John Carlos

I shall never forget Wednesday 16th July 2008.

It was the last full day for my family in the Philippines and we hadn't finally decided what we were going to do, find a sea side, go to a water theme park or what.

Just after breakfast grace told me that May, who lived just outside our gate and was (very) pregnant was about to give birth. The midwife was there and didn't think that the house was suitable for a birth as it had mud floors and more holes than walls (this was because it was being rebuilt)

So it was decided to move May to our garage. This is a big double garage bigger than the house May was living in and with good solid walls , roof and floor. And so we waited. All day there was a procession of people in and out of the garage. I looked in a few times and saw May walking about as the labour proceeded. Once it got to a more serious stage, Catherine was in there holding May's hand and helping. I had thought it was the kind of event where men weren't wanted/needed but on one visit I saw one of the friends leaning across May's head and pushing down on her tummy to help persuade the baby to come out!!

Finally in the early evening a little boy, John Carlos, was born. Both Alex and myself rushed in with our cameras to take photos. All the local children were there as well, including Louisa, getting biology lessons at first hand.

I think that being born in a garage is something to be proud of, after all wasn't another JC born in a stable and isn't a garage just the modern equivalent?

Here he is.........




That's Mum's knees in the foreground!!!!

Holiday in Philippines

This posting continues those made in my other blog, Letter from Malaysia, about my daughter's, son-in-law's and granddaughter's holiday with us.

Having arrived in the Philippines, on day one, while Grace was running around with final preparations for the Birthday party, we spent the morning on a boat trip around Lake Caliraya. I had been on one of these before and really enjoyed it. That was in a covered banca boat. However when we arrived at the lake shore it was obvious there was a problem with that boat's engine, which was in pieces on the ground.

We were switched to another boat, a smaller one with no cover and guess who had forgotten his sun screen? Yes, me of course! It was an overcast day so I didn't worry too much but of course the sun came out later on!! And a smaller boat is more uncomfortable, less to sit on and hard planks can be tough after a couple of hours!!

Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable experience.

In the afternoon, Louisa started collecting coconuts...

Then the guys from Smartbro came to repair the internet connection, knocked down during the recent tornado....

and up the mast they had to go.........


Next day was the party, covered in earlier blogs and the next day after that was recovery day!

And Alex had a go at climbing the mast!!




That's as high as he got. Quite high enough for me!
Then on the Monday we went to Lake Taal to look at the volcano.

and take some pictures......





In the afternoon it rained so much the lake disappeared from view completely!!

Tuesday was adventure day for Catherine and Alex. The Mayoress of Cavinti had been at the party and had invited/persuaded/arranged that the two of them would go down to Pagsanhan falls by climbing down the vertical ladders of the gorge wall. We decided Richard, should go with them.

Here they are being put into the safety harness


On picking them up after the descent, going through and behind the waterfall and then rafting back down river, they were soaked!!! But had had a wonderful time.

Here are some pictures of the minor waterfalls just to finish the posting....








Wednesday gets a post to itself!!!

My 60th Birthday - The Party

It was great!!

Lots of people there and all had a good time.

Unfortunately we had rain, but the marquees gave us shelter. The only real casualty was me, when half way through the afternoon I sat on a chair. leaned back, over balanced and fell into the mud, necessitating a change of clothes - and I wasn't even drunk!!

Here come the pictures............

Early arrivals.....

The family march up from the garage..

Grace and her Dad

The Cake!!!

Lighting the candles

Blowing them out!!

Cutting the cake

And lastly, Mary and friend measured against Alex's knees!!

My 60th Birthday - Final Preparations

Well it had to come, you can't remain 21 for ever!!!

Grace, my wife, had been planning this big celebration for months and my eldest daughter, husband and granddaughter had all flown over from the UK to help celebrate, as well as having a holiday.

So on the morning of the 12th July there was enormous hustle and bustle........


Putting up the welcoming banner

Getting into our party frocks!!

Laying out all the tables under the marquees

And assembling the waitresses and waiters

Did you just catch a glimpse of that pig? Well here you can see her in all her glory......

And yes it was delicious!!!!!