Franco-Phil

I've been here for almost two months and most of my encounters are with and in French. I'm not complaining, I do like it, though sometimes it could really get stressful and tiring. Once in a while, I'd love a break from all them (though it's inevitable, obviously) just to get back to my roots and myself. Luckily, I have two other compatriots in the same city.

Last night, I met up with them over dinner to sort of send off the French student who is about to pursue his studies/work in the Philippines ! That in itself was quite an interesting exchange. But it doesn't end there. While waiting for the bus, my Filipino friends and I were chatting in our native language. People would normally turn or take a good look at us because either (1) they're curious or (2) we're too loud.The bus arrived after 10 minutes and we were last to board, when suddenly, a Frenchman turned to me and said:

Him: Estudyante kayo ? (Are you students?)Me: (shocked) Oo ? (Yes?) Pourquoi vous parlez ma langue ? (How come you know how to speak our language?)Him: Marunong ako (ng) Tagalog, konti lang. (I know a little Filipino.)Me: Bakit? (Why?)Him: I've been to Canada. My fiancée is Filipina, she's in Canada.Me: Alors, toi tu es... français ? Je ne sais plus. (So, you are... French ? I don't know, I'm confused)

So apparently, he's from here, he's been to Canada, he's engaged to a Filipina based in Canada. He speaks perfect American English, French, and could understand and speak a little Filipino.Freaked me out, because back at the bus stop, my friends and I were talking about... things... I asked him if he understood any of it, fortunately, he didn't but he recogized a few words. The coast is clear !The following day, I met up with a franco-filipina over a cup of coffee. How often would you hear French, English, Filipino and Ilocano in a single phrase ? It was super hilarious ! I don't even know how to begin to describe that exchange, it was one heck of an afternoon !Looking forward to joining them again soon !