Mayflower Festival

Introducing- Tita Ritz! She is one of my friends in Boac and the person who asked me to join  mayflower festival.  She is like a mother to me.

Right before the start of the parade. I was the leader. I was so happy to have these three students with me the whole way! 

Nicole, Gemma's Niece. She was an angel in the parade. 

When you experience something for the first time, the joy and smiles last a lifetime. I will never forget this day. There is beauty in everything.

Flowers.

Last Half of May:

Lately I have been going to the beach a lot to catch a break from the heat, search for creatures under the sea, and let my body stop sweating for a short while. Whenever I go there I bring my journal and a book to read so I can do both after I take a swim. I am writing this because I actually have been doing a lot of writing, just not on the computer! I felt like I had already written down all of my life happenings this last half of May to be posted on my blog BUT turns out it is only on private paper. I wish I could just copy it all but we all know that posting some things on the internet is not a very wise choice.

Random fact coming your way- My blog posts are a totally of 16,379 words! Oh, now, 16, 384! Ha. That is a lot.

During the week of May 8^th- 12^th I spent every day in Boac working on an English module. Shea, a volunteer on the island who I have probably already talked about organized a team to rock out some awesome English activities, exercises, etc. There were four Peace Corps Volunteers and four Filipino English teachers. At the end of each day my eyes hurt from staring at the computer screen but it was all worth it. We picked at our brains and remembered our experiences and compiled a giant resource of useable, workable, interactive activities that English teachers here in the Philippines can use to help them transfer all their knowledge to their students in a fun, interactive, engaging way. We did experience on slight, well giant actually, ‘OH CRAP’ moment during the development process but we stayed positive and figured out how to transform what we had. I think I was dreaming about this module the entire week.

The following week I had a few days to bike, swim, watch rocking new movies, read books (Denise, another volunteer, had about 1,000 e-books that I now have on my computer. I was able to put them onto my Nook so I have been reading away. Just finished Why do Men Have Nipples.) After that, it was time to think about the module again and put everything together so that we could print, replicate, and deliver to the teachers. Shea applied for a grant that provided us the funds to make about 50 copies of the module so that every high school on Marinduque would receive one. Shea spent the night at my house for three nights and we worked tirelessly to edit every activity, every page, about 5893208523 times. I have no doubt in my mind that we missed something but I do that we did our best. That editing stuff is difficult. The finished product is pretty spectacular. I think Shea and I both wanted to cry when we printed the first copy. Now, I am exceptionally excited to start the new school year so we can use this new resource, nothing creates a smile like a fun learning activity.

In the midst of dreaming about the module I also held computer training at my school. It was a week long course, three hours each day. I had 18 students, first year students and members of the school parent teacher organization. It was a great mix of students and parents and I even got to try out some of my new morning wake up dance videos with the group- nothing like acting wild and crazy before getting down to business. Each day I had an activity that would help them learn basics about different computer programs. We made invitations (one of the parents was actually planning to print hers and use them which is exciting!!!), posters (Do not litter, Ice for sale!, etc), we had typing races, and made PowerPoints showcasing the marvels within Marinduque! Each day we would work together to create something and then they could explore the programs on their own and ask me questions along the way. It actually worked our extremely well considering that every participant was at a different computer literacy level. At the end, everyone passed the test, received certificates, and thanked me for teaching them a thing of two about computers. I would say it was a success.

Last Saturday was May Flower Festival. This is the parade that my friend Tita Ritz asked me to walk in as a Sagala a while back. Signing myself up for something where I did not really know what I was getting myself into gave me a peculiar feeling when the day of the event arrived. It all started with a cup of milo (like hot cocoa) at Tita’s house and with an unexpected long conversation. Another Sagala (her name was Mona) was also there with her family. They live in Manila but were in Marinduque for the festival. An awkward hello turned into a friendship and the conversation lasted almost two hours. I plan to visit them next time I go to Manila. After lunch, I had to get my hair done at the request of Tita. This made me feel like I was getting ready for the prom only my hair looked horrible afterwards. There was just too much hairspray! Later I realized that my hair did not matter because I guess when you are a blue eyed blonde wearing a fuchsia pink dress covered in roses nobody really looks at your hair. Saying yes to having my hair done was one thing but I did battle the bright blush and Barbie pink lipstick. Even though everyone told me it would make me look more beautiful I suppose that the lover or natural colors in me had to turn down the opportunity. I actually did end up wearing lipstick though. Another lady had a less vibrant shade of lipstick, so I dabbed a tiny amount on my lips. After hair and makeup, I put on the gown. Next up –shoes. Tita actually found a pair of small wedges that fit my long wide feet. It was a miracle that they fit my feet.

Then, we went to the cathedral to line up for the parade. There were many angels and sagalas that would walk in the parade to celebrate Mary May Festival. We each had a different name, “Queen of Peace,” “Queen of all Nations,” etc, and I was “Mystical Rose.” I was happy that Gemma and some of our students were there to walk with me. Two of the boys had to carry the ark of flowers that went over my head. I have never had so many eyes looking at me before. There were many familiar eyes though which helped me remain comfortable. Guess I have my talkative personality to thank- helped me recognize random faces in the crowded streets. The ark and bouquet of flowers that were made for me were breathtakingly stunning! Filipinos have a true talent in adding a touch of beauty. We walked around town for about 1 ½ hours. About half way through a Grandmother and a little boy started to walk with us. He reminded me of the little boy from Big Daddy. This is because he dressed like him and was wearing sunglasses. He was so shy at first but by the end of it we were high fiving and sticking our tongues out at each other. This kid, even though he may never know it, helped me smile the entire way!  It got dark while we were walking to one of my students had to carry a flashlight gone spotlight so that everyone could see my dress. After the parade I really regretted wearing those wedge shoes. I have not worn heals in over a year and walking so long in them up and down hills made my feet hurt really bad. Ouch!  So, after avoiding the glowing pink lipstick, the parade, having my picture taken a gazillion times, gaining a foot ache or two, meeting new friends, the day was over. I actually had to repeat the process two days later where my principal lives. She invited me to be a Sagala in her town, so I spent all of Monday at her house.

Now, I am a busy little teacher preparing everything for the first day of school- June 4^th! I hope you all have a sweaty, fun summer just like I did! 

A few snapshots

This is in Gasan, Marinduque. I went there for the day to visit a new friend of mine, Quienne. Her and I were buddies when I went to Palawan. It was a full day of splashing, playing with hermit crabs, learning about fisherman, eating fresh fish, and more!

Halo- Halo or " Mix Mix" in English. This is the treat of the summer!

Puerto Galera. Peace Corps Girls, Peacing! 

Puerto Galera, Sunset watching after language camp.

Puerto Galera. This is part of the woven collection that the tribe makes. Every piece was  unique and special.  This darling child is just in the photo because she is so cute!

Playing Cat's Cradle... this brought back lots of memories from my childhood. 

Break time at the top of the mountain! We were at Trevor's (the one in the middle wearing a red hat)  site.

*Sorry I have been lacking on photo uploads. It takes a long time to upload each photo.
Sending hugs to everyone- Gina.

Under the sea... down where it's better.

May 1^st -7^th, 2012:

The month of May began in Puerto Galera, Mindoro at language training camp. Peace Corps separated the language trainings by region so there were nine volunteers who met together in Puerto to enhance and practice or Tagalog skills. We stayed at a place called Stairway Foundation. This foundation is owned by a Danish man (I can’t remember his name) and operated by many other enthusiastic people that work together to help educate others about Child’s Rights. The foundation has many goals- primarily to take streets kids from the major cities (like Manila) and bring them to a safe place where they can interact, explore, learn, grow and hopefully create a better life for themselves.

Language training was intense but definitely not as intense as it was during initial training. It was actually a relief that I could follow a Tagalog lesson for 8 hrs in one day- guess that is a good sign my Tagalog is improving. I definitely still have a lot to work on but I like knowing that I am more comfortable speaking Tagalog to well, anyone really. There are a lot of times where the switch to Tagalog just comes naturally now. I get request more classroom vocabulary. On a standard day in the classroom my counterpart and I only speak Tagalog; however, some basic things are good to store in my memory just in case I need to clarify something to get the students back on the learning road.

On the third day of classes we actually took a little adventure as a group. There is a PCV who lives close to Stairway so we planned to take a hike (seriously) to his site at the top of the mountain. Along the way we had to speak Tagalog and interact with the native tribe that occupies the land. The hike was about 1 ½ hours… up a steep trail! We all looked like we jumped in a pool when we reached the top. The PCV who lives there, Trevor, is a rock star for making that trek over and over again. I like a good hike, I actually love a good hike like that but I can imagine it would be difficult to complete over and over again. The view from the top was one of the best I’ve seen here so far! The children who were there were shy at first but then they started to warm up to us, giggle, and run like crazy as we chased them around the school yard. Karen and I were chasing them and she was splashing them with water- they loved it! A little surprise water fight can create so many laughs. Later some of the girls were playing cat’s cradle; boy was I happy that I remembered some of the moves… I played this game for hours on end as a child.

We also got to hear the story of the women who live on the mountain. To make a living, they sell eggplant and other vegetables in the market and they also weave baskets, backpacks, earrings, bracelets and more! To make one backpack- the woman said she worked on it for 4 hours a day for one month! The woman all had such great dedication to their craft and their final products were all stunning- picture perfect handicrafts.

Before we hiked back down the mountain we stopped to see the farm and to eat an afternoon snack. We had planned to just have coconut as the afternoon snack; however, there was a little extra something cooking in the oven. A volunteer who works for Stairway lives at the top of the mountain too and she builds ovens and she is an amazing break cooker, yes… bread. I don’t think I have ever tasted more scrumptious bread in my life. If was fresh from the oven too which made every bite that much more satisfying. Now only if I had some olive oil, sundried tomatoes, and avocado packed in my backpack.

The hike back down was less strenuous. During language camp we liked to end our day with a trip to the beach to watch the sunset, maybe have a beer. After the camp was over, a few of us decided to stay an extra night in Puerto. Trevor helped us to find an affordable place to stay. We stayed at a hostel called Badladz… we were pretty bad, just joking. That morning we had a beer at 9am and hiked down this hidden pathway to find a double sided beach! It was the perfect place to chat, soak of the sun, and go for a dip. Later that day we took a boat to go scuba diving…. Ahhhh! We completed a crash course in scuba safety and learned about the gear and then we were off. The second my air tank hit the water and my body splashed in after, I felt like a fish. I just wanted to swim away and explore but I had to follow instructions from the dive master. We had to pass a three skills test underwater before we could begin our trip under the sea. The trip was grand from start to finish and we even saw a sea turtle along the way. I did not want it to end! The days awesomeness did not stop there because that night we had Mexican food for dinner… like REAL Mexican food with beans and spices and everything nice. After dinner we also went out for a drink to celebrate Amy’s Birthday a little early J. Great day to be alive. The next day we woke up early, went to the beach, ate some REAL pizza at this Italian restaurant where I had to force myself not to buy sausage and cheese by the ton, and then we got on a boat to head back to our homes. That’s all folks! 

Summer really does fly by...

Second Half of April:

As I sit here, trying to recap things in my head of the last few weeks in April, I am stuck thinking about how summer is half way over already. I have been extremely busy; April just came and went in a flash.

After getting back home from Palawan I had some free time to simply enjoy summer vacation. I rode my bike a lot, went swimming (which was a great way to keep cool and get a break from the heat), ate lots of halo halo, made some bracelets to gives to some friends here, organized my room, and watched two seasons of Pretty Little Liars (PLL for short). I definitely understand why they have summer break during the months of April and May- the heat is intense and the sun seems to constantly be shining which is beautiful but on the other hand does not provide a second of refreshing breeze to each day. I will admit dumping that bucket of cold water over my head has never felt so good. Even when the sun went down, it was still hot. I do not know the exact temperature but I heard comments floating around that it was 98- 100! One day, I was with Shea and Catherine in Boac because we had to plan for an upcoming project. The aircon unit read 80 and it felt cool inside…

So, it’s hot! It is almost like trying to stay cool is a game, what will I do next to keep cool? One thing is I am constantly drinking water, and the neat thing about sweating so much is that even if I am guzzling water I am not running to the bathroom every 10 minutes. Also, halo halo has been a great treat. In Wisconsin in the summertime, children selling lemonade, kool- aid or any other flavored drink with ice is a popular and common site, right? Here- it is halo halo stands, they are everywhere. Families who have ice (because you need ice for halo halo) down every street, every trail, have turned their front yard into a halo halo stand. Halo Halo in Tagalog means “mix mix.” To make this summer delight you just add crushed ice, gelatin, corn, beans, ube, ice cream, milk, sugar and other various goodies into a cup and mix away! I am picturing the question marks floating over some of your heads wondering why corn? Why beans? I am not sure I have an answer for that but I do know that it is tasty.

Swimming in the sea also brings a cool sensation. I would just hop on my bike and ride to the beach (about a five minute ride). I became friends with a woman who lives on the seashore who has a lot of coconuts. Drinking fresh coconut water is one of my favorite treats on a nice summer day. It used to be a challenge for me to drink the water from one coconut but now I find myself wanting two! I will say without hesitation that I still have a little ‘fish’ in me. I remember growing up my parents would always call me a little fish. I loved the water then and I still do now. Something about putting on my goggles and diving under the sea makes me really happy. I wear my goggles here because the salt water burns my eyes. When one tiny drop stings, and out in the middle of the ocean I don’t have a towel within reach to wipe my eyes free of salt.

My host mother asked me if I wanted to go to the beach with her and some others too one day. I met my host family and their friends at the beach at 7am. Really, 7am. Normally, I would go to the beach between 10-2 because well, those are the best tanning hours of course! Everyone likes a little sun kissed skin every now and then. However, the Filipino people go to the beach early in the morning or after the sun goes down because during the day the heat of the sun is too hot. Sometimes when I go around lunch time I am the only person in the water. Of course it is not all about the tanning thing, I really do enjoy a nice refreshing dip in the ocean. So anyways, I swam and swam with my host family all morning. My host mom bought fresh fish from one of the fishermen when they came to shore and we make a small fire on the beach to cook our snack. I also tried a new fruit- tamis. I had to Google fruits of the Philippines to find out the name of what I had been munching on. They are small bell shaped fruits. My host mother called them strawberry bells. The taste is quite similar to an apple, mixed with a little dollop of pear.

So, after month of summer I officially have a tan circle on my back (reminds me of the good old days as a swimmer), a really white stomach, a greater addiction to mangos, motivation to lace up my shoes because I found a ½ marathon that I want to run, and made new friends along the way. May is off to a great start too and is going to be just as busy and fun filled as April!