Exploring

Since the last update, I have been up and around the Philippines. I actually have a flight to catch in an hour so this is going to be short. Below is a list of the places and what I have been up to in Manila. I will update with a full description of each.

1. Vigan 04/28 - 05/01: The only preserved colonial Spanish town in the Philippines.

2. Sofitel Moonlit 3k run 05/07: Night run that included buffet and free flowing San Mig.

3. Pacquiao fight 05/08: He won.

4. Bohol 05/09 - 05/12: Tourist spot. Chocolate Hills, Diving, and Tarsiers!

5. Banaue/Sagada 05/12 - 05/15: Famous for the Rice Terraces.

And now going to Coron from 05/16 - 05/20 for diving! diving! diving!

There is not enough travel information about the Philippines. So, I will try to recollect everything I did the past week for information.

Culture Shock

Well, not really culture shock, but some things that I do not think I can or will get used to and some other things that I just lovelove.

1. If a guy answers the phone when I call the lobby, he usually says "bodyguard" or "guard." I chuckle to myself every time.

2. Not cleaning up after myself after eating at a fast food restaurant. I have to consciously remind myself.

3. Gravy and rice. So good. Now, why isn't gravy a condiment in the States? Well, at least not in California! We need to keep up with the times.

4. Hiring a driver, maid, assistant, or what have you makes everything so convenient. Granted it is not that cheap, but definitely affordable!

5. Dampa. Buy seafood or whatever you want at the market and go up the stairs to have it cooked fresh for you anyway you like it.

6. Polite people, but not so polite drivers. Filipinos are ultra nice when it comes to everything else besides driving.

7. I always feel awkward when I come back late at night. The guards say "Morning, mam!" I am usually drunk at that point and feel like a child coming home late.

8. Garlic fried rice should be available everywhere. The States again needs to catch on!

9. Turkey does not exist here. :( Or quite difficult to find.

That is all for now. I have to write down when I think of it because I am drawing a blank.

Masinloc, Zambales

My dad is from a small town about 4 hours north of Manila. During Holy Week, everything in Manila shuts down on Thursday and Good Friday. My cousin, my nephew, their katulong (helper), and me all headed to our parents’ town for the week to see some family and to relax at the beach.

Day 1 (Tuesday 09/19)

We leave Manila at 5 am to avoid as much traffic as possible. We stop at Subic for some gas and Chow King. We finally get to my aunt’s house in Matalvis around 11. Matalvis is in the mountains and just outside the city proper. She has an amazing house with a view of all the islands and the town. I can’t get over the view! Look to the right. We go to Palauig later in the day for some beach time. The water was so warm and the tide was so low. It seemed like we could walk for ages.

Day 2 (Wednesday)

We wake up around 8am and have breakfast at the Bahay Kubo (nipa hut) because there is more of a breeze. We wait for the katulongs (helpers) to finish making our lunch. We then head to Potipo’t Island with our cousin’s girlfriend. We park the car at Potipo’t Gateway and take a boat to the island. The island was featured in the Miss Universe. The water and white sand is all gorgeous there, but their needs to be better maintenance of the island. There was too much litter! :(

Day 3 (Thursday)

My cousins and I all take the bangka (Philippine wooden boat) to Bakala which is a house in the middle of the ocean. You have to get the mayor’s permission to go the house. It is all worth it. The view is ridiculous and the water is at most waist deep during high tide. There was some counselor there who had a jet ski and all of his little kronies were making unnecessary noises, shouts, and screams whenever their drove it. The counselor heard us speak English and “Welcomed us to his town.” We told him our last name and asked his. It started with the letter “E” which means that we are probably related. Before we left, we got some sea urchin and opened it there. Yummy! Uni is way overpriced anyway. Iprefer the ocean to mouth method.

Day 4 (Friday)

We go with my guy cousin to go to the sabong (cock fighting). This was so exciting! It was like some secret language the way they make bets. We turned our 200 pesos to 1,500 pesos! Yippee!!! It is really a fight to the death though. We were one of the few women. I can see how it can be addicting.

Day 5 (Saturday)

We head back to the city and said goodbye to the slow, relaxing, clean air lifestyle.

Dive!

I went diving in Anilao, Batangas which is supposed to have some of the best diving in the world. And it truly was magnificient! On one of the dives it was like a jackfish tornado! I have never seen that many jackfish. I have swam and followed schools of fishes before, but never have I been engulfed in one. It was awesome. The corals are ridiculous, the fish are beautiful, and I have to go back! I got a customized wetsuit made here. Yippee!! No more worrying about other people's piss in the suit. I am heading to my father's province tomorrow. It is about 4 hours drive from Manila. Early start. Goodbye internet and hello to cheaper seafood!

Are you ready?

For some whale sharks?! Yes, I finally saw some beautiful whale sharks swimming their merry way on April 2^nd. So awesome! I have always wanted to scuba dive with them, but when their came the opportunity to see them in their glory, I had to do it. I flew to Legaspi which is in the Southeastern part of Luzon and then drove to Donsol which is an hour away from the airport.

We relaxed in the resort and that night went to eat dinner at a homestay. We then took a bangka (Philippine bamboo boat) and went to see the fireflies along the river banks. They were so magical! It was like fireworks. No matter what way I try to explain and say how beautiful it was, you really had to be there. The next day I experienced the thrill. The whale sharks are known to swim in the Donsol area from December to May. If you don't know what they look like, google it!

Insert: The Philippines is basically divided into 3 island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon is the largest of the three and is also where the capital, Manila, is located. Wiki the Philippines to get an idea.

We then drove to Sorsogon and ate at my friend’s family’s house. From there, we spent the night at Rizal Beach.

The next day we drove to another area in Sorsogon and went to some cold springs. I think we went to Orok cold springs, but not 100% sure. We then hiked about 30 minutes guided by 2 boys who looked like they were 6 years old! The waterfall was so worth it though.

Manileña

A lot has changed. My parents bought a condo in Manila in an area called “Global City” or also “The Fort.” A lot of cab drivers still don’t know this area too well because a lot of roads just opened up. Back when I was here in 2006, the only thing in The Fort was Embassy which was the club to go to at the time and a few other bars. Now, the area has expanded as Global City and is filled with high rises, banks, more shopping, and more condos. Supposedly, about 6 blocks from where I live is where all the rich and famous hang out. I could tell they are definitely rich Filipinos, but if they were famous, well, I do not have a clue. Just the other day, I had mistaken a man for being an actor, politician, or just some high profile guy because there were 2 men guarding him with huge ass guns. I immediately asked the clerk who he was after he left. Well, he was just collecting the money from the store. Whoops!

I’ve been getting used to living in the Philippines. I can’t believe that 2 weeks have almost passed by. The condo is soon to be furnished with a dining table, couch, and tv! Yippieee. Photos to follow and perhaps a video! Well, internet is a bit slow where I am at so it depends what I can load.

I have recently been taking Barre 3 classes which combines yoga, pilates, and ballet. From what I can remember, Filipinos were not really into fitness in the Philippines, but now they are! And they also take care of their dogs now! There are all these grooming places. Before there would also only be one white family or obviously foreign person that you could easily point out in the crowd, but now they are everywhere! I was eating at a cafe and I was one of the few filipino looking people eating outside. Astonishing!

I am going to get a driver's license soon! No big travel plans throughout Asia just yet. I am still trying to figure out where I want to go in the Philippines.