Dave N Grace's Blog

We visited the Philippines in Sept 2009, Grace’s first time back since she was 6 months old, and my first visit.  We went with Grace’s sister Carolyn and her husband Jun, both of whom have lived there, speak Tagalog fluently, and know how to interact.

Near the end of our trip a tropical storm hit the main island, Luzon, while we were there, but we were about 60 miles north of Manila when it hit, and weren’t nearly as affected as those just east of Manila, where it flooded and killed hundreds.

Boracay

Our first stop was Boracay, a popular resort destination with nice sandy beaches and an array of hotels clumped together.  We stayed 4 days while Jun took scuba lessons.  We took a 4-hour excursion which took us to Crystal Caves, snorkeling at Alligator Island (named for the shape of the island, not for any inhabitants), and a boat ride around the entire island.  The next day we took a van ride around the island, stopping here and there to take pictures and get a view from the highest point on the island. We took tricycle rides around the local shops, and on the final day Jun and I went scuba diving near Alligator Island.  For the first time ever, I dove without a wet suit, which is a pretty big deal given the ocean temperatures typically dictate the need for a wet suit to shield you from the cold, especially as you dive deeper.

Cebu

Next we visited Cebu, staying at the Shangrila Resort.  Here I spent a day taking it easy recovering from congestion and allergies while the rest of the group went sight-seeing.  Pictured here is a shop where you can buy Lechon, or roasted pig, and is chopped in front of you behind a display glass.

Bohol/Panglao

We stayed at the Amorita in Bohol in the city of Panglao, and spent most of the time visiting with our friends Raul and Thelma Yusico, who are retiring there and building a house.  If you click on the picture you will be taken to the album containing other pictures of Bohol, including Chocolate Hills.

Tagaytay/Manila

With Carolyn and Juns friends May we went to see the volcano near Tagaytay (pictured), and enjoyed a resort up on the mountain overlooking the volcano.  At the resort we enjoyed swimming and massages.  We also spent some time shopping in Manila and got some great deals on clothes and souvenirs.

Subic

Next on Grace’s birthday we explored Subic, which happens to be her birth place.  We even went to the hospital where she was born, which was recently renovated.  The picture here is Grace in front of the hospital. While driving around we found some new condos being built at the location where the US naval officers club once stood, and nearby we ran into a pack of wild monkeys hanging out at the edge of the jungle, so we took some pictures and gave them some food.

Camiling

We stayed at Karen’s house (Grace’s cousin) and went around to several realtives homes, some of which still live in dirt-floored homes, and were able to see where Grace’s parents grew up and still own property.  We also spent some time with Grace’s cousin Karen, who shares a birthday close to Grace.

Manila

Our last stop was to stay in Manilla a couple days and do a little sight-seeing and some more shopping.  We were able to visit the home where former president Aquino grew up.  Our driver and our sister-in-laws father, Roberto Ver, was kind enough to drive us all over Luzon.  Pictured here is the ShoeMart Mall.