Thinking Outside of the Box

Where the Filipinos lack in efficiency they make it up in resourcefulness…

• The kids hang a shirt under the fan on the ceiling so the breeze is better distributed
• Holding coins in their ears
   
• It is rare to see a knife because who needs one when you can use the side of your spoon
  
• They eat every bit of the chicken possible (the feet, the intestines, etc.)
  
• One HAS to be resourceful to keep a car from the 60’s still running
  
• Wrap rice in banana leaves to sell 
  
• Use coconut shells as containers for coconut treats
  
• Washcloths are used for wiping away the sweat, covering your mouth from noxious fumes, covering your head when it rains, covering your drink so the flies can’t land on it, AND for bathing
  
• Use absolutely anything to build their house – bamboo, coconut trees, coral, aluminum scraps, weaved leaves, rubber tires, etc.
  
• Liter Coke bottles are used for gasoline sold at some of the sari saris. How clever!
• Clothes are not only hung on strings to dry, but also plants, roofs, and guardrails.
  
• The boys use their flip flops for games, to protect their hands from push ups on the rocks during morning exercises, and shoes
  
• Oil lamps burning on the side of the road to indicate holes in the road
  
• Drinking out of bags and bowls
• I finally figured out how the kids spike their hair, toothpaste!
  
• Coconut shells for cooking
  

• Two pieces plastic melted together with paper scraps inside to make a pillow
• As long as the driver can see why would you need two windshield wipers?
  
• Umbrellas are used for rain or shine

I especially love this picture because it captures so much of the Philippines.  The umbrellas from the sun, the single windshield wiper, and what a funeral procession looks like without cars.  Funerals in general are quite interesting.  Apparently they have nine days of parties with the body in the house the entire time.  I don't wish death upon anyone, but it would be interesting to experience.