Island antics

I was walking towards the mall the other day (and that has apparently become my exercise as I have walked in that direction three days in a row now) and was admiring a very interesting sight...or is it site? They're busy constructing a large Christmas tree in the middle of this large roundabout next to Robinson's Cebu (the mall). I've seen this work in progress many times, but something was different this time. There was a sign that was flashing between some writing I couldn't make out and a large "32". I thought, 32 what? Only 32 days 'til Christmas!? But don't worry, I was wrong, there are a good 48 or so shopping days left (and yes, you can shop on Christmas Eve, I've done it before, looking for the perfect gift). Maybe it meant 32 days until they lit the tree or they were finished. But Dec. 9th seems an odd choice of day to light a tree, especially when the "Christmas season" has been open basically since I've gotten here. Maybe it's not 32 days until anything, maybe it's someone's 32nd birthday, or maybe its 32 degrees outside (right). What could it be that's so important to have a huge light-up sign for it? And then I got closer and found out...32 days until the ASEAN summit.

Well isn't that just grand. I was trying to think of what a sign like that would be comparable to in the states, but alas, many things are not comparable between here and home. Let me just say that the site....sight?...didn't sit well with me and left me a little peeved. I'm not sure how informed America is of ASEAN. It's the Assembly (I think) of Southeast Asian Nations. The summit that is coming up is I guess a little comparable to the G8 summit, only with mostly 3rd world nations (although I've heard tale that Dubya may be making an appearance). For such a conference, which President Arroyo is a little too pleased about, they've tried to "clean up" Cebu City where the conference will kick off. The city is currently in construction on a huge convention center, set to open on the first day of the summit. As I've mentioned before, many of the urban poor of the Philippines live as squatters on government land not being used such as land along the river, the sea, railroad tracks, etc. So even though it's not technically their land, many people build what little they can for a home and try their hardest in these hovels to scrap together enough money to survive. However, to construct such a huge convention center, one needs land, so many urban poor have been displaced in the wake of this demolition. And the destruction doesn't stop there, many communities have been victims of the demolition in order to simply "clean up" the city. Imagine, a huge summit of countries leaders is being held in your neighborhood, your leader is so more excited than they have been in awhile, but you and you neighbors have to loose your house for that leader's wishes.

Not to mention the 15,000 some odd military personel that have been shipped into the city and surrounding areas to keep things safe. I heard tale that some surveillance cameras have been placed all over the city as well. Beware, Big Sister is watching.

On a lighter note, I did get a chance to enjoy myself just yesterday when I attended a gathering of some church pastors in Lapu-Lapu city. I got to eat my favorite Filipino food (which actually isn't very healthy) and listen to some old pastors sing lounge songs on karaoke. They tried to get me to sing, but I kindly declined as I didn't really know any of the songs (save for My Way, which I've been told never to sing for karaoke because its a point of great conflict in many karaoke lounges, ask me why later).

I also washed all my clothes by hang for the first time. I have washed by hand before in the river at the IP immersion, but I've been spoiled in Manila by Becca's washing machine. Granted, I've also hung up my clothes to dry, but having to scrub all your clothes in tiring work. The hardest part is actually rinsing and wringing. I realized that what I REALLY miss about Becca's machine was the spin drier she had. It didn't get clothes completely dry, but it got most of the water out, which also makes it easier to rinse after washing clothes. I have once again realized how privaledged my life is back home and am terribly humbled.

Other than that life is life. I'm making my way around on my own, which gives me a feeling of familiarity as if I have somewhat adjusted, but it does distance me from the people I live with as I've felt the need to run out the past three days in that direction (although all were highly justified). I think I may have failed to mention (although I can't imagine how I let such a thing slip my mind) that I did get to see on Sunday night an episode of CSI I haven't seen before! I was basically the most content I've been since I've gotten here (I say that with a wink and a grin).

I leave tomorrow for my urban poor immersion, and even though I will be gone for a mere 24 hours, I'm still very tense about it. I hope to learn more of the situation of the demolitions and to be in community with the people I'll meet, but I'll say again, I'm still very nervous.

Peace, I hope