Philippines

We made our way to Manila, to enjoy some of the rainy season and local traffic. Sometimes the two combine to create a river of cars. You have to love this megalopolis. 

It was great to be back, and we appreciated the welcome signs. 

Of course the sign is really for Douglas MacArthur, and the American troops. We were in Tacloban, on the Leyte gulf, where MacArthur fulfilled his promise to return after fighting his way back up the Pacific island chain from Australia. MacArthur was one of the 3M's that the kids were studying in conjunction with our trip to the Philippines.    

We took some time to visit the memorial to this event (which was sponsored and dedicated by former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos - also one of the 3 M's).  The statue has seen better days. Of course typhoon Haiyan (one the strongest ever recorded)  in 2013 did not do it any favours.  

We  made sure to stop by and visit a residence of Imelda Marcos. She was from this area, so wanted a place to entertain guests and stay when she was in town (which she never did). It was, as can be imagined, way over the top, and a shrine to her and the family (but mainly her). There is some confusion today over if it was built as a museum or a residence?  I am not sure many museums have 20 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 30 person dinning tables (2 of them), and ball room dance floors.  She is also rumoured (according to two different sources we spoke with) to have build a secret underwater submarine entrance to an island mansion she owns near by (right out of a 007 movie).  I did not see it myself. 

But that is not why we came to Tacloban (although a secret underwater submarine lair would have been cool to see)

We were in town to help out with a shipment of medical equipment, and to assist in the building of some houses for the typhoon victims. 

The damage is still evident. It was a truly massive storm, and almost everyone we spoke with had a story.  Most were horrific. A number of enormous ships were literally thrown out of the water, where they have now been turned into squatters quarters. 

No way (or money at least) to salvage them.

We spent a couple of days working on some houses for the victims. Like Africa a few weeks before, it was hard work.  Lots of cement mixing by hand, and this time it was really hot and humid. Our strength was quickly drained, but with future and hopeful residents standing nearby, we tried to keep working. Even my nephew Sean Reay was on hand to help and lend his muscles. He was a good sport. 

Weston tried his best and did not complain. He was thoping to earn money to buy a toy.  Does that still count as service?

He enjoyed painting the metal beams to stop rust and oxidation much more then mixing cement.  The guy in charge said the paint was toxic, so he should try not to breath. 

Good luck with that buddy. 

Shayne was asked to fill water for the cement mixers with her good friend Elle Morrison. In fact the Morrison's helped arrange the whole event, and were there with us. They are great travel companions.  

Before too long, the girls services were required elsewhere. Namely, watching over s new puppy and teaching the local kids how to make rubber band bracelets (I do not know what they are called, but it was  big hit)

At the end of the day, we supplied soda and chips (by special request of the workers were not as excited about of gift of fresh bananas the day before). 

A few days later in Manila I came across a great new business idea, the first food AND drink in ONE food stall! (..."This is going to put the other pizza-in-a-cup guy out of business"   - Navin R. Johnson) 

It was hard to believe this guy was the first to think of that idea.  Where do I sign up for a franchise. I wish I had been able to apply that method in Tacloban.  Nothing like Coke and soggy chips. 

But I digress.  We had a wonderful time, enjoyed the people, were able to see friends and family.  It was a mini family reunion for us (My Dad, Ellen, Sean Reay, Josh, Nicole and Tate jackson...) we felt right at home. 

oh - and for those keeping score at home, the last  'M' is Ferdinand Magellan. 

"The More you know..."