Trying to be ONE - The Republic of the Philippines and the American Red Cross

When attending graduate school in the Philippines I had the opportunity to take several course on Philippines government and administration. One of the fundamental learning that I took ways from these course is that the Philippines as a government is trying to create the concept of unity, cohesion and oneness thought the nation. They are working towards this by moving functions and administrations to be the same in every district so that you can be anywhere and it will be operating under the same system as anywhere else with only minor local differences(such as the office location, key community members ect).

In concept is sounds like a great way to move the nation forward. In reality it is encountering many difficulties. Devising and implementing systems and procedures that are identical in the mega city of Manila and in the remote islands of Hundred Islands. Manila is a fast paced technologically advanced multi-media political, cultural and population center of the Philippines. Hundred Islands on the other hand is is a grouping of 100 plus islands that used to be a coral bed of which only 3 have been developed for visitors. On every level the Philippines is facing challenges. Should the Philippine government have computer systems to track tax collection, city plans, HR and so forth? Global best practices say YES. So the Philippines did just that, the created a comprehensive system with forms, procedures and software to put the ONE nation of the Philippines onto one system and dispersed these requirements and tools to local government offices and officials. This was a fantastic, a solid step to take a developing nation towards a new chapter in their history. Unfortunately some jurisdictions do not have reliable power supplies, let along functional computer and internet systems. This micro example to highlight the magnificent challenge faced by nations who were not historically one group but several moving into the 21st century united and working to become ONE.

On a national level I have seen the identical struggle in India, but the idea of being ONE is not exclusive to nations it is being experience and explored in other sectors. Working for the American Red Cross I am a participant in their move towards ONE. To the average person the American Red Cross has always been one organization  but to those more intimately involved they will tell you how each chapter was one in itself, they set their priorities, standards and service areas. In order to deliver consistent quality service in a financially sound way the Red Cross has been undergoing some very challenging organizational shifts,  creating a consistency across the entire United States. Of course minor local differences will remain (facility, staff, volunteers). Not surprisingly they are encountering some of the same challenges faced by diverse nation states undergoing this approach. The operation capacity in urban America (NYC, LA, Dallas) is vastly different from rural America (think McCook Nebraska). The core principles driving both nation states and large national organizations is to enhance capacity and performance. The challenges faced are reflective of the extreme diversity in the areas they cover. The opportunity for lessons learned is huge, the success and challenges faced by those in the process of unifying and standardizing can be shared across sectors. I hope following this unification best practices will be developed and shared to enhance the process and experience as other nations and organizations endeavor towards greater unification and standardization
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Fuzion Smoothie on Katipunan

In my previous entry on Places to visit in Manila I said that the best smoothie I have found yet is a chain called Fuzion. I have seen them at SM North, GreenBelt and GreenHills. I am sure they have more locations than this.

 http://fuzionphils.com/fuzion/news_mediagallery.php

Fuzion Smoothie is still the best smoothie in Manila. They have recently opened a new location on Katipunan Av in Quezon City. The location is great, right across from Anteno University!

They are still working out a few bugs in the system so if you stop by soon expect to find amazing smoothies for peso 99 - 145! but do sit upstairs the blenders are too loud for conversation on the first level, and be prepared, the lids do not fit the cups =)

Lord Stow's Bakery Manila

I was quite excited tonight to discover that Lord Stow's Bakery, a high end bakery from Macau.

Macau Egg Tart

Egg tarts to Macau perfection at 40rs each
Delectable chewy cashew brownies for 145 a box. Made with real chocolate!

Their Tomas Morato location has an inviting aroma and a pleasant seating area.

They have other locations around Manila and should be visited if you are near one.

Check out their web site for more information http://www.lordstow.com/

On a more personal note, our taxi ride home this evening was one of the more adventuresome rides. Our driver did not know the area super well, however knew it well enough to use some side streets. With his side street use we ended up going way past our turn looking for a turn around, after pulling some very indirect turns we headed up the wrong way to the main road and got yelled at by on lookers, while having a slur of cars exiting the main road coming at us as we backed down a curvy exit ramp, Hitting the curb a few times and having to re adjust. 40 pesos more than normal we made it back to our home safely and a bit more familiar with "short cuts" in Manila.

Directions to the Indian Embassy Manila

After my adventure looking for the Indian Embassy in the Philippines, Manila. I thought I would post directions for any lost travelers.

Its not too hard!

You need to take the MRT to them Magallanes station

When you exit the station, exit on the side of the Southgate Mall

Less than a 5 min walk down the street, away from the mall you will find the main gate into Dasmarinas Village. At this point get ready for a real taste of what is to come.

Video immages of all who enter the gate
Sign a log book
sit on a bench and wait for a black van
get in the black van #8
drive around a maze of nice homes
Sign a van log book
get out of the van and go into an office
wait on a bench
go to a counter and pay p150
collect your recepit
get back in the black van
drive around a maze of nice house
listen for your driver to tell you that your at India
go in a gate
sign a log book
go around the side of the building into the first door (unmarked)
Stand around a bit confused
go to Window #1 to get a number
sit if you can find a chair
drink some water because its hot
wait for your number to be called
When your done, if your lucky you can convince the guard to let you walk out of the complex (its only 2 min walking) otherwise you must wait for the black van to come collect you

The address of the Indian embassy, Manila is 2190 Paraiso Street

Good luck and have fun =)

Manila Afternoon

I am by no means anything near a poet, but I wrote this in class the other day and it captures (for me) the essence of life here in Manila

Groups of men covered in paint
a city alive
flying by
oblivious children living on the concrete
traffic cops talking; bringing a semblance of order to the streets
BALLOONS, BALLOONS, Mam balloons?
CORN, Mam, CORN

Faces smile to the rhythm of the city
quiet forgotten
trees forgotten
struggling activists
elites superiority
two word combination's
an attempt to spice the mix that strives to capture the flavor of
a late afternoon Manila moment

world's soul

The poetics of life have been abundant in my life recently.

I have been applying for an array of employment positions since my arrival in the Philippines. Looking to do what many people my age are looking for, an opportunity to find a job that will pay my bills, allow me to live a reasonable life, perhaps even start a savings account and perhaps most importantly find a way to creating direction and meaning in our lives.

Less than inspiring results have come from the 100's of applications I have done.

Until today,

Around a week ago, I decided that I would send out a handful of applications to NGO's in Asia. Much to my delight I got an intimidate response from a capacity building NGO in Mumbai, India. I exchanged several e-mails with the founder of the organization, allowing us both an opportunity to know more about each-other. At the end of the e-mail based exchange we arrange a Skype interview. The morning of our Skype interview I checked my e-mail box to find 5 e-mails thanking me for my application to various positions throughout the US and informing me that I would not be considered as a final candidate for the position.  India began to look better and better.

My Skype interview went quite well and second than a third were arranged.

As the world become more and more digital there have been an increasing number of interviews done via Skype.  I have used Skype very intermittently and only for personal conversations. Following my first video interview I realized that demonstrating professionalism over Skype is different than in a face to face or even phone interviews.

• If you are using a head set you need to arrange your hair so that it complements your overall appearance with the head set on.
• Likewise you need to select a location for your computer where the lighting is adequate and reflects well on you appearance. 
• Other important things to have in mind prior to your Skype video interview is what type of background you will have. 
• A blank white wall will most likely look bad, find an alternate background.  
• Keep the distance between your computer set up and the background wall fairly small, if it is too far away it will distort your image. 
• If you have a detached camera ensure that it is located in such a way that your screen or camera will not move because of the location of the camera. 
• All traditional interview techniques should additionally be applied to Skype video interviews.

With that crash course in learning's I did not fare too badly and was offered the job. So once again being open to life, I am moving, but poetically its back to India almost exactly a year after I departed the US for India the 1st time!

Teaching Koreans in the Philippines

Ian and I have been living in the Philippines for some time now. Early on in out time here we met a Korean girl who introduced us to a variety of families. I began teaching the girl and her siblings who became dubbed the "bad Koreans" after a slew of award and disorganized situations. They also introduced me to another family who I begun to teach regularly and consistently had very positive interactions with. The "bad Koreans"  mother introduced Ian to a third family who he has been teaching daily for the past 4 months and has created a very strong relationship with.

Around November the bad Koreans asked if Ian and I would teach intensively for two months to a group of Korean students who would come to the Philippines for an intensive english study program over the Korean winter break. We both agreed. The experience has been a jumble of good and bad events ultimately leading to the week I have explained below.

The initial agreement was that Ian and I would each teach 6 hours a day at a rate of
1 child p200/hr
2 child p300/hr
3 child p450/hr
4 child p550/hr

a whole slew of thing happened leading to one day towards the end of December when I got a message at 830am asking if I would come teach at 10am, I responded that it was too short notice and asked if Ian would be teaching at there house. The reply was asking if we could teach daily for 6hrs at p200(4USD) an hour no matter how many kids. At this point it became a question of money, power and personal time value. We decided that it would fulfill out needs if our rate was p50(1USD) higher and we received money for our transportation

After a intense and lengthy conversation an agreement was reached and we agreed to begin our classes the upcoming Monday teaching in the sub division of New Capitol Estates. The exact location was undecided and the conversation concluded with they idea that further details in regards to location would be communicated with us before we taught on Monday.

Sunday night arrived and no communication had occurred. We concluded that some change must have happened on their end. Both of us had received requests on Sunday to teach our other students on Monday morning. Near 9pm we both contacted our other students and arrange classes for Monday morning.

At 830 on Monday morning, as Ian was heading out to teach his good Koreans the phone beeped in a message telling us that we should be in front of the main gate of New Capitol Estates at 915. After another lengthy conversation we realized that they had understood that we would just come to that area and wait for information on Monday morning, no need to tell us any details prior to our arrival. We explained that was not our understanding and I agreed to go teach in the afternoon.

After 15 min of standing on the side of commonwealth avenue (one of the busiest roads in the most densly populated city in the world) their driver arrived. He did not bring me into New Capitol Estates but instead drove me 10 mins further away deep into a gated community I had never been before. Arriving there I walked into a house of complete chaos and was introduced to two teenage girls who I would be teaching for the afternoon. I begun my lessons with them and shortly after was interrupted by the mother who wanted to discuss my schedule with me. Partway through our schedule discussion she got up and said we would talk about it more latter.

After 3 hours of teaching I had learned that the girls were paying around 1,000 USD a week to be in the Philippines. I also learned that they had been told they would have a large living space and a beautiful house with fine food and were living 5 children per room, sharing beds with each other in an average house. They were upset that their schedule changed daily and they never knew what was going on.

The other tutors finished around the same time I did and asked me if I wanted to walk with them out of the complex. I declined, expecting the mother to arrive shortly to collect the children and to finalize arrangements with me. After 10 min of waiting I sent a message asking about there arrival and received no response. 10 min latter I could not continue to wait and said good bye to the 9 children who were alone standing in the yard of the empty house we had held class in. I than began to walk through the neighborhood maze, in the heat of a manila afternoon, in search of transportation to take me to my next obligation.

On Tuesday morning Ian and I received a message telling us that we should once again meet at New Capitol Estates (the sub division we were originally told class would be held in). We arrived on time and proceeded to wait 20 min before 2 taxis pulled up and we were told to get in, both taxis had 5 people in them and two other tutors were waiting with us, making it logistically impossible for us to all fit in the cabs. Luckily another taxi was waiting and we got in it. Out driver had no problem following the lead cabs to the gated community, however once inside we lost the cab that knew the way. None of us knew where to go and spent 10 min driving around looking for the other people, we finally got a phone call with the address and arrived at the house. I had to go into the house looking for the mother so she could pay the taxi driver. She sent the 15 year old girl to take care of it. The mothers first question to me was "why did you not get in the first two taxis?" followed by "why did you not follow the first taxi to the house?". Neither of those questions were how I felt the day should start. Perhaps a sorry we were late, or is it ok if we have class in this area now, or even how are you, would have been more appropriate.  All of the tutors stood outside while the mother continued her dealings with the Korean housing mob boss, until the 15 year old girl was sent to inform us it was time to start class.

Ian and I went into the living room to talk with the mother about my transportation at the end of class, as well as to give her the current bill  for our services so that she would be able to go to the bank and pay us at the end of the day. That did not go well. First she told me that when I was done I should wait at the house till she came to get me. Second she scolded us for trying to talk to her since classes were starting so late today, remember here that they were 20min late meeting us. She than said that she would not pay us today, only at the end of the week. We had arranged during our long dealings that we would be paid daily and she did not remember this. We re-stated that we needed to be paid daily and she said it was not possible and than asked how she would do it. We said that every day when we came to teach she would give us money and that is how paying us daily would work. She made a disgusted face and said we will talk about this around lunch time. I told her I did not have time to talk about it at lunch time since I have other obligations. The mother made another disgusted face and said she would only pay us on Fridays and not today.

At this point Ian told her that he would never teach for her again and I would only teach her children once she had found a way to get the money she owed me to me at my convenience and we walked out of the house.

As we walked up the road I messaged the girl who I originally met to tell her that the falling out I had just had with her mother was no reflection on her. Ian and I than each went to visit the mothers of the other families we teach who we met through this original family to explain our situation and ensure we could continue to teach with them. Our other families were very understanding and ensured us that they wished to keep our services.

Pampering in the Philippines

I have recently returned home from a day of Manila pampering(an early birthday gift from Ian)

Started out with a hair cut from Fix Salon on commonwealth Av. It is a mid level hair salon chain. They say that they do nails and other such things, but I would recommend you stick just to hair cuts. It takes about and hour, you get a nice hair wash and blow-dry as well as the haircut. They did a great job and the hair cut is under P200( $4 USD)

Fix Salon is inside a small commercial center and just one space over is a nice nail salon where I got a mani-pedi package for p300. They women do a nice job, the paint is of average quality and the space is set up a bit awkwardly, but comfortable. 

Next I went to Dr.Estebans Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology Clinic. I had a personal consultation with the Dr, and an amazing facial. The facial come with a short neck and shoulder massage with the whole process lasting around an hour. It costs p550 and comes with a free bar of soap! You can e-mail them at estabanjoseph@yahoo.com

I than literally walked next door to Lay Bare Waxing Studio. They have waxing package deals starting around p700, you can also have individual waxing done. Lay Bare offers a customer loyalty card and for ever four visits you get a p100 discount.  Lay Bare is another mid level chain. The one near Shopwise on Commonwealth is in need of an interior paint job, that aside, the women were very professional and did a good job (not 100%). During the waxing they have the AC on at a really nice temperature, and each space has a TV on the wall so you can watch a music video and be a bit distracted ;)

I am now home feeling very pampered and just pleased with my whole experience.  All in all it cost around p2500 or $50USD and consumed about 5 hrs of my day, really a great time!

Cerealicious Katipunan development

Since my last post about Cerealicious on Katipunan, I have been heading over there ever few days for another amazing cereal creation. This morning I was on my way out and was in a bit of a hurry but knew that I wanted to have a great start to my day with a cerealicious breakfast. The sign says they are open at 9am, the sign lies! I was so disappointed when I went over there at 9:10am to see it closed, when I asked the girl working she informed me that they did not open till 10am! I would suggest that you ovoid making any plans to go to ceralicious since the hours change, however if you do pass by and they are open enjoy (because it is still yummy), the last hour they are open they will make you feel super uncomfortable, as if they wish you would just hurry up and go home, so if its after 8pm just take your amazing treat to go.

Since the above post was published in december, the cerealicious location has posted new hours in what I hope is in response to my previous entry. I went over today to have the creation of the month a play off of the movie Pocahontas. It was very satisfying. Ian ordered a garlicky chicken sandwich that was without question good, but not amazing. 

MRT Improvments

Dear MRT,

I want to thank you and let you know that I appreciate your exorbitantly low price. As well as your existence in Manila. I enjoy how quickly you transport me from point A to point B all encompassed in a smooth and ACed car.

As women in relationship I believe so many things about you are perfect, but first I need to improve you;

• Please don't have your pre-pay cards expire, its petty and stupid
• Please install metal detectors and do away with counter preforming security guards
• Please increase your price so you will have extra money to spend on my comforts by having your escalators repaired
• Please add an extra train that runs after 10pm, your very last train is always so full and sometimes I want to come home after 10pm, even just 11pm please?
• Please create a formula to decrease the number of people per train so I don't worry about you de-railing during peak times
• And lastly please finish your line, so your connected both at Taft and Monumento, ending at North Ave is annoying

Thank you and love!
Laura

Pizza in Manila

Ian and I love pizza and have been trying pizza through Manila. Here is our evaluation thus far...

Yellow Cab : A Filipino chain that makes a good pizza. It is not Italian however it tastes like a standard American pizza, if there is such thing. They have sit down and deliver options at most locations. The pizza price is around 500 a pizza, and soda is only sold by the can. If you sit down, your pizza will be out reasonably fast and while you wait they have magazines and newspapers to read. If you have delivery, they do sometimes get backed up and it might take a while.

Greenwich : Just crap. The toppings taste strange and un-fresh, the sauce is extra sweet, the cheeses tasted like plastic. The prices are fairly low, 300, and they have fountain soda and juice. The restaurant is very fast food feeling. Also provide delivery as well as sit down

Shakeys : A Filipino chain that is a nice pizza restaurant. The sit down area is very family restaurant feeling. The pizza is a thin crust that costs about the same as Yellow Cab around 500 a pizza. They also offer delivery. Soda is sold by the glass or pitcher, also serving fruit juice and coffee. They make a good root beer float and have a yummy looking sandwich. Good fried chicken too. Service leaves something to be desired.

Pizza Hut : Not as awesome as the US, however they offer a much more classy sit down atmosphere than in the US. The pizza is a bit expensive 600, the taste is the same as in the US. They have fruit drinks, coffee and soda.

Cibo's : Just awesome. Filipino chain started by a Filipina woman who studied in Italy. The pizza serves two people, costs around 400 and is made with just amazing fresh ingredients. Huge beverage selections and a delicious looking non pizza menu. The restaurant itself has the feeling of a nice lunch cafe. They also have great service and are open on Christmas!

Cerealicious Katipunan

Cearealicious Menu

AMAZING Breakfast!

Enjoyed a short walk over to Katipunan Avenue this morning and found another amazing food spot in Quezon City.

Cerealicious on Katipunan

Let me introduce you to Cerealicious, claimed to be the first and only cereal cafe! This fun colored, fun ingredient breakfast place has won my heart. All of the combination's are creatively mixed with movie themes, This morning I ate The K After Tomorrow, and Ian had Harry Butter, Finger of Azkaban.

The combination's come in two sizes the smaller for p50 and the larger for p100. You will be satisfied after a small size, but your gluten will make you wish you had the large size =)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cerealicious Choices

The cold creamy base for these cereal creations is not too sweet or too tart, but really just perfect, good with the ultra sweets such as chocolates and marshmallow, but also amazing with granola's and fruits!

Here is the web site: http://www.cerealicious-ph.com/menu.htm

Teriyaki Boy Katipunan

I have a new restaurant find, and I realize that this blog is quickly becoming a food evaluation however I am ok with that. I think a HUGE part of being a student is eating, an equally as huge part of traveling is eating, thus the transformation.

Yesterday Ian and I ate at a wonderful restaurant. Teriyaki Boy. Its a fairly large chain in Manila, serving Japanese based fare.

You would guess that it is nothing special due to its strange color and lighting choices. Bright lights, with black and yellow striped decor. However a more fitting atmosphere would be something more sophisticated reflecting the truly delicious and well presented Japaneses dishes.

The prices are average for a sit down Japanese restaurant in Manila.
A California roll was around p150
All you can drink soda p100
Vegetable Crab Tempura p100

On our first visit  to the Katipunan location we had some of the best wait staff service since our arrival in the Philippines,on our second visit we were sat quickly and than ignored for 20 min, we ended up just leaving because the wait staff was ignoring us

Here is a the official link if your wanting to find a location: http://www.teriyakiboy.com.ph/tb/

UP Foreigner Registration

There is a great lack of clear information for foreign students at UP. I have the impressing at Ateneo has a better foreign student program and that after UP foreign student fees you will be paying almost the same price per term as Ateneo. That said I am glad that I am a UP student, so if you are thinking of trying school in the Philippines UP is a great option! I have successfully completed my second round of foreign student registration. This term was not as horrid as last term but still a long and unexciting process. It appears that they system and order of operations changes term to term but a few things remain the same.

Things to bring with you when you go to register

• ID, as many as you have, passport, I card, Student ID, driving ID
• copies of these ID's I would suggest 3 of each
• Snacks you will most likely be waiting a long time and wont want to sacrifice your place in line to buy food
• A book or some other distraction
• ID photos
• A long folder, the papers they give you are not the standard paper size
• Change for the jeep you are going to be going across campus several times
• Wet wipes for your face and arms most lines will not be in AC and its hot

Things that make registering easier

• Talking to the person next to you
• Asking the guard at the front of the building where to go 
• Do not worry about paying till after you get done registering, than wait a day before you go pay, it will make you more relaxed. 
• If you pay a day or two after the deadline there is no late charge
• wear cool comfortable clothes, but still somewhat nice looking
• its going to be hot
• you have to sit for a long time
• your Filipino classmates will somehow look very nice even in the heat

University of the Philippines

Have fun and good luck!




This is an outline of what to expect during your first semester as a international student at UP

1)      Find Ms. Ester Mendoza, get her phone number, she is going to help you a lot

2)      Go to the photo copy center at the back of this building/complex and get 10 copies of your passport, 6 of your most recent entry stamp, and 5 copies of your letter of admission. I know it seems like a lot but you will want them. This is going to be around 15 pesos

3)      Next you will need to go to the shopping center that is located on Katipuan Rd. In there you will find several stores that will take your photo for you. You are going to want 15 2x2 photos and 5 1x1. This will cost you about 100 pesos. Once you have them, always have several with you, people will want your photo for every form.

4)      While at the shopping center it will be a good idea if you buy a folder of some sort to keep all of the papers you are going to collect in order

5)      Once you have all of this you can return to Ms. Ester and she will give you a permission to study form.

6)      Take your permission to study form to the OUR (the registration / admission office). There you need to ask a student helper if you can speak with Jenn in admissions.

7)      Jenn will tell you that you need to go to your college or program to register, but that first you need to go online and update your profile and print out form 5A. She will give you your student ID number and a pass word.

8)      There are internet cafes at the shopping center as well as in near the OSA(where you found Ms. Ester). Various other building may have internet available however these two places are your best bet. Internet on campus costs around 10 pesos every 30min

9)      Once you have done this go to where Jenn told you to register and register!

10)  After you register you will be given your form 5, this is your key to life over the next week, so try not to destroy it.

11)  You will most likely be informed that you need to bring your form 5 to Jenn for assessment of how much you will pay.

12)  Once assessed you can head up to the 3^rd floor of the OUR to pay your tuition, it is cash only, they will however give you change if you do not have the exact amount.

13)  While you are in the building get in line for miscellaneous fees, there you can pay about 150 pesos for your student ID

14)  After you have the receipt for your ID go down to the second floor to the ID room to have your photo taken

15)  Now you need to go to the informatory / university health services for a series of exams. This will be free and they will tell you to come back in a few days to pick up your x-ray.

16)  At this point you need to go to a store and buy a good plastic container.

17)  Return to Health services to retrieve your x-ray and completed health form

18)  In order to receive your student visa you need to go the Bureau of quarantine and international health surveillance. It is located in metro manila next to manila hotel. On 25^th and Delgado St in the port area. The phone number is 527 4655 or 527 4654.  You need to bring a stool (poop) sample with you for your exam as well as two photos, your passport and your chest x-ray. If you do not have your chest x-ray they will take one there for 300 pesos. You can take public transit however it will be easiest to take a taxi. A taxi from the university to quarantine will cost around 180 pesos. Once you are finished they will ask you to come back in a day or two

19)  In a day or two return to quarantine to receive your results, be sure to bring your passport.

20)  Go to the photo copy center and make a copy of your results, you never know when you might need them

21)  Take your results back to Ms Ester along with your form 5

22)  Ms Ester has a friend who will process your student visa for you or you have the option of doing it yourself.  You will need to get a security clearance that takes about two weeks before your student visa will be processed and issued. Most likely this process will make your tourist visa stamp expire and you will need to apply for an extension …. All in all if Ms. Esters friend does this for you it will cost around 10,000 pesos, which you will need to pay in cash.

23)  Now that you have your student visa on the way you can take your medical results to the place you registered

Places to visit in Manila

To build off of my previous entry about getting around and interesting things to do in Manila I have several new thoughts.

Food

My new favorite restaurant in Manila is called Green. It is located in the Tomas Morato area, however it is off the main stretch and can be quite difficult to find. I have had a taxi driver know where it was but if you want to check it out (and you should) I would advise getting directions from their web page.

http://www.facebook.com/greensresto?v=app_2344061033#!/greensresto?v=wall 

Best smoothie I have found yet is a chain called Fuzion. I have seen them at SM North, GreenBelt and GreenHills. I am sure they have more locations than this.

 http://fuzionphils.com/fuzion/news_mediagallery.php

Ian and I went to I Heart Froyo the other night. It is located on Katipunan Av in Quezon City. The posted hours are 11am to 11pm, we were there around 10pm and they were open. Very good frozen yogurt I found it not too sweet more of a yogurt flavor, which i love! We got a large size with snickers and gummy bears for Peso 110. The place itself is very cute, it has a traditional Asian feeling to it, located on the second floor with a well lit stair case and fun colors on the walls.

I have also heard of these restaurants however have not had the opportunities to visit them yet, but they do look interesting.

Van Gogh is Bi-polar:  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2945016&id=78957949878&ref=album#!/pages/van-gogh-is-bipolar/78957949878

Hobbit House: http://www.hobbithousemanila.com/

Floating Garden: http://www.gatewaymall.com.ph/main07.php?id=07garden

Xoxolat: http://www.xocolat.com.ph/location.html

Paris Delice: www.parisdelice.com.ph

Transportation

If you think that it can be done by some form of public transportation it most likely can. It won’t necessarily be easy.

From Katipunan to Commonwealth

Catch a Jeep going to UP

Get off the Jeep just before it turns into the UP gate

Find a tricycle going to commonwealth, most likely quite a few people will be getting off the jeep with you who also want to get to commonwealth that you can share the tricycle with

From Manila to Cebu

Super Ferry! Hands down my #1 way to travel in the Philippines, flights and buses are cheap but so is the Super Ferry.  Get tourist class and above bring some snacks and a good book or two and enjoy relaxing, chatting, random dining hall entertainment, island viewing and sleeping from one destination to the next. I would advise that you skip getting a shave at the salon; I met a guy who got a nasty cut from that experience.
http://www.superferry.com.ph/

I have not had many new discoveries about things to do or see. I did pass by the Magnet Gallery the other day. It is a small gallery on Katipunan that would be worth looking at for any art friendly individuals. http://www.magnetgalleries.com/viewArtist.php?id=74

I also hope to check out the La Mesa Ecopark in the Fairview area sometime over the next two weeks! http://www.lamesaecopark.com/

Camping Club

Ian and I have just returned from our first Philippine Mountain Climb with a camping club named Sweepers Mountaineering Club. We both had a great time, getting to know more about the Filipino active 20 something culture that exists here ! A HUGE THANK YOU to the whole club for giving us such a warm welcome and a great hike! This club is extra ordinary due to the inactive culture that is quite prevalent in the Philippines. The obesity due to poor diet and inactivity that the US is currently struggling with is begging in India and the Philippines, I hope that more clubs like this will develop.

Our hike started long before we started hiking with e-mails. The hike leader divided out group into three groups, from there each sub group did some menu brainstorming. Ian and I chose to abstain from the brainstorm being unsure what the protocol was. Our dinner and breakfast was decided upon and all hikers were asked to bring 2 cups of rice and 1 Lt of water to contribute to meal prep.

It was up to each hiker to bring as much personal water as desired, any snacks, and trail lunch.

The next round of e-mails was in regards to sleeping arrangements. People who had tents and would share voiced there extra space, and finally a sleeping arrangement proposal was distributed.

The morning of ....

Everyone was to meet at 8am at a 7/11 downtown Manila. The 7/11 is a great place to meet plenty of space out front and snacks inside! We had no difficulty identifying the group and upon introducing ourselves we were warmly welcomed.

In Filipino time we were all gathered by 930 and walked around the corner to catch an out of town bus. The bus aid at first wanted us to all board with our bags however upon realization that we were 20+ people and bags he opened the under bus hatch and we filled up the bus.

The bus ride cost under $4USD a person and I got a nice nap during the next 2.5 hrs.

Upon arrival at our stop we headed into a restaurant to use the bathroom, get sun screened up change into any hiking gear still needed. We than thought we might as well eat lunch here instead of on the trail. Ian and I had sandwiches and hard boiled eggs everyone else had box meals with rice and meat, several people had KFC that they pulled out of their backpacks. Next time we know =)

We loaded into several tricycles and got shuttled to the trail head. Trail heads here are as difficult to spot as in the US, thankfully our hike leader had been here before and knew where it was. Upon arrival we encountered a bit of difficultly with the private land owner whose property we needed cross and he was not sure he wanted us to. During the 30 min discussion/ negotiation everyone put on arm & leg covers as well as hats and neck covers. Several people opened up umbrellas to keep the sun off their skin. I had to smile umbrellas on a hike (?)

Once our passage was secured off we went, the trail was a bit muddy, very mosquito filled and oh so hot.

After about 10min the group stopped. We were still in the flat coconut field at the base of the hill. Our group wanted to make sure that everyone had drank water and was rested. After a 5 min break we did another 10 min walk and stopped again. At this second stop the group split, those who wanted to go fast and had some hiking skills, a medium group and a back group. On our hike there were several people who had never hiked before, making this division very logical.

Ian and I joined the front group and off we went, our group started off as about 7 people however three of them decided to stay back and the four of us pushed on. It was HOT and STEEP and HUMID. Partway up the hill our group took a break and one of our group mates shared jelly snacks with us, similar to the energy jell that's common in the US. As we snacked we were able to take in the excellent view of the villages and farms below us. Feeling a bit of a sugar buzz off we went again.

It did not take long for the sugar buzz to subside and the hot humidity to begin to wear on us again. Than on the horizon I spotted an older man coming down the trial. To our extreme fortune he happened to be the head coconut collector on this hill and he had several bags of coconuts already collected and 3 boys who would happily climb up the trees and get us more. What good fortune! We told him that our whole group would want some and he lead us to where the boys were collecting. 10 Pesos (that's about 25cents in the US) got us a fresh off the tree coconut cut open and fully amazing. After drinking the coconut water the boys cut it open so we could eat the coconut jelly with a "spoon" they carved from the outside of the coconut. This was easily the highlight of my hike. The four of us in front got a great refreshing rest as the remainder of the group made it to us. We all were in great spirits talking, enjoying coconuts, and looking out at the view.

At this point we had less than 1/4 to go and off we went. The landscape changed as we neared the top tall grasslands began to surround us. Soon all I could see and hear was grasslands, truly beautiful. Upon reaching the summit a fresh cool breeze greeted us and photo opportunities were taken =)

At Camp ...
Our group took up all of the camping space at the summit, tents and clothes quickly filled the landscape. Cooking groups got out stove and begin dinner prep. As an interesting side note, open fire is completely banned in the Philippines. During dinner prep a few things note worthy occurred.

Most the group went in their tents and put on nicer cleaner clothes. Baby wipes came out and baby wipe baths. The women of the group had hair brushes and makeup that they had brought with and our group transformed from a dirty sweaty hiking and camping group to looking like TV stars.

While the transformation was in place an amazing sun set began casting a breath taking gold light on the mountain and the grasslands began to glow. The only word I can think of to describe it is magical.

Dinner was a Filipino sweet and sour dry fish, significiantly more gourmet than I would have done!

After dinner everyone attempted to fit under a common tarp for "socials". Socials are were everyone plays mind puzzles while one shot glass is passed around. I was exhausted and excused myself by 11pm. Everyone else stayed till midnight or one.

That night I slept very well, word to the wise it will get cold on top of a mountain even in the Philippines, I did not believe it but next time I think I will bring one more item of warm gear.

The next morning we had a deluxe breakfast of salted eggs and tomatoes, rice, dry fry fish and nescafe! Tents came down, stomachs got filled and pictures got taken and off we went.

The end....

Going down was was hard, the mud was slippery and filled all the grip on your shoes, everyone fell at least once, I slid a good portion on my butt. The highlight was the coconut guy was back and we all gathered to have some refreshing coconuts again!

At the end of the hike there was a shower and everyone pulled out another set of clean clothes and shower stuff. Ian and I said our goodbyes and got a jeep back to the bus stand and a bus back to Manila.

NGO theory UP

One of my courses at UP is on non profit organizations and their role in public administration. Below are some thoughts I have had from the discussions in my course.

Our recent discussion has surrounded the different levels or generation of NGO's

The first generation is
The second
The third
The fourth, is a generation that is still considered to be a theory, however more and more groups are able to identify that they are operating at lest partially if not fully in this generation.

Thus far in my research I have found three different variations of the fourth generation organizations:

1. The first is the discourse on taking what is good from the existing structure and eliminating what is bad to form the new world. These groups demonstrate little commitment to any established structure. This can be seen in the world social forums discourse
2. The second is the concept of working with the established structure and through them realizing the change. This can be seen in the direction that Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement is going
3. The third is the idea that complete destruction is the only way to move forward
   

I have been thinking that perhaps organizations are like trees

Starting off at the roots are a wide and diverse group of people and networks that come together at the base of the tree creating the first generation.

Moving up the trunk the organizations grow into second and third generations

Around the fourth generation they really began to branch out. I am finding the fourth generations who believe in a new world keeping the good parts of the old, those who seek a new world utilizing the existing channels, and those who seek to destroy all that exists to start new.

All of these levels of organizations work together to better the world in some aspect, just as a tree can clean the air, provide shade, fruit and so on.

Within the fourth generations I believe seeds will be planted for new trees, some the same others diffrent.

like NJ

On my way to see some fish in the ocean I made a comparison that I wanted to share

Philippines .........................................................................NJ

Girls love designer or fake designer bags.....................same
Way too many crazy drivers..........................................same
A very large Asian population........................................same
Toll roads have e-pass ...................................................ez pass
Toll roads have fast-food/ fuel plazas...........................same
SO many shopping malls................................................same
outside the cities it is beautiful farm area....................same
A large population lives at home during college..........same


I also wanted to share that I believe an ant family is trying to create a home under my "j" key

Hope everyone has a great evening

Getting around in Manila

I want to change course a bit in my writing for this entry. After living in Manila for about 5 weeks, I have come to two conclusions.

1. Manila appears to be void of interesting things, however this is false
2. As an outsider getting around in Manila can be overwhelming, however with a bit of faith it is quite doable

Interesting things exist however they are hard to find. Thus far I have found that:

• The National Museum is really wonderful, and if you go on Sundays it is free
• Mall of Asia has an ice skating rink, its about P400 to skate, but free to watch
• Green Belt 1 has a live theater in the same area as a movie theater
• SM North has a great rooftop area where you can sit and enjoy
• Roxas Av, has a lovely beach promenade that is enjoyable to walk especially around dusk
• Quezon City circle has occasional exhibits and always a lively group of park goers on Sundays
• UP campus is lovely to walk and has amazing street food (2.2km around the sunken garden)
  
• Tomas Morato statue is a good landmark to adventure near by, some nice shops, restaurants, salons and night life.
• UP Ayala is quickly becoming a favorite place, three coffee shops and sushi!
  

I feel that it is important to note that three of these locations are connected to a shopping mall, so it is quite probable and easy to find yourself spending an inordinate amount of time in the mall while you are here in Manila, however if you are willing to just accept that fact and take note that its the Philippine way, you can enjoy what you find.

In regards to transportation.

The metro, train, rail system(call it what you may) is known here as the MRT or LRT.

The routes are a bit disjointed, this is because they are still building the complete system however no one seems quite sure when it will be finished.

The MRT overlaps both the LRT1 and LRT2 and LRT1 &2 overlap, so you can get around the whole system.

Every station should have a map and be well labeled, i have not found any without these two things. The station attendants as well as security guards and fellow travelers will most likely be able to help you if you have any questions.

Be warned that the line to buy tickets is quite long. If you are going to be in town for a few days and plan to use one line often it will be faster for you to buy a stored value card for 100p. During rush hour lines can take up to 45 min, if you can ovoid it stay off the metro during rush hour its packed.

Do note that the LRT and MRT use different cards. The cost per ride is based on starting station and ending station but the high end is 15p or about the equivalent of $0.30 USD.

The very front of each train is reserved for women, and ladies do take advantage of this its quite nice.

The trains are all AC

Mostly they operate from 530am till 10pm

The web sites are mildly useful

The Jeeps or Jeepneys are great fun and a full adventure. If you want to try them, and everyone should, you need to know the name of a landmark (this can be any big place, a hospital, school, church, shopping mall) near where you want to go, than just start asking, if where you are going is a common location you might get lucky and find a jeep that says the name of the place in the window or on the side. Typically a ride costs around 10p. If you ask the driver he will make sure that you know when you get to your stop and even point you towards the landmark you used to get there! Jeeps run quite late (at least till 2am)however starting around 10pm the drop in frequency.

Another form of a jeep is more like a big SUV that has seats in the back, these are AC and typically a more luxurious ride, however they will cost you about twice as much.

Buses are much the same as jeeps however they go much further distances, you can get AC and Non AC with prices that match and you just need to ask around to get the one you want unless you know the area you are going and than look for the sign. These run most of the night, I am not sure if they ever stop but I have had no problems with them up till 2am

there are pre-set stops for these three and a little asking can get you to a location where many of them will be.

Taxis are reasonable compared to the rest of the world, but expensive compared to the jeeps and buses. Make SURE to have the taxi driver use his meeter otherwise you will get ripped off. They also should have good AC, if not find another taxi. In general if you have a choice take the newer looking taxi, the companies give the new cars to the best drivers. At many places there are pre set taxi stops where you just get in line and wait for your taxi. A good thing to keep in mind is to lock your door once inside, everyone here says it safer. I have also found that frequently my taxi driver says he knows where we are going but we end up driving around for a while trying to find it, just be prepared. They run all night just make sure you call ahead if your going to need one at a set time.

Tricycles are little pods attached to motorbikes, they have selected zones they can operate in but within that zone they can go wherever you would like. The are less expensive than a taxi and faster than walking. Pre-discuss the price before you get in, normally they are honest about the prices except in the rain or late at night! They run all night however its common to find the drivers asleep if your out too late.

As I discover more ill do my best to update you

=)

Life when your open to it

NCPAG

As most of you know I got accepted into grad school and have departed India to the Philippines. While I have not started to volunteer here I have encountered many interesting organizations. This is a list of a few, if any of you want to come do a volunteer stint here, housing is abundant and cheep, as is transportation and food!!!




Hands on Manila ~ http://www.handsonmanila.org.ph

Red Cross ~ www.redcross.org.ph

Philippine rural reconstruction movement ~ www.prrm.org

Poverty action ~ http://poverty-action.org

While I have been here getting into school mode, Ian has been finishing up his visa in India before heading over to Cambodia where he is going to work with an orphanage called Harmony Farms ~ http://oneworldfamily.net

life has been really wonderful and we are excited about whats to come!