The Philippines - Part I...

Wednesday, October 14, off we go!

Christopher has lived and worked in the Philippines for over seven years now. I had planned to visit him several years ago. I got my passport updated then COVID hit. It was just not safe to travel, I admit I was disappointed. It was almost a year before Chris got to come home. 

One of the bittersweet parts of this experience is knowing how happy Chris is in the Philippines. He has found success there and built a life he enjoys. He loves the warm weather, beautiful beaches, the people, the lifestyle, and I know Utah isn't where he wants to be.

As his mom, I couldn't be happier that he is doing well and finding his own happiness. He's an adult and he needs to live his life the way he chooses. Having only two sons, and one of them living so far away is something my mother's heart struggles with. I want my son's to be happy, but I guess I will always wish Chris lived a little closer. 

Chris and his business partners provided a opportunity for me visit the Philippines. It was first time I have flown business class and I am very grateful for their generosity. I was thankful Chris and I could fly to the Philippines together.

Business class lounge in LA, fancy!

The service was amazing in business class on Philippine Airlines (PAL) "The Heart of the Filipino." Mabuhay!

Having seats that reclined made the 14 hour flight very comfortable!

The cabin crew turned off the lights when it was bedtime and turned them back on when it was time for breakfast.

The food was delicious, the Filipinos love their rice. I really enjoyed the famous Filipino sausage, longganisa.

 We landed safely in Manila during the early morning hours. 

Christopher's company has a driver, Lester. I wasn't prepared for all the traffic... cars, motorcycles, buses, jeepneys, people crossing, and traffic coming from what seems like every direction! Somehow, everyone seems to know exactly what they are doing, even when it looks like complete chaos. Lester was amazing and navigated it all with such patience, confidence, and skill. He would politely beep the horn occasionally and got us everywhere safely. 

We went to the condo where Chris lives and took showers, then walk around BGC. We got a lot of steps in everyday!

View from Chris's condo!

(Bonifacio Global City is a 240-hectare mixed-use estate and central business district in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines, anchored by Bonifacio High Street and a cluster of corporate towers. Developed on former military land and formally established in 1995, BGC now hosts the Philippine Stock Exchange, major multinational offices, shopping complexes and cultural attractions such as The Mind Museum, and features urban parks like Track 30th and Terra 28th. Visitors typically stroll the pedestrian promenades, dine and shop in its malls and retail strips, or use the BGC Bus and local jeepney routes to connect to other parts of Metro Manila.)

Lots of stray cats and many of the shop owners will leave food for them.

Chris gets a coconut juice almost every morning and I really enjoyed trying one too.

Very refreshing!

Delicious chia seed and fruit bowl for breakfast with fresh mango and papaya.

Christmas decorations go up in September, the Filipinos love Christmas. There is also Christmas music playing in all the stores.

The Philippines is considered a developing nation and often called a "Third World Country." There seems to be a stark wealth inequality, infrastructure gaps, and some governance challenges. I saw this first hand as we left the beautiful modern city of BGC where Chris lives and then drove through one of the provinces. 

There are congested road, limited public transportation, unreliable power grids, and high inflation. There are also strained water supplies (you cannot drink tap water, only bottled water), and low wages. Despite all that I saw people who worked hard. There were roadside stands and vendors everywhere. Some where little wooden stalls, others where just tables set up along the road, with umbrellas or tarps providing a little shade. You see so many different things for sale- fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, Filipino treats, and all kinds of household items. I really wanted to bring home a handmade broom. You see people outside "brooming" as they call it. There are humble homes and most don't have air conditioning which the Filipinos call "air con." Christopher's Filipino business partner, Mark once told me that they are generally very happy people despite all the challenges.

Jeepneys are everywhere, usually every seat is taken, and no air con.

These pedicab are also everywhere. They have a sidecar for a passenger. Chris rode in one and he said it was a terrible experience. No air con and expensive.

My visit to the Philippines was a full cultural experience that I will carry with me forever. Chris was a wonderful host and made every part of our adventure special. Seeing a little piece of his life meant so much to me.

To be continued...

Twelve years of Grey Max...

Grahm was showing me what he was making on the 3D printer.

Grahm liked the stuffie I brought back from the Philippines!

I was so thankful I made it back from the Philippines in time for Grey's family birthday dinner. A little jet lagged but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else! Mark made delicious breakfast sandwiches. I didn't have time to make a cake but Harmon's has a wonderful bakery.

Tiff had "jet lag" because she stayed up until Cash got home from the Sadie's dance. Cash told her to just go to bed and she replied that she will always wait up for him to come home. That's what moms do!

Sweet Rue Rue!

Grandpa loves to play catch with Grahm.

Could Grey be any sweeter?!

Mark warming up to play Happy Birthday on the guitar!

I wrote this for Grey a few years ago but it's worth sharing again. He's a delightful young man and it's a great privilege to be his grandma. I love him so much.

October 22, 2023

"It's birthday week for Grey! He always waits patiently for his turn. Grey was born during my favorite season and we were happy to have him join our family on October 22. It's hard to believe he will be nine years old! I can't remember when green became his favorite color but I still smile when I think about him saying, "It's my favorite green." Grey is charming and people will often notice that. He has a kind and gentle heart. However, he can also hold his own against the big boys. I was especially proud of Grey during Fall soccer, it was a difficult season. The team maybe had extra players to sub in for one or two games. It was so hot for several of the games and the grass was always way too long. But Grey never gave up. He played even when he was hot, thirsty, and tired. Grey is a team player, a good sport, and he played with great defense. He had some powerful kicks and can run really fast. Grey can do hard things and he will continue to do great things. We had a wonderful birthday date and sleepover on Thursday. I may have got him a few of his favorite green clothes. He has my heart and I couldn't love him more. Happy Birthday Gus!"

Twelve pictures in honor of our Grey!

"I'm almost always happy" - Grey