Travel Blog: The Philippines

Several people have been desperately waiting for a travel blog from me about the Philippines. I was caught in my life goal dilemma, and couldn’t focus on this blog…however, school starts tomorrow for me so summer travels will slowly move away as grading, discipline and teaching take over. I should write before I lose my smells, tastes, and sounds of my trip.

My mate was going to the Philippines to reconnect to a life he abruptly needed to leave. I knew this trip was a necessity since all of us who migrate from our homes need to go back to find ourselves and move forward. He did connect in a positive way, which was nice for me to observe.

I was going to the Philippines to merge the stories, food and culture I experienced here in the States to the places, food and culture in the actual environment. I wanted to observe how to cook some of the dishes I haven’t been able to perfect, to walk the places my mate walked in his youth, to meet the people he misses so dearly, and to bond with the families I haven’t had a chance to meet yet. (This blog will not be about the families, but I want to make a note that I really felt at home in the Philippines and I contribute that to my Filipino family (both married into and directly)).

So, my mate and I had different trips in the same place.

But, if you ask, “Why go the Philippines?” my response would include the following:

The beaches—just imagine the following: lying on white, sugary beaches under the gentle breeze of a swaying palm, listening to the clear, blue ocean gently lap the beach, tempting you to enter. The Philippines have several of these beaches with more commercial or more remote accommodations. I would like to explore some of the other beaches, especially Palawan and Bohol.

Snorkeling & Diving: The Philippines reside in an area of the world where tropical waters reach some cooler currents. Also, the Philippines has tectonic activity as the Pacific Plate moves underneath the Philippine Plate. This draws several marine animals to the 7,000 islands—corals, tropical fish, and whale sharks. We had just missed the whale sharks before they migrate to unknown places. Can you imagine seeing such an animal? Since swimming with whale sharks has been a dream of mine since I was a young child looking at pictures of whale sharks in National Geographic, we will need to return.

Geological formations: Because of the tectonic activity along the Ring of Fire, the Philippines has very interesting land formations such as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol (not really made of chocolate, but turning brown during certain seasons) and the smallest active volcano in Tagaytay (Taal). The Philippines have travel experiences in the mountains (northern Luzon) with Bananue rice terraces, the beach (see above), and major cities.

Shopping: While I am not a big shopper, I could see the Philippines a mecca for those who love to shop. With every type of mall or shopping center available, one can find clothes, jewelry, native wares, and anything in between from flea markets to high end. While not everything is cheaper than the States, you can find wonderful items to match with your current wardrobe and house. Also, where else can you go to see fireworks while shopping? Answer: Mall of Asia.

Food: The Philippines has a bad reputation for weird food. Most people know the Philippines for people eating dog or balut. In the five weeks I was there, I never saw dog in my food and well, I am not brave enough yet for balut. But I did taste so much wonderful food and learned how to prepare many new dishes. I am not as intimidated to go to the asian market to find cooking ingredients. Some of my favorites: rellenong bangus, nilagang baka, grilled squid and tuna, caldereta, sisig and bibingka. Now, there are variations of each these dishes and so many others that I cannot list here for space. For example, sisig can be wet or dry, crunchy or chewy, hot or cold, spicy or not spicy. Bibingka could have salted egg cooked inside the rice cake or used as a topping. The Philippines is like many other southeast countries where sweet and salty are combined in a perfect way. Adobo (again, so many variations and should be eaten everywhere by my opinion) can combine salty soy/vinegar with sweet tomatoes and egg. I wouldn’t see that combination here in the States, but when you eat it together, well…my mouth is watering. And yes, I ate street food. Isaw and fishballs. For those turning up your nose, isaw is grilled to perfection at Mang Larry’s on the UP campus and fishballs are similar to sausage balls just with a different meat. If you are a foodie, you need to travel to the Philippines. Another food I miss: mangoes and mango shakes.

Transportation: Manila, although congested, has many ways of getting around town. A tricycle (a motorcycle with side car) is a little uncomfortable for long distances, but good for a cheap way to move down the street or pick up a connecting light rail. Yes, Manila has a good light rail system which will get you where you want to go in less time than driving or taking a taxi. Rush hour is a little tight, but the Metro in Washington, D.C. is the same at rush hour. Jeepneys are good for the experience and again, cheaper. But a cab is also inexpensive and usually air-conditioned.

Night life: For those of you who have traveled to Spain where no one sleeps, Manila is the same. If you want cheesecake at 2 in the morning, then you can get cheesecake. If you want beer and pulutan (appetizers), there are several places for you. In the Philippines there are art crowds, punk crowds, clubbing crowds, and lounging crowds. Because of the heat, night time is the time to be cool outside and socialize.

Did I get sick? Yes, on the second day I had bad ice at a chain restaurant in a mall. The rest of the trip I drank the water from a Brita filter and even had ice, without getting sick. I even brushed my teeth using tap water.

So, since returning, I have made at least three people consider the Philippines their next vacation destination. Yes, there is some danger in the Philippines, but if you travel, you know the drill of keeping your bag close to you and not to flash your money around. Some parts of the Philippines are a little more dangerous for American tourists now in the wake of “fear and terrorism”, but so much of this fear can be avoided if stay toward the north.

If you decide to travel to the Philippines, plan the key places you want to see because you cannot get it all done in one trip. The beach alone will cause your senses to slowly relax and enjoy. Filipinos love to relax and enjoy life. Don’t rush and you will enjoy the best of the Philippines—food, life and culture.