Joseph's Notes

One day we took off in the car to Sagbayan Peak in the Chocolate Hills. It’s about an hour and twenty minutes from our apartment. One Chocolate Hill as we neared our destination As far as a viewing sight for the Chocolate Hills, we think it’s perhaps a better alternative than the main one in Carmen. There are more things to do in Sagbayan, and, we thought, a better experience. At Carmen there's not much to do except climb the 200+ steps to the viewing area and look around Carmen viewing area Sagbayan Peak We had a very nice lunch in the open air restaurant, took many photos of the scenic views including very closeups of their tarsier, and swam in their huge beautiful pool. We were the only swimmers when we were there. Lyn's sister Wendie in a field of umbrellas World's smallest monkey... ... the tarsier We really enjoyed the day at Sagbayan Peak and look forward to going back.

Swimming in the Water Paradise Resort pools This post is particularly for my American friends who might visit the Philippines. When you visit the Philippines, don’t be shocked if it seems hot any hour of the day or night. I remember the first time I arrived in Manila at almost midnight and walked out of the air conditioned airport. The heat (it wasn’t that hot) hit me in the face and said, “Welcome to the Philippines.” Don’t be shocked if someone you don’t know smiles at you and greets you as if he knows you. Just a few days ago I was walking through a public market in another town, and a man I had never seen before walked up to me and shook my hand and said, “Welcome to Jagna. Thank you for visiting us.” Don’t be shocked if someone you don’t know asks you where you’re from and engages you in conversation. They are a friendly people, especially away from cities and tourist areas. Don’t be shocked if you see a man urinating beside the road, out of town, in the city,