6 Filipino Food Foreigners Need To Try

Now if you're ever new to the country, one goal of every traveler is to look into the culture and one good way to do that is through food.  So any traveler would want to try out local delicacies that one cannot find in other places.

If you're new in the Philippines, here are some few local delicacies which you might want to try.  And just like some other delicacies, require acquired taste, but some might just suit your palate.  So here is the list of some filipino dishes I would recommend any foreigner to try.

6 Must-try Filipino Food

1. Adobo

This is the quintessential filipino home dish.  This is the pad thai to Thais, the hotdogs in America, the nabe in Japan.  Now I might not be accurate but I hope you got the point.  Why it won the top spot is that it's not only delicious it is also really easy to make.  This adobo recipe has been around long time ago, and this is the type of filipino food that always almost going to get finished first.

Adobo

2.  Bulad

This is the meal counterpart of durian.  When you prepare it, it smells awful, to some, but for filipinos it's a pleasant smell.  You can never go wrong with bulad and suka, vinegar with lots of garlic and rice.

Bulad

3.  Kare kare

Pork, peanut butter, naming some of the ingredients, it is not a surprised that this is easily a hearty-meal for those who want to indulge in something delightful and sinful at the same time.  Unlike the 2 items above, this one is served in a more special occasion.  So whenever there's kare-kare served, I'm sure many filipinos would take the chance of tasting something they don't get to eat everyday.

Kare kare

4. Kakanin

Kakanin is a collective term for desserts that's base in rice flour.  It's sticky colorful and it is great to eat especially for merienda or snack.

Kakanin

5.  Balot

This is not for the faint-hearted.  Not all filipinos love this but this has become a very popular late night snack especially for drinkers.  What it is is, it's a duck egg several weeks before it reaches maturation.  There are options which you can choose.  For me, I usually go for the eggs with no fetus inside, but for the weird few they'd go for the bigger fetus.  Taste-wise it's not really bad, but what freaks people out is the texture.  Go figure.

Balot

6. Tapsilog

Short for tapa, sinangag at itlog which means, fried marinated beef, fried rice and fried sunny side up egg.  And you by now,  filipinos love our fried food which goes to show that filipinos aren't the healthiest eaters out there.

Tapsilog

Publisher: Shy - Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Foreigners Edition: How To Be A Volunteer in the Philippines for FREE or for a Very Affordable Price

Volunteer in the Philippines

I've been researching on how I could volunteer in Nepal and Vietnam and it pains me to see that some if not most of the NGO's charge a certain amount of money.  Some are quite expensive, and some are reasonably cheap.  I'm wondering if some foreigners are also interested in doing the same here in my country.  Judging from what I have seen in NGO websites, I'm sure there are interested as well.  From what I know, anyone can freely volunteer here.  You just have to inform the NGO ahead of time.  Some of them would ask you to undergo an orientation so if you're staying a bit longer, do take the time to join the orientation.  If there are any dues involve it would just be really small, say P50 to P250.  The rest of donations would really be up to you.  Bring stuff in kind or bring money, what matters most is your presence and how you could share your time in making a difference in other people's lives.

Here are some NGO's that you could volunteer for free or for a very minimal charge.

1.  iVolunteer - This is a volunteer hub where you could choose from various NGOs.  They have lists of scheduled events, so you could check which one speaks to you the most.

2. Nursing Homes - If caring for the elderly is what you seek, then you could access a list of nursing homes and contact them so you could set an appointment or orientation of some sort.

3.  Orphanage -  This one is a hit for some volunteers.  Activities included are feeding, teaching, and playing games with orphaned or abandoned children.  Most of these orphanages are connected to Department of Social Welfare and Development.  Orientations are given by a trained staff.  Try contacting them for any inquiries.

4. NGO's for environment - Volunteer activities aren't held often as the previous items on the list.  They usually ask volunteers as needed and you have to undergo training which don't happen as often too.  So if you think of staying in the Philippines longer, then go ahead and sign up.  Make sure that you'll know the dates for registration and for training.

5. For Animals - I only knows PAWS which task in helping abandoned dogs and cats, and giving them a shelter and food and practically a safe place for them to stay.  The animals here are all on standby for adoption.  Again they have a scheduled orientation so make sure you check it.  Just a heads up, they'll be having an orientation on the 16th of August 2016 so make sure you get in touch with them and block your calendar on that date.

So see, you don't have to pay a lot if you wish to volunteer here in the Philippines.  Pick an organization and do some goodwill.

Publisher: Shy - Friday, August 05, 2016

20 Stunning Photos Proving that Boracay has the Best Sunset View in the Philippines

All photos were taken by me.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, December 09, 2015

How to Apply Permit for a Photoshoot in Intramuros.

Intramuros

Instramuros Photoshoot

My sister and soon-to-be brother -in-law did their pre-nuptial photoshoot at Intramuros.  And because some details that I have found online were not as accurate as I had hope to be, I'm putting up a post that is more updated for those who are wanting to have a photoshoot session in the much-acclaimed and popular First City of the Philippines, the Intramuros.

Getting there using public transportation:

- From Cubao, take the MRT station going to Taft and from there move to LRT 1 and drop off at Central Station.  The gate to intramuros is just 10 minutes away by foot.  Ask around if you're not familiar with the place, but bear in mind though that it is just across the huge clock tower.  Once reaching the gate, take the tricycle going to Intramuros Administration.  I was charged P40 by manong driver.

Going back:

- Take a Lawton jeepney and ask the driver to drop you off near Isetann Recto.  You will not be dropped in front of it, but you have to walk a bit to get to the LRT station. Take the train from there and alight at the Cubao Station.

Here are the things that you need to know when processing the Permit:

1. 2000 payment fee

2. The application form is going to be supplied anyway, so you just have to fill it up and wait 5-10 minutes for processing, pay to the cashier and you're good to go.  In the form, you would have to indicate the type of props that you'll be using.  You might think it's too anal but they just want to make sure that you're not setting up something that would damage the place. 

3. NO NEED to make a LETTER of INTENT.  From other blogs, they mentioned that you have to and so I made one before going there.  But when I got there, I remembered that it was ignored and was asked to fill up the form below instead.

Intramuros Permit

4.The processing time takes only 30 minutes or less, unlike what other blogs are saying.

5.  They only allow at most 5 people in the shoot.

6. Make sure that you file your permit days or a day before the actual photoshoot because they only allow photoshoot from 8am to 12noon.  So if you file the permit within the day, it will eat up your photoshoot hours.  Guards and the management are quite strict about this, that's why before entering your photoshoot venue in Intramuros, they would always ask for the permit.

7. You are only allowed to choose 3 out of the 6 possible areas namely:

1. Casa Manila Patio
2. Plaza Moriones and Fort Santiago Gate (bricks area)
3. Puerta Real Gardens
4. San Diego Gardens
5. Baluarte de San Andres
6. Baluarte de Dilao

8. 4 hours isn't much especially when you're taking picture of someone who is photoshoot challenged aka my brother-in-law.  You have to give him pointers where to look, and how to project just so he wouldn't look awkward.  But if your fellas are quite comfortable in front of the lens, then it would be easier.  So remember to brief the models on what the story line is and research ahead of time on what posings and places you could utilize for the shoot, if you are amateurs on this one like us. Preparation is the key people.

9.  4 hours wouldn't seem much but a photoshoot could drain you as much as it drained us.  Bring food or water with you because water there is quite expensive.  I had to forego buying one at a tindahan or store nearby because they charged me P36 for a mineral water that normally costs P10.  Don't forget to bring umbrella, just in case. Also for the ladies and men, bring a more comfortable footwear while moving from one place to another.  Believe me, you'll need it.  You're welcome.

10. Taking picture of or with the horse and carriage would probably cost some money, but you can take picture of the guwardiya sibil for free.  You just have to ask kuya nicely.

11. There are plenty of places that are photoshoot worthy in Intramuros apart from the 6 areas mentioned. You just have to take pictures fast before any guard would notice you.  If he would reprimand you carry on to the next area, but if not carry on with the photoshoot.  In our case we walked from one location to the other, so we usually stop where there's a place that's photoshoot worthy and clicked away, fast, before we got noticed.  This made the shoot a bit exciting. As a photographer, you have to be quick on your toes but don't forget that while taking pics, there'll be some passing vehicles or road blocks around.  Safety first, please.

12. This permit is for formal photoshoot sessions like pre nup, or for hobbyist carrying DSLR.  I really don't know who they allow and who they don't, but I think if you have models all dressed up and you're carrying a DSLR then most likely you'll need to get a permit.  They usually don't reprimand if you are just using your cellphone or digital camera to take pictures.  

13. They do not allow taking pictures for commercial purposes.

14. Don't forget to bring your permit on the day of the actual shoot.

15.  Budget your time wisely.  Remember that you have 3 venues to cover and you'll be needing time to walk from one to another.  There should be one person in charge of time management, someone who would notify the photographer and models on the remaining time they have left to wrap up the shoot and move to the next venue.  You might need time for retouch, and/or for arranging the props, so manage the time carefully.  This is vital.

I hope these pointers would make permit processing easier for you than it was for us.

Good luck!

You might also want to read:
6 Places to Have a Photoshoot in Intramuros, Manila
5 Helpful Tips for a Stress-free Photoshoot in Intramuros

UPDATE on June 27, 2017: Verified with the Intramuros Administration staff herself.   Application of permit is from Mondays to Fridays and photoshoot is on weekdays DEPENDING on the availability of the place.  So it is important to apply ahead of time to know if the venue is available or not.  Again, LETTER OF INTENT is not needed anymore.  Just fill out the Application form.  There's a different set of rules and price for photoshoot/video shoot for commercial purpose.

If you have any questions kindly call 527-3096.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, December 09, 2015

Quick Trip to the National Museum: Get Up Close and Personal with the Spolarium

Late post again.  But since I have some pics in my drive, I figured to share this with you so hopefully you can visit this place if and when you are here in Manila, and if you are in Manila and still haven't been here, I strongly recommend this place.

Here are the reasons why:

1, You witness the Spolarium first hand and be in awe as to how big it is.  I covers almost the entire side of the room and mind you, the room is really big.  So you can only imagine how big it is.  

2. The place itself is well maintained and grandiose.  The limestone flooring and intricately designed metal railings were gorgeous that I had to take a feetsie. (My own term for feet selfie. Hello! LOL)

 3. The structure outside was phenomenal, I couldn't help but be proud of it.  Philippines represent!

4.  Aside from the Original Juan Luna Spolarium, another original favorite work of his is also here: The Parisian Life.

5.  The chandeliers in this place are fantastic and beautiful, giving this place a more sophisticated vibe.

6.  The glass paintings were also magnificent.

These were just few of my fave.  Try to find out what yours are when you get there.  And oh, let me now!

Publisher: Shy - Saturday, January 24, 2015

Cam on to Pinto Art Museum Antipolo

Where have you been all my life?

I've had been to National Museum in Hongkong and I remembered being fascinated and mesmerized by the artifacts--- how they were saved and preserved through time, and how well these were presented to the public.  And as I was going through each paintings, and murals, while in my higher ups of admiration, I felt a sudden jab when I compared what I was seeing to what I had seen in museums back in my country.

"Why can't we have anything like this?"

"Do we even have great artists and if so why aren't they featured as well as artists here are featured?"

It saddened me but I managed to brush these thoughts aside so I can enjoy the moment of seeing art showcased the way it should be.

I thought that the art industry in the Philippines was a hopeless case, but all that changed when I came to Pinto Art Museum.  "Hey let's go to Pinto Art Museum." he said, I thought ok  and when shown a link on Facebook showing off just 2 or 3 pictures of paintings in a Grecian-inspired house, I figured, that doesn't look so bad.  With my memories of local museums I've been to before, I knew it was wise to keep my expectations low.

Good thing my expectations were low and good thing I just saw 2 to 3 pictures because when I got there, the place really blew my mind!

 Since I don't want to spoil the surprise, I consciously decided to post few pictures.

You'll thank me later.  

Don't forget to bring your camera.  There's tons of things to click.  My partner-in-crime and I were like kids in a park because there were just so much of greatness for our eyes to see.

Publisher: Shy - Friday, January 23, 2015

Magic and Romance in Wisdom Path, Lantau Hongkong?

It was Dec. 6, 2014.  The day that I turned 29.  It was morning.  I was cold and tired after a long walk around the Giant Buddha, and even after that, I was still determined to power through to see the Wisdom Path.  My journey to the Wisdom path wasn't so enlightening.  It was just a very narrow path that's just formed by people waking on it for years. I'd say people lining up and walking along it, because that's how narrow it is, or at least that's how I perceived it too be.  My fear screwed up my reality that what I was seeing as a long, narrow brick road seemed to me like a scene in the Blair Witch project.

I'd second guessed myself a number of times if I was indeed walking on the right path.  I even went back as far as where the sign was and, even when there was a sign pointing on there implying that the path that I had been trudging is indeed the way,  I still asked some locals where the path is and with a reassuring nod I then head on once more.  It didn't took me long to have my doubts creep in again.  In my head I was thinking, what if there's some kind of puma hiding in the bushes, waiting for the perfect timing to pounce on me. What if there's some rapist around the corner seamlessly looking for a lone female travel a.k.a. me.  That freaked me out and turned away again.   

I'm not a psycho, but any woman with a sane mind would feel vulnerable walking down the path.  It was long and narrow and it's smack in the middle of a forest.  It would have been fine if I was with a crowd of people, but in this case, I was on it alone, and being a tourist spot I was expecting people if not going with me at least heading at the opposite direction, but while I was at it for what seemed like minutes, I didn't see anyone, which scared me.  So it could be a perfect place for a malicious person to drag me into the bushes without being seen by anyone.  And to remind you, I'm on this trip alone, so if I'll be missing, no one will notice.  So it was imperative to take extra, extra, caution.  So I had to dismissed it.

Listen, this Wisdom Path isn't worth my life!!! 

Good thing I saw an american family on their way to my supposed destination.  I asked the guy carrying a baby if I was in the right way to the Wisdom Path.  He confirmed what I already supposed to know, yet refused to accept.  Shamelessly I asked if I could go with them because I was too scared walking alone.

When we finally reached the site, he told me "See we're right all along.", in my mind he'd probably think I'm a weirdo.  And so you know how many times my mind had screwed up with me through my trip.  I said "Thank you." and walked my way up to the Wisdom Path, leaving them behind as they were sitting under a tree, resting.  

Images Source: ilovehongkong

There I saw another American travel talking to an asian traveler,  as the asian traveler left, we were the only ones there as I reached the middle part of the whole installation.  It wasn't long before we started a conversation.

His name was Frank, age 54.  Like how any conversation starts, we said our his and hellos, and then he pointed out that the writings etched on the wooden beams, explaining to me that those were Buddhist Sutras or prayers.  And like with any traveler meeting a new traveler, the "where are you from?" question was asked.  When I said Philippines, he then beamed and said

"Oh I've been to the Philippines before, I've volunteered at the peace corps...." hearing this I felt mesmerized and honored that he has been to my country, and felt deaf as I was thinking all these, and next thing I heard was...

"You know it's weird because the reason why I'm here is because of the Philippines."

We then looked at each other and had a second to contemplate EVERYTHING.

Ok we're smacked at the center of  Wisdom Path with us being there alone. Alone, while we were surrounded with so much mist and mystery.  And here this man, is talking about how the Philippines is the reason why he is in HK, and I am a Filipina.  

"What does this supposed to mean?"

This seemed like the perfect set up for a romantic love story, then violins and orchestra started pouring in.  

But wait what is this. No. Is this the universe playing tricks on us?  What's with this coincidence and with the ambiance.  Ok sir, but no.  And universe, stop it, this isn't funny.  And he probably thinks the same thing too.  And for a brief moment right there, we were back to traveler meeting traveler mode.  And bid our goodbyes soon after.

Funny how things sometimes seem right even momentarily and and then seemed entirely wrong at the blink of an eye.  Sometimes things aren't meant to be thought of deeply.  Sometimes things are just what they really are and nothing more.

I went on back again to the path I was freaking about not too long ago.  This time with the smirk on my face..."What the hell was that?"  Oh well. Moving on.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, January 21, 2015

How to live a Simpler and Happier life by Bo Sanchez

I have just finished reading Bo Sanchez' book on how to live a Richer life.  If you don't know him yet, he is a leading motivational speaker in the Philippines and has written a lot of best sellers, the one I read being one of them.

From my previous posts, it's obvious that I had been in a rut.  And so I'm trying to form a ritual to read uplifting books whenever I'm in that state, thus what happened this afternoon.

Before I forget all lessons that I've learned, I feel the need to share them all to you.

That's just how much I love you guys.

So here's the drill.

According to Bo, a life that's lived very simply is ideal.  Simple is defined as learning to live within your core being, and your core would have to consist of the things that really mean most to you examples are your family, health, God and what not.  Learning to concentrate on living within these essentials makes you prioritize easier.

I've also learned that living a simple life means having to make do of what you have, and not longing for things you really don't need.  It also makes you save more, which was really continuously pressed on several times in the book.  Set aside 70% of your money to everyday expenses, and the rest you invest.  He suggested 3 categories where you should invest your money to: 10% back to tithes, 10% you invest in paper documents(stock, mutual funds etc.), and 10% on your relationships with people in your inner circle.

All in all, I've read some of his books before, and I must say that many salient points were mentioned consistently which is live simply, plan and invest. 

I hope you find this post helpful. :)

Publisher: Shy - Thursday, February 20, 2014

9 Realizations I Had From my First Solo Trip in Hongkong/Macau

Ok so I'm back home although it has been a few days since my return, still I am not so keen on posting about the happenings in HongKong/Macau. I don't know maybe because it's a finished chapter and I am so ready to move forward. But my friend fish is so eager to know about EVERYTHING that had happened there so here I am writing the highlights.

I hope you enjoy!

So over Disneyland

- Got in Disneyland and saw people crowding alongside the streets to see the parade.  Children and strollers were everywhere.  I went past them and didn't bother to see more of that umpa lumpa dressed women who suspended themselves in  humongous colorful gizmo toy.  All I cared about then was that my feet were dying and I was minutes away from having  a brain coma due to exhaustion.  So all my being was just focused on finding a good comfy seat where I could rest, which I did... for an hour, together with middle aged Chinese and tourists.  I guess I belong.  Give me a break, I just came from 3 hours of walking around Ngong Ping village.

- I realized that I am so over Disneyland.  They say that it brings back the child in you.  But you see, my inner child hasn't gone away.  She was probably expecting mascots of Minnie mouse and  Daffy duck mingling around with kids but didn't find any.  Ok, I guess I have really moved on from those things. I wasn't really amused.  But the fireworks display at Sleeping Beauty's castle was amazing though.  So bravo to that!

- Riding the Space Mountain in DisneyLand is an out of body experience.  I felt my soul was left behind.  And I wouldn't even bother buying that HK$160 picture of me, I think I know how my face looks like.  A body with no soul.  A body -  with an ugly and twisted face - and no soul.

On Invitations

- Invited out to go on a bar by 5 lovely women from Argentina, who happened to be my roommates.  Turned them down because I was 'tired'.  Ever since then I regretted that chance and promised myself that I wouldn't refused any invitation again.  So I went out with 2 Vietnamese bunkmates to join their friends and we got in the heart of Hongkong's party scene.  I was completely fascinated and overwhelmed.  Broken bottles, pretty girls, pretty girls in sexy dresses, pretty drunk girls in sexy dresses, drunk guys, happy drunk guys. We ended up in a decent bar and chatted the night away.  Next invitation was from my Singaporean roommate, Ling, who got me to hang out with the rest of the boys.  At first I refused, but immediately obliged after she stared at me blankly for few seconds.  I don't know how she did it.  But I was glad I agreed since we headed on to an upbeat and lively jazz bar with saxophones and all the works.  We ended up hitting HK streetfood and called it a night.  And so you see, I would never refused an invitation again.  Like ever, no matter how died tired I am.

How HongKong Locals Do It

- I'm impressed on how people from HK value personal space.  You would hear in the audio record in train stations "Please mind the gap." People do follow that.  They crowd around the escalator but you'll be amazed that you wouldn't even feel the people around you.  You'll also notice that they're organized.  On an escalator ride, people who aren't in a hurry stay at the right, while those who are, are walking upstairs at the left.  Simply impressive.

- HK's subway system gets to be overwhelming for tourists, but after a day, you'll figure it out.  On my first day, a group of HK locals helped me how to get from Causeway Bay to The Lower Peak Tram Terminus.  Another Indian in business suit who wanted to help me as well was giving me a different direction.  My gut told me to just follow the locals which I did.

- Their Watsons contain more beauty products than necessities. Imagine, rows and rows of products for the eyes and skin occupied the cabinets, and only a few for the toothpaste and basic toiletries.  Crazy!

-  HK locals are sucker for high end brands.  You would see them queuing for a bag of Hermes or LV.  And you could see cars like BMW, Rolls Royce, Volkswagen as often as you could see Honda, Ford and Kia here in the Philippines.

-  There are plenty of beautiful people there, very well dressed, nice skin, and chic looking.  It's easy to feel under dressed  that's why you would be obliged to upgrade your wardrobe.  Bring in the boots and thick furs mama!

Pinoys in HK

- A Filipina whom I met in HK told me about how HK locals are discriminating against filipinos.  But I never really felt that way.  If you hold yourself high by dressing properly and presenting yourself well, you wouldn't be treated badly and that's true everywhere.

Tips on Travelling

- There are FREE/CHEAP stuff for visitors in Hongkong.  For the love of the living god, take advantage!  Go to visitors centers and they'll let you know how to make the most of your stay.   Because of that I get to have an orientation of Cantonese Opera plus get to watch it in the balcony with an american and a middle eastern looking lady.  Yes 3 visitors and a Chinese tour guide.  VIP treatment anyone?  

- When travelling alone, don't afraid to ask whenever you're lost.  Sometimes you would have to step aside, stepping away from the human traffic to check on maps. Save yourself the time and effort, please.  You have better use for that.

- Don't believe people when they say that Macau is small.  It's not.  Some tourist attractions are far from each other and you would need a bus to get from point A to B.  Here's the tip: find a line of people queuing up for Galaxy, Venetian Hotel buses and they would take you where you need to go. For FREE! It's that easy! Difficult part is, find the line.

-  Having a new-found friend would be a good break for all the selfies and feet shots you got from travelling.  Finally some full body shots!

Why Hostels are the BEST

-  Hero, this cool South American guy I met in a hostel, tried reading a bit of my current life through his tarot cards.  The revelation was really interesting and quite accurate.  Fun time!

- Hanging out with people in guesthouse is better than hanging out alone in Disneyland.   No brainer.

- In the hostel where I stayed, men and women share 2 shower rooms, and so when you're trying to put make up or do other girly stuff, you'll see men on boxers or towels crossing behind you every now and then. Nuff said!  :)

Getting Hitched by Indian men
-  I've been approached by more or less 5 Indian men, asking me about my name and wanting to be friends.  Gut told me not to entertain them. Listened to gut. Glad I did.  Indian target anyone?

Sleeping with Strangers
- When sleeping with strangers in a dorm, don't be so generous on showcasing your body scents.  Put away stinky shoes and socks, and apply deodorant.  And so you see, having an extra pair of socks, alcohols, powders, perfumes really do come in handy.  I mean, really.

McDonalds = My Hero
- We love our own food.  Sure chinese food is good but nothing would really replace Filipino food.  I've had 2 filipino men asked me where Jollibee is.  However when there's no local food around, there's always Mcdonalds.  I can't count how many times Mcdonalds had save me from hunger.

-  When ordering at Mcdo or any restos, when the cashier ask 'Stay here' he/she really meant 'Dine in'.  Good thing I understood it immediately.

Verdict

All in all, my HK/Macau was a success.  I didn't get scammed.  I got lost but found my way eventually by reading the map or asking locals.  I've bonded with a few locals and many foreign guests in the hostel.

Would I want to try it again?  Sure, but for 3 days only.

 If I would go as long as 8 days or more, I would have to have company.

What can I do?

I can't deny that it's really more fun to have a good company with you.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Sarcastic Souvenir

If you're Filipino then you should know that it's almost always mandatory to bring souvenirs for our loved ones. So while in Hongkong, my brother started to ask us through Skype what we wanted to get, and as usual, shy and humble as we are, we just told him the safest response so as not to sound overly demanding.  

'Kahit ano lang.'  [Whatever will do.]

In the sudden realization that the answer doesn't really help him, we quickly added 'anything as long as it's something that you can't find here.' (here being Philippines). Saying that made us feel satisfied, having this false sense that we gave him some sort direction with his shopping for us.

Few days after, my brother got home and handed to us the souvenirs.  He bought some teas and some key chain, which was cool.

My ever adorbs niece.

The baby got fascinated.

What just bugged me though was this particular thing. I don't even know what it is.  But my guess is that it has something to do with religion.  Not sure which kind, but my bet is Buddhism or if not, Taoism.  

Why would he even think we want something like this? I'm not so close minded and yes I might be interested on learning about other religions, but, none of us knows how to read Chinese characters.  However, come to think of it, it was still within the bounds of what we asked for, 'something that's not found in the Philippines.'

My brother is one funny dude yeah?

I just wished it was written in English so I could at least read about it... 

Can anyone though tell me what this is?

Lesson learned: be more specific next time.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, September 11, 2013