I’m here finally!

So the trip was rough but not too bad. Thanks to Steve for packing my surfboard so well and crafting a wheeled and strapped item for easy transport… it made all the difference after arriving in Cebu. At the airport, who happened to be there? Manong Kakoy Canete, Grand Master of Doce Pares Escrima. We were very excited to have the accidental run-in. I love when that happens, my trip off to a good start.

We’ve been staying at Pebbles beach Resort in Liloan, owned by my Uncle Jesus. We’ve swam and paddled out in the small outrigger boat (banka). He arrived last night and I had my first all nighter singing videoke and drinking Bahalina till the sun came up. Ahh, it’s good to be back! Today we just finished the Bunyag of Kai. He and his cousin Bien are now the best of friends, holding hands and sticking by each other’s side. I’ve always loved the closeness of the children and people here, it’s what brings me back over and over. I hear them running upstairs going wild. Our Bunyag after party has just begun.

I’m slowly tracking down folks I haven’t seen. Friends and cousins worry I do not remember them, but I assure them through funny stories of things we did and vice-a-versa.

Fiesta opened up yesterday and began with a motorcade procession. People are streaming in from all over. Happiness and festiveness is all around.

More to come, more to come……