The First of Many Excursions

by Janine Goddard (United Kingdom (Great Britain))

Making a local connection Philippines

Standing at 5’10, with muddy blonde hair, blue eyes, and traveling alone, I’m not a common sight seen in this particular airport. I feel like Gulliver in the land of Lilliputians as the crowd silently parts and I make my way through to the passport desk, whilst nervously pretending I don’t see the stares. I work my way outside and head towards the ‘Grab’ rank under strict instructions, as opposed to the normal taxis (known to be liberal in their fees for non-locals) – tightly grasping the address to give to the driver. I have arrived in Manila. It’s hot and I’m tired but the exotic sights and smells are enough to revive me as we travel through Central Manila, heading to Quezon City. The landscape zooms by as the scene changes from skyscrapers to shanty towns and back, with cars fitting through gaps which make me suck my teeth in concern, and horns used as much for greeting as warning. After quick hellos and hugs, bag dumping and a shower, we head back out. Walking around Makati with the wide pavements, and towering palm trees seems both familiar and foreign in equal measures. The sun is shining and the locals shout ‘Hello Jane’ as we walk passed. I send a questioning gaze to my local tour guide – and good friend – who explains that this is the common way to draw attention and give a friendly welcome to Western women; men are beckoned with John. Policemen with AK-47s, walk over just for a chat, and I soon relax, although never become completely comfortable with the amount of attention my alien looks prompt throughout my visit. Trips to the enormous, sprawling malls proceed a 4D cinema experience – my first ever encounter of 3D cinema with the added enthrallment of my chair moving and air, water and fragrances being sprayed at appropriate points within the film. It’s fully immersive and I highly recommended doing it at least once. Day trips to different areas in Manila are interspersed with coffee in amazing cafes with incredible pastries, and ‘unli’, (unlimited) sushi and drinks. The local spirits are strong and free-flowing – Emperador brandy, the globally available Don Papa and the lesser known Tanduay rum, not to mention the local beers and home brews. The food has influences from all over Asia, but Filipino food has its own strong identity. It packs a punch, and has ingredients some may consider controversial. Offal has a strong influence and often saved for honoured guests. Adobo, Sinigang, Sisig and Lechon are not only full of flavour, but ensure no part of the animal goes to waste. I did however, draw the line at Balut – the boiled, developing egg embryo – even though considered a delicacy. After a whirlwind few days in QC, Makati, and Ortigas, we head to the airport for a quick flight to the most beautiful island in the world – voted 20 years in a row - Palawan. The flight is interesting, to say the least. We have booked the front two seats on the plane, an attempt on my friend’s behalf to give me more leg room. Little did we realise, on this plane, that means facing backwards! Taking off and landing – even for an adrenaline junkie – was quite a feat, and I’m still not sure my hand has fully recovered from being crushed in my friend’s vice-like grip. Palawan, is indeed breath-taking. The fishing village of Coron Town is tiny and ramshackle, the harbour sleepy after the early fisherman bustle. The surrounding terrain is rugged and sometimes difficult to traverse but the effort is most definitely worth it when you reach the top and see the Archipelagos spread before you. Trips through mangroves, to crystal clear lakes where you can see to the bottom, and diving the WW2 shipwrecks will make you wish you had twice as long to explore. All too soon we are landing back in Manila and I’m headed to the airport on my way home. Fear not however, as I am already planning my next trip to see more of the gems the 7000 odd islands in the Philippines has to offer – bring on Cebu, Boracay and Siargao… to name but a few.