For a number of times, local Thai people would recognize where we are from. And we couldn't really figure out how? While walking, some of them would say, "you Filipino" out of the blue. My immediate reaction? Well I would feel baffled and surprised about it, and eventually, feel proud for being recognized as one. I would respond by smiling, or nodding, and or say "yes!"
After a number of times, I couldn't resist it anymore. I had to ask them how they know it. They usually say they know someone who is a Filipino. I didn't ask further. Maybe it's the eyes, or the nose. Either way, we were impressed.
And this constant verification of race went on even when we reached Cambodia. This time, it's those little ones who were eager to ask. Surprisingly, a lot of people there can speak proper English. And in many times, these adorable kids would sell us postcards, pashminas and the likes, in the most subtle and aggressive ways, it's mind boggling how they were able to mix those 2 contrasting elements together.
But it works.
