Philippines Pictures III

Philippines Pictures II

Possible huge news on the horizon. In the meantime, settle for looking at more pics from the Philippines.

The preceding pics are from the town of Talisay as well as Taal Volcano, one of the 5 major volcanoes in the Philippines. My travel crew and I decided to take a 3 hour jeepney road over the worst "roads" possible just to get to the town of Talisay. The town itself borders Lake Taal, which is where Taal Volcano is located.

The volcano is still active although it hasn't erupted since 1977. It has, however, shown signs of unrest over the past 20 years. We climbed it early one morning (the only group to not ascend it on horseback) and it took us about 45 minutes to get to the top. After the descent, are clothes were covered in a fine layer of volcanic ash. Enjoy.

Philippines Pictures I

On my recent trip to the Philippines I managed do a few things I had never previously considered, some of which (dancing on stage at a White Beach tranny show, and then on the next night taking over a Sabang "disco" with interpretive dance moves and managing to distract not only the entire clientele of the club, but also the girl dancers themselves) I do not have the pictures for on my camera. I hope to obtain them soon so I can post them and you can join in on the fun.

Other things, such as riding in a tricycle, jeepney, catamaran, eating Balut (duck fetus eggs), climbing an active volcano, and enjoying the Filipino culture, I have documented. I share the first batch of pictures here today.

The pictures are from White Beach and Sabang on Mindoro Island, and the town of Batangas on Luzon Island. It is a brief glimpse of the first three days of the trip, before the actual climbing of Taal volcano and before Manila (which is where my camera died).

Because of my camera battery mishap, you will not get to see my pics of Rizal Park in Manila, nor will you see pics of The Hobbit House, a bar in Manila with a major Tolkien fetish, decorated just like 'The Shire', and staffed with midgets and dwarves. Not to mention they had kick-ass Filipino cover bands playing 70's and 80's tunes. What is better than having a 300 beer selection and having it served to you by a Filipino dwarf?

Nothing.

Letters to the Editor

Upon returning from my jaunt to the Philippines I found my mailbox inundated with letters to the editor (read: me). Before I regale you with colorful accounts of my adventure, let me take the time to answer a few of them.

Dear Clint,

I have noticed that you have not blogged recently. I am starting to become worried. I noticed in your last post you mentioned traveling to the Philippines. I hope you did not meet with any unfortunate circumstances. Did you go to Mindanao? As you know there are insurgents there with a fond predilection for kidnapping and beheading American tourists. I hope you are well.

Worried About You,
Portland, Oregon



Dear WAY,

No need to be alarmed. I am safe and sound, back in the cozy confines of my Hong Kong digs. I appreciate your concern for my well-being and safety. I was well aware of the dangers of Mindanao, so on this trip I managed to stay well north of the aforementioned area. However, if I ever find myself back in the Philippines, I might just take a visit there anyway, because the thing is this; I don't look like an American.

I spent the majority of my trip convincing people I was in fact a Pinoy. It was quite easy too. You see, my skin color is darker than most people from the Philippines. Plus, I have an understanding of Philippine geography. In other words, I know more than Manila and Cebu. So if anyone asked me where I was from, I would say Vigan, or Puerta Princesa, or General Santos City. Plus, I would name-drop all the Pinoy boxers I knew (Manny Pacquaio, Rey Bautista, Z Gorres, Nonito Donaire, Gerry Peñalosa, just to name a few). If all else failed, I would speak a few words of mangled Spanish, which sounds close enough to Tagalog for it to be effective.

There you have it. That is how I managed to survive my trip unscathed, and how I would succeed in the future if any problems arose. By the way, Filipino people are completely lovely and gracious.

All the best,
Clint


Dear Clint,

I have been reading your blog faithfully for 3 months now. I have a serious question for you. Will you father my child?

Yvonne,
Copenhagen, Denmark



Dear Yvonne,

I regret to inform you that at this stage in my life that is just not possible. I am happily content with being selfish and taking care of myself and have many more things I would like to do before I rear the cutest and smartest little tyke ever.

Thank you for your kind offer.

All the best,
Clint