Philippines2013
Kelly purposely booked a 9-hour layover in Honolulu so we could go view Pearl Harbor.
Having successfully made it onto the last tour to the USS Arizona memorial without tickets, the boat was eerily quiet at we swung around to dock at the memorial, with the USS Missouri coming into sight.
In a rare show of inclination toward God, the US Government honours the 900+ crew members entombed in the USS Arizona.
There is very little of the USS Arizona left above waterline. This is the forward gun raceway.
Here, the edge of the top deck is visible just below waterline. The boat still leaks a steady amount of oil from this area, seen at the foreground.
Jackson, Amy, Shane, and Kelly, on the USS Arizona memorial.
A view of Pearl Harbor from the Visitor's Center toward the USS Missouri and USS Arizona.
The entire list of lives lost on 1941 December 7 is given here.
The other intent of our 9-hour layover was to meet David Brotchie, a long-time co-worker of Shane, in person. Gratefully, he brought his beautiful family: Jennifer, Bella, Marlena, and Jensen. Kelly and I were so surprised at how quickly the kids bonded - I think we have found friends for life.
Late in the evening, we went for a stroll on Waikiki Beach. Diamond Head is at the end of the beach.
We ended up at a fairly prestigious hotel late in the evening, and did our best to look snobby. It didn't work. So we did the Filipino thing...
Upon arrival at the Vallester compound in Manila, we got to witness the christening of one of the five brothers' houses (Tito Bucknoy's). Family, friends, and neighbors were in attendance.
The priest walked through the rooms in the house blessing them, read from the scriptures...
...then threw candy and coins to everyone in attendance.
The view outside the Vallester Compound. Note the tricycles.
Computer issues always abound. Here, Shane is helping Tita Angie (II) with her tablet while Anabel, Imelda, and JB look on.
These boys love basketball. They played day and night, just outside the Vallester compound.
Corbin, Tito Bucknoy and Tita Angie (I)'s boy and Kyrene, Tito Erwin and Tita Angie (II)'s girl.
Handsome Tito Bucknoy near a picture of Tita Tess' campaign poster. Tita Tess is now the Barangay Captain in Balingasa.
Tito Erwin and Tita Angie (II).
Nanay Nora booked us into El Rio y Mar, a resort at the central-north end of Busuanga Island. This exclusive resort (way beyond our means!) is on a protective cove at the outlet of a river.
The little town of Coron, on the south-central end of Busuanga Island.
All of northern Palawan is famous for its' limestone cliffs rising majestically out of the ocean.
The town of Coron, viewed from the tie-up near Barracuda Lake.
Adjacent to Barracuda Lake is Kayangan Lake, a large interior but saltwater lake nestled in the steep limestone hills of Cabugao Island.
Kayangan Lake - swimming here was amazing - cool, clear, beautiful!
Tatay and Nanay at Kayangan Lake.
Shane and Jackson about to dive in!
There is a short hike from the bay over a hill to get to Kayangan Lake, which appeared to be the same elevation as the ocean (my guess is that they are hydraulically linked).
Nanay and Tatay taking a moment of rest on the boat after the lake hikes.
The boat we used to get around the Coron area had a long bow perfect for photographic use.
After swimming in the two lakes, we were brought to Maquinit Hot Spings, an awesome place to relax as evening closes.
Siete Picados is a popular snorkeling spot as its coral life is alive and flourishing.
Coron was at the lee side of the Philippines when Typhoon Hainan struck; even though a good deal of the storm's energy had dissipated by the time it hit this area, there was still a lot of damage. Rebuilding for most of these people has been very difficult as their income is generally tied to agriculture and/or fishing.
Vandeil, Jacqueline, and Irish in a tourist shop in Coron.
The market in Coron.
El Rio y Mar conducts sunset boat rides for its patrons - this was a beautiful evening!
In the mornings, I took a hike up a steep hillside to gain some elevation for some awesome views.
At the top of the hill, you can look NW over the South China Sea toward Luzon.
The view looking directly east.
At various points on the way down, I could see the whole El Rio y Mar resort, before anyone else (excepting staff) was awake.
Jacqueline, Irish, Vandeil, Zedrik, and Joshua put a game together called '?', where one team tries to make it from one side of the play area to the other and back without getting touched by an opposing team member. The opposing team members were constrained to move only along certain lines.
Awhile back, we taught our cousins to play 'killer Uno', which always got blood pumping and voices raised. Great fun!
Jacqueline, Irish, and Amy in the pool.
Jacqueline and Irish on a sunset cruise. I think Irish, in particular, is very pretty, in part due to her shy but very intelligent and funny character. Jacqueline, of course is Ganda!
Irish, Jacqueline, Joshua, Vandeil, and Zedrick. I thought it funny that generally the Filipino cousins would end up sitting together, apart from Amy and Jackson. I asked them if they thought we were scary people or something...I was greeted with sort of uncomfortable stares...
Pretty Kelly.
The sunset.
Vandeil decided on this face powder game that was silly and pointless but each round ended with the winner being able to put face powder on the loser. I heard screaming and laughing coming from Nanay's cottage, and was quickly put into the game when I went to go investigate (and lost often).
Our last morning at the resort, I convinced Vandeil to climb the hill with me. His first hike - in flipflops - he trudged up the hill in splendid fashion although I'm certain he was cursing me nonetheless. The view was breathtaking that morning.
A view to the north.
Vandeil made it!
Shane and Jackson, upon our arrival.
Amy and Nanay working on the bird poses.
After returning from Coron, we attended the cremation of Papa Andy Libarnes, father of May and Catherine Libarnes. The affair was a mixture of great joy and sorrow - joy of seeing the Libarnes family again (here: Catherine, Justine, Trisha, and May) but of course sorrow for the occasion. Unfortunately, we never got to meet Papa Andy.
Trisha and May Libarnes.
Gwapa Alyssa Libarnes.
Neighbor, Justine, cousin, Alyssa, Shane, Arienne (AK).
Utoy's (Alyssa, Trisha, Nikki's dad) sister Rosemarie, Nonoy (cousin), Nikki.
Arienne (AK), Trisha, Justine.
Nonoy, Alyssa.
Alyssa, Shane.
Lola Lita, Papa Andy's wife (and mom to May and Catherine), and Kelly. It was a joy to meet Lola Lita; I understand now more about May and Alyssa's character - the whole Libarnes family is a bit off the norm of Filipino character, in a good way (I think!).
Lola Lita (Papa Andy's wife) and Alyssa.
Adrian, Catherine's husband.
Justine and Catherine. I had not seen or corresponded with Justine (brother of Alyssa, Trisha, and Nikki) in 6 years since I had seen him last in Siquijor. He now lives with his dad's sister and mother in Quezon City. He quickly became a favourite of the Duckworth and Vallester clan because of his quiet, caring, and fun character.
Shane, Arienne (AK), Trisha, and Justine. AK, although I had only seen her when a young girl, wasted no time in making me feel like part of the family. I like her because she is 110% of every emotion, whether happy or sad or angry!
Shane, Justine, Kelly, and Lola Lita. One of the odd things I have yet to comprehend is how Filipinos can express both such grief (at a time like this - the death of a significant loved one) and yet still enjoy company and laugh and joke together...it's something I admire and yet offends my North American upbringing.
Justine, Shane, Reginald (?), Kelly, May, and unknown. Reginald has just retired from the Philippine Navy, and it turns out he lives only one block from our family in Novaliches!
One of the rare photographs of Kelly and Shane together.
Utoy's Sister, Kelly, Shane, and Lola Lita.
Shane, Arienne (AK), Trisha, Justine, and cousin.
Alyssa and cousin.
Lola Lita and Alyssa.
Kelly and cousin (Utoy's niece).
May and Kelly. We met May in 2006 during our stay in Siquijor. She was assigned the task of easing us into Filipino life, which she performed admirably. The Libarnes family quickly became our family, and the only strife I recall during this time is that their kids (Alyssa, Trisha, and Nikki) spent more time at our house than at May and Utoy's! Kelly and May (especially) were happy to catch up after seven years.
Justine and Arienne (AK).
Lola Lita and Justine.
AK, Shane, Justine, Kelly, and Lola Lita.
Shane and Justine.
Trisha, Nikki, May, and Justine.
Justine, Shane, Kelly, and cousin.
Shane and Nikki. It was a joy getting to know Nikki again - last time I saw her, she was only 6 years old. I totally underestimated her ability to communicate and think - this girl is brilliant and destined for greatness, but she does not say much.
Justine and Alyssa.
Trisha Libarnes. One of my favourite characters, she has always been beautiful, and will continue to be. I miss her a lot!
Alyssa and Shane. The more I get to know Alyssa, the more I admire her.
Jackson, Jacquline, Tito Bucknoy, Irish, Tito Nelson, Amy, Vandeil, and Joshua, Christmas a.m., bound for the cemetary.
Joshua.
The grave site of Nanay.
Filipinos, I discovered, have this interesting tradition of honouring their predecessors by spending part of the day at their grave site. I expected a rather somber affair but instead was pleasantly surprised by the levity of the time. We laughed, joked, danced, and played games. Nanay would be proud!
Tito Boy kept the candles lit for the duration of our visit.
Kat and younger sister Karmela taking a picture of themselves. Filipinos LOVE cameras, it is the funniest thing.
There were a number of families that came and went during the time we were at the cemetary. This really was a great way to spend Christmas!
Another round of Killer Uno this trip...I think we raised the dead with how loud we were during this game.
Karmela and Amy, two pretty girls!
Toni and Amy. Toni adores Amy, and would always seek her out whenever there was a Montalbo - Vallester meeting.
Zeb and Amy. Zeb calls Amy his girlfriend, and would like to marry her someday.
Kat, Tita Tess, Jackson, Amy, and Tito Boy. Kat, after many years, has recently been able to join her husband Mark in Singapore.
The Duckworth - Vallester clan: Jackson, Vhernon, Tito Erwin, JB, Nanay Nora, Vanritz, Joshua, Irish, Amy, and Ganda Jacqueline.
On the way back from the cemetary, I was dropped at Tita K's house to wish the Libarnes family 'Maligayang Pasko!' and collect the kids to stay for a few days at the Vallester compound. Nikki, Shane, Alyssa, Tita K., AK, Lola Lita, May, and Trisha.
I had forgotten about this, but every year the Vallester and Monotalbo clans put together a bunch of care packages for the local leprosy clinic at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital. The packages included food, some basic medicines, some Christmas goodies, and money. The patients were VERY excited to have visitors and VERY excited to receive these packages. This was my first clue as to the depth of Nanay Nora's hands-on approach to taking care of the poor and downtrodden.
The Vallester clan unloading the care packages for the leprosy patients. Although leprosy has long since been rendered curable, most of the patients here still suffer the effects of the leprosy and have nowhere else to go. The hospital itself is expanding and is developing a very good reputation in other areas of medicine.
Justine Libarnes and Shane at Tito Bucknoy's house.
Justine, Jackson, Trisha, Amy, and Nikki...and Jollibee...at Tito Bucknoy's house.
My second glimpse of the Vallester clan philanthropy and general care toward humankind was an event they hosted for about 50 of their poorer neighbor kids. The event comprised multiple (hilarious) games with prizes; a HUGE meal of spaghetti, hot-dogs-with-marshmallows-on-a-stick (Filipino dish?), and ice cream; giving away chocolate/candy cane sleighs, and handing out money. These kids were cared for! Here, Jacqueline is directing a dancing game of elimination to pinpoint the winner.
The Titos had suspended a couple racks bearing bags of candy; the kids' job was to wrestle control of the racks from the Titos and take the candy. The trick? The racks were suspended to ropes the Titos had control of, and they would taunt the kids by lowering the racks just into their reach, then yanking it back out of reach again.
Vhernon with a triple-decker ice cream cone. Ice cream melts really fast in the Philippines.
One of the chocolate-candy cane sleighs the Vallesters made. I understand candy canes are expensive in the Philippines. The sleighs weighed over a pound each.
One of the games required the participants to blow a bowl-full of flour or baking soda clean to reach a coin at the bottom of the bowl. It was hilarious!
This was the (unfortunate) winner.
Alyssa, Bryce Iris, and Shane, at the final resting place for Papa Andy (St. Peter's Church on Commonwealth).
Justine, near St. Peter's Church. I love this picture because Justine looks like he is part of the poster.
We returned in time to share a feast in honour of Joshua's 17th birthday.
Titos Erwin and Rommel enjoying the food.
Tito Nelson and Vandeil.
Irish, JB, Vhernon, Monica, Tita Angie (I), and Victoria.
Joshua's happy birthday song and post-song speech.
Irish and Vanritz.
Anabel, neighbor, Jacqueline, and Victoria.
Tita Angie (II) and daughter Kyrene.
A surprise visit in the manner of 'ligaw' - an expression of romantic interest in a girl by a boy - is supposed to be given to the whole family. During Joshua's birthday, a really nice boy (Marwin) showed up to express interest in Jacqueline. Somehow, I ended up in the middle of this, and got to joke about what's going to happen to the unfortunate boy that shows up to express interest in Alyssa or Amy some day. Ligaw is supposed to involve the boy facing the entire family, then being put to work for the family to prove his 'worthiness'. I really, really like this concept. It somehow seems much better than cleaning a shotgun, although the combination of the two seems appropriate.
During the 'ligaw' proceedings. I had never seen Jacqueline so embarrased...it was great fun had at her expense.
Jackson, Jacqueline, Joshua, Amy, and Irish.
Nichole and Shane.
Shane and Vanritz.
Alyssa and Shane.
Playing a Philippine version of Monopoly. It was really funny to watch how shy the Libarnes clan was when they first arrived - they all sat on the couch behind Amy and Alyssa and refused to join in on anything. I finally gave Alyssa no choice about the game...the rest is history. She really, really enjoys the Vallester family (you'd have to be really twisted to not enjoy them).
Meanwhile the boys were heavily engaged in their computer games.
Alyssa, during the Monopoly game.
Amy and Justine.
Corbin, Amy, Alyssa, Justine, Nikki, Trisha, and AK enjoying karaoke after dinner and dessert.
One of the joys we have with Alyssa is getting to participate in her schooling at Silliman University in Dumaguete.
Alyssa's student ID.
Alyssa, Shane, and Trisha, near where we board the boats to head across the lake to view the Taal Crater.
Nikki and Shane on the shore of Taal Volcano.
Trisha, Nikki, Shane, and Justine.
Justine, Trisha, Alyssa, and Nikki.
Justine, Jacqueline, Joshua, Irish, Amy, Zedrik, Jackson, and Alyssa at lunch before heading up the mountain.
Although I never obtained a picture of our whole family, this is about as good as it gets; from left to right: Trisha, Nikki, Alyssa, AK, Justine, Jacqueline, Jackson, Joshua, Irish, Amy, Zedrik, Tito Erwin, and Vhernon.
Did I mention already how much Filipinos love cameras? Tita Angie (I), Victoria, Tita Imelda, Angie (II), and Tita Anabel waiting to board the boat to Corregidor.
The Vallester, Duckworth, and Libarnes crews enroute to Corregidor Island.
Vandeil, Joshua, and Zedrick.
It's funny how old patterns are established. Kelly and Nichole have always 'pal'ed around together, and this time was no exception. Kelly thinks Nikki is an angel sent to watch over her.
Monica and Shane.
Nikki and Kelly.
Amy looking over the memorial to the horrors of WWII, especially at Corregidor Island.
Irish, Jacqueline, and Nanay Nora. This picture seems to capture the essence of Irish, a beautiful quiet soul...I really appreciate her character a lot. She's very thoughtful and carefully considers her words.
Monica and Vhernon. Vhernon teaches mathematics to Grades 9 and 10; although he is more serious than his other cousins, he is really skillful in engaging people in all sorts of rhymes and riddles.
This picture seems to sum it up: Boy, driver, in complete control. Alyssa. Tito Rommel...? Monkeying around, as usual!
Amy and Jackson. Kudos to whoever took this picture!
Amy and Alyssa.
Alyssa and Jackson.
Justine and Shane.
Boy and Tito Rommel, goofing off, again.
...and again...
Kelly, Tita Angie (II), Imelda, Victoria, and Angie (I).
AK and Nichole guiding Shane through the Malinta Tunnel.
Dad, AK, Shane, Alyssa, and Amy, standing in one of the laterals of the main passage of the Malinta Tunnel. This tunnel was the protective barracks for President Manuel Quezon during the Japanese seige on the Philippines until he was (apparently unhappily) evacuated to Australia and thence to the United States. It was during his time in the U.S. that the Philippine Commonwealth was formally recognized and provided its rightful sovereignty (although it had to wait several years to properly claim that sovereignty).
The whole Vallester, Duckworth, and Libarnes clan in front of the west entrance to the Malinta Tunnel.
The American flag was last raised on the Corregidor Island on October 12, 1947, at which point the island was turned over to its rightful owners and the Philippine flag has flown proudly here ever since.
The female contingent of the Vallester, Duckworth, and Libarnes clans.
The male contingent of the Vallester, Duckworth, and Libarnes clans.
Although not much remains of the 'mile-long' barracks, these were quite advanced for their time, using the latest technology in concrete to make them 'hurricane-proof'.
What historic photograph would be completed without Filipinos present? I learned something very interesting about present-day Filipinos on this trip - they would pour off the buses and immediately run to the historic sites and pose in front of the sites. North Americans prefer a hands-off approach, and I found it difficult to adjust my thinking. But you can resist them, or join them. So here we are, joining them!
Amy and Justine at the recoil spring base of the mortar guns at Battery Way. These guns fired 12-inch deck-piercing or high-explosive shells up to 8 miles away.
Alyssa and Shane near the breech of one of the Battery Way guns. These guns took a crew of 14 men and could fire a round about every minute.
Trisha and Shane at the same gun. You can see the pock marks of debris from explosive bombs dropped on this site, disabling the guns.
Amy on her spider web. This grate covers the crater from one of the Japanese bombs dropped on this site.
Alyssa and Jacqueline standing in front of the Battery Way bunkers that the shells were stored in.
AK standing on an access way to Battery Grubbs, one of the six batteries at Corregidor that housed 'disappearing guns' that made it nearly impossible for aggressors to fix on the gun locations from sea or land.
Dad and Mom entering the Pacific War Memorial Dome. The dome was constructed such than an altar is lit directly by the sun only on one day, May 6, in remembrance of when Corregidor fell to the Japanese. It was interesting to note that the Japanese were not singled out for blame during our tour; instead the desire to never allow aggression like this to ever occur again.
Our family sitting/standing in the War Memorial Dome.
Alyssa, standing in front of the Eternal Flame of Freedom.
Our family!
One of my favourite places in the Philippines because my favourite people live and work there, Surigao was high on the list of places to visit. Alyssa and I were warmly greeted by the beautiful smiling faces Pastora Marilou and Juliet Japor at the airport, and whisked off to the church to meet with some of the other pastors. Here, Pastora Marilou, Juliet Japor, Pastor Calitawan, Shane, and Pastor Mission.
Pastors Oking, Calitawan, and Mission. These were the guys that I got to know six years prior on a short trip to check up on the orphanage.
Irish, Jackson, Amy, and Joshua arrived late after their plane was delayed in Manila. I hear Philippine Airlines Express (PAL Express) = Plane Always Late.
Jackson, Irish, Nanay, Dad, Joshua, Amy, and Alyssa at the Charisma Bethel Children's Home.
The orphans appear to always be singing and dancing. So putting on a show for the foreigners seems to be second nature to them.
The boys of Charisma Bethel Children's Home. Pastor Toto is standing in the doorway and Juliet Japor is holding one of the boys. Juliet is CBCH's social worker, and she works very hard to ensure the kids are well-taken care of and that the Philippine Government is satisfied in every detail with the work in which CBCH engages.
Nanay and Dad brought a bunch of snacks for the kids to enjoy; here, Kelly, Jackson, Amy, Alyssa, Joshua, and Irish help distribute the snacks.
Two of the boys. I remember Vondave, the boy in the back, because of a really cute picture I took of him during my first visit eight years ago.
One of the orphans.
The funny thing was how the boys were much more shy than the girls. As soon as the camera came out, the girls squealed with delight and were soon off and running with my camera, taking pictures everywhere. The boys tended to stay in the background. I wish I could have stayed longer to get to know the boys.
Pastora Marilou with the kids. Pastora Marilou 'started' an orphanage in her church not far from this location more than 20 years ago, when a mom and subsequently grandmother died, leaving 3 children homeless and parentless. Besides having a tender (but firm!) heart toward the kids she said that Biblically that was her only option. I love Pastora Marilou for her dedication to God's Word.
Some of the girls at CBCH.
Some of the girls at CBCH. The girl at the back left has been at the orphanage as long as we have been associated. She is always shy, but quickly warms up to us.
Amy and Irish.
Jackson and Joshua.
Nanay and Dad bought a bunch of shirts in Manila for the CBCH kids, since clothing is an ongoing need here. Trixie hugs her shirt...I guess because she likes it!
The girls at CBCH.
The boys lining up to check out the T-shirts.
One girl in particular caught Nanay's attention. 'I wish I could take a bunch of them home!' she said.
Mae Ann and Camilla.
The whole CBCH crew, with Jackson, Joshua, Amy, Kelly, Alyssa, Irish, and Shane. I don't believe this was all of the kids; other than worship time you rarely see all of them at once.
The girls, of course, really took an interest in Amy.
Riza, Mae, and Trixie.
Irish, Joshua, Amy, and Jackson had memorized the 'Cups' song back in Manila and so demonstrated it for the kids. They were pretty entralled with the entertainment.
Irish and Amy, near the end of the 'Cups' song.
Jackson and Joshua. Kelly caught the act on video.
Jackson, deep in concentration for the next move.
Someone found a volleyball and immediately Alyssa led a group of girls out to the sports court in the rear of the building. It never ceases to amaze me how much Filipinos enjoy human touch, even with people they don't know well at all. It is quite an affirming gesture of friendship.
My favourite photo of the CBCH kids, the girls just went crazy.
April, Vondave, Riza, Tito Erwin, Mae Ann, and Veronica, in the front of CBCH. This picture means a lot to me, as parts of my family were finally able to share and participate in something that has consumed a good chunk of the last eight years. Thanks to God for His provision for these great kids!
Alyssa had mentioned in passing to Juliet that one of her Silliman MassCom classmates lives in Surigao and was there for Christmas break at the same time we were. It turns out that Mike was a long-time classmate of Juliet's daughter Beezalel. Here Mike and Shane talk about Mike's family, as Alyssa, Joshua, and Irish enjoy food and laughter.
Mike Panejo is an excellent rapper, and has written and recorded a number of songs. It turns out, also, that Alyssa has an awesome singing voice - here they are singing and beatboxing.
Mike beatboxing, Alyssa and Joshua singing.
Some of the CBCH guys worshiping. It turns out that a number of them play the guitar and sing very well!
Not all of the 'orphans' live at the Children's Home. Others live at the Charismatic Full Gospel Ministries church building downtown Surigao and attend one of the number of universities in town. Pastora Marilou mentioned that the Lord has always provided a means for the kids to get through university; a number of the orphans are now in overseas ministry. That's awesome!
Irish, Pastora Marilou, and Pastor Oking. Note that both Irish and Pastor Oking have their ever-present cell-phones; I wonder what life was like before the phones. It drove me crazy, so whenever Alyssa and I would spend time together I would confiscate her phone. It was funny, she would become nervous...almost itchy...at first, but then would totally relax. It was like someone go through withdrawls, but really fast.
Jackson and Pastora Marilou at the Mabua beach.
Shane with a bunch of the Charisma Bethel kids. Most of the younger ones can't swim, so they would attach themselves to me and have me tow them out to deeper water, where they would let go and try to swim back to shallower water.
Alyssa and Shane. Alyssa started school a couple days after visiting Surigao, so Kelly and I determined it would be best for me to escort Alyssa home from Surigao to Dumaguete.
Alyssa...it is so hard to fathom that the little girl I knew just a few years back is now a sophomore in University.
After leaving Alyssa in Dumaguete, I flew back to Manila. On a lark, I decided to make my way back to Novaliches using public transportation (instead of taking a taxi). Although it took about three hours to get home (an hour trip by car), it was amazing how organized the transportation really is (and cheap - it took less than US$2 to get home!).
On our last night at the Vallester household(s), Tito Erwin surprised us by giving up his basketball jersey for Jackson.
Tito Nelson continued the goodwill and offered his jersey to me...a humbling but joyful experience.
Little Kyrene is someone you never forget. Her cute, sweet voice and insistence on showing you whatever she is working on at the time is something that just sticks.
Another sad goodbye to all the people we love dearly!
Jackson, Amy, and Kelly in the Taipei Airport, in the LRT.
I had never seen this before, but the walls were really 'alive'! They recessed a bunch of little pots into the wall cavity, and planted little plants. Not only did it keep the air fresh, it looked great!
We are nearing home!