I Heart Philippines

Again the Philippines fails to disappoint. Even with the typhoon still battering away the sun even from the other side of the country, we had an absolutely great day. We were just chilling out on the porch of our bungalows, reading books and whatnot when a big festival started right outside the fence. Apparently a local Catholic church branch was celebrating their ten year anniversary of establishing their church on El Nido. About two hundred people showed up, and good times ensued. We were out there in the waves throwing the football around with all the Philippino kids, on our shoulders, hanging from our arms, you name it. They had a great spread of food that they invited us to indulge in, including some great grilled fish and amazing tasting beef cutlets. Unfortunately I was out in the sea when they carved up the roasted pig, but I'm still happy. There were all kinds of games and activities for the locals, including trying to climb up up a greased up bamboo pole, a tug-of-war, and an egg toss.

It's absolutely amazing how friendly the locals are here, there's always a smile returned, no matter how hard the face. These people are absolutely great. I really hope the unwanted (drunk, belligerent, sex tourist, etc.) kind of tourists don't poison these people's view of foreigners. For now, it seems like they're confined to Manila and Boracay, which makes me happy.

All in all, a great day. Hopefully tomorrow the weather will clear so we can explore the beautiful outlying islands.