Happy Valentine's Day from Olongapo

Love is so abundant in Olongapo it sprouts from the ground.

Haagen Daze Sorbet

It is seriously hot in the Philippines, and yet there is no vegan ice-cream. At least not yet. So finding mango sorbet in Manila seriously made my day. Yum!

Bull Riding in Manila

When celebrating a fellow PCV's 25th birthday, the night when horribly right after we discovered a mechanical bull outside of our restaurant. Surprisingly harder then it looks.

Bento Supplies

While unpacking I found my bento supplies! It feels great to finally be able to cook for myself again! I'm finally free of MSG and cornstarch laced meals.

Gene's Birthday

My supervisor, who is the head of the City Social Welfare Department, celebrated her birthday with the girls and staff of SDC. There was a slide show, speeches, choreographed dances, games and most importantly to the girls, tons of food.

Rainbow Friendship Bracelets

The two youngest members of my center sporting there new creations. The girls have graduated from 2 color bracelets and just learned how to make a 6 colored rainbow wave. After the chevron pattern I'm not going to have much left to teach them in realm of bracelet making.

Getting Glasses

While looking at old pictures of the girls at my center, I noticed one of the girls was always wearing glasses in the photos. Since my 5 months at the center I had never once seen her wear glasses. I asked the staff and they said she needed glasses but had broken them over 6 months ago. Since my family had generously given me money for Christmas, I though they would appreciate the money going to good work. The staff found an optometrist, negotiated the lowest price possible, and even arranged for a free eye exam. There was even money left over to get some soda and apple pies from McDonald, which may have made it the best little girl outing ever!