1. My First Beer Experience in the Philippines
When you think of the Philippines, San Miguel Light immediately comes to mind! A light, easy-to-drink beer that even suits the Japanese palate, it was the very first drink I ordered upon arriving in the Philippines. However, at that time, I had no idea about the hidden pitfalls of Philippine beer bottles…
2. The Story of My Baptism
For my first outing, I chose a busy, relatively clean restaurant. The interior was spotless, the food delicious, and the overall atmosphere reassuring—so I wasn’t on high alert.
Yet, a major pitfall was waiting. I ordered the popular bottled beer, San Miguel Light, known for its 5% alcohol content and refreshing taste. At first glance, everything seemed perfectly fine… until things took an unexpected turn.
3. The Shock of the Beer Bottle!!
The bottle’s label was intact and looked pristine. With an “Alright, let’s drink!” attitude, I opened the cap only to discover that the rim of the bottle was covered with rust-like grime…!!
I couldn’t help but wonder, “Is it really safe with all this dirt up there?” But the temptation of the chilled beer was too strong, and I gulped it down. The beer was refreshingly smooth, delivering such an exhilarating sensation that it seemed to wash away my fatigue instantly.
Later, with sightseeing plans ahead, I took a couple of precautions:
I poured the beer into a glass after removing any ice.
But then…
4. Severe Pain Strikes Two Days Later
After returning home, I grew worried and even took some Seirogan (a popular Japanese digestive remedy) just to be safe. However, it didn’t help.
Two days later, I was suddenly struck by intense abdominal pain and was plagued by diarrhea. I thought, “I knew it—the bottle was the culprit.” It was an experience hardly imaginable in Japan.
5. The Risks of Dirty Beer Bottles
In the Philippines, reusing bottles is common and environmentally friendly—a practice Japan might even learn from. However, because the hygiene standards can vary, a bottle that hasn’t been properly cleaned can cause stomach aches and other health issues.
6. How to Drink Beer Safely in the Philippines
- 瓶のAlways check the rim of the bottle! (Ensure it’s free of any grime.)
- Wipe or lightly wash around the cap before drinking.
- If possible, pour the beer into a glass rather than drinking straight from the bottle.
- Exercise extra caution at street stalls or local establishments where the risk is higher.
- Opt for canned beer when available, as it’s generally safer from a hygiene standpoint.
7. Conclusion: Philippine Beer is Delicious, But Beware!
Philippine beer culture differs from that of Japan, with reusable bottles being the norm. Even if they look clean on the outside, opening the cap can reveal an unexpected pitfall!
Enjoy your Philippine adventure without falling ill—always check your beer bottles! Thus began my Philippine journey, marked by a harsh baptism and severe pain… Stay tuned for what comes next!
My life in the Philippines, which began with a baptism and severe pain, continues…
