Philippines

Of Flags & Meaning

The easiest way to know a country better is by looking at the meaning of its flag.

On June 12, my country will celebrate its 112th year of independence.

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How Now Carabao

A dog is recognized as everybody’s best friend. They’re loved almost all over the world. In my country, dogs are met with the same affection but they also face stiff competition against our beloved carabao.

Filipinos see carabaos as faithful partners in life. The carabao or kalabaw is a water buffalo that is endemic in Southeast Asia. Aside from helping our farmers plow the fields, this animal is our source of transportation, milk for sweets and cooking, meat, raw materials to design furniture, coin and mascot designs, body armor, children’s songs, jokes, and expressions in the vernacular.
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Out & about in Metro Manila

The capital city of the Philippines is Manila. It is part of a large entity called Metro Manila. The easiest way of putting it is this: Manila is the beginning, Metro Manila is the result.

Metro Manila has 16 cities and 1 municipality. It has more than 10 million people living in it and I’m one of them. I live in a city called Mandaluyong where it’s highly accessible to shopping malls and Makati City, the country’s central business district.

With such a large land area, the question comes up:

What do I ride to get around Metro Manila?

There are private and public vehicles. There are metered taxis but it really depends on one’s budget to ride them. I have no car so I’m taking public transport. There’s something to remember about public vehicles. Words such as “ordinary” and “special” will come in handy as I mention a common transportation found within the islands—The Tricycle.

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Mabuhay!

If I were to introduce myself and tell you that I’m a Filipino from a country called the Philippines, a question from an American comedian named George Carlin would likely come up:

It’s a good observation and a very valid question. To keep it short, the word “Filipino” is a product of three centuries under the Spanish and “Philippines” is now our name after almost 50 years of US rule, which ended in 1946.

This is just a gist but my country’s story goes deeper than that. I shall tell it to you in bits and pieces as we go along.

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Manila’s shining star

Katzilla writes The Stars They Just Blink for Us from Makati City in the Philippines, when she can make time from her busy schedule.

Must-read is the latest post, a great summary of Philippines scenery, Valentines day and Chinese New Year celebrations all in one.

Thanks to Oliver for submitting this site. Want to recommend a Blog of the World? Tell us about it here.

Read more:
More Philippines blogs from Blogs of the World
Photo tour of West Sumatra
Thai takeaway on Food of the World

Manila with photos

Hilda works from Monday to Saturday but still finds time to post on My Manila every day. There’s a photo in each post, but this is not just a photo blog. The descriptions are perfect for learning more about Filipino culture and life in Manila.

Water delivery vehicle from My Manila – this sidecar carries the drinking water which is delivered to Manila residents

It seems that life is not always work, work, work though – have a look at the scenic outdoor dining at Manila Bay. This is definitely dinner with a view!