World Class Workers, Pero Bakit Maraming Filipino Ang Jobless?

Philippine Holiday 2017: Now In White Beach, Puerto Galera

the boat that took us to White Beach from Batangas Pier

Lunch with my son at the busy beach area

me with my son at the boat

breakfast at the beach

passing by the Coco Beach 

approaching Sabang Beach

the Sikat Bus

After one day and two nights stay in Manila, we arrived on the island of Oriental Mindoro yesterday afternoon. From Manila, we took the Sikat Bus, the bus that brings  tourists twice every day to Batangas Pier. From Batangas Pier, another one hour ride in the boat getting to the island. Because of the past super typhoon that hit Luzon, our bus trip took three hours. There are still road and bridge damages that make the motorists to turn to alternate longer route.

Before, we always stay in Sabang. This time we are staying at White Beach. The boat first stop was in Sabang, discharge the passengers there, then to Puerto Galera, finally in White Beach. A staff from the resort where we are staying was there to meet us and to give us a lift going to the hotel. It was a tiring day. In the evening, we have dinner at the nearby local restaurant. One of my husband's friends who is also a Dutchman with his wife and daughter were also there to join us. After our dinner, we returned to the hotel where there is a special program that being held by the officials, officers, and staff of the Department of Education. A night of Philippine music, songs, and dances.

This morning, we have our breakfast at the beach. The sand sparklingly white in the sun. The waves are huge, good for a windsurfing. Only, I observed that the White Beach is now very commercialized. While awaiting for your food and even while eating your meal, there are approximately ten vendors who will approach you to sell something, earnings, bracelet, tour guides, boat rides, to braid your hair, even an offer to have a tattoo.

I just understand that they are doing it for a living. Anyway, it is my nature to always see the good in a situation. So I am here again to share some beautiful photos I made here in Puerto Galera... It's only just begu

Philippine Holiday 2017: Today In The Metro

Metro Manila, the city with favorable and unfavorable remarks.

This morning at the flashy Megamall Department Store

H

Street foods being sold under the MRT Station in Ortigas

A sidewalk vendor in front of the Philippine General Hospital 

Yesterday, my son was so engrossed to watch the bumper to bumper traffic.

At the old Dimasalang Avenue

We are now back in Manila. Today, I went out alone to pick up my new Philippine passport. After we eat breakfast, I headed to the Department of Foreign Affairs- NCR East Office, in Megamall. From the hotel in Malate where we are staying, I took two rides at the Metro Rail Transit to get there.
I have lived in the Netherlands for four years now, I never expected that for such a little time, there are many changes in Metro Manila. Twice that I asked a policeman because I got lost! There are many high rise residence buildings, the new Metro Rail Transit route, and many commuters are busy with their big cell phone. I would say that the Philippines continue progressing. Because the value of Philippine Peso is doing good, my husband remarks that the Philippines gets expensive.
But in a short time that I roamed around the Metro, it is however easy to distinguish the barrier towards real progressive life, the people who scattered everywhere that look like they are drowning in poverty. I have some photos that I love to share again. It was like a nostalgia to see places that for me is... As familiar as of my breathing, of my heartbeat.

Philippine Holiday 2017: The Beautiful Flowers I Saw

They are orchids of my mother. It got more than a thousand likes when I posted this photo in my page.

Look like a Japanese azalea.

Beside the infinity swimming pool.

Decorating the doorstep of our cabin.

In the highway.

Philippine Holiday 2017: Simple Life, Simple Pleasure

Our private transport service.

My son.

The way I eat in the Philippines :)

Buko vendor

My father enjoys spending his day, almost everyday watching my son in his portable bathtub.

My son and nephew's simple joy.

A leisure walk in the barrio.

They say that money cannot buy happiness. I would agree with that, but, money is also essential for a good life, particularly when we have a family. But in the Philippines, you can see people, a father or a mother who are doing their utmost to provide a decent life with their family. In western countries where life is more comfortable and people used of luxury, truly admire these family heads who give their sweat and blood to earn for a living.
I have some photos that I love to share to show that the meaning of happiness depends on how one view of life, a life that we hold but we cannot control. I also have some photos that exhibit the simple joys of the life in the Philippines. Simple joys that for me are priceless. They're not big things, but they each simple pleasure can translate to a great day if you use them right.

My favorite, taho.

A bucket of taho

Taho vendor