Recently, I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in the Philippines to visit family and it gave me a chance to see life through a different lens. While there were plenty of aspects of the American life that I couldn't escape (yup, my cousins still had fidget spinners), I also got to experience a multitude of things unique to the Philippines. Here are my highlights and lowlights of my trip.
Food
If you like fried chicken, you would feel right at home in the Philippines. The nation's most iconic food chain, Jollibee, is known primarily for its fried chicken and is by far the most popular restaurant in the country. Surprisingly enough, KFC trails right behind Jollibee while McDonald's takes a back seat. Apart from the top three fast food joints, I usually relied on either locally founded restaurants or street food vendors to get me through the day, most of which served similar meals consisting of rice, a fried egg and a choice of meat.
Transportation
And I thought traffic in L.A. was bad! There are very few traffic lights in the Philippines, so you're almost constantly driving as if you were on a freeway. You would think that means traffic moves a little faster, but with all the pedestrians crossing the streets and the motorcyclists constantly trying to pass you, you have to constantly be aware of your surroundings. The streets are so congested that most people resort to taking public transportation through the means of either Jeepneys (essentially a bus that you hail like a taxi) or Tricycles (motorcycles that pull a cart housing up to three people). If you want do any form of driving in the Philippines, you better have a lot of experience under your belt.
Beaches
This was probably the best part of my trip. While the industrial parts of the Philippines aren't all that glamorous, the islands that house undisturbed pockets of nature contain some of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. The wildlife was breathtaking and sailing along the waters felt like a scene straight out of Moana. I also had the chance to do some snorkeling and get close and personal with an array of fish that would put any aquarium to shame.
Weather
I thought I could handle the fabled heat of the Philippines due to my experience as a California resident, but there's a very significant difference between the two climates. Sure, the harsh sun rays of Malibu will leave you burned, but the humidity of Manila makes you beg to stay indoors. Sudden storms are not uncommon in the Philippines, so get ready to endure hours of rainfall.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time in the motherland. Being able to live among the everyday people and share their daily lives opened my eyes to a drastically different lifestyle and an unforgettable experience.
