Hello Friends and Family,
After our last epistle, which was a long narrative, we thought it would be a good idea to give you a pictorial essay of the culture here in the Philippines. Each picture is real, not staged.
There are two Filipino phrases in common circulation:
"It's more fun in the Philippines" (the Philippines Travel Council's new promotional slogan), and "Only in the Philippines" (used with a smile and a sheepish shoulder shrug).
Small houses are built along the road-side and then transported with a "Moving Company"
Rice fields are often mud-bogs, and the cows love it.
A low-budget "Wedding Breakfast"
Yes, if you look closely, you will see bottled "Sweat". Can it be real?
Only in the Philippines
Our sweet neighbors harvest "Jack Fruit" to be sold on the streets. Don't let one drop on you!
On a hot day, we stopped to get a bottle of soda pop. Before we knew it, the vendor had saved the bottle for recycling by transferring the soda into a plastic bag with a straw. Try putting these in a car cupholder.
Auditioning for Ariel. First, you have to get a stylish sea-suit...
Only in the Philippines...an umbrella parking lot at church.
Look closely. That is Sister Howell's foot, with bread stuffed between her toes, feeding tropical fish!
Environmentalists!!
In Legazpi, near the base of the Mayon Volcano, mashed potatoes are a rare treat. And presentation is everything...a volcanic imitation, with green fire erupting.
At the local hotel, the Beltrano Family gathers for a reunion....what do you sing?
Rice packets made from palm leaves. All you have to do is drop the packet in the water for 10 minutes. It will come out bursting with cooked rice.
If you are going to sell watermelon by the roadside, advertising is essential...
Only in the Philippines!
Our fragile and feathery flower favorite. Note the raspberry-looking bud that appears one day before the blossom.
We have no idea how basketball became the primary national sport for people with an average height of 5 feet. But it is played everywhere. And they never let a typhoon stand in their way!
Only in the Philippines!
Rice terraces. Everywhere. Beautiful.
Note: Normally there are 5 to 15 riders on top. Under the windshield, a good motto. Especially for those riding on top.
Education is important. Very important. Get to school WHATEVER it takes! This bridge is crossed TWICE each day.
An exotic garden palm. We bought a smaller variation for our home garden.
"Not for use by children under the age of 20"
Exotic blooms everywhere.
Let's see...was this YOUR power bill or MINE?
Only in the Philippines!
Rice candy on Carolyn's lap. Wrapped in palm leaves on the right and ready-to-eat on the left. Gummy and somewhat sweet. I'll pass on this one.
You can't believe it until you see it. It replaces the family van. This is a published picture. So far we have only found instances of 5 on one motorcycle. How could you qualify for the HOV lanes with only 5?
We love it here. The people, places, and experiences will always be cherished.
Love,
Dad and Mom
Lane and Carolyn
Elder and Sister Howell
