Free WiFi in a jeepney! (and more of surprisingly modern Manila)

When someone asks you: what are the trademarks of Manila? You -knowing Manila’s basics- would probably answer: jeepneys, traffic, Manila Bay, 'lots of people, malls, a somewhat Latin atmosphere or: polluted air.

Anything highly developed would probably not cross your mind first. Ur right. Manila’s first impression gives you all of that. But since I got to explore the city myself (not being tourguided for a change –no offense, I still love those tourguides!-) Manila just showed me a whole new side. I never thought Manila could be this innovative! I just have to introduce you to this:

-Nuffnang; in a world where concepts, creativity, individuality and design becomes more and more important (read: A whole new mind - Daniel Pink) the Philippines definitely knows how to keep up with that. Surprising, because the Philippines is one of the most collectivist countries I know (more about that later, when I will talk about my office life). I guess it is the new generation that gets fully influenced by American media. Not that I don't want the Philippines to keep its own culture (I definitely do, but that bit of American influence just caused great things! One: America held (and still holds) a great responsibility of the computer boom, which enables the majority of the Filipino's to have access to one and two: America's culture of individualism got to the Philippines and now thousands of Filipino's express their own identity and share their thoughts on cool websites like Nuffnang!


-Parking lights; Malls here are huge! And so are the parking lots. I'm surprised that every single day, most common huge malls such as Trinoma, SM North Edsa and SM Megamall are full of crowds. I guess that's how many people there are in this country. It's great, people here are alot of fun, but it does cause all the traffic and hard times finding parking space. Of course malls don't want to prevent people visiting their amazing malls because of this, so SM Megamall found a sollution for it: parking lights! No more driving 100 rounds searching for parking space, u just look at the ceiling and if u find a green light, it means that there's a spot for your car. How convenient! And strategic; it saves you alot of time searching for parking space which means that there is more time left for shopping!


-Fingerscans they have them here at the office =) Every employee scans their finger when they clock in and out. I have the luck that I can come whenever I want ;)


-Free WiFi in a jeepney; yes it's true! I was riding in a jeepney at Buendia and suddenly I received free public WiFi on my iPod. Of course the provider was not the jeepney itself (it was probably from one of those huge buildings along Buendia) -that would be cooler- but still, the thought of having WiFi in a jeepney is just awesome =)