Yesterday we went to the University of Baguio in City Center to watch an Arnis Tournament. Arnis is a unique Filipino form of Martial Arts. I was the only white guy there. While we sat in the bleachers, little boys and girls came over and stared at me. During a break, I had to walk along the bleachers towards the exit and a little boy touched me on my bald head. Looking back at him, he pretended that the didn't do it. The twelve-hour event was long, so we went to the SM shopping center to get something to eat. While waiting for a seat in the restaurant, another waiting customer stared our way. At first I thought she was looking at me, then I noticed that she was staring at Heide. Heide is often mistaken for Japanese. It was nice not to be the only one stared at.
Some of you have asked "why is everything concrete". The Philippines has an abundance of natural resources so it's probably easier here in Baguio to make things out of concrete than other materials like asphalt or wood. Evidently only the government can purchase asphalt. Private individuals have to buy concrete. Also, the buildings and roads have to be able to withstand mudslides, earthquakes and typhoons. We are here during the dry season, so we rarely even experience rain. The reinforced concrete houses are usually built on solid stone. This is the best information I can get from just asking around.
One nice thing-- there is cleanliness in food preparation here in the Philippines. Bombi was dismayed by the unsanitary conditions involved in preparing food in mainland China. He welcomed coming back home where he felt safe in eating the food.
I was reminded that "Buko juice" is the juice of young coconuts. We only get older coconuts in the states. The mangoes here are delicious and the bananas are unbelievable. I never liked bananas at home. They are so bland. Here I look forward to eating them here.
Investigating the neighborhood, Heide found a group of cloistered Carmelite Sisters who had this Monastery called "Carmel of the Most Holy Trinity". They have daily Catholic Masses at 6:30 AM every morning and 7:30 AM on Sundays.
Here is an interior view of the Church. There are two altars. The one we see here is the one the priest uses for daily mass. It is not facing towards us, but is facing towards the sisters, who are behind the metal grate. For the mass, they open a little door so the priest can give them communion. Otherwise, they lock themselves behind the metal grate. Sometimes Heide and I are asked to give readings. Then we use the lectern by the near microphone. Only a few people join the nuns for daily mass, so we're speaking directly to the sisters.
The entire Parreño family joins us for the Sunday Mass, which is fully packed. After the mass, the priest poses with us for some picture taking. Left to right we have Bombi (visiting from China), Precious, Sweet, Lovely, Rap-Rap (in front), Smile, Father Vincent, Mutya, Bong Bong, Marilyn, Butch (in back), Heide, RJ (in front), Duane and Bren. Missing is Denzil, who is taking the photo.
Here we are waiting to visit with the sisters after mass. From left to right: Mutya and Bombi (in back), then Precious, Bren and Sweet. We are standing in a narrow corridor with barred windows on both sides. To the right we see outside, and to the left we see bars that separate us from the sisters.
When the sisters are ready for us, we enter another room to the left and see the sisters behind bars. The sisters pull back the curtains so we can visit with each other. Here we see RJ looking in. On a previous occasion, Heide and I visited with them. Heide talked with them about health issues and I gave them a computer StrokeDance presentation. Being isolated from the outside world, they had never heard of George Lucas or "Star Wars". Nevertheless, they do use the internet and enjoyed my StrokeDance presentation.
The sisters are shrinking in number, are aging and are lacking new recruits. Nevertheless, they seem really happy and enjoy each others company as well as our visit with them.
Even though the sisters are behind bars, notice that the lock is on the inside. They are not locked in; they lock the world out.
One of the sisters is allowed to come out and greet people. Here the sister says "goodbye" to us.
After our session with the sisters, Rap-Rap saunters up the hill with Heide and others following.Duane and Heide.
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