MTV Cribs Filipino Edition

When we arrived to our cottage my jaw dropped. It’s a beautiful house on top of a hill next to a little stream. We have air conditioning + flushing toilets which is extremely lucky. Waking up in the morning my jaw resumed it’s position in the dropped area. We are surrounded by palm trees with coconuts and greenery in every direction. The road up to the cottage is even covered with Bermuda grass + there is a little stream that goes along side the house. 

We were told to be ready by 8:30 for an assembly with the students. Little did we know what this entailed. Mowro picked us up from the front door and we started to drive. It looked a lot different in the day time. As we drove up the hill we passed many students and buildings that are part of the university. I saw a big basketball court area that is covered by a big frame but is opened on its sides, it was filled with a large group of students that looked like they were doing some sort of activity. I almost asked Mowro if we could stop for a second and see what was going on, but then we made a little u-turn and then I saw it. A banner that said “Welcome Student Teachers” then our names followed. It took about five and half seconds for my brain to process what was happening... The van pulled up right in front of the walkway and I looked out to see multiple cameras ready to take pictures and so many people. I couldn’t believe it, they were all there for us. I did a quick check to make sure my zipper was zipped (that could be awka awkward) and opened the door. We were immediately greeted by hellos, handshakes and warm smiles. Every single eye was on us. 

We were directed straight to the stage where there was a large table with many chairs. We were placed in the direct middle. The ceremony began... it included lots of speeches, greetings, and even some dancing and singing. Then in the middle of it the speaker turned to us and asked for a small speech. My face turned a bit pale as I tried to think of something noble and sophisticated to say. I am not sure what I said but there was a lot of laughs and there was a pitty applaud and cheer that followed so it must have been something right. There was some beautiful traditional dancing to end the ceremony and we were whipped back into our limo (or van. whatevs) and we were off to meet the president of the university in the city of Sogod. 

It was a delightful meeting with plenty of pictures and handshakes. We met a lot of important people. I definitely think they think we are WAY cooler than we actually are. (hope they don't find out). We finished the meeting with a proper picture and with a handful of mentos (they have every flavor possible including pineapple + melon + mango) we were off to our next appointment. We were to be fitted for our uniforms. We entered this old looking shop just like you would see in a movie and their were three women busily working their magic on some old time sewing machines. I was amazed at the masterpieces they were creating. The old man pulled out his measurement and went to town. Measuring every which way. We said salamat and headed out the door. 

They then dropped us back to our cottage where we had a two hour break for lunch. They make sure we never miss a meal or snack + we are always told to eat more. So will I be fat when I get back... probably. We were picked up at three and we were told we were playing games. We again took a two minute drive up the hill because heaven forbid we walk and were got out of the van. We were immediately greeted by three students. One took my hand and pulled me towards and empty chair on the outside of another circle. Across from me was a boy, Mario, who I thought might pee his pants. Every eye was on us. I giggled and flashed backed to my elementary years when talking to a boy made me turn bright red. Okay, it might still happen.... but anyway we were told to introduce ourselves and then we would walk in opposite directions and be placed in front of a new student. Everyone would say hello with a blush and continue walking as fast as they could. After a few rounds of this game we played a few more games that were all “team building” activities. It was so much fun. The students treat us like we are celebrities. I absolutely loved talking to them and getting to know them. They are such a beautiful people. Happy and hard working. Which can be a hard mix to find sometimes. We were told we had to leave so with a sad face we said goodbye then hopped back into our cool-mobile.

We road for a long time with many of the professors down a beautiful road (which they don't think is very beautiful) along the beach. Talking to the professors was so much fun. We learned so many things about the people and the culture. They have such big hearts. We turned into a place called Kutting Reef down a dirt road. It looked really nice and quite pricey. We hopped out of the van and were stunned by the beauty of this place. We were the only ones there and as we walked in my shock didn’t lessen. We stepped onto a huge patio that was right on the beach. Lit up in the corner was a beautifully decorated table that looked exquisite. As we waited for others to arrive we explored the resort. It had beach front cottages, but of course the first thing we did was ran, not walked, to the ocean. It was so warm! It took all my might to resist jumping in. The night was perfect and the dinner was delicious. I even ate fish and liked it! Winner winner!

By the end of the night we were exhausted. It was a day filled with adventures I couldn’t imagine happening in my wildest dreams. 

Finallly Here!

I finally made it! I can not believe everything I have seen in the passed few days. Getting to the Philippines isn’t the easiest thing... after four flights + a night in a city with so much commotion it makes New York city look rural + one more flight we made it to Tacloban on the island of Leyte. Let me back up to our night in Manila. I have never been to a city quite like that one. It was a little mixture of Las Vegas lights, New York noises and Slum Dog Millionaire housing all bunched into one place. I cannot believe how many people could fit into one city. We arrived a little after nine and were exhausted to say the least. We hopped into a tiny cab (emphasis on tiny) and played frogger all the way to our hotel. Seriously the driver should be entered into a NASCAR race. I would put my money + my scooter to bet that he would win. Our hotel was called the RAF Mansion. It was very ornate and I didn’t mind the Christmas tree in the lobby one bit. We were escorted to our rooms and were asleep within the hour. I awoke to plenty of noises outside (the honks, yelling and music never stops) and let the others sleep while I hurried to get ready since I felt like there wasn’t any chance of me falling back to sleep. After taking as much time as I possible could to get ready, I glanced at my phone to see if I should wake the other girls up. I got a weird hunch that I should look up the time on my computer to see if it was right on my phone.  Manila: 3:05 a.m. is what google told me. Completely dressed and ready to head out the door, I let out a huge laugh and crawled back into bed. 

When the real morning finally came, we headed for breakfast which was actually next door. Stepping passed the slow cooked pig with its mouth wide open lessened my hunger just a bit. The waitress kindly gave us our menus which had four different choices. Then kindly pointed out that one was unavailable which left three choices. You get rice + egg + (a hot dog, pork saucers or fish). The rice was delicious and the hot dog was the reddest, but yummiest hot dog I have ever eaten for breakfast. We walked the streets for a little while after that passing tons of little vendors, markets and people. I thought I got a lot of stares in Russia, but that was baby to here. If I had to choose a country to represent me in a starring contest this would be my #1 choice hands down. Exploring was awesome though once you got used to the feeling of being a circus animal. I cannot believe how cheap everything is here. We found a lady selling iphones for 50 dollars. Whether or not they are real... questionable, but I felt like a millionaire. The best part of the morning was trying the fruit. After getting passed the fact it kind of looks like a sea urchant + flicking off all the ants the taste is outstanding. I have never seen so many different kinds of fruits and they are all delicious. Ramboton and mangonese are two of my favorites. So delicious. And their mangos put ours to shame. I could eat them all day. 

We headed back to the airport for our last flight. Manila wasn’t exactly how I pictured the Philippines.. and would probably never want to live there. Okay pull out probably insert never ever. The flight to Tacloban was short and sweet. We got off the plane and stepped into this tiny building (their airport) that had one little baggage belt. We grabbed our bags and headed outside. Then I saw them. 

I have always dreamed of coming off a plane and having someone standing there, holding a paper that neatly said Miss Parrish on it. I figured it would happen one day when I am old and grey and maybe lucked out by winning the lottery to some exotic destination. We headed outside with our mega suitcases and thats when I found out dreams come true. Standing in front of me were two friendly faces with smiles as big as their little bodies holding none other than a real sign with my name on it. I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome. 

Dr. Jean Valdez and Sir Alex were a hoot and a half. Our journey was not over quite yet, to get to Tomas Oppus we had a two hour van ride, although with any other driver besides Mowro (don’t forget to roll your “r”) it would have taken at least three. Imagine riding down a one lane road with people walking + riding bikes with multiple passengers, and jeepneys filled to the brim with commuters; then picture the night bus driver from Harry Potter. With these three we started the real Filipino journey. 

                                      

Fakesgiving

My family and I have always been HUGE fans of holidays + celebrations and the champ of it all is my mom. She can turn any small congratulations into the event of the year that you wouldn't dream of missing. Last year I met a fellow that is quite amazing to say the least, I never knew the extent of his amazingnessesses until November rolled around and we began discussing our plans for Thanksgiving. Then the question came out of his mouth as easy as asking someone to pass the salt. "When are we doing Fakesgiving?". Those five words have created countless memories + traditions that are now a part of my life.

As most of you know I will be spending the next nine weeks teaching on the island of Leyte in the great country of the Philippines. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity, however, in the next nine weeks there will be two celebrations I couldn't bear to miss.... So clearly the only answer is to celebrate each month into one week + a Fakesgiving celebration to top it off. So I have spent the last two weeks cramming to complete every possible october + november festivity. 

this is my final day of my november celebration and of course it has to end with thoughts of being thankful.  here comes the mush. i have been blessed with so much in this world but something i can't comprehend is how i lucked out with the most unbelievable family out there. my family is not perfect nor flawless in fact whenever a date asks me about my family i make a quick decision in my head.... if the date is going well and i think i might see this person again i ask if they want me to bring out a map to explain the crazy mess that makes up my family because thats exactly what it is. a crazy mess. although, it makes something beautiful that is united + irresistible. in fact once ya meet them, you won't want to leave them. so here is to them. thanks for being who you are. the examples + playmates + kinfolk. one last grateful glump goes to my bfffff, my motivator, my biggest supporter. my mom. i wouldn't be where i am today without this woman. she is remarkable and has the biggest heart. love you.