District Conference and Baguio City

So the Friday of the District conference had come around. I woke early at 7 and pulled on my running shorts, a t-shirt (well my running top had been destroyed between mango juice at Boracay and pink die of a towel at the hot springs) and some stinking Nike's and I was good to go. I had offered for the entire team to join me on a few miles of early morning running around the cool (30c) fresh air amoung the old tall pine trees that grew all around our hotel complex. Amazingly the only person that was stupid enough to take me up on the offer was Natalie and so we set of for what I had been assured by the hotel reception team was a modest 3-4 mile oval route around the hotel and impossible for us to get lost on. We set of into the warm sunshine clutching water bottles and I have to say that it was an absolute blessing to get out and run after not having done any exercise for the last 3 weeks. At around the 30 minute mark (or 3-4 mile mark) I did have to admit to Natalie that I was lost and the oval route that had been promised as being impossible to lose had been lost. I resorted to asking locals if I was on the right route to which I got the genuine Filipino hospitality of YES - even if that means actually NO or I don't know! After over an hour of running, another bought bottle of water and much sweating, we eventually arrived at the hotel. Natalie then took this oportunity to sprint past me and arrived triumphantly at the steps to the lobby. She turned and with a big smile on her face started togloat about 'fastest runner' etc. i then took the opportunity to point out we had arrived at the wrong hotel! 5 minutes later we arrived at our actual hotel and walked in for a shower and breakfast! ;I reckon that we probably did close on to 6-7 miles so not bad for a warm up jog!!!!

The rest of the day was then taken up with cultural tours of the city with our host RC for the day on a very strict deadline as Kate insisted that we would need to be back in time for the opening of DISCON at 12 noon. This meant that we had a real quick whistle stop tour of the sights and sounds around our hotel. First of was a stop at a collection of WWII and later era war machinery and several brilliant shots of me commanding a large gun. Never let it be said that I haven't been seen with a massive weapon between my legs!

The next stop was the Military training acadamy - highlights for me being photographed every 30 seconds like I am famous and the collection of Vietnam era jets and helicopters. I am really quite geeky when it comes to fast air and these were pristine examples and it looked like they had just landed there in the last few hours.

Next was a stop at MINESHEAD which is basically a viewing platform at the top of a rocky outcrop. The view was divine and apparantly the president at some point in history used to stand at the top and hurl change at the peasants. Now when I heard this I thought it was to keep the people sweet but now writing it down I am wondering if they meant that he used to hurl small change at the peasants to drive them back or just for fun. Tbh the change that you are handed is a bit of an inconvenience at times as it doesn't actually have a great deal of value to it! Photo shots taken with all manner of tourist attractions gathered at the location including purple horses, naked men and other stuff and iut was time to move on.

The final stop was literally 5 mins and we just had time to get out and film a few frames of gangnm style outside the presidents summer house, much to the amusement of onlookers who had no idea why we were dancing around with no music.

Kate was starting to fret about getting back for the opening ceremony of the Rotary district 3780 conference so we sped back avoiding crazy jeepneys and after a quick change into suits and air hostess jackets, we all assembled in the tour bus to be conveyed to the conference centre. We were duly conveyed the 10 minute walk to the centre (two things 1. No one ever walks and 2. We always arrive in a motorcade. Of course we do, it's that kinda trip!) upon entry we were blown away by the size, scale and impressive set up of the centre. We entered proudly holding our discon passes and were shown to our VIP table at the front. There must've been in excess of 1000 people present and all turned to watch us walk through the room. Show time!!! Food was served so again no need to decide what I wanted to way and I felt like Forrest Gump in the White House.... I'll have another Dr Pepper please! The conference was duly opened and baring the technical hitch in Running the VT (stands for video tape) went well. The dancing troupe were ace and scantily dressed much to the amusement of the girls.

Thankfully we didn't stay for the full opening ceremony as we had a presentation to get ready so after a couple of hours we managed to escape and went and met up with Sally Cu and friends from midtown RC where costumes were put on, games were played and I became king of the spoons. This is because I am massively talented and skilful at shooting spoons into a glass (as well as balancing them on my nose - and getting others to do it to!) many will say I was assisted by Homer but I state if was all skill!

Back to rooms and the lap tips were fired up and work was completed. A little later it was time to get ready for the international themed night. Now I had brought my work tunic and it weighs a to and having carried it around for the last few weeks it was time to get it on and show it off. So donning my tunic and ensuring boots were spit shone and buttons were shining, I went to escort the ladies down to reception. There was no sign of Richard but tbh I have come to the conclusion that he can look after himself and often appears like the shop keeper in Mr Benn. Admiring glances and I knew it was looking sharp so we made our way to the party. The entire district were well represented and were all dressed on national dress from around the world. It quickly became clear that all clubs were entered into a fancy dress competition to see who was best dressed. Quick as a flash the rest of the team put me forward to promote the UK which the first I knew about was when the PA called my name and I had to sprint to the stage, easier said than done in a heavy wool suit in 33c heat. Much fun had it was then time for fellowship and entertainment soi watch in awe at the dancing theFilipinos pulled out of the hat! The Australians then went up to do a song involving coco nuts which went down well. Our turn and thankfully Nat pulled a Zumba routine out and after some energetic shimmying in which she almost fell out of the top she was wearing (hilarious) it went down a storm. A short end to the night as duty called and I switched to being the protection fog the girls. At around midnight, we headed home, happy and content - falling into bed.

GANGNAM STYLE - our tribute to the Philippines!

Not ones to rest on our laurels - this is the video tribute that we put together for the district conference.  I have to be honest and say that when I mooted the idea of a viral style video we were all walking around the IT hub in QC and I really didn't think that the rest of the team would go for it - but how wrong could I be.  Several weeks later and many video shoots at any location that lent the video some style and panache...  I can't overstate how much we were walking around and looking at every location as a possible'shoot' which also included underwater and in some pretty bizarre shoots in public places with lots of onlookers watching us as if we had gone completely mad.  Creatively put together in a late night cutting room and then finally edited and polished (including flourishes that Amy regards as not needed added fizz) on the flight on the way home.  It took me most of Manila to Dubai to get it running right and I nearly went mad working on the 3 hours sleep in the previous 48 hrs that I had had, but....  It got done and I am very proud of it and of the team that made it happen.

To everyone in the Philippines - A MASSIVE THANK YOU for making this a reality - it is our little tribute to you all and hopefully carries the sense of energy, enthusiasm and passion that we brought over for the 4 weeks.

Good times - keep dancing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buaKfBl2Wf4

http://youtu.be/buaKfBl2Wf4

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A city in the mountains!

And so it came to pass that our merry troop set off for Baguio city. The summer Capitol of the Philippines due to its mountain setting and cooler climate. It's still a good 30c every day but compared to the fierce unforgiving 40c of metro Manila it promised some much needed respite. So it was that at a stupidly early time I met the team at a McDonalds and over s healthy breakfast of pancakes, sausage and maple syrup we made our plans. Well actually we didn't. What we did was act like giddy school kids hatching our Gangnam style video much to the amusement of the watching staff who whooped s d waved us off when we actually came to get in the bus! Lesson learnt, everyone watches us all of the time. I was kinda buzzed by the reaction tho!

The bus journey up to Baguio takes around 6 hours and after some initial dramas of 'no seatbelt?' and 'no headrests!' It was plain sailing. Nat was up front with Dan G regaling her with tales and stories. It was amazing to watch him as I consider him the Al Pacino of the Philippines - don't ask he just looks, sounds and acts like Pacino in say Scarface... No? Ok it's just me then lol! He's a genuinely lovely guy and a hoot to be around. The rest of us set about blogging or sleeping. Sleep in the Philippines is grabbed as and when and we are all now adept at sleeping with lolling heads!

The journey passed uneventfully for me. Mainly because I slept for mat of it! I was awake for Amy photographing Nat with her mouth wide open snoring with Dan G with his arm around the back of the chair! You had to be there buy the sight was hilarious, all at Natalie's expense I'm afraid.

It was not until we hit the mountain region of Baguio that I started to sit up and take note. The scenery had started to give way to jagged rising buttresses of rock with cascading water glowing swiftly down through its v shaped river channels. The rivers were low but the sight of huge rocks, trees and other detritus gave the promise of how powerful the water is here in rainy season. They were in a word breath taking and as we climbed ever higher up the steep, narrow road which clung to the hill side, the views just kept getting better. I had my camera out desperately trying to get a landscape shot but we were turning and moving to quickly. I was about to give up just as we were reaching the turn at a particularly impressive viewpoint over a huge vista of mountains when strange whining noises came from the engine. We all perked up and looked at each other. Mario our cast driver who had been belting the shuttle bus up the mountain at warp 10 suddenly looked slightly panicked and we were ordered to shut off the aircon! Too little to late tho and with a final whine a d bang, the radiator burst and Mario coasted the bus to a stop right on the corner I wanted us to stop at! Not wanting to waste the opportunity, I jumped out of the bus and wandered to the edge of the road and snapped away. The rest of the team followed whilst Dan and Mario set to work looking at the bus. Where we broke down couldn't have been better picked as there was a shop selling food and also conveniently tables and chairs! What are the odds eh? Richard and Amy settled down at a lovely solid wood table with matching chairs whilst I grabbed some pics with Kate and Nat. All was going well until I watched in disbelief a car overtake seven others as it approached our blind turn. As it reached the hairpin still in the lane for traffic travelling down (narrow road - think horseshoe pass etc) an HGV rounded the turn coming down and was forced to swerve out. This led it to drive straight at us sat on the wall above the 600' plunge into the valley below. This was enough for us to go join Amy and Richard and I gabbed some crisis from the shop and pulled out the sandwiches sealed in 'Reynolds' sandwich bags made by Marby herself and offered then around. Natalie was desperately trying to befriend a young 6 y o local boy who was sat with another lad aged maybe 14 who was sorting beans.  It was commented that we we're interrupting him in his counting but to be honest I don't think he was paying us ant attention but progress with the younger boy who I shall name Duncan just because I can, was made when I suggested Natalie offer him the packs of biscuits we had in our little picnic hamper!  Duncan happily took the biscuits and then spent time playing with them like cards with Natalie trying to mime to him that he should eat them and Richard commenting that he didn't think that Duncan looked like a Ritz cracker kind of man!  All this musing had happily distracted us from our broken down plight and the sight of Mario pouring water into the engine and it pouring out of the shattered radiator beneath was actually amusing.  It is amazing how quickly you can just accept things in the Philippines as had this been back at home we would've been much more stressed.  Maybe it was the rarified mountain air but it really didn't concern me and I just found the whole bizarre situation of breaking down at a shop with table and chairs, food and breath taking views just amusing.

A plan was hatched by Dan G and as soon as the Australians had been safely dropped off, their vehicle was sent to collect us.  We abandoned our worldly goods, well apart from Richard who had sense to get his and put it in the 4x4 and all clambered inside.  Don't fear now, it was three in the front and four in the rear.  An interetsing journey in the city was had with Natalie sitting in the footwell of the car, three up front and four in the rear.  I had my legs crushed into shapes that they were not ever designed to go into and Amy and Kate were getting all up close and personal!  It was an interesting journey from the point of view that our new driver didn't appear to know how to get back to the Diner that he had just come from and true to form some real quality Filipino driving was observed which included a U turn on a busy main road, the wrong way around road abouts and driving left past the one way keep right sign.  The essence of driving in the Philippines is basically to take any rules in any given driving situation and too do pretty much what the heck you like!

After a bizarre journey we eventaully arrived at the 50's diner.  This was a very much authentic classic American diner and is common in this part of the world.  The back story to Baguia is that it was a favourite haunt for Americans in the Philippines due to its cooler climate.  This is reflected in the architecture, culture and style in the city.  The back story to this particularly diner is that is has been around since the 50's and is a genuine American diner and has been run and managed by the same Chinese family for the whole time!  After some gangnam style filming on the high chrome swivel chairs and a strawberry smoothy it was off to Camp John Hey and our destination, Forest Lodge.  This is a posh, swanky US golf course meets county club affair and on arrival we new it was going to be good.  The place was divine inside and after bouncing on our double beds and admiring the size, quality and luxery of the rooms, we realised that we were still part from our luggage which was still somewhere down the mountains.  As a result much filming was the order of the afternoon so that we would have sufficient material for our Gangnam tribute video.  Much to the amusement of the staff who kept catching us mid film shot, we spent time holding up the lifts, walking with style and panache down corridors and other things that you will clearly see in the film.  Our only saving grace was that they hadbooked us 'children' into a wing that was still undergoing room fitting and we had the run of the place pretty much!

After our luggage arrived it was a quick change and then a relaxed meal in the city.  It was the first time that I was asked what I wanted to order and so I passed over my selection.  True to form, what appeared was not what I ordered and many many dishes were put down in what is the traditional Filipino hospitality of 'death by many dishes!'  Basog Na Acol later (I'm full) and it was back to the rooms and some beers were bought along the way.  May and I then worked solidly on the fim until the early hours with Natalie and Richard pitching in (until Richard flaked) as we need to get this done as our big presentation is up in 2 days and we haven't got the film nor the presentation ready!  Nothing like a bit of pressure to focus the mind!

District Conference 2013 starts properly tomorrow and it promises to be the 'Discon' it has been billed as.  Nervous, excited and exhausted - I fall into bed.

Hot Springs!

So Saturday of Easter break arrived and since we had nothing penned into the program we were kindly taken to the Hidden Valley Hot springs as a team by my previous hosts Sally and Homer Cu and there lovely children Harvey and Shar. A long road trip and we eventually found the hidden alley springs. To be honest if they weren't so hidden then more people would visit! The most exciting moment if the journey was a toss up between Homer refusing to ask for directions or doing a very slow leisurely u turn on the expressway. His driving is legendary!

A full day of relaxation and fun was had exploring the park. Upon arriving we were met by the park Police which was nice and is a job I think i could handle! We went for a huge walk (at least half a mile) to see the cascading waterfalls which Sally forbade me from swimming out to. We the. Posed for lots of photos and as we returned back to the pools, I had to come to the rescue of Sally. As they were crossing the bamboo bridge all I heard was screaming and so I ran over just in time to stop Harvey wiping Sally out with a bag full of water bottles etc. As a result items from the bag went over the side and into the ditch which was all of 20' deep. The commotion was all over a shield bug which I flicked off Sally's back and the. Retrieved all the fallen items. Hero duties done we then went from pool to pool (disturbing the peace of the lovers pool) until we settled in the hot springs. This is fresh water stream mixing with geothermal spring coming up from below. You a feel the water mixing which is a but strange and it was commented by Amy that its a bit like someone has had a wee next to you! Thankfully it doesn't taste like that and I had to inform a disappointed Richard that the Soda spring did not in fact taste of Sprite!

A wonderful lunch of SALAD which was enjoyed by all and after a bit more wallowing it was time to go. A happy relaxed team ready for a new week.

Day 9 Mountain climbing and slippers!

So on our only rest day of the trip so far it was decided that a little trip into the mountains would be in order. In fairness this was something that I had already set my heart on doing if I could. Lake Taal was the order of the day and the opportunity to visit a volcano within a lake within an even larger caldera whilst also carrying flip flops to the poorest communities that live in the area was too much of a lure. Hey who am I trying to kid. The chance to climb any peak in the Philippines with my hosts and friends was never going to be passed and this trip promised 12 peaks in the same day.

So a very early start was had with Natalie, Amy, Dr Kate and I assembled with my hosts Sally, Homer, Shar and Harvey plus an entourage of their friends. We drove into the highlands and as we got closer my heart was beating with the anticipation and I have to admit I was a little nervous of climbing in 40c heat and 70% humidity!

Bags were packed with 3 litres of water each and I elected to give my lightweight pack to Amy so I could carry the 60l backpack which I stuffed with as many pairs of slippers (flip flops) as I could. It was still early morning but temperatures were soaring and after slip slap slipping against the sun we set off up a dirt track for an adventure that promised and delivered so much.

After probably 1km of low level trekking we lost some of the team due to the heat and humidity with Dr Kate and a few others electing to stay at this advanced base camp complete with bar and sun shelter. The local communities have tapped into the climbers by building shelters and offering Mountain Dew at regular stops on the way up to the summit. They are very much like the Sherpas and what took us 3 hrs they run up in 30 minutes. They were also the people that we were handing slippers out to as they gratefully accepted them. It never ceases to amaze me what people are capable of achieving with so little and how grateful they can be for the smallest of gifts. I felt humbled that I was climbing with full technical gear and shoes but being guided by a wizened man wearing flip flops, singlet and lighting up another of the local smokes every time we stopped to catch our breath during the ascent. All I can say is that with the het and humidity it was like climbing at altitude as there just didn't appear to be enough air for the exertion we were making. Within 30 mins from starting I looked like I had jumped in a bath fully clothed just from sweating and the very fine talk like red dust stick to us as it was kicked up as we walked.

As we climbed higher we quickly handed out all of the slippers and then it was focus on the task in hand as we had reached the leading edge of the caldera and the real climb lay ahead of us. The route from the col we rested at picked a narrow path along the striding ridge line making 8 separate summits before then turning to the right around a huge buttress outcrop of rock and then striking sharply upward to the final 3 summits before the summit proper. This section of the route looked exposed and technical with steep near vertical drops on the exposed sides. I was informed that a female climber had fallen and sadly died the previous year in a tragic accident so I approached the mountain with respect and caution and double checked in with my fellow climbers that everyone was on the same page. The old familiarity of taking care of all in a climbing party was a real pleasure as I was sharing a passion with my GSE classmates!

Pictures taken and everyone rested we struck on with photos of all summits take. It was clear that we were moving quicker than much of our group so we quickly became to separate groups climbing all with the common goal of inching ever higher. The guide seemed impressed with our progress and as I helped Amy to conquer her fear of heights by crossing a 30' arrete with 30' drop on one side and 70' exposed side the other it started to be a real challenge we would not give up I. The path then started to snake ever steeper upwards and the challenge of not slipping on the fine greasy talc soil grew ever more. By this point we were all covered on dust but the summit was in sight and was teasing us ever onwards.

Another bursts of effort and Natalie, Amy an I were stood on col just below the summit where we passed other climbers resting before they themselves either
Descended or went for the summit. We pushed on eager to reach the top and as we reached it we were rewarded with a vista of epic proportions. The camera photos are good but do not do justice to the view that in a wood was breath taking. After congratulating ourselves and drinking in the view we were quickly joined by the rest of the team and hugs and laughter are the memories that stay with me. Then as it was fast approaching 1130 and we wanted off before the heat of the midday sun, we bid the summit goodbye and made a speed descent with Amy stumbling once and getting a huge bruise for her trouble. After an hour and a half in stifling heat we made it off and having grabbed a quick rest for fresh mango off the tree and to admire how grubby we were it was time to clean up using the local village water pump and a saucepan to wash ourselves down with. I didn't care as it meant we were clean and I was proud of all of the team that had made it up and down.

As quick trip over to the the cliff side restaurants overlooking Lake Taal and after some traditional Ph cuisine we took photos of Lake Taal and then set off for home.

I'm now going to give Homer credit not only for his climbing spirit as I know it was hard work for him. I am also going to endorse his manner of driving, so much so that N as I issued him with a traffic warden badge for his novel interpretation of how to enter a service station. Only in the Philippines!

An amazing day and probably the highlight if the trip for me. A massive thank you to Homer, Sally and the rest of the team that made that possible. It was a real treat for me and I have many photos that captured the spirit and laughter of that trip. A real highlight for me.

A day of Easter Zumba, chocolate and confusing the team!

This will just be a quick blog as we spent most of the day working hard on the presentation for the district conference. However following on from Sally Cu arranging for us to see a dance show, we also then got invited by the same dance team to come down to their dance studio and do an hour of Zumba. Now if you want to read an exciting blog all about Zumba the. Go read Natalie's as I know it will run to pages just like my climbing one due to this being her passion. However the opportunity to try something new a d to be honest just do some exercise was to great to pass up. I was I interested to see what the big fuss is all about with Zumba as well as it is a massive hot on the Ph at the moment and as soon as anyone here finds out that N is a Zumba instructor all else is forgotten!!!!!!!

So we tipped up and I don't know who was more nervous out of the two of us. Me for putting myself way out of my comfort zone (well come on, I cannot dance and this was me doing my first ever Zumba class at a professional dance studio) or N for meeting her idol!

Upon entry to the small room with mirror the full length of the front wall, Sally and I adopted positions at the rear to hide a N was soon moved to the front by an eager class of top flight dancers. What followed on my part for the most was terrifying, exciting, energetic and fun as I tried my very best to follow the routines. Some of it I got but the dance steps were quite complex and Zumba is FAST and HIGH ENERGY! N was asked to lead on a couple of routines that went down a storm and I was pleased and proud that she did a great job of representing herself, the GSE and the UK. By the end I was drenched in sweat as though I'd been dunked in a bath - I'm not kidding, any exercise in 30c heat is hard and this was an 8am start!

Some quick photos and a breakfast was followed by a tour if the impressive dance studios and the smile on Sally's face told me I'd held up my own well. ( I was later told by N that the dance instructor had commented that I had high energy and loads of enthusiasm, which equates to not much musicality or style in my mind with a pat on the head for my 'special' dancing!)

The whole GSE gang then got together at my hosts home so we could work together (yes WORK!!!!) and to break the work up and just for fun I put together Ann Easter treasure hunt with rhyming clues for the. To follow. It was great to see Richard and Nat running around the house like children and finding clues that I had hidden in plain sight. Amy helped in decoding the clues (and hand writing) and the chocolate I had brought from the UK was a welcome reward.

The end of the day bright new hosts for us all and some interesting challenges for me which would show me that the team would rally for me when I needed them but for now I'll sign off!

Boracay!

There is so much I could write about the mid trip break in Boracay but tbh the pictures speak for themselves so ill keep it brief. This was a joint trip between the Australian VTT and UK GSE teams and it did not disappoint. Sharing a room with Steale who I quickly renamed Stealy Dan was a hoot. Considering he is 13 years my senior we et along like a house on fire and the rivalry from earlier was ever present. Boracay is one of the Ph premier resorts and all I advise is you google it. We arrived after travelling in every mode of transport known to man and were greeted with a Vegas style nightlife beach front and white sand beaches less than 20' from the strip. The hotel was basic but has brilliant AC which tbh is all u want!

I must admit that after the first night I has a 'the beaches are great but you can leave the night life' attitude. If you only saw this aspect of Boracay you would be disappointed however the following day proved me wrong.

Chito one of the hosts the following day took us off to his private resort on the other side of the island. I later found out that this is recommended as one of the best beaches in Boracay and it didn't disappoint. A pleasant day playing volleyball, football and other sports, myself and Steale Vs chitos kids was had and everyone of the team relaxed.

The following day was spent island hopping. Essentially this was using a boat as a base whilst we snorkelled, swam, caved (where brad Pitt and Angelina Joliet climbed apparently - no one brave enough apart from me with N following not to be outdone!) I am afraid to say that I got sun burnt spending all this time in the sun and as a result spent the following days avoiding the sun and plastering myself in after sun! I know I know slip slap slop but when in paradise...! Never mind. Home beckons and back to reality, well this crazy GSE version of reality. Manila is calling and we have much work Still to do!

Day 8. An amazing day of Fiesta

So today's excursion was a trip out to Our lady of Banneux communities which I'll be honest I didn't have any idea what it was going to be. All I know is that we were told we could dress down and that we would be attending a fiesta. Having only any experience of a Fiesta being a car back home it was with anticipation that we drove out into the countryside. After several hours of travel in our air condition team bus we started to realise that we were driving through fairly rural and deprived areas. There was a definite change in the building type with everything low rise and made from pretty much what was at hand. As we made it down a dirt track it was a massive surprise to come out onto the bright sunshine and what appeared to be a half finished village housing project. The whole village was out with full marching band blasting out pop hits that I recognised. They must have been roasting as it was in the high 30's and there was no escape from the intense sun so I was really pleased when two gazebos were pulled over them to give some shelter. I still can't get comfortable with people putting themselves in hardship for us to spectate on and I don't think I ever want to. Don't get me wrong it was amazing to watch but the bits of the trip I struggle with is when I feel like a tourist.

Thankfully we were allowed to wander the site and with Natalie and Amu in tow we walked down the steep bare red earth bank to a cluster of semi completed buildings. After a brief explanation from the hosting clubs it transpired that this project was one of resettling people from the informal settlements (basically shacks made out of rubbish) in the poorest deprived areas of the city into a dedicated village. The biggest problem with resettlement identified from previous attempts is that unless the resettled family have a purpose and reason to stay, they often return back to the city. It was impressive to hear that this project was that the homes were built by the resettled people themselves investing a minimum of 500 hours into the project and learning construction techniques as well. The buildings are a simple one room affaid an built out of polystyrene covered in a wire mesh and then covered in a cement based render. The finished home is insulated, simple but homely. I was impressed that there are fruit trees and vegetables planted around as well so the village is self sufficient and a solar panels and water collection means that they are as self sufficient as possible. The whole point of the project is to develop and foster a community spirit. There is also a church Andy statue erected on the site by one of the sponsors of the project which not only gives the community spirit as faith but are also training the members in how to make small statues to sell to visiting tourists. The whole project is inspirational and I had already started discussing with Amy and the others that if there was an option to return and help build then that would be something I would love to do! (Subject to support from the better half of course!)

My first game of where's Richard began and he never ceases to amaze me how easily he meets and communicates with people from all walks of life. He didn't disappoint as he appeared from a house and asked us if we wanted to meet his new friend. He promptly disappeared inside and reappeared with a lovely chap in tow who then proudly showed us around his house and the rice cakes he had made that morning for our trip. Thankfully Natalie rescued me as I almost knocked one over as I walked past!

We were then asked to sit and were treats to a show of local dance. One of the dancers was particularly interested in me and I was later informed by the girls that she had been trying to catch my attention, perhaps cos I'm good looking or maybe a am escape!? Sadly as anyone who knows me well will know, I'm hopeless when it comes to reading the signs and I just thought she was an enthusiastic dancer!!!

Second game of where's Richard and probably one of my favourite photos of him from the entire trip as it truly captured him at his best. He said he was aware later but I don't think he was and it was a truly natural shot of him with the people.

Lunch followed which was a roast pig and then after having a with the dancing girls ( which Claire of the Ozzie team and Natalie led on) it was time to head off.

A quiet meal in with my host family was the order of the evening as tomo promise to be special as its off mountain climbing!

22nd March and the QC PD and the ENR!

So today was another vocational day for me and my illustrious partner in law enforcement Natalie. Our hosts for the day were

And we were taken straight to the impressive looking QC Police HQ building. On arrival we were met by various assembled senior officers and as we were ushered into the conference room and sat on the stage facing the seated chiefs of staff with all their medals, braiding and scrambled egg on caps, I leaned over and whispered in Natalie's ear "this is going to be another crazy day!" After photographs we were moved and sat in the front row for a very informative power point presentation. All I will say is that two things struck me. The first was that the ads bled senior officers were extremely nervous and had no idea who we were and the second is that they love their acronyms. DID, CIDG, SSDID to name a few. I have no idea what they all stand for but suffice to say that often neither did they! On their running order Natalie quickly spotted that their was a section for "speech from guests" and so after a few minutes of head scratching I figured ad lib is always the best way so took the lectern and spoke for a few minutes on community, family and international goodwill. It must've been good as Natalie then took the mike and said "I've nothing left to say Dan has said it all!" It was all well received and the assembled team looked a bit more relaxed and after posing for pictures and saying thank you we were whisked off for lunch. Curiously Natalie had two rather pungent mushroom burgers in her handbag from a snack that was served by the QC Police during their presentation courtesy of me which she found about 4 hours later! Hee Hee.

Lunch was had and then we assembled as the infamous five with Dr Kate, (where's) Richard and Amy. Off to the ENR we were told which is the department for the Environment and Natural resources. After posing for photos we went into the office of the Chief of the ENR and I must say I found the whole situation quite bizarre. It is the equivilant of us meeting with minister for DEFRA etc and I must admit I didn't have any material prepared. Luckily I needn't have worried as I looked across the office and Richard had picked up a copy of the Atlas of the Philippines and was swotting up!!!!

The discussion with the chief was interesting, relaxed and informative. The most impressive project discussed is the national greening programme where they intend to plant 1 billion trees in 5 years across the entire country. This is native species and includes fruit trees to provide food and natural resources to the people. It wasn't want they were doing that impressed me but the scale, pace and how they go about it. Every govt worker is required to plant 10 seedlings per year NAND its manadatory! As such we decided to get hands on and planted our allotted 10 trees.

A quick transfer back and a quick change and my wonderful hosts Sally and Homer Cu took myself and Natalie out for an evening meal. This was supposed to be due to us visiting the Meralco electric company building where friends of the Cu's were performing in a dance show which we had all been invited to. Honer being his normal good self took the opportunity to spoil us (I think to spoil his Barbie doll Natalie really) and we were taken for Japanese food cooked in front of us whilst we sat. Many courses later and I threw in the towel and admitted defeat but at least I outlasted Nat and tried the wasabi!

Then we went of to see the dancing show at the Theatre. The Meralco building alone is amazing and I must admit that we were acting like giddy kids posing for pictures for Sally and messing about with the kids. The show was brilliant. I was falling asleep until the pole dancing girls came on. It's all about the art darlings and nothing to do with their scant attire!

After witnessing the 'angry dance' which has quickly become adopted as one of our signature moves it was time to go and after dropping the children off we were then whisked off to a posh bar somewhere near the Central Business District where we met up with Amy and her hosts. A few beers were consumed and Natalie was partnered up by Dennis to some Latino guy that had been dancing with his wife. Amy and I soon joined them on the dance floor and threw some shapes of our own finally to be joined by our hosts as well. Homer can dance surprisingly well once he gets going! It was all over to quickly and after posing for a few more photos with hosts (which resulted in a very interesting photo of Natalie and Amy!) It was time to go home. Happy times and the host families are brilliant.

A trip to the island of Corregidor.

So after the late night or early morning finish from the night before I found myself getting ready and easing towards the RC HQ for a 0530 start to travel to the island of Corregidor. This is a national war memorial and site if great historical importance. It's name is derived from the days of Spanish conquest and means check or correction. Basically it is the largest island situated at the entrance to Manila harbour and offers strategic advantage to controlling shipping entering or leaving. In the Spanish time of galleon trade between Manila and Acapulco, ships were made to stop at Corregidor and have their papers and cargo checked.

After the US took control of the island they invested a significant amount of money into developing the island as a military base as the barracks and other infrastructure that was out in place would have been impressive when new as the ruins now are still commanding. This also included building an 800' long tunnel beneath the mountain at the heart if the island which was complete with infirmary and ammunition storage. This was built of of the bedrock and was never penetrated in any conflict save for the Japanese blowing the magazine up deliberately leading to the loss of 2000 Japanese soldiers rather than surrender.

The American use of the island saw the installation of massive anti shipping guns and these were in service up until the island was overrun by Japanese soldiers during WWII. The Japanese invasion of the Philippines was anticipated to last 5 weeks but because of the efforts of US and Philippine troops resisting for 5 months at Bataan and Corregidor they successfully delayed the Japanese effort which in turn stopped the Japanese from invading Australia. It is not an understatement when I say that this small island saw and played a crucial part in WWII and I was please to see that the British flag fluttering proudly with other nations involved in the struggle at the National Pacific war memorial.

"At the going down of the sun and in the
morning, we will remember them."

As soon as I found that we were visiting this place I realised we had an opportunity to do something quite incredible and also extremely important to me. As such it was quickly arranged via Dan the man Gonzales, our man in Manila that a wreath would be available for us to lay at the National Pacific War memorial. Since I have a close connection with Remembrance service back in the UK this was something I felt we should do to honour all fallen service men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice for us to now enjoy the profound freedoms or life and liberty. This might all sound a bit deep but having placed the wreath and standing with head bowed at the monument observing a minute silence a a sign of respect I felt humbled by the place. The conflict between allied troops and the. Japanese forces saw over 6600 troops killed on the little island alone and the cost of the conflict in this part of the world was high. The Philippines surrendered to the Japanese and saw the capture of over 76000 allied troops die to a decision to send reinforcements to the European effort instead of the Pacific war theatre. This led to Gen. McCarthy leaving to Australia and uttering the words 'I will return' which he indeed did in 1945 after 3 years of Japanese occupation. The human cost was not the only one though as the damage to the island following the battle for Corregidor left it virtually razed to the ground and the US quit the island as a base. It was not until around 1986 that the Ph govt stepped in and a partnership has turned it into a memorial. This also included the repatriation of the remains of over 2000 Japanese soldiers buried in a mass grave.

The visit was a somber one but left me feeling positive that we firstly left a good impression as visitors from the UK and also positive that the scars of the past are healing but the memory of those that paid the ultimate sacrifice is maintained and passed down through the generations.

The lasting memory I will take is the absolutely beautiful island with the monument to the fallen of an upturned rifle with bayonet, with helmet balanced on the stock. The inscription below reads '
"We shall not forget" and I don't think I need say anymore. I am glad I had the opportunity to share this day with my GSE team and hope they found it as inspiring as I.

We will remember them.

Special day with the Special Actions Forces.

So came the day that I know that Natalie and I had bern looking forward to which was visiting the Special Action Forces at Camp Bogong Diwa. The rest of the team had obviously decided that it sounded good so they tagged along as well and after a long drive down EDSA and the the North Luzon expressway we reached th camp. This is a huge training and base for SAF and upon entry we were met with smart salutes. The SAF is the paramilitary arm of the police and was formed in 1982 It started out as a single brigade of 400 and played a key role in the people's revolution. It now has 9 brigades and is set to grow to 11 and employs around 4400 commandos. It is a Police run section but has capacity and technique the same as the SAS and Marine commandos.

After meeting the senior team and a challenging Q and A session where the mike was turned to me at the start as I am a cop! Thanks to the team for rallying around!

A quick weapons inspection of the 50 cal, m4 and sniper rifles got me excited at the prospect of maybe trying them. Worryingly I seem to know an awful lot about the weapons already and phrases such as full metal jacket were banded about as I explained how a 50 cal round worked to our host RC. Too many war movies I guess but the armoured seemed impressed!

Next was to the K-9 unit where I fell in love with the brown labs that they had and was most impressed by the care and training they had received. I then hid some explosives which Richard immediately found for his handler and the happy wagging tail made me think of my dog Cory at home.

A quick walk and it was time to inspect the troops. Two platoons had assembled in full gear and we were given an parade inspection of their roles and skills. I felt sorry for them in the heat but they were all consummate pros and were very proud that they had earned thee black berets. Some pictures with the troops, in a APV and I wandered off with the commandant to inspect their SAR kit that they use during the rainy season floods. A tightly well trained team was the impression I wa left with and their MOE (method of entry) kit and training is similar to our own.

Then came the eagerly anticipated moment. It was onto the firing range and the chance to shoot. Again as I have now become accustomed to it was an entirely informal affair with no health and safely briefings and just a lovely selection of M4 assault rifles, UMB suppressed assault weapons and some 9mm glock pistols. Lots as lots of loaded mags were piles up and I was surprised that my fellow team were all starting to look a bit anxious so I took the lead and went first. Being handed an m4 assault rifle the only instruction I had was to don ear defenders and then it was a full clip on single shot and semi auto. I did well and find it far easier than I expected. It was over quick and I found that my huge grin was plastered on my face. My team mates the went and ill let them tell their own stories but I went and had a second go with the M4 (which is a shortens version of an m16) and a go with the UMB and this time on full auto! I loved it and the comment of nice grouping and a high five from the instructor told me I had done well! The smiles from my fellow team mates and hosts all with hands over their ears also made me feel happy. The report from an M4 in full auto is felt as much as it is heard! Maybe a career as an AFO does beckon after all.

A drive out with the hosts into the country east of QC found us at their organic farm and a late lunch was had which was all organic and I tried to convince Amy that watermelons grow on trees and are a falling hazard when ripe and telling Natalie that spaghetti grows on trees. Richard managed to pack away a full lunch and then followed it with some red bark tea which is very good for his uterus!

After Richard had a full discussion with the cooperative about Fair trade which just shows that we are always working, the girls being dosed up with Lorenzos oil to sooth their sore throats (yes they jave a cold even in 40c heat). I had a swing in the hammock and took some wacky pictures of Richard and Nat with a tortoise and it was time to go.

After a long drive and a siesta it was a visit to the Eastwoods Police department and after asking lots and lots of questions that really drove home the huge gulf between UK and Ph due process which was invaluable it was time to move on. We were running late and had only an hour to scrutinise a police station full of street cops but with Nat and I firing out questions and Amy taking pictures of everything (nothing off limits which was incredible but I think they were a bit star struck by our delegation) it was time to move on and be rescued by my adoptive new host Marby!

Great end to a great day that at the start had me feeling a bit lost. Good times and Corrigedor Island beckons tomo with a 530am start.

A day at the MMDA!

So after the hard work at Boracay it was back to the vocational visits on a busy Monday morning in Metro Manila as all the traffic and commuters returned from their Easter exodus out to the provinces. The temperature has started to soar and clear skies and sunshine at 7am meant it was going to be a hot day on the high 30's. it was with some reluctance that I donned my wool blend MnS suit and headed out to the RC HQ.

As it is April 1st I immediately adopted a sensible attitude and sent a text to all my team mates informing them that today was international talk like a pirate day. To err is human, to arghh is pirate!

On arrival of the gang at the RC some impromptu dancing was had and even Kate and Richard joined in with the carry on. More of this will be revealed in time but the people of Manila fairly often look on at us as though we are insane. Always makes me smile! Sadly they all saw through my pirate scam. Tbh it wasn't the greatest but I was working on little sleep and even fewer resources and the team kinda already anticipated I would be up to my usual tricks!

A trip down EDSA and we arrived at the Metro Manila Development Agency MMDA. This department sits under the office of the President and has wide range and scope in all areas of developing the 17 cities and 1 principality that makes up the Metro Manila area.

On arrival we were greeted by the MMDA band that blasted out several tunes much to our delight. This prompted some more impromptu dancing (well dancing by Natalie and general hoonery by me.) I'm not sure Kate always approves but the local Filipinos love our craziness.

After a really engaging discussion with some of the chiefs of staff around areas ranging from traffic to disaster planning and relief it was time to visit the command centre for emergency planning. Think FEMA in the US and not as slick and you have some idea. They are moving to new premises in the next few months and going on what they currently have it will be a massive step forward as the cross over of state of the art tech in low tech building was stark.

A trip in their earthquake simulated set at 5.0 on the Richter scale gave us all an appreciation of what they face being part of the pacific ring of fire and having read the US provided earthquake readings from the SONUS array based in the Pacific it was clear that 5 earthquakes ranging from 2.1 to 4.2 had been recorded on the 31st March around the Philippines alone. The best comment I could muster was "did I make the earth move for you!"

In fairness I found the entire visit really interesting and engaging and coil have spent more time there discussing local government concerns but I was whisked away and after waving to the assembled crowds and a short stint listening to the band it was time to leave and head of for lunch. I am now completely at ease with being constantly photographed and having a band play a song upon my arrival with my fellow distinguished GSE team. I fear I shall be rather disappointed upon my return back to work if these things are no longer there. I can see why fame and celebrity is a potent drug and I am glad that I have a good grounding to keep my feet on the floor and my head out of the clouds.

Just some statisticals (I know that's a made up word - just go with it) about QC.

Land area is 636 sq miles with a population of over 11 million residents. In terms of people per square kilometre they cram a whopping 18641 in. Basically there's a lot of people in a small area and it would appear from my experience that none of them sleep...Ever!

Interestingly the average earnings are around the 500 peso mark which is about £10 per month. Basically our cash goes a very long way out here and I have become increasingly good at having small amounts of sentimes (essentially cents) which are in smallest value of 1cent about a 50th of a pence which get handed to the street kids as and when required.

A stop off for a Chinese lunch and it has become evident that our appetites have all shrunk. The conversation turned to the upcoming district conference and how it now appears that my team are planning on pimping me out in full dress uniform for photographs and kisses with all the female Rotarians. Don't worry if you are reading this back home, I will not be coming back with a new Filipino bride, as I'll leave her behind!!!!!

Anyway 3,2,1 your back in the room. After soothing Dr Kate's fears that Amy and Natalie would be kidnapped, hijacked or worse when they left the sanctuary of the rotary centre to find some better wifi. I can only say that I now have three things I am exceedingly good at. These being fetching and carrying (technically could be classed as one but heyho) and close protection duties for the team. (Keeping tabs on where's Richard etc). Sorry girls I know you don't need looking after but I must have my uses!!!

An afternoon spent catching up on the presentation which was in itself we found next door, Natalie and I were dispatched to a local chemist by Kate to fetch provisions. This is the first time we have walked anywhere i QC unaccompanied by a minder and dressed in our smart business attire strolling through what appeared to be a fairly deprived area was an interesting experience. I now know what it is to feel like as a minority in a community. Everyone was staring at us Westerners probably thinking they must be boiling in suits! This was diffused by us talking to the locals and asking for directions. Needless to say after venturing about half a mile we still didn't find it and headed back to base. After spending some in the bar And drinking Amys suspect herbal tea that was full of ginseng and made me hyper it was quick change and then another multi club meeting with our hosts for the day RC Timog and RC Cosmopolitan Timog. The RC of Church of the Holy Spirit were also in attendance and our revised presentation with GB"your invited" video and GMP Gangnam style went down a storm. Natalie with her Zumba was the hit again and then it was off to a confusing start with my new host family.

Thanks go to my GSE teammates for keeping it strong today when illness, disappointment and fatigue had set in. A truly professional team. For everyone back home you should be very proud of them all.

A day of culture and the NBI

So the day has come to visit the NBI which is the National Bureau of Investigation and is basically the Ph version of the FBI!

A meeting at a local restaurant was the starting place and Edwin my host brought me for breakfast and we discussed the issues of the day as reported by the local newspaper over a breakfast of bacon, eggs and waffles with syrup!

The RC Church of the Holy Spirit was the hosting club and after introductions and the now familiar photo shoot (well we are celebrities!) we headed out. Natalie and I adopted the relaxed dynamic duo approach which was becoming more refined now from the other vocational visits. Through conversation I discovered that one of the hosts was a former area governor for the northern region of the Central Bank of the Philippines. As a result a visit to the Central bank appeared to be part of the days events.

Traffic was heavier than normal as everyone was heading out of Manila for the Easter break and the AC on the bus was broken so travel was hard going and hot but we made the best of it and the first stop was a tour of the Met which is a cultural museum of the Ph. A trip around viewing the modern art exhibits and the fabulously intricate jewellery and pottery created by the indigenous people of the Ph. After Natalie had finished deciding which necklace she liked best and both of us agreeing that the slipper artwork was the most moving (all the hundreds of flip flops recovered after a flood in the local area and then arranged in boxes - you had to be there I guess), it was time to go.

Lunch of Philippine cuisine was had and then it was time to visit the NBI. On out arrival we smartly pinned out Cheshire Constabulary crests to our tops and were ushered into the most amazing conference room I have ever seen. A huge U shaped table with individual mikes an TV monitors, high backed chairs and everything was polished and gleaming. This was obviously the command centre for some high power discussions of national security and I whispered to Nat that this was going to be another amazing experience. I have to admit that I was hugely tempted to have a chair race as the chairs were those kind on wheels and so instead of being naughty we settle for photographs in front if the seal of the NBI I the wall which started sensibly and ended with the inevitable "wacky!"

Then we sat down and good job as a trio of senior Intelligence officers arrived and greetings were exchanged. We then set about grilling them on all things intelligence with Natalie taking the lead and a few supplementary questions from me. Hats of to her as we normally get a fill PowerPoint experience but these guys just sat down as offered us the floor which was good but put the pressure on us. We must have held up to scrutiny tho as the head of Intelligence handed us both his card with the promise that we could call on his office should we ever need to. Buoyed by this we pose for photographs and exchanged our cards with them all. A few photo shots outside beside the NBI memorial (more PR for all of us) an it wa time to leave.

A trip in the bus and general discussions of the NBI ensued whilst we were conveyed to our final locational visit, the Central Bank. This was not at all arranged in advance but when you have a for are Governor in the car, doors get opened! A full tour of the museum of the Central bank followed with some challenging questions about Western imperialism fielding and deftly and professionally batted off by me. The museum told the story of money in the Ph from early days of shells, stones and gold to the Spanish occupation, then US commonwealth and finally independence, with WWII interrupting for a short period. More photos (again Nat and I plus hosts) and it was time to return to base. Upon meeting up with Amy who appeared to have had an interesting day (see her blog) we were taken for food and a pitcher of beer! A quick change of clothes and we were taken to RC for a quick team meeting before finishing for the day. Another epic 7am to 11pm but so worth it. Anyone reading and thinking all of this sounds like a holiday - trust me it is not at all work but it is hard going at times but definitely worth it and massively rewarding. No down time for me though as Boracay beckons and that promises to up the pace even more! Good times.

Day 5 and RC SFDM

So an early start with a breakfast of Dim sum, jasmine tea and crows feet and it was straight to RC HQ and into cars for a trip to see some of the projects supported by the RC of San Francisco Del Monte. SFDM. They have a number of really inspirational projects and I was keen to see them. The first destination was to a school that they are currently supporting and trying to complete the construction of a new toilet block The school has 2000 children and is not a very big place and is serviced by two toilets. Yup read that right. 2! The area we were in was one of the more deprived areas that we had all been keen to visit and we spent time chatting with people and taking photographs. It was a moving experience as the school rooms reminded me of the Victorian ones I have seen in the UK. We all agreed that we could support the scheme from home and then it was time to move on. Interestingly I never felt threatened or worried in the barangay (housing estate) and the people were all friendly.

Next stop was the amazing mobile surgery unit. This is doctors donating their time so that routine surgery can be completed in a fully kitted out operating theatre that is housed inside a shipping container. The surgery going on was fascinating but I'm not sure how the poor girl being operated on under local anesthetic felt having all of us gawping at her and when Natalie started to turn white it gave me a good excuse to take her outside. Nothing more than a touch of heat stroke and having done my own measly medical best on my team mate (hold hand, pat head and make stupid comments) we had photos taken and a large discussion about the viable use of shipping containers as houses. Good work all around.

Next stop was to the 'foundling' home for abandoned street kids. We approached the large hut with its low roof and immediately saw the group of young boys all peeking out of the windows. The foundlings are basically street kids that are taken in, looked after and set on a part to succeed. The boys we visited were just the tip of the iceberg and were aged 3 to 8. They have a place to live, stability and love from the team that manage the centre which is a world apart from living on the street. Upon going in the boys were all told to sit down which they did in an orderly way and I saw that we were all standing awkwardly when all I wanted to do was get involved. As a result I took the lead and plonked myself in the middle of them all and started reading a story to them. This broke the ice and I was joined by the rest of the team and chaos ensued with our cameras, glasses and other items being used by the boys to great effect and it was smiles all around. Then we started some dance with the music that they had and I'm afraid to say they stole the show with Gangnam style!

It was all over to soon and as we drove away the emotions were running high. I could see that Amy and Nat were close to tears and the radio playing sad songs didn't help so I tried to break the mood with a standard 'Dad' joke that I am well known for, something like "isn't that the most amazing jeepney you have ever seen!" Natalie got it and laughed and Amy just looked confused but it worked!

A trip back and stop off for a spa and massage with the most amazing sunset over Quezon City and then onwards for our second club meeting at the SFDM meeting in the famous Manila Hotel. A more formal dinner and a successful presentation and it was a late finish and fall into bed.

Writing the blogs has now given me time to reflect on how much we are putting into each day and how the team grows closer each day due to the experiences we share. Long discussions and ideas of what projects we can support when we return abound but for now its just enough to close eyes and grab some sleep!

Philippine National Police!

So today was the first vocational day for Natalie and I as we were scheduled to visit the Philippine National Police head quarters at Camp Crame ( pronounced kra-may). Our illustrious team leader Kate tagged along (I think the lure of seeing some cops in action was too great for her to resist!)

So suited and booted we were driven through the city traffic to the main gate of the camp by our host club RC camp Crame. As we were waved through the entrance checkpoint and smartly saluted I knew that it was going to be an amazing day but nothing could prepare me for what followed. As we drove on we were met by hundreds of PNP officers in full dress all standing to attention. A brass band was playing and I thought "WOW!" They have really put a show on for us! I later found out that it was actually all for the visiting Russian ambassador but I like to think it was for us and I haven't shattered the illusion for my oppo Natalie yet. (Sorry N!)

We were then taken up to the conference room with the department for community relations and met up with the full RC Camp Crame team. At the time we were experiencing a brown out so small talk was made as the computer presentation couldn't be played. However it matters not as the host team were engaging and we had lots of questions.

The biggest theme that has emerged regarding the Ph and UK police has been that there is amazement that we do not carry sidearms. In the Ph all law enforcement are armed including private security, traffic wardens and pretty much anyone else. Interesting there is only around 300,000 licensed firearms in the QC area so I can only deduce that it is a problem with illegal unregistered guns. This is also a cultural thing due to the strong American influence in the Ph. Our hosts were amazed that we has not even held a gun let alone fired one. Immediately plans were put into action to rectify this and we were whisked to the camp range. This was a block with around 15 ranges all of rough ground and simple construction and we strolled down to the instructor stood in the centre of the last one beside a simple white plastic table which had on it our 14mm glock type pistol and a plant pot full of ammo! After a brief introduction it was down to business. I was volutold to go first (which I later found out was so Nat and Kate could study my 'form' and learn from my mistakes!) I was directed in stance and loading (no safety briefings here) and then allowed to take aim and fire. The report of the gun and recoil told me I had sent lead down range and I looked to see if I was on target. Much like when I take a golf shot, I had no idea where the bullet had gone which was worrying as the range we were at backed onto the residential streets outside! "Don't anticipate the bang" was all I heard from the instructor and I was directed to reload and shoot again. After clearing a couple of clips it was time to hand to Natalie. I will let Kate and Natalie update as the their experiences but as I watched Natalie shout wearing baseball cap and in out 'smart' clothes I was reminded of Clarice Starling from Silence of the lambs and when Kate started shooting I was being hit by flying spent brass! Needless to day that both were like trained killer! After pictures holding out targets it was handshakes all around and then off we went to the next stop. My reaction to shooting... It was amazing but has reinforced my strong conviction that I never ever wish to see the day where UK cops are routinely armed.

The next stop was a tour of their CSI facility. Think CSI Vegas and its a good comparison both in size and state of the art equipment. After admiring their AFIS system which analyses bullets (just like on CSI!) we were off again.

Next stop was to the Intelligence Group and a fascinating chat with the director of the Intelligence Group (think MI5/MI6). I can't tell you what was discussed as its all classified but suffice to say that the emerging threats are the same as the UK and we asked lots of questions which were all graciously answered.

Then we went for lunch and met the rest of our GSE team and found that Richard had been out campaigning and Amy had been to the too of a high rise under construction! I was quite jealous of them but then food was served and after an enjoyable meal we carried on with the tour.

A trip to the highways patrol group was next with us meeting the General in charge and an enjoyable chat sat in his office. All the time the accompanying photographers were snapping away as try had done all day and I felt like a minor celebrity. It may have been more down to my good looking colleague but I like to think we will be appearing on the front cover of some magazine even if it is that internal newsletter!

The highways patrol group were excited to show off some of there assets so we were immediately taken outside and I was sat on a 900cc patrol bike and whisked around on an educational tour of the camp with Gonzales as my driver. These bikes are BIG and POWERFUL and he drive it like it was no effort whilst giving a very polite running commentary. The camp is HUGE! It sprawls over a wide area and has schools, hospitals and is almost a Police town in its own right. I have nothing I can use as a reference point in the UK other than say it is like Catterick base!

Natalie then had the same experience and whilst she went off around the camp with the biggest grin, I spoke to the major who was hosting us as I knew she had been admiring the PNP metal badge on the smart uniforms of all the PNP officers. A quick request and I was assured it would be taken care of!

We both then were given an education in Police driving though the Manila traffic in the rear of a PNP squad car with two Police outriders in convoy. This was essential as it was all low speed and the bikes essentially forced a path for us through the very heavy traffic of cars, jeepneys and trucks. No sirens and I was amazed that no one moves aside for the cops on a blue light run.

Returning to the camp and receiving another smart salute we were finally taken to the PNP museum accompanied by all the senior officers we had met where we watched a video presentation (whilst being photographed doing so!) and the.had many photos and handshakes with our assembled RC guests and PNP chiefs of staff and officers. I will blog more about the museum later.

Returning to the conference room where it all began I was pinching myself as it had been an amazing and informative day and my little pea brain was processing everything I had experienced.

Gifts were exchanged and the RC team were extremely happy to receive out 'bobby' bust which had quickly been christened Robert Peel and had been a cause of excess baggage weight concern. He and other Cheshire Constabulary goodies will now hopefully adorn the PNP museum (Perhaps with a photograph of the crazy Brits that brought them, I would like to think). And then the hosts issued Natalie and I with PNP cloth badge and shield. I love things shiny so this was a treat but Natalie was beaming. She was sternly warned about arresting people and we made our thank you's and as we left we sat back and took everything in that we had seen.

No time to rest though as it was back to RC HQ at the Rotary centre and our first multi club meeting. This was a great evening with us delivering our presentation which was received well and our first chance to watch the Australian VTT team do their presentation to. It was from this meeting that the AU / UK rivalry between Steale and I began. All in good humour tho...! All presentations done the Australian were auctioning off an Ozzie rucksack so to increase the bidding value I shouted to Claire that if someone bid 2500 we would get up and Zumba (it seemed a good idea at the time given the great reception Natalie had got to the news she is a Zumba instructor). Needless to say that money was raised and we did get up and shatter any illusions that we were straight laced and buttoned down Brits!

Many photos taken later and promises if more Zumba at the district Conference made it was time to go.

At around midnight I arrived back and my hosts family and I fell into bed to grab some much needed sleep.