Leaving on a Jet Plane!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Leaving on a Jet Plane!

Well it has finally arrived! I am sitting at Melbourne airport waiting to board the MASSIVE A380 airbus to Singapore then a mad dash onto the next flight to Manila. Packing and leaving has been a very intreresting expereince. There were 2 key points that really made it feel like I was leaving; when I handed in my house key, it really felt like there was no return; and when I had to pack everything into by backpack. I had it all lying out on the table and it took hours to get around to puting it into the bag (which only took a few minutes!) Again this was a time that made it feel so real.
It has also been amazing to hear and see how people are so supportive of the project. So many offered of support; financial, physical, emotional and spiritual. It has just been amazing.

I feel as though I have everything and hopefully have the resourses required. Now I just have to get on that plane and within 12 hours I will be at Manila! Bring it on! I have a week in country training before starting the project. After then I hope to blog more often as things happen. Till then.

2 comments:

phonakinsApril 22, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Whoa.... it's real. Hope there's good food on the plane!
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Geoff BevittApril 23, 2010 at 4:01 PM
Congratulations Tom.
The plane flight could seem like the beginning of the journey but it really started when you were at school. A seed of interest was planted then and has grown into a vibrant and fasinating entity.
Dad
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Fast Facts

HISTORY: Earliest humans have dated back 24,000 years ago. Early trade with other Asian countries brought influences from Hindu, Buddhism and Islam, with Islam becoming dominate in 15th C. The islands were divided and ruled independently then. In 1521, the Portuguese arrived and claimed the land for Spain. Spanish rule brought political unity, Catholicism, and world trade. In 1898 the Spanish-American war reached the Philippines and USA brought the Philippines independence for $20 Million. The USA did not recognise First Philippine Republic and the USA-Philippines war ended with USA rule. In 1935, Philippines were granted Commonwealth status. With WW2 slowing plans for independence; the Japanese invaded and created a puppet gov. Following multiple tragic war crimes and atrocities, Allied troops defeated the Japanese in 1945, attaining its independence. The Philippines returned to democracy in 1986, following a period of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos during 1972-1986, via a People Power Revolution & military. NAME: Spanish explorer named the island Felipinas after a Prince of Asturias which was endorsed by King Philip II of Spain in 1952. Previously the islands had separate names according to each empire. During the revolution it was officially called Philippine Republic (Republica Filipina). While waiting for Commonwealth recognition the name changed to Philippine Islands from Spanish translation (when under USA control the name "Philippines" appeared). Now officially called Republic of the Philippines.

THE PRESIDENT: current president is Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Her Excellency is the 14th and second longest servicing president and is a professor of Economics. Interestingly, the president has to be over 40 years old, registered to vote, able to read and write, be a Filipino by birth and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years prior to election. The President's reign is one 6 year term and can not run for re-election. Due to Arroyo taking on the Presidency 1/2 way through Joseph Estrada's term (due to corruption charges), she will have sat for 10 years. Next election is May 10th 2010 (approx 20 days after I arrive). Several election hot spots will have a strong presence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the work up to the election. THE ECONOMY: * 4th largest in SE Asia * Ranked 37th in the world * Fastest growing in Asia * Main sectors are: Exporting labour, Ag, industry, food processing, textiles, electronics, car parts. * Mining is also becoming a large industry and includes: chromite, nickel and copper. FOOD: an essential ingredient in all Philippine customs; fiestas are a regular event in every region and the main feature is the FOOD. The cuisine has evolved over the centuries influenced by Hispanic, American and other Asian cultures. Meals are primarily rice based with meat. Meals have robust flavors with less spice compared to their neighbours. The Bicol region (where I will be) has the most spicy dishes often infused with coconut milk. National dishes include: Lechon - slow roasted suckling pig. Adobo - meat stewed in vinegar, soy and spices. Sinigang - sour soup. Kare-Kare - stew meat and veg with peanut sauce.

Project - Simon of Cyrene

Thursday, April 22, 2010