Photos of Peace Corps Philippines 2
We spoke at ceremonies for each school in the district, including this one, when we arrived in Buenavista. September 2002
Welcome Celebration at Agong-gong Elementary School
Here is an example of one of the many dances performed for us at our welcome ceremonies. This is a dance of a local Muslim tribe. Chances are none of these students are Muslim but since dancing is so prevalent here, all Filipinos learn ethnic dances from all over the country. Also we should note that these beautiful costumes are reserved for such dances and are not a part of the daily dress of the everyday Filipino. P.S. Banners are very big here! September 2002
Welcome Dance at Abilan Elementary School
Here is another Muslim dance being performed for us at one of the barrio schools. The girls are wearing marongs, which you see quite often here. They are large tubes of intricately designed material that can be worn in many ways by both men and women. September 2002
Welcome Dance at Manapa II - Integrated School
Who knows what number this speech was, there were so many. September 2002
Welcome Speech Number ?
This is a presentation of the singkil dance. It tells the story of a Muslim princess being rescued by a prince from a storm, who comes and drives the storm away. September 2002
Singkil Welcome Dance #1
Another view of the same dance shows how them using long poles. The two main participants (Prince and Princess) must jump in and out, between these poles as they are being rhythmically knocked together. September 2002
Singkil Welcome Dance #2
This was our first welcome celebration after we arrived. Here the mayor, Percanita Raccho, is officially welcoming us to the community and discussing at length our love life for the next two years (“they can have no babies you know, they will be holding hands only, you see…”)! September 2002
Welcome to the SPED School
Greta herself tells all not to bother to kidnap us, as we are worth nothing (“they only make 6,600 pesos each month you know!”) September 2002
Welcome to Tinago Elementary School
You can see the guys really working to get our fat American butts up river. These guys work hard and earn their pay for the day. December 1st, 2002
Pagsanjan Falls - Upstream 2
We rented some canoes and got taken upriver by the boatmen to the roaring falls of Pagsanjan. This was a day trip from Los Banos, during our second bit of training. December 1st, 2002
Pagsanjan Falls - Upstream 1
Dave shoots the rapids in his constant quest for an adrenaline rush! December 1st, 2002
Pagsanjan Falls - Rapids
Here they are, gushing out a torrent of water into the pool below. It’s quite a sight in person. December 1st, 2002
Pagsanjan Falls - 1
One of the minor falls that we passed underneath on our way upstream. December 1st, 2002
Pagsanjan Falls - 2
Yeah, we all look pretty nerdy in the life vests, but what can you do? December 1st, 2002
Pagsanjan Falls - The Whole Crew
At the finish line…December 1st, 2002
Pagsanjan Falls - The End
We filled three long tables like this one. Maureen and Dave helped prepare the three 20 pound turkeys, the fourteen pies and the homemade stuffing (all under the supreme leadership of our good friend PCV Heidi Walker who organized and executed the preparations expertly!) November 2002
Thanksgiving Day 2002
The little pilgrims ate and ate and ate! Incidentally this was Dave’s first turkey in TEN YEARS! November 2002
Thanksgiving Day 2002 - Dave and Maureen
Here is a view of the city of Cagayan de Oro, which lies about five hours southwest of Buenavista. It is a large seaport city with many western amenities (we’ve heard feta cheese can be found there!) We visited C de O with Greta, Pye and Marco shortly after we arrived in Buenavista. Jojo Surrilla (a brother) lives there with his family. September 2002
Cagayan de Oro Scenic
Like Joan of Arc, Maureen sits astride her mighty steed, ready for the cry to battle. This was at the eco-park in Cagayan, a botanical garden/tribal preserve built by the Department of Tourism. September 2002
Maureen on horseback
A coconut fell on Dave’s head because he didn’t read the sign. Actually the palm trees are so tall (they are anywhere from 7 feet to 50 feet tall) that if a coconut really did fall on your head, you would quite likely die. September 2002
Falling Coconuts
Making its way through the parade of Boy and Girl Scouts, is your average jeepney, completely loaded with everything but the kitchen sink. Jeepneys are the backbone of public transport in the Philippines. October 2002
Loaded Jeepney
More paradise December 2002
Puerto Galera - Sunset #2
Paradise December 2002
Puerto Galera - Sunset #1
The waves break over the beautiful white sands of White Beach. December 2002
Puerto Galera - Beach view
