Random Tidbits and Facts

Here are a handful of tidbits, facts and translations so you know what I'm talking about.

First, some general information:

• The Philippines is an archipelago consisting of over 7000 islands.
  
• 90 million people live here and the most commonly spoke language is Tagalog.
• English is incredibly prevalent and I've yet to speak to someone who did not speak it.
• The weather is around 30 and humid in the day, 25 and humid at night.
• We are 13 hours ahead of Montreal. At 10 AM EST, it is 11 PM here. Yes, I'm in the future.
• The currency is the Philippine Peso (PhP) and $1 CAD is worth ~38 PhP.
  
• Makati City, where I am staying, is the heart of the business district.
• I am staying at the Ascott Makati, a serviced residence (essentially a cross between a hotel and apartment). Many expats stay here. The place is stunning and the staff is incredible.
  
• Ortigas Center, where the office is located, is the second largest business district after Manila.
• Our office is located on the 34th floor of a skyscraper called Discovery.
• We have another office located in a building called Market! Market!
• There are malls everywhere and they are huge. Malls often have multiple, numbered wings. The Ascott is located on top of Glorietta 4 (one of the 5 Glorietta wings).
• Security guards are everywhere. Every entrance to every mall has a security guard and metal detector. Guards open the door and greet you at most stores and buildings.
• The Philippines is the SMS capital of the world. It costs 1 PhP to send an SMS and you receive many free SMS when you load your phone with pre-paid time.
• You can order McDonald's for delivery 24/7 in Metro Manila by texting 86236 (8-MCDO). You can also order online at 8mcdo.com
  
• Most meals come with rice and a fried or hard-boiled egg.
  
• I'm working graveyard here which means I sleep when you do.
  

Now, about the traffic and transportation here:

• Traffic here is absolutely insane. Pulling U-turns and weaving in out between lanes is very common and accepted.
• Metro Manila has a rule known as UVVRP which bans vehicles from using the streets based on the day of the week and the last digit of their license plate (Eg. On Monday, those with license plates ending in 1&2 have to leave the car at home).
• Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (known as EDSA) is the main beltway in Manila and has historical significance in Manila. Two large peaceful protests held on EDSA in 1986 and 2001 resulted in toppling the administration of corrupt presidents (Marcos and Estrada).
• I still haven't figured out public transport which consists of two light rail transit systems, multiple buses and the ubiquitous jeepney.
• For safety and convenience, Carrie and I are driven to a from work by a hotel driver.
• Taxis are cheap and rates for long distances can often be negotiated. A 45 minute ride costs ~300 PhP (~$8 CAD).
• Scooters and motorcycles, exempt from UVVRP, are popular and often zip through cars in traffic.
• Popular cars include the Nissan Cefiro, the Honda City, the Honda Jazz and Toyoto Vios.

And last, a glossary and some common terms:

• Expat: Short for expatriate. Refers to foreigners working abroad.
• Mabuhay: Basically translates to "Hello".
• Salamat: Thank you.
• Po: Polite word (no english equivalent) used when addressing strangers and elders.
• Boss: Used when addressing your superior (eg. Boss Amy).
• Sir: What I get called 300 times a day by every merchant, guard and stranger.
• Mum: Pronounciation of "Ma'am".
• Mumsir: Commonly heard everywhere.
• Load: Pre-paid time for your cell.

That's all I got for now. I know I've been promising pictures... I'm uploading them as we speak. But first, I have to go to not one but two parties today. Busy busy!