Two more weeks of left training!
We are nearing the end of training and on our way to becoming official volunteers. There hasn’t been many events happening lately, so sorry if I haven’t been posting lately. I found out that my host dad, Caloy is an avid gardener. He gave me a tour of some of the plants that he has growing in his yard, including this pepper plant. After being washed it can be eaten as is, and tastes the same as prepackaged pepper.

We finished our student teaching at City High School and were given a going away celebration by the whole school. There were many dances by the students and the teachers. The principal requested for us to perform a dance so after much debate between “Thriller” and Shakira’s “Waka Waka” dance, we decided on Shakira. The dance was a hit and we were asked to perform it again for the students. After performing the dance twice, we had worked up a huge appetite. To our surprise there was a huge feast waiting for us with roast pig, Chop Suey, Salad, Chicken, Egg Rolls and more. As in true Filippino style after the paper was ripped off the pig the skin of the pig was gone within five minutes, leaving just meat. Even the Catholic Priest who just performed the Mass, did not hesitate at all to jump in the mad grab for pig skin.

Lechon skin rush...notice that they are all different hands.

There is a huge festival called “Buglason” that has been happening this past week (yes, it’s a week long). I was able to attend the Folk dance competiton where each city creates and performs a dance. It was an amazing production with hundreds of dancers in each group, fancy props and great drumming. The best was the little kids who were dressed in bee outfits (maybe next year’s Halloween costume for Malia?) The bees were on these long poles that were supposed to be corn they were pollinating. They would ride the corn to the middle of the stage and wiggle their little tails the whole time.

Check out the cool costumes.

For a thank you project for our training High School we decided to paint a world map mural on the inside gate of the entrance. With a few of the schools artistic students on board we have officially begun painting with great results despite Oceania not being included in the map (we ran out of wall space).

One of the great things about my site here in Dumaguete is that I am sheltered from the Typhoons that come through here every winter. The only effects that we got here were a few days of rain at night, which were nice and cooling. Thanks to those who were concerned.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Nuni, Josh and Malia to Dumaguete this Christmas. My door is open if anybody wants to come to these beautiful islands!