A List of Important Things to Know in the Philippines

Following is a list of important things to know in the Philippines:

1. A bathroom is called a “comfort room” or a “CR” in the Philippines.
2. Expect unusual reasons for flight delays or cancellations in the Philippines. Our next flight from Dumaguete, for example, is presently in question due to a volcano eruption on our island (Negros) that occurred a couple of days ago.
3. Driving within your own lane (and in the proper direction) is not a fixed requirement here.
4. The floors in many comfort rooms are almost constantly wet, and you’ll quickly understand why once you get here.
5. Don’t fear the local beers.
6. The heat index here (the apparent temperature based on relative humidity) is important in the same way the wind chill is important in a Montana winter.
7. Here on the islands, it may be possible to achieve sainthood by repairing air conditioning equipment.
8. Make firm arrangements for having toilet paper before you enter a comfort room.
9. Fish: it’s what’s for dinner.

This is What You Will Often See: Palm Trees With an Ocean View

—Mitchell Hegman