Philippines Part 1: Manila

Well, we are officially back from a trip that we have been talking about for years, and planning for months.  We are a bit jet-lagged, but happy to be home with our little ones, and very thankful for our time in the Philippines.

Since the Philippines is pretty much home to Kris, there was never any doubt in our minds that we would one day visit there.  But the question of timing always arose.  The past 5 years have been a bit consumed with pregnancy and babies.  And, since we didn't plan on being pregnant or having a newborn during this season, we decided to go for it.

 

I can honestly say that I have a greater appreciation for and understanding of Kris after spending 2 weeks in the country in which he was raised.  Obviously, 2 weeks is nothing compared to the 18 years that he lived there, but it's better than nothing, right?!

I don't even know where to start.  Hmm, how about the beginning?  

Our trip started off a little bit stressful, as we had some passport issues from the get-go.  Long story short.....when we got to the check-in counter at O'Hare, the day we were scheduled to fly to Hong Kong and then on to Manila, we were informed that since Kris' passport expires in 5.5 months, and the Philippines has a law that you can't enter their country if you are within 6 months of expiration, we were in a bit of a predicament.

Even shorter version....they were not letting us on that plane.  Despite my pitiful crying.

Kris knew of this regulation, and had spoken with someone at the Philippine Consulate earlier this year who assured him that he would be fine, since he was so close to the 6 month mark.  Sigh.  Thankfully, it all worked out in the end, and we are thankful that the airlines did not charge us to change our flight.  Oh, and did you know that if you go straight to the passport office in downtown Chicago, you can have your passport expedited?  Like, really expedited....in a matter of hours?   Good good good information to know.  You know, in case you need a new one at the very last minute!  I would not suggest, however, knowingly putting yourself in such a position....

So, after a few hours at the passport office, a night in a near-the-airport hotel (thanks, Dad!), we were finally ready to go.  Updated passports and all.

We were quite happy to finally make it to our gate.  Only 24 hours after originally planned. =)

After 16 hours on the plane, we were relieved to have made it to Hong Kong.  (The sign says "Manila" and "Final Call".)  Just a 2 hour plane ride left!

I could probably write an entire book about my 2 week experience in the hubby's old stomping ground.  But, instead of rambling on and on and on and on, I'll post a few pictures and let them do some of the talking.  I'm splitting up our trip into several posts for the sake of length and space.  I took hundreds of photos, but have tried to narrow them down.  I feel like we did and saw so much, and it's hard for me to encompass it all in pictures and my own words.  So, I apologize if it's a bit chaotic.

For the first few days of our visit, we stayed with Kris' good high school friend, Paul (and his wife and kiddos), in Manila.   During these first days, we visited their church (which is where Kris attended for a good portion of his high school years), went swimming, ate lots of food, golfed (Kris, not me), and did some shopping.  We visited Faith (where Kris went to school) and took a trip down memory lane by visiting his old Manila neighborhood.  We also got to visit with some old friends. It was so fun to see - in person- the people and places that Kris and his family have talked about.   So, here we go.  The highlights of our time in Manila.

Kris was so excited to wear his barong to church.  The last time he wore it was for our wedding rehearsal!

Main road into Kris' old neighborhood, Brookside...

These "tricycles" are everywhere....part of their public transportation system. 

The first 2 houses in which his family lived were both on San Francisco St. (and across from each other).

 House #1...

 House #2...

 And, the 3rd and final house he lived in was on Berkshire.

 Kris assured me that when they lived there, there were vines and flowers covering the wall and barbed wire.  I imagine that would make it look a bit less like a prison!

 We had to take this next picture.  Kris grew up playing basketball in this dirt field.  At the time, it wasn't overgrown with grass and plants.    And, I am guessing that the cow was not there either.  But look at that fabulous hoop...still standing!

One of our days was spent visiting Faith Academy, which was definitely one of the highlights of the trip!  

 

It was so great for me to see the place where Kris spent all of his school years, and it was fun for Kris to see the changes that have been made to the school in recent years.

View of Manila from the school, which is set on a hill.

 

Soccer field, where Kris spent many many hours...

Playground and outside court...presumably where he spent many other hours!

A couple of new additions since Kris was there last...a pool and a beautiful courtyard.

In the new courtyard...

One night, we had the great pleasure of seeing Cynthia and Pepe, along with their kids, grandaughter, and their pastor and his wife.  (Kris' dad worked with Cynthia for many years during their time in the Philippines). 

This was a really great night.  Cynthia and her family were so hospitable.  They made a wonderful meal for us and it we great to spend time with them.  And, I became very impressed with the amount of Tagalog that Kris understood and spoke!

Caldereta and rice...

Spring rolls and Chop Suey...

For dessert, Buko (baby coconut) Salad...

I got to try lots of new food throughout the 2 weeks there.  Some I liked.  Some not so much.  Here are a couple of drinks that were definitely new to me....

This is called Halo Halo, which basically translates to "mix mix".

  

This one had beans, gelatin, leche flan, milk, shaved ice, and sago (tapioca balls).  I didn't love it, nor did I hate it.  Kris happily finished mine.  It's a pretty big deal over there, so I imagine that it would grow on me eventually!

This next one is called Taho (sorry for the blurry picture, it was taken on my phone).  Most mornings, you'll hear the "taho man" walking through the neighborhood yelling "Taaaahoooo".  (Like the good old neighborhood ice cream truck, minus the ice cream.  And minus the truck.  And minus the fun little song.)  Kris remembers having Taho as a special treat on Saturday mornings while growing up.

It's bean curd, sago, and a melted brown sugar syrup.    I actually really liked the flavor of this one, although the texture is a bit, um, interesting.  Oh, and Kris happily finished mine.

After shopping one day, Kris and Jenny and I went to a Filipino barbeque...

And here are a few other random pictures taken during our time in Manila...

Jeepney!  

There are about a gazillion of these mini-buses on the road at any given time.  They are another form of public transport, and there is apparently no law as to how many people can fit inside one at a time.

And, who needs seats?!

While sitting in Manila traffic**, one can buy an assortment of items. Snacks, cigarettes, pop, flowers, and gimmicky souvenirs (cowboy hat anyone?). 

I had to get a picture of this vendor.  One word: skills.

**Speaking of Manila traffic...seriously, it's crazy.  There are SO many cars, and not so much structure.  I suppose there are lanes, but nobody seems to care.  On more than one occasion, I seriously thought we were going to crash. Seriously.

Well, there's a little bit of what our first few days in the Philippines were like.  

Stay tuned for Philippines Part 2: Tagaytay!