Torres Says…

Day 9

Good Day Everyone, it is day 9 of my adventures here in the Philippines. I had the best day yesterday. I had my unofficial elementary reunion of my class. A couple months before I left Canada, I contacted a friend of mine from Elementary (who I found at Friendster) and pitched the idea of a mini elementary reunion. After about a month, she was in touch with half of my grade 6 class - the reunion was gonna happen.

My afternoon started with a tour of the old school. I attended Cembo Elementary School from grades 1-6 here before migrating to Canada. It was very nostalgic standing in the center of the school and reminiscing the good old elementary days. Most of my memories about the Philippines was during my elementary. I can’t even express how great it felt to visit the school. Wow!

Shortly after the quick tour, We went to Market Market Mall here at the Fort (formerly known as Fort Bonifacio). When I left the country, that place was filled with historical old (deteriorating) building and lots and lots of trees, now it was a metropolis in itself. It was beautiful. Granted, it was still sad to see the historical buildings go. We went to this seafood place, we were the first ones there. We were expecting about 17 people from my grade 6 class to show up. I was a bit nervous, it’s been 12 years since I last saw everyone. I never really kept in touch so I was definitly out for an interesting night.

Slowly people started arriving. Everyone person’s face that walked through the door lit up shortly after seeing some familiar faces. We ordered a LOT of fresh sea food and it was very cheap. The total bill wasw 5000 pesos ($113.cad) for 17 people including all the food, drinks and liquor. After dinner, we went around one by one to kind of talk about the 12 years after grade 6. Some of them were married, some have very stable jobs, some are still single and are going to be married next year. We are having another dinner as a going away party next week.

Day 11
I am back again in Mendez, Cavite. We left Manila at 5 am yesterday. Today we went to People’s Park in the Sky, which was about 30 minute drive from my Aunt’s house. It was formerly one of the houses of the late Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos. The house, who was apparently beautiful then, is not just an old abandoned building. It’s situated on top of the highest hill here in Cavite. It over looks 3 cities in Luzon (Main Island) - Tagaytay, Bulacan, and Laguna. The view was Amazing! We took lots of pictures. I love it here in Cavite. Eventhough life here is very simple, I’m away from the noise of the city. You wake up in the morning smelling the fresh morning dew - something you can’t get away with in the city.
Tomorrow, I am back in Manila to do some shopping and visit more family friends.

Its super hot here. I think I burned the tip of my nose yesterday. Sunscreen didn’t work. 12 more days till my trip ends. I’m not ready to go back. Hope you’re all doing well and still enjoying summer. I have regular access to my email and if you are interested in calling me (:D) you can reach me at 01163209059352581.

Paalam,

Michael