And speaking of the Philippines - and Manila, in particular...
While being driven around Manila, I really have been struck by the disparity here between the "have's" and "have's not". Along the highway, I'll see a row of cinder block houses set up by squatters or small clusters of "shanties" made up on cardboard and corrugated metal, and in the background, a series of new highrise buildings. Even where my aunt lives, right next her relatively palatial house is a garage that has been converted into living quarters for a family of five.
The most interesting thing, however, is that no one on either side of the economic divide really seems to mind, or at least self-acknowledge the difference in economic condition and status. It just is what it is. Everyone is happy. I think. I hope.
