Canterbury University journalism graduate Rachel Williamson is in The Philippines on an Asia:NZ-sponsored work placement at the major English language daily, The Philippine Star.

Having initially been somewhat baffled by the chaotic street scenes of Manila and the unexpectedly even more chaotic countryside, Rachel quickly settled in and has been pursuing political assignments at the Senate. In 2007, the INSI (International News Safety Institute) rated The Philippines the fifth most dangerous country by number of journalists killed.

Here are Rachel Williamson’s impressions of being a journalist in Manila.

Rachel Williamson with Philippine Star colleagues