Welcome to the Ber Months (and other random observations)

Well, we have entered the 'ber' months in the Philippines.  No, I did not spell that incorrectly. In Canada it is the beginning of the 'brrrrr' months, but here the phrase refers to the months ending in 'ber' - SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER and DecemBer.  We quickly learned what the phrase "in the ber months" meant, and now they are here!  What that means is that Christmas carols are already being played in the stores, and we have already spotted Christmas decorations a few places.  It is our understanding that this country REALLY celebrates, so we will pass along pictures, etc. as we see them!  (This is driving Jeff nuts because as some of you know, he had a rule - no Christmas anything until December 1st!  Ah, another thing to adjust to!)

So we now have a car we are renting from a friend at Jeff's work, and he is thoroughly enjoying the video-game like experience of driving.  One person explained the traffic as a river....everyone just flows where ever they want, and it all works.  All those years of driving into Toronto have paid off for Jeff.  He is enjoying the freedom of not having to find taxis.  Now when you come visit, we can drive you around!  Will I drive????  Doubt it - mainly because Jeff has the car at work every day, and any other time I travel I go with him! And really, the nutty traffic still slightly terrifies me and I am quite content to leave the driving up to others.

An example of the sort-of-English spoken here:  a reporter on the radio said that something "really grabbed the goat inside of him" - we are assuming that he meant "it really got his goat", not that he had a goat in him.

We are looking for suggestions of the reason they cover mannequins at night....you see, if you walk by clothing stores in the evening, the mannequins are wrapped in white sheets.  All you can see are their heads.  Doesn't that defeat the purpose of having mannequins wearing clothes in the windows? (unless you are window shopping for a white sheet to wear out)

We splurged the other day....see how happy I am?

Yes, it is a beautiful, green, vibrant, crunchy stalk of celery.  We have only found this in our local deli, and often pick one up, smell it to bring back memories of fresh celery from the Waterloo Market, look at the price, sigh, and put it back down.  Last week we could resist no longer and paid the 567.75 pesos for this green goddess.  Ah, that is about $13 Canadian.  And yes, it was VERY worth it!!

We met a man the other day who heads up security in the German embassy in Manila.  He was sharing that he had one year left in his rotation here, and it could not come soon enough.  In most places of the world, the German government has their embassy employees work there four years and then they are moved elsewhere.  However, the Philippines is one of the very few countries in the world where it is only three years because life is that much harder - health, pollution, pace, congestion and the fact that everything is hard.  Even his last posting in Kuwait was four years!  Makes you go hmmmmmmm - glad we are here for two to three years only.

To finish off these random observations, here is one for discussion.  Please add your comments and we will see where the discussion goes.  Jeff (before the car) was in a taxi, and he commented on how light the rainy season was this year and that there had not been the typhoons like past years.  The taxi driver said it was because Pinoy was now the president and he was a good man, and therefore God was blessing the Philippines.  Jeff was quite started by this man's comment which he stated as a fact.  It all seems rather Old Testament.  Weren't all the prophets warning the kings and people of Israel to turn back to God and obey him (be good people) and they would be blessed?  Didn't they disobey God and therefore were destroyed over and over again? (just one example is found in Zec 7:8-14, or read all of Isaiah!)  Do you think God still does this today? Where does that leave countries that are struggling?  What do you think?

I look forward to any comments....theological reflection is always important (even if it is hard).

Enjoy the fall, and if you have a moment, sends us pictures of the colourful leaves...miss them very much.

Love you all, Linda and Jeff

Ms Linda Wolfe and Party

To celebrate our 25 years of wedded bliss, we decided to head to Bali.  Linda made the reservation using her email address, and therefore we were referred to Ms Linda and Party throughout the entire vacation.  Not sure Jeff liked being called "the party" (though from my perspective, life with him is a party!) 

Bali is a beautiful island in the southern part of Indonesia with perfect white sandy beaches, warm water and hot weather.  Though only a few hours away from Manila, Bali currently is in their dry season and the warm breezes were a refreshing break from high humidity and high pollution.  Spoiling ourselves at the all-inclusive resort didn't hurt either!

A week of rest, sun, reading, eating and a couple of days of diving together was a perfect way to celebrate 25 years together.  We thought we would share some of the highlights with you....

The people of Bali have retained their culture - as you drive through the streets both genders are wearing the traditional sarong and there are Hindu temples of all sizes everywhere.  Bali has remained Hindu in a country very Islamic.  The island is full of fascinating culture, and our resort put on three night shows reflecting some of that. 

The last show we saw, a love story, was about 45 minutes long and accompanied by a couple dozen men doing a variety of guttural chants....45 minutes without a break!  Have a look at this video of just a few moments to get an idea of how demanding it is. 

The countryside is very beautiful

And one of Jeff's favourite creatures are everywhere:

We did our first wreck dive from the shore.  It was at the USS Liberty, a cargo ship that was torpedoed by the Japanese during WW II and then dragged to the shore to recover the cargo.  There it sat until the explosion of a volcano in 1963 pushed it into the ocean.  Since then it has become a reef and major tourist spot for divers.  It was amazing to dive through different parts of the ship and see new fish amongst the soft coral.  Enjoy these pictures......

 

And yes, we did have a romantic dinner on the beach.....

Hostages in Manila

As I am sure you have all heard and read about, this was a tragic week in the Philippines.  Monday a bus of tourists from Hong Kong (including a family who live and study in Canada) was taken hostage, and it ended very very badly.  Linda turned on the television around 3 pm and a local station was already broadcasting live from the scene.  The bus was parked in front of the grandstand where, just a few weeks ago, the new president was sworn in.  The place of joy and great hope had been replaced by immense tension and little hope.  For the next many hours all of Manila was gripped by the scene of what was happening.  How?  Why?  For what purpose?  Nothing seemed to make any sense at all. 

After many hours, things very quickly went from tense to horrible as gunshots were heard coming from the bus.  Then CNN and BBC started to show it all.  The bus driver escaped and that is when the tears started.  Thank God he was safe...and yet, there were still 15 people on the bus.  As reported by the bus driver, people had been shot.

Like most of Manila, and many parts of Asia, we could not move....it was like watching a movie and yet, it was happening a 30 minute taxi ride away.  The police moved in.  Although incredibly brave, with little protection, inadequate equipment and apparently no definitive training or plan, the police attempted to end the hostage situation.  It was painful to watch as they passed one sledge hammer from policeman to policeman moving from window to door, while a hail of gun fire came from the madman on board. 

At last it was over.  They killed the madman, and boarded the bus.  The first few hostages off the bus cried in shock and relief.  Next came a few people who were injured, carried out by medical personnel.  But wait, that was not enough people...that was not 15.  Then the news came that eight people had been killed by the madman.  How did the last day of a trip to Manila end like this? 

Since then, it has been shock, horror, confusion, rage, blame and deep deep sadness.  We struggle with how to share it all with you.  Summing it all up, Hong Kong is furious (and the rest of China with them) and has black listed travel to the Philippines.  There have been hundreds of cancellations already. The 150,000 Filipino workers in Hong Kong fear for their jobs or worse. 

As for the Philippines, it almost feels like this entire nation has been set back yet again.  The world has watched their incompetence live and is horrified.  In true Filipino cultural manner, the president, P-Noy, smiled through his press conference.  The world has interpreted this as uncaring and even dismissive of the whole event.  What we have learned living here is that Filipinos always smile, even in very tense situations.  It is just their way and it is unfortunate in this situation as it has sparked further outrage in Hong Kong. The people here are as horrified and embarrassed as the rest of the world - never forget that.  It is the only topic of conversation. 

As we reflect on all of this....what does this tell us about the Philippines, their current state and their future?  That the individuals that we know and love are hurting deeply and try so hard.  How could this happen in their country, their city?  Why did it end this way?  There must have more that could have been done?  As for the country - we found a commentary that says much that Jeff and I have been mulling over since Monday.  Click here to read his comments.  

And so, as you rest in safe, quiet, boring Canada, say a prayer for the friends and families of those who died, of those who were in the bus, of those who escaped, and of those of the hostage taker.  And please keep this adopted country of ours in your prayers - that they may handle the investigation into this with integrity, honesty and transparency, and may come out the other end heading in the right direction.

And to our Mothers, we were VERY FAR AWAY from this!

We love you all,
Linda and Jeff

Canada vs Philippines.......

In the paper today, Jeff discovered a report on a world-wide Gallup study that interviewed people about migration - if you could move, would you?  Both of our home countries were part of the study, and we thought you would find it interesting to see how the countries compared. 

Canada was the top 4th country for more people who would move in than move out, with a score of +160%.  The Philippines has a score of -22%, which means if there were no obstacles for people here, one in four adults would emigrate out of the Philippines to another country.  Imagine the effect of 25% of the working population leaving.

Now take a few moments to contemplate what things must be like for so many people in the Philippines that would cause so many to want to leave if they could.  Now reflect on how things are in Canada, how little you have to really complain about and how fortunate you are...and give thanks.  Now mull over what you can do about this difference, and do something.

If you want to read the article, click here. 

Love you all

Back to Manila Life

After a well-needed break in clean, organized, sparsely populated, non-humid, law-abiding, lung refreshing, technologically rich Canada, we have returned to Manila, and once again want to share new observations with you.

• why can we buy a down jacket but not a reference book on tropical fish in Manila? (we ordered the book online in Canada)
• one never knows what you will see as you take a taxi ride through the city - this week Jeff saw two men poking a large caged rat with a stick on the side of the road.  What was this all about?
• there is a new billboard in town (those in Kitchener-Waterloo will soon see similar signs soon).  It is an advertisement by San Miguel (beer and liquor company) announcing Oktoberfest!  There were six different events advertised, all taking place in September.  Maybe the "Oktober" in Oktoberfest is lost in translation.
• the Philippines is one of only two countries in the world where divorce is illegal (Malta is the other).  You can ask the church for an annulment if you wish, and have enough money and power to do so.
• the papers have ads asking you to send in your nomination for the country's "most valuable entrepreneurs" - winners receive the "MVP Bossing Award".  Would you want to put trophy on your mantle?
• we thought this ad from Philippine Air was a hilarious example of the differences in Filipino culture and complete lack of political correctness found here:

So, we are back in Manila life routine - Jeff working through many time zones and Linda wandering around filling her days.  We miss you all, and thank you for sparing some time to visit with us when we were home.

Observations on Inauguration Day June 30

The man elected president on May 10th has finally taken office in the Philippines.  Benigno S. Aquino III, with the nick-name NoyNoy, took the presidential oath during an impressive ceremony and celebration on June 30, a day made a non-working holiday so many could witness the event. Jeff and I watched the events on tv...there is something about being in a crowd of between 500,000 and 600,000 that is not recommended for us by the Canadian government (and our mothers!).  Here are some of our observations and reflections:

• it was a sea of people, many who were wearing yellow, the colour of NoyNoy's mother, Corazon Aquino, and the People Power movement she lead to remove the dictator Marcos from office in 1986.
• the ceremony and celebration lasted almost two hours from the time the outgoing and incoming presidents arrived and the new president headed to the palace.  The constitution states that the president should be sworn in at noon on June 30th, but in non-Filipino style he was sworn in about 10 minutes early.  Actually, NoyNoy arrived at the ceremony from his home about 15 minutes early, so maybe he will change the accepted habitual lateness of society here.
• in true Filipino style, there was an abundance of music - philharmonic orchestra and choir, small groups, individuals, folk singer with guitar and more.  All of this was great entertainment prior to the official oath of office.  At one point, things were so far ahead of schedule (keeping in mind he was not supposed to be sworn in until noon), that they asked one of the singers to go back out and sing another song.  From the observer's perspective, he sang a powerful a capella version of "You Raised Me Up" by Josh Grobin, which seemed to reflect all kinds of emotions for both NoyNoy and the people.  It was not until reading the paper the next day did I learn that this was a last second time-filler.
• there were prayers said by three different religious people - a Catholic, a Muslim and a Protestant - the country is trying to become less Catholic-centric
• NoyNoy was sworn in by the Supreme Court Associate Justice  - he refused to be sworn in by the top Supreme Court Justice because that person's appointment by the outgoing president is considered illegal by many (ah, Philippine politics!)
• after the swearing in of the president, the people then recited the People's Oath, or Patriotic Pledge, reflecting the responsibilities of being a citizen of the Philippines.  I like that....we do have responsibilities, not just rights, as citizens of our country.  Too often we talk about what the government should be doing for us, not what we can do for....oh boy, that sounds like a speech by a US president!  Still a valid concept, though.
• next helicopters flew over the crowd, dropping yellow confetti - a real party atmosphere!
• then his speech - extremely powerful.  If you want to read the whole thing, click here.  The pressures on this man are immense, and his speech reflects his understanding of that and the changes he is going to make.  A couple highlights for me (if you don't want to read the whole thing!)
• "My father offered his life so our democracy could live.  My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy.  I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its fullest potential:  that of ensuring equality for all."  What a heritage to live with and through.
• he speaks of the number of people who leave the Philippines for a better life elsewhere, and what a reflection of the hopeless life and future many feel here.  He ends that section asking "Has it been written that the Filipino's lot is merely to suffer?"  He continues with "Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people", followed by outlines of all of the things that will change.
• he reiterates a campaign slogan of his "If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor."  I realize that seems very simple, but truly in this society, I believe that is very accurate.  The level of corruption here allowed the outgoing president to increase her wealth TEN times while she was in power.
• the ending of the speech "I will not be able to face my parents and you who have brought me here if I do not fulfill the promises I made.  My parents sought nothing less, died for nothing less, than democracy and peace.  I am blessed by this legacy.  I shall carry the torch forward." 

This new president may seem full of ideals that many have heard before, but with his heritage, I believe there is hope.  He is already showing that he means what he says.  One thing he says will end with his government is the use of sirens for government cars to push their way through traffic.  It is overused here by all sorts of people and rather annoying.  NoyNoy himself did not abuse this as he headed to the ceremony, no sirens were used and his brigade of cars stopped at all red lights as they travelled.  That in itself is a step in the right direction.  By the way, his license plate number is 1....cool, eh!

And now, the new president is being called P-Noy (instead of the formal President NoyNoy).  What is very symbolic about that is the Philippine people are called Pinoys.  Sometimes things just seem so right.

Adventures in Diving - Anilao, Philippines

One of the things we really wanted to do in the Philippines was to learn how to dive. This blog entry is for Uncle David and Dave Daikens who shared their passion for the sport onto us. We have been fortunate enough to go diving the past two weekends (we now have a grand total of 21 dives!). We invested in a new underwater camera as the beauty we experience needs to be shared. Enjoy....

Here are a few highlights and interesting things we have seen and learned along the way:

Jeff's Dream.... to swim with a sea turtle, and finally on dive number 20 as he swam up over a coral cliff, he found himself face to face with this fellow. They looked at each for a moment, and then the turtle slowly swam away.

At one dive spot, Cathedral, the fish gather around you knowing they will be fed. See if you can find Linda in this picture.

And now look for Jeff...

Night Dive: Our dive master, Hernel, felt we were ready to participate in a night dive, so with lightening overhead we jumped in. It was a truly unique experience being 20 meters below the surface in complete darkness with the exception of your tiny flashlight beam. The ocean is a very different place at night - the corals open up to feed and are even more colourful, different creatures come out to hunt (we were too big for them) and other fish go to sleep. Here is a parrotfish fast asleep. Look closely and you will see that he creates a bubble around himself that hides his scent from predators.

This "little" puffer fish (approximately one and a half meters in length) calmly swam by us with his trusty little cleaner fish (juvenile Jackfish) following him everywhere he went.

Near the end of the night dive we happened upon this angry looking crab. Hernel was quite ecstatic following the dive as this the first time in his almost 10,000 dives to see this type of crab. And it only took us 19 dives to find him!

Current Dive: Another experience is something referred to as a 'current dive' and it is exactly as it sounds. The current is so strong that divers crawl along the sea bed grasping rocks and coral CAREFULLY to keep from being swept away. Its all worth it because fish love to feed in the strong current so there is much to see. Watch this video to experience the strength and speed of the current.

Most Bizarre... and the winner is the frogfish. A fish only a mother frogfish could love.

To our Mothers - stop reading now!

To the rest of you....interesting and dangerous creatures:

 

Look very carefully at this picture...do you see him? He sees you. This is a stonefish and it is considered to be one of the most poisonous fish in the ocean. As he is demonstrating, he also has the ability to change and camouflage to closely match his surroundings. Important rule, always check for eyes before grabbing coral.

Ah, the friendly and beautiful lionfish....each one of its elegant feather-like fins contain a poisonous needle. Do not touch.

This guy's scare tactic is worse than his bite as he won't come very far out of his hole during the day. This was an exceptional shot.

And to show that we actually "look" like we know what we are doing, we end with these action shots.