there are small shanty-like huts, and some roosters and dogs tied up. I actually have been woken up by roosters every morning here. From my 15th floor room, I can see the remains of a house that must have stood there before, but burned down.

I didn't realize how much I would stick out here. I don't feel uncomfortable though, but it is an odd feeling to walk through a grocery store and have people stare at you and giggle (yeah, it really happened!). I feel enormous here too, aside from looking really different, I feel like an amazon. Yesterday I tried to find a few things for the hot weather, and I couldn't find anything that fit me (and no, I haven't gotten bigger!)

A few odd observations -

- there are a lot of beggars and poor people who will come to the window of your car and try to ask for money or sell things. For this reason, you always lock the car doors.
- seeing little kids who are hungry and poor is really hard. my friend here told me that if you give them money, they often buy a glue that they sniff to prevent hunger. So sad.
-the gap between rich and poor here is way bigger than in the US. There are people who live in wealthy areas that sort of bypass the poor. At least there is not the same type of segregation of populations - like in San Francisco where poor people are given one-way tickets to elsewhere.
- Vegetarian food is impossible to find. I have had a hard time with the food.

Help for my blonde hair

One thing that is really great is how accepting they are of gay people here - at least from my observation. I don't know how it is in families, but as a culture, they are accepted as part of the fabric.

My gray hair is out of control, so I went to a salon near the hotel, and one of the ladies said that my blond hair was out of their capabilities. She said very matter-of-factly (despite losing income for herself) "go see David's salon - go see the gays!" Sure enough, i went to the gay salon, and they were right out of "Queer eye for the straight guy - Filipino edition" It was hysterical. They were completely more prepared for a serious
hair challenge brought to them by a big blonde girl from New York.

More to come soon....

I'm in the Philippines

I wasn't sure this trip was actually going to happen, so I haven't written about it on my blog. However, considering the fact that I am writing from Manila, it's safe to say the trip is happening, and yes, I am in the Philippines!

So far I am getting myself acclimated. It's very smoggy, and dirty and busy. I have to be very careful walking around places because I have no idea yet where is safe or not. So far people have been really friendly though, and appreciate that i am here to learn about the culture.

This week helped some models prepare for a singing audition for a pop group. I am contemplating a trip to some provinces.

I have not been here long enough to formulate any thoughts in particular. I am sort of in the absorption mode, but i will be writing more sooon. The main thing I would say, is that being somewhere warm is an incredible luxury.