May 2008
Editor’s note: The author just returned from a 6-week Philippine visit. These are only some of his humorous notes!
P.I. – Philippine Islands, as the "oldtimers" call the "old country."
Flip – That’s how they call us behind our backs.
C.R. – Short for "Comfort Room," which is what restrooms are called there; most have no toilet paper.
Ref – No, not referee; this is what refrigerators are called although some still call them "ice box."
MacDo – Good old McDonald’s.
Mang Donald - A local burger joint.
Flyover - A highway overpass, not a flight of airplanes.
Shabu - A contraband drug (methamphetamine), not an elephant in the zoo.
WoWoWee – A popular variety show on TV, not an Indian greeting.
Bading – A local term for gay men.
Desperadas - The local version of the TV show "Desperate Housewives."
Signs:
Sign on a jeepney - "God is my co-driver."
Sign on a wall - "Post No Bull."
Sign at the zoo - "Those who throw objects at the crocodiles will be asked to retrieve them."
Instead of YIELD, the road sign says, "Give Way."
Stop signs and red lights are regarded by many as "Suggestion only."
Names of Establishments:
Go Inn Motel - A "short time" motel.
Conan D’Barber – A barbershop.
Wrap N’Roll – An egg roll restaurant.
Labandera Mo - A local laundrymat.
La Bada Shop - Another local laundrymat.
Wash Kita – Yup, another laundrymat.
Laba Laba Doo - Ditto.
Initials to remember:
PhP - Designation for Philippine Peso.
BDO - Banco De Oro (a big chain of local banks).
SM - Shoe Mart (a department store chain), not Shawnee Mission.
GRO - Guest Relations Officer; you go to him for complaints.
LRT - Light Rail Transit.
OFW - Overseas Filipino Worker.
