Reason#5 Bayanihan

An actual bahay kubo being tranported using brute strength and a whole lot of love;

photo contributed by Lorenzo De Felipe, Jr.

Nice to know:

Bayanihan's simplified English translation is "cooperation", but it goes well beyond that. It's more like brotherhood (and sisterhood, too), because the people involved in a particular task help out not because they have to, but because they want to.

The most symbolic bayanihan photo depicts a small crowd carrying what seems to be a small house. Wait-a-minute, it is a house! A bahay kubo to be exact.

What they say:

I refuse to believe that bayanihan is a dying custom.

Reason#254 Ilonggo Jeepney

A bright and freshly cleaned jeepney outside of the Iloilo International Airport

Nice to know:


Dramatically different from the jeepneys of Metro Manila and other Philippine major cities. Its hood looks like that of a car, instead of the typical ones with flashy ornaments.


What they say:


I like the fact that there's never any confusion with the fare. It's 7 pesos everywhere within Iloilo City. It took me 2 days to realize it. That explains why people gave me strange looks whenever I ask "magkano"?

Reason#57 Fort Santiago

Now that's a ferocious looking gate!

Tidbit from the Intramuros Administration

Nice to know:


A prominent part of Intramuros built in 1571, this is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila. It has undergone multiple repairs and renovations through the centuries, so we're not really sure how far it looks from its original form. Nonetheless, it's still a must-see.


What they say:


Instead of simply taking photos, I should have listened more intently to the tour guide while he was discussing the interesting historical details about the Fort. I shall return. - Alvin

Reason#109 The Magician - Efren Bata Reyes

I wonder why everyone's smiling

Hala, nakakunot na ang noo...

Nice to know:

Bata means "kid" or "young". He certainly isn't a kid anymore, but why is he called Bata anyway? Legend has it that there was an older (with all due respect) Efren who also played pool. To eliminate confusion when both Efrens are in the same area, people refer to him as "Efren Bata". I'm not sure if the other Efren was called "Efren Tanda". Probably not.

Foreign pro pool players call him "The Magician" because of his mystical powers and his magic wand.

What they say:

Other than Bata's knack for nailing unbelievable shots, what really impresses me is his incredible humility.

Reason#78 Paper Named After Manila

Two large sheets of Manila paper for only 5 pesos.

Nice to know:


Have you ever wondered why it's called Manila paper? It is made from abaca fibre, internationally known as Manila hemp, hence the name.


What they say:


Who cares if Manila paper is not as pristine as bond paper? It's great for large-scale doodling and group activities. - Anonymous team-building facilitator

Reason#61 Sour Sinigang

Singigang na Bangus

Steaming Bowl of Sinigang na Sugpo

Nice to know:

Sampaloc (tamarind) is the main culprit for the sour soup. And Pinoys love it! There are times when it doesn't even matter what you put in the soup... fish, pork, shrimp, whatever.

Some historians and food experts consider this as one of the top candidates for the Philippine national dish distinction.

What they say:

I like it scalding hot and maasim!

Reason#128 - KBL... Kadios, Baboy, Langka

That brown dot is NOT a chocolate chip.

Nice to know:

An Ilonggo dish that combines kadios (black beans), baboy (pork), and langka (jackfruit). Fondly called KBL (and you can probably guess why).

What they say:

For someone from Manila, the combination of ingredients seems weird, but my taste buds welcomed it anyway.