We have seen exactly 5 black people since arriving in Manila. We didn't expect to see a gang of black folks so it's not a big deal. But because there are so few people of color around these parts, every time we go out we're treated like celebrities. People stare at us and point us out to their unsuspecting friends. We're allowed in the mall without our bags being searched. We never have to open our own doors or anything. We just have to deal with being stared at...intently. Because we do get MTV our here and have to listen to 50 Cent in between the Christmas songs at the store, even the Filipinos have stereotyped black folks. For instance, the waiter in our building asked Brayden where his bling-bling was. We didn't even know how to respond. A waiter at Hard Rock Cafe proceeded to tell us he visited Miami before and the black people were so nice much to his surprise. Crazy!
A few interesting things about Filipinos:
They will get all in your business. It's not uncommon to be asked personal questions upon first meeting each other.
Even out here, the color of your skin is a big deal. They prefer to be as pale as possible and are treated better because of it. So, in the stores there is a plethora of skin whitening creams and lotions. Pretty sad, huh?
They really admire Americans (for whatever reason) and will go out of their way to make you happy or to help you. We're always greeted as "sir" and "mum" (ma'am) and by everyone. They think all Americans are rich. I'm sure this is fueled by all the Hollywood images here. Yes, we still have to listen to stories about Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. No escaping it.
A Filipino delicacy is balut. This is a "fertilized duck egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell." We've been told that we have to try it but that's not happening. Supposedly, it's an aphrodisiac. They warn you to eat it outside at night so you can't actually see what it is you're eating and to not consume this on an empty stomach. I was going to post a picture but instead just click here and you'll see and learn all you want to. Enjoy!
A few interesting things about Filipinos:
They will get all in your business. It's not uncommon to be asked personal questions upon first meeting each other.
Even out here, the color of your skin is a big deal. They prefer to be as pale as possible and are treated better because of it. So, in the stores there is a plethora of skin whitening creams and lotions. Pretty sad, huh?
They really admire Americans (for whatever reason) and will go out of their way to make you happy or to help you. We're always greeted as "sir" and "mum" (ma'am) and by everyone. They think all Americans are rich. I'm sure this is fueled by all the Hollywood images here. Yes, we still have to listen to stories about Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. No escaping it.
A Filipino delicacy is balut. This is a "fertilized duck egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell." We've been told that we have to try it but that's not happening. Supposedly, it's an aphrodisiac. They warn you to eat it outside at night so you can't actually see what it is you're eating and to not consume this on an empty stomach. I was going to post a picture but instead just click here and you'll see and learn all you want to. Enjoy!
Comments
Crissy
Keisha
Ayana
Nee'
but you are in a land of nothing but people of color! though you do stand out, i'm sure you're not running into to many people lacking color. enjoy it! ;-)
Jenise
Are you talkin' about the Hard Rock in Makati? They know me up in there! Like, for real for real...
And as far as Balut? Check out my entry here: http://bruthacode.com/?p=165
I had some... never again. LOL