Vigan City's Mayor's Hunting Collection
I'm not a big fan of zoos. I know that some help preserve the animal kingdom but this one doesnt. This is the Mayor's obsession... To hunt animals and place their skins here.
Showing posts with label Traveling Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traveling Blog. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Monday, June 18, 2018
Week 9: Progress Made and All The Rain
Me and my cousin Joville at Santiago Beach!
Rain Rain Rain!! (Literally it rained all week lol)
Sun: Rest Day
Mon: Transcript Came In!
Tues: Independence Day (Though no one knows who from lmao) Santiago Dagat!!! High Waves and Gasping Breaths
Weds: Practiced Languages
Thursday: Practuce Languages
Fri: Birthday Catholic Service
Sat Candon,Supplies
My wifi has been picky but for some reason my apps work fine so I found a way around my problem! I am currently using my Instagram browser on my phone. I dont understand why ny wifi wont let me log into the factory setting password through my browser (through my laptop AND my cell) but I wont stress over it since I know now that I can go through other apps to get to the website I want.
There are 3 people that I want to bring up before I get started on telling y'all about my week. I want to thank Eric Hernandez for helping me with my spanish. My best friend's birthday was this week!! Yay 22! Your wishes are official through the blog. And Lastly, Connie Hernandez gets a feature this week because I wanted to show her the blog lol.
I met Eric Hernandez at Stripes while I worked overnight. He also worked overnight as a sweeper for All Clean of Texas. I wanted the job but even through my persistant I wasnt able to land it. Eric ended up changing jobs to work day time and for a higher pay so I asked if we could be friends on facebook and he said sure! Even though he liked to prick at my nerves during my shift I still enjoyed his company and now he's helping me learn Spanish! He's about to have a son soon so congrat and Happy Father's Day! He always post about his daughter, Julissa and I can't help but respect that so yay for good parenting! It's always a good feeling to see children being raised well by anyone, a single parent, a couple, seperated parents, adopted parents, ect. Thanks again, Eric! And I'll make sure I go to the Mexican instead of Google lol.
If you are one of my friends on Facebook who speaks Spanish fluently, please.... Message me!!! The languages here in the Philippinrs originated from Spanish because it was taken over by Spain for 333 years (That I learned from my nephew RJ when I visited Apayao). Because Spanish is the origin some words bleed through and I know I've mentioned this over the weeks but each week somone new views the blog so here it is. Some words in Spanish bleed through or are very similar in Tagalog or Ilocano and even in Itneg. My favorite one, for those of you Anime lovers is is Baca.
In Tagalog, Ilocano, and Itneg: Baca
In Spanish: Vaca
In English: Cow
The Stupid Cow joke makes me laugh but not everyone gets it here and that's fine lol.
June 13th was my best friend's birthday! Happy Birthday Amber!!! Me and Amber were best friends back in Elementary. We didnt have a single course together in Junior high and didnt reconnect until Senior year of High School when we had Goverment and Economics together. it was as if our friendship was on pause and when I got to hang out with her again it was like the gap if years wasnt there.
Amber can have moments of randomly NOT ANSWERING cell phone calls or messages but I dont mind. When I have time, I go see her or if she has enough energy she messages me. I love Amber to death and support whatever she whats to do in life. She's super creative and artsy and she's good at taking care of kids. She watched Rylla in 2015 when I landed the Stripes overnight job for the first time. I asked her to watch her because I was going to school in between. Right now she's with a guy from Canada and he seems pretty cool but I've never talked to him lol. All he needs to know is that if he ever hurts her in a way that I causes me to retaliate he better we ready because I may be cute and adorable but I pack a punch :3 But I'm sure it wont come to that! Love you, Amber. One of these days you and I need to go to Canada. I have family there!!!
And Lastly, Connie Hernandez. We had talked about the Philippines and some fun words like "Puto". Here in the Philippines Puto is a food, which is delicious, while in Soanish it's a curse term lol. Me and Connie had many classes together and if we didnt have the class together it was because she had the other period for the AP or Duel Credit course.
Connie has a strong personality. Our senior year we campaigned for each other for Homecoming nominee. We told each other that if one of us made it on board to Homecoming we'd help that person get more votes. it would've been great if we both had made it but instead I made the court and she did not. I still appreciate Connie, she's a great person and even though we don't hang out I still consider her a friend! (I didnt win homecoming by the way. But I wanted tk get on the court so that I didnt have to play "My Girl" for an hour lol). Thanks for that Connie! Always know that if you need help with something, I'm here and I'll do my best to help!!!
---
Now onto the actual post!
I met Eric Hernandez at Stripes while I worked overnight. He also worked overnight as a sweeper for All Clean of Texas. I wanted the job but even through my persistant I wasnt able to land it. Eric ended up changing jobs to work day time and for a higher pay so I asked if we could be friends on facebook and he said sure! Even though he liked to prick at my nerves during my shift I still enjoyed his company and now he's helping me learn Spanish! He's about to have a son soon so congrat and Happy Father's Day! He always post about his daughter, Julissa and I can't help but respect that so yay for good parenting! It's always a good feeling to see children being raised well by anyone, a single parent, a couple, seperated parents, adopted parents, ect. Thanks again, Eric! And I'll make sure I go to the Mexican instead of Google lol.
If you are one of my friends on Facebook who speaks Spanish fluently, please.... Message me!!! The languages here in the Philippinrs originated from Spanish because it was taken over by Spain for 333 years (That I learned from my nephew RJ when I visited Apayao). Because Spanish is the origin some words bleed through and I know I've mentioned this over the weeks but each week somone new views the blog so here it is. Some words in Spanish bleed through or are very similar in Tagalog or Ilocano and even in Itneg. My favorite one, for those of you Anime lovers is is Baca.
In Tagalog, Ilocano, and Itneg: Baca
In Spanish: Vaca
In English: Cow
The Stupid Cow joke makes me laugh but not everyone gets it here and that's fine lol.
June 13th was my best friend's birthday! Happy Birthday Amber!!! Me and Amber were best friends back in Elementary. We didnt have a single course together in Junior high and didnt reconnect until Senior year of High School when we had Goverment and Economics together. it was as if our friendship was on pause and when I got to hang out with her again it was like the gap if years wasnt there.
Amber can have moments of randomly NOT ANSWERING cell phone calls or messages but I dont mind. When I have time, I go see her or if she has enough energy she messages me. I love Amber to death and support whatever she whats to do in life. She's super creative and artsy and she's good at taking care of kids. She watched Rylla in 2015 when I landed the Stripes overnight job for the first time. I asked her to watch her because I was going to school in between. Right now she's with a guy from Canada and he seems pretty cool but I've never talked to him lol. All he needs to know is that if he ever hurts her in a way that I causes me to retaliate he better we ready because I may be cute and adorable but I pack a punch :3 But I'm sure it wont come to that! Love you, Amber. One of these days you and I need to go to Canada. I have family there!!!
And Lastly, Connie Hernandez. We had talked about the Philippines and some fun words like "Puto". Here in the Philippines Puto is a food, which is delicious, while in Soanish it's a curse term lol. Me and Connie had many classes together and if we didnt have the class together it was because she had the other period for the AP or Duel Credit course.
Connie has a strong personality. Our senior year we campaigned for each other for Homecoming nominee. We told each other that if one of us made it on board to Homecoming we'd help that person get more votes. it would've been great if we both had made it but instead I made the court and she did not. I still appreciate Connie, she's a great person and even though we don't hang out I still consider her a friend! (I didnt win homecoming by the way. But I wanted tk get on the court so that I didnt have to play "My Girl" for an hour lol). Thanks for that Connie! Always know that if you need help with something, I'm here and I'll do my best to help!!!
---
Now onto the actual post!
Sun: Rest Day
The bus ride back was 9 hours. It wasnt as dreadful because we didnt switch buses. The ticket was 1,300 for 2 people (me and my cousin Joshua). That translates to $25. Which isnt bad. But, we had to take a bus to Tuguegarao (Too-goo-goo-r-[ou like ouch] fitst and that ticket was 1,500 - $28.84. Which again, doesnt look like much but I only took 3k on the trip and luckily that left enough money for snack and a meal but that was it lol.
I've grown to lik the bus snack Mani (peanuts) with garlic. It's only P10 (P - pesos) for a portion, which is small but Filipino size so it's okay. Right now the exchange rate for USD to Pesos is P52 to $1 so the snack was only $.20. I was glad to be home. I missed Inang (She is Lola but everyone calls her Inang so that's what I call her lol). Inang means mom. And even though Apayao feels better on my skin, it's a nice place to visit but I prefer the small town of Paltoc over any city area.
The bus ride back was 9 hours. It wasnt as dreadful because we didnt switch buses. The ticket was 1,300 for 2 people (me and my cousin Joshua). That translates to $25. Which isnt bad. But, we had to take a bus to Tuguegarao (Too-goo-goo-r-[ou like ouch] fitst and that ticket was 1,500 - $28.84. Which again, doesnt look like much but I only took 3k on the trip and luckily that left enough money for snack and a meal but that was it lol.
I've grown to lik the bus snack Mani (peanuts) with garlic. It's only P10 (P - pesos) for a portion, which is small but Filipino size so it's okay. Right now the exchange rate for USD to Pesos is P52 to $1 so the snack was only $.20. I was glad to be home. I missed Inang (She is Lola but everyone calls her Inang so that's what I call her lol). Inang means mom. And even though Apayao feels better on my skin, it's a nice place to visit but I prefer the small town of Paltoc over any city area.
Mon: Transcript Came In!
There was a typhoon here in Luzon, the island I'm on but my family is up in the mountains so we were okay! Jessa, the only cousin on my mom's side that's older than me retrieved my transcript from her address in Candon. I was super excited because it was supposed to come in a week before but I cant control the postal service and the transcript was making to the other side of the world.
Despite all the trouble, I have decided to only turn in my high school transcript because I graduated top 10 percent but I wasnt top 10 percent in college. In order for me to be in the teaching program I need to score an 80 or above on the entence exam. And many people faith in me. Since I dont know what is on the actual test I have doubt that lurks in the pit of my stomach. All I hope is that everything works out and I can start on my journey to completeing the General Education Degree that I have been wanting.
There was a typhoon here in Luzon, the island I'm on but my family is up in the mountains so we were okay! Jessa, the only cousin on my mom's side that's older than me retrieved my transcript from her address in Candon. I was super excited because it was supposed to come in a week before but I cant control the postal service and the transcript was making to the other side of the world.
Despite all the trouble, I have decided to only turn in my high school transcript because I graduated top 10 percent but I wasnt top 10 percent in college. In order for me to be in the teaching program I need to score an 80 or above on the entence exam. And many people faith in me. Since I dont know what is on the actual test I have doubt that lurks in the pit of my stomach. All I hope is that everything works out and I can start on my journey to completeing the General Education Degree that I have been wanting.
Tues: Independence Day (Though no one knows who from lmao) Santiago Dagat!!! High Waves and Gasping Breaths
Because of the typhoon there were waves at Santiago Beach. There normally isnt. But it made a fun experiance. The second time I went I was more prepared but this time, I was not able to keep up with the waves and kept getting knocked off my feet, which was still fun BUT being thrown 20 feet from your original location in one single swoop makes you think twice about what youre doing sometimes.
I wanted to be Navy a long time ago. I knew I wouldnt be able to because of my medical records. But I also know that I dont do well at getting yelled at and in the military, there's lots of yelling. I'm not a person who can fall in line and follow orders without questioning what I'm being asked to do. It's not one of my skills but I am glad that there are people out there willing to do so.
Eveyone was excited to not be in class today but NO ONE seems to know who they won their independence from that day. There's only two options: Spain and America. I'm assuning it's Spain because America let the Philippines do their own thing after helping get the government set up. But, independence is independence so it could have been from either.
According to my nephew Rico Jay (who is 17) the Philippines had natives before Spain. They were tribes and working fine without Spain. Then Spain came along! Then World War Ii happened and the US bought the Philippines. During World War II, the japanese came over to the Philippines to hide and the chinese came over to sell merchandise. Today, many Koreans and Indian (from India lol) come to the Philippines for education because it's cheaper than their home.
Because of the typhoon there were waves at Santiago Beach. There normally isnt. But it made a fun experiance. The second time I went I was more prepared but this time, I was not able to keep up with the waves and kept getting knocked off my feet, which was still fun BUT being thrown 20 feet from your original location in one single swoop makes you think twice about what youre doing sometimes.
I wanted to be Navy a long time ago. I knew I wouldnt be able to because of my medical records. But I also know that I dont do well at getting yelled at and in the military, there's lots of yelling. I'm not a person who can fall in line and follow orders without questioning what I'm being asked to do. It's not one of my skills but I am glad that there are people out there willing to do so.
Eveyone was excited to not be in class today but NO ONE seems to know who they won their independence from that day. There's only two options: Spain and America. I'm assuning it's Spain because America let the Philippines do their own thing after helping get the government set up. But, independence is independence so it could have been from either.
According to my nephew Rico Jay (who is 17) the Philippines had natives before Spain. They were tribes and working fine without Spain. Then Spain came along! Then World War Ii happened and the US bought the Philippines. During World War II, the japanese came over to the Philippines to hide and the chinese came over to sell merchandise. Today, many Koreans and Indian (from India lol) come to the Philippines for education because it's cheaper than their home.
Weds & Thursday: Practuce Languages
I dont quite remember Weds and Thursday. I do know that traveling here mentally exhaust me which is why I don't like doing it to often but we still do it lol. I picked up my story that I wrote back in 2010. Ive written it more than once but I have faith this time. I tried to wrok through some of the lessons in my workbook and the phrase book my brother gave me but I have to have someone check over it and my cousins arent always home.
What I do is write for about an hour. Then I get up and do something else becauee my head usually hurts at that point lol. I ghve myself an hour break and read over what I wrote. I try to finish about a page or two in my journal a day. But the only books I have are for Tagalog. So if I can get a hold of Ilocano, Itneg, and Spanish I write that too. It's a long process but if I want to learn all of the languages it's what I have to do.
I dont quite remember Weds and Thursday. I do know that traveling here mentally exhaust me which is why I don't like doing it to often but we still do it lol. I picked up my story that I wrote back in 2010. Ive written it more than once but I have faith this time. I tried to wrok through some of the lessons in my workbook and the phrase book my brother gave me but I have to have someone check over it and my cousins arent always home.
What I do is write for about an hour. Then I get up and do something else becauee my head usually hurts at that point lol. I ghve myself an hour break and read over what I wrote. I try to finish about a page or two in my journal a day. But the only books I have are for Tagalog. So if I can get a hold of Ilocano, Itneg, and Spanish I write that too. It's a long process but if I want to learn all of the languages it's what I have to do.
Fri: Birthday Catholic Service
I'm not super religious. I havent been church lately. I've been sleeping in lol. But friday there was a birthday party (or maybe it was Thursday I dont know lol. Either way, my cousin Kervin and Lander wanted me to go to a birthday party to eat. But this birthday party was different. Honestly, if the people here can find a reason to hold a service, they will and this time I got experiance or more catholic kid of service.
I noticed that there wasnt a single male adult in the house at this birthday party. It was for a a 3 year old. The people kept standing and randomly singing after they said a verse or so but I couldnt sing along because everyone k ew the songs by heart, in Ilocano (I'm assuming). So I sat awkwardly thtough the service. The women sang and it had an ominious ring to it. I tred to pick up on the rhythems to see if I could think of the english version but didnt find a rhythem i recognized.
It downpoored onced the food was given so me and my cousins headed home. I feel odd not being required to give birthday presents but I do like that the only requirement is taking food home lol.
I'm not super religious. I havent been church lately. I've been sleeping in lol. But friday there was a birthday party (or maybe it was Thursday I dont know lol. Either way, my cousin Kervin and Lander wanted me to go to a birthday party to eat. But this birthday party was different. Honestly, if the people here can find a reason to hold a service, they will and this time I got experiance or more catholic kid of service.
I noticed that there wasnt a single male adult in the house at this birthday party. It was for a a 3 year old. The people kept standing and randomly singing after they said a verse or so but I couldnt sing along because everyone k ew the songs by heart, in Ilocano (I'm assuming). So I sat awkwardly thtough the service. The women sang and it had an ominious ring to it. I tred to pick up on the rhythems to see if I could think of the english version but didnt find a rhythem i recognized.
It downpoored onced the food was given so me and my cousins headed home. I feel odd not being required to give birthday presents but I do like that the only requirement is taking food home lol.
Sat Candon,Supplies
Living in Paltoc means that i cant to the store whenever. There's no short 'ten minute drive' to the store. i was running low on supplies (like my sulfar soap) and my Uncle needed to go buy feed for the pigs so we went. Every time we go to the CSI I have to buy the Buko shake from the stand in front. Don't ask what that CSI stands for but it's like a Sams, the prices anyway. They can sell bulk but they sell indivual items with a free add on. Say that its P120 for 3 + 1 is free so P120 for 4.)
Why my mom insit that i buy things at an SM (Save More) which is basically a walmart is beyond me. AT the CSI the quality is the same and the prices are cheaper so if I can get away with it I am for the CSI but SM sometimes is easier to navigate. I'd like to buy things at The Market but in order to buy things there you have to speak the language or the prices will be raised because English is a higher status marker.
I feel that this post is shorter than the others and that's okay! Not a lot happen this week and I'm fine with that. I dont really want to have a set schedule until school starts. Let me know if you're curious about anything. I try to post when I have connection through my instagram which post for my facebook too.
Til Next week,
Shinar/Cho/Dj
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Friday, June 8, 2018
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Corn
Took this photo while waiting for my family to get back from their Underground Cave adventure in Luna, Apayao. This is a field of corn (Mais/MaÃz: Tagalog/Spanish)
Monday, June 4, 2018
Avengers: Infinity Wars
My. God. Damn. Heart.
Went to go see this heart wrenching movie in San Fernando, La Union. It was a CSI (a mall). What I do remember are the tickets + drinks being
What that means in The States: 7 people went to the movies on Tuesday making the tickets $5 each. But that alone would be 35. Lol
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Mcdo!
Left to Right: Manang Gina, Uncle,
Rico Jay, Me, Dhexciah, Joshua,
Part of Cielo lol
Location: Candon in Mcdonalds
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Week Six: One Official Month!
Sunday: Santiago
Monday: Vigan (Rent)
Tuesday: Hang out in Barayok
Wednessday: To Cabaroan! Mangas! Field Day
Thursday: Hung Out with Kervin
Friday: Candon. I made Gulash for everyone!
Sat: Stayed Home. Work on Ilocano/Tagalog/Itneg
So I want to start by congratulating my buddy Leo Ramos for not losing hope and being freed of cancer! I'm super stoke that everything worked out for you. I wish I could buy you some 'Congrats, you didn't let cancer kick your ass' present but I can't so this will have to do! Me and Leo have known each other since sixth grade. I probably have an old picture of us somewhere from being in band together. He played tuba and I played trombone. We've always had each other's backs. No matter how far we stray in our own paths we'll always be there for each other and those kind of friendships are the best! Gad you're good bud. I hope all is well after this. Keep strivin' and survivin', bro!
Also, Friday or Saturday Alan's little sister graduated Kindergarten! His family made me a part of their family and I'll always appreciate that. Before I left I helped her with the last few assignments she had. We had to get pictures that represented words that started or ended with curtain letters. Ex: Beginning or ending with 'th'. Imagine me trying to explain to her that there isn't exactly a picture way to represent the word 'though'. Here little brain couldn't wrap around that concept lol. I want her to know that I'm proud of her. And hopefully sooner rather than later I can teach children her age or older since I'm going for elementary education.
When I have connection I'll have a better hold on whose birthdays are coming up. I'll probably dedicate a photo or a post or something to the people that month because I care about all of you who are in my life (whether we met in The States, in the Philippines, or haven't met at all. Friends from junior high up until High School and even those who have worked with me know that I love giving away birthday presents. They're ways for me to say, "This is what I thought about our time together + it's your special day!"
Here in the Philippines you don't really give gifts of birthdays. You show up and spend time with the person and that's enough. Presents are not expected. Eating the food that is cooked is expected and honestly that's how I feel. Not about the food but for my birthday I enjoy seeing people who care to put the time aside to see me or tell me happy birthday. Although, I don't like announcing my birthday, I never have. Most of my friends know it's either in April or in the week between April 10-20. I know Daniel Lucero knows my birthday because mine is the day before his.
Anyways, Happy Birthday Adrian Fierro. Gosh, I hope you aren't any taller than last time I saw you. I'll always hope for the best for you and hope that everything is going well. You should be 22 today. If I'm wrong I'm sorry that I don't remember lol. I'm pretty sure I'm not. I also wish I could send you something, wherever you are. All I know is that you're living life and you don't seem to be in any trouble and that's all I could hope for. Always know that I'm here and if you need anyone to talk to I can use messenger for free at all times lol. Happy Birthday/ Maligayang Kaarawan/ Feliz
Cumpleanos! I hope you see this!
-
IL - Ilocano
Tag - Tagalog
Span - Spanish
It - Itneg
It has been an official month since I've landed in the Philippines. There are so many things to learn here it's making every day a challenge that's fun to beat. Little (basit - IL) by little I learn the languages. And yes, I said languages. I'm sure I've said this before but I'll say it again. I'm currently focusing on Ilocano (IL) and Tagalog (Tag). For what words I don't know I use Spanish (If I know it) and most of the time the person or people I'm talking to understand what I'm trying to say.
Eventually I want to have a word of the day in all of the languages. I'm working with my family to figure out how I want to do this. I'm thinking of having a collection of words per week. Ex: Seven Numbers, Seven Animals, Seven Items, or ect. Most Ilocano and Itneg (It) are the same but not all the words. Tagalog is based off of Spanish. Actually, most of the languages are based off of Spanish. I don't wan to say that they all are but that might not be a false statement.
Sunday: Santiago Beach is about an hour and a half drive from Paltoc. This week and the next we went to Santiago but the week after I hope we can go to Urza (San Esteban) again. I have to pay for the cottage and the general drive because we're going to the beach for me. So hopefully, everything works out. Urza is where I took the picture of me and my cousin on the rock and there are more rocks to swim to swim to so I have my fingers crossed. It's also deeper there. I would really love to become a stronger swimmer than I am. I'm not too bad but my cousins (who can swim) are like graceful fish gliding through the sea lol. There are some of my family members who cannot swim and I hope to teach them so they can enjoy the sea (Baybay - IL) like I do and maybe they'll be able to adventure the ocean with me to small achievements like rocks lol.
Santiago Beach is clean but it's not as clear water like Urza Major (San Esteban). I hope to find more beaches I can swim at. Salt water helps my skin immensely and that's why I try to go once a week.
My skin: Overall my skin is getting better. I started using this Aloe Gel that my sister Lynn (Manang Lynn) recommended. So far it helps die down the itching but it doesn't stop it. I'm not sure what to think of it yet. I do know that my lotion doesn't mix with the Aloe Gel (but according to my sister Lynn nothing does) so I have to wait until the gel is completely dry before I can apply any lotion on top of it. I still use hot water to kill the bacteria in the water and sprinkle baking soda to enhance the effect. I lather myself in Sulfur Soap which I know helps my skin. So far it looks like my efforts have paid off. But I've lacked in taking two showers a day because I've been waking up later and I've been told that we're going somewhere or doing something so I don't have enough time to shower in the morning. Two showers help as well. Even if I'm going over my skin and not washing my hair one of the times, it helps the healing process.
My old habit has been coming back of me waking up at 2-3am in the morning and staying up till 4-5am sometimes 6. I'm trying to eat less in the last meal of the day that way I don't have too much energy when I go to bed but I can't cut the last meal out because if I don't eat my Inang/Lola (IL/Tag: Grandma) will get upset and I don't like upsetting her.
Monday: Vigan (Rent): Went to pay rent with my cousins Dimer and Joshua. We ate Sinigang at a small mall across from Mang Inisal because Mang Inisal was too crowded. Got to share my music with Dimer and introduced him to Skillet (Thank you Hannah!) Although I wish I had more CDs to show Dimer (and the rest of my family who is really into music Skillet will have to be the start). They got me to download a music downloading app and a music player. Right now I'm going through my cousin or niece (I think she's my niece lol) Genalye Rose. She has another name but I don't know how to spell it or say it.
We paid rent in Vigan and looked into turning in our applications but I can't until I have my transcript. (I literally have everything else). Also, I learned a little about the money classes here in the Philippines and how to blend in because converting my paycheck from America into pesos was a BAD idea lol. But that's okay. I have six extra applications for a reason. Hopefully my transcript will come in this next week. Otherwise I can't take the test and neither will Joshua. I don't know how Dimer applies because he's younger and is coming out of Senior High (High School( I think.
Tuesday: Hang out in Barayok
When I was working for Stripes I worked in San Angelo and Big Lake (an oilfield based town). In Big Lake I learned how to speak enough Spanish to get customers in and out of the door and that helped me tremendously when I got back to San Angelo and had a Spanish speaking customer and even in Dollar General when I occasionally would have a Spanish speaking customer. One of my cousins who went to Hawaii for some time thought that Texas was part of Mexico and sometimes, we might as well be lol.
Before my mom left she joked that I should get a part time job helping my Auntie JingJing at her Marienda (Store IL/Snack Tag). Even though it was a joke I thought it was a great idea because of my experience in Big Lake. So Tuesday my Uncle McKenny took me took me to Barayok to get my first experience at the store. Even though some of the words didn't stick it was still easy enough for me to understand. I hope to help her out in the future which I probably will.
Wednesday: To Cabaroan! Mangas! Field Day: This day scared me. My cousin Lander woke me up and said that we needed to go eat in Cabaroan and I thought that meant eating at some restaurant or some side food chain. What he meant was, "Let's go the field to go eat." I asked him why his little brother wasn't coming along and he shrugged and said, "Okay if you want." After getting off the motorcycle we went for a hike to where the huge mango (manga IL/Tag) tree was. Had he told me that we were going to the field I wouldn't have suggested for his younger brother to come along but he wasn't sure how to tell me before hand. Lol. We hung out watching people harvest mangoes. They divided the harvest and we ate (I have pictures that will be posted). It was an interesting experience but my skin worried me. Any unattended cut or open wound (no matter how small) that I have can get me Staph Infection and I'm highly sensitive. The moment I got home I took a shower and thankfully, nothing happened. The field is where my cousin Gary works. He doesn't go to school but he does work out there and that's not necessarily a bad thing! He chose what he wanted to do and he's doing it. I haven't talked much to him. Out of all his siblings (Joshua, Dimer, and Jovelle) he's the one I don't get a chance to talk to because he's out there all day. I hope we get to talk when I learn Ilocano.
Thursday: Hung Out with Kervin:
Me and the Kervin (Lander's little brother) hung out at the house all day. We read through part of his 4th grader book (Tagalog) and watched TV. I worked on some computer things and other than that I don't think we did much. I think I sang with my cousins this day. They really like my voice. I know I have a good voice but in America I never really sang in front of anyone. Here, everyone sings even if they're bad at it and I think because of that I was able to sing in front of them with ease.
Friday: Candon. I made Gulash for everyone!: Angel Hair Noodles are nonexistent here lol. And so is Garlic Salt lol. But Gallic Powder mixed with salt is the same thing. And Elbow noodles will have to do lol. I bought 1 Kilo (2.2 lbs) of lean ground beef (80/20??) and 1 kilo of elbow noodles. I bought 2 big cans of tomato sauce and onions (which were tiny. I'm used to bigger onions this was weird for me. Also the shopping experience was different. (I have pictures of that too!) Lol. I called it American Soapas (American Soup) because I thought Soapas was noodle in Ilocano but it's Soup. Which makes sense. But I asked Lander what it meant and he said it was noodle (This was later explained to me by Jovelle lol). Anyway. It was a success and most of it was gone. They don't have a fridge here so I couldn't put it away when lunch time was over but people still came over and tried it. (Apparently, I need 3 cans of tomato sauce and a 4th just in case for reheating lol but besides that the 'American Sopas' was a success,)
Sat: Stayed Home. Work on Ilocano/Tagalog/Itneg:
I'm going to be honest and say I don't remember Saturday. I'd sit here and type to you every day when the day is over but I don't always feel like opening up my laptop to do so and it gets annoying when you go from your laptop to your phone and sometimes it's on your phone or maybe it's on your laptop and then there may or may not be a chance that there's wifi. Lol.
Overall: One month. Whoa. I can't believe I've made it to a month! It's now officially the rainy season. Hopefully next week me, Joshua, and Dimer will have our stuff together to turn in our applications and get ready to take our Entrance Exams! Woo, College! Another thing about this place is they have uniforms per day based on what you're going to go to school for so that's interesting. I'm not really for it because I like choosing what I wear. All I hope is that the material is cotton and if it's not. I want to know if I can invest in one that is cotton. Because my skin doesn't work well with any other material.
Well, goodnight for now. I wanted to make these short but I only seem to be making them longer lol. But more of you are telling me that you're keeping up with it so that makes me happy! Thank you for reading everyone. My dad this morning even told me that he read my blog and that made me really happy. If you all are commenting and I'm not responding it's because I don't have wifi but please, don't stop commenting! I want to hear what you're thinking.!
Until next time, Dj/Cho/Shinar
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Week Four
Sun 6 - Labayug Church
Mon 7 - Antong Falls (I fell)
Tues 8 - Wedding Lubayug
Weds 9 - To Paltoc. To Apayao
Thursday 10 - Underground Cave (I didnt go. )
Friday 11 - From Apayao (road trip) to Vegan. (Found apartment) left Apayao (8:30am -10:30pm)
Sat 12 - Rest Day!!
Mon 7 - Antong Falls (I fell)
Tues 8 - Wedding Lubayug
Weds 9 - To Paltoc. To Apayao
Thursday 10 - Underground Cave (I didnt go. )
Friday 11 - From Apayao (road trip) to Vegan. (Found apartment) left Apayao (8:30am -10:30pm)
Sat 12 - Rest Day!!
Church: Not being a super religious person is weird in a country that is very religious. What I've squired to try and learn the language or better myself in the culture is a Tagalog version Bible (Biblia) and an English one. I'm still looking for an Ilokano one which is sold only in specialized booked stores according to my Paltoc pastor.
Both sides of my family push that I have to go to church. So I'm having to redo the routine of having church clothes, reading the bible, and looking over the songs. The church in Labayug that my family mainly goes to is a Wesleyan Church. I need to remember to get you all a photo next time I go. All I currently have of that place are the wedding photos which I also need to post lol.
Even though I'm not very religious I find that attending church is a good way to socialize and learn how to speak the language even if the vocabulary is aimed towards the bible . The way I see it. Words are words and I need to use them, hear them, and read them.
What I should get is a Tagalog/ English Bible but despite my families being super religious having a variety of bibles isn't on their to do list lol. I don't blame them. If they don't need an English, Tagalog, and Ilokano one then why get them all? I'm also thinking of looking back into my Spanish because Spanish has saved me through a lot of communication issues and even though it's no Tagalog... Anything helps at this point.
As I've mentioned my family speaks three languages. Ilokano, Itneg, and Tagalog. Tagalog being the national language, Ilolano being the native, and Itneg being the home language of Paltoc. There's little to no sources for me to learn Itneg. Only the locals. I have notes on my phone keeping track of a small dictionary in each language. Most of Itneg is Ilocano but not every word. And spelling here is confusing. My family constantly tells me to sound out words but I sound out words in English lol.
Antong Falls: I have pictures for you all that I will post eventually. My cousin told me that I should find out why its called Antong falls and I tried to google it but only found that some people call it Limmingaling Falls. Antong is a hidden treasure. I remember when I was younger the place was more beautiful but because of a recent mine there is less water going to the collection of falls. Antong is located in Sison, Pangasinan. I'm lucky that my Aunt bought a place somewhat near the falls. From her house it is still a good hike to get there.
Hiking here is normal. In sandals /Flip flops at that. I have to be careful with what I do to make sure I don't end up with staph infection. Most people don't have to worry about this issue but because of my sensitive skin I need to make sure to be aware of any cut or open wound and clean it every day. Luckily, here they have sulfar soap for cheap and I use that to my advantage.
My skin: With a change of diet, the amount of walking/hiking, and natural resources my skin has looked the bst it has at any time that I've been in the Philippines. I still deal with heat rash but I have hope.
Back to Antong Falls for a minute. On the way back my aunt decided to take a short cut. I told her that I CANNOT touch the water here unless it's salt water. The same goes for back home in Texas. I'm allergic to chlorine so pools arent an option and my skin is too sensitive to try and swim in any 'fresh' water areas. On the way back my aunt wanted to take a short cut which meant crossing the river. Well, as I said. I told her I cant touch the water but she continued to get annoyed that I'd have to take the long way around. So I tried it and I fell.
The moment I got back to the house I wiped my legs down with alcohol. I cant touch the water here as I said so in order to take a shower/bath I have to boil water and poor it into the water we use here to kill the bacteria. I also poor some baking soda in the water to make extra sure that I've cleaned the water.
I use
(During a bath)
-Hot water (kill bacteria)
-Baking Soda (ensure that I've killed the Bacteria)
-Sulfar Soap (cleans my skin)
(During a bath)
-Hot water (kill bacteria)
-Baking Soda (ensure that I've killed the Bacteria)
-Sulfar Soap (cleans my skin)
(After a bath)
-Aloe Lotion and or Fresh Aloe which I can get on the 2nd floor of the house.
-Coconut Oil: Antibacterial to get any spots that's I may have missed or cannot see.
-Renew Lotion: One of the few lotions that I've found to be effective for my Eczema.
-Aloe Lotion and or Fresh Aloe which I can get on the 2nd floor of the house.
-Coconut Oil: Antibacterial to get any spots that's I may have missed or cannot see.
-Renew Lotion: One of the few lotions that I've found to be effective for my Eczema.
Im also going to buy Chamomile Oil to see if that helps any later on. My sister told me to add a couple of drops into my water.
Bathing here is a ritual. Not that it wasn't back in Texas. But back in Texas I didn't have as much to worry about water wise and skin wise. There, my skin was dry. And if I ate dairy or gluten products my skin would be itchy. It's hot back home in Texas but it's a dry hot and that type of hot I can handle any day.
Here I get heat rash because of the humidity and how hot it is. My skin doesn't allow me to sweat (unless it's on my face) so I relied on AC and being inside back home. But when you're in a tropical country where the humidity can reach over 100% (how is that even possible lol) not sweating can cause some major problems. I only sweat on my nose (which I'm highly self conscious about lol). Heat rash is the result of clogged pours which explains why I have such a hard time with heat rash. Through the bathing ritual I've gotten myself into my skin has less heat rash but now is becoming more dry, resulting in what feels like sunburn so I'm still working on figuring out my skin lol.
Why don't I go to the doctor: Because every year time I go to the Philippines I go to the Doctor due to staph infection and they give me the same thing. Antibacterial cream and a steroid shot I think. Sometimes I feel like this country isn't for me but I cant keep thinking negatively. My main goal here is to get school finished and that I try to keep in mind.
Wedding Lubayug: Aldrin and Vanessa Paliwan!!
Literally every time I see my Manong Aldrin he says, "Shinar!! Do you remember when I took care of you when you were 5?! You were so adorable!!! I miss those days!! How are you? How have you been?!" That phrase exactly. Lol.
Manong is a respectful term used to indicate that some is older than you and in your generation.
His wedding was beautiful. I still have to get over culture differences here but I have pictures for you all that I will eventually post lol.
Aldrin has a younger brother who is my age. (I'm older by months) His name is Andrei. I should have a picture on my Facebook and Instagram of him. After the wedding me and my family went to the Reception. My mom was part of the wedding so we couldn't sit with her but Aldrin considers me close family so I got us seats at one of the few tables instead of having to sit in the bleachers (which are made of stone).
My cousins weren't enjoying the wedding too much since they weren't close to Aldrin. But I couldn't help but be excited to see how Andrei had been doing since the last time we spoke. I finally found him after me and my family ate and then broke off from my cousins for the first time to go and catch up with Andrei. We talked for 2 hours!!
I found out that he's going to school to become a High School teacher for 'Morals/Views' which I guess would be considered Ethics back in the U.S but I'm not sure. He went from being really quiet to being super loud (that caught me off guard). He also took me to Paldit to go eat Balut and have more time to talk since he was on a time limit and had to go back to school that night.
To Paltoc. To Apayao: This. Was. Stressful. And I'm glad these type of days are coming to an end. We went from Labayug to Paltoc (4 hours PERFECT conditions). Then we stayed in Paltoc for a few hours tops. I got ready to go to bed and mom was aggravated with me because 'I wasn't ready to leave' WHICH she said we were going to do in the morning. But. I guess not. I didn't even eat I was so tired lol.
We went from Paltoc to Apayao (A 6 hour drive perfect conditions) then we took a break and headed out to the Underground Cave which I didn't participate in. As I sad, I cant touch the water unless it's salt water. In order to get to the cave you had to cross a dam and I turned around then lol. After 2-3 hours my family returned and we ate then headed back to the house where we got some sleep but then headed back to Paltoc.
So another 6 hour drive which turned in 12 hours on the road. We went to San Nicolas for my mother's shopping list and then we went to Vegan to see if we could find me and my cousin an apartment. The apar
tment we found was 6k pesos electricity and water included. So all we have to pay for is our wifi, food, and travel expenses.
6k pesos - $117.64
(This is our bill per month lol)
(This is our bill per month lol)
We found an apartment meant for 4 people. It's literally 2 rooms with a small hallway to the bathroom and kitchen. Luckily it'll just be me and my cousin Joshua. However, he only has 2 semesters left and I'm just starting. My best friend Andrei suggested I go to his college for a month but he goes to a Bible College and I've already said that i'm not super religious.
The apartment is on like the 5th floor with no elevator lol. It's near the college so that makes it convenient. I hope that the school thing works out. Right now I have to wait for my transcript. Other than that I need to go back to Vegan and turn in my application.
School here: They dont have 'basics'. If you want to be an elementary teacher you start with right away with the curriculum which is nice. But that makes what classes I did take in college here pointless. I'm basically starting over but hopefully some units (credits) will transfer. In order for me to get into the school i have to make an 80 or above on the entrance exam. 70 is passing but if i want to get into the teaching program i have to make an 80 or above which i hope i can do. Literally everyone here is like "You'll ace it not problem!! You're fluent in English which makes the test THAT much easier for you." Like okay. Thanks. The test is supposable basic information. It's a general IQ test. Again, I hope I pass but I dont want to go in there thinking that I'm perfect and then bomb the test lol.
Saturday: Rest day: I looked forward for this. I slept through most of it. My back hurt so much from the traveling. The seats aren't too comfortable here. They're more comfortable then last time but still lol.
I cant believe it has been 4 weeks since I got here. I counted the week that I flew in on a wednessday as a full week. Technically this is my third and the following is my forth but anyways. I miss my friends at home. I miss my puppy the most. My dad has been taking her to his work so at least she has a big backyard to play in.
Thanks for tuning in with me this week guys. I'll update you next week! -Dj/Nar/Cho
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