It's amazing how globalization works. Of all the countroes I have been to, Philippines has the most American influence with food, franchises, and the accent as well. In terms of food, there are two main problems I come across. Food from my host home vs Food from the Mall. Theres no doubt that Filipino food is delicious, but eating rice three times a day seven days a week, really gets to you. Sure it's healthier but do I really want that over a some French Fries, BigMac, and a McFlurry? What makes the idea even better is that McDonalds DELIVERS. Imagine no more drive thrus because you can have it delivered to your doorstep..heaven. It's possible but not realistic. See the only problem with delivery is that you'll have to buy double everything because portion size it TOO SMALL. Our regular small is about their medium etc. The McFlurry comes in a cup smaller than small. It's frustrating! Oh well Mcdonalds is still number on my mind everyday Im here. I'm Lovin It.
Another thing is that at the 7/11, (YES THERE IS 7/11!!) they have the same chips and cookies you would normally find but nothing truly comes true to size. FOr example, a bag of Doritos is called king size when it is really the size of a slighty larger normal bag. And the chip bags are never full. Its about half the bag or less, and you pay about twice as much for it than we do in the US. $3 for a bag you can get for $1 at school. Same with the Oreos, which are also Bluberry Flavoured. Here theres no big box of the oreos, it only come in the size of one row in the box. We devour them so quickly. I love oreos.
I have a theory now as to why so many american exchange students gain weight. We all know how unhealthy the American food is, but with globalization we now have access to our favourite foods just like home. And with instances like mine, where fast food can be delivered to your home we can eat almos all the time when ever we miss our faves. And we gain weight because the portion sizes are so much smaller we are almost forced to buy multiples of one serving. I know thats what's happening to me. The world is just great!
Friday, September 30, 2011
TYPHOOON
Earlier this week, Quezon Province had a lot of rain due to the typhoon which caused school to be closed for Monday and Tuesday. It has been so windy and wet, raining all the time but now things have cleared up and it's back to the heat. I miss the rain, please come back!
Finally the Weekend..
So this is going to be an update from last weekend until now. Last weekend, William and I went to Manila so that I could make my presentation on fine dining at one of the colleges there for Ate Miaca's class. Prior to arrival, we stoppped by Tiya Elsa's shop where William and I recieved our future fates by our plams being read. For me, simply, the man said I would become a politician and that William would have 3 wives. That day did not end so well. After wards we met up with Ate Miaca.
The next day I made my presentation and later we went out to the studio so Ate Miaca and her friends could do a phoyo shoot for grauation. It was amazing wha they had done They looked transformed! And one man there works for a modeling scout and he wants to take my photos..not bad. I'm pretty excited.
That was the main highlight of our Manila weekend.
We also went to the GreenHills mall and we went shopping! I had a blast...I miss shopping! Finally felt like home to me. But by the end of the day it was time to go back to Lucena.
The next day I made my presentation and later we went out to the studio so Ate Miaca and her friends could do a phoyo shoot for grauation. It was amazing wha they had done They looked transformed! And one man there works for a modeling scout and he wants to take my photos..not bad. I'm pretty excited.
That was the main highlight of our Manila weekend.
We also went to the GreenHills mall and we went shopping! I had a blast...I miss shopping! Finally felt like home to me. But by the end of the day it was time to go back to Lucena.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Filipinos Run on Their Own Clocks
I've always been a late person, anyone who knows me knows that. I can never be on time for anything. That's what I'm known for, being late. One of the reasons I knew I was going to enjoy myself was because Filipinos are known for being late. But let me tell you, Filipinos run on their own clock. Not 10-15 late I mean 1-2 HOURS late. For almost everything...
Here's a story.
So last weekend, we were supposed to go to Bicol with other exchange students..but because the coordinator was LATE we couldn't go. Instead William and I organised a way to meet up with another Excahnge from Brasil, Vinny at his house 2.5 hours away. So that evening my host Tita and Tito said they were picking us up before 8 AM on Saturday but they came at 10AM. We were late.
Monday following that weekend we were to be picked up before 12PM but they didnt come until 4PM. While we were waiting, we ordred McDonalds which DELIVERS!!! And it took 1 hour..
This weekend while in MAnila we ordered pizza..it took 2 hours, we got it past Midnight and they wouldnt give it for free! Ahh, Filipino Time is Frustrating!
Here's a story.
So last weekend, we were supposed to go to Bicol with other exchange students..but because the coordinator was LATE we couldn't go. Instead William and I organised a way to meet up with another Excahnge from Brasil, Vinny at his house 2.5 hours away. So that evening my host Tita and Tito said they were picking us up before 8 AM on Saturday but they came at 10AM. We were late.
Monday following that weekend we were to be picked up before 12PM but they didnt come until 4PM. While we were waiting, we ordred McDonalds which DELIVERS!!! And it took 1 hour..
This weekend while in MAnila we ordered pizza..it took 2 hours, we got it past Midnight and they wouldnt give it for free! Ahh, Filipino Time is Frustrating!
Schooling in the Philippines = Mind Blown
It's Official. As of now I am REPEATING my junior year. Why?
Read Below:
Here in the Philipines, I am in the fourth year of high school at age 15 "preparing" for college by the end of the school year, which is March 2012. It still amazes me that at age 15-16 is the normal age of Filipinos to be in college. My classmates, I am so worried...the classroom atmosphere is not there! For exampe, students can talk, text and even take pictures in class without much scholding form the teachers. Students, because itis so hot in the classroom leave their seats and sit or sleep by the fan during a lesson. It's so different and hard to imagine these kids will be in college in less than 10 months.
Another thing is what they learn. Literally everything they have learned and are learning I have already studied in my sophmore year. It's scary how similar it is to but, bear in mind they are going to COLLEGE in June 2012! There are so many differences about the way we learn. In my classroom there are 36 students..in the tropics...no airconditioning just 4 fans and open windows. Its so hot yu don't want to pay attention.
Then, school is from 7:30AM until 5:00PM. Yes, the class starts at 7:30. 9.5 hours at school. Kill me. Fortunately, William and i only have to go at 8:30AM. Most classes are in Tagalog, the native language here in the Philippines. Even english class, the english teacher doesnt even know english completely. She always gives William and I blank looks in class. AHHH, how is anyone supposed to learn if the teacher doesnt even understand the lesson she is teaching!?
There is so much to say about this but it's really just the beginning..
Read Below:
Here in the Philipines, I am in the fourth year of high school at age 15 "preparing" for college by the end of the school year, which is March 2012. It still amazes me that at age 15-16 is the normal age of Filipinos to be in college. My classmates, I am so worried...the classroom atmosphere is not there! For exampe, students can talk, text and even take pictures in class without much scholding form the teachers. Students, because itis so hot in the classroom leave their seats and sit or sleep by the fan during a lesson. It's so different and hard to imagine these kids will be in college in less than 10 months.
Another thing is what they learn. Literally everything they have learned and are learning I have already studied in my sophmore year. It's scary how similar it is to but, bear in mind they are going to COLLEGE in June 2012! There are so many differences about the way we learn. In my classroom there are 36 students..in the tropics...no airconditioning just 4 fans and open windows. Its so hot yu don't want to pay attention.
Then, school is from 7:30AM until 5:00PM. Yes, the class starts at 7:30. 9.5 hours at school. Kill me. Fortunately, William and i only have to go at 8:30AM. Most classes are in Tagalog, the native language here in the Philippines. Even english class, the english teacher doesnt even know english completely. She always gives William and I blank looks in class. AHHH, how is anyone supposed to learn if the teacher doesnt even understand the lesson she is teaching!?
There is so much to say about this but it's really just the beginning..
Monday, September 12, 2011
Foreign Foood..mmm
So yesterday, we arrived from our weekend in Manila! The trip, overall, was not as fun as I expected it to be. For starters, the Black Eyed Peas concert tickects William and I wanted were unable to be purchased since they do not accept William's American Express cards! Then I bought a cell phone at the Mall of Asia, once again, one of the largest mall in Asia! A Nokia X2-01 which turned out not to be working right. Ahh, Mall of Asia didnt live up to my expectations. Bummer, but I had fun in a way.
We went out to eat at a buffet..we being Tita and Tito Bing, Tita and Tito Ylagan, William, Geejay, Jet-Jet, Samantha, Bhebs, and TinTin. There, I tried BALUT- DUCK FETUS= NASTY and escargot which was okay. It was fun to try those foods, but I won't be doing it again anytime soon. It was an interesting weekend but I'm looking forward to more! Can't wait!
We went out to eat at a buffet..we being Tita and Tito Bing, Tita and Tito Ylagan, William, Geejay, Jet-Jet, Samantha, Bhebs, and TinTin. There, I tried BALUT- DUCK FETUS= NASTY and escargot which was okay. It was fun to try those foods, but I won't be doing it again anytime soon. It was an interesting weekend but I'm looking forward to more! Can't wait!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
~ MANILA ~
It's Saturday and we drove to MANILA to go shoppping. The morning was spent on the road, with casual fast food runs and bathroom breaks. William left with Tito and Tita Romaine heaed to Gumaca for his tour/activity for the day and I remained with the Rubio family to go to Bhebs house. Upon arrival, Tin Tin Samantha and I went upstairs to relax. Samantha taught me how to DOUGIE and dance in general and I skyped some friends and family who were pleased to hear from me. A couple hours later, Maica and her friend Nikki arrived..we all got a long really well! They would like me to be their guest speaker for Fine Dining at their school. Infront of their class. I am so nervous! But I can't wait.
Tomorrow, we are going to Mall of Asia, the LARGEST MALL IN ASIA. I think I might die, I am so excited! SHOP SHOP SHOP till I drop. This is something I cannot wait for! William and I are even going ice-skating...in the mall. This is too much! I must sleep, it will be a big day tomorrow!
Tomorrow, we are going to Mall of Asia, the LARGEST MALL IN ASIA. I think I might die, I am so excited! SHOP SHOP SHOP till I drop. This is something I cannot wait for! William and I are even going ice-skating...in the mall. This is too much! I must sleep, it will be a big day tomorrow!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Girl Scouts of the Philippines Parade
Fast Forward to the Present...
Oboy, my host brother, left for the United States, New Hampshire. I hope he enjoys himself! I atteneded orientation August 13. I met students who were inboud, outbound, and others who had jus come back from their year abroad. I became really close with one of the inbounds from Brasil, Vinny. He's 18 and he is in high school. Big problem. (Read posts to come). He's tall..filipinos are short! And I guess you could say attractive. Add it all up and it equals a lot of screaming girls. That's one thing he couldn't stand!
Papa Bing had his birthday party. He is finally a Golden Boy (50 years) I had a poem I recited for him and his entire family..(100 people) I was super nervous.
I finally met William Coconato who I had been literally bragging about to every person. He is a Rotary Youth Exchange from North Carolina. He's probably one reason I love this experience even more. Before, I felt really alone but now, I have somone and it's great. We are experiencing so many different things, from food to jeepneys to people. It's great to know I'm not alone. I love it andyet, it's only the beginning!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
SCHOOL TOUR!
August 5, 2011
Today Mama Elsa took me to my school, St. Annes College Lucena Inc. It has all education levels within the school compounds. The high school looked nice, all the staff wore smiles and so did the students. I felt so welcome. Everything was going great until we proceeded to fit my school uniform. For those that know me, know I have always been an advocate for school uniform. However, this uniform made me want to curl up in a corner and disappear. I dont want to even begin to describe it, you'll see it for yourself. It's just, diffferent, but very common here in the Philippines which is a very conservative nation. I guess I'll just have to accept it. It's only one year :))
The main upsetting outcome of my tour was the course load. Majority of the classes I need to take to be credited for my junior year are not available. Only chemisty and trigonometry. I'm so worried I will not benefit from being at the school. Crossing my fingers and knocking on wood, hoping for the best!
Today Mama Elsa took me to my school, St. Annes College Lucena Inc. It has all education levels within the school compounds. The high school looked nice, all the staff wore smiles and so did the students. I felt so welcome. Everything was going great until we proceeded to fit my school uniform. For those that know me, know I have always been an advocate for school uniform. However, this uniform made me want to curl up in a corner and disappear. I dont want to even begin to describe it, you'll see it for yourself. It's just, diffferent, but very common here in the Philippines which is a very conservative nation. I guess I'll just have to accept it. It's only one year :))
The main upsetting outcome of my tour was the course load. Majority of the classes I need to take to be credited for my junior year are not available. Only chemisty and trigonometry. I'm so worried I will not benefit from being at the school. Crossing my fingers and knocking on wood, hoping for the best!
You'll Do What..?
August 5, 2011
Prior to my arrival in the Philippines, I was notified about the house help that would be assiting our daily needs. Today was very interesting day. For starters, laundry is washed everyday. I made the mistake of putting my clothes back in the wardrobe after being worn. Big No No. I also stacked my clothing "incorrectly" in my wardrobe and instead of re-arranging it myself the househelp did, in addition to unpacking and stacking ALL items in my remaining 2 suitcases. Don't get me wrong I love the extra help but those are my personal things and I'm so accustomed to doing it myself, but I guess a little help is fine.
After my mishap in the bedroom, I figured that all was taken care of. Wrong. House help does eveything. Literally. . Who cleans your room, makes your bed, organizes your closet, wakes you up, makes dinner, cleans the dishes, etc. ? The house help. I have yet to find something somewhat relevant to chores that I have to do. As of now, nothing. And I'm having a hard time adjusting to this limited independency, and I find my self constantly asking " You'll do what...?" to all househelp including the driver.
Prior to my arrival in the Philippines, I was notified about the house help that would be assiting our daily needs. Today was very interesting day. For starters, laundry is washed everyday. I made the mistake of putting my clothes back in the wardrobe after being worn. Big No No. I also stacked my clothing "incorrectly" in my wardrobe and instead of re-arranging it myself the househelp did, in addition to unpacking and stacking ALL items in my remaining 2 suitcases. Don't get me wrong I love the extra help but those are my personal things and I'm so accustomed to doing it myself, but I guess a little help is fine.
After my mishap in the bedroom, I figured that all was taken care of. Wrong. House help does eveything. Literally. . Who cleans your room, makes your bed, organizes your closet, wakes you up, makes dinner, cleans the dishes, etc. ? The house help. I have yet to find something somewhat relevant to chores that I have to do. As of now, nothing. And I'm having a hard time adjusting to this limited independency, and I find my self constantly asking " You'll do what...?" to all househelp including the driver.
The Start
August 4, 2011
The nights are very slow here, considering I only slept 5 hours and woke up feeling completely refreshed. The sounds are like striaght from a movie. I was wokenby the chickens, dogs and gentle rustling of people sweeping their porches. It's the best way to wake up in my opinion. Way more peaceful compared to my typical cell phone alarm. It's my first day and I can't wait to expeireince this culture!
My host parents are already so nice I finally have arrived and they really do make me feel welcome. I could not have asked for anything better. Elsa and Bing or Mama Elsa and Papa Bing are great and I can't wait to get know them! So far things are going smooth, no problems except that I cannot find the key to my luggage!
My host siblings, Oboy 16 and Tin Tin 11 are really quiet. Maybe it is because I am new in the house. Hopefully it will disappear over some time.
The nights are very slow here, considering I only slept 5 hours and woke up feeling completely refreshed. The sounds are like striaght from a movie. I was wokenby the chickens, dogs and gentle rustling of people sweeping their porches. It's the best way to wake up in my opinion. Way more peaceful compared to my typical cell phone alarm. It's my first day and I can't wait to expeireince this culture!
My host parents are already so nice I finally have arrived and they really do make me feel welcome. I could not have asked for anything better. Elsa and Bing or Mama Elsa and Papa Bing are great and I can't wait to get know them! So far things are going smooth, no problems except that I cannot find the key to my luggage!
My host siblings, Oboy 16 and Tin Tin 11 are really quiet. Maybe it is because I am new in the house. Hopefully it will disappear over some time.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The Big Day...
Aug. 3rd 2011
I never thought saying goodbye would be so hard. My friends through me a surprise party which I loved but saying goodbye was the worst part. At the airport, saying goodbye to my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It's different saying goodbye to someone you have so much history with and love too much. I cannot believe that Im here, in the Philippines. My life truly has turned around.
I never thought saying goodbye would be so hard. My friends through me a surprise party which I loved but saying goodbye was the worst part. At the airport, saying goodbye to my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It's different saying goodbye to someone you have so much history with and love too much. I cannot believe that Im here, in the Philippines. My life truly has turned around.
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