Philippine Trek

Bolo knives

2006-01-05T09:30:00.000+08:00

Bolo knives
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Filipinos are very resourceful in using recycled material for every need, Here the local blacksmith creates Bolo knives from discarded car leaf springs. Each knife sells from 120PHP to 200PHP depending on length.

Nepa Hut

2006-01-05T09:25:00.000+08:00

Nepa Hut
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Nepa Hut leaves are used to create roofs for huts that are found on this tropical island and through out the Philippines. This women can make over 100 bundles of leaves in a 8 hour day, weaving the leaves together to create parts of the roof material.

Hanging Bridge

2006-01-05T09:15:00.000+08:00

Hanging Bridge
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

The same bamboo bridge with a surreal affect added. Tourist go back the way they came but make sure that they do a few at a time as the bridge moves with every step. Making it a good adventure unless you have vertigo.

Hanging Bamboo bridge

2006-01-05T09:12:00.000+08:00

Hanging Bamboo bridge
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Across the upper part of the Loboc River in Bohol is a hanging bamboo bridge that is a major tourist attraction. This bridge hangs approxiamately 20 meters abive and sways back and forth as you walk across.

Chocolate Hills

2006-01-05T08:48:00.000+08:00

Chocolate Hills
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

One of the most spectacular sights of the island of Bohol are the hills in a province called Carmen. During the summers, the dome-shaped grass covered limestone hills dry up and turn brown, transforming the area into seemingly endless rows of chocolate “kisses, thus the name Chocolate HIlls. There are 1200 mof these hills that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Tarsier Monkeys

2006-01-05T08:43:00.000+08:00

Tarsier Monkeys
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Over the thanksgiving holiday this past yer I spent time on the island of Bohol which is about 90 minutes south of Cebu by Ocean Jet Ferry. On this island they have the smallest primate in existance. Would you believe that the tarsier, measuring 4 to 5 inches and a tail longer than its body, can easily fit snugly in the human hand and is 36 million years old? It is limited tot the forest pockets in Bohol and having the status of an endangered species, the tarsier has generated substantial interest.

Home in the jungle

2005-12-23T05:28:00.000+08:00

Home in the jungle
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

My former journalism career took me all over and let me see things others never saw. In the province of Borbon most people that live there live in house constructed of wood, and tin. The base of the homes are concrete to prevent termites from destroying the whole house.

Boys and their goat

2005-12-23T05:24:00.000+08:00

Boys and their goat
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

I was visitng my girlfriends province north of Cebu in a town called Borbon. There I met her family and some others that couldnt wait to greet me. Here 2 boys show off the goat they are raising for market. Later that day I bought this goat and another for a party I was having in Cebu.

Solitude

2005-12-23T05:23:00.000+08:00

Solitude
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Serenity - that is what you get as you sit in the ocean above a reef in the South Pacific. A grandmother and her daughter enjoy the theraputic affects of the ocean off the island of Cebu in the Philippines.

3's a crowd

2005-10-06T20:43:00.000+08:00

Picture019_08Aug05
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Now I know I haven't posted in while - but work has been hectic and I haven't had the inspiration to post until now.
Lets see since I posted last I have been back to the US to visit friends for 2 weeks.. Why is that I feel like a visitor every time I go back home?
Well this picture I had been trying to get for some time - In this country the best mode of transpotation is by Motorcycle. The size of the bike are anywhere from 90cc to 150cc. It is not un-common see more than 2 people on the bikes. In this case you have Mom - Dad - son all on one scooter. Now near my condo in Cebu I have seen 5 on these things - Mom - Dad - and 3 kids. Quite a sight. Still trying to get that picture.

Carbon Market - Cebu

2005-06-19T01:15:00.000+08:00

Carbon Market - Cebu
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Not for the timid. I ventured out at past 11pm to a place that only locals go. This is Carbon street market. A market that is there all day but comes alive after the sun goes down. Here the locals and many people that have relocated to Cebu shop for fruits, vegetables and other edibles. Foreigners are a rare site here, as most wont venture this far due to the unsavory crowd the one might find. My girlfriend��s cousins escorted me as they did shopping there for their canteen. It was an experience as everywhere I turned I felt as if I was the main attraction of the night. This usually happens when I venture out to somewhere new in this country.

Baby Ducks - Itik

2005-06-06T06:24:00.000+08:00

Baby Ducks -
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

These are the ducks that are birn if the eggs reach thier full maturity before they are sold and eaten. The idea behind having so many ducks as to stop having to get our eggs shipped from Manila. We are now on our way to that with 150 baby ducks ready to become egg producers.

Checking the eggs

2005-06-06T06:16:00.000+08:00

Checking the eggs
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

My partner checks the current supply of eggs for age. If the egg is clear it is usually sellable as. As the egg starts to age, you must constantly check them as it will reach certain stages that make it unsellable or more of a delicacy as the baby embryo develops.

The selected eggs are first incubated between bags of toasted palay (whole rice grains with husk) or ipa (rice husk) to stimulate the body temperature of the mother duck (42½C). The set-up is then layered with sako (burlap bags) to serve as insulators. Complete development or hatching takes place within 28 days of incubation. After six days the eggs are tested and those discovered to be infertile are itlog na maalat (salt-cured) or sold as sariwa (fresh). Those which are fertile but have failed to develop at normal speed are detected and separated on the 14th day of incubation. They are boiled and sold as penoy. Their appearance is similar to a hard-cooked duck egg. Eco, those containing dead embryos, are spoiled and have no market value.

Balut loaded and ready to go

2005-06-06T06:08:00.000+08:00

Balut loaded and ready to go
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

BALUT - The wayward nature of the itik (native Filipino duck) must be the reason for an unusual Filipino delicacy - balut - a fertilised egg with a partially developed duckling, which is eaten boiled. Balut is a very nutritious snack food, which most Filipinos appreciate. However, non-Filipinos generally take a bit of convincing before taking their first bite.

I have invested in this business with my friends brother. There is a huge market in this country for the duckling eggs. Especially in provinces where supplies are thin. Cebu is one of the islands with several little small towns that don't have the commerce do have everything Manila or even Cebu City would have. Our day started with a trip to the pier to pick the lastest shipment of Balut, which would last approximately 3 days then it would be time to get more. The eggs are shipped from Manila by ship and then transported by a small truck or Jeepney. It is sold on the streets by vendors who pick up theirt supply from my partner.

First ride in a Jeepney

2005-06-06T05:45:00.000+08:00

First ride in a Jeepney
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

I have said since I have been in the Philippines that I would never ride in a Jeepney. Well never is a prtetty big word. For those that know I am a pretty big guy and I tower over most vehicles in this country. I was in a province called Liloan, where a business I have invested in resides. We were delivery Balut to the storage place and my partner wanted to show me the small province, or town as it would be called in the US. So I climbed int eh bacl of the Jeepney we had rented for the delivery run from Cebu City to Liloan. The whole time I was in the Jeepney I was bent over. I could never raise my head and was in a cramped position. Nowe i know why I would never ride in one of these things.

Fort San Pedro - Cebu

2005-03-27T10:10:00.000+08:00

Fort San Pedro - Cebu
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Fort San Pedro, located at Cebu Cityâs wharf area, was the nucleus of the first Spanish settlement in the country. It began as a single triangular bastion, built in 1565, and was not completed for another 200 years. Over the centuries the fort has been put to several uses, includingÂ a watch-tower to counter pirate attacksÂ in the 1700s, a prison for local rebels during the Philippine revolution, a US army barracks, and during world war II a prison camp. Today the fort has been turned into a museum-park, giving visitors to Cebu a glimpse of the islandâs history.

Walking in a tide pool

2005-03-27T09:46:00.000+08:00

Walking in a tide pool
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Early morning search in the tide pool... you find all kids of things hiding in the seaweed. Shells - Star Fish - baby crabs... The list never ends..

Low tide at Herdon Beach

2005-03-27T09:44:00.000+08:00

Low tide at Herdon Beach
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Low tide at the beach in Cebu allows you to take some spectacular shots. If you arrive at the site early in the morning you can walk up to 200 yards out into the bay while the tide is low and experience all kinds of sea life, as well as get a good look at where you just came from.

Mine is stronger than yours

2005-03-13T13:09:00.000+08:00

Mine is stronger than yours
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Owners of birds arrive from all over the island. Ready to do battle with anyone. Each Rooster is wieghed and then put into a class. The fights usually last about 2 minutes. There is a 10 minute time limit on bouts, but the 10 I saw never lasted more than 2 minutes. For those that are weak of heart but are still curious, dont sit ringside as you will see all. Blood, feathers, and moeny fly everywhere.
Here are more pictures of the event.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gcphotog1/album?.dir=/2d61

Dance to the death...

2005-03-13T13:05:00.000+08:00

Dance to the death
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

For those that are not familar with Cock fighting. Each bird is fitted with a very sharp blade that is attached to one leg. The bird battle to the death, once they are let loose by thier owners.

Place your bets...

2005-03-13T12:10:00.000+08:00

Place your bets...
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

These events are big and are held in arena that are made just for this. The Sunday that I went there were over 2000 people packed into this place. Here ring leaders are placing odds on the Roosters that are about to do battle. Filipino dont make much money but there were some $100 to $200 bets, which for most could be one month pay.

In this corner...

2005-03-13T12:07:00.000+08:00

In this corner...
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Since I have been here I have always wanted to go to a Cock Fight. I am not one that likes to see animals that are trained to kill each for the sport, but in this country this sport is actually shown on a sports channel. So my interest was peaked. Here the birds are introduced to each other than let go to fight.

Santa Nina holy candles

2005-03-13T11:42:00.000+08:00

Santa Nina holy candles
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Basilica Minore de Santo Nino is one of the oldest churches in Cebu. It is among the most important religious pilgrim destinations of the Philippines. This church marks the seat of the Christianization of the country, which took place in 1565 with the conversion to the Christian faith of Rajah Humabon, the king of Cebu at that time, and his wife Queen Juana. In 1965, thousands of people from all over the Philippines and across the globe came to Cebu City for the celebration of the 4th Centennial of the Christianization of the Philippines. You can light candles in the courtyard and say your prayers. Many people believe by doing this miracles are performed.

Santa Nina holy candles

2005-03-13T11:41:00.000+08:00

Santa Nina holy candles
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Magellan's Cross

2005-03-13T11:31:00.000+08:00

Magellans Cross
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

In the middle of the commerce section fo Cebu City, near the Colon sits a monument of the Cross that Ferdinand Magellan brought with him.

Ferdinand Magellanwas the first European to come to the Philippines in 1521. Also known as Fernao Magalhaes or Fernando Magallanes, he was a Portuguese navigator working for the King of Spain. When he and his crews landed on Cebu island, they were met by a native chief, Rajah Humabon. Having befriend him, Rajah Humabon, his wife and hundreds of his native warriors agreed to accept Christianity and were consequently baptised. Magellan planted a cross to signify this important event about the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith in what is now the Philippines. The original cross is reputedly encased in another wooden cross for protection, as people started chipping it away in the belief that it had miraculous healing powers. This prompted the government officials to encase it in tindalo wood and secured it inside a small chapel called "kiosk." Some say, however, that the original cross was actually destroyed as it took another 45 years (1565) before Cebu was visited again by another European (Miguel Lopez de Legazpi) who made it the first capital of the Spanish colony known as Las Islas Filipinas. The Magellan cross displayed here is said to be a replica of such cross. It is housed in a small chapel located in front of the present city hall of Cebu, along Magallanes Street (named in honor of Magellan).

Sadly, Magellan met his death under the hands of another Visayan chief, Lapu-Lapu, when he went to the nearby island of Mactan. Mactan now forms part of Cebu, in central Philippines. There, both the statues of Magellan and Lapu-Lapu proudly stand.

Festive colors - Sinulog

2005-03-13T07:36:00.000+08:00

Sinulog Parade '05
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Almost every costume is hand made. The colors are spectacular. The people and history are great. More images can be found here.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/gcphotog1/album?.dir=5689

Waiting for the parade to continue

2005-03-13T07:11:00.000+08:00

Waiting for the parade to continue
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

The parade lasted a long time and one of the reasons was that it seemed like ecery 15 minutes it would stop. For those that have every been to the islands know that mid day heat can get pretty hot and humid. These band members take every opportunity to take a break in the long parade.

Crowds were shoulder to shoulder

2005-03-13T07:01:00.000+08:00

Sinulig Parade '05
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Crowds lined the over 15 kilometer parade route from the start of the parade at 9am to the end at 10pm.

Reaching the Masses - Sinulog

2005-03-13T06:56:00.000+08:00

Sinulog Parade '05
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

The parade offered all types of floats, including the large walking puppet that had the ability to dip into the crowd.

Sinulog Parade '05

2005-03-13T06:36:00.000+08:00

Sinulog Parade '05
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

In January I got a chance to watch one of the most colorful festivals I have ever seen. The city of Cebu on the Island of Cebu, celebrated Sinulog, Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo NiÃ±o. Santo Nino, which means image of the child Christ, is played prominently in the parade. It is believed that miracles can happen in the Catholic community when you pray this Saint. Every parade participant paid special homage to the patron saint,

Even the smallest hole in traffic and people try to take...

2005-02-28T08:29:00.000+08:00

Even the smallest hole in traffic and people try to take...
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Getting around town in Metro Manila can be a challenge when the sun is up. If you are a first time visitor donât think that you are going to rent a car and go sightseeing. I have noticed that the countries traffic laws are suggestions not mandatory, as it seems no one follows them. If you need to squeeze in to traffic from anywhere just blow your horn and make your move, most all drivers will accommodate you. If there is the slightest hole that you think you can fit, stick a wheel there and see if you can. If you need to make a U-Turn from the right hand lane across 4 lanes of traffic, no problem, blow your horn and get going.
Renting a car, I donât think so.

Ayala Park from the top...

2005-02-28T08:22:00.000+08:00

Ayala Park from the top...
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Although the malls are big inside, designers make sure that the outside of the buildings is taken care of too. Because the malls are places to take family trips and gather to see your friends they offer parks, such as this one outside of the Glorietta Mall in Makati. These parks are used for a variety of things such as concerts, artistic visual displays and showcases for corporations.

Metro Manila

2005-02-28T08:17:00.000+08:00

Metro Manila
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Being a small nation doesnât stop this country from being rich in architecture. In Makati City there are literally dozens of tall buildings. Some that rivals New York. Most are state of the art with atriums and elevators that feel like they are moving at the speed of light. It is also has it pitfalls as walking around to photograph these building can be hazardous to your health as with cities the traffic and smog in the air can be quite bad for you.

The Gruper - served with head intact...

2005-02-20T10:47:00.000+08:00

The Gruper - served with head intact...
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

The restaurants in along the bay in Manila, called Harbor View. It is near the US Embassy. The eatery is one of many that are located on a pier that extends out into the bay. You dine on the pier. The atmosphere is great. As you enter the restaurant that food is showcased in fish tanks and you can pick directly from there or have the waiter pick for you.

Before cooking

2005-02-20T10:46:00.000+08:00

Before cooking
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Tiger Lobster. These can reach in sizes of 1kg or 3 to 4 pounds. This one is about 900grams. Brought to your table so you can tell the waiter ok enough parading, go cook it.

After cooking - yummy

2005-02-20T10:44:00.000+08:00

After cooking - yummy
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Before coming to the country I was never a big lobster fan. I think the only reason was the size they were at local restaurants in northern California. I come to this country and the seafood choices are plenty. The size of these creatures is great. This one shown is 900kg or about 2lbs.

Roadside Convienence

2005-02-16T20:40:00.000+08:00

Roadside Convienence
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

If you are in the US and you were on the freeway and need to use the restroom, you find the next exit and hope you had a gas station to fill your needs. If it was an emergency you would just pull over and relieve yourself there. Well in the Manila for the guys at least along the EDSA highway there are portable facilities for them to use. They units really stand out with their pink color. The only people that really notice they exist are tourist. Sorry ladies this was not designed to be unisex. There is a pipe in the back for the guys only.

After trip through the falls

2005-02-07T11:37:00.000+08:00

After trip through the falls
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

A local tribe has been making money for years by faring tourist on a bamboo raft under to and through the falls. They would stop for at least 10 minutes under the falls giving you a very invigorating natural massage.
One thing that stood out as we were there is the Japanese tourist that would take this trip in street clothes and take on the falls ride fully clothed. Everyone else wore swim clothes.

Some history:
Pagsanjan is most famous for its falls. The town itself dates from early Spanish times and lies at the confluence of two rivers, the Balanac and the Bumbungan. Indeed legend has it that the name of the town derives from the Tagalog word "Pinagsangahan" meaning 'juncture.'

Founded in 1578 by a Spanish Franciscan friar, the town quickly became a center for local trade because of its strategic location. In 1668 the Governor of the Philippines formalized the status of "town" and the newly created parish chose Mexico's Our Lady of Guadeloupe as the town's patroness. It must be remembered that Governance of the Philippines by Spain was indirect and in fact the local Spanish authorities reported to Mexico, which was the principal trade route to Europe at that time.

Pagsanjan WaterFall

2005-02-07T11:35:00.000+08:00

Pagsanjan WaterFall
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

When we reached the falls it was one of the best sites I had seen in this country. The water was just pure. The return trip was less exciting as the rapids were real easy to traverse.
This was a trip that I truly enjoyed and hope to do it again soon.

Pagsanjan WaterFall

2005-02-07T11:34:00.000+08:00

Pagsanjan WaterFall
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Up and down the river...

2005-02-07T11:31:00.000+08:00

Heading home
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Going up the river was easy at first, as boats all were lashed together with rope and pulled by another motorized canoe. Once we reached the rapids it became hard on the boatmen, as they were our only source of. Put they took it in stride, as this is what they had been doing all of their life. When we reached the first rapid it became evident that this river was special. The river is in the middle of deep cliffs on both sides that stretch almost half mile up, covered in vines as if we were in a jungle. Later I found out that this river was famous. It had been featured in the movies, Apocalypse Now, and a couple of the Chuck Norris movies Missing in Action. At each of the 13 rapids the oars men would drag the boat the across the rocks to get us up river. Twice during the trip up stream we had to exit the boat as they couldnât lift my boat mate and myself without damaging the boat. Which was hard to do as the back of the boat was splitting anyway. During the whole trip we were taking on water. The oarsmen were constantly bailing out the boat.

Rafts, yeah right!

2005-02-07T11:29:00.000+08:00

Rafts, yeah right!
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Pagsanjan, Laguna PHILIPPINES

This trip was sold to me as a rafting trip on a level 1 river. So I am thinking the American River and a big raft. To my surprise after the 2-hour drive from Makati City was that there were no rafts.
Our mode of transportation would be real skinny wooden boats controlled by 2 oarsmen who would traverse upstream along this river. The boats were not built for people my size. As I sat down in the boat, the water was well below what it would normally be, We were given what the Filipino boatman called a life vest, which consisted of several pieces of Styrofoam in orange fabric. I figure if we capsized I would get rid of mine as it would more than likely drown me. As we went up the river you could see families who used the river as a source of recreation and to make a living. Kids were playing in the deep channel and women could be seen washing clothes.

Which way do I go

2005-01-26T20:58:00.000+08:00

Which way do I go
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

The childrenâs playground is the tomb where they hop from one tomb to the next. It is just a big concrete park to them. This is where they grow up and learn the names of the dead and help those like my friend find love ones after years of being away.

A place for the living?

2005-01-26T20:57:00.000+08:00

A place for the living?
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

In most big cemeteries in the Philippines they are not only occupied by the dead, but by also families that live there. Some are paid by the families to take of the tomb or mausoleums. And some are just squatter that claim a spot of land and set up their home. This spot of land is usually in a mausoleum or near it. During bad weather they take shelter inside the bigger enclosures.

Tomb hopping

2005-01-26T20:56:00.000+08:00

Tomb hopping
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Last weekend I had an interesting experience, A friend of mine wanted to go visit her father who has been buried in one of Manilaâs best know cemeteries, North GreenHills.
From the Makati city to Mandaluyong City it took most of 90 minutes to traverse the Friday morning traffic. Upon arrival you are greeted with vendors selling everything from candles to flowers.
We eventually found the road that her father is supposed to be buried near. This is where it gets interesting.
Her father is in a tomb that is considered a condominium. In the Philippines space is at a premium so the dead are stacked on top of each other if you donât have enough money to actually buy a plot of land.
To get to the tomb we had to walk a distance. This included something I and most westerners have never done, walk between tombs and if necessary on top of them to get to a stairway that allows you to get to the tombs that are stacked on top of each other.

Leg room???

2005-01-15T20:05:00.000+08:00

Leg room???
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

The truck is powered by a 3-cylinder engine and even has air conditioner. The legroom for us that are a little taller is not much. Not much head room either. the truck runs a total of $7K US. The dealer was happy to let me try it out. Even took pictures to show the general manager.

Not my size

2005-01-15T19:59:00.000+08:00

Not my size
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

To all my friends that know me, I am not a small guy. But this is definitely a one size does not fit all issue. This 2005 Yamaha made pickup truck was being showcased at one of the malls in Manila. I figured why not try it out.

Caddy and Umbrella girl

2005-01-10T12:49:00.000+08:00

Caddy and Umbrella girl
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Being an avid golfer in the US I have never played where someone else carried my clubs or catered to me while I was on the course. But low and behold at every course here a caddy is a requirement. And because of the temperatures in the country a umbrella girl is a good idea. Meet Fernando and April. They are the people that help me navigate one of my favorite courses in Manila, Villamour GC. This is a course that is located on a Philippine air base and is open to the public. The sole reason for the umbrella girl to is to keep the sun off of you. Regardless of what time you tee off it is hot and humid, usually around 85 to 90 degrees with 65 to 80 percent humidity, more so as it gets to be around 10AM until dark. So if you want to experience the feeling of being on tour and having someone give you the yardage, knows every break in the greens as well as speed then you should make a trip here.

Driving range ball boy

2005-01-09T11:30:00.000+08:00

Range ball boy
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

I am an avid golfer. I will play and practice every chance that I get. In the Philippines as in most Far East countries golf is considered a rich mans sport. As such every amenity is afforded to the player. This includes the driving range. At the range you arrive and a range boy comes over and gets your clubs. You choose your practice stall and then he will go and get the balls for you. In the US on the range you go get your own balls and place the bucket next to you and tee them up yourself. In the Philippines the range boy sits inside of your stall and tees the ball up for you. When I first encountered this he made me nervous the first couple of swings, because I kept thinking I was going to hit him. After a while you get used to his presence and continue on with your practice. Most practice facilities have clay as the base of the stall instead of a mat. This makes it difficult to work on shots that you are trying to shape or check your divot for as it pertains to your line up.

Morning traffic Metro Manila

2005-01-09T11:11:00.000+08:00

Morning traffic Metro Manila
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

The Ox cart continues...

Ox Cart

2005-01-09T11:09:00.000+08:00

Ox Cart
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

The old and new make their way through traffic during the early morning hours of Metro Manila traffic. This Ox Cart carrying baskets ddn't seemed phased as he traversed an intersection among the Jeepneys who will go anywhere to try to get around the old mode of transportation.

Garage cleaning

2005-01-08T22:12:00.000+08:00

Garage cleaning
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Imagine that your job everyday was to mop by hand the 8th floor parking garage. Well that is this gentlemens job in my office building. It takes him several hours to complete the task all the while cars are going in an out. Kind of hard to place a slippery when wet sign up while the building is in operation, which is 24x7.

Secured Entrance

2005-01-08T22:02:00.000+08:00

Secured Entrance
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

Security is an everyday thing in this country. You can not enter a buidling or a parking garage without your person or vehicle checked. This is the entrance to the parking garage of my office building which at the time was a 40 story building. In the US we take security for granted. But I guess after 9/11 we have become more diligent knowing that you can be reached from anywhere in the world.

Makati City skyline at 8AM

2005-01-08T06:54:00.000+08:00

Makati City skyline at 8AM
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

From the 28th floor of my office the Makati City skyline is very pretty. You can see a long ways as long as the smog has cleared. There always seems to be construction happening everywhere as more tall skyscrapers are being built. Most of the money comes from offshore companies.

Morning traffic

2005-01-07T22:36:00.000+08:00

On coming traffic
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

More on traffic and laws. One day when leaving work the driver decided to try a short cut. This street is not a one-way street although it looks that way in the picture. Driver decide that all lanes need to go a certain way regardless if they are on the wrong side of the street. My driver waited almost 20 minutes while traffic cleared to go up this street. He could have easily turned around and taken a different way back to the hotel, but I was not one that was going to tell him. Back seat driving is ignored here. Better to just go with the flow.

Jeepney Cab - Morning work

2005-01-07T22:09:00.000+08:00

Jeepney Cab. Cost 2 pesos to ride.
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

The main mode of transportation in this country is Jeepney. The army jeeps left by the United States after the Second World War inspired the making of these vehicles. Artworks of painstaking detail are often seen on the shining chrome bodies of these vehicles, which, as earlier said, are copies of army jeeps, resized and remodeled to accommodate commuting passengers numbering from 20 to 30 all in all. You will see more of these vehicles later as I have started a series on these very colorful vehicles. It cost a minimum of 5 pesos to ride one of these, (Exchange rate is 56 pesos to the dollar) so basically 9 cents.

McDonalds Kiosks outside Green Hills Mall

2005-01-07T21:55:00.000+08:00

McDonalds Kisoks outside GreenHills Mall
Originally uploaded by Greg Clark.

I have seen plenty of kiosks in my time, but this is the first time I have seen a McDonalds outside of the a mall. This particular place served yogurt and ice cream, and anything that didnât need a fryer. 2 people always manned the booth. Oh yes if you are wondering 40% of the country is Muslim. This place was located in a town call San Juan outside of a mall called Green Hills. This particular mall is a favorite among those that frequent this country. We also call the âBlack Marketâ mall. More on why later.

Traffic around the hotel

2005-01-07T21:33:00.000+08:00

Traffic around the hotel
Originally uploaded by demacmaster.

Traffic is always an issue when you live on an island. Even though most of the people in the country cant afford a car, you will take notice that most of the cars are brand new. These mostly belong to those that have relatives in the states or who work 6 months a year abroad and come home with cash to burn. The other thing about traffic here is that all traffic laws are suggestions not laws. The horn and the signal are key to surviving this. It is not uncommon for your driver to make a U-Turn from the far right lane and cut across 4 lanes of traffic. Road rage is not an issue here as this type of driving is expected.

Greg Teaderman clowning with the Jolibee mascot

2005-01-07T21:14:00.000+08:00

Greg Teaderman clowning with the Jolibee mascot
Originally uploaded by demacmaster.

My friend and co-worker Greg Teaderman has fun with the Jollibee Mascot.

Greg with Jollibee Mascot

2005-01-07T20:28:00.000+08:00

Greg with the Mascot
Originally uploaded by demacmaster.

Jollibees is a big fast food chain in this part of the country. It rivals McDonalds in the US. Outside of every restaurant there is a statue of the Jollibee, Being a tourist at this time my friends and I decided to have fun with it. Since it was outside we were a hit with patrons eating inside.

Glorietta Mall - Makati City

2005-01-07T20:12:00.000+08:00

Glorietta Mall - Makati City
Originally uploaded by demacmaster.

This is the inside of the mall that sits below the Oakwood. It is 6 stories tall. The 2nd floor is strictly a food court. The mall is shaped like an octagon. On any given day it is always packed. The middle area as held everything from a super hero day to actually concerts. Most Filipino come to the malls not to spend money but to have a family outing as it is air-conditioned. You say why would they do that. Most of the homes on the islands have no air-conditioning. Most that visit the mall can not even afford to shop there.

Security checkpoint Makati

2005-01-06T21:37:00.000+08:00

Security checkpoint Mall
Originally uploaded by demacmaster.

In the Philippines, especially Makati City, the business district of Manila, security is very tight. All cars are searched before entering the parking garage beneath the hotel. This is a common practice at any building where cars park.

Oakwood Premiere - The left tower 30 floors tall

2005-01-06T21:26:00.000+08:00

Oakwood Premiere - The right tower 30 floors tall
Originally uploaded by demacmaster.

Here a link to the hotel. www.oakwood.com/action/oakwood/profile/propertyOverview
It is infamous place was we found out. In August of 2003 it was taken over by a military coup and wrapped in C4 (plastic explosives), from then on it was just called Oakwood.

Oakwood Premiere - The right tower 30 floors tall

2005-01-06T21:25:00.000+08:00

Oakwood Premiere - The right tower 30 floors tall
Originally uploaded by demacmaster.

This hotel is very spacious inside. The lobby is located on the 6th floor. All the other floors below that belong to the very big mall the hotel sits on called Glorietta.

Oakwood Premiere - Makati City

2005-01-06T21:24:00.000+08:00

Oakwood Premiere - Makati City
Originally uploaded by demacmaster.

A 5 star extended stay hotel in Makati. This is where the team stayed for 2.5 months while we trained the Filipinos workers on how to fix Apple computers using the internet.

'King of the world' - Makati skyline...

2005-01-05T21:02:00.000+08:00

'King of the world' - Makati skyline...
Originally uploaded by demacmaster.

This is the start how life makes me feel when I am traveling.In January of 2004 my company, a major ISP decided that it would outsource all of the customer service and technical support jobs to various companies. One of the companies was based in Manila, Philippines. Being the adventurous type I volunteered to help train the new employees in technical support for the Macintosh. This trip was only supposed to last from February 2004 until April 2004. Well I was recruited to run a contact center in another city in the Philippines, in a placed called Cebu. This island is located about 500 miles south of Manila. I have now been in the country for over 11 months with about 6 months left. This is an on going story of my journey.