Palawan Progress Fund, National Highway, Barangay San Manuel (2026)

23/10/2014

Palawan Progress Fund has helped so many people over the last two years since its inception. Between grants from Northern California Peace Corps Association, the Bay Area Special Olympics Lions Club, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood City, we funded $2,500 to the Special Olympics Palawan Chapter.

We donated significant funds to maternal health care provider Roots of Health, and the rest of the funding allowed Debra to work on many efforts of the Chamber of Commerce in the areas of Agriculture, IT start ups, Higher Education reform and Environmental concerns.

I have the utmost respect for those in development who institute sustainable change at the community level - it takes compassion, dedication and an acceptance of multiple failures. Yet, always getting back up. Thank you all for your support over the last 4 years that I've been here on Palawan.

I am taking a break from these efforts - changing from 'Being the Change' to just 'Being' - and Breathing.

I'm now entering a writing phase where I morph into an author - describing aspects of the last several years, while I continue to explore Southeast Asia - a place I never would have thought to live!

You can keep up with my escapades at my blog: debpritchard.BlogSpot.com.

With gratitude,
Deb

22/05/2013

After trying fb for a while, I've switched back to my blog for chronicling my days in the Philippines. I like the way you can pair the pictures with the story, and have heard that there is software that will convert the blog easily into a publication...my plan!
Now that I am no longer with the Peace Corps, the blog is public (but beware, you will find opinionated and biased musings from me!). Just go to www.debpritchard.blogspot.com

25/01/2013

BENEFICENT BOSSES, BLISTERS AND BLESSINGS
(be sure to see the pictures below this post!)

I purchased my visa for the Philippines in San Francisco and was thrilled when they told me I was approved for a business/tourist multiple entry visa – for a year. But they didn’t tell me the rest of the story. It IS good for a year, and you not only CAN, but MUST leave the country – every 59 days, or pay another hefty fee (Php 7,600 the first time I paid – about $200...for 59 days). So, I planned a trip to Borneo for the 2nd 59 day period… and then was hired for a job. I had also just returned from Bangkok where Katie was hospitalized with dengue. Since that trip qualified as my leaving the country, I didn’t feel that I could go to Borneo for three weeks… so I swallowed that airfare and told the big boss that I would stay to work.

This man felt so badly that I canceled my trip that he said, “Sayang!” (similar to “Oh no – that’s tragic!” or “Que lassima!”).

“Do you want to come to Cebu?” he asked – haha – like I would refuse travel?

“Siempre!” I responded – (“Of course!”), and committed myself to giving an employee training, and to attend some fiesta called “Sinulog”.

I had to google ‘Sinulog’ and found that this fiesta celebrates the visit of Magellan (the Portugese sailor who claimed the Philippines for Spain), his bringing the Santo Nino figure and baptizing the first Piipinos – including the Rajah’s wife, who converted to Christianity.

Magellan’s visit was short - he was pretty much machete’d by the Rajah, Lapu-Lapu (now the name of a tasty fish here – slightly odd). He died on the spot, but he had started an enormous conversion. The Sinulog celebrates both Cebu’s pagan beginnings as well as the acceptance of Christianity by Cebu - the oldest city in the Philippines (even though it was brought by the most unwelcome explorer/conqueror).

“Sinulog” comes from the Cebuano word “sulog,” which describes the way water currents move, and the signature dance has an interesting tribal beat, where dancers undulate two steps forward and one back. In 1980, Cebu promoted the fiesta with floats and dancing and the Sinulog parade – held on the 9th day of the festival – that winds perhaps 3 miles through the streets of the old city at a snail’s pace to the grandstand, where incredible interpretive dances are performed on a huge stage. It has steadily grown since 1980 into perhaps the biggest fiesta in the Philippines – this year 4 MILLION people attended!

The company entered a float in the parade – their participation last year translated to significant additional business– so they repeated it this year with a float of Palawan and the underground river – and the mayor of Puerto Princesa flew to Cebu to ride the float (the mayor is running for Senator of the Philippines and he wanted to augment his voter recognition.

The 20 area managers of the company, who manage 825 branches and 2000 employees, were in town for a training after the parade and we all wore bright yellow t-shirts with the red and green logo – and were at the starting point at 7:30am. All was prepared long before the parade was to start at 9am and, according to Pilipino time, it did start on time – at 10:30. This was a first for me – being IN a large parade – such a different vantage as the pictures show.

It was HOT and after perhaps an hour and a half of walking with the float, I was near swooning, and even the legendary smiles of the natives were faltering (mine had already dissolved in the rivulets of sweat coursing down my face and back). But all of a sudden everything halted.

I’m sure I’ve described to many of you the obsession this country has with food - a birth, death, anniversary – whatever - needs food…I don’t mean that it’s nice to have – I mean that it is required – in quantity. Fiestas are a reason to celebrate the Santo Nino - but even more – to eat and party. And at Sinulog, which 4 MILLION people attend… everything stopped at 12:15 – for LUNCH!!!

I couldn’t believe it! Everyone broke out their packed lunches (ours was fried chicken and rice from Jollibee) - and laughed and siesta-ed wherever they could find shade. The mayor decided that he’d had enough time in the sweltering sun and retired to his hotel room. This was the first parade I’d heard of having an hour break for lunch.

It was at this point that Mam Angie and Sir Bobby told me to follow them and we hustled through the packed, but unmoving streets – around the parked floats of animated tigers and an anthropomorphic eagle (my favorite float), past the stalls selling beautiful Sinulog t-shirts (I got one later) and over the prone bodies of performers in heavy ornate costumes, sleeping in the shade of an overpass.

I suppose we hurried about ¾ mile or so – to the stadium and grandstand, where they so graciously gave me Karlo’s ticket and allowed old me to sit and watch the spectacle of the performances – Grabe!! It was like watching the half time show at the Super Bowl, but the costumes and staging were a lot better and it went on for hours - maybe an all-day Broadway musical is a better comparison – different interpretive dances and magical costumes – truly a feast for the eyes. And these performers had walked for hours in the sun, performing at least 7 times at the 7 judging stations...carrying their props, their instruments - AND the scenery and risers needed for staging. And then gave incredible choreographed performances – before they began the long procession back!

After dark, at perhaps 6:30pm, we left the stadium and staggered through the amazing crowds – the number of which I’d never experienced (and actually had a flutter of anxiety…but not for long). After all, I do stand about 16 inches above even tall Pilipinos – a constant joke here. We haltingly flowed through literally thousands of revelers and found our float quickly to continue walking with the rest of folks to the end of the line.

Clambering aboard a jeepney, then transferring to a second route, we arrived at our Cebu regional headquarters. While others went out for some dinner, I limped for the shower to dissolve all the salt that I had sweated and to clean all the blisters on my poor feet. And, as I drifted to sleep at 9pm, there was a smile on my face, dreaming what a blessing it was that I came to work with these incredible people.

25/01/2013

SINULOG 2013 - "Viva Pit Senyor!"

26/12/2012

Noche Buena 2012

On Palawan, Noche Buena is a bigger event than Christmas Day. Most people have family and friends over around 7-8pm for dinner, some exchange of presents (if they have the money for this and mainly for the children), and more eating/drinking/reminiscing until midnight arrives, bringing Christmas Day.

Parties are usually a little different here – people arrive at varying times, come in, eat – then thank you and leave. You might have a long party, but many people will come and go during your party. In America, to arrive, chow down and leave would be rude – but not here.

But Noche Buena is a bit different and seems to center on those people closest to you. Not to say you don’t chow down. Plentiful, caloric food is the definition of a party here in the Philippines, and when I arrived to Angie’s, the tables were groaning with food.

As in America, families cook all day – here it is polite to bring a dish to the party – so we saw lasagna, kare-kare and blueberry cheesecake arrive with guests. I asked if this was typical Noche Buena fare – and the family said – no – they changed the rules!
Apparently, Mam Mendoza, who died two years ago, made a big turkey and had simple accompanying foods. This year, there was a huge lechon (roast pig – Angie squealed at me not to take his picture until she forced an apple into his mouth), a ”majestic" ham shipped from her sister in Manila, empodido – pork and egg, rather like sio mai, and chicken galina – similar to the empodido, but with chicken – and Angie’s mother’s empanadas (my favorite) – which her brother complained tasted nowhere as good as his mother’s (I told him I would take his share). Matt, Angie’s husband made a great macaroni dish with cheese – delish.

For dessert there was a scrumptious Christmas cake (I had my piece for breakfast this morning), the blueberry cheesecake (which was legendary and I heard about it from my employer – who used to be neighbors) , a cashew nougat that made me homesick for my divinity fudge, and the fruit and buko salads.

Oh my I was stuffed. In typical Pilipino style, we gorged, without talking, and the cook and helpers took our plates and washed them as they waited for us to finish so they could eat.
I think I better understand the relationship, and I really didn’t feel as though they were ‘serving’ me like I used to feel. House helpers (most who are with the families for life) are part of the family, and each member of the family has a job and a time to do that job.

Many of us retired to the veranda – the December amihan winds were beautiful last night and cooled us (and kept the mosquitoes away as well). The verandah was decked with dancing lights and sparkling parol – the quintessential Christmas decoration here. We adjourned to sit and tell family stories – I listened and howled with their tellings – although it is hard for me to get everything said in Tagalog – I get what they call “nosebleed” here trying to pay attention and understand. But the stories and hoots - being an only child, I missed out on all the sibling interactions (mostly – “you were always the apple of Daddy’s eye”) – something I remember my in-laws still talking about into their 70’s!

Next, Tita Olga (she was the “apple” and the brunt of many jokes), announced that the kids would open the presents under the tree. The kids had been wonderful – with about 3 nannies (“yayas”) taking care of them. And now, the magic of Christmas unfolded – the delight in their eyes and smiles and gasps were something to behold – truly Christmas magic. And the children magically disappeared to play with their gifts – quietly like in the movies.

Then the drinking began. Scotch (Angie and Matt), burgundy, peach sparkling wine (me), Brandy (Olga) and so on. Another friend who lives here, Hwan, from South Korea, came late, ate and left early to party with friends. He said that he was tired, but to just stay home would be kawawa (pathetic) – so he took his leave. As a bit later did Tanya and her husband and son. But, most of us stayed until midnight, when a few fireworks boomed around the neighborhood. And every person went to another and gave each a hug and warm kiss on the cheek and said, “Merry Christmas, I’m glad you are here.”

Truly a blessed night!

26/12/2012

With the Mendoza Family in Puerto Princesa

25/12/2012

MALIGAYANG PASKO SA S.O.P.

25/12/2012

Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!!
The Christmas season begins here on the 1st day of the “BER” months – that would be SeptemBER 1st! I was not here this year, but fondly remember waking up in Olongapo on September 1st to the sound of “White Christmas” – a total incongruity here, where it is 90F.
Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!!
The Christmas season begins here on the 1st day of the “BER” months – that would be SeptemBER 1st! I was not here this year, but fondly remember waking up in Olongapo on September 1st to the sound of “White Christmas” – a total incongruity here, where it is 90F.
Arriving in October, things didn’t seem quit as festive in October/November – but, when December arrived, whirling dervishes could be seen everywhere.
It is fascinating to me here that people don’t plan in advance – for almost everything. In America, we plan a year in advance for an event – here it could literally be one week. And, the amazing thing is that most events are not disasters – although dates can change at the last minute, because a typhoon hits, or someone important is not available (I think that’s why the American Thanksgiving this year was postponed for a week). I’ve really had to re-think the American phenomenon of planning everything to the n’th degree – it’s actually quite fun to whip everything together. It is a much more human environment!!
At our November Special Olympics meeting, we chatted…”wouldn’t it be great if we could go caroling in the new mall with the kids?”…….and at the December meeting we organized it – kind of. There are no “action lists” with “responsibilities” – and nothing is ever written down! A very frustrating phenomenon here (for me): no one takes notes in meetings – or lectures, or anywhere. Yet, the majority of things come off – maybe Pilipinos have better memories or are more comfortable with what they are doing than I am.
The thought of 100 “special” children in the loud, cavernous Robinson’s mall gave me pause, because I know several of these children who have Autism or Down Syndrome or ADHD and can be ultra-sensitive to sensory stimulation. But, the Phiipino trait of “bahala na” – it is up to God – is quite nice in that you believe that it will all work out. So the President worked with the mall to arrange things and our group asked our Amigonian priest friend, Father Virginio to play Santa - a Santa suit was tailor-made for him in about 4 days. I was asked to play Mrs. Claus and Angie found donors for gifts for the children and bought candy. There were four schools represented: 2 public and 2 private, including the NGO I worked with in the Peace Corps – Taw-Kabui. The children, aged 5-22, sang and danced routines – quite amazing. We showed a few videos – one by the family of a child with Down Syndrome – the brother singing “Just the Way You Are” to his sister; the second, an excellent short from our friends in Kansas City “Just Like You”; and the third from the Philippines Special Olympics in Manila, showing some of the events of Special Olympics – downloaded from youtube.com.
The ABS-CBN television network arrived and covered the event - but, as usual, that’ s the last heard of it – I hope that it airs somewhere!
Each head of school, or head teacher said a few words about the school or class. Just a few words to let people know that these children can learn in school, and that there were a few schools who would work with children with intellectual disabilities, as well as those who are blind and deaf. One of the first numbers included the children signing the words to songs – remarkable. And one small, darling girl was assisted to the stage to belt out a song – she was totally blind.
There was a large crowd who milled about and listened to our children – it was great to watch them – many with tears in their eyes. My employer, who owns Palawan Pawnshop and Mr. Donut, donated 200 donuts for the kids, and sent both mascots – a 7 foot tall Palawan parrot (“Pikoy”) and a “smidgen” donut hole. You will see them in the pictures – as well as me, Mrs. Claus – the designated solicitor of funds from the crowds. And, of course, SANTA – the kids were beside themselves with smiles.
Angie and I were sooooo happy (and soooo tired) at the end of the night. We had broad smiles of our own. This was another wonderful step forward in educating the community about what “special” children are capable of – if only you expect things of them and teach them how to act in this confusing world.
A great pre-Christmas gift!

12/12/2012

These pictures go with the story below - of the remarkable Bea Mendoza

12/12/2012

HRH Bea Mendoza

One of my favorite people is Angeli Mendoza – we hit it off during my Peace Corps stint here – I attended a session on occupational therapy with a wonderful therapist that Angie had encouraged to come to help the “special” children here on Palawan. Through that chance meeting, I found a compatriot in organizing to improve conditions for children with intellectual disabilities; and I found a friend.

Angie is brilliant – graduating as a chemical engineer from UP at a young age, she even worked in a cement plant – I can only imagine her 5 foot tall frame walking up to a plant manager and telling him what he needed to do to improve his production!

She married Matt Mendoza, a heart-throb actor and had their first daughter, Bea, 13 years ago. As well as bright, Angie is determined and perseverant in whatever she sets out to do. And she never, ever gives up – and never ever shows discouragement. I count on her laughter and smiling eyes to remind me not to take things so seriously.

About 10 years ago, this Mendoza family returned to Matt’s birthplace in Puerto Princesa to raise their own family of now three children – Bea, Kyla and Luke. Matt commutes to Manila for filming, as well as plans his bid for City Councilman in March, and Angie is crazily busy with the children, the Special Olympics which she founded here on Palawan, and the Palawan Tourism Council. These are two of the most delightful, dedicated and humble people I know.

Their daughter, Bea, was born with Down Syndrome, and, true to form, Angie dedicated herself to researching everything she could find. On Palawan, it is rare to see parents out and about with their “special” children; these children are more likely to be kept at home, away from bullies and education. They are often misunderstood and shunned, and can be a source of shame for their parents.

Thankfully, Matt and Angie were quite the opposite sort of parents with open minds and a willingness to learn from their daughter. And - Bea taught them – constantly surprising them with what she could do, and teaching them to not judge her or limit her. Supportive in all areas, they found ways to optimize her potential rather than stunting it. As she grew, Bea faced the increasingly high expectations of her parents – and she has achieved them. She attends Salve Regina School, a private K-12 school that is a rarity here – an integrated school with a good curriculum for their one Special Education class. Salve celebrated its 16th Anniversary and new covered events arena in part by selecting a Queen and King of Salve Regina.

Bea Mendoza, the girl with Down Syndrome, was crowned Queen of Salve Regina on December 7th. I attended the Coronation Ceremony, and was stunned at how gorgeous Bea looked – Angie admitted they had started getting ready at 3pm (7:30pm by the time I arrived!). It was difficult getting to the school that night – an enormous thunderstorm had hit, with flooding, but by 7:45pm, the procession began. This was a night to behold – the princesses in their colorful gowns; the princes in their barongs – the Boy Scout troop saluting them all as each individual walked down the red carpet.

The wonderful thing for me to see was that no one stared at Bea, no one laughed, but no one avoided us either (unless it was to give me, the foreigner, wide berth). Certainly it was a different experience for her and her family than for the other princesses – as it was also so much more special. I must say that I wasn’t the only one with a tear of emotion in my eye, as well as a big smile.

This was public witness and acknowledgement of Bea’s success as a person – that she could do everything that the other children did that night: walk down the long aisle in heels and gown; ascend the stage and then sit for nearly two hours on that stage while performances went on around the royalty – many of whom slumped in their seats or fidgeted – not Bea. She calmly received her cape and crown and resumed elegantly sitting on the throne until the evening came to an end. At which time her proud father unceremoniously picked her up in all her finery and carried her over the puddles to the car.

I spoke to someone today who had seen me there that evening. She said “Bea has come a long way.” And so has the island of Palawan – one small, high-heeled step for Bea; one huge leap for the Palawan community. And a privilege for me.
____________________________________

03/12/2012

The beautiful wedding of my friend Alex

03/12/2012

Yesterday was a special day for me. The President of the Chamber of Commerce here, one of my favorite people, a very shy, unassuming – and as I’ve gotten to know him better, generous - young man was married.

I had heard chika-chika that he was getting married, and finally asked him in private. With an affirmative response, he also admitted that he was getting excited – “but more nervous than excited.” We talked about marriage and I asked if they communicated to each other their fears; to my surprise he said yes. He also said that she was Buddhist, but that they would be married in the Catholic church as his parents wished.

I was working alone in the office about 12 days ago, when he handed me an invitation to the wedding. An enormous smile spread over my face and I nearly tap danced around the room – I never expected that I would be lucky enough. He laughed and told me it was formal…my grin slightly paled. I had neither appropriate dress nor shoes – and in a place where people are 5’2” and have shoes the size that children wear in the US, I knew I had to get busy. In this place where things are done last minute, Alex left me to continue delivering wedding invitations.

I asked my co-workers at Palawan Pawnshop where to go to get a dress made in 9 days – Gina’s was the answer; so on my lunch break, I hopped into a tricycle for the 8 block trip (in sweltering heat, walking even short distances hurriedly is difficult). I had searched online and printed out a gorgeous dress and Gina estimated how many meters of material she would need - then sent me down the block to the store that carried such material – our first department store NCCC. I took the stairs quickly to the 3rd level and looked for the lining and chiffon – I wanted a dark color to hide my gluteous maximus, but everyone told me that the peach was best. Okay, okay – I paid the $15 for the material and ran back to the tailor, who took measurements, clucking about the malaking puwet (big buttocks) and frowning at me when I asked her to work some magic to make me look smaller.

Friday was Bonifacio Day and a holiday – which left me the day before the wedding for my final fitting - they even made me a little belt with some pearls I’d bought at the Tsiangge. I was also successful (after trying about 10 vendors) to find sandals where my toes overhung only a little – I was set!

The wedding was on Sunday (someone told me that was almost sacrilege – that Sunday was only for worship and the holiest day….but I thought that it was a fitting day for entering into marriage) and it turned out to be quite warm. I arrived at 12:30 for the 12:30 wedding, since I knew about “Pilipino time.” The wedding was held at the beautiful cathedral in town and the floral decorations just lovely. Everything was set up, but I was the first guest to arrive! I believe most were there by 1:15, the priest came out and the wedding began. There were a few, ineffective fans in the nave and the day warmed – Alex was pink and I hoped he wouldn’t faint!

The entire wedding party processes from the back of the church with names announced by the emcee. Philippine weddings have sponsors – and those are often the people in the wedding party. The senior sponsors, who often continue to advise the couple throughout their married lives, are usually individuals -relatives or pillars of the community. The men wore their formal barong attire and the women wore bright tangerine gowns. Next entered the junior sponsors – younger friends and relatives who sponsored things like the veil, the candles and the cord (which is tied around the couple after the “I do’s” by the best man and maid of honor to symbolize their unity. The priest says a formal prayer over them and the cord is withdrawn). The younger group wore fuchsia gowns. Then, the youngest in the procession - the ring bearer and the bible bearer two toddlers in barong – and finally the flower girls in gowns of swirled fuchsia and tangerine. The groom, Alex, with his mother on his left arm and his father on his right, proceeded down the long aisle to the altar. Finally, the bride’s parents enter and proceed halfway up the aisle, where they wait…for the grand entrance of the bride – Michelle Pua, known as “Mitch.” She didn’t look like a Mitch – in a gorgeous gown with 3 meter train, she entered veiled and smiling and walked to where her parents waited. The three proceeded to the altar where the bride assumed her place alongside Alex. The rest of the ceremony was similar to most Catholic wedding masses in the US – except for their departure – 6 big confetti cannons were exploded by their friends, celebrating their union.

But that was not all, oh no, that was not all. For the church wedding, most guests wore nice clothes, but not formal wear. The reception was held at the family’s hotel, the AA Plaza (where the Chamber offices are located) at 6pm. My Peace Corps friend, Jane Lien arrived from El Nido at 3pm and flew out at 9pm, so I told her I’d spend some time with her – perfect for the wedding interlude! We actually found a spa and bought my wedding present for Alex and Michelle – a couple’s massage. Jane got me zipped into my peach gown, I hailed a tricycle and off I went – ‘on time’ in my re-estimation at 7:15pm.

I arrived to a room full of people – I will never understand Pilipino time! From my experience – and from talking to people here as well – it is rather hit and miss. If one of the honored sponsors has something pressing to do, the wedding may start on time….however, if one of the honored sponsors has something pressing to do…well, the wedding may start late – or early!!!

The entire grand ballroom was filled with people, banners hanging from the ceiling and a throne of sorts from which the couple could see all of their 500 or so guests. The entire wedding party entered again and was announced by a different emcee…who then announced Dinner is Served! Oh my God of Gluttony – unbelievable….10 servers nearly galloped into the ballroom holding above their shoulders platters of the first course – lechon (delicious!). There were 8 courses in all and each platter arrived with quite justified fanfare – each course was amazing. The 2nd course was “Four Seasons” (Pork adobo, chicken sesame, beef siomai and jellyfish). Everything was delicious, although I was filling up quickly (and my tailored dress didn’t allow much room for growth). We continued through platters of duck, sea cucumber with mushrooms, seafood pancit, abalone with pork tendon, lapu-lapu, and a warm seafood dish with whole shrimp and whipped cream – the elegance was amazing. The 4-tiered cake (or was it 5?) was cut and served along with fruit and the litre bottle of Johnny Walker premium Whiskey at each table of ten was disappeared with many toasts to the new Mr. and Mrs. Onghocgan. Several, increasingly drunken, songs were performed for the couple and finally the night ended. I felt like Cinderella when I got home around midnight and hung up my peach blossom gown.

Palawan Progress Fund

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