Just a quick update. Finally made it to Bacolod after an unexpectedly long transit. I missed a connection in Beijing which led me to having to overnight there - not the worst place to be stranded. I took the opportunity for a quick visit with family, followed by a delicious dumpling lunch at Bao Yuan Jiaozi Wu which had dozens of different fresh, handmade varieties to choose from.
First Impressions of the Philippines
Manila was like most major metropolitan areas - big and crowded. The urban sprawl would rival LA, DC, or Miami. Bacolod on the other hand still has a very small town feel. On the way in we saw many 'lean-to' aluminum sheet dwellings in the farmlands. The standard of living was quite stunning until we got to town.
The people here are very friendly and helpful - particularly our coordinator Waya and her friend in town Maggie who seems to be one of those 'Connector' types that knows everyone in town. It's easy to see why they call this place the City of Smiles.
The price levels are also quite shocking. Dinner tonight including drinks and desert at a local BBQ place worked out to about 3 USD per person with a generous tip. A taxi ride across town cost 1 USD. A bottle of San Miguel Pale Ale is about 75 cents and a bottle of rum is about 5 USD. To get our laundry wash, pressed and folded is about 1 USD per kilo of clothes. I know that last one is making some people at home jealous!
Tomorrow, we meet our clients for the first time. I'm supposed to deliver the kickoff presentation for our team so I guess I better stop screwing around online and start practicing my pitch.
PS - It is freakin' humid here, more than I expected. Florida's got nothing on this place - the Philippines is definitely in a league of its own.
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