Re: The Philippines: Not What It's Cracked Up to Be
Posted: February 6th, 2015, 10:12 am
Bingo. Though I must mention that I did not (even once) have a cashier asking me any questions at all. They all kept a very somber face and businesslike demeanor, with minimal eye contact. No one was mean to me, though.publicduende wrote:It depends a lot on who you are and what you look like. If you're only average looking, not exact fit (quite easy to tell when you wear summer clothes) and in your mid 40s, you can't expect to be treated like the late Mick Jagger You will probably attract a giggle or two from younger girls who get naturally curious at anything that deviates from their routine. The occasional cashier or shop assistant might ask your name and where you're from, plus some intimate questions like if you are taken or free and even how much you earn (it's common in Filipino culture, as it is in Latin America), but it's really up to you to take anything further.
Yes! I even loved some of the hole-in-the-wall local Filippino establishments, where I would select many little dishes of meat, fish and vegetables (like tapas). Tremendous value, too, and I never got sick from it, like many people warned.publicduende wrote:Wow, this is the first time I read someone praising FIlipino food in here.
I am a massive fish/seafood and, while living in Davao City, I had some of the most delicious fish-based food ever in my life. It was unsophisticated, fresh and above all cheap. And I'm Italian and have Mamma's meals as a benchmark, so I won't judge food quality lightly. The fried pork belly strips you mention are probably liempo. I love them too. I love fish much better though. The way the grill squid and shrimp, with tomato and onion, and garnish with thick soy-based BBQ sauce is simply nirvana! Tuna, milkfish (bangus) and swordfish are always succulent and fresh, and need very little condiment to bring out their taste. I also tried some very delicious soups and chowders which names I can't remember. Excellent stuff, too.
The difference about the Filipino food haters (most) and the few who praise it might simple be down to the kind of establishments they normally go to. I have noticed most Americans aren't too keen about venturing into the local cuisine and prefer to stick to the acquired taste. They would walk straight into a known franchise (McDonald, Pizza Hut, etc.) or a restaurant that offers that same kind of menu they have back home, in the hope that a burger will make their day, or a burrito will taste exactly like one prepared in Texas. Limited budget might also play a big part. However cheaper than the West, a good 2-3 course meal in a reputable restaurant, say Antonio's Grill, will always cost you about 500 pesos. You can't have quality and pay nothing for it...unless you go straight to the market and cook it by yourself.
Some of the dishes you mention sound really mouth-watering. I wish Filipino food was more widely available where I live, I would include it as one of my regular go-to cuisines....and this is also coming from a (first generation) Italian!