Lucky Number Seven

I can’t believe that it’s already been one week since I first set foot on the archipelago known as the Philippines. My orientation to Filipino culture has predominantly been through my interaction with staff from CEVI, people I have come to know as my friends.

7 days, 7 takeaways. I’ve come up with a few basic tips for myself that I hope will enable me to delve deeper into the Boholano¹ way of life.

1. Be open to a spiritual experience.
CEVI is distinct from other microfinance institutions in that it is a Christian organization – prayer, stewardship, and servant-hood are core values that staff members uphold. Saying grace before every meeting or meal and holding devotional sessions every morning is the norm. I am constantly reminded of how blessed I have been and why I am here.

2. Learn how to carry a tune.
Boholanos(as) absolutely love to sing! Whether they are walking down the street or sitting at their desk, it is common for them to just burst into song.

3. Be prepared for heavy downpour at all times of the day (or night).
Typhoon season in the Philippines lasts from June till December – fortunately, Bohol lies just south of “Typhoon Street” and therefore is hit by typhoons only on occasion. That being said, the weather can be extremely unpredictable and the clouds can burst open at any moment. Soon after, the mosquitoes come out to play!

4. Be ready to diversify my palette.
I came to the Philippines ready and excited to try some balut (more to follow in another post), but I decided that it would be best to slowly experiment with Filipino cuisine. I must say, that so far, the food here has been fantastic! Exotic fruits, plain sticky RICE, meats and fish prepared in various styles, breads of all kinds, sweet sticky RICE, vegetable dishes, desserts and pastries, and more RICE.

5. Malling is where it’s at.
What is ‘malling’ you may ask? Well, the concept is quite simple. Malling is the act of going to the mall, a very popular pastime for Filipinos. I have visited Bohol Quality (BQ) Mall and Island City Mall (ICM) six out of the seven days I have been here so far. I'm proud to say that I have this one down.
Clarification:  The malls have restaurants that are considered safe places for me to dine at - not to worry, I haven't been going on shopping sprees! 

6. Not only am I an ambassador for Kiva, but I am a cultural ambassador as well.
My coworkers are very eager to learn about my experiences and upbringing as an Indian-American, in addition to the expertise I bring with me as a Kiva Fellow. There are a few Indian nationals in Tagbilaran City yet I represent something quite different from my coworkers’ perceptions of Indian people – perceptions that are partially informed by Slum Dog Millionaire. On my first day at CEVI, we discussed arranged marriages in India (a tradition that would never fly with Filipinos) and I have already had the pleasure of introducing my coworkers to some Bollywood jams!

7. Befriend the locals aka the bugs and lizards.
This one is probably the most challenging for me but I think I’ve been pretty good so far. I’ve done my best to suppress the anxiety I feel when I see lizards hanging on my wall and to convince myself that baby lizards the size of my pinky are cute. I will admit that I don’t see myself warming up to any bugs anytime soon, but hopefully I'll become more tolerant.

¹ Boholano is a term used to describe a person who is from or lives on the island of Bohol.

Lightning Strikes Tagbilaran! Really short clip. It's literally 3 seconds long.