Okidoki let's start with the 18th of July and my transfer from Manila to Cebu City. I'll give you a brief introduction about Cebu before I start writing. It's the 9th largest island with the 2nd biggest city of the Philippines accommodating around 800.000 people. Although I'd say around 70% of the Philippino's speak at least average English it's worth pointing out that the local language differs. In Manila it's Tagalo, which is beside English the 2nd official language. Overall more than 180 local dialects spoken are spoken across the Philippines, each distinguishing itself a lot from another. Lifestyle in Cebu City is more advanced than in Manila. There are less street kids, overall improvement of hygienic standards, less pollution and still it's cheaper. The type of lifestyle is surprisingly close to the Hispanic way of life. Some people mentioned that they're called the Latino's of Asia. They got the spirit, which I enjoy so much... the spirit of life and liberty =) This made me think about my dream to go to South America and study Spanish or if necessary Portuguese. Surely this has to line up behind China. Back to the Latino's! It appears logical that most of these influences originate from the Spanish rule lasting 300 years until 1898, when it was sold to the US. Due Spanish rule most of the Philippinos are Catholic, however you've to take into account all those semi-believers. Although you see a vast number of religious symbols I don't believe there are so many hard core catholics left. Recently I was surprised why people suddenly stopped doing anything in a mall. It was a prayer. Even I don't believe too many Philippino's (esp younger generation) lives very religious, the catholic churche is very powerful. Bishops and all the other interfere frequently into government affairs... right now abortion is a huge topic. Muslims count for 8% of the population. There are two major so called Muslim extremist group, who seem to fight the government, nowadays preferably with legal means. Their basis is located in the South, so I'm not getting in touch with them. Suprisingly I didn't here much opposition from the people, as some regard it as a convenient way to fight the deeply corrupt government. Philippino's used to protest a lot and overthrow their corrupt leader until the 2000's, sadly whatever they do it backfires. They helped their female president Arroyo into power, who's indeed the most distrusted person after Marcos dictatorship ended in 1986 and "democracy" was introduced. DJ mentioned once that corruption lies in people's blood, as if somebody's does a favour to you, you'll have to return it all your life. May not be as extreme as it sounds, but nonetheless I guess there's something to it. Today I've read one of the most popular newspaper ("The Inquirer")... fortunately nothing like "Bild", but rather educational. My first impression was that it represents the people's voice and is highly critical. I'll have to talk to Kim about these matters again. Kim is a lawyer, so a person with some insider knowledge. One matter which struck me (probably another left over from colonial rule) is the existence of all necessary legislation to prosecute offenders harming the environment or those guilty of corruption. Unfortunately it's just not enforced, as some do whatever they want... that's how it is in a poor country.
Shall I start with illustrating the recent days leading from Manila to Cebu to Bohol to Cebu? Think so ;-)
After leaving Manila I still felt some type of affection for the Philippines, however I wasn't sure about it anymore. The issues I've talked about were hitting hard. Cebu City helped enforcing this home feeling again, as it was less extreme. Of course fat asses are still running around and you're constantly being asked whether you wanna girl or watched by some beauties who are only up for your money. Factor such as the harsh pollution or street children are mostly missing, thus it becomes more bearable and lovely. I think you could almost go swimming in the harbour... the water is green not black and without much rubbish. In Manila it looks dark brown and full of all sorts of dirt. The first evening in Cebu City I hung around with Kim and Mike, whom I might accompany to this lonely island. We went to a restaurant called "Mister A", located on top of a hill, so we could overlook the whole city. Due Kim's entanglement into the lawyer business we mostly chatted about all sorts of legal & illegal activities. That's it pretty much for Cebu City Volume 1. The morning after my arrival in Cebu City I spontaneously decided to head to Bohol, which I was told is the most beautiful spot in the whole Phili's. The trip by ferry was fun and cheap, apart from the fact that my knife was confiscated.
Looking supercool on the "ferry fence"
Hmmm... Bohol my dear!
Somehow they managed to find my small knife considered only for peeling fruits etc and missed out my samurai sword :-S
I arrived late afternoon in the city of Tagbilaran on Bohol and went straight into an i-cafe in order to find a camping site. That's why I almost missed the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen.
I arrived late afternoon in the city of Tagbilaran on Bohol and went straight into an i-cafe in order to find a camping site. That's why I almost missed the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen.
Although it covered onle 1/3 of the sky the colours were extremely powerful
When I spotted the signs of it behind the tainted windows I rushed back towards the harbor and took some photos. In the end I was not in the state of enjoyment, coz I'd to hurry, but I hope the pics are going to be great. In wasn't able to find any camping site online, so I asked a couple of Trycicle drivers. In ended up taking one of them, who claimed to know a beach resort with camping site. Of course there was nothing like this, only a nicely appearing tourist beach.
Messing around and making friends with 2 dogs
Without a camping site I had to find an alternative... I chose to ask all those hotels whether they'd help me out in storing my luggage for a night. The 10th, so I took all the necessities for camping with me and tried to find 2 trees, which I was allowed to use. Before I went to "bed" I had a talk with a guards. He earns 125 Pesos (1,80Euro's) for 8 hours night shift without an option for promotion. His daily diet consists of 3 times rice to survive. You understand the implication of these soaring food prices for those people? It's not a matter of whether you've got good or bad quality food, it's whether you have dinner or not... whether you can feed your children or need to send them begging... and so on. By the way he'd to stop studying coz of a lack of funds, but that's rather common. I happily answered all the questions, which arose from his interest in how Europeans handle their security. The Philippino way is putting 1 to 3 guards in front of every 2nd shop... carrying everything from sticks to shot guns. he won't be the only occasion, which helps me getting a grasp of the hardship of life here. Around 12 I left to get some sleep, not knowing that lying on my matrace with a towel would be a rather bad option. It took me a while to switch off my inner lights, but barely a few minutes later those two gaps in my face opened wide once again. After some fight between mind and flesh I decided to get up and search for a place to put up my hammock. Wise decision young man! I left my matrace at the beach, close to the chairs. Very very unwise decision this time! Very very important... DO NOOOT FORGET THE TIDES WHEN YOU GO TO THE SEA! Apparently my matrace was carried off into the sea thanks to them. Honestly I'm OK with it, as it was leaking anyway, thus usually unnecessary additional ballast. The following morning I got bored at the beach and decided to take the bus to the chocolate mountains and leave this rather expensive resort.
Hmmm... that's me on the bus again. Night already there I decided in a random village somewhere between Tagbilaran and the chocolate mountains to get off the bus. The village looked a bit like "I WANT YOU", so I came. If I remember correctly this place is called Bilar... has 1 street, 2 internet cafe's, 1 hairdresser, 1 university and a school.
Hmmm... that's me on the bus again. Night already there I decided in a random village somewhere between Tagbilaran and the chocolate mountains to get off the bus. The village looked a bit like "I WANT YOU", so I came. If I remember correctly this place is called Bilar... has 1 street, 2 internet cafe's, 1 hairdresser, 1 university and a school.
Do you find it as attractive as me?... Bilar
After finding out that I was unwilling to go camping once more I tried to find a bed for a night. The locals took me to a place on campus, where I was allowed to stay. Talking to tjem was fun, as it is similar to rural China. This bed cost me 100 Pesos, including toilet and shower. What they didn't mention was that neither worked properly only emitting a tiny stream of water. I took it with humor... what else can you do =)
Ah... they also told to be back at 10pm, as I'm not allowed to walk around campus later than that. I used the time to explore the only street the village had to offer, ate some rather suspicious looking meal, talked to a bunch of drunken Philippinos, who insisted that their countrymen are friendly and went back home as the internet cafe's were out of internet and coffee.
I don't know whether all the mosquito bites were from this night or the night before. Anyhow the day after I felt around 20 bites each square cm. I promise you... it's not so nice ;-)
When I woke up... or was woken I up... I realized that 20 students were gardening just beside my room in front of the house. Lovely! Few minutes preperation and I took a bus to the chocolate mountains. The location turned out to be totally different from what you expect. Apart from a store where you could rent a quad (small all terrain vehicle) and 1 1/2 small shops there's nothing to see. I decided to go for a quad, as it only cost 750 Pesos. In Europe you'd be at least the quadruple. Actually I can mark this day with a big fat red pen in my calendar, coz it was the first time that I drove and motorized vehicle *uuuuuuhuuuuuuu* Hopefully I'll be able to develop the rest of the films including those, so I can put some of them online. After the ride I felt reeeally dirty and had all reason to do so =)
Ah... they also told to be back at 10pm, as I'm not allowed to walk around campus later than that. I used the time to explore the only street the village had to offer, ate some rather suspicious looking meal, talked to a bunch of drunken Philippinos, who insisted that their countrymen are friendly and went back home as the internet cafe's were out of internet and coffee.
I don't know whether all the mosquito bites were from this night or the night before. Anyhow the day after I felt around 20 bites each square cm. I promise you... it's not so nice ;-)
When I woke up... or was woken I up... I realized that 20 students were gardening just beside my room in front of the house. Lovely! Few minutes preperation and I took a bus to the chocolate mountains. The location turned out to be totally different from what you expect. Apart from a store where you could rent a quad (small all terrain vehicle) and 1 1/2 small shops there's nothing to see. I decided to go for a quad, as it only cost 750 Pesos. In Europe you'd be at least the quadruple. Actually I can mark this day with a big fat red pen in my calendar, coz it was the first time that I drove and motorized vehicle *uuuuuuhuuuuuuu* Hopefully I'll be able to develop the rest of the films including those, so I can put some of them online. After the ride I felt reeeally dirty and had all reason to do so =)
Mrs. Kitty jr.
Red... red... red... red... *aaaaaah*... red... red... GREEN!!!
Maaaeeeem!!!!!
About to hit her... harhar... evil knevil!
Maaaaaeeeem around the Chocolate Hills
See it?
Broken down
I drove through all puddles with high speed and had to be restrained by my guide as I was too fast more or less all the time. My blood is mixed with petrol! Considering what I've done the last months... it was the first time that I did some activity like this, so far I neglected doing any of these e.g. scuba diving, mountain climbing due a lack of money... this will remain so, as long as I'm not getting married to a rich 50+ years old Philippino women.
Hmmmmmm... whats next? My CS contacts all told me, when I go to Bohol I've to the Tarsier --> smallest monkey in the world! However before I came to see it I'd to go into the woods once again... wild camping. This time I couldn't sleep properly, as I was a bit paranoid. Although I was told it's safe and actually knew it's safe I was nervous due noise from traffic 200m down the hill and some animals. Additionally the mosquito bites from the night before kept me busy scratching everything from neck to feet. Maybe I should start using some of this anti-mosquito lotion, so far I haven't made use of any cream neither for protection against mosquito's or the sun. Until dawn I've only slept every half an hour a bit... luckily as the sun rose my mind calmed down.
Okok... I stop boring you about all my mental and physical problems... let's get to the monkey.
The Tarsier is by the the sweetest monkey I've seen on earth... actually it might have been the first monkey I've seen at all ;-) Anyhow, it was a pleasure letting this dude crawling up and down my arms. He didn't seem to be scared and gratefully sucked my banana yielding for more. Moreover he was clean... he didn't piss on my arm, as the other casual monkey did. Although it felt nicely warm I wasn't too happy about the other dude even though he preffered me to his owner... coz I had the bananas *hahaaaa*
Hihi
This is the guy who couldn't restrain himself, thus had to pie on my hand
Finishing this part of Bohol I decided to head back to meet with Kim and consider what I should do next. Because my energy level was 10% below normal (*coz of last night) I took the fast ferry from Tagbilaran to Cebu City, which cost 8 Euro's. Before entering the ferry I had some delicious vegetarian food at the harbour. I paid less than a Euro for a totally packed stomach, which was difficult to lift onboard. Before entering the ferry I'd to wait a few mins in the lounge. In the lounge there was a project for blind people, who sang and gave massages in order to get some donations. It was quite touching how they sang and played their instruments, meanwhile gazing into the middle of nowhere. Massages from blind people are very popular in Asia, as they are perceived to have better skills than a normal sighted person. Sounds logical as they rely more heavily on using their hands. At the beginning this whole blind people massage thing struck me as a bit odd and discriminating, but actually it's a nice way to survive... they may be even better off than most of the people over here. Another surprise was waiting after leaving the lounge. Children sitting in small kanu's were begging for Pesos.
Many people threw some money into the water including me (remember notes are swimming), however I think I should have given this somebody more in need. Although it looks quite heartbreaking I believe they make a good amount of money each day, since many tourists are running around the ferry. On the ferry I was asked by two Taiwanese girls for a photo. After taking the picture they also wanted my phone-number and e-mail... as usual. After the exchange I was offered to call them in Taiwan whenever I am there. I probably won't be there within the next decade, but who knows ;-)
Tueteltue! By the way if you wonder how I write that much during my travels... it's because I prefer i-cafe's to Starbucks. =)
Let's jump from Starbucks to Cebu City in order to finish the blog entry!!!!!!
There I met Kim again. Kim introduced me to Racky... one of his friends. Both Racky and Kim are ambitious people, so I had fun talking to them. In 2010 they intend to start traveling for a year, starting in China and finishing at the ice shores of Antarctica. Racky also want's to climb the Mount Everest... let's do that together bro! He starts preparing already through hiniking up smaller mountains. On saturday I'm going to join him racing up to the Osmena Peak. I cannot tell you how much I love climbing mountains... standing above everything... see I don't need drugs to feel high. Only Burkhard will know that I also enjoy standing on small mountains such as chairs and beds. Thinking about chairs, hills, peaks and mountains that evening I climbed a rather small hill beside Cebu City. I mention this, coz I can proudly say to have hitchhiked the 1st time in the Phili's. I was too lazy to walk all the way down so I stopped a lorry and another car.
Tueteltue! By the way if you wonder how I write that much during my travels... it's because I prefer i-cafe's to Starbucks. =)
Let's jump from Starbucks to Cebu City in order to finish the blog entry!!!!!!
There I met Kim again. Kim introduced me to Racky... one of his friends. Both Racky and Kim are ambitious people, so I had fun talking to them. In 2010 they intend to start traveling for a year, starting in China and finishing at the ice shores of Antarctica. Racky also want's to climb the Mount Everest... let's do that together bro! He starts preparing already through hiniking up smaller mountains. On saturday I'm going to join him racing up to the Osmena Peak. I cannot tell you how much I love climbing mountains... standing above everything... see I don't need drugs to feel high. Only Burkhard will know that I also enjoy standing on small mountains such as chairs and beds. Thinking about chairs, hills, peaks and mountains that evening I climbed a rather small hill beside Cebu City. I mention this, coz I can proudly say to have hitchhiked the 1st time in the Phili's. I was too lazy to walk all the way down so I stopped a lorry and another car.
The small river I was using to climb up the hill beside Cebu City
Artificial hill on natural hill... I climbed both!!!
Now I'm in Carcar, looking for an accommodation and preparing to do a 30km march to Argao tomorrow.
Here are two more pics of sunsets, sunrises or simple suns... be envious ;-)
After the song "Conquest of Paradise" by Vangelis I put another music video online, as I kind of like both lyrics and sound.
Enya's Song May it Be
May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home
Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
May it be the shadows call
Will fly away
May it be you journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun
Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
A promise lives within you now
P.S.: I've watched "Into the wild" recently... thanks to all who told me about this movie... it's beautiful, inspiring, extreme, provoking and just pleasant! To all the other fellow travelers go and WATCH IT!!! To the rest of the readers... I'm not sure whether you can get into this movie, but still WATCH IT =)
