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.

Day 4. Old Manila and occupied forts

Day 3 and after a welcome lie in an 8am start saw is in old Manila town. This is also known as Intermauras (check spelling) and is the fort and walled city of Manila with a rich history stretching back over 300 years. The fort was originally built by the Spaniards due to its strategic location overlooking the river mouth and served as a military staging post for conquest of the Philippines and to offer protection to Manila. Originally the walls were built to keep the locals out but as time progressed the Spanish and local population became one. It is clear that the period if Spanish rule had a massive influence on the Philippines. The fort was attacked many times during its history and after the people's revolution that saw off the Spaniards, the Americans used the fort as a munitions base until WWII and Japanese occupation. At its centre Natalie and I came across a memorial cross to those that perished during this time and our thoughts turned to the trip to Corrigador island in the coming weeks but more of that later. The fort was almost completely destroyed by the intensity of the fighting to push out the Japanese and the remaining walls carry scars and bullet holes as a permanent reminder of all those that made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. This was echoed by the visit we made to the prison where Jose Rizal was held and executed. He was accused of stirring up revolutionary ideas amongst the Philippine people during the Spanish people during the Spanish occupation but was in reality a writer and talented artist that believed in the right of freedom and expression. A touching and poignant memorial to a key figure in Philippine history.

Flourish of timid flower

"Look up with a tranquil face, Philippine youth on this day and shine, manifesting the grace and gallantry of your line fair hope of this land of mine."

A thought provoking and inspirational visit with some randomness throw in with photographs amongst the monks.

Then it was a quick ride into Makarti and the seafront as we were taken to see the Coconut palace which is the official offices of the Vice President of the Ph. On the way we passed the US embassy which we were tempted to photograph but were to frightened given it had a very heavy contingent of armed guards! A surprise then when we arrived at the Coconut palace which has a single guard on the door who in the absence of actually knowing his name I shall call Bert. He issued us with some VIP guest stickers and so began the tour of the palace that is made almost entirely of coconuts. Amy will disagree with me and give clearer statistics about what percentage is made of coconut but I have a head like a sieve so if you want facts google it... Or read Amy's blog! The palace is a spectacular house on two levels that was built for the pope to stay in during an official cost ( although he actually didn't) and has since been used to host various famous dignitaries such as Brook Shields and others. All the rooms are sumptuous and house amazing ornate gifts from various places and people to the Philippines. The views and pool were amazing and dispute much trickery and cajoling I couldn't convince or trick Natalie to fall or get into the pool. Then Richard astounding us all with a tale of epic proportions when he was nearly stranded in the DMZ after having a staring competition with the North Koreans and some story about photographing a Mayer bear! Read his blog to find out more as I'm laughing to hard thinking about it to write. This is a common occurrence with Richard who is one of the funniest and most interesting people I have met. That is if you can find him and keep him in one place long enough to chat!

After the Coconut palace Amy and I set about admiring the architecture on Makarti as we were transferred to a lovely restaurant for more Philippine cuisine with the GSE team from 3780, our opposites that had visited the UK. A lovely meal passed with much laughter and at around midnight it was time to grab some sleep.

Day 3 and meeting with the Mayer...

Ok so an early start and breakfast of rice, garlic and sausage. I'm starting to get used to eating rice with every meal! A a quick drive through the chaos of traffic and the team assembled at the city hall of Quezon City for the weekly flag raising ceremony. Considering it is so early it is still hot and the city is already in full flow. As we were lead through all the smartly dressed city workers in dawned on me that we were being lead towards the stage and then we are directed to sit on the stage facing all of the expectant gathered crowds. As I sat down I nudged Richard and we realised we are say directly behind the podium and that the national press are already snapping away at us!!! Good jibes are suited and booted for the occasion. The flag was raised with much aplomb and the sight and sound of the hundreds of gathered Philippinos singing their national anthem moving. The Mayer Herbert Bautista then gave a speech and after giving a commendation to a local film maker and praise to a team of healthcare workers that are working to combat TB he moved his own chair around so he could sit and sign into action a new piece of legislation. The amazing thing for me was how relaxed everything was and without any stiffness. The Mayer who looked barely in his 40's then grabbed a camera and snapped away at us! Lots to learn about getting the public engaged in politics! Richard has already decided that it's something he plans to introduce to Bolton although I'm not sure we have the climate!

It was then another breakfast with the Mayer and our official welcome to Quezon City or QC! It's a vibrant young city of some 4 million people with 40% under 30 years old which explains why everyone looks youthful! This was breakfast number two and really I was eating out of good manners than out of hunger. A lively presentation and I was massively impressed with the sheer energy and drive to be the best that came across. QC is a happening city and very much the economic heart of the Philippines. A full photo shoot with us, the Aussie VTT team who are all brilliant people and the QC officials and we were done.

A quick walk around the city offices and we were put in a motorcade with full Police escort to the Quezon memorial which is a massive monument at the heart of QC. This is a tranquil park at the heart of the city with playgrounds and is a Mecca for early morning runners. At the centre is the Quezon memorial which is normally closed on a Monday but was opened to us as we were VIP's. upon entry to the welcome coolness and shade. At 900 am it was already amazingly hot!

The Quezon memorial is dedicated to Manuel El Quezon and is 66 meters in height for the 66 years of his life (thanks Steale for confirming that this means he died age 66 ;-)

Inside it contains a huge range of items relating to his life and his tomb rest beneath a n demons hole or occulus kust like the Roman Pantheon or the Capitol dome in Washington. Amazingly as we walked around an started discussing the architecture of the building, I found that Amy and I share an interest in architecture. I am now supposed to post lots of facts but in fairness my confidence on my recall of facts is only 67% sure so if you want to know more than use Wikipedia as it'll be way more reliable!

After this visit it was a stroll around and an ice cream before a drive to UNTV for a TV interview with our host team for their cable show 'Rotary hour! As those of you who know me well will know, I'm never averse to a spot in the limelight so this was brilliant. After fielding some impromptu questions with Ambassador Richard leading the way we breathed a sigh of relief and headed back to base at the Rotary club.

Since it was only 3pm (although we felt that a full day had already been done) we decided to take in a mall and get some a flavour for the huge expensive buildings that promised a Taste of Asian shopping. On arrival I was amazed by the size and also by the brands available. If you can picture ten Trafford centres stacked and ten wide then you are getting close. A quick change of clothes upon return to my hosts and it was out to a Philippine restaurant for more food. At around midnight I finally closed my eyes after contacting home. An amazing day and pretty much set the tone for the trip!

Day 2 meeting the team and hosts.

So after waking refreshed it was breakfast with excited team mates and my first taste of Pinoy cuisine. Breakfast was rice with garlic, egg and sausage. Being a bit jet lagged I tucked in although it felt more evening meal than breakfast!

A quick swim and run on the treadmill and it was time to meet our hosts, the rotary district of 3780, the only one city, one district within Rotary. A lovely lunch with everyone and a very informative orientation to equip us and excite us for the next four weeks. It was commented on that many guests to the Philippines leave having gained weight die to the world famous Ph hospitality. Not sure how keen I am since I've got a marathon to run on my return but 'when in Rome'...

Then the nervous wait to meet our first hosts. I didn't need to worry as Sally Cu and her husband Homer are AMAZING people and looked after extremely well. I yThey are both past presidents of their rotary club and after dropping my bag off at their lovely house where I made friends with Barius their dog and being amazed by their huge Koi carp I was whisked off for a full Ph buffet meal. This was the biggest noisiest self service restaurant I ever seen and served food from all over Asia. Sally made sure I tried everything from grilled squid to deep fried crab (sheel
and all) and then my first experience of a green mango shake - in a word, heavenly! A wonderful meal with Sally, Homer and their wonderful children. Already I felt part of their family and this was after just a few hours!

After dinner it was getting on for 10pm but the night wasn't over as I was taken by Homer to experience the famous Pinoy spa! A new experience for me as I've never had a massage and they therapist found all the knots in my back and gave me a thorough beating (or show it felt!) I've taken crime reports for lesser assaults and battery back home!!!!!

At close to midnight it was return home and some shuteye as a 5 am start beckoned and an audience with the Mayer of Quezon City, our first public event!

Day 1 Technical issues resolved...?! Time to travel!

So here we are in the amazing country that is the Philippines. There is SO much to post on the blog but Wong to some technical issues all of which goes way over my small simple brain, we have managed to go a week without any outpourings of what we have been up to!

So as the first blog by a nervous and novice 'blogger' here goes...

So there was an idea of a Rotary group study exchange between the UK and the Philippines. Some how a crack team of professionals were assembled and the. I tagged along for good measure!

The trip for me started with a frantic drive to Manchester airport after my work colleagues shut the M56 due to an accident. This left me slightly late for arrival but at least I arrived at the checkin desk to meet the team that would be my family for the next four weeks. Kate, amy and Natalie met me and after saying goodbyes to our families we passed through to the departure gates. Strangely Richard the final member of the team was no where to be seen but I was assured he had checked in online and so began the game of 'where's Richard?' Little did I know that this would become the theme of the trip but more of that to come...

Flight to Dubai went smoothly and after landing we finally met Richard and got together, well for a few minutes anyway as we all went to stretch our legs and look around and I didn't see Richard until we landed in Manila! (I have later found out he is a seasoned traveller so not to worry!)

The greeting at Manila by the rotary district of Quezon City was top notch. Dan the man met me after my visa check and introduced me to Jun who was stood beside a banner with all our photographs. It looked like a 'Philippines most wanted' and immediately assumed secret agent status with Kate as a Bond villain, Natalie as an assassin, Amy as an explosives expert and I believe I was more Basildon Bond than anything!

A quick walk and the heat of Manila hit us. Quite the shock to the system as it was in the high 30's and as humid as a sauna! A welcome change from the cold of the UK.

A night drive though the city which wet out appetite with glimpses of an amazing cityscape that begged further exploration and our first taste of Metro Manila driving. Essentially every road is about 12 lanes wide, full of cars jeepneys, busses and bikes all doing their own thing. Forget all the rules of driving you've ever know. Here it is a case of just going for it!

Finally hit the hotel and after 22hours of travel, sleep came quickly!

Mission started, heart pounding with anticipation and the promise of all the best that the Philippines can offer.