Manila: Day 9 - Corregidor

A more serious excursion today was the Pacific War Memorial located on Corregidor.

A small island about 4 miles in length, it is strategically situated at the entrance to Manila Bay and played a significant role in the defense (as well as the recapture) of the Philippines during World War II. Well actually, defenses went as far back as when the Spanish ruled this nation, that this island was a "lookout" post.

I have posted several photos on my Flickr page.

This day trip definitely allowed me to go back 60-years in time to understand how courageous soldiers put their lives on the line.

Last year my in-laws were in town and we had gone to the D-Day Memorial in Bedford. While both memorials are truly specactular in their own right, the Pacific War Memorial seemed to have the right way of presenting what happened. Perhaps it's because it was "on location" and that helped the tour be more memorable. I should revisit the D-Day Memorial to get a second thought about how it's location, and the Bedford Boys, make it stand out - last time I didn't get that.

Manila: Day 8 - San Agustin Church & Aquarium

Today a group of us stateside coaches were able to set foot inside one of the oldest churches in the Philippines - San Agustin Church. It's situated in the oldest district of Manila, called Intramuros (a walled fort area of Spanish colonial rule in the 16th century), which has far more other historical aspects that I have yet to explore. I will have to go back again to really take in all the features.

Later that afternoon, we headed over to Manila Ocean Park's aquarium. Only 400PHP (roughly 8USD) I quickly went through the exhibits.

I was never a fan of aquariums, especially on weekends... it's just fish and crowds. The fish I enjoy paying for are the kind served to me on a platter. Ha!

Anyways, it was an overall "okay" experience... the highlight was a Fish Spa in the aquarium. For only 120PHP (2.50USD) I was able to have my feet nibbled on; however, I don't see what all the rave is about these type of foot-treatments.

Manila: Day 6 - First Day of Training

Last night marked the first day of my assignment here in Manila. I'm an assistant coach for class of about 30-agents who will be added onto a call center. Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) centers are very common here. Without naming any specifics, I'd say there are at least a dozen (that I'm aware of) centers here to cater to U.S. Businesses.

I had an opportunity to sit in with my class that I'll be assisting for the next several weeks. Very bright group of individuals with a non-conventional trainer.

This group seems promising and I hope that I can make an impact. I like this class and I foresee success in the future.

Manila: Day 3 - Rocky's

My old Team Leader who is also on assignment here in Manila for the past two months introduced me to a nice sports bar named Rocky's overlooking the Rockwell Center's main pool.

There are many nooks & crannies for places to eat and get a drink, this Monday morning we met up to catch Sunday Night Football. (we're 13-hours ahead).

I had the jalapeno poppers, yeah I know, for breakfast... but the taste wasn't the same as I'd find in the states. I don't see myself ordering them again, but I did have a mango shake. The mangos here in the Philippines are not as supersweet as they are back home, so this drink was a delight.

I'm really enjoying it here. The room (and view from the balcony) is incredible!

Manila: Day 2 - Diversity

I now hold a far greater appreciation on how Roanoke, in it's own little way, is a melting pot of many ethnicities.

Today I had spent an afternoon exploring a small section of Manila, Philippines. Despite that I'm half Filipino and I can blend in to a degree... when it comes to language, I am at a loss. I'm thankful though English is a second language, in addition to the extreme kindness the people have here that I can feel safe knowing that I'm not getting ripped off or anything.

But with Roanoke supporting groups such as Africans, Mexicans, and a small but growing population of Asians, I think it's wonderful how Roanoke seems to be a beacon to those who are leaving their countries for various reasons such as escaping poverty, to be with family, or just wanting to make a better life for themselves.

I can only place myself in someone's shoes as a foreigner in a strange land.

If you think driving in Roanoke is bad... you really haven't seen anything like the traffic out here.

Manila: Day 1 - Arrival

Arrived a few hours ago.

Crazy Heat & humidity for it being near midnight.

The airport at Nagoya, Japan was nice. Flight was excellent. I've learned that the only way to fly on long distances is Business Class!

It's not really an excuse...

It's been a while, more like 3 weeks, since I've last posted on anything.

I've been preparing and making personal arrangements for a business trip that I've side stepped topics ranging from Halloween in Roanoke to the Presidential Election. So I'll sum it up.

Halloween with my 10-year old daughter was great! Though, I'm recalling that age when children are in transition to "teen-hood" that dressing up in costume and going door-to-door is a bit childish. I think next time a party would best. My wife informed me that WDBJ7 was inviting any station-employee's family who was dressing up to come up and get on the air during the weather segment. Of course, my dead prom queen daughter made an appearance.

I knew Starbucks was giving away free coffee if you voted. But I had no clue Chick-Fil-A was giving away free chicken sandwiches! It wasn't until the next day that I had realized this among other voting promos were done. I had actually went to Tanglewood Mall on Tuesday morning to take care of a few errands and made a stop at Chick-Fil-A for lunch. But I didn't hear nor see any type of promotion at the counter, so perhaps it wasn't in this particular area. Their chicken sandwiches are probably the best in the industry and great, but it probably would have tasted much more better if it was free.

I'm curious though why is it when Michael Moore gives out free underwear for votes, he's charged with voter bribery, but when corporations offer freebies, not a word is said. (Update: Slate Explainer already addressed this topic in yesterday's Explainer column.)

I saw Moore's movie, Slacker Uprising, the other day. It's typical Michael Moore... fun to watch because there's nothing better on, plus it is free on Netflix's instant download or even on his website.

I'm sure CNN wasn't trying to upstage a historic election with their wicked hologram interviews on election night. I'm curious how this technology will pan out on future newsworthy events.

Back to topic...

There are a lot of problems this country faces and it's just plain easy to blame one person for those problems because he happens to whole the highest office in America. It's easy to complain about matters about issues beyond their control. It's easy have fear about an uncertain future. But pointing fingers and blaming other people doesn't solve anything. There are a lot of problems that we all as a nation should be held accountable for more personally such as the the whole economic mess & "energy crisis."

As RoanokeRnR mentioned on her blog, I too also respect the office.

Whether it's McCain, Obama, or anyone else, the majority has spoken. Let's all just hope it's a bright future ahead.