Manila Do-Nothing Day

I’ve been all jumbled-in-my-head lately.
I’m glad my Brother is having a good time and already making plans for us to come back in February. It looks like we’re going to buy some land in our Dad’s hometown so we can build our own house.  That’ll be exciting.
Today is a nothing day which is to say [...]

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Leftover Details

Well, we’re back in Manila.
I have a headache right now because I unwisely went to the Amoranto Sports Complex to swim laps for over an hour underneath the Summer sun.  The water was warm and because I haven’t gone swimming since… well, yesterday… I thought I push myself a little harder than usual.  Ergo, headache.
I [...]

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Price List

I can’t write much… I just wanted to write some prices down here so I can remember them later:
Pan de Sal (one roll) 1P
Pedicab (Fundado to Centro) 5P
Jeepney (Libmanan to Naga) 20P
AirCon Van (Libmanan to Naga) 40P
CWC Swimming Pool per person 150P
1 Liter Nestea 27P
Lancha Libmanan Centro to Mambayawas 20P
Rent Lancha for 3 hours 500P
Rent [...]

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Not a Bad Way to Spend a 70th Birthday

Today is my Dad’s birthday.
We just got back from the farm. My Dad, my Brother, my Uncle, and my Cousin’s husband Lao.
I’ve been unable to calm my mind because I want to show my brother everything I learned during my last trip here in 2006. I know it’s unfair to pack 3 months [...]

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The Unnerving Sign of the Cross

I was walking through Naga about an hour ago. My parents were leading the way and we were about to pass the front of a church when I noticed that my Dad took off his hat.
Coincidence? No.
My Mom touched her forehead, then her heart, then one shoulder, and then the other.
Just as we passed [...]

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Like a Pair of Comfortable Shoes

Wow.
Flying up and down EDSA in Manila.
Bouncing up and down in the back of the jeepney between Naga and Libmanan.
The green.  The warmth.
This is home.
With the all the problems and the romance and the tragedy.
This is all the Philippines and I’m in Love with every piece of it.
+++++
My brother, my parents, and I left Manila [...]

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Having Trouble Finding the Right Pace

Well, I’m in the Philippines.
This is going to be a quick trip — 15 days and three of them have already passed.
It’s warm here in the lower level of the Robinson’s SM.  My brother and I are  both adjusting to the time difference.  Wisely, he chose not to do anything today but minor, minor errands; [...]

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