From the outset, let me say that I am not an expert on this topic and am still learning more.
Being an Australian, who likes the occasional beer, I was most impressed that beer in the Philippines is actually quite cheap. I happened to mention this interesting fact to some of people I work with and what followed was an interesting insight into more of the Filipino culture.
Bisyo. It's a Tagalog word that is commonly associated with alcohol. It's roots are in Spanish and it can be translated as 'vice'. That's how the people here see alcohol - as a vice.
However, from what little I have seen so far, the place where it is drunk plays an important part in determining whether it is 'bisyo' or not. For example, we went out last Saturday night to a fairly nice area where people were drinking beer with their meal.
Is this an example of 'bisyo'? Or is it socially appropriate?
Having one beer with a group of people down the road. Is it 'bisyo'? Or a way to mingle and converse with the local Filipinos?
Drinking a beer in the heat of the afternoon because I like the taste. 'Bisyo'? Or acceptable? Or maybe our house-helper (another topic to write about, actually) will see the empty bottles and her impression of me will become tainted?
There are many questions and not many answers.....yet. However, I am leaning towards not drinking alcohol so that I may be 'above reproach'.
Yes, that's right, not one, not two, not even three, but four Australian beers! And not only that, Mersey Valley cheese as well, among other things. Cheeses aren't very common here. In fact, it's almost impossible to find good quality cheese anywhere.