A Year Ago...

I can't believe it... a year ago, I was in the Philippines! I was peering through my pics last night, and some of you haven't been able to see all of them. So, I've posted some here, in addition to my original blog when I was there. It's actually nice now to plug in pics to go with the narrative.


Thursday, January 20, 2005
5:35:00 AM EST
Greetings from the Philippines
Maayong aga from the Philippines!

It was 30+ grueling hours of flying time and a few hours of roaming airports in Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Tokyo, but I made it here. And so fulfills a promise I made a year ago.

Eleven years since my last visit, the wheels of progress have slowly turned in the Philippines. No one hassled me at customs, where I was readying myself to fight challenges to my paperwork ("Ay, walang pera!" I was ready to shout at the officer.) But no, they didn't even look... just took my paperwork and moved me on. That's what I call monumental progress.

Malls are sprouting in what were quieter suburbs of Manila. Went to one in Marilao, Bulacan, only a few minutes from my cousin's house in Meycauayan. Before, we had to take an hour trip into Manila.

Airports are new and monuments to economic stability and growth-- the towering glass hall named Centennial Terminal cries out, "Mabuhay!" and the jets of Philippine Air Lines-PAL- (a.k.a. Planes Always Late) were new, spacious, and efficient. I came to Davao, and was yet welcomed by another new airport and inside, my uncle who used "connections" to get into a usually tight airport. (A bomb planted by terrorists tore through the old airport in the same city.)

Now, I've managed to find a computer terminal in a crowded internet cafe in Kidapawan, North Cotabato on the island of Mindanao. I just spent four days in Roxas, my mom's hometown. We roamed the countryside and visited the family farm... which was a sign of progress and distress. The old family home is fast falling apart, a hollow shell now that once was the heart of the barrio (village). No one sleeps on the second floor, which was once a cool reprieve from hot days; the wood floors are rotting fast. The majestic mango trees surrounding it still shelter the home from the heat, but everyone proclaims the grand days of large, juicy mangoes have withered away, since my Lola (grandmother) died. Only the family graveyard nearby seems to be growing.

On the opposite end, though, progress is evident in other parts of the family farm. A GIANT rice mill is being built on my mom's land by my cousins-- probably the largest of its kind all over. It's a multi-thousand peso project that will generate good income.

We had a picnic yesterday at the old house, and I paid my respects to my grandparents and other departed relatives. We had a great lunch, and many relatives and tenants joined us to celebrate.

Afterwards, we spent the afternoon with a great friend who is the former mayor of Roxas. We drove out to his farm, a nursery of exotic fruits he's cultivating for export. He's collected varieties of durian, coconut, lanzones, rambutan, and mango from across Asia and cross-pollinating them with native varieties.

He is also an avid fan of American history and politics-- that's why we became good friends quickly nearly 12 years ago. He loves to talk politics and I share with him ideas about public policy and philosophies. I was told to "consider" applying for dual Filipino-American citizenship... and to run for senator here and he'd run my campaign. Ha! I said I'd never do it, but I might consider being his Chief of Staff when he runs and gets elected.

I had my first taste of durian, which is a fruit not for the faint of heart. I've always refused in the past to eat fruit that smells like my dirty gym shoes (yes, dirty gym shoes, or even a bathroom.) but I held my nose and tried it. It was pretty good, but a little slimy in the mouth. :>)

We spent today at the Skyline Resort, a project of my great friend and the former mayor of Roxas. The resort is nestled peacefully in the lush tropical green mountains and its pools and waterfalls are fed by natural springs. All our relatives and friends turned out (government offices and schools were closed because of a regional observance of a Muslim holiday) which made the day so much more special. After a day in the pool, I realized just how much I need to get back into shape.

Speaking of getting back into shape.... I have eaten so much in the last couple of weeks, though it's been healthy. I've had more than my generous share of fresh fish and vegetables. Well, I mentioned the fruit-- THE FRUIT is magnificent! Durian, mango, mangosteen, pineapple, lanzones... yummy! Much of it came from relatives who live near the Dole plantation here in Mindanao. (Next time you buy Dole or Del Monte pineapple, note that it's most likely from here!)

Makadto ako sa Iloilo at Antique sa lunes. In other words....by next Monday, I'll be island hopping again to Iloilo and then to Antique (pron: Ahn-tee-kay) province, Dad's homeland.

I'm studying and practicing the language a lot more while I'm here, especially Illongo. There's a saying here that Illongos (my tribe) are very "tikalon," meaning we're very arrogant people. By nature, we have to return to the main Illongo city, Iloilo, every year to "renew our license" to be "tikalon." Learning the language in Mindanao is my final exam; I'll obtain my license on Monday.

I'll be there a week and head back to Manila. If I have time, my cousins will take me to the Luneta (large park in Manila) and Corregidor (World War II island fortress).

Well, it's time to give this keyboard a break. Hope all of you are well. Please pray for my safe travels. I miss you all and hope to see you when I get back in February!

Peace,
Ace

I'm My Own Worst Critic

This week started off on a great high, plummeted to an extreme low, but now is finally picking up again.

My week did start on a great high... I had spent the weekend with friends and my adorable godson on the beach in Destin, taking the road less travelled back to Tallahassee-- stopping in Seaside and eventually taking the rural roads. It was a relaxing weekend that I wanted it to keep going and going.

Hell came Monday preparing for a volunteer training that I was afraid no one would show up. I had hoped and prayed we'd have at least a dozen at a church that was hosting it, but I didn't have even half that confirmed. And I hated it! No matter if I'm doing training--I have to prep for it, whether it be for 2 or 200.

I haven't been successful in bringing my volunteer numbers up like I wanted. It's hard--especially in a hospice setting. I've had setback after setback and we're the underdog in our market. It's frustrating, because I don't feel I've made much of a positive impact leading my department. The stress I've felt in the last few months is overwhelming attributed to this job.

Other staff appear satisfied with what I've done, and a I'm always my worst critic. But let's see what these next couple of months bring. I'm casually looking for change.

Much Better Now

I’m doing so much better now. What a relaxing weekend this has turned out to be!

My Friday helped jumpstart a wonderful and peaceful weekend. I was in Dothan for a monthly weekend and it helped me with a lot of challenges that I’d been facing at work. I thought I was an island to myself, but it turns out other colleagues have had a lot of the same issues happen to them.

I stayed there later than usual to talk a little more, then I drove back to Tally in a frenzy hurry to get my weekend started. The youth group had a retreat this weekend, but I bowed out earlier in the week to help work it, ‘cause I knew I needed a little time to myself… and it certainly helped!

I grabbed some chicken (my ultimate comfort food!), built a fire, and popped in a Filipino movie (I trying to enhance my comprehension of Tagalog.) I curled up on the couch and just chilled. Can’t even remember when that last happened!

I can be a social person; I have fun at the occasional bar or just hangin’ out with friends, but there are moments that I want—I crave to be alone. That’s just what I needed this weekend to do and to mull over a few things.

And when I mull, I cook. I cook and I cook and I cook. Daddgummit… I raided the freezer and fridge. And Saturday, I COOKED! And when you look at my fridge, you’d think the United Nations stationed a few peacekeepers in my kitchen.

Red gravy (spaghetti sauce to you less-sophisticates)—and not just plain old Prego or Ragu—we’re talking homemade where I pureed the tomatoes and all sorts of spices and herbs. There were meats of all kinds—roast pork (leftover from last week), meatballs, and Italian sausage all mixed into the sauce. It simmered in time longer than it takes most people to have sex, but my sauce comes without the regret.

Then, I reached into my soul… my soul and southern side, cookin’ up a pot of black eyed peas. I found a frozen bag that I never got to on New Year’s (I had my share of peas a few weeks ago at Ryan’s) and I boiled those up with fatty ham. People say it’s called soul food ‘cause of the “soul” that goes into it… I really think they call it that ‘cause that’s what you need to pray for after the subsequent strokes and heart attacks caused by this fine cuisine.

Then, I went Indian with curry and finally Caribbean with Arroz con Pollo. I never got around to the flan I wanted to make… that’s only because I ran out of eggs. But I did find a few veggies in need of a purpose, so I made a very decorative salad.

So, I guess if you’re nearby, you’re more than welcome to sample these delights. As you can imagine, the fridge is a very reflection of my international self. :>)

Between the buzz activity in the kitchen, I managed to spend a few hours with Molly at the dog park. I’m fascinated just sitting there and watching people and dogs. Reminds me of people watching in between Mardi Gras parades in Mobile. Some of the ugliest and downright strangest—dogs and people alike.

And I think it’s true what some say that dogs begin to take on the personality and looks of their owners. Well, it has to be true… I get so many compliments how well-mannered and cute Molly is.

Blah Days of January

Please pray for me… I’m just in a real funk right now. I can’t really explain it, and I really don’t want to get into all the details.

It’s not exactly not the best way I want to start my new year, but my head is spinning so fast right now. Remember as kids, being on the playground, climbing onto the merry-go-round? We’d beg the spinners… “faster, faster, we need another master!” And, remember how we’d spin so fast to the verge of throwing up and beg for it to stop? I’m at that point.

I went to the doctor today for ongoing back pain and some other issues. Sought the good ole American remedy… pain meds. I was looking forward to a great retreat this weekend with the youth, but instead decided to stay at home quietly this weekend to get some needed rest. I need to spend a few days getting my yin and yang steady, my charkas balanced, and the flow of positive energy increased.

I hope to find it soon.