PHILIPPINES - Manilla is one of the largest cities in the world - sprawling, bustling, and humid. The streets are full of traffic and people. If you awake at 5 or 6 in the morning, you will see large numbers of people who have finished their "workday" and are beginning their afterwork pleasures of dining, dancing, and "clubbing." The reason is the growth of English-speaking call centers. People in the US calling the customer service lines of their airlines, phone companies and banks are now more likely to speak to Mark in Manila than Bharat in Bangalore.

English-speaking call centers are choosing the Philippines because the spoken English is more understandable - particularly to the US "ear." Young people in the Philippines begin English study in the first grade, eat hamburgers, and are fans of the NBA. Young people in India begin English study in the third grade and are much more comfortable playing and watching cricket!

The food in Manilla was varied, fresh, and international. If you are adventurous, you can try Balut, a fertilized duck egg with an embryo in it. The natives will tell you that it is not for the squeamish!

People in the Philippines are out-going and gregarious. Virtually everyone speaks some English. The business challenge is to better focus their energy and spirit. So, seminars concentrate on how to "Communicate Upward" better, and how to project a more secure and confident presence.

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