"Ring of Fire" Rock & Roll

That was interesting - 8:47 pm my time a feeling one doesn't forget - your world is moving and I'm thinking again - this is an earthquake. Last time I felt one of these was in Virginia of all places - but at least here in the Philippines it might be expected. All is well though.

MANILA, Philippines—A strong 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck off Eastern Samar at 8:47 p.m. Friday, the US Geological Survey said.The offshore quake was located 146 kilometers off Guiuan, Eastern Samar at a depth of 33 kilometers, the USGS said.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where continental plates collide causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity

Party Filipino Style

Friday night after an interesting 2 day training on ‘emotional arousal’ techniques to use in work with clients - we shifted into a very fun late afternoon of activities at my site – I had a chance to again be a judge for a contest - - this one was a dance contest- the guys had teams of 7 or 8 of them and they choreographed dance to two different popular (American) songs – wow. They apparently practiced their routines for 4 or 5 five weeks perfecting the moves and coordination and pulled it off to cheers and hooting and hollering from the audience. After a small dance piece we did the day before for a dance therapy activity as part of our training I had a new appreciation for how challenging it is to choreograph a short routine with even 4 people – so I gave the guys all of 40 for their efforts at getting their routines down, The other criteria of coordination and impact on audience varied – but clearly everyone had great fun – the music was load and lively and the dance routines were energetic and creative.

We then moved into a birthday celebration for Dr Tess – with food and Karaoke a big part of the evening activity. Apparently I found out it is an understatement to say that Filipinos love karaoke. Almost every Philippine home has a karaoke machine and it’s almost always a feature at birthday and holiday parties. It was announced her husband was bringing a 'band' – which turned out to be these 3 friends who sang karaoke style and did it wonderfully – they knew how to work the audience and get folks engaged – so lots of people including the residents went up to sing and partake in line dances. The festivities went on till about 9:30 pm when finally all of us started to crash realizing they still had a long way to get home and the residents needed to head to lights off. It was lively and fun and for me such a sense of the connection and good times so common in the Philippines.

Catanduanes – Majestic Beach indeed…..

As is often the case for travel in the Philippines, the logistics and time to get from point A to point Z are considerable. Saturday morning I left my site around 5:30 am via a trike ride to Tabaco Port (100 pesos) then we board the ferry (157 pesos + 11.20 terminal charge) for our ride across the Lagonoy Gulf to the Island of Catanduanes. When we arrived at the terminal in Tabaco it turns out 2 other PCV’s and two Australian volunteers were also heading to the Island so our adventure as two became an adventure of six. The ferry ride is a relaxing pace as we share stories of our experiences in the Philippines. We get to enjoy dolphins swimming across the waters off the side of the ferry along our way. We arrive in San Andreas about 3 ½ hours later and hop on a jeepney to Virac (25 pesos). We wander around the town of Virac for a while then share a great meal at Sea Breeze restaurant, overlooking the gulf and the Port of Virac – then we travel about 45 minutes from Virac to Baras (45 pesos) and then we hitch a ride on another trike (50 pesos) to Puraran Beach. A few of the folks ride on top of the jeepney for great views, but of course typical of afternoons in the Philippines they get rained on. Whew. long day of travel, but it is so worth it, as we arrive at this amazing shimmering white sand beach and witness an incredible rainbow over the water. Nice welcoming.

We unpack our gear into our great little nipa huts* and immediately settle into a beach pace and relax. Irene is the host at Majestic Beach Resort, a very kind and welcoming woman, who immediately adapts things to meet our needs – sure you want a bed on the porch of one the huts, you need another mosquito net, can I make you dinner for tonight? The huts had good sized windows and a great tropical breeze so sleeping was great.

We spend the day on Sunday on the beach – with early morning low tide we are able to walk out a ways across the sand and sea grass, checking in on the guys digging for fish treasures – crabs, and some kind of Japanese delicacy – a small urchin like fish. . It’s amazing many hours later when high tide comes in our walking area is covered with 4 or more feet of water. Folks try surfing but the water is pretty calm and though they try for a couple hours it is new for many and the waves don’t make it easy for getting up and staying up for any length of time. The funniest thing though is Harrison is sitting on his board and fish start flying around in the water and one actually slams into his ear and flaps across his chest before heading back into the water. Flying fish – wow.

We sit around visiting and telling stories that afternoon to be later served a lunch on a banana leaf: chicken, rice and curried vegetables. Dinner is served the same and it is a wonderful treat from a local guy Concs that Bryna knows from having been here before. He comes from Manila every month or so and spends the weekend surfing and hanging out at the beach and in his own nipa hut up the road. Nice life huh?

We slide into the easy rhythm quite nicely reading on the hammocks, moving to the beach huts to sit and watch the water, swimming, paddling around on surfboards, more hammock time and then evening with wine and conversation, card games and scrabble. Monday we wake up to fresh coconut for breakfast, just pulled down from a tree, buka juice welcoming the day - yum. Three of us head back towards Virac on Monday with two of the gals heading back to Legaspi; I spend another night at Monte Karlo waterfront inn and enjoy a hot shower and wi-fi. Tuesday I am on my way back on the 1 pm ferry. Feeling calm and relaxed - what a wonderful excursion to an incredible place. I had a long weekend of time to truly enjoy being in the moment, a slower pace, lovely people, sunshine and water –what a way to re-charge the batteries. I feel so lucky and blessed.

The place was really magical, this is the Philippines I imagined, clear blue waters, incredible views, lush tropical mountain sides, coconut palms, water buffalo grazing on the hillsides, fishing boats lighting up the night horizon, cool breezes and surfers enjoying the waves.
Well worth all the logistics and travel, especially since I am learning to just go more with the flow around here –maybe Philippine island style is getting into my soul.


* The nipa hut also known as bahay kubo, is an indigenous house used in the Philippines. The native house has traditionally been constructed with bamboo tied together and covered with a thatched roof using nipa/anahaw leaves

what's up here....

So a few things I’ve been doing:

I started getting out in the morning and going for walks – which is great – I get some exercise and it’s always interesting to be the ‘foreigner’ walking around the neighborhood. A lot of those same kids that greet me now remember my name – so it’s good morning Janett – so fun.

I also found a place on the roof of the treatment center – resident’s aren’t allowed up there – so I can go up and read or watch the sunset/sunrise or just take in the Mayon Volcano – it’s nice to be outside but also have some privacy – which as I mentioned previously is hard to come by in the Philippines.

I had a mini-epiphany – a few weeks back it dawned on me that instead of sitting around bored and moping about my lack of something worthwhile to do I could go out and find something a little more meaningful. Of course I would have loved for it to be with women – but I live near a small town and there aren’t many options. But I did find a Children’s Home nearby and I stopped to visit a couple weeks back. The Sisters of St John the Baptist – are from Italy (which I love that connection) – seemed good with me stopping by on Sunday’s to visit and then we talked about trying to arrange a way for the older kids to come to the Drug Treatment Center and we can do a short session on drug awareness & prevention with them. So I went to hang out with the kids a second time this past weekend – it was fun. I shared a map of the world and had them find Virginia and a bunch of other places and then I shared photos on my laptop and I had like 20 kids huddled around me peering into my laptop. I’m going to try to find some info on simple games we could do and also stuff on teaching basic English – lots of the younger kids don’t know much yet and the Sisters were happy if I wanted to do some of that. So I’ll go on Sunday’s as I can and visit and just enjoy all that bouncy energy.

I’ve been reading like crazy – what a luxury. I am so happy to find decent books to read – and excited that even 9000 miles away my local Ashland library offers digital books so I can download them for free on my laptop and read away.

Went to a Catholic Mass a couple Sunday’s ago – it was actually kind of nice – the sermon was in English and was about sharing with those less fortunate. Of course I was the only American in the big church of 100’s of Filipinos- but I’m kind of getting used to that.

And lots of getaways and exploring - every weekend I go somewhere. I’ve been to Naga, Bacacay Beach, and Legaspi City – and with the exploring in an increasing confidence in navigating the transportation in the Philippines. And now I’m so looking forward to my upcoming weekend adventure– 4 days at a beautiful white sand beach Aug 18-21 going to Catanduanes Island (Monday and Tuesday are Philippine holidays) It’s described as: Catanduanes island is located in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf. Catanduanes, which they also call, “An Eco-Adventure Paradise,” is for those who like nature at its best. The whole strip of this pearly island of the Pacific is almost untouched, unblemished, and unexplored. Can’t wait.

So time flies when you are having fun… 2 months already in the Philippines – 4 to go

Sunday morning excursion to the Mayon Volcano Rest Stop

Had a chance early Sunday morning to travel by trike with folks from my site: Ann, Chris, Karen, Rowell, Ronald and the kids Owen and Angelo to the Mayon Rest House Observatory which is the nearest Observatory to the Volcano, it is located about 3.8 kilometers northwest of the summit and is a popular area for viewing the volcano. Located 2,000 feet above sea level - connected by a winding road to Tabaco City in Albay. The area is located in the middle of Mayon Volcano National Park. We went early enough that we have views of Tabaco Port and the sea beyond and mountains across the sky – clouds came in later in the morning – we had a chance to visit the Planetarium and watch a short film on the Volcano’s history and the many eruptions over the years with the last one on August 10, 2008, when a small summit explosion ejected ash 200 metres (660 ft) above the summit.

I’m told most often the rock and ash from any eruptions goes the other direction from us – towards Legaspi – let’s hope if anything happens during my stay that will be the case… or actually it would be best if she just stays quiet and beautiful for years to come.

Majestic Beach Resort-Catanduanes here we come...

I’m getting excited about an upcoming excursion. I am heading off for 4 days August 18-21 to Catanduanes Island - Majestic Beach Resort at Puraran Beach - this is a photo of the cottages we'll stay at. Of course travel around here is challenging such as this entails a 3 to 4 hour ferry ride – but then I'm sure I'll have stories to tell. Going with another PCV so that is fun too.The island is described as:

Catanduanes island is located in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf. Catanduanes, which they also call, “An Eco-Adventure Paradise,” is for those who like nature at its best. The whole strip of this pearly island of the Pacific is almost untouched, unblemished, and unexplored.

Even haircuts are fun

So I leave the states thinking what the heck am I going to do in 6 to 8 weeks about getting my haircut – perhaps imagining I’m on some other planet or something – as if people in the Philippines don’t get their haircut, nevertheless I decide I’ll figure something out when the time comes. Well the time came – and I was scoping out this place in Tabaco for a few weeks thinking I guess I’ll check that place out when I really need a haircut, but it seems hard to believe it’s called 38 Cut… meaning 38 pesos for a haircut, shampoo and blow dry. Remember 38 pesos is about 88 cents in the states. So today was the day, after really needing a haircut for a couple weeks and it really was 38 pesos and I had another one of those fun cultural experiences unlike anything I’d have in the states. I walk in and ask if anyone is familiar with cutting curly American hair – and all the stylists – young and hip probably around 10 of them are sitting in chairs staring at me smiling and watching – curious about the foreigner. I get a haircut from Suzette – after being taken back to get my hair washed. She and another girl comes back lounging on the chair next to me – asking those oh so familiar questions by now – How old are you? Where are you from? Are you married? Do you have children?– yes one son etc. And we go on to have a general conversation about my life – A few other questions from the group – and I tell them it’s unreal to get a haircut for less than one dollar in the states – they can’t believe it is anywhere from $15 at a place like Hair Cuttery to $50 or more. Of course given income in the Philippines I can see why they think this is outrageous. She does a decent job, a little short, but the shape is right and it feels lots better. I survive my first haircut on this other ‘planet’

The place has free wifi so after my cut I crank up the laptop and of course the stylists want to see a picture of my son – and then they huddle around wanting to see all my other pictures on my laptop – I show them my PC site and a few of my house – I don’t have much else on this laptop. And then a few remain with me as I check my e-mail and my facebook – and I get to share who is posting things on FB and telling them about my friends back in the states. What a hoot- I’m actually getting used to this no privacy thing – it was kind of fun to experience their curiosity and utter comfort with just checking out my life. Soon enough it gets busy and they head off to cut other heads for 38 pesos and I am thinking this kind of thing would never, never happen in the states and if it did most Americans would be totally freaked out – but I enjoy every minute of it – I finally leave saying good bye as if to a group of new friends – and they encourage me to come back when I need my next haircut and I promise I’ll have some other new pictures to share.

Pension

WOW.. I got my first VRS (Virginia Retirement System) retirement check on Wednesday August 1 – seems really wild – and surreal - all those 18 years at Chesterfield and VCU - and being part of the state retirement system are paying off – I think it will settle in more as it keeps coming – but I am really grateful for this reality – it’s making my adventure, my service, my experience in the Philippines possible. Hurray for retirement checks!!!

Typhoon winds

Ok so how stupid was this - I kept joking around with folks oh I'd be interested in experiencing one of those Typhoons they talk about are so common in the Bicol area - I change my mind. We have had days of amazing winds - trees bending, wind whistling - keep thinking the house with Dorothy is going to crash down on us any minute. We have not had as much rain as some areas - but in some part of the Philippines 8 people died with this Typhoon - one had a coconut tree fall on him. Imagine that. So never mind I don't want to experience any more of the intensity of typhoons in the Philippines. This taste has been enough.