Oddities in the Philippines
 

Yesterday’s post was of a similar nature to this one, not exactly humorous but more of an oddity. Depends on one's sense of humour of course as we had a good laugh today. Anyhow, rather than hijack Stokkevn’s thread I’ve decided to start a new one entitled ‘Oddities in the Philippines’.
Today in S&R today, we picked up 2 cartons of 185g tins of canned tuna; each carton contained 4 tins of exactly the same product and weight but with different wrapping. One package had cardboard wrapping; the other on the shelf above had plastic wrapping.

• The cardboard carton was marked ‘Exclusively for S&R members’ and was priced ₱239.
• The plastic carton was marked ‘Buy 3, Get 1 for Free’. The price? You’ve probably guessed it, ₱239.

In the past I’ve highlighted such oddities to the nearest supervisor and all to no avail so I wasn’t going down that route again. Still, I thought it might be worth a bit of banter at the check out so I took one of each carton with me.
Upon pointing it out to the usual friendly check out lady, she patiently explained to me that the plastic wrapping carton meant that I was getting one free. Right, I said, so I would be better off buying the tuna in the plastic carton? Yes Sir, of course …… Say no more. Although one thought did cross my mind: 'Do Filipinos really fall for that nonsense/ scam advertising?'

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

my Filipina would definatly go for the free one. Well it's free init.

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

The biggest problem is that Filipinos are generally terrible at mental arithmetic.I tried pointing out to a shop boy that a pkt of crisps selling at P85 each or special offer two for P190 wasn't a special offer but more expensive, he could not work it out that it was, even with his phone. The manager was not much better saying "Yes but there are two of them", after 3 goes on her phone she did concede that it was more expensive and then wandered off leaving the special offer in place.

Careful when buying local plumbing materials hoping they will match ones brought in from overseas. 1/2" hose connectors made here are slightly smaller than 1/2" and as such leak profusely when mated up to a British 1/2" hose, also true of many other fittings as well.

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

I don't think it's the size difference as Philippines plumbing leaks profusely anyway.

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

Many plumbing leaks due to "compulsory " use of ptfe tape on compression fittings so stopping them to tighten up properly. Then have to add plumbers cement to stop the leak.

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

The plumbing problem is they assume 1" is the same as 25mm, it isn't (it's 25.4mm), so they interchange metric and imperial pipe fittings and label them incorrectly. Last week we measured the internal diameter of three different manufacturers '25mm' blue plastic T's, each was slightly different. Two were moulded 1" on the fitting yet slightly different size and the third was moulded 25mm and was yet a different size!! No quality control or actual understanding. The assistant eventually shrugged and walked off.

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

They are using American Imperial not British

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

I worked for a very large American engineering company for 30 years, they had industrial valves and parts manufactred in the US, Mexico, Germany and Italy, often compatibility and choosing the correct duty/size was a challenge.

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

If they are using the American standard they would all be out by the same amount, which they are not. On a 1" fitting the actual size can be larger or smaller than any other international standard and well outside allowances for the American standards. Yesterday I was looking for a 2" Tee, one shop did not have one but asked if a 3" Tee would do instead.

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

Seeing a girl sitting astride a motorbike as a passenger but wearing a helmet whilst her partner wasn't wearing one is certainly an oddity over there in my eyes. Yes its his choce to risk his head in a crash but does the girl not think she's in danger of coming off by sitting on the bike that way yet shes obviously concerned about her head and does he think that her helmet will protect them both, if you know what I mean or that because he's a guy his head is bulletproof?

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

Perhaps I'm not following you correctly, but surely the girl sitting astride a motorbike with a helmet on is doing it the most safest way. Had she been sitting with both legs on the same side (as so many females do in Asia) then agreed she's in greater danger of coming off.

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

Today I saw a guy on a motorbike wearing a proper helmet, the girl on the back was wearing a construction helmet and the kid inbetween nothing.

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

Here is unusual to see anyone wearing a helmet and if they are it is normally protecting their elbow.

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

Yes I meant both legs on the same side

Re: Oddities in the Philippines
 

I've ridden five on a bike many times before, plus the shopping in the basket and bags hanging off the mirrors