The Philippines

We returned from China Dec 9th, had T's and K's birthday party on the 13th (one week earlier than their actual birth date) and Nana left Korea on Dec 16th. Whew! What a whirl-wind month for us. I was ready for a break-- to sit around and do not much of anything. But, our family friend, Fay (whom we know from my Mom and Dad's church) had a home built on a beach resort in the Philippines (her native country) and she offered us free room and board if we wanted to come visit while she and her daughter were there checking on the house.

That is a difficult offer to ignore. How often does an opportunity like that come along? Visiting a friend... a new country to explore...beach resort... free room and board? So, we packed up and flew to the Philipinnes on 17 Dec (yes, the day after Nana left).

Sparing the details, the flight was uneventful. When we landed in Manila and first walked outside, the look and smell outside reminded me of being in Hawaii...palm trees, warm, moist breeze... ahh, the memories. Then the similarities ended. The crowds of people, the chaos of those people trying to find rides, etc. Not the tranquil atmosphere of Honolulu airport by any means.
Then the four of us got into the back seat of Fay's friend's pick-up truck and began the journey from Manila to the house. We were told the ride is normally about 3-hours, but because it was Christmas season it would be longer. Hmmm...

After leaving the city we quickly discovered that all the roads are two-lane-- even the main roads we were traveling. Not only were they two-lane; these two lanes run right smack down the middle of the villages. Homes, restaurants, stores, churches and even livestock are 3-5 ft. from the busy street. Keep in mind that the country is predominently Catholic , and it is the week before Christmas, so everyone and their brother (literally) was heading to church for mass either by foot, by motorized tricycles or jeepnie (an open air bus/jeep). Needless to say, it was CONGESTED! People and tiny vehicles were EVERYWHERE! Darting in and out of traffic. Churches, which are located every mile or so, were all bursting at the seems. The doors were propped open and hundreds of people were forced to stand outside to participate in mass. It was a very heart-warming and interesting sight to see.

The two things that struck me most during this ride was the lack of organized infrastructure and the poverty level-- after getting out of Manila. The demographics seem to consist of 'haves' and 'have nots'. There doesn't seem to be an in-between. The majority of family dwellings I observed were living in dirt-floor hovels and the roadsides were cluttered, litter-filled and unmanicured.

Luckily, Fay's beautiful house was far from being a hovel. In fact it is an adobe style house with interesting, curved architecture and brightly painted rooms and decor. The entire resort was designed in a rustic haciende style. It was a peaceful resort community that included all the offerings you'd expect... two huge pools, ocean activities, a restaurant, etc.

The week was filled with fun! We had a blast hanging out with Fay and her extended family. We swam in the largest pool I've ever seen, walked along the beach, ate at an outdoor floating restaurant, played and ate in (literally) a waterfall, saw a cultural show, visited a museum, saw many beautiful places, and took part in the blessing of Fay's beautiful home and the customary feast afterward. We even celebrated T and K's birthday (for the second time).

Thanks for the wonderful memories Fay and Meagan! Your family, friends and the Philippino people couldn't have been nicer to us!