Arlington (AGMR 2) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 141 text:

. id iXB. So good. ..one round deserves another! BEER Diverse Society ■ rliis island nation in tropical Asia i rt ' cts its isitors with an ap]X ' aling hk ' nil ol Western and Oriental charaeter- istics. The customs of the people, religion, and place names all reflect the Spanish influence ol the first colonizers. The United States imparted to the Philippines a democratic form of government and w idespread use of the English language. Descendants of the original islanders, however, perpetuate their curious Tagalog language and the narrow rice terraces which wind around the steep mountainsides. To the southwest. Mohammedan Moros still sail then- double rigged vintas and sea gxpsies di e for pearls from the narrow boats in which they live. As in most tropical countries, the Philippines has an agrienltmal economy, and most of the population lives in small villages and nn-al areas. As with manv people the world o er who live close to the soil, the old ways are the best ways, and the water buffalo is preferable to a machine.

Page 143 text:

Day to Day Life ■ The old ways may be revealed in the rural areas, but in the cities abound all the joys and woes of modern civilization. Gleaming, cosmopolitan Manila and the rowdy, bustling port of Olongapo at first appear to liave little in common ; but in both cities a western way prevails, mechanization runs rampant, and commerce is the watchword. In Olongapo we discovered that abstract art is old-hat to the Jeepney drivers and that we were push-o ers for the smiles of Filipinas of all ages. We discovered also that the water sports to be enjoyed in Subic Bay and at Grande Islande are second to none.