Composting in the Philippines

One of our projects while we are here is to establish a composting system for Andrey and Jen. This was a request of theirs when we arrived. Lou and I have been doing research on that subject, searching simultaneously for convenient compost bins that might be available in hardware/gardening stores. After several phone calls and a "finding mission" to another part of the city we found a society that is trying to promote this practise(composting) in Cebu.

Wayne, who said he is one of the experts in the Philippines on the subject, was able to give us a "kit". This kit includes a laundry hamper that has been lined with cardboard and enzymes and compost to fill the laundry basket about half way. Apparently it is very effective in breaking down vegetable peelings and other materials, making compost in a short period of time--as short as a few days. All of this magical stuff cost us only one hundred and twenty-five peso. (Just over three Canadian dollars)

Needless to say, we were very excited. The pictures you see are of the ceremonial beginning to composting at Jen and Andrey's house.

Sugar Beach, Part Three

Early evening just after sunset.

Beautiful, delicate flowers lined the pathways.

Relaxing on our verandah.

Sugar Beach was only accessible by water. The Sport Runner (Andrey and Jen' s vehicle) was parked in a small village across from the river that is shown. We, along with our luggage and snacks, were then transported in a small boat along the river to where it opened to the sea. From there we walked close to a kilometre to our accomodation.

We truly enjoyed this wonderful adventure.

Sugar Beach, Part Two

Coconut trees!

Our loft bedroom in this cute dwelling at the beach.

Sugar Beach

The floor of our cottage on the shores of the Sulu Sea. We stayed at Driftwood Village. The "sugar shack" was built of bamboo.

A sort of bird of paradise that was placed on the coffee table of our verandah.

Lou and I enjoyed walking on the beach.

Jenifer, enjoying a swing. The cottage we stayed in is behind her, slightly to her right.

Negros Field Trip--Part Two

Rice fields along the way.

Beautiful viewpoints as we turn another corner.

Within a few miles of our destination to Sugar Beach.

Field Trip in Negros--from Dumaguete to Sipilay Part One

We left Dumaguete after we had a chance to watch the Rose Bowl game. The trip was very interesting once again. Always more than my eyes and senses can absorb.

The tall grasses you see in the picture are sugar cane.

Happy New Year

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day were celebrated by the four of us in Dumaguete. A port city on the island of Negros. It is about a four hour drive from Cebu plus a half hour on the ferry. We had great travelling mercies from safety in each of the "overtakings" or passing of vehicles to making the ferry in time inspite of some rainy weather and poorer visibility. This was the hotel in which we stayed. Our balcony was the one above the main door. The fireworks and celebrations on New Year's Eve lasted long and were enjoyed by us all. So here we are into 2009.
On New Year's Day we walked around the city. Most of the markets' were open. Everyone we met was happy to exchange happy new year greetings. This is a picture of a very common mode of transportation in the Philippines. This one is attached to a small motorbike. Some of them are attached to bicycles. Each one is decorated in its own style and messages. It is quite entertaining to read those messages.

A beautiful hibiscus plant blooming in the city center market area.

Vulcanizing happens alot. Many businesses sport this sign. It seems to mean "retreading of tires".


We enjoyed walking on the stone walk in front of our hotel and on the waterfront. It is most unusual from many parts of Cebu City in that it is actually possible to run and walk on. Walking is possible in Cebu City. However, one needs to watch one's step rather closely as there could be sudden changes in elevation, or holes, or the sidewalk could stop. In any case, the Christmas lights were strung on the trees and it was festive.