Part Two
In the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, we were without power for two weeks, including Christmas. Here in Baobaoan, that was really the worst effect of the cyclone. Since this immediate area is fed by natural springs, lack of water was never an issue for us. Other areas of the Philippines were not so lucky. A category five hurricane does not hit an island nation without areas of complete devastation.
And no electricity is really a non-event for most Filipinos. Most people do not use air conditioning. They are also used to small refrigerators without much capacity. But, at a mere eight degrees north of the equator, I found both of these issues rather disagreeable.
To be fair, temperature and humidity-wise, it did get somewhat comfortable between three and six am. And we simply went to the market almost daily. So all-in-all, it was unpleasant, but not terrible.
One mistake we made was that we failed to elevate our water pump. Well, we did elevate it, but just not enough. And the thing was flooded. This is a big deal because there is no water tower here in Baobaoan. So you need a pump to move water into and through the house. I thought we needed to replace it, but a few days after the electric company restored the power, Mira's nephew, Kim, Neng's oldest son, got the thing working again. But first, we made a new, higher platform for the pump. I'm sure it will not flood that much again, but we are now prepared for the worst.
Third World Country, New World Malls
There are two open markets within five miles of here. And in Butuan City, there are several large markets, for meat and vegetables & fruit. We shop at all of these.
But to be honest, we buy most of our groceries at the supermarket. Yep, just like Kroger. Okay, they do not have a deli, but otherwise, you'd think you were in a Kroger. Here in Butuan, we have three to choose from.
And you know where to find the supermarkets? At the malls of course. Three supermarkets; three malls. Here in the Philippines, the malls are not anchored by Macy's, but rather by the supermarkets.
And when you walk inside one of these malls, you leave the third world behind. Inside, you might well be in Pasadena. These things are as American as you can get. And they are packed. There's a Levis store on the first floor and an Ace Hardware on the second. And just like in America, Filipinos go not only to shop, but also for entertainment and restaurants. Movies? Theater on the third floor. Hotel? Attached. McDonald's? Right where it is in America – Out front in an outparcel.
It's fair to label the Philippines a third world country. But it is more accurate to call it a developing nation. A quickly developing nation. Want evidence of the emerging Philippine middle class? Just head to the malls.
Find Part One of Tales From Baobaoan here.