Greeting from Iloilo

Last Sunday Lauren became a God-mother to an adorable two month old, Chana Rianne Malutao. It was quite interesting considering she had never met the child or parents before the actual baptism. She had worked with the grandmother of the child a couple of times. When filling out her name at the church on the baptism form, there were 12 spots for the god-parents, they don't joke around here.

After the baptism we were invited back to the families house to eat. The family lives in the mangrove area which is very near the coast line, has brackish water and is effected by the tide. It's very much like a marsh area. We crossed over a bamboo bridge to get to where the family lives since the tide was at the high point during the day.

When we arrived we were seated at the head table and given all sorts of delicious food ranging from pig to fish to fresh coconut salad. There was enough food there to literally feed an army. Two lechons (pigs) were roasted for the event and were amazing.

A short note to Lauren's god-mother, Sally. Alan wanted you to know that Lauren is able to trounce around a swamp-like area wearing a dress and jewelry. Would you really expect anything less?

Halloween is not celebrated here in the same way as in the US. The holiday is truly for a celebration of All Souls Day. Families go to the cemetery to visit the love ones that they have lost. Flowers are placed on the grave site or a candle is lite in remembrance. This is not a sad time but a very festive and happy time. Many families go and spend the day at the cemetery playing cards or mahjong. Just as in New Orleans many of the tombs are above ground because of the sea level.

 

 

 

 

This past weekend we attended the Banaag (Flame) Festival in Anilao where Lauren works. Anilao previously had a light/flame at the port that acted as a beacon for fishermen, hints the name flame festival. On Thursday night the fun started with a parade/street dancing competition that led into the town square. We were greeted with a live band wearing amazing costumes full of color, beads and feathers!!! A fireworks competition between a couple of engineers and a local company took place and yes, they were 'real' fireworks. On Friday night we attended the masquerade ball. This evening consisted of a costume competition for adults and children. Next year is the 75th (Diamond) Anniversary of the towns independence so it will be even bigger and I'm told full of much more fun.