| |
Rotary Club of Port Pirie |
| |
|
|
| Tuesday 3rd of April 2007 - 04:51:41 PM |
|
|
| Holidays...WOW Philippines! |
I’m in Pueto Galera, and it’s adorable. The last few days has certainly added a significant dimension to my trip to the Philippines…maybe even 50%. It’s a different world living on a beach front in tropical paradise.
My first stop post GSE (a sad farewell I have to say, I love those guys now!) was Green Hills, a massive and impressive shopping complex where I was able to stock up on presents for my loved ones, including some current release movies. Yep I bought contraband and I felt so naughty!
I was then able to catch up with my very good mate Ben and his partner Stella. That was fantastic, and very much a “home coming”. It definitely felt like a change of pace, finally able to be just myself and not be a politician. I was not representing Rotary, not in research and conversational mode…it was a definitive change of pace indeed.
The evening was spectacular to say the least. I off loaded a heap of things I had left over to a much appreciative Ben and Stella, which included things I had been given that were simply impossible to take home such as rice wine, etc. What followed was machine gun conversation…catching up on life as it is in Manila for 2 of my very close friends. Forever more I will be able to relate to their experience and that in itself is worth millions.
Dinner was a great surprise. A 15 minute taxi ride took us to Makati, which is the business district of the country. High rise buildings surrounded me, the wealth of the people was clearly evident and the restaurants of Greenbelt resembles, or in fact out did, anything I have seen in London, Tokyo, New York or Sydney…WOW! My weary sprit soared!
What followed was a Greek feast second to none, and all for the measly price of $17 per head including drinks. Simply a brillient meal…THANKS Ben and Stella!
The next day was chilled until I boarded a bus heading south. That was a day or firsts…a jeepney, bus, tricycle and ferry. All good fun, it was great be alone and feel like I was finally on holidays and in adventure mode. I spoke to no-one all afternoon and it was GREAT!
I landed at Sabang, on the Island of Mindoro. Not what I expected at all…no roads along the beach was a wonderful change…like some Greek islands it was all small cavernous walkways with pubs, clubs, resorts and the like lining both sides. Very intimate and a massive change to the trip I had thus far experienced.
I had to walk along the beach to find my accommodation, which makes sense considering I am staying in a very basic bamboo hut only 10 meters from the shore. I’m in number 1, which means I sit on my balcony drinking a ½ liter of beer (for only 80c!) with the waves lapping in front of my very eyes.
I also woke to no roosters, no dogs barking and no vehicles…just the waves and some birds singing…you have no idea what that means to a guy that has been living on the provinces of Luzon for 5 weeks. I have finally had more than 6 hours sleep…sigh.
The next few days have been simple, just what the Dr ordered. Studying for my scuba course, some beach dives and today I had my fist ever decent dive, getting to 11m. I have been pondering how to describe it…coral and fish? Hardly poetic, but it is bliss and one of those tings where you can honestly say “you had to be there”. Feels great to be a part of a new “club” and I look forward to planning my next dive trip already…perhaps I will be coming to the Philippines sooner than I originally expected!
So I have been catching up on sleep, been enjoying being a recluse and either studying, diving or just relaxing and sleeping…not much else.
I finish tomorrow and then head north again to experience some real life crucifixions in San Fernando before seeng the sites of Manila (in a day as its not really a tourist town) before heading home.
It has been wonderful to speak to Emily every second day for the last 2 weeks and I am very much looking forward to being home and being able to snuggle under a quit in the cool weather.
This may be my last blog, but come back in a couple of days just incase I get a chance to put in words one of the most intense days of my life…real live crucifixions in the streets of San Fernando. The adventure is hardly over...just the way I like it.
Lots of love... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Friday 30th of March 2007 - 05:27:21 PM |
|
|
| Chapter 10: The End! |
As this adventure finishes today I think it is important to have a quick chat about my Rotary experience. I have visited lots of clubs, seen a number of their projects and talked to many a Rotarian, including the District Governor (DG), several Assistant Governors (AGs) and many Club Presidents as well as past Presidents (PP) and past DGs…yep, have the lingo and all….talk about networking!
I have certainly hinted about my experiences in many of my blogs, but I think now I am at the end I owe it to Rotary to express my observations and thoughts about not only the Philippines, but also Rotary International – the reason I am here.
A quick side comment…sincere thanks to all for their support, generosity and hard work, it has been amazing and a life changing experience for me…why? Please read on…
Let’s start at the beginning…there is such thing as a “4 way test” in Rotary, which is spoken of at the beginning of most meetings…it is as follows:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Service above self…Sounds good hugh?!
Moving on to my first Rotary experiences…Australia. I have been very fortunate to be sponsored by the Rotary Club of Adelaide Edge. It’s a 20-40 year old group of progressive people who want to see Rotary become a relevant part of the younger community. They are all interested in expanding their knowledge of Adelaide, the world and also prepared to give back to the community. In summary, a bunch or hard working groovers…well done guys!
I have also presented at a couple of other clubs and am glad I did. In general Rotary in Australia is dominated by retired, or near retired people…like it or not the average age of Rotarians in Australia is well and truly above 50, and that’s me being polite…considering this is a Rotary web site! When the average Rotarian is retired, it’s hard to get young people involved in the week to week meetings…I’m sorry, but a 30 year old is not keen to be 20 years younger than everyone else in the room!
Hence I have a great deal of respect for the Rotary Club of Adelaide Edge for being pioneers in Adelaide to get younger people involved again and breathe a new energy into Rotary Australia.
At the District Conference here each GSE member was asked to make a couple of comments about what the GSE experience has meant to them...for me it was easy. When I return and am asked to present at clubs about GSE, I am not going to talk about the food, nor the beer, nor the beautiful women…I am going to talk about what I have learnt about Rotary as an international organization…its not what I expected!
It’s a completely different “kettle of fish” over here…many a club is dominated by young members; they socialize heavily within their network, commit large amounts of time and money and have so many interesting projects on the go, it’s quite amazing and I really had not idea.
This is not to say this is not the case back home, but at the end of the day the social need in a country like the Philippines, where there is a great deal of poverty, has made Rotary amazingly relevant and certainly a force to be reckoned with when it comes to human welfare. Medical missions, water pumps, dental workshops, feeding programs in schools and micro-agriculture and aquaculture….the list goes on!
This afternoon was pretty much the highlight when we attended the graduation of formerly homeless children from a school that has be TOTALLY set up, built and run from a single club of Rotarians here in Angeles. Very impressive and heartwarming is an understatement.
Rotarians also promote it well here to…the Rotary Wheel (the Logo) can be seen rather often indeed. And there are also signs scattered around the community with the “4 Way Test” outlined at all. Perhaps in part that’s because they don’t need planning approval and there are signs covering any small blank space possible except those that say “post no bills”. Funny...by anyway I digress…
The power of Rotary here is jaw dropping…pretty much every Mayor, Senator, Doctor, Lawyer, Banker, Engineer, Senior Government Administrator and high flying business man and woman is involved. If you have a dynamic personality, have money or influence you are in Rotary…and they all mean well, work hard and have hearts of gold. It has been a great place to have Rotary hospitality as they know what is going on around here and I have well and truly made the most of the opportunity to understand the workings of the Philippines. I have developed a reputation in the entire district for asking questions!
Regardless of location, Rotary is also about fellowship…good times, good friends, laughter and quality conversation. But in the Philippines it is also about singing, drinking beer (in ½ of the clubs) and being on the front line when helping those in dire poverty, and they do a great job! Most importantly they are all volunteers and you know when you give time or money to Rotary projects its going directly to those in need…no big salaries, not consultants, just local communities on the ground working hard to make a difference where it counts.
In summary, this GSE experience has put the “International” in Rotary International for me. For those silly enough to ask, there is no “secret handshake”, no special membership requirements (expect a heart of gold) and no pressure…its just good fun!
So what is the result? Here I go…I am going to join Rotary when I get home so I too can connect into a global network of like minded friends and make a difference in this big, beautiful, but as yet perfect world.
I think I have to goals…the first is to get more young people involved and the second is to hopefully raise some money for a feeding program in an impoverished community school I came across in my adventure. $300 Aussie dollars will feed a big number of kids every month.
For now the sun has set on the last day of the GSE and I am about to head off for the farewell party here in Angeles. So thanks all for reading my blog and coming on my journey with me…
Tomorrow I turn into “Stephen on holidays” and head south to Manila and then further south to become a qualified scuba diver…thanks all and bye! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Friday 30th of March 2007 - 06:34:33 AM |
|
|
| Chapter 9: Angeles/Clark |
It’s the final chapter and time to get a little emotional as soon this amazing experience will be over. The team is now in Angeles, Pampanga, which is only a hop, skip and a jump from where we started in San Fernando. It seems like months since I was there, not just 4 weeks.
Angeles is the premier city in Central Luzon with a population of a ¼ million that boarders “Clark Special Economic Zone”, the former US Air Force Base that was deserted by them just before Pinatubo blew its top. Clark Airport within the zone is soon to become THE international Airport for the Philippines, so whilst it holds an exciting future, it is still seeing the effects of the economic downturn post US occupation.
The name Angeles is either ironic or apt, but I’ll go with the irony…why? Well it’s really famous for one thing and that is woman, and LOTS of them. The Lonely Planet has only 1 paragraph on the city and that is all about the “trade”. It estimates there are 10 000 working girls in this town, but my host John (a retired US computer programmer) is knowledgeable in these things assures me it’s more like 2000 – 3000.
This trade kicked off when the US Air Force located here and things, whilst not like their “hey day”, are still going strong. It has been a controversial part of the trip with Team Member Bob keen to have the team members experience a “bar” (as they are called) as a part of the cultural exchange, whilst most in the team have been very much opposed to their presence and not interested at all.
Have to say, being the curious type, I was the only team member that did briefly go “bar hopping” with my host and soon afterwards with Team Leader Bob, as I do acknowledge it is an intrinsic part of the Philippines. But must also say that I in no way think it is a good thing whatsoever…my heart bleeds for the women who are in such a position where all they have to sell is their bodies. Especially when you think they would get a measly proportion of the 1200 pesos fee for an evening with whoever chooses their company…and that’s $31.57 Australian.
The result is a city that is teeming with older western men being followed around by much younger local ladies, many of the girls are 18, whilst the average age of the blokes wandering Angeles must be 60. It has been prevalent all through our trip, but this is clearly the epicenter of this social trend enabled by an economy that makes your average retired man seemingly a millionaire in this place.
Our host John, in his late 60’s, is married to a lovely local lady called Gemma, but has been very forthcoming about his lifestyle…there is after all only one reason (in HIS words) why you would live here. There are no beaches, no lakes, no hills to escape to, they are in abundance in this diverse country so you can go and live in these places if you so wish. But in Angeles its “westerner central” with a cutie pie on your arm.
Did I cash in? NO! Not my thing…always did prefer seduction but these days I have seduced the woman of my dreams and it’s wonderfully intoxicating! Life has never been so good and I cannot fathom throwing it all away for the bargain price of $31.57. Love you Emily…
So what have I been doing? Peter and I are sharing accommodation in a sensational mansion surrounded by high walls, barbed wire and security cameras. We have been staying in the cottage out the back with the swimming pool on our doorstep…nice!
Being within walking distance from a large shopping mall, retail therapy has been the order of the day. My lovely ladies both got a key ring and while have spent a small fortune on myself…NOT. That said I am very disappointed with the range of music CDs in this country, they might love to sing, but there taste in music is shocking!
Other than that we have visited a remote indigenous community and handed out food and presents to a community that really did need whatever they could get. I left my mark but “educating” the Rotarians on picking up the plastic wrappers of the food they distributed…no point bighting off your noise to spite your face now is there! I do hope they remember…
We also went on a tour of the Clark Special Economic Zone that included a trip highlight, a visit to Hansa Toys. Hansa is the number 1 soft toy manufacturer in the world…they have a range of 5000 animals and have them all on display!
Life size Elephants, polar bears, kangaroos, giraffes, etc etc, I repeat…5000 animals! As Melissa said, it was like being in a zoo where you could pat every animal. I just so wish Megs had been with me…you really did have to be there.
We have also attended some Rotary clubs for fellowship, fun and drinking. I have been advised by Simon to tell him when I do NOT have a hang over rather when I do have one…say no more!
Today is the last day and it’s sad to say the least. We are off to an orphanage and then hanging out at a sports and recreation center before making our farewell presentation where I have to say I will be holding back the tears. Off to breakfast, take care and see you soon!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Wednesday 28th of March 2007 - 08:21:16 AM |
|
|
| Why did the chicken cross the road? |
Not sure yet, have seen him cross the road nearly every day (TRUE!!!), but have not stopped to ask him.
Thinking the only thing I would catch by chasing him down was bird flu, so best concentrate on less important issues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Wednesday 28th of March 2007 - 08:18:27 AM |
|
|
| Gun & Roses between the Thorns |
As the GSE experience draws to a close I have been seriously pondering one more theme to convey the Philippine lifestyle. I was tossing up “guns” or “politics” and thought why not combine the two as they really do seem to go hand-in-hand, pardon the pun!
Let’s begin with a request that you do not forward this blog onto the political powers that here…why? Well in the last 7 years more journalists have been killed here than in any other country except Iraq. I’m not a journalist, but writing about politics in this country is a dangerous past time, so I’m living on the edge.
If I said I was uncertain as to what to write, that would in fact explain much of the political landscape here! It seems there is very little consistency when it comes to direction, sharing goals and values and making little decisions follow the big picture. And that is simply because its all about staking you own claim and getting what you want from each step in the process. The big picture alone is determined by where the President hails form in the first place.
There are 4 levels of Politics, the most powerful is the National Government, then there are the Provincial Governments (like our states), then Local Government and then the Barungays, which are essentially suburbs. These 4 levels of politics, all run by elected “representatives” makes for interesting relationships.
Bottom line is I have heard more times than I care to recall that politicians are “not always honest”…they call them crooks. This is NOT my opinion as I have no idea what they do, but that’s what MOST people tell me! I am sure there are a large number that are not, and I have met some very interesting, intelligent and seemingly dedicated politicians that are well and truly interested in making their place better.
IN summery the political landscape here is dominated by “King Pins”, families that have been in power for very long periods of time. For example Imelda Marcos is still and Congress woman representing Illocos, even after Ferdinand did his “thing” 20 years ago.
The best example I have come across is in La Union…the Oretega family have been the Senators (National), Governors (Provincial) and Mayors (Local) in La Union for 101 years. Funny enough one brother is the Governor and the other the Senator, but because you can only have a certain tenure they are about to SWAP positions!!! The Wife incidentally (Mary Jane Oretega) is the Local Government Mayor…see what I mean!?!
I guess this example is an interesting one because such consistency can have its benefits and the Provincial capital of la Union showed that…a cleaner and more organized city and the only government offices where everyone has a computer on their desk. Its where there is no consistency that you begin to see detrimental impacts in this country.
As for guns…well all the politicians body guards would carry them for sure as there have been many a political death here, it’s almost a tradition. Ferdinand Marcos was convicted of manslaughter, but got himself off many moons ago before his “ladders and snakes” journey really began.
Still, they are everywhere…I would have seen 10 guns a day on average. Guards at the doors of fast foods chains, supermarkets, in car parks…etc etc etc…Machine guns, pistols, pump action shotguns, take your pick. There is one leaning up against the wall in the servants quarters next to my room at present!
Having MacDonald’s for breakfast with a gun only a few meters away is something I would prefer NOT to get used to! Seems appropriate I got some gun practice just the other day as its one of those national obsessions I have documented thus far.
Do you think I can get one duty free? I’ll let you know, please your order and I will see what I can do. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Records 1 to 5 from 23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Need Help ? |
Click here for
site instructions!
Click on the posters Picture to see their Profile. Bloggers must click the "SHOW EMAIL" box in their profile if they want their email address to be seen. |
|
PAST EXCHANGE STUDENTS |
| We would love to hear from you. Email me through the contacts page so I can setup your access. |
|
Security |
| Email addresses on this site are encoded to prevent harvesting by web bots for spam lists. |
|
