Author: ukekid99

Day 3 25/11/16 (Friday) 

Posted on by ukekid99

Greetings to all,
Here in the Philippines I am being truly fulfilled. Emotionally, spiritually and physically (dinner is no small affair over here).
Anyhow, overall I could not be happier and already want to return for another trip though I’ve not yet left. Kuya Joel remarked to me that I might be British in blood but Filipino in heart.
Missing you all though.
Without further ado here it is:
Actually, I’m in the mood for a bit of further ado.
I’d be interested to hear what you guys are getting up to as well. Obviously you don’t have to write pages but just a few lines would mean a lot to me.
Now without further ado:
This morning I nearly died. Now in the Philippines there are many horrible ways for ones life to end but running 6km in this humidity is one of the more torturous methods. I got up at 5:50 and E and I set out (him on a bicycle). With my 11 year old guide we ran on. Over the steep curbs, dodging the tricycles (motorbike with side carriage), feeling a thousand little kisses from the water droplets running down the leaves above my head. It had rained in the night which caused the temperature to be cooler but the humidity to be out if full force.
Obviously when I returned home I was in a bit of a sorry state. I have never sweat so much in my life, I had a shower in which heating wasn’t an option but I could hardly see the freezing stream as anything other as a blessing.
When I felt a bit more human again I realised that I don’t feel the humidity as much now, I can wear trousers comfortably. L says that you feel better during the day after running. Seems like it’s very effective advice. Breakfast was nearly cake. Very nearly cake. Cunningly disguised as this “corn bread”. It’s quite fluffy and it’s best served with a light coating of butter and honey. It’s not a replacement for toast though. Even though I have not had a single piece of toast yet (and I decided in the end to not pack my toaster).
The first order of the day was to enter the college and meet with Miss Stand get assessed on my piano skills, I’m planning to take private lessons here at the college and learn (at least how to approach) Howls moving castle (for those who are unfamiliar with this theme search it up on YouTube).
Apparently in Manila the word tricycle means something very different to what I knew as a “tricycle” in the U.K and Australia.
My version of a tricycle: a three wheeled pedal vehicle for children.
Their version: let’s stick a tiny metal box on the side of a motorbike and use it as a carriage!
Being significantly taller than just about every Filipino here guarantees that every speed bump is a headache in waiting. Many head bangs later I paid them 35 pesos (85 cents) and rushed inside to escape the rain which was just starting to fall down.
Before I had to go to the college again for my normal classes I packed my bags for the weekend away in Olongopo, it’s a town in a very rural mountain area and the bus ride will take 3 hours… My sleep is so messed up. No matter how late I go to bed I’m still wide awake at 5:20 ready to start the day.
Once at school I joined the choir again and was no less impressed than the first time, I headed off to my first class which was bible doctrines (only getting lost 3 times on the way). After having only experienced pretty pathetic Christian education classes in Australia I was surprised at how deeply things are analysed here. I learnt about many things such as why Peter quotes psalm 110 in his speech in Acts, and discussed if the people in the Old Testament were saved despite not having been indwelled with the spirit which is a requirement stated in the New Testament. Fascinating stuff. Language update, in bible doctrine class one student thought I’d been to the Philippines before because I said “thank you” on my first day here. Doesn’t take much it seems. I’ve come to think that instead of learning to say hello in 50 languages it’s much more useful to say thank you.
While I’m on the topic of impressions I had no idea that nearly everyone is in their twenties here! The Filipino faces have two interesting features. Men seem much younger than they actually are and women are ageless. I tried to guess the age of M (Kuya A’s cousin) and I thought she looked 15, turns out she is 30. That is how pronounced the ageless effect is.
Something unexpected happened today. I had the chance to use my Japanese! While I was booking a time to practice with my voice teacher we got talking about Japan and out of the blue she asked me “日本語を話す事が出来ますか.” Which means “can you speak Japanese?” I’m so used to hearing Tagalog that it didn’t register for a second.
I finally had the pleasure to meet Kuya A, he’s the one whose family I’ll be staying with over the weekend and participating in his fathers church service. Together we grabbed a snack at the hilariously named Jolibees, I had a jolliburger in case anyone’s interested. At 9:00 pm I headed off with him and M, and they are now my best friends here I think. Understanding them is occasionally a tad difficult but they’re both very funny and friendly towards me. Henceforth I, armed with a ukulele and 2 friends eager to teach me Tagalog started the long journey to Olongapo. If you ever find yourself on a bus in the Philippines at midnight with two Filipinos either side of you I would recommend making a memory palace (also known as the method of loci) and spending your time memorising as many different words as possible.
When I made it to their house I was ushered in through the door by wonderfully welcoming parents and the two tiniest cats I’ve ever seen in my life. They could sleep in the palm of my hand. Easily.  I had a true midnight feast at midnight and then promptly collapsed onto my bed.
What’s the bet that if you go to bed at 2am in your time zone you’re going to be knackered in the morning? Tune in tomorrow to find out.

Day 2 24/11/16 (Thursday)

Posted on by ukekid99

Day 2 24/11/16 (Thursday)
Yep. Up at 5. The aircon is wonderful but I’ll have to get used to its absence soon enough I fear. All had gone well, except for the packet of antibacterial wipes which had exploded in my bag. At 7:00 (my half past 9) E (who is in the bunk above me) got up and together we read some of the bible. He has a daily reading plan from school so I joined him in his homework.
In the morning I had a traditional Filipino breakfast. Some fried egg, garlic rice and minced pork meat. It had a rich almost gamey kind of flavour, I loved it. Breakfast conversation revolved around the titles which you have to give to certain people. And I thought the Japanese had it bad. On the upside E calls me Kuya Ukekid, Kuya is a term used to respect an older male, though I believe the literal translation is “older brother”.
After breakfast I did some washing up and helped E learn a bit of ukulele. I’m astounded at his musical ear. He’s got the feel for the uke and was playing a blues version of “twinkle, twinkle little star” in no time. I also got round to sorting out what classes I’ll be taking at the bible college. Some music, some religious. I’m really looking forward to it. No sooner had I circled the classes I liked the look of I was informed I would be starting today in the afternoon. I guess I asked for fast pace.
You know, I don’t actually find the Philippines hot. Australia’s hot. This place is just oppressively warm. The heat hugs you and doesn’t let you go. Anyway, I got dressed into my formal trousers in preparation for thanksgiving and set off to another Americans house. I cannot remember the name because I’ve been introduced to over 60 different people already (20 of them in this setting alone). Well. It was American alright, there was the traditional stuffing and mashed potato and fried chicken as well as many other foodstuffs. I started chatting with the other American teenagers and I think overall I might have received a fail grade for my celebration efforts. I was absolutely astonished at how much they could put away. I had one serving (one plate with a little bit of everything) and some of the guys there had 3 servings and dessert! According to them they can’t eat like that all the time but this is on par with Christmas for the “I don’t care how much I eat” factor.
After I said my goodbyes to everyone (E was trying to create an English accent with his cheerio) I clambered into a van and we set off for the bible college I’d heard so much about. When I arrived I had a singular first impression. It went along the lines off “oh dear… I’m going to spend the next 7 weeks lost in this place”, it is a rather huge building, it holds music classes, bible classes, a church and a high school inside it.
My first class was chorus/choir and I had the honour of singing the warm up with the choir. I use that word purposefully. Because this was akin to a beginner pianist going over to Mozart’s house for jam session. They. Sounded. Heavenly. I’ve heard choirs before and some truly beautiful music but in all seriousness I cannot remember another sound that has fallen so sweetly upon my ears. They sang psalms and old hymns with a new energy and a majestic quality. I remained in class to listen but as they had a performance soon I didn’t try to learn all the songs that they had nearly completed.
After the angels had finished their praising I went to my first class which turned out to be non existent. I didn’t know it had been cancelled so instead of Christian ethics I went to the New Testament introduction class. It was most informative despite being run by someone who switched between Tagalog and English that was so heavily accented I thought it was Spanish. By the way, the students I sat next to called me sir! I mean yes, I’m a visitor but these people are in their twenties! (I’m still the tallest though). I raved quite a lot about politeness and etiquette in Japan and from what I’ve seen so far it’s much the same here in the Philippines, albeit in a slightly different style.
I find it amusing and slightly worrying that 9 days after my final exam and I’m already studying again. I had music theory and ear training next, my year 10 aural class helped immensely so I’m not too far behind at all. That being said I enjoyed the exercises, even the singing done in the ear training class is nothing short of beautiful.
Now when I walked out of college I had a bit of a surprise waiting for me. It was Mr B. On a motorbike… I’ve never been on a motorbike before and I think Manila is probably not the easiest place to get used to it. In addition to that I had my mothers feelings of disapproval of motorbikes invading my mind. But, since it was that or walk home I had no choice (I may or may not be writing this just to justify my actions). I hardly dare admit that it was an exhilarating and exciting experience and the first time I’ve actually felt less than suffocating in the Manila heat.
Speaking of new experiences I had a snack at home. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The surrounding Americans were rather shocked it had never before passed my lips and they took a video of my reaction. I cocked my head to the side in deep thought and decided that it was bizarre. Very bizarre in fact. I also presented them with the Australian chocolates which I’m sure they will enjoy. The parents the left for a meeting at the college which let me continue my slight warfare with L on American/English differences and wondering about her algebra math homework. I like algebra but working with pounds and calories is confusing. We then had a laugh with E about everything under the sun. Nicknames, ukulele, lock picking and the rest.
As I am falling asleep I realise it took me a mere 48 hours to think of this house as home and these people as a second family to me.

The Philippine Adventure begins

Posted on by ukekid99

Day 1 23/11/16 (Wednesday)
There’s no escaping it, I’m going to be doing an awful lot of typing in these next few days. If I thought journaling Japan was tough for 2 weeks then I can only pray to God that he gives me the strength to write for 7.
Let’s start at the airport. Where adventures begin. I’ll happily admit to feeling the nerves set in when mum dropped me off. However with the famous GOI approach (Get over it, get on with it) I checked my bags in, waltzed through security, got told off for waltzing and then spent the next 20 minutes in a state of considerable stress hunting down the seemingly non-existent donut store, finally I satisfied myself with a chocolate brownie. I also nearly walked straight into a mirror and had a bewildering thought of “who else in this airport can possibly be carrying a ukulele?!”. Mirrors… They fool me every time without exception.
As I boarded the airplane I felt the deliciously cool sensation of the entrance tunnel, was greeted with a “Good morning Mr I”, I feel like dad… It’s not often I’m addressed as Mr I. The take off was wonderful, I class wonderful as not ending up as a fiery meteorite plummeting out of the sky.
On the journey I rediscovered David Scheet who is a comedian with a piano who I intend to find in Adelaide when I return. As the plane came down to land the guy next to me seemed quite determined to open a conversation and due to his clenching hands I deduced it was to calm his nerves a bit. We talked about travel generally and what he was doing in Sydney.
Afterwards I departed the aircraft and walked my way down to the shuttle bus, with all the signs around I’m starting to believe that even a child can do this. So far no calamities have occurred save me forgetting about pressure and nearly choking to death after opening my water bottle at 18,000 feet.
Had lunch after I boarded at Sydney. I honestly haven’t the faintest idea why people say airplane food is terrible. I had an absolutely amazing beef curry. It was so tender, and the raspberry muesli bar made for a delightful dessert. I watched Superman, man of steel, I enjoyed it immensely as it starred one of my favourite actors (Henry Cavill) and yet there was perhaps, maybe, just possibly a little bit too much banging, booming and explodyness.
One thing struck me on the plane, never before and most likely never again will there be a voice like David Attenborough. You can probably guess I’ve started watching documentaries but he is more than an icon of it… He’s a fundamental part. Whenever you watch a documentary (or at least when I do) the first thing I notice is the voice, sometimes it’s the proper one, and sometimes it’s a truly jarring realisation when it’s gone and some American impostor tries to fulfill his role. I’m rambling but after 6 hours on a plane I’ve got little else to do.
I feel a squirm of genuine worry as I am informed that the temperature is 31 degrees. I’ve done more than that it’s true. 45 is my record but I’ve never had to handle significant humidity. I’ll guess that I’ll either die or I won’t.
I can see a mountain! It’s been so long since I saw a mountain, I actually mouthed the word wow when I glimpsed it. Mount banahao… Which now hat it occurs to me has the top blown off. I do remember reading that the Philippines has something like 3000 volcanoes… Hmm.
It’s also slightly worrying when you pass over Manila and see nothing that looks like an airport. On the plus side I have a wonderful view of the mountains on the horizon, the hulking monoliths that they are, slightly obscured by the clouds, the shadows and the cloud’s shadows.
Manila airport was a smooth transition, except that I was nearly denied half of my trip as the official didn’t see my visa in my passport. It was a bit like a tennis match.
“How many days?”
“51”
“51?!?”
“Yes…?”
“I can only give you thirty”
“Thirty days?!”
“Yes”
“What about the visa?”
“What visa?”
“Right there! Hidden on the next page”
“Ahhhhh… Sorry about that”.
I didn’t reply. I had pretty much sagged to the floor in relief.
After I made it through I spotted Mister B and his very identifying beard.
I had arrived.
I’m in the traffic… Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh my goodness! The maniacs! I had my toes clenched tightly for the first half an hour. Not only are we driving on the wrong side of the road but I’m in the wrong side of the car and really feel like I’m the driver with a missing steering wheel. (They drive in the American style over here). Organised chaos. My first 2 seconds allowed me the view of the famous jeepneys. The brightly coloured taxi trucks based in the old WW2 jeeps left behind. Mister B gave me a tour by darkness and we had a lovely chat for the 2 hour trip (for 17km). So many different things caught my eye. Shopping malls the size of cities, the multitude of Christmas lights sparkling in the blackness and perhaps most of all the 7-11s. I cheer at the sight of them which earns a puzzling look from Mr B. I explained I hadn’t seen one since Japan and desperately craved certain items inside them. I hope there is a crossover between what was in the Japanese 7-11s and these ones.
For a quick and easy dinner we had McDonald’s. I have amended my vow not to eat McDonald’s (having worked in one as a student) to be allowed to try foreign McDonald’s. But there is absolutely no difference. Except for one thing. Never before have I seen Price: 268.00 on a cash register in Australia. But both of us were fed for I think about $6.80. I love this country already. By the way apparently Tomorrow is thanksgiving. Never thought I’d be experiencing american traditions in the Philippines but there you go. Embrace all cultures wherever you may be.
I love the family already. Master B is really cute and a proper christian man already in some aspects I think. Miss B has a lovely smile and is already proving to be a good laugh.
Mrs B is a lovely hostess and reminds me of my American grandma with her welcoming manner and charming accent. And Mr B… Well we get on fabulously already and that’s largely due to both of us loving Krispy Kreme donuts.
The family and I went out for mango ice cream and I spoke my first word of Tagalog. A thank you (Salamat) I hope to learn so much here and from so many different groups of knowledge.
And that was the end of day 1. It’s been action packed and one I’ll never forget to my dying day. My introduction to the Philippines.
Quote of the day: If there was road rage in Manila everyone would be dead. -Mr B,
Is it just me or has it been a really long day today? Nope. I’ve had 2 extra hours. I went to bed at 1:30am by our standards. Despite that I know I’ll wake up at about 5:00 here. This will take some getting used to, no doubt about it.