Cebu city was a bit of a shock for us, coming from clean, middle-upper-class, clockwork Japan.
There was a lot of desperation in that city, a lot of poverty. People were always ready to rip-off a 'stupid rich tourist' who didn't know the real price of things. Hey, if we were rich, maybe we'd be holidaying in Ibiza instead...? I guess 'rich' is all relative eh. We didn't get anything stolen though. That was great.
I felt most sorry for the children who were working as 'newspaper boys'. They'd weave through the chaotic and unpredictible traffic, and hop on and off buses, trying to sell their papers. These kids were only about 8 years old. Next time I hear a spoilt brat whinging about not getting their latest electronic gametoy, I'll slap him off to the Philippines to learn a lesson about life!
Despite their hard life and poverty, when you see a Filippino smile, it is really warm and from the heart. Their eyes light up when they smile. Not like Japanese people who smile all the time but out of obligation.
This is a photo of the Local Market (Carbon Markets). It was really for the locals and not for tourists. They sold all kinds of fresh fruit and veges. And tonnes of 2nd-hand clothing. We saw the tiny colorful 'Birds Eye Chillis' that are apparently hotter than Halepenos.
This is a Jeepney. The local 'bus'. The drivers have proudly decorated their Jeepneys with 'stand-out' colors to attract the customers! There are some very artistic and original ones around!
Inside a Jeepney.
http://mindanao.blog.co.uk/
2007-12-21 @ 10:42