New Gaget and Language Course

Saturday, February 6, 2010

New Gaget and Language Course

To assist me with my preparations and keep enthusiasm peeking, my mate has been posing me a question about the Philippines each week for me to research. I have placed the first two sections in the Fast Facts section of the blog. I hope to add a new fact each week until I head out.

Also, bit of a bummer but the language course I enrolled in was canceled. So the plan is to see if the teacher will do private lessons or for me to start looking at internet based courses.

Off to the medical and pathology tests this week...Will be interesting to see what it is like to be on the other side of the medical profession, it has been about 6 years since I last saw a doctor...

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Fast Facts

HISTORY: Earliest humans have dated back 24,000 years ago. Early trade with other Asian countries brought influences from Hindu, Buddhism and Islam, with Islam becoming dominate in 15th C. The islands were divided and ruled independently then. In 1521, the Portuguese arrived and claimed the land for Spain. Spanish rule brought political unity, Catholicism, and world trade. In 1898 the Spanish-American war reached the Philippines and USA brought the Philippines independence for $20 Million. The USA did not recognise First Philippine Republic and the USA-Philippines war ended with USA rule. In 1935, Philippines were granted Commonwealth status. With WW2 slowing plans for independence; the Japanese invaded and created a puppet gov. Following multiple tragic war crimes and atrocities, Allied troops defeated the Japanese in 1945, attaining its independence. The Philippines returned to democracy in 1986, following a period of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos during 1972-1986, via a People Power Revolution & military. NAME: Spanish explorer named the island Felipinas after a Prince of Asturias which was endorsed by King Philip II of Spain in 1952. Previously the islands had separate names according to each empire. During the revolution it was officially called Philippine Republic (Republica Filipina). While waiting for Commonwealth recognition the name changed to Philippine Islands from Spanish translation (when under USA control the name "Philippines" appeared). Now officially called Republic of the Philippines.

THE PRESIDENT: current president is Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Her Excellency is the 14th and second longest servicing president and is a professor of Economics. Interestingly, the president has to be over 40 years old, registered to vote, able to read and write, be a Filipino by birth and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years prior to election. The President's reign is one 6 year term and can not run for re-election. Due to Arroyo taking on the Presidency 1/2 way through Joseph Estrada's term (due to corruption charges), she will have sat for 10 years. Next election is May 10th 2010 (approx 20 days after I arrive). Several election hot spots will have a strong presence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the work up to the election. THE ECONOMY: * 4th largest in SE Asia * Ranked 37th in the world * Fastest growing in Asia * Main sectors are: Exporting labour, Ag, industry, food processing, textiles, electronics, car parts. * Mining is also becoming a large industry and includes: chromite, nickel and copper. FOOD: an essential ingredient in all Philippine customs; fiestas are a regular event in every region and the main feature is the FOOD. The cuisine has evolved over the centuries influenced by Hispanic, American and other Asian cultures. Meals are primarily rice based with meat. Meals have robust flavors with less spice compared to their neighbours. The Bicol region (where I will be) has the most spicy dishes often infused with coconut milk. National dishes include: Lechon - slow roasted suckling pig. Adobo - meat stewed in vinegar, soy and spices. Sinigang - sour soup. Kare-Kare - stew meat and veg with peanut sauce.

Project - Simon of Cyrene

Saturday, February 6, 2010