Philippines, my side trip to the Island of Palawan, pt 4

It was a short flight to the island of Palawan, where I checked into Mercedes BnB across the street from airport. I then walked along the main street to the ocean (about 8 miles), surprised to find all beach vendors closed, but was advised the shops open in the evenings when the temperatures are cooler and people come out. Duh! Even though it was December, it was humid and temperatures had to have been 90s - 100s.  

 Stopped by a well-stocked Supermarket and found a wonderful deli inside where I dined on chicken adobo, rice, and veggies. I bought a bag of fresh fruit and returned to my room. My feet and legs were throbbing from my long hot walk in flip flops. Still, I showered, collapsed into the bed of my air-conditioned room, watched tv, the snowed-in and freezing east coast of the USA, while I'd been fanning away flies and swatting mosquitoes, daily. Ate fresh fruit for dinner (exhausted legs unable to walk a few yards to the restaurant) and started my island tour the following day.

Pics: Xmas tree made from green soda bottles, Baker's hill (filled with shops of baked goods, purple yam treats, and yummy foods), city tour featuring a monument to the soldiers who were burned alive in a cave where a cathedral now stands, island of underwater caves. Many friendly creatures were present, including monkeys and lizards.

Philippines,visit to Crocodile Farm & beyond, pt 3

Near Daranak Falls, there were temples on a hill, only a river to cross and 376 stairs to reach the summit. Once there, we enjoyed the splendid views of the surrounding jungle, rested, then visited the crocodile farm, where we saw other wild life and spectacular views. The drives through the lush green winding mountain roads revealed poverty, cities bustling with working adults, vacationing children, and the peace of Xmas.

(Pics: Daranak Falls Park, Saint statues, 376 stairs, small towns, crocodile farm)

 

Xmas in the Philippines, truly a Children's Holiday! pt 2

Kah e nah!!! (Let's eat) How many times did I hear that? 6 times/day:

Kain na! breakfast served, Kain na! snack served (includes rice, fish/meat, fruit, veggies the same as 'a meal)

Kain na! lunch served,   Kain na! snack served (see above)

Kain na! dinner served,  Kain na! snack served (see above)

cook, eat, clean, repeat!

No way I could keep up with the feeding schedule, so I ate every other meal, and just hung out with them for the rest. Jingle's close-knit family shared meals, travel, housing, cleaning, shopping, childcare, and excursions together, so Xmas was the same, just dozens more people! On Xmas Eve, we were serenaded by Xmas carolers (children's choirs) who also received tips for their beautiful vocals. 

Traditionally, Xmas day is the time that God parents give gifts (usually money) to the God children who visit all their God parents and say 'porosco po!' to receive their cash. Most all children have God parents, and those who don't may come from poor families, mountain villages, etc. will still receive gifts of money and/or snacks.  The following day, the malls are filled with shopping children, buying their own gifts! 

(Pics: Jingle and sister-in'law, family farm tour, family pics, Roasted pig, Regina Rica Chapel - where we attended Mass and enjoyed a delicious meal, Daranak Falls, fancy Jeepney)