almost finished....

It's already been 17 months since came here and finally, the houses were blessed even though 1 is still not yet completely finished. Coinciding with the Chinese New Year, the owners moved in to their new houses last saturday and slowly, trying out if everything is working well. The Owners treated all the workers to a hearty lunch for New Year's eve and welcomed their friends at a house-warming party in the evening. Luckilly for me I was able to attend both ate to my stomachs' content. I was expecting to be out of here by this time but apparently, I will have to prolong my stay here until everything is "completely finished, landscaping and all. I do not mch to do during the day except for just checking and roaming around the compound. I'll stop saying when I'll be able to finally come home and just enjoy my last few weeks here, 'coz I know I learned a lot thru my stay here.


A pair of rainbows appeared after a slight drizzle last saturday. Rain on a special occassion signifies good luck and having twin bows is something else.



Just want to show you this huge statue of a rooster in front of the chicken barbeque retaurant. I wonder why?

28th of January.

It's just an ordinary day for many but last Sunday turned out to be quite memorable for me. I should have posted this sooner but work has been quite hectic the past few weeks. I only realized it last weekend that it was the death anniversary of my maternal grandmother. She died after being bedridden for a couple of years. It's not easy to forget someone like her. She took us in after my father died a long time ago and she helped and guided all 4 of us through school and life till all of us eventually fiished schooling. She was quite the disciplinarian and even if she doesn't show it, she knows how much you can achieve in life. I know she's happier now with the Lord.
This was taken on the happiest moment in my life. She was the only one who knew that I'll pass my board exams as well as I did.

last Sunday was also the Dinagyang Festival here in Ilo-ilo. One of the most awaited events here in Western Visayas, it is one of the youngest fiestas in the country since it only started in the 1970's, I think. Unlike last year when I was able to go up to the Freedom Grandstand, where all the tribes first perform thier dance, I only got as far as Judging Area no. 2 because of all the people. It turned out to be a blessing coz I was able to take pictures closer than last years.
one of the tribes.
yet another tribe.
and another...
and another...
dont know if this ones a guy or a girl..
well hello there...

One thing I'll remember this day by is, this was the day when I lost my wallet while roaming around the city. Didn't realize it happened till I checked my pockets about an hour after I think it happened. It must have been taken from me or I lost it while I was squeezing my way thru a crowded passageway. Too bad my wallet only contains my credit cards and some ID's coz I have another wallet where my cash and ATM cards are. Well, I already cancelled all my credit cards and I'll just have to replace my ID's when I come home. I'll have to be more careful the next time.
this was probably where I lost my wallet. I took this photo while in a crowded area.
It'll probably give the opportunity to save more since I wont be using my cards for awhile. At least, something good came out of a bad situation.