Hi sorry for late reply, on this matter, Umm, fingers used a lot on eating in many places, seems that its some thing to boast about, but for us spoon is OK for most things. How do I like the Philippines, well I do and I don't, first time here was a good place to be and seemed to be the right idea at the time, but as time moves on and corruption here wins every time, thinking different lines now. Country itself is stunning, and being British with a passion for motorcycles great place to ride both on road and off. Weather is crazy with the typhoons of which one is knocking on the door as we speak, and added attraction is we live close to an active volcano, great views from quarter of the way up too. What you got planned for the New Year, here will be total noise, cannot begin to explain it, motorcycles roaring up and down, dragging pots and pans, fireworks in their thousands will light up the sky, and in some places stray bullets from guns that have been let off. Have a great New Year there. Wishing you well.