www.Betsy and Terry.fun

Today I presented another research project for my Philippine History class. My topic was Martial Law and Human Rights Violations of the Marcos Era. It was a disturbing and enlightening experience. The presentation stirred up much discussion on the events that happened here during the 70's and 80's and it was great to talk to the local women who lived through it and have personal memories of the difficulties of that time. It is about 6 pages long so if anyone is interested in reading it, just email me and I will send it to you.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

We were invited to join a table for the ANZA (Australian New Zealand association) Grand Charity Ball at the Philippine Plaza Hotel. The theme was "Chicago" and it was a blast! We had more fun at this event than any other we have attended this year. The first entertainment was a singing and dancing show put on by Manila's premier drag performers, the Drag Ons. Unbelievable that these were men!

Celia, Betsy, Christy

Celia, Betsy, Kelly, Kim

The band was great and we danced all night to jazzy bluesy music. Lots of Fun!

Celia, Betsy, Kim, Laurie

Thursday, March 9, 2006

Thursdays for others visited Brighthouse Learning Center, a school for older street children who have never been to school. These children were 10 or 11 years old when they started in first grade. They are now doing 5th grade work and are so happy to be in school. This is another example of a church based mission to help the street children. They operate solely on donations and sponsorship.

Another outreach of this organization is called "Threads of Hope." Many of the women of the squatter's village, some mothers of these children, have been trained to make friendship bracelets. These are available for fundraisers and are being shipped all over the world. This is providing a livelihood for families who have never before been able to support themselves.

Tuesday, March 7, 2006

Happy Birthday Celia, B, and Pam. Together they are celebrating 156 years of life! What great role models in growing gracefully!

Kim, Michelle, Celia, B, Kathy, Diane, Lisa, Pam, Holly, Cindy, Betsy, Michelle

Saturday, March 4, 2006

Terry and I drove north of Manila about 2 hours to Subic Bay. This is where an important US Navy base was located. The base is still there, but no longer in active use. We went to White Rock resort where we found a nice beach and plenty of clean air to breathe for two days. We had massages and foot spas, sat on the beach, and floated in the water. What a great getaway!

Subic Bay

Caribou (ou pronounced like ow in cow) -Philippine National Animal-
Not like a North American Caribou (boo)

Wednesday, March 1, 2006

Ed Com History of the Philippines Class took a field trip to the Coconut Palace. This beautiful "hotel" was built by Imelda Marcos in 1981 so that the Pope could stay here on his Papal visit. The Pope, however, stayed with the local clergy as is always the custom of the Pope when he is visiting as a church official. The Coconut Palace was then used by the Marcos' to entertain celebrities like George Hamilton and Brooke Shields. The Palace is built using mostly materials from the coconut plant. It is a beautiful building with many bedroom suites, each decorated to reflect the different local cultural aspects of many provinces of the Philippines.