So now I am blogging from yet another country in the Asia territory and let me tell you, this place somehow reminds me of Mexico. The Philippines is a nation that for about some 35 odd years was under control of the United States. At least that is what I think, and you’ll just probably Wiki it to correct me, but with this in mind, I can see why so many things resemble the State’s way.

The military is set up the same way it is in the US as in, they have an Air Force, Army, Navy and the Navy side includes the Marines. We training bilateral with the Marines in our exercise over here and it is quite easy due to the fact that they speak english like us. With us having a big sphere of influence here, they grew accustom to learning our language as well.

Another thing they inherited was our corruption of governing. The Catholic Church is huge here so it has the power to alter the policies the government passes. Throw in a few military coups by some senior leaders in the military and you’re up to your knees in government corruption, cronyism, and nepotism. This also leads to of course how poor the people are with over 40% being under poverty line. Driving around the cities you can see how it resembles Mexico’s poverty. Torn buildings everywhere, roads are jacked up, military is under funded, and houses that aren’t looking up to par.

Even with all this though, the people still come together to help each other and of most importance is family. No matter how hard they have it, as long as they can provide enough for their family, all is good. I like that. Family ties are the most important of all values here and that’s the way it should be everywhere. You still have kids running up to when you use the ATM asking for you to pay for their schooling and it is a real heart clencher.

I’ll see if I can post some good pictures but my camera is getting old. With a tour in Iraq and plenty of field exercises under its belt, the lens is getting scratched and I am regretting not buying a case when I first got it. Shit. Now I HAVE to get a new camera. Anyone want a beat up Panasonic DMC FX-8? Discounted like hell! Come on!! Help me! Nah, but I’ll see what I will buy. I wonder do I really need a point and shoot now that I am near getting out. I think I can finally go big DSLR since I won’t have to worry about thieves and breaking it when I’m moving with the military. Yea, I think I will go now and get that DSLR.

Well, as you can see, no internet on ship so I’ll be posting if I can while I am here on land but as soon as we get on ship again, don’t expect much. Gomen! (Sorry) Check you guys later and by the way, do ya’ll think these “traveling” comments left on my blog are spam? I’m doing that Gladiator thumbs up or down thingy so tell me, should they go?