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.

Last week Alan had the opportunity to attend two conferences regarding child labor that World Vision put on. These conferences were held for teenage children to learn about what child labor is especially in the sense of sugar cane fields. Alan helped facilitate a couple of sessions, used his artistic skills to create posters and of course was the photographer for the day.

In the morning children learned what the difference is between child labor and child work. Pretty much the concept is, house hold chores are child work while child labor is manual labor done in sugar cane fields. The goal is to promote going to school and not missing because of working in fields. This program has been funded by a grant from USAID since the US gets so much of it's sugar from the Philippines.

The afternoon consisted of a photography sessions of 'what you want to be' when you grow up. Alan and Lauren obviously picked our dream jobs!!! What is the difference between a 'need' and 'want' - I think that this session should be taught to American children as well. Then the day was wrapped up with Alan teaching a session on potential careers you can have if you stay in school and get an education.

It's been a great and productive week for both Alan and Lauren. Next event is the town Fiesta for Anilao where Lauren works. We will keep you posted on how this event turns out.