Manila, Philippines - Transportation

Date: 20th to 25th November 2007

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

The 1st photo is a jeepney. Jeepneys are a popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II and are well known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. They have also become a symbol of Philippine culture.

When American troops began to leave the Philippines at the end of World War II, hundreds of surplus jeeps were sold or given to local Filipinos. Locals stripped down the jeeps to accommodate several passengers, added metal roofs for shade, and decorated the vehicles with vibrant colors and bright chrome hood ornaments. The jeepney rapidly emerged as a popular and creative way to reestablish inexpensive public transportation, which had been virtually destroyed during World War II. Recognizing the widespread use of these vehicles, the Philippine government began to place restrictions on their use. Drivers now must have specialized licenses, regular routes, and reasonably fixed fares.

Manila, Philippines - More Great Food

Date: 20th to 25th November 2007

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

Manila, Philippines - The People

Date: 20th to 25th November 2007

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

What can I say? The Philippines is full of warm people. In fact, it was hard for me to identify even one rude Filipino. However, there are still a number of homeless Filipinos all around. And its even more heart-breaking when you see young children wandering aimlessly begging for money.

Manila, Philippines - BALUT

Date: 20th to 25th November 2007

Location: Edmark Building, Quezon City in Philippines

Fact: A Balut is a fertilized duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell. They are considered delicacies of Asia and especially the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Popularly believed to be an aphrodisiac and considered a high-protein, hearty snack, balut are mostly sold by street vendors at night in the regions where they are available. They are often served with beer. The Filipino and Malay word balut (balot) roughly translates to mean "wrapped".

Balut is by far one of the weirdest food I ever tried in my life. You start by peeling the top off. Sprinkle some salt over it & proceed to suck off all the juice contained within. Now, peel off all of the shell & sink your teeth into it. This may sound weird but its really not too bad. It tastes like herbal duck meat actually. The only disgusting part is chewing the duck's stomach which actually tastes raw like a juice-less chewing gum. And of course, the feather kinda tickles when you swallow without chewing properly. Uh, I actually ate two of it in a row & immediately I was certified a "pinoy" by my Filipino's friends. Do you know not all Filipinos have tried Balut before? I only realised this fact after my Filipino's friends who encouraged me to eat didn't join me to eat Balut at all. They scrambled so fast!

Manila, Philippines - The Food

Date: 20th to 25th November 2007

Location: Manila, Philippines

What can I comment on the food? As a boy growing up on a balance diet of meat, vegetables & fruits, I find the food in Philippines to be lacking in both vegetables & fruits. So thats kind of weird when every meal from Breakfast to Supper is all MEAT! Further, the food is either too sweet or too sour or too salty for my liking. But Philippines do have a wide variety of food and thats good for an adventurer like me.