Manila - First impressions
Category
I arrived here in Manila on Tuesday, after a fairly grueling trip. Managed to spend all of 12 hours in my home, before heading out again to the Philippines. 24 hours later, I arrived. Work commenced on Wednesday, and jet lag was kicking hard. Found myself wide awake in the mornings and by 3pm starting to doze at work. The people I am working here with are friendly, smart, enthusiastic and keen to improve. So that's a bonus in itself. Its been work every day since, either on site, working on Lotusphere sessions, or helping on the SNT track, or even the "day job" stuff that is occurring in the opposing timezone. Its Sunday now, and wanted to pen out some thoughts so far.
I'm hoping to have some time to see a few of the islands, or an area outside of the city before I go. Will blog more as I go along....
I arrived here in Manila on Tuesday, after a fairly grueling trip. Managed to spend all of 12 hours in my home, before heading out again to the Philippines. 24 hours later, I arrived. Work commenced on Wednesday, and jet lag was kicking hard. Found myself wide awake in the mornings and by 3pm starting to doze at work. The people I am working here with are friendly, smart, enthusiastic and keen to improve. So that's a bonus in itself. Its been work every day since, either on site, working on Lotusphere sessions, or helping on the SNT track, or even the "day job" stuff that is occurring in the opposing timezone. Its Sunday now, and wanted to pen out some thoughts so far.
- Qatar Airlines is fantastic. I never flew with them before, but IMO they beat Emirates on service (and that's tough).
- I landed on time and baggage arrived. Francie.. thanks for not looking up.
- I am tall here! Yep.. its a first.
- TV and Radio.. Westlife and Boyzone. On behalf of my country... I'm sorry.
- Landed - through emigration, collect luggage, outside. 15 minutes. Class.
- Hotel is nice - wired internet access only - Enter Apple Airport Express!
- Weather report - you gotta window? OPEN IT. Its hot... although the locals say its getting cool.
- Pollution and smog is very obvious. I reckon a lot of the smog issues are to do with the weather. But for the first few days all I could taste was petrol emissions in my mouth. Many of the locals wear facemasks.
- Flying east long haul is far worse then flying west. If I had time, I would of given myself a few days to adjust before working. Next time, I will.
- The hotels and stores in Manila define customer service for me. They are all pleasant and friendly, but also leave you alone. If call them you will get a welcoming smile and help. Take Starbucks for example. There is one in the building where I work. By day 2 they knew my name, my order and had it started for me before I asked for it. All the staff pop up their head to say hello to you. But not in an intrusive "i wish they would fecking leave me alone" way.. Its just them being pleasant.
- Taxi cabs here are scams. Order one from the hotel if you can. Although you are not talking a lot of money in any case, I hate being ripped off - and they make no apologies for it. The service from those guys reminded me of taxis in Morocco and Tunisia. Not good at all.
- Driving cars in Manila can be equated to a sport. Its not driving... Its tactical, aggressive insanity. Tie into that congestion that beats Dublin (and thats REALLY saying something) by a long mile.
- If you are a pedestrian crossing the road. Best wishes. I learned very quickly to watch the locals... get them between me and the oncoming instanity-lane-changing-at-will-traffic-lights-are-ignored cars. When they moved.. I moved.
- There is a huge contrast in wealth here. Richness is next door to hopeless poverty. Yesterday, I went to Manila bay and saw kids fishing. I went over to see what they were netting... it was rubbish. Sifting through it to find useful stuff. Seeing that got to me. Stuff like that usually gets to me though. There is also a feeling that I would not be too safe there aswell. Maybe I am wrong on that.
- There is also a huge contrast in devout religious belief and a thriving prostitution industry. I couldn't count the amount of times I have been offered "company". That being said, its all done in a non-aggressive manner.
- Billboard advertising over here is huge business! I will try to take snaps but my favorite so far was "life is better with hair".
- You can see an evolving middle-class though. Considering the global climate, the city is growing and IT services are in strong demand. This is a city on the move. Beside me are two shopping malls. Very American and full all the time.
I'm hoping to have some time to see a few of the islands, or an area outside of the city before I go. Will blog more as I go along....
Comments
Brian
Posted by Brian At 05:58:39 On 24/11/2008 | - Website - |
Posted by francie At 22:23:04 On 23/11/2008 | - Website - |
Joke aside, your observations hit it on the head and I hope you have a good time over there. What I like a lot: many many pubs and bars have life music with very talented musicians, a feast for eyes and ears.
Posted by Stephan H. Wissel At 15:12:36 On 23/11/2008 | - Website - |
Posted by Sean Murphy At 20:37:49 On 23/11/2008 | - Website - |
While you're there you have to try the gado gado and chicken adobo, but steer clear of the balut.
Posted by Charles Robinson At 13:56:41 On 24/11/2008 | - Website - |