The Cubicle is empty!!!

Can’t even remember the last time I updated the blog.  I have been so busy with stuff to see and people that I’ve met.  Not counting all the relatives.

 To everyone, thanks for the concern for my safety.  I’m doing fine and will be home by the end of the week.

 Zamboanga was awesome as it was one party after another.  My uncles are some of the funniest people around.  Even I can understand most of what they are saying in Chabacano, I usually have to ask to translate in english.  or in Mexican english! 

 The food was great and the atmosphere was awesome.  The sights brought back some great memories but after 3 days it was time to move on.

Mom and dad headed to Manila to head home for the US on the 22nd.  I went to Cebu on the 19th to catch a flight on the 20th to Boracay Island.

My night in Cebu was uneventfull as I just tried to catch as much sleep as I could. 

The next day, I got on my flight to Caticlan, which took about an hour.  Then from the airport to the boat dock I took a tricycle.  Then I bought tickets for the banka ride from Caticlan to Boracay Island.  The banca ride took about 45 minutes to dock #1.  The water was choppy with half to a foot high wave.  But big enough to rock the boat at times.  Great ride with great views of the islands, especially Boracay.

Boracay is the greatest if not the greatest Resort Island in the world!  The sand is so fine that It doesn’t hurt your feet walking on it or when it’s hot.  The water is cool and clear and great for swimming.  I spent alot of time swimming during the day at White Beach and Puka Beach.  Also traveled to the other side of the island to see other beaches.  I also did some snorkling.  Great spots to see corals and fishes.  Did some jet skiing.  Rode a motorcycle in the Island.  Great way to see the Island.  Unfortunately, in a graveled road, I slid the motorcycle and scratch my leg and arm and jammed my shoulder.  It hurt like a son-of-a-gun an hour later, but doing fine now except for some movements.  At night, I usually try to find unique to eat, mostly seafood.  Delicious eating here all for less than 10 dollars, which usually includes a beer.  The main street on the beach (foot traffic only) has plenty of shops.  Got a Tatoo (Henna) also.  You’ll have to wait when I get back to see what it is.  My stay in Boracay was short but sweet.  I could have stayed here my whole trip but not this time.  Great pictures of the beach!

 Back to Manila on the 23rd.  As soon as we landed, I heard people talking about trouble brewing in the city.  Sure enough next day, PGMA declared state of emergency.  So the curious of me went to the demonstration (which happened to be held less than one mile from the hotel).  Unfortunately did not bring the camera, but saved some newspaper article.  Anyway, saw the people rushing to the christ monument and the police repelling the crowd with water cannons and batings.  It was just a wild scene.  I stayed as far away from trouble but was also able to see things.  It was just one protest of several that happened that day to commemorate the ouster of Marcos regime 20yrs ago. 

My time here in Manila has been filled with shopping and seeing sites in downtown Manila and Intramuros. 

Will be heading home soon and looking forward to seeing everyone again.

 Thanks for all your concerns.

jaime………

Yesterday, we flew to Zamboanga.  A large city in Southern Mindanao Island where I grew up.

The flight was uneventful until landing and you could really see the urban sprawl in this city.  We landed and there was a C5 Starlifter parked about 200 yrds from our plane.  I’m sure it was part of the Filipino-American military excecise going on at the moment.  Everything in this town is on red alert, but not in an obvious way.  There is more checkpts around the city than normal.

Upon arrival, our relatives greeted us and went to a seafood lunch right away.  The seafood was all still alive.  We picked out some crabs, prawns, fish, and some fresh veggies.  It was one of the most delicious food I’d ever had.  I did try a little bit of the crab, even though I’m alergic to it.  I just had too. 

In the afternoon, we went to see the old house we used to live in.  It’s changed dramatically since we have left.  The front and side yards are gone and so are all the fruit trees.  The fences were built up so you can’t see the property inside.  We knocked on the door to see if we can take a look see, but noone was home.

We then visited my old school.  It’s called Western Mindanao State University.  The place has also changed as more buildings are added.  The old elementary building is gone and is replaced for the better.  The place is full of students.  They”re even letting muslims go to school here.  Things change allright.

The highlight of the day was meeting all my uncles that I used to hang around with when I was young.  We had lots of laughts recalling our younger days.  We also had lots of San Miguels.

I’m sure the next two days will be more of the same.

until next time, “bahala na.”

ps-I hope it’s not snowing too bad back home.

After the Lake Taal excursion, we just pretty basically got ready to move on to Bohol.  Did alot of money exchange since rates will be lower in Bohol and shopping for balikbayan presents.   Got a haircu.  A flatop that took at ... [Continue reading this entry]

This is one of those excursions that I've been waiting to do for a very long time since I decided to go on this trip. Mom and dad has a friend from Austin that lives here in Manila for most of ... [Continue reading this entry]

Our first full day in Manila started with a breakfast buffet at the hotel. Wow!! A filipino breakfast with fried rice, longinisa sausage, talapia and aros caldo! yummy!!! Saw the popular Rizal Park and the changing of the guards ... [Continue reading this entry]

Hello all, hope everyone is keeping warm in La Cross. In Manila it's been constantly been in the 80's. My 36 hr journey to the Philippines went well. All the flights tookoff on time and I actually ... [Continue reading this entry]

When: Feb. 1, 2006 Where: Madison, WI With just under 24 hrs to go before the trip back to the Phillipines, I thought I would throw some facts and figures regarding the Phillipine Islands according to my Let's Go guidebook. ... [Continue reading this entry]

I can't believe how lucky I'am sometimes. Not a month from returning from a monthlong vacation in Europe, that I have a chance to travel to the Phillipines Islands. The country of my birth. It saddens me ... [Continue reading this entry]