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I felt a tug in my heart when just as I entered the main doors of a church, I saw a blind beggar. It made me realize that Bicolanos are more tolerant of beggars who position themselves inside the church, unlike the churches in Metro manila and other provinces where they are forbiden to ask for alms inside the church.
Another religious practice that I observed is the kissing and/or touching of religious icons. Devotees believe that if they kiss or touch the religious icon, then touch their ailing part(s) of the body, they will be healed.
Bicolanos are generally very religious, and their beliefs and traditions are brought down to the next generations. One religious practice that I noticed is the lighting of candles before their Patron Saint, and offerring of colored candles for different prayer intentions.
The jeepney is the most common way of going around Albay. In Albay, the driver concentrates on his driving, and has an assistant that serves as barker (calling out passengers) and a conductor who collects the fares from the passengers. Another local practice is bicolanos' unusual way of taking the jeepney. Somehow, many men enjoy feeling the wind in their hair and normally takes a back stand ride instead of getting inside and seating themselves properly. This is not safe though, and all are advised to seat in the comfort of the jeepney and get your money's worth.Apparently, the highway patrol police are not very strict in restricting this behavior.
Old folks here believe in the benefits of natural/herbal foods and drinks. This one is a coffee made of rice. The rice is toasted until almost black in color and then brewed. According to Mama, this kind of cofee is good for "Pasma" (spasms).
"Palengke" is the Filipino term for wet market. Even with modern grocery stores, Filipinos have a habit of going to "palengke" everyday to get the freshest produce. Prices are not fixed...bargaining is the norm.Everywhere I go, I love visiting the local markets. Places like these offer a glimpse of the local people, their habits and how they conduct their business. The color and smell is an experience in itself. Try to visit one and enjoy!
"Sari-Sari" is a Tagalog word that means "assorted". This kind of store sells all sorts of goods in small quantities...local version of retail stores. This is a good idea since a lot of Filipinos could not afford to buy in bulk. You want to buy one piece of egg, a sachet of shampoo or even 1/4 bar of detergent bar?...you'll get them all here!You can see this kind of store almost everywhere in the Philippines...may it be in the big cities or provinces.
Use "kulambo" (mosquito nets) to ward off mosquitos ang other unwanted insects. Makes you have a good night sleep.
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