5 March Day 59 Manila

There are 1 million Jeepneys; a major source of transportation

Locals watch the spectacle

A rainy morning but at least it should wash the air. We boarded a small bus, about 24 passengers, and with another bus the same size, plus 2 motorcycle cops with lights flashing, we hit the streets of Manila. Careening down streets in convoy with our cops clearing the way it wasn’t long before we reached the freeway. Careening down the freeway with our cops clearing the way was an exciting ride as well. Traffic was heavy but the cops would signal a car to stop and we would zip around it then the same to another car or bus or truck in another lane and so we proceeded zig zagging through traffic with sirens and lights going. The roads got narrower and it seemed we were in the countryside but in reality just the outskirts of the big city, in smaller big city. We first stopped at a potter's house but realized that was supposed to be our second stop so with lights flashing off we went through town again, but stopped and returned to the potter's, lights flashing. We were allowed a 15 minute look at the potter's (actually, a “potty” stop) then back into the buses and with lights flashing, shot through town again. Get the drift? By now the locals had a feeling something was up and had began emerging from their homes to watch the spectacle. We tore through town, sending chickens, children motorcycle/sidecar taxis and pedestrians scrambling to get out of the way. This was becoming fun. 

Watermelon stall

tri-cycle; another popular form of transportation

Our next stop was at the Plantation style home and grounds of the acclaimed metal sculptor Carlito Ortega where we dismounted, walked through his home and into the back yard gardens for tea, coffee, fresh mango and sticky rice cakes. 

Carlito's home

Carlito and Julie

There was a chance to visit with Carlito then we boarded our buses, lined up with our cops, and shot through the gates back into the street, lights and sirens going. It didn't surprise me at all when we returned to Tiaong in Quizon to the same potter's place. (By now the locals had set chairs up to watch the spectacle.) Mr. Ugo Bigyan demonstrated his pot throwing technique and explained his work. His home/gardens and work area were a tranquil delight and the local sweets and tea a taste of the best of the country. 

Ugo's home and gardens

Ugo

Two buses of relaxed tourists between two geared up motorcycle cops tore out of the gates, hung a hard right and dashed back through town, to the applause of the locals. 

(By now vendors had set up tents and ice cream carts were working the crowds.) Up and down roads, through red lights and halting traffic wherever we went, the motorcade mad its way to another small side street to Kusina Salud, owned by the famed textile artist Tesoro family. Here, in a quiet and secluded garden area with cages of tropical birds singing and fountains everywhere, we enjoyed a very fine buffet of Filipino foods. The leisurely lunch was followed by a visit to their display of their fabric work and some antique natural fiber clothing; much made from pineapple leaves. In this peaceful setting it was a delight to watch women hand stitch embroidery onto the material. The owner took us back to his woodworking shop to meet his long time employee who creates wood decoration for the lodge and other buildings in the compound. The owners wife showed us around and we quickly got to like her. As she is going to create a B&B with this restaurant, we may very well return to visit.

stitching

The convoy it the road with the same effect on locals and on the traffic. At one point we peeled off the freeway, down an exit ramp, across an intersection then back up onto the freeway where traffic had been stopped to let us on. The freeway doesn't flow like many of ours, this one is 4 lanes of stop and go, but we were the “go.”

little used railroad

typical street scene

boy selling plastic goods

rice

Back at the ship we found events under way for departure. We found we had missed a special on board program of welcome and music by the orphanage children, which was touching according to those who saw it. The passengers had raised $1,600 for the home through a silent auction of artwork by passengers. The Captain added another $3,400 from the ship's coffers to present $5,000 to the home. The Mayor, who was aboard with the group, had spent 9 years of his childhood in that home. The children were presented with gifts and treated to a fine meal.

The “Welcome Home” banner was out on the ship and bunting strung along railings. On the pier a platoon of Coast Guard stood at ease in ranks, a brass band was playing away, families of crew were saying good-byes and passengers were boarding. From our veranda we watched departure.

Orphan children

guides

orphan children

Coast Guard honor guard

At 1805 formalities had concluded; the mayor said good bye, the ambassador waved, the orphan children group waved, the guides and guide trainees waved and released balloons, the band played, horns honked, passengers cheered and waved and we backed out sounding our horn several times. This was a most lively and pleasing departure.