The Walkathon

September 22, 2012
 At 6: oo am, in a pouring lightning/thunder storm, Anita and I joined about two hundred people and the high school marching band/color guard in a seven kilometer walkathon.

me and Anita joining in

batons

flags

lyres

marching band

                                                                                    we passed rice fields                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Money raised goes to support a school for out of school young adults. Skills taught there include carpentry, plumbing, electrical and cooking/ chef. We ended at the high school where there was the usual feast of soup, pansit(noodles) and sticky rice. I was seated on stage next to the mayor, Silvestre Lumarda, the assistant mayor and Municipal Agriculturist, Cito, my supervisor.

Barangay Tahud High School

About the time the Silvestre got up to make a speech and introduced me I thought, “oh no, this is the time I should be prepared with a little speech, and I’m not prepared.” But he didn’t ask me to speak. Whew. I can speak some Tagolog because I got ten weeks of training but they speak Visayan here. They understand Tagolog and when I use it their faces always light up in a big smile and they are very impressed. But I'm not ready to give speeches yet.

the entertainment was great singing and dancers

Pagtakapos (after) this even we went to Anita’s brother’s (Menace) for a family gathering in honor of Anita and Alex’s 25 yr. old son, Alexis. Alexis is a scholar/priest who’s been studying in Rome for three years and is home on a three month visit. But he’s heading back to Rome on the 29^th.

Mark in Red, little Aries and Reney and Cheryl's son Isaiah

I love the chairs

this is Anita's half brother, Menace's home and yes they have a big extended family too

Reney, Cheryl, Alexis, Alninyo and Buddy

Pagtakapos tanghalian (lunch) we all went to their monthly charity ‘Feed the Children’ event in a nearby fisherfolk community. They’ve built a nice covered area and washing sinks and CRs (comfort rooms). I was pleased to see they use no plastic or disposable eating wear. The kids brought their own spoons. This is a zero waste event. YES!

these ladies serve the food and drink to the children