Happy Birthday to me!

Life is an adventure, and I am in the constant mode of sniffing out the next one.  This week I turned 40, and on that pivotal day I was able to sample a variety of “firsts” to help usher me into the second half of my life (in a new life’s paradigm).
 
I started my day in the Poblano of M’Lang, in the province of  Cotobato, Mindanao, the Philippines.  Here I was able to meet a new group of friends during the Kaagapay Excellence awards.  Following the ceremony I feasted on “Lechon” – a roast suckling pig (complete with huge carving knife) and gnaw on crispy pig skin (a local delicacy).  I was able to feast more on Mangosteen, Rambutan, Lanzones, a plethora of banana varieties and not the least a big fat Durian.  Durian.  Stinky and prickly, this one tasted of raw garlic.  I am still recovering.
 
We then jumped into the a/c of the company Pajero truck and headed to the hills to the Sang’ngawan hot springs in the Barangay of Makilala (translated as “to be known”), Cotobato province, island of Mindanao, the Philippines just 121 km north of Davao.  The hot springs was a piece of creation with a waterfall surrounded by jungle nestled at the foot of Mt Apo – the Philippines tallest mountain and the second highest mountain in Asia.
 
How can you do better than that?  A day to remember to be sure.
 
I was fortunate enough to repeat the feasting in Makilala the next day.  A rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” was followed by another Lechon, and some lime-marinated tuna, and some curry beef in the fruit basket of Mindanao.  Yum.  Burp.
 
Life here in Manila is hot and sweaty.  Sara and I have been here just 7 days now and so are still really getting over jetlag.  We have caught clues of our duties and as we slowly get the picture, we have been able to accompany our Project Officer across the Philippines to the island of Mindanao (the big island at the south tip of the chain).  Things will come together soon and I am sure we will be over our heads in work in no time.
 
The following week has Sara and I will be traveling to the island of Panay to participate in another couple of Kaagapay ceremonies.  We are fortunate enough to leave early so that we can enjoy a day or so on the fabled white sand beaches on the island of Borocay.
 
The primary beer here is “San Miguel” and can be had in the stores for as little as 12 pesos (ie 25 cents).  Not the best I have had but the best deal bar none.

A never ending list of "firsts".