10 Things I've learned in the Philippines already

1. Magandang Umaga means "good morning" in Tagalog.

2. Forget the diseases, you're probably more likely to get sikc from the smells of the market and the fumes of the cars on the streets.

3. Filipinos are extremely friendly. Everyone says hello and smiles at you. Children will come up, hold your hand, and ask your name. A common greeting we get is "Hey Joe", it comes from the times when American troops were in the Philippines during the war (G.I. Joe). They call all Americans it still.

4. You CAN eat fried chicken with a spoon. In fact you can eat everything with a spoon, because they do!

5. Jeepneys are common transportation in the Philippines. They are everywhere you look!

6. It's ok and common even to soak through your clothes with sweat before you even leave the house in the morning ( and several other times throughout the day).

7. The Philippines has 7, 107 islands.

8. Karaoke is huge here! It's the staple of Manila nightlife. Speaking of Manila nightlife, it's cheaper to buy beer here than soda or water.

9. If you ask where the restroom or bathrooms are, most people don't know what you are talking about. Restrooms are called CR's for Comfort Rooms. How appropriate! Oh, and putting toilet paper in the toilet is a big no, no.

10. Filipinos eat so much! They eat at least 5 meals a day........... and I promise!