Look how the time has flown! I apologize in advance for my lack of updates over the past month and a half. I am currently testing my resiliency and living a 1960s Peace Corps life: without technology (aside from my office computer which I am currently using to write this). Both my computer and iPhone are broken, forcing me to occupy my time elsewhere and accomplish daily tasks primarily through pen and paper. It's certainly been frustrating at times (especially as I continue with my graduate school work), but I am fortunate to have other volunteers who have made the WorldWide Web accessible to me every now and then.
But enough of the pity party. I will keep this post short, but will chronicle my experiences here over the past weeks. Sadly, I will be saving the pictures for later.
WORK: 2013 brought about changes in my office, starting with a reorganization of projects. Our aquaponics system is temporarily on hold due to budget issues. This is a common issue here and one that will (hopefully) be resolved soon. The step-by-step process of the LGU is very tedious and time-consuming. In the meantime, we are currently focusing our attention on constructing a mangrove nursery on the Natunawan Spit. The layout is completed and construction of a bahay cubo, well, etc. will (hopefully) begin in the next few weeks. I also recently got approved to begin teaching/assisting with an environmental education class at one of the local high schools, and I am organizing some events with other PCVs for the annual Magayon (beautiful in Bicolano) Festival, a provincial festival that commemorates the Mayon volcano.
LEISURE: Christmas 2012 was celebrated at my host family's house. My ate's (pronounced 'ah-tay') extended family came over and the day was filled with food, games, drinking, dancing, and of course, videoke. The lead up to Xmas was much different from what I am used to. Filipinos celebrate Simbang Gabi, a 9-day stretch of morning masses (usually 3 or 4 AM) culminating on Xmas Eve, with the final mass held around 10 pm. Afterwards, families gather for Noche Buena, a midnight Christmas feast followed by the opening of presents.
New Years was spent in Boracay, one of the biggest tourist spots in the Philippines and home to some of the best (rated) beaches in the world. Myself, along with 12 other volunteers, rented a beach house for 5 days on Tambisaan Beach, a smaller, quieter beach on Boracay. We had an epic time! Highlights: first afternoon tour of the island, snorkeling, sarong party, our very own haka, NYE fireworks, skinny dipping, spirit animal painting, beach volleyball, great food (particularly indian and greek), and for me personally, a 4 AM NYE barefoot entire island (between 5-8 km probably) walk home...painful the following morning.
Since NYE, I climbed my first Philippine mountain, Mount Manaet, about 30 minutes away from me. It is an island mountain around 300-400 meters high, offering unbelievable 360 degree views of the province of Albay and the Pacific Ocean. I also attended the Sinulog Festival in Cebu a few weeks back. It is one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines commemorating the birth of Christianity when Magellan arrived in Cebu in 1521. Millions of people descend on the city to witness the event. The Grand Parade, which occurs on the last day of the festival (Sunday), lasts the whole day and features bright colorful costumes and native dances. My hostel was located right on the parade path, making it easy for me to enjoy. Sinulog also gave me the opportunity to see other volunteers, all of whom I hadn't seem since our swearing-in ceremony. Last weekend, I attended my first Filipino wedding with a fellow volunteer. Despite being spoken in Tagalog or Bicol, the ceremony was almost identical to one you would find in the states. The reception was held at Cagsawa Ruins, a local tourist draw and historical site. It was my first wedding where no alcohol was present, and the majority of the time was taken up by eating and speeches. On the flip side, it was the first wedding that I've attended (I might be wrong) with a bouquet and garter toss. With hardly any participants, and what was probably staged, my fellow volunteer and I caught them. Filipinos are always trying to be match-makers. Upon introduction, the two most common questions are "what is your religion?" and "are you married?" If your answer is "no," it is almost always followed by "why not?"
Maraming (many) activities coming up in the next few months. I'll try and make my next post more punctual.
Ingat palagi.
