About Cebu and the Philippines

Some special things about the area where we are.

Everywhere building you go in there seem to be metal detectors. It's ok if they go off half the time, but they are there just in case they want to enforce the rules.

There are security officers everywhere, in most businesses or just standing around outside. This doesn't necessarily make me feel any safer, it's just a fact.

Any reputable business has uniformed employees. If they don't have uniforms, you have to wonder why.

Lots of stores and restaurants have signs telling people to "check their guns". In other words, you can't bring weapons inside. I guess that's common practice around here.

We complain in the USA about making minimum wage which is around $7.25 per hour. They do well to make 300 pesos per day which is less than $7. That's for the WHOLE DAY!!!

There is someone to clean up after you in every restaurant whether fast food or sit-down. If you clean up after yourself you just deprived them of the privilege of performing their job. Most of the time, you can't clean up after yourself, though. It's too hard to find a trash receptacle.

Filipinos for the most part, tend to be a hard-working people.

Whenever your car stops moving you will be bombarded with sales people. They are trying to sell sunglasses, watches, newspapers, fruit, you name it...they want you to buy it.

Jeepneys are everywhere. I had the experience of riding one. It is their public transportation like our city buses. They only take certain routes and each one only costs 7 pesos.

Road-side restaurant stands are everywhere. You can buy whole chickens, pigs, and real-live fish sticks :)

The weather is warm and humid but if the air is moving, it's not a big deal.

Our room key is the only way the electricity and air-conditioner work in our room. When you walk in the room you have to put your key card in this slot and then everything turns on. Without it, nothing works. Guess that's a good way for them to save on their electric bill. That means the water in your refrigerator is only cold in the morning from being chilled all night. During the day there isn't enough time int he room to keep it cold. It also means you can only charge phones and cameras when you are going to be in the room for an hour or two.

Most Filipino girls want to marry white men. It's not uncommon to see a white man and Filipino girl walking down the street together.

This is another list I'll be adding to as I have time and see more.