Home for the Holidays, Part 5: Epilogue

I’ve been back in the U.S. for a little over two weeks now, just enough time for the jet lag to wear off but still short enough of a time to still remember the vacation. Coming back from a vacation from your home country I think is always sentimental, but this time meant something extra to me because I realized a few things:

First, I have a renewed appreciation for water—or more specifically, strong water pressure. If you live in America it’s something very easy to take for granted everyday: you turn on the faucet and water comes gushing out, sometimes even too strong. But when I went back to the Philippines and re-experienced what it’s like to take a shower with water that’s just a tad stronger than a trickle, I suddenly realized how much of a luxury I was enjoying day after day!

Second, I realized how much I came to depend on hot water off the faucet. Seems second nature to me in America—you turn any faucet on and you come to expect hot water when you turn the knob to the left. Well, the first time I turned on the faucet in the Philippines, I instinctively turned the knob to the left and my brain automatically expected hot water to come out, but my hands got confused because the water was still cold! And that’s when I realized another everyday convenience that I had gotten used to.

Third, Traffic. Ah, the infamous Manila traffic. I realized I had gotten so spoiled by the Albany “traffic” that when I encountered real traffic—the one that renders you so helpless that you don’t have any choice but to sleep (while commuting of course, not while driving)—I was mildly shocked. Even though I used to live this life everyday—commuting three or more hours day in and day out—it was still disconcerting for me to experience it all over again. Having gotten so used to counting my Albany driving by the minute, it was extremely frustrating for me to have to waste precious hours just idling away.

Lastly, Retirement. I realized that, even though I appreciate very much all the conveniences that I enjoy in America, I would still eventually settle down and retire in the Philippines. I know, it seems counter-intuitive given all the daily obstacles and frustrations involved in Manila life, but the people and the culture are too embedded in me to want to retire somewhere else. Not anytime soon though, this is way down the road… for now I still plan to enjoy life in America. :)

Home for the Holidays, Part 2b: Filipinos and Music

Filipinos are legendary lovers of music. Why or how it happened, I have no idea. But if you grew up in the Philippines, it would be impossible not to be exposed to music on a daily basis. Singing, specifically, is such an integral part of the Filipino culture that it is readily accessible even in malls (see picture).

Being musical, to be sure, has nothing to do with singing well or sounding pleasant. You may love music, and have an innate appreciation and "feel" for rhythms and melodies, although God may not have gifted you with a pleasant singing voice. So when I say Filipinos are musical, it doesn't necessarily mean all Filipinos you meet can sing (although they may think they can!), but that Filipinos--at least the ones who grew up in the Philippines--love and appreciate music.

(Here is a brave soul trying out the booth) Even the type of music doesn't seem to matter. Here in Upstate New York, it seems tv and radio stations mainly carry the popular music: country, pop, rock, and mostly homegrown. In the Philippines, in addition to the homegrown talents, we were (and still are) constantly exposed to music from around the world, notably Europe. Being a teenager during the 80s, I always enjoy listening to radio stations when they play 80s songs. But I notice that they would only play the 80s songs that were popular here in the U.S.; I rarely hear my favorites from the European bands. Just seemed weird to me that when I went to America, I became exposed to less music. Hmm.

A testament to the Filipinos love of music is the success and popularity of the Magic Mic karaoke system. It seems a Filipino household is not complete without one of these or at least a variant of some sort. At the minimum, you will find a microphone as sure as you will find a rice cooker or a tv. Parties are never complete without bringing out the karaoke and everybody belting out their own favorites... the louder the better! (the neighbors are probably singing along anyway :) )