This is the little girl that drew ol' Jer to the Philippines. It
was worth the trip. Fely lived in the mountains outside of Sibonga, Cebu which
is about 30 miles from Cebu City, Cebu. Cebu itself is an hours flight from
Manila on the island of Luzon.
She has a Degree of Agricultural Technology. Education is stressed in the
Philippines but work is scarce after graduation. It is very depressing for the
graduate student.
In 1998 we went back and visited Bohol.
May of 2002 brought another visit.
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This time we stayed on Cebu largely because of the kidnappings and unrest. Aside from hiking in the mountains surrounding Fely's homestead we took several excursions. One to Cebu, one to Mainit Caves and we went to Kawasan falls in the photo above. |
Magellan's Cross found in the Church of Santo Nino in Cebu City is probably the most visited historical site on the island. The original cross is supposedly housed in the present day cross. This is one of the few places where you can find native craft but the vendors are terribly aggressive. |
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| The Mainit Caves were unique with their tropical flavor. Imelda Marcos had statues brought in during their regime wishing to make the caves a national shrine. During transportation by helicopter the statues were dropped and some broken. The images do give the place a distinctive aura. |
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| Each town has its Catholic church and many are very old and picturesque. Sibonga's church is Nuestra Senora del Pillar. | Carcar has St. Catherine's and there was a wedding taking place while we were there. |
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All the churches that I visited had unique murals on the ceilings as these in Nuestra Senora del Pillar. |
This is the interior of St. Catherine's in Carcar. |
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| Samantha got to make a lot of new friends and learn a little Bisaya. Some of the local children were picking up her English as well. | She also got to experience the life in a different culture. Here she helps her grandmother feed and water the carabao. |
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| I also met some interesting individuals. This is Benancio who became blind when he was four years old. Although he can speak little English he can sing many American songs. Here he was playing a little guitar I bought in Cebu. I think with his talent he could go somewhere in America. | This is Fredo. He is about 3 feet tall. Although unable to walk he has taught himself to repair electrical equipment and he sells for the lottery. He seems very intelligent. He would like to have a decent wheelchair so he wouldn't be so dependent on his relatives. |
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Philippinos are interesting people. I know, I'm married to one. The more time I spend, the more people I find just wanting a chance to enter the mainstream of modern life with little chance of ever doing it. The children are cute, the young would like to have a future and the elders have dignity. Wish I could do something.
