you know, i've seriously wondered for years. YEARS. i haven't only seen it in the philippines. SERIOUSLY - what is up with this metropolitan madness!? what is with these HUGE concrete balls they use to spiff up public areas?! 
i was looking for something to give my mom as a small "pasalubong" from our trip to Japan. As she's an avid coffee drinker, a friend suggested this: brewed coffee in a "tea" (eh?!) bag! These Japanese brains really DO think of everything! Though it's a little tedious sitting there pouring hot water into the bag bit by bit and waiting for the water to seep into the cup - it smells and tastes the same ! Amazing! Bonus points for the "aliw" factor :)