Castillejos

[zyzyly]

I am in Castillejos, Zambales, Philippines, in the neighborhood of San Pablo, the hometown of Arlina. I am in an internet cafe along the national highway that runs through the town, about 4 blocks from where I am staying.

I have been here for three days. It is interesting--I am probably more familiar with flilpino culture than any of the other places I have visited, and yet it is here that I feel the most out of place. I don't realy know why.

We went to the beach yesterday. The water was warm, and we had a good time making sand castles and swimming. I got sunburned.


This is a small part of the extended family. I have met lots and lots of Arlina's family since I've been here. We go from place to place to visit. Some of them I know from stories Arlina told me. It is good to make the connection.

I feel Arlina's presence everywhere. I saw where she went to grade school, high school and even where she went to nursing school. There were lots of student nurses walking around, and I could picture her as a young student nurse. In filipino culture they sometimes talk of ghosts as "the visitor who is dressed in white".


Arlina's parents are here visiting, along with her youngest brother and his family. Her mom has been kind of overprotective of me, and it has been difficult for me to get out and explore on my own. I have had to insist.


I spent a lot of time walking around the central market, where you can buy almost everything you need to live from little family vendors. It is a cook's dream--everything so fresh.


I have gotten to spend time with my nephew Jero, who is quite bright. We have played chess (I won) and billiards (he won one, I won one). He is the very patient brother of Hunny Bunny.

Oh, and let's not forget Hunny Bunny, who now calls me Uncle Mikey and seems to have figured me out in a way no one else has. She is such a trip. We were looking at pictures last night, and she suggested that I delete all the ones that don't feature her. haha!


I am here for a few more days, and then going to Manila, where I hope to meet up with one of my Franciscan friends.

More later.....

Comments

[fried-pearl.livejournal.com]

She is adorable.

[winterknight.livejournal.com]

Hunny Bunny is PRECIOUS.

I hadn't even read your text when I saw the young nurses and I thought of Arlina.

I hope you are well.

[daily-in-la.livejournal.com]

Hi, Mike! You have internet! Your portraits are so amazing. Have you noticed the change in you?

[ilubmoney.livejournal.com]

I am probably more familiar with flilpino culture than any of the other places I have visited, and yet it is here that I feel the most out of place. I don't realy know why.

Perhaps it's because you have such intimate knowledge of Filipino culture that you now feel out of place. That sort of thing happens to people sometimes.

[zhenzhi.livejournal.com]

my dad is in the phillipines at the moment too! :-) :-)
wow, i'm envious of all the places you have been touring... how wonderful! :-)
xoxo

[velvetink.livejournal.com]

fantastic photos!

[brendamom.livejournal.com]

I have missed your travelogues. I hope there is much more to come. Beautiful places and people.

[etroutski.livejournal.com]

-glad you're there, I think I know Hunnybunny............

[(Anonymous)]

Maybe it’s not the culture that’s throwing you...this is the first (and only?) stop that has had a deep personal history and attachment.


Hurrah for Hunny Bunny!...It’s amazing what kids see... "Uncle Mikey":-)

~A