I'm most grateful to have recently been enlightened by my dear friend Kathrina about the fact that Filipinos consider our use of toilet paper to be 'gross' and most unhygenic. This came as quite a shock to me and I'm now psyching myself up to mentally prepare for my first authentic and real Filipino lavatory experience when she invites me to her home, as she has promised to do soon.
It seems that no Pinoy bathroom equipment is considered complete without the presence of the obligatory bucket and plastic 'dipper' (or 'tabo' in Tagalog) next to the toilet bowl, to enable you to wash your anatomy thoroughly with soap and water after the event. In more upmarket flats you can even pamper your derriere with a jet hose connected directly to the cistern.
A few strips of toilet paper are seen as unsanitary substitutes for a good rub with a bar of Dove, so here's what I'll be using instead of my wet wipes next time I'm a guest in my friend's home (assuming I am still welcome there after she reads this). I'd be amazed if the idea catches on back home in Blighty!
