I was newly-arrived in the Philippines at a huge outdoor auction buying some cars for my boss/brother-in-law. It was very early in the morning, but the place was packed, as was the Quonsett hut/office I was in. I settled down in a plastic chair to wait for business to start, and began playing with my new cell phone. Engrossed as I was, I noticed after a while that a song was playing over the loud-speakers, and everyone had gotten very quiet. I looked up and saw everyone standing still, and said loud enough for all to hear, “Oh, this is the national Anthem.” All turned slightly to look at the stupid American. I stayed in my chair but I stopped playing with my phone out of respect.
- gertiesanchez@yahoo.com