July 15th: We've finally reached Cebu!

Reyna and Janrey at Magellan's Cross. Reyna looks pretty tired after a long day

July 14th: Panglao Beach

You can't really see, but that's us all the way
in back! Don't worry, the water is pretty
shallow everywhere you swim.

Oh no! What are our parents doing?
Spying on us again?
I guess that's what parents are for. ;)

After a tiring but relaxing day around the island, we set off on our last excitement - the world-renown Panglao Beach.

It was very refreshing after a hot day of walking through the Chocolate Hills, performing with the Loboc Children's Choir, and seeing the tarsiers. Since the sun was coming down, all of us sat in the water while watching the sunset. It definitely was the best R&R day we've had so far. I thought the weirdest thing, though, was that we had to pay for showers...so no one showered at the beach...That's what you get when you're in the Philippines.

Bye-bye,
Marisa Pena

July 14th: Cecile, a Loboc Children's Choir Member!

Me and Karina!

Hello, Victoria!

Oh hello George ;)

On July 14th, the IP Rondalla performed for my group, the Loboc Children's Choir, and my parents in the conference hall of our town. They were very amazing, especially when they played their modern songs -- "Marry You" and "Just Give Me a Reason." It was AWESOME. My favorite was their last number, "Mag Exercise Tayo Tuwing Umaga" by Yoyoy Villame. It reminded me of Bohol. My mother was amazed to hear such beautiful music coming from their rondalla instruments. Although she is from Manila, she had never heard these songs played outside of orchestras. The members of IP Rondalla are very friendly and easy to be with.
Thank you for the beautiful music, you guys rock! \m/

Cecile Poquita,
A Loboc Children's Choir Member

July 14th: The Loboc Children's Choir

Janrey and Gerry doing push-ups. The Loboc Children's Choir and the IP Rondalla jamming to no music. What a group.

July 14th: Tarsiers and Chocolate Hills

       

Hi I'm Marisa. I'm 15 years old. This is my first time in the Philippines, and I don't know how I feel. Some places are not so pretty due to the poverty and overpopulation, but in general, the country is also really pretty. This is a really new experience for me, so I'm still a little speechless.

July 13th: Bohol Cultural Center

Hey, why are all these people blocking the AWESOME STAGE DECORATIONS? Move outta the way! =P

The first thing I remember when I walked into the Bohol Cultural Center was “Wow, that’s one of the best stage decorations I’ve seen in this whole tour!” It looked so festive! We immediately went onstage for blocking (or walking through some of our program to make sure we fit!). Then we noticed something completely unusual: there was actual air conditioning on the stage! It blew quite a lot actually, but you could only feel it if you were in the middle of the stage (rather than too close to the audience or too far back). After our blocking and sound check, we headed back to the green room to put on our costumes and make up. 

July 13th: We're in Bohol! A Photo Diary

Gerry and Tito Manny Paradela, on the plane to Bohol. Tito Manny looks tired, probably because he had to wake up at
2 am for this flight! Some people didn't even sleep the night before because they supposedly were swimming! 

July 12th: Ayala Mall Subic Bay

Here are some pictures of our performance at Harbor Point Ayala Mall in Subic Bay. All of the kids were excited for this performance because right after, we got to go shopping! Most of the girls went around in groups, looking clothing and accessories for their costumes. The boys  had fun window shopping for things not sold in the Philippines. I was the boring one. I stayed with my pops to look for Filipino books at the National Bookstore. Yippeee!

We all met for dinner at Max's Restaurant for some yummy fried chicken and rice. I ate with Tita Naty and her friends who helped set up the Bayan-Bayanan program. Later, even Principal Juvy, of the Bayan-Bayanan Elementary School came to see us all the way from Bataan. 

Sierra Jamir

Performing on stage at Harbor Point in second half costume.

Covering our heads for another "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head!"

At Max's Restaurant taking pictures with Tita Naty, Tita Juvy, her husband and child

July 12th: Gerry Returning Home - Lunch in Zambales

My face is out of focus, but that's because my Lola decided to pull out a birthday cake and sing happy birthday
for all the years I hadn't been back home! (Cred: Tito Manny)

July 12th: IP Rondalla's Visit to Bayan-Bayanan - VEST Foundation's Halfway Home and the Aeta Children

We were all touched with the Aeta's plight for survival and VEST Foundation's effort to help them. Reading about their plight is one thing, however, actually seeing, smelling, feeling and experiencing what they have to go through in life is a totally different matter. Lots of us cannot help but shed a tear as we toured the modest halfway home that was built so that Aeta school children could be fed and housed properly during the school year. You never realize how lucky you are until you see how other, less fortunate people live. Yet, despite their hardship and poverty, the Aeta parents and kids were very cheerful, warm, friendly and welcoming to all of us. This made me realize what my parents often tell me -- that happiness cannot be bought or measured by material possessions alone.

For me, our short visit with the Aetas was not just a cultural immersion but a spiritual experience, as well.

Sierra Jamir

My dad's instant Aeta friend showing her hand "carved" guitar out of solid wood.