Hey everyone!
Ok so Jina and I had a long and heartfelt discussion about the cockroach war that’s happening here in Quezon City. After some deliberation we decided that since cockroaches cannot kill me…(or so we assume) one for their team simply means a cockroach making skin contact! Interestingly, after going to the gym…(I know) I was having a shower. When I took some shampoo from the rack I rattled it just slightly. It was then when they made their move. A cockroach flew out and slammed into my shoulder then fell to the ground kamikaze style! I freaked out and ran out of the shower like a pre-pubescent girl only to find that my yelp drew some attention. So there I was standing outside the shower naked looking like a big baby. It is hard to say but I think we need to chalk one up for them…if not for making contact then for completely embarrassing me.

Ok so as for work things are going great here. Perhaps the most interesting thing I want to share with you all though is about our trip to witness the questioning of Sara (her real name has been changed for privacy reasons). Sara is a child who was molested by the vice mayor of Calapan. The questioning of Sara was interesting to say the least. Before hand one of the Ate’s at ECPAT explained to me that “the leaders of this movement (the movement against child sexual exploitation) are not the politicians, not the police, and not even us. It is the young victimized children who have the courage to share their story and expose the perpetrators.” This revelation became more apparent when the prosecutor asked for the removal of the public for the duration of Sara’s questioning. This caused tension in the court room and the defence attorney began insisting that everyone be removed, including Jina and I and ECPAT. Sara, having met us minutes before the questioning began, stood in front of the court and insisted that it was up to her who stays. That being said she explained that the entire front row was her support group and that we should remain. The lead defence became quite frustrated at this point. In a deep and intimidating voice he asked Sara, “How many people do you need here for support?” The power imbalance was quite obvious. There stood an older man, the attorney nonetheless, of the man who molested her. Yet this did not seem to intimidate Sara. She simply nodded and in a faint, yet affirmative voice said, “They stay.” I then realized that the movement was in fact led by countless children. Strangers to each other, yet standing together and collectively saying, “You exploited me and I am not letting you get away with it!”

Apart from work I thought I would also share some cultural experiences. This blog will be about the cab drivers here in Quezon. I now, after some time here, have come to understand that most cab drivers will rip you off every chance they get. I have been taken the wrong way. Some cab drivers have told me that it is an extra 50 pesos because of traffic and every stop (me picking up Jina) qualifies them to restart the meter! Others say they have no change! I have done my best to let them know that I know what is going on. I started by saying ‘salamat po’ (thank you sir) – this did not work. Now I literally direct them through the streets (its surprising how quickly you learn the streets when you know everyone that gives you a lift is trying to take your cash). Perhaps the most interesting story is that of last night. We decided to meet Tim and Shivani for dinner. When we arrived at the restaurant the cab the driver looked at me and said “200” (the price). I asked what the meter said. He replied “200”. I looked over from the back seat and the meter was not there. I asked him, “Did you forget to start the meter?” He said, “200”. I then realized that I was not looking at the meter but the radio. As my eyes moved down I noticed a cloth covering some device. I said to him “move that”. His response…I bet you can all guess was… “200! 200! ” Now, getting irritated I told him to move the cloth. He did and there was the missing meter; although it read 150 and not 200! I gave him 150 and left. Apparently I am a parrot and if you throw a cloth over my head I will think it is night and go to sleep.

As for leisure, the group of us, Tim, Shivani, Jina, my girlfriend Cyndi and I (Tim calls us Friendship Five) went to Bohol for the weekend. It was great. On our second day there we went on a motorbike tour of the island. Tim and I decided to drive the bikes because the girls had some trouble riding…Jina! Shivani you were no better ;) We visited the Tarsier (smallest primate alive) Sanctuary, the hanging bridge and of course the famous chocolate hills. The tourist attraction is built on the highest hill. I did not like it at all. There was a road that led up to it and all that jazz! I hate tourists! It was then when I asked the guide to bring us to a particular hill that I had spotted on the way. He did and we climbed it ourselves. I named it Dan`s Hill. It was a great experience. Some local children led us up the 75 degree hill. It was basically us pulling ourselves up by the roots of the high grass that covers the hill. Apart from some cuts and scrapes we viewed the scenery as nature has intended - with a dire need for water, a bit of bloodshed and sweat and most of all a sense of accomplishment! I cannot wait to see what other adventures this summer has in store for us all here in Manila.