Wed 22nd Apr - A domestics day today. Spotted a bit of old culture yesterday in a
small store on the way in to town. When I was in Cebu, a made a comment about
seeing Gugo drying out along the
roadside. The bark of the Gugo tree, it is
used as a shampoo as well as for general washing up. This was the first time I
had seen it for sale since then, so had to buy some. 10 pesos for two pieces of
it. To prepare it, cut it into 10cm pieces
and soak it in water. As it soaks the 'soap' is released. After about 5 minutes
it is ready to use. Glass sparkles afterwards, and its slight abrasive quality
makes washing with it very easy. I was sold on it and
will use it again. Would have tried its shampoo
qualities if I had hair! Always willing to try out traditional stuff, but not
going to grow hair just to give this a try!
Thu 23rd Apr - Woke up this morning with sore eyes. No idea why other
than eye strain. I had my eyes lasered in early 2007 and since then have
enjoyed great vision. There is always that possibility that it won't last and
have to expect it some time. A bit of a stressed day today but won't go into
details. Have to move out of the present house at the weekend as the contract
ends, and the only viable option wants a 12 month contract, and is more than
double the cost of the present place. The problem is that I have plans for the
next year to visit some other countries to see family and this means not being
in the Philippines for most of it; this would also mean Shiera not being able
to work for long periods of time. Signing a long contract to then leave the
house empty seems ridiculous unless we could get somone to rent it from us
whilst we were away, but that seems difficult to arrange or guarantee. Cannot
afford anymore to be wasting money on empty property, so it creates a big
dilemma.
Fri 24th Apr - After beginning the day with many possibilities, ended up
making the decision to go to, of all places... The Enchanted Kingdom in Santa
Rosa. Really aimed at kids, and no real idea why we agreed on this one, but a
fun day. After a long journey to get there; the usual combination of Jeepney
plus FX plus tricycle and near asphyxiation with Carbon Monoxide poisoning. 400
pesos to get in and didn't open until 2pm being a weekday; opens earlier on a weekend.
A
few fun rides like a log flume and rollersoaster but nothing too shocking.
Staff wandering around in character dress for photos and dancing throughout the
day at various locations. All in all, a nice place for an afternoon out.
Heard
on the radio on the bus home about the Aliwan
2009 fiesta being held in Manila right now and kicked ourselves for not
going there today instead of the theme park. Had thought it was next weekend,
so rapid change of plan to go tomorrow for the main street parade.
Sat 25th Apr - Off to the Aliwan fiesta in Manila, which started at 4pm
outside of the Aliwan theatre in Star city complex on Roxas Boulevard. Not a
great day for weather, as it rained early. This fiesta is referred to as the
'Grand Fiesta', as it is the culmination of many other fiestas held around the
Philippines, with a finale at the Quiriño Grandstand at 9pm for the competition
awards and the beauty pageant. The Filipinos certainly know how to do street
parades, and the floats were awesome. Managed to get into the photographer's
area at both of the venues although it was a bit of a scramble for position and
constantly being pushed. In some cases the views were better out of the main
areas as I could move around. I always feel sorry for the participants as it is
a gruelling day for them. When the sun came out, the colours of their costumkes
is a lot more vibrant, but they must get roasted in the heat. Then it rained
and they get cold and wet, but still have to keep on smiling and bouncing
around. The bird costumes of one group loast their feathers in the rain and
looked like they were covered in spikes, but still great.
The
real highlight though came before the actual parade, as most groups did a
rehearsal. Being part of the great buzz of the warm-up atmosphere was exciting,
as the participants were all eager to pose and smile for the photographers, and
we could get right into the groups for shots with them. The exhuberance and
energy was infection as they were all fresh and ready to go. This was also when
the best photos could be achieved for the competition they had set up. A cash
prize for the best photos, closing on 15th May for entries.
Snap...snap...snap...
In
true tradition, as the show neared its end and the last float came through, the
skies opened again and the beautiful pageant queen contestants were drowned in
their float, but still had to keep on smiling for the cameras. The whole event
was being televised for national transmission and so no time for them to show
signs of wilting after a long day.
Had
come prepared for an overnight stay in Manila, but couldn't be bothered to
struggle finding somewhere to stay and got the bus home instead. Skin worn of
part of my right foot and Shiera with skin off one of her toes after a slip, an
uncomfortable trip back to Silang.
Sun 26th Apr - After a late start due to not getting to bed until 2am,
woke up with a weird daydream for all of the simple foods I was
missing...wanted a wholemeal sandwich with cheddar cheese, nice ham etc
followed by a nice steak followed by treacle sponge and custard followed by
flapjack and a nice glass of my favourite Dumisani red wine. I think I am
cracking up! Now, in the UK that would be an ultra simple request. Here though
it isn't that simple as good cheese for example is hard to come by, and good
bread is scarce. Good quality steak is hard to find as most shrinks to a
quarter of its size when cooked, or is ridiculously priced. The Filipinos to be
honest, have no idea what good bread tastes like, and so most bakeries sell
rubbish bread. Ended up in a new favourite shop Santi's near to Olivarez, which is aimed at homesick expats longing
for good quality merchandise. Pay through the nose for it of course, as it is
all imported or specially made. An extra treat of a bar of Swiss white chocolate
with hazelnuts and some venison paté. With much deliberation, we decided on
having a picnic somewhere nice. Went to 'The People's Park in the Sky' in
Tagaytay. Shiera hadn't been here and didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't
what either of us had hoped for. Left to go to ruin from what must have been a
nice palace in its heyday. It has a beautiful dominant position with a superb
view over the surrounding area. In the murky distant you can see the southern
part of Manila's Alabang district, as well as the sea to the west. A bit rainy
and overcast today and so not the clearest of views.
Mon 27th Apr - A rather boring day of clothes shopping to replace worn
out stuff. I am a terrible shopper. Hate it really. Struggle to find what I am
looking for as they don't have the styles a want in the local malls, and don't
care to go to Manila just for some clothes. For the past couple of years I have
spontaneously bought things I have liked when I needed them, and avoided shops
otherwise.
Fortunate
that the 'French Baker' is in Dasmariñas and so respite is at hand to relieve
the stress with some nice cakes and good coffee!
Tue 28th Apr - Another one of those messy days with nothing exciting to
get stuck into. Real life is a bit soul detroying when it happens, and my mind
starts to wander back to travel. Seems to happen a lot lately; wanted to take
the break from travel and just live. But when it comes to just living in one
place, the urge to travel comes rushing back. A pain in the neck really.
So
with nothing much happening, wanted to see if my pet beetle that I picked up in
Manila could fly. It is only young but tying a piece of cotton around its body
to keep hold of was fun. Even funnier was taking it for a fly out in the dark.
Walking along with a piece of cotton attached to my finger and waving around in
the air looks crazy. Couldn't see the little thing most of the time. By the
way, its name is Paul...after Paul McCartney...one of the beetles...hee hee!
Spotted
a baby Gecko running around the house and managed to catch it to join Paul in
the little glass house. Named it Ringo...Ringo the gecko! Just need another
couple of creatures for the full band....need a John and George. Isn't life
exciting!
Wed 29th Apr - A day of final decisions regarding the housing situation.
Nothing is simple though. Went out for a walk later and noticed a banner in the
town plaza advertising the forthcoming Gay sports festival in Silang early next
month. Everything the up and coming Gay person would want, from a Gay parade through
to gay Volleyball, gay boxing and gay basketball. Can imagine these people
dressed in pink fluffy training shoes and leotards stopping to scrutinise
themselves in every mirrored surface they come across. Whenever you see a gay
person walking, it is with one of those identifyable swaggers. Imagine a bunch
of them playing basketball! Ooohh you scratched me you bitch, well I don't like
your eye shadow..well your lipstick is disgusting and I want to scratch your
eyes out. What about Gay boxing....you hit me and smudged my Mascara...I hate
you....but let's hold hands and skip around the ring together!
To
prove that I have now slipped down lower in life, I treated us to a 'Steak Burger A
La Pobre', which interprets as 'Poor person Burger Steak'. Later in the day
went to the SM Mall in Dasmarinas to order an internet connection, to find the
shop couldn't serve us... because their internet connection was down! Reliable
service then! Didn't give up and went to another shop to enquire about a
special promotional offer that is spread around the streets on massive banners,
to find that they had no idea about the offer. Another treat ensued as I
treated us to a kiddie meal lasagne. Well they say they are grown up meals, but
they are designed for tiny Filipinos and are about enough to satisfy a
mosquito's appetite.
To prove how bizarre things are in the
Philipppines, went to the French Baker to get some bread, to find nobody buying
anything, but a long queue outside. The reason was that at 9pm all bread drops
to half price, so everyone waits until then!
My
Pet bug has buggered off.....bye bye Paul....Ringo the Gecko is on his own now
:-(
Thu 30th Apr - Poured with rain all day. As we had been looking at a
place to move to in a couple of days time, we had to get an internet connection
sorted out. Supposed to meet a guy at the new house who was going to test for
options. He couldn't come but sent someone else instead who wasn't equipped
properly. He also plugged a device into my laptop that killed it within
seconds. So not only did we not have the answer that we wanted, but I now have
a dead laptop to sort out. Something is trying to tell me something!
One
positive thing happened...as it was raining, the Salagubong beetles were out,
and found a teenage stage one at the new house. Took it home as a replacement
for Paul. Called him John (after John Lennon). Later on back at the house Paul
reappeared, and so I now have two bugs and a Gecko as pets...Paul, John and
Ringo. Just had to find a George now...well, a pseudo George appeared, in the
form of a massive queen ant, so it got to join the rest of the band in a newly
furnished tupperware container house full of vegetation and a mini pond....I am
cracking up...sure of it! To top it off, I now had two Salagubong beetles with
strings attached flying around the house on a lead; crazy or what!
Tried
a local laptop repair shop to no avail, and will have to get it to the
manufacturer's agents in Manila to have it checked.
Started
writing a separate article about how I feel the east and west are progressively
migrating into each other's territories and taking over. There are many aspects
to this that I feel contribute to the situation, but that is part of a big
subject I want to write about another time. Right now stress is weighing my brain
down and clouding the thoughts.
Not
been a good day for eating peoperly, so treated us to a nice meal out at Balinsasayaw, my favurite local nipa hut
restaurant. Always feel revitalised after a meal there.
Fri 1st May - Today is 'Labour' day and a public holiday in the
Philippines. Most businesses outside of the shoping malls are closed but
transport is running. The main mall was hosting a career and job finder day,
and was crammed with hopefulls after employment. Meant that the place was manic
and overbearing for a shopaphobic like me.
A
day of organising ready for moving house tomorrow. Collected the
keys...yippee...seems strange moving house in another country. Without
furniture yet, it was a large bright open space. A nice large house with plenty
of light, located on a 7th day Adventist Estate, so very quiet. Got a few
things over in the evening so that we could spend the night ahead of the main
move tomorrow.
Sat 2nd May - The main moving day and a chaotic one. After a bit of a
messy start, we resorted to the standard Filipino moving technique (Lipat
Bahai) of hailing down a Jeepney and negotiation a rate. Got one for 400 pesos,
but we provided our own labour. This consisted of us plus Shiera's brother and
his mates, all for the cost of a bottle of Tanduay rum at 50 pesos!
Got
most of it shifted with stuff on the roof and everyone having plenty of fun and
a bit of stress, to then have our first complaint of the day. This is Sabbath
and, according to the 7th day Adventist rules, nobody should be working. The
president had seen us moving and complained, so we were asked to stop until
after dark. A bit annoying, but should have realised it would be a problem.
Anyway, the caretaker for the house agreed to help us move the remaining stuff
in the evening, so we had some time to get what we had already moved organised.
The
second complaint came after the boys, being teenagers and a bit boisterous, had
caused some disturbance and again being Sabbath, should be quiet today. The
irony of it was that the sound of videoke could be heard from the town until
after 2am. They can try to silence their own close environment, but they can do
nothing about the rest of the town outside of the estate gates!
Despite
a few niggles during the day, all finished by late evening and time for a
shower before going out for a meal and do some provisions shopping in
Tagayatay. Shattered after a crazy day, slept like a baby....zzzzzz....
Sun 3th May - A sorting day, mainly outside. The new house has an
outbuilding that was originally built as a sauna. It hasn't been used in a long
time and was used as a junk store instead. Didn't expect it to be such an
ordeal to clear out. I have never seen so many gigantic biting ants in one
place...thousands of them. Coupled with that, a nest of cockroaches and maggots
were festering amongst corroded metalwork, old paint and oil cans. It was
disgusting and should have just left it for someone else to sort, but we
decided to get stuck in and do it ourselves. One technique for the ants is to
set fire to them. Wrap some old cloth to a stick and use the oil as a torch to
incinerate the buggers.
Working
against horrible conditions we managed to resurrect the place, to find the
burner box had corroded and would need some welding and repair work to make it
useable. At least we cleared the major infestation and cleared the rubbish.
Another
day of enhancing my collection of bugs with a few critters found whilst
clearing out; a 'Shield' bug, plus a long armoured orange beetle. Caught a
small lizard too. Have a nice little collection going now, and will soon have a
large tank for them. Made contact with one of the neighbours who owns the
allotment adjacent to us. Will be a nice community here, full of friendly and
helpful people. Later learnt from the contract that the sauna building was
excluded from the contract and should have left it alone. Considering what we
had managed to achieve with it, they agreed we could continue with using it, so
we have gained a sauna once I sort it out…yippee!
Mon 4th May - Main task for today was to get my laptop sorted, which
unfortunately entailed a trip into Manila. As it turned out, things went well
and they got it sorted quickly; so a deep sigh of relief that it wasn’t a more
serious problem. As a bonus, the walk from the LRT station to the Service
centre went through an Indian quarter, and so we got stocked up on Indian
goodies from one of the suppliers. Basmati rice is one of my favourites and
haven’t been able to get hold of it for longer than I can remember.
Tue 5th May – It seems strange after so long travelling to be doing
‘domestics’. Organising and completely unpacking my backpack for the first time
in a year. I guess that living out of a pack gets too much after a while and
some stability is craved for. Whilst I haven’t yet made plans for what happens
next, for the time being it is nice to have a home and base to work from, and
to not have to think constantly of travel plans and details.
Wed 6th May – Getting closer to being able to relax for a while now.
Last major job is to sort out the internet connection to the house. Now, you
would think this to be an easy task. Had visited the various providers before
deciding to rent this new house and eliminated the less viable ones. Went to
the customer centre recently to get all of the requirements and check on the
best package to opt for. So, armed with all of the relevant info went back to
order the connection. Now, being a foreigner means I do stand out amongst the
Filipinos and cannot be mistaken for being a foreigner. So, imagine how
annoying it was to be told that I couldn’t apply for the connection until I
presented my ‘i-card’. What is that then? Have the house contract, bills,
passport, money…no, I need another piece of plastic to very who I am! For that,
I have to make another visit to Manila immigration bureau and pay $50. All
Filipinos have one and foreigners staying beyond 6 months have to apply for
one. But it does mean a 365 day visa with multiple entry, so the best option
anyway. Shiera cannot take out the connection contract as the house is in my
name. They also ask for current bills in my name with the house address on it.
So, how do you have that then when you have moved into a new property, so you
don’t have any bill yet? Their rules are stupid, and according to what I have
been told, many Filipinos have to fake the documents to get things done as the
red tape is crazy! A very frustrating situation and still no internet
connection, considering we thought we had covered this before getting the
house.
Thu 7th May – A Typhoon hit last night and the volume of the rain was
horrendous against the metal clad roof. Most houses here are metal clad, rather
than the tiles used in European design. It is like being inside a tin can; Went
on all night and made sleep difficult.
Fri 8th May – Have no idea what we did today apart from doing some work
to install an electric shower. Must have been exciting then!
Sat 9th May – It threw it down most of today, which got in the way of
things but served as a forced rest.
Since moving in there is always something to do, and so we haven’t sat down
much. We had been invited to a 1st birthday party of a friend of
Shiera’s which took up most of the afternoon and evening.
Sun 10th May – Totally forgot about the ‘Gay parade’ in Silang, which
would have been interesting to see. Instead, I awoke with an urge to go to the
beach. This isn’t that easy as the nearest is a couple of hours away. Had read
about Matabungkay to the west being the nearest beach for the folks from Manila
to escape to, so made up some stuff for a picnic and set off. Theoretically,
there should be a single bus to get there, which originates from Manila, but,
if you have no idea what time it passes, you could be waiting in vain. Picked
up a bus heading out west and had to change to a Jeepney at a roundabout
heading for Lian, where we got another Jeepney to Matabungkay, which was more
interesting as usual. At Lian an old guy got on with a blood soaked gamecock in
his hand, plus another guy who I think was his son carrying a plucked dead
chicken with its throat cut, one leg which he carried it by, and the other
wrapped around its neck. The gamecock had won its battle at the Lain gamecock
arena and looked like it only just survived. Sunday is one of the main days for
these fights, and so you see them everywhere. His hands were covered in its
blood as he bounced along preening its feathers. Not sure how long before it
would be ready to fight again?
As
usual, someone got on who was interested in us, with prying questions, which I
got some interpretation of. You know something, a fact that has just occurred
to me…In all of the time I have been in the Philippines, which is getting close
to six months now, I have never been on a Jeepney with another European
present. That is a surprising fact isn’t it! Not once, and I have been on more
Jeepneys than I can remember. So, it is no surprise that it gets some
attention. This makes me wonder why? I have heard that most foreigners are
scared of them, or maybe have no idea where they go, how to ask how much they
cost and probably no idea where to get off. Most foreigners prefer to go
between known locations with some help from their trust Lonely Planet guide
book or whatever they are using. Most won’t dare to use the more interesting
option. To be honest, If I wasn’t with Shiera, I too would be hesitant in many
circumstances. The amount of times that we have to have a discussion in Tagalog
with the driver as to where it is going and what to do when we get there,
leaves even me confused. Most of the place names on their signs don’t exist on
a map and certainly not in a guide book. It is a shame, but in a way glad that
I seem to be getting a more individual experience. Anyway, rather than go too
deep into this for now, on with the day….
Arrived
in Matabungkay and was greeted by the sound of videoke blasting from the beach.
Oh no…just what I didn’t want. Anyway, this place is a beach on acid! The bay
is completely shallow. With the tide in, the water didn’t even come up to my
knees. To accommodate this they have developed floating platforms for visitors
to rent by the day (upto 700 pesos), or hour. One guy wanted 250 pesos for 2
hours! Some have barbeques on board. The crazy thing is that there are many
dozen of these things, so all you can see on arrival is the whole bay full of
them and hardly any visible water. Karaoke blurting away from numerous bars
along the front made for a chaotic atmosphere. Didn’t want to stay in this area
and so headed down the beach in search of some peace and quiet. The main beach
was quite mucky, but I was impressed by the clean-up operation being carried
out by the barangay. Beyond the main beach was the Matabungkay Beach Resort.
Clean beach, swimming pool and pleasant, but at a price. Carried on further and
glad we did, as had the next beach completely to ourselves, complete with
floating platforms for free, and a bonus of loads of starfish to collect and
play with. Ideal place to crash out and eat our picnic lunch and have a
splash….well, to our ankles as the water is even shallower here.
Later in the day, walked in the opposite
direction through the noisy bit, to find a bit of a treasure trove amongst the
rocky spit that stretches a fair way along the beach. In every little crack
there were multi-coloured spiny urchins, crabs, sea snakes, cucumbers, corals,
fine hair worms, and so many little creatures I lost count. Whiled away a few
hours combing the rocks for things to collect and photograph before the sun set
in the clear sky.
At
7pm decided to head for home to find that the last Jeepney had already gone.
The only option to get out was now a tricycle. They have a fixed price system
of 250 pesos for the trip back to Lian. Thought this was a rip-off and
negotiated down to 200 pesos. This caused a bit of a row, as the other tricycle
drivers argued with ours that he was ignoring the guidelines and a row broke
out. He did eventually take us for 200. It only cost us 20 pesos to get here!
At Lian we were lucky to catch an FX van, heading back to Pala-Pala
(Dasmarinas), which would take us to Silang for 80 pesos. See what I mean about
transport here. A minefield of problems for travelers, and confusing even for
the locals. You cannot rely on it or
ever know what your real options are. You just have to stand there, hope for
something to pass, and hope you can communicate where you want to go and get a
sensible answer that you can understand.
Mon 11th May – It has been a real pain trying to sort out an internet
connection to the new house so that Shiera can work. Most cannot provide as
there aren’t enough houses on the estate to warrant local capacity, and others
either have a bad reputation or too expensive. Ended up having to concede
defeat and go for the lesser of two evils and hope for the best. Will be glad
when it is all in and fingers crossed working ok.
Tue 12th May – Lazy day as got some stuff coming up so need to get
sorted. Boring eh!
Wed 13th May – My Eldest daughter Amy is 21 years old today…Happy
Birthday Amy.
Finally
got Internet connection to the house I am renting. Whooppeee. Can now get up to
date….!!
Off
to the Pahiyas festival tomorrow, which is at Lucban town in Quezon province.
Will report on that another time.
