My favorite meal this week was on Friday. My office mates and I shared colorful fried rice, flavorful chicken and pork barbeque, and soy sauce with calamansi (lime) and chili peppers. I also had a fresh mango shake I bought from a nearby food stand, opened up specially for our community fiesta!
After returning from Iloilo for our community fiesta, I got to enjoy live music every day! One night in our plaza, a live D.J. played lots of Rihanna and the Black Eyed Peas, then the famous popstar JC Rivera sang to crowds of screaming fans. On the last night of the fiesta, elementary and high school students participated in a singing contest! They sang popular Tagalog and English songs during the competition.
During the daytime, I could count on hearing the “Maninihon Festival” jingle broadcasted loudly from the central plaza as early as 6:00 a.m. As I walked with my officemates in a community parade, I listened to lots of drum and lyre (marching band) music. The walking bands were very talented, but they were so close and loud that I brought my extra-strength ear plugs!
My favorite activity this week was participating at the Iloilo optometry (eye care) clinic. I was invited by a former Peace Corps Volunteer and his wife who live in the community next to me. At the clinic, I got to help as a translator and dispense glasses! I loved getting to watch the smile on people’s faces as they looked around the world more clearly.
