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Published: March 5th 2010
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I love the Philippines.
Is it a country free of political/environmental/socio-economic problems? Like everywhere else in the world, no. But something about the simultaneous cultural pluralism and pride in that culture, sanguine and tolerant population and overall impression of genuineness really appealed to me. Of course the beach, sunshine and fresh mangoes didn't hurt either!
I began my week-long trip in Manila with two friends from Suzhou. Manila is known as a rough city but is also incredibly vibrant and has some very beautiful sites. Most people hate it, I loved it, although I was only there for a day. We went to Intramuros, the walled city from the period of Spanish colonization, the Jose Rizon memorial/museum, Rizon Park, and some fantastic art galleries. The Philippines has a very energetic modern art scene and I enjoyed talking with a very knowledgeable art student who gave me some tips on where to see some exhibitions - too bad we didn't have more time.
The next day we woke early and headed south on Manila's island, Luzon, to get to the next island down called Mindoro. On the way we stopped at Taal Lake, home of Taal Volcano island, which
we went up on mule. The summit is a crater filled with a hot sulfuric mineral lake, if it hadn't been 100 degrees outside we might have gone down for a dip! The jungle greenery and views were beautiful and it was my friend Tania's first time on horseback...er....muleback...which was fun for her.
Once to the Batangas port we took the hour ferry to Mindoro's port town, Puerto Galera. From there we headed on to White Beach where I planned on just hanging out and diving for my remaining 5 days. Tania and Camille only stayed in White Beach for a day before heading back to Manila and straight to Hong Kong. I've never minded traveling on my own, I had a fat book to read on the beach, but I ended up meeting so many divers and making so many new friends I barely read any of it. This was my first time scuba diving and the open water certification course meant I was hanging around the dive shop just all day, every day. It was fabulous, I got to know the staff of the restaurant and all the instructors, and it was a lot quieter and more
locked up
A dungeon in the Fort Santiago complex, sadly this was used to imprison Filipino patriots during Spanish rule as well as war prisoners during World War II relaxing than further down the beach where they blasted club music starting at 10am every day.
The diving itself was incredible. I've heard the Philippines has some of the best diving in the world, it was definitely a great place to start. I saw a sea turtle, eels, jellyfish, coral and starfish of every color, and plenty of Nemos and Dorries. I've loved the water ever since I can remember and have wanted to scuba for so long, it was amazing to finally do it.
Other than diving I pretty much just relaxed in White Beach and chatted with new friends. One night a Filipino friend bought me a belot after I said I would 'try anything.' For those of you who don't know (like I didn't), a belot is a hard-boiled egg with a partially formed chick fetus inside. Of course I'm not one to back down, so you will find a video of this event attached to this blog for your viewing pleasure.
Being back in China is no fun, but at least I have some stunning sunsets fresh in my mind for whenever things get overwhelming here. And I have a new scuba diving
addiction, can't wait to plan my next dive trip (probably in September). Any ideas where I should go??
Besos!
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Pilar Thomas
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I'm headed to Manila
I'm on my way to Manila for work on Sunday. I'll be there 3/15 - 3/25. I hope to see some of these places myself and thought of you when I was planning my trip.