Jeepneys,Church & Cat Fights

Mabuhay! Long live Philippines! 

The last few days have been a flurry of all things Filipino. 

Divinely Served lunch at Shangri La Makati

The Makati Shangri-La has a wildly decadent buffet with a menu that covers the globe- from sushi to pancakes and everything in-between, including Filipino fare.  After an amazing breakfast spread at the hotel’s Circles buffet, an introduction to history and culture in the Philippines by our In-country education consultant,Norerto Odon Erandio,  and hotel catered lunch, the international field experience kicked-off with a trip to the American Embassy.

The Jeepney Alyssa in Makati

 

Our group braved the crowed rush hour streets in our two vans alongside jeepneys, tricycles, motorcycles, pedestrians. There seemed to be no regard for lanes, braking, signaling, stopping, turning- or any other typical drivers training basics you might find in the States. But seeing the wide variety of colorful and creative jeepneys distracted me from the teeth-grinding, car-seat clutching observations on the drive over. 

Before arriving at the embassy it was explained to us that we would not be permitted to take any electronic devices nor usb devices in. We left our passports at the outside entry, entered the security office area, left our devices and another ID at the counter for storage, went through the detectors and went one or two at a time to the office part of the campus.  Once in the building we meet with several Embassy personnel, including the U.S. ambassador, Philip S. Goldberg.  Mr. Goldberg and his staff gave our group a lot of insight into the current political, economic, and social state of the Philippines as well as sharing the historical connections that the two countries share. The Philippines had “400 years in the convent and 50 years of Hollywood,” it’s said. Well that “50 years” sure did have a lasting impact on the relationship between the new nations. After a photo opportunity and a short tour we prepared to leave the embassy. After picking up our electronic devices and passports, a couple of my fellows tried to take photos of the U.S. embassy sign and were quickly told not to by the security officer nearby. After doing a quick Google search, (yes- librarians do use Google too!), I see why the strict policy. People be CRAZE-Y!!

A view of San Agustín Church

TGC Group preparing for cultural entertainment & fare

The afternoon was filled with a tribute to Filipino culture including a historical tour, dinner and performance. We took a horse–drawn tour or calesa or Intramuros, which is the oldest part of Manila, filled with historical tid-bits. Our evening winds down outside just outside of Fort San Augustìn Church where we cross the street to enter the unique performing arts talents of the entertainers of Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant.
The dining at this place was made special in part because of audience participation. Some of us actually were invited to dance on stage and all of us took a picture with the dance troupe.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw, traditional Fillipino "light or candle" dance

ODD CORNER: Cat fight. While walking on the tour outside the embassy, we saw a cat. A pretty beat up cat. It had obviously just been in a fight and was still bleeding from the ear & appeared disoriented. I even paused to look around to see where the other cat might be, then tried to think back if I remembered hearing any dueling cats. Nope. But.. if that cat won, I hate to see what the other guy looked like.