HIV Camp - Barangay Training - Job Readiness

Earlier this month I was able to serve as a facilitator for a three day HIV/AIDS camp. This was targeted at our outreach clients who are still active in prostitution. I partnered with a fellow volunteer and we taught the ladies about the transmission of HIV and how to use condoms. Despite their profession many of the participants had never used a condom, so we had a good time practicing with egg plants. The venue was absolutely beautiful. It was a great opportunity for our girls to learn some new information and just enjoy getting away from the pressures of the city.

After a few months of down time our advocacy projects are picking up. We just had a Quick Response Team Training for barangay officials where we discussed the important role of local government in reporting cases of sex trafficking and prostitution within our target communities. I was able to facilitate a human referral system activity to help our core groups understand their place within the bigger system. Each person's body represented a part of the system and they had to use their arms to connect to other resources.  I made them do this without talking so we all had a good laugh watching them figure it out. 

 

 

I am still teaching Job Readiness Training at the center and this batch of girls will graduate from our program on April 20^th. Most of them have applied for scholarships and will get funding to finish school before they receive assistance in securing employment. I have really enjoyed bonding with the ladies in this class and they always inspire me. Some days I feel less motivated but by the end of our sessions together we always share many fits of laughter and I remember that my service is a two way street.  I feed off their positive energy and  it's all reciprocal. 

This last week has been hard for me emotionally as I lost my cat Sara.  I have been expecting this for a few years now, but my heart still broke when I heard the news. Despite my horrible allergies, I just completely loved being with her. I wish I could have been there to say goodbye. 

Malapascua: Shark Diving

This journey with my site mates Leah-batch 269 and AJ-batch 270 began on Friday morning at the northwest bus terminal in Cebu City. Four hours and 160 pesos later we had reached Maya located on the northern most tip of Cebu. It was 80 pesos for a boat ride from Maya to the tiny island of Malapascua (2.5 kilometers by 1 kilometer).

Upon first arrival we received a friendly greeting from the locals then began our trek across the island to Pilar’s Place (500 pesos a night). This secluded hideaway had a full kitchen, shared bathroom and a balcony overlooking the ocean. 

Later we found our way back to the main beach to scope out all the different restaurants. We settled on an Irish Bar named the Craic House, which of course prompted endless jokes. We spent the evening there, wandering back and forth to the ocean, enjoying good food in good company.

Saturday morning Leah woke for an early morning dive with thresher sharks, Malapasqua’s claim to fame. I couldn’t join her because I still need more dive experience, but you can bet I will be back to see those bad boys! Leah came back from her dive just as AJ and I were waking up, with great stories and lots of energy. We all got in our swimsuits without delay and settled in on the beach. We swam, we read and we slept. This was the most relaxing day I've had in months. We hiked out to a nearby light house with a great view of the island. Then for dinner we used the kitchen to whip up some spaghetti accompanied by a bottle of red wine.

Sunday morning we got to the dive shop by 9am to catch the boat to Gato Island. We were accompanied by a Chinese family, a few Italians and Canadians. The waves were wild and choppy, by the time we arrived at the dive site we were all drenched, but who could care? 

We were going diving with sharks!

Our first dive was over some beautiful reefs, we saw a few white tip sharks lounging on the sea floor and hiding under the rocks, many of them accompanied by pilot fish. For lunch the crew barbecued on the boat. We enjoyed a meal of grilled chicken, vegetables and rice while chatting with our fellow ship mates. After only a short while of sitting out in the sun we just couldn't take the heat, so we jumped off the front of the boat to cool off.

The second dive was incredible. We finned further under the shadows of the rocks until we came to a menacing underwater cave. Imagine a huge gaping hole of darkness, a perfect dwelling for a flesh eating sea monster, and you are about to swim through it.

We used flashlights to guide us, never completely knowing what lurked in the darkness. We went deeper and deeper as the cave gradually turned right, then left, all of us carefully maneuvering through the limited space. My eyes had finally adjusted to the darkness, when  before us was a bright shimmer of daylight. We had reached another opening, and the water at the mouth of the cave was a mesmerizing shade of blue. I let out a sigh of relief, and that was when we saw them. It was the clear silhouette of multiple sharks circling at the mouth of the cave.

We moved very slowly, closer and closer to the sharks. My body instinctively was on guard but I reminded myself to remain calm and breath slow. They were only a few meters away. We remained in that position for about five minutes before the sharks swam away from us. 

When we left the cave we were surrounded by huge reefs that towered above us, overflowing with life from every angle. It was all completely unreal. Our guide swam towards an opening in the reefs as he motioned the signal for shark. I followed diligently to the other side where we found more sharks circling and closer this time. Again we just watched in awe as the beautiful creatures glided gracefully in front of us, and then they were gone.

The rest of the dive was gorgeous most notable was an adorable yellow seahorse, but honestly nothing compares to venturing through that cave and seeing so many sharks. I will never forget it. 

After diving we made the most of our last night on the island. I had lost my sandals to the waves so I wandered barefoot after my friends. The sun was setting on our time in Malapascua.

Under the Sea

In my quest to become dive certified...

I saw three sting rays glide effortlessly through the water. I swam through a sunken plane that had long ago become a part of the sea. I held a puffer fish as it grew in my hands. I finned below a school of barracudas. I held sea cucumbers and starfish, then swam after a cuttlefish that stared back at us with it's large knowing eyes. 

I feel so glad to have pursued this interest. How many people get the opportunity to experience this world? To breathe underwater and feel so close to nature? I will treasure the opportunity to have more experiences like these ones. They were all unforgettable. 

The Jeepney...

There is no greater insight into the culture of the Philippines then to take a ride on the local transportation. The concept of the Jeepney was first inspired by abandoned US military vehicles post World War II, but they have now evolved to have roofs for shade, long bench seats for lots of passengers and brightly colored designs or religious phrases to decorate the outside.

Within the first few minutes of being on the jeep you will likely begin to sweat, because you will sit extremely close to your fellow passengers. I have been sat on, leaned on, and slept on. Believe it or not, I have also fallen asleep on the jeep a few times. The number one rule of the jeep? There is ALWAYS room for one more, no matter how physically impossible it may seem. And if ever you forget this rule, the drivers are always happy to remind you. 

In Cebu it’s very common for young children to jump onto the back of the jeep where they will perform a song or rap, then beg for money asking “Ate? Kuya?”(big sister, big brother). There are also always vendors walking in the middle of the street who will approach the jeeps and try to sell bottled water or snacks.

I take a jeep to work every day and the fare is eight-ten pesos, that’s about twenty cents. A cab fare of the same distance costs one hundred pesos, ten times the cost of local transportation. When you are ready to pay your fare on the jeep you simply say, “Palihog ko” (please) and pass your fare to the person next to you who will pass it along a line of passengers until it reaches the driver. If you have change it will return to you in the same manner. The jeepney follows a specific route but does not have pre-planned stops. If you want the driver to stop simply knock loudly on the roof or yell, “Lugar lang” (place). Often times if someone’s request is not heard by the driver the other passengers will chime in to make sure the jeep stops. The whole process requires a profound sense of teamwork. In the Philippines, no man is an island. 

2013

Day 1

My New Year's adventure began when I met Candice, a fellow volunteer who had flown into Cebu and we made our way to the pier. We arrived an hour before our boat was planned to depart so we were feeling hopeful that things would go smoothly. At first things seemed normal enough, we found ourselves at the end of a long line. When the line didn’t move, I told myself that all the people must just be waiting for the counter to open. When people walked in front of us the first few times, I told myself they must have family members somewhere further along. I tried to remain positive as long as humanly possible but after about a half hour of waiting and hardly making any progress I began to feel anxious and irritable and I wasn’t the only one. The longer people waited, the more they would press forward, making the concept of personal space completely non-existent. We began strategizing, using our bags to hold people back and keep them from cutting in front of us. Within minutes a room of at least fifty people standing in two lines converged into a giant mob of people with arms outstretched tickets in hand. The man behind me kept moving closer and closer until I could feel his body pressed against me and no matter what I said he wouldn’t back off. 

Finally I was within reach of the counter, there was only one man in front of me when I was ambushed by a group of men who seemed to be allies, they tried to push me aside and move past me. But luckily Candice saw what was happening and threw her luggage down on the bag check platform, commanding service. At the same time I turned to the men soaked in sweat beside me who were trying to push me away from the ticket counter and held my ground forcing our passports and our tickets forward. I have never experienced anything like it, but we eventually succeeded. Three hours later when we finally arrived in Tagbilaran City on the neighboring island of Bohol. Melissa another volunteer was waiting for us with a warm welcome. We piled our bags on a trike, went back to her place and she gave us some M&M’s from her most recent care package, vacation had begun!

DAY 2

We woke up early and went to the supermarket to grab snacks for the beach. I needed a quick breakfast so I got some pancakes to go and we made our way to the jeep that was headed to the beach. I was used to being crammed in a jeep but here, not only did they pack every inch of seat space but in the two feet of space that would have normallyserved as an aisle they laid out stools for more people to sit. We didn’t leave until every inch of space was occupied. Then I slowly and carefully ate my pancakes, which took great skill and concentration.

When we arrived at our hostel, I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodation. For 350 pesos a night, the equivalent of 8.50$ per person, we stayed here www.citadelalona.com. Our room slept 3 people and we had use of a fridge, a full kitchen and a lovely terrace.

Next we made our way down to the beach and I jumped right in the ocean and swam back and forth through the crystal clear water. I spent some serious time just floating on my back looking up at the palm trees and letting the water move my body as it pleased. This was the life! After a few hours we all opted for a massage on the beach (250 pesos).

 For dinner we went to a Thai restaurant where, we sat outside just a few feet from the waves rolling on the beach.

Next we wandered along the waves until we found a secluded spot to go for a dip. It was a wonderful feeling swimming at night, looking up at the stars and the dimly lit restaurants along the beach. We stayed in the water for ages then hurried home and fell fast to sleep.

DAY 3

Today our group split, some staying on the beach and the rest of us heading off on a snorkel adventure. We met the boat at 8am and rented it for the day (190 pesos per person). My companions were fellow volunteers, two Filipino ladies and three Belgium men. 

It took us 40 minutes to get out to this little beautiful island across the water. There was a sanctuary there where we would go snorkeling. 

When we came closer we saw a few little huts selling the usual tourist gear but there was also a place where you could select seafood and have them prepare it while you snorkel. Our Belgium friends ordered fish, squid, shells, and seaweed for later, then we headed into the water.

When I first began to snorkel I went very slow, the water was only about 5 ft deep and there was already lots of interesting things to see. Most remarkable was the blue starfish that seemed to frequent these waters. 

I continued along enjoying the sites of fish and coral until suddenly I saw something that shocked me, I stopped immediately. A few meters ahead I could see what appeared to be an underwater cliff, the ocean floor simply stopped and beyond that point I could only see dark blue endlessness. I excitedly swam forward eager to look over the edge and when I did my breath was taken away by the drop. I could see an entire world of life, that extended at least a hundred feet deep. There were fish of all color, shapes and sizes swimming in schools all around me and down into the different crevices below. It was so beautiful and powerful, I was relishing every second.

I slowly built up my confidence and left the edge of the sea cliff swimming out into the open water, turning my back to the unknown. I felt so alive! With time I began to hold my breath and dive closer to the coral, going deeper every time. All the while there was a boat floating above us where we could swim up to and hold on if we needed a break. At one point I was swimming when I began to hear a strange clicking noise all around me, I raised my head to see little rain drops coming down on the water’s surface, I had never seen rain from such a strange perspective...this was so cool! Later on from the deep we saw bubbles rising slowly, at first we couldn’t see what was coming when suddenly two scuba divers appeared and they waived to us under the water. When I saw them rising up from this mysterious world under the sea, I was overcome with envy. I wanted to swim down the edge of the cliff and explore, but my snorkel could only take me so far. It was in that moment I think, that I became determined to get certified for diving.

The rain subsided and we swam back to shore and took our lunch. The Begiums shared their food and I enjoyed some fish and squid. Next we piled back on the boat and headed to a sand bar in the middle of the ocean. 

The ocean surrounding it was very shallow and warm as bath water. In the distance a mangrove tree grew in what looked like the middle of nowhere. It was remarkable and beautiful; so shallow everywhere, it looked like you could walk on water. From there we watched a huge storm moving in so we ran back to the boat to take cover.

For New Year’s Eve dinner we all went to The Bohol Bee Farm a hotel and restaurant that serves delicious organic food and sells all kinds of honey products. We took the buffet and ate salad, soup, lasagna, fish, chicken, warm breads and drank lemon grass juice. For dessert we had coconut based Bohol Bee Farm ice cream. It was amazing.

Afterward we made our way back to the beach where we were able to watch fire dancing, a local tradition. Then we sat down, ready to watch the fireworks. We faced the ocean expecting the show to start any minute when suddenly a huge explosion went off. The fireworks were blasting off behind us, right on the beach only a short distance away. We jumped to our feet and stood back while the fireworks cast light over the beach and the ocean. We hugged each other and shouted Happy New Year then ran to the closest dance party and joined in on the fun. 

Malipayong Pasko! Merry Christmas from the Philippines

It's Christmas Eve in the Philippines and I cannot help but feel homesick. I miss my family. I miss the cold air of a winter day in Washington. I miss the aroma of my mother's cooking and the sound of her Christmas carols on the piano. I miss the sight of my father building up a fire in our living room, while listening to one of his favorite jazz albums. I miss watching movies with my brother while we snack on Christmas cookies in our pajamas. I hold these memories so dear to me as I spend my first Christmas away from home. I guess this day was bound to come sometime. 

The good news is that here in Cebu I have many wonderful people around me to share the holidays with and I know that I am loved. I was able to attend a Christmas party at the Good Shepherd Recovery Center where the girls performed in a Nativity play. I was also able to exchange gifts with the staff and all the girls at the Good Shepherd Welcome House. Thanks to donations from the nurses of Everett Providence Pediatrics Unit we were able to give each girl a generous gift. I began the holidays with a trip to the beach with my host family and we will spend Christmas day together at the house, Sam another PCV close by will be joining us. 

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, cherish your loved ones.

Is it because I'm white or because I'm a woman?

Here in the Philippines I am more conscience of my race and sex than any previous time in my life. I have been living here for a few months now and although I knew things would be different, nothing in my social work education could have prepared me for this.

In the Philippines being white is considered gwapa or beautiful and there are endless skin whitening products available to further this cause. Complete strangers will approach me and tell me how beautiful I am, often seeming to be mesmerized by my blue eyes. I am also constantly stared at, which after a while leaves me feeling more objectified than flattered. The fact that I am in a big city doesn't help either. Unless I am at my agency with the people who work with me every day, I will always be regarded as a complete outsider by the rest of my community, which happens to be about 798,634 people.

My status as a single woman is also of great interest here. The other day a jeepney driver actually asked me at what age I plan to become a housewife, as if that was my inevitable fate. To be a woman who drinks beer, travels alone, and doesn't cook is concerning enough, but the fact that I am not dating anyone or actively seeking a husband is equally disturbing. No need to mention my lack of a religious background or my support for reproductive health care.

Although dealing with these trials and reconciling my identity on a daily basis grows tiresome, I would never trade the experience for anything, because it provides a platform for a conversation and a genuine exchange of cultural norms. It also gives me the opportunity to understand what battles are worth fighting for, decide who I really am, and figure out what I truly feel passionate about. And isn't that the whole point of joining the Peace Corps?