I'm hot sticky, sweet?

Keepin it real pose

Oh dude, it's pretty hot. Where are the rains to cool this sweaty brow? Actually it's not so bad. It just takes some time to adjust to the constant stickiness. If anything it makes for slow, lazy days which for the time being seems just right.

A couple of days ago two Korean bothers and I went to SM to watch a movie. Ah, the Philipine Mega-mall! Throngs of Filipinos hungry to consume or to soak up the air-conditioned air. It's an experience in itself. Mr. & Mrs. Smith on the other hand: mediocre.

Last night, Gladys and her friend took me out on the town to the old walled city of Intramuros. It's in the heart of metro-Manila and was the center of Spanish rule in the Philippines, but now it functions mainly for tourists. They kept referring to something called "WOW Philippines" but I'm still not really sure what it actually was or where the "WOW' was located. Gladys claimed it was an acronym for something but she forgot. Anyhow, there was a military recruitment extravaganza going on with a band in all-white Navy digs playing "Where is the Love?" by the Black Eyed Peas. Kind of appropriate I guess. There is a Tagalog rap part of the song anyway.

(Incidently, today I found out by reading Yahoo! news that there was a huge demonstration in Manila trying to oust President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in light of the recent evidence of election fraud. A lot of protesters were injured and jailed. But all I saw yesterday was that lame Navy band and a tank full of jolly soldiers cruising around Intramuros with some lucky family. Strange.)

At night we walked down the Baywalk, a popular night spot along Manila Bay with live music and restaurants. It was fun. I introduced the other two to a traditional American treat: Jello shots. We just had one each though.. had the consistency of snot in the heat. The Baywalk is a fun spot, though I doubt people can tolerate it when the bay is actually visible due to its utter foulness. Seriously rank. Baho kaayo gud!

Apart from these occasional outings and visits to other Franciscans operations in the city I just hang out here and sweat and go on occasional constitutionals through the streets which are wild with life. My favorite part of the day though are the meals here with the bros and fathers. It's good craic. Today at lunch a few of them were singing traditional Vietnamese and Filipino songs. The oldest friar here then started to sing an old Filipino classic: "I love bannanas because they have no bones." Ha! Brilliant!

(I posted a few pics btw)