The other night we celebrated Matt's birthday. It happens so that Matt's birthday this year fell on a Wednesday which is perfect night to go to a local bar called Kataboom. Since, on Wednesday and Saturday nights a local band called the Mitu's Tribe plays. Now most volunteers know that the Philippines is infamous for its
cover bands the cover bands play specialize in playing the hits: Lady Gaga, Jason Mraz, etc. However, the Mitus Tribe starts the night off playing local music from different areas of the Philippines. They use local instruments in many of their songs including some of the ones pictured below. By the end of the night they play local tagalog favorites that are great for dancing (Tagay! Or “Cheers” in Tagalog), and sometimes a bit of Bob Marley (Red, Red, Wine). While the typical cover band of the Philippines is enjoyable, its nice to hear some local music that you can dance to. Since we can't afford to go out often, this is the place we go when we do go out. Its a really refreshing place to go since the employee's know us, local artistry COVER the walls, and there is a lack of DOM's (Dirty Old Men) that seem to flock to the other bars. Therefore we often meet new people or see some friends there which is really nice. Its one of the places I'm really, really going to miss when I leave here.
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| This guitar is pretty awesome. It only has a few strings. |
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| This guy is really crazy on drums. He plays both at the same time. |
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| Mike and Susan, leads for Mitu's Tribe |
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| Some of Matt's Co-workers |
The birthday celebration is quite different here versus the US. In the US, person having the birthday is often treated by the people attending the birthday party. However, in the Philippines, it is customary for YOU, the person having the birthday, to treat everyone attending your party. Usually when there is a birthday, you have a tarpaulin made, and serve several dishes buffet style at your house. People come, eat, drink, sometimes they'll bring a gift, and leave. Since our house isn't really equipped to have an event like that we were kind of stuck. We wanted to celebrate but given the financial aspect of having a party at an outside location was a little worrisome. Luckily Matt's co-workers know our financial situation as volunteers so they helped us have a great night at Kataboom which was an awesome thing for them to do. It just further exemplifies how many Filipinos will go above and beyond to help make us feel at home here in the Philippines.
The other night we celebrated Matt's birthday. It happens so that Matt's birthday this year fell on a Wednesday which is perfect night to go to a local bar called Kataboom. Since, on Wednesday and Saturday nights a local band called the Mitu's Tribe plays. Now most volunteers know that the Philippines is infamous for its cover bands the cover bands play specialize in playing the hits: Lady Gaga, Jason Mraz, etc. However, the Mitus Tribe starts the night off playing local music from different areas of the Philippines. They use local instruments in many of their songs including some of the ones pictured below. By the end of the night they play local tagalog favorites that are great for dancing (Tagay! Or “Cheers” in Tagalog), and sometimes a bit of Bob Marley (Red, Red, Wine). While the typical cover band of the Philippines is enjoyable, its nice to hear some local music that you can dance to. Since we can't afford to go out often, this is the place we go when we do go out. Its a really refreshing place to go since the employee's know us, local artistry COVER the walls, and there is a lack of DOM's (Dirty Old Men) that seem to flock to the other bars. Therefore we often meet new people or see some friends there which is really nice. Its one of the places I'm really, really going to miss when I leave here.
4 comments:
Happy Birthday Matt
Hello Matt and Krystal,
Thank you for sharing so much about the Philippines culture. It’s pretty amazing how popular our music is over there. I can understand why it would be a dream to play music in the US money is so much more.
I am glad you feel at home there, what a great culture you’re experiencing. It sounds like you found a little bar like the one you had in Maine were all the locals go! Enjoy! Happy Birthday Matt. Peace, stay safe love MumC.
I would be watching the drummer all night if he is that good, heck, what am I saying, my eyes are always on the drummer no matter what their skill, may learn a new move. I really don't go to bars because I really don't drink much but I have found my new drink. It's coconut rum, pinapple juice and cranberry (or cranapple) juice combo. It has a name but don't recall it at this time, Wendy knows the name. I first tried this drink when Wendy and I took our Virgina trip. Asked the bartender what she could make for someone that really does not like the taste of liquor, she made this drink and I loved it. She told me how to make it and I know make it at home and ask for it when out for a drink. Have any friends who do not really like strong drinks, have them try it out. I buy 99 proof coconut rum, don't have to drink alot to feel gooooood!!! But then again, it is probably hard to find a friend who does not like the taste of liquor
When you get back, these will be the times you remember, listening to Bob Marley with new friends on a tropical island sipping equally tropical drinks :) ...one of you will just say "Kataboom" and you both will take a trip down memory lane... The Peace Corps is such a unique experience!! So glad you had a wonderful BD, and I loved the BD powerpoint :)Love you both, Mom,Dad, and Ad
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