It’s kind of a given that when you go to a new country, either you have a great guide, or you’ve researched the destination enough to at least know what direction your hotel is in. It’s better if you know things about the country (especially if you’re LGBT), and it’s even better if you learn that country’s language before you go!
But who has time for that? So here you have it, some need-to-know information and a little vocabulary about Manila, and the Philippines in general. I suggest going because the food is delicious, the drinks, cigarettes, and souvenirs are cheap, the history is enthralling, Manila is alive and exciting, and the beaches are unparalleled. But above all…
- It’s more fun in the Philippines. This is an actual tourism slogan used throughout 2012. It is also true. Scout’s honor. You might have more fun if you learn some…
- Filipino. This is one of two official languages of the Philippines (the other one is English). Linguistically, because it is a mix of Philippine dialects of Tagalog, then Spanish and English, it is more or less the story of…
- Colonialism. Spain colonized the Philippines in the 17th century. It brought ceviche, oppression, and Catholicism. It is also why Spanish became the second language of the Philippines much in the same way that French used to be the language of the social elite in Russia. It is also why many verbs, adjectives, and nouns are in Tagalog, but many more modern nouns (after 1600) are in Spanish. Which is why if you think you’re hearing some Spanish, you are. At the beginning of the 1900′s, the United States gained the Philippines as a result of the Spanish-American War/Treaty of Paris. After World War II (Fun fact: at the end of WWII Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, was the second-most decimated city after Warsaw), the Philippines gained independence. So if you hear some Tagalog, Spanish, and English. You’re not crazy. You’re just smart. I learned most this from…
- Carlos Celdran. He is a Filipino performance artist (in)famous for interrupting a Catholic Sunday mass in a performance protest of the church’s stance on the RH Bill that aims to give universal access to contraceptives, and promotes sexual health and education—and with HIV rates on the rise in the Philippines, it’s a very important and controversial issue. Celdran (pictured) does fantastic tours in Manila of the Intramuros walled city and an Imelda Marcos walking tour. His tours are entertaining, hilarious, and highly educational. Go to all of them if you have the chance. He’s also relatively well known for being a advocate of LGBT rights, which in the Philippines is fascinating and complicated because…
- Bakla. This is the name of the what is often referred to as the Filipino “third gender.” The experiences I’ve had with them are someone in a market calling me a bakla, me turning around, looking at them, and them smiling and waving at me, and meeting a little girl on a beach who explained to me that her 6 year old brother is bakla. Some Filipinos say this tradition stems from the matriarchal society in which the youngest daughter would take care of the parents in their old age. Sometimes, if the youngest child was a boy, they were raised as bakla, or a woman. This is not always the case today, but either way they are a very visible and mostly accepted part of society. At the same time, the high visibility sort of creates a ambiguous space for L, G, and B people, so don’t be surprised if a waiter or waitress calls you and/or your boyfriend “madam,” or you and/or your girlfriend “sir.” But being LGBT should be the least of your worries there. Speaking of LGBT, you should know about…
- Malate. Like Chelsea, the East Village, Boystown, The Castro, or the Mission, the LGBT community has moved into the district of Malate because it’s relatively inexpensive, a little shabby, and they’re making it chic. Gentrifying it, you could say. And, same with all those histories, while it’s certainly a party being there, watch your wallet, and try not to go down poorly lit streets alone. That said, the gay bars there are fabulous places where you are certain to listen to top 40 remixes and what the US would call drag shows. The costume changes are as epic as the lip syncing (See Beyoncé below). Oh. Also the drinks are probably going to be no more than 4 USD maximum because of…
- Economic Tourism. It’s amazing to pay 15 USD at the end of an extravagant meal or buy a nice custom suit for 300 USD, however you should take into account that the Philippines is the…
- Developing world. We don’t say third world anymore because, well, that hierarchy is totally BS. The Philippines is actually a competitively expanding economy. Be ready to see squat towns, though. Do not, however, confuse poverty with crime or danger. As a seasoned traveler, I have never felt more welcomed anywhere than in the Philippines. Everyone I met was warm, open, and ready to help. The customer service is impeccable. And don’t forget to tip if you like the service (though it’s not obligatory). But since you’re doing a bit of economic tourism, tip generously. Come on. Also, say thank you, or salamat po! Especially after you’ve had a delicious meal of
- Beef Tapa, Pork Tocino, Pancit, Pinakbet, and/or Tinola. I love Filipino cuisine because it’s more or less gluten-free and it combines sweet, salty, and tangy in many meals and in fabulous combinations. Be adventurous, especially when going to the…
- Beaches. The beaches in the Philippines are the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen (more beautiful than: New York and New Jersey’s beaches, Florida’s Beaches, Tel Aviv’s Beaches, Barcelona’s Beaches, Biarritz’ beaches, and 4 Hawaiian Island’s beaches). The water is the clearest I have ever seen. The photo attached is of White Beach in Puerto Galera.
Some useful vocabulary:
Kamusta ka-What’s up, how’re you?
Ingat (ing-gat)-Take care, goodbye
O-O: Yes
Hinde-po (heen-di po): No
Salamat-po: Thank you
Alright. You’re ready to go! And if you’re one of those gay dudes who’s going to dismiss an entire culture because he’s “just not that into asians,” awesome. Stay home. Forever. Please.
Carlos Celdran’s website complete with tour times: http://celdrantours.
