This adventure was designed to serve many purposes...first, and foremost, this trip was planned so that we could meet face-to-face the numerous educators we have partnered with over the years through the US-PH Library Partners. Secondly, we were looking forward to reconnecting with old friends at Jose Rizal University. Lastly, we saw this as an opportunity for a family vacation as Kathleen Makielski Wilson and Doug Wilson (sister and brother-in-law) traveled with us, their first visit to the Philippines.
Getting ready to board our flight! Let the adventure begin!
AIRPORT FOOD 🙄Taipei, Taiwan
Our favorite airport food is in Taipei, Taiwan. We LOVE their dumplings and Boba tea (bubble tea). Clearly, it's a little bit over-the-top when you plan your connection around airport food.🙄
MANILA
So thrilled to reconnect with Sir Rufo de Leon, a professor at Jose Rizal University, a dear friend, and the "mastermind" behind the formation of the US-PH Library Partners.
Marcos Twin Mansion, Casile, Cabuyao City ~ The 1980's villas are unfinished and currently owned by the government but were originally built for Ferdinand Marcos. They are currently used for movie sets and a rest stop for bicyclists. They are also rumored to be haunted.
People's Park in the Sky ~ An unfinished mansion that was commissioned by Former First Imelda Marcos and now turned into a park. At 2,326 feet, you can see Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.
Great Views!
Tagaytay City, Bulalo Annex Elementary School ~ A warm welcome was kindly provided by the school's principal, Miss Faith Gatdula, and a few staff members on a Saturday morning.
And the principal of the high school at JRU, Sir Romel Navarro
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Ms. Catherine Pasigna
Ms. Thea Rachel Rendon
Miss Ranielle M. Navarro
Miss Mailyn C. Dasalla
Sir Felix Domingo Corpuz
Miss Sheila Marie F. Gorgonio
Miss Haidee A. Merlin
BAGUIO CITY
After a 5 hour drive through the mountains, we arrived in Baguio City to be greeted by Miss Anne Cabs. Known as the "City of Pines," this city is located 4,600 feet above sea level making it far cooler in the summer compared to Manila.
Goodtaste Restaurant
A morning spent at the Northern Blossom Flower Farm
Fork and Dagger Restaurant ~ a special dinner and another birthday celebration for Erik, nope, Carl!😂
LIB TALK: WEST AND EAST FOR READING ADVOCACY
MARINDUQUE
The island of Marinduque is located off the southern tip of the island of Luzon. After a two hour ferry ride, we received a very WARM and generous greeting from our hosts: Miss Renelyn Lamboloto and Miss Aylin Montalban along with their families.
A ferry ride among the islands
Merienda! (snack time)
"Twinning" Sandys
PAWA Elementary School
Casa De Don Emilio ~ Boac Plaza
Life with Henry
ILOILO
Iloilo City is located on the southeastern coast of the island of Panay. Upon arriving in Iloilo City after a short plane flight from Manila, we were greeted by Ms. Dory Galindo. We welcomed Miss Rose and Sir Rufo's companionship as they travelled with us to the island of Panay.
We drove directly to Tiring National High School where we were greeted by Sir George Robles.
Miss Joy Canto and a visit at Botong-Cabanbanan Elementary School
Iloilo City National High School with Miss Dory Galindo
Miss Regina Vibas at Jalandoni Elementary School.
Sinamay Elementary School with Sir Ruperto E. Alcarioto, Jr.
Hangin' with a TikTok Superstar: Ms. Novy Recate
BURUANGA DISTRICT ~White Beach Front and Cottages (WBF) on Hinugtan Beach
Located a 6 hour drive from Iloilo City and one hour past Caticlan Airport, we arrived at White Beach Front and Cottages Resort. To be clear, we arrived at the top of a hill where we were met by porters who carried our luggage by hand down a winding path through the jungle to the beach. Upon arriving at this small, private beach we walked to the very end past other tiny resorts to ours. WBF hosted 5 small bungalows, 4 of which were located on the steep hillside. We arrived in the middle of a typhoon (level one) thus producing HUGE surf, lots of wind, and some rain. All of our meals were chosen from a limited menu (DELICIOUS!) and eaten in the host bungalow overlooking the bay.
Miss Rose, Miss Dory along with her husband and son, joined us for this part of the adventure.
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PORT BARTON, PALAWAN Island ~ Sunset Colors
After a 4 hour van ride we arrived in Port Barton on the western coast of Palawan. From there, we took a 20 minute banca boat ride to Sunset Colors. This small resort had expanded from 2015 of 4 bungalows to 11 bungalows in 2023. Although there is no hot water for showers and electricity only for a few hours every evening, we relished the change of pace and the beauty of Palawan.
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We enjoyed sunset dinners on the beach, snorkeling, and swimming in clear, blue waters.
One morning we went hiking up to Bigaho Falls
Minus the excitement of one VERY LARGE spider, it was a quiet 5 days mixed with a little sun and some rain.
And of course.... one last mango shake before we said goodbye to the Philippines.
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