When I lived in Manila, I learned very quickly that some of the things that appeared the same were actually very, very different. I could tell you some pretty funny and embarrassing stories, but let me just give you a few examples: Pets: it seems most everyone in the US has a pet: cats, dogs, and small rodents are all popular choices. People in Manila had pets too -- but their dogs were guard dogs, the rodents weren't invited or named, and cats were kept around to dispose of the rodents... the only real "pet" people kept in the same way we keep cats and dogs were CHICKENS. It wasn't uncommon to board public transportation and have people bringing chickens on and off with them. Never a dull moment, I tell you. Spaghetti -- same name for the same concept in both places. In the US, this is a SAVORY dish of tomatoes, meat, and noodles. In Manila, it's SWEET -- like a dessert. Definitely a shock to one's palate when you order it without knowing the diffe