I’ve been here a month already. Wow, time flies in Cabanatuan City, Philippines when you are busy. I’ve been working with ASKI-MicroFinance Institution, and I’ve been over-whelmed by their generosity and hospitality. They found me a lovely apartment that is far too big for one person, and I’ve found the local farmer’s market, and an aerobics class that keeps me sane and entertained at the same time. I just love it when my gay male aerobics instructor sings, “I’m your private dancer,” as I do sit-ups.
I’ve been volunteering with Kiva for nine months now, and have come to understand only the tip of microfinance. What I do know is that ASKI-MFI has their act together. They work hard and not only see their borrowers as clients, but as partners in their business. They work to help each person succeed while maintaining a strong business standard and progressive loan products. They offer finance classes, management classes, insurance products, agriculture loans, individual loans, group loans, family counseling, etc. This is all quite different than my experience in Cambodia where it seemed the bottom-line mattered most, which is true in some respects, but is debatable.
On a personal note, I am struggling with being present, enjoying the here and now. I have a lot on my mind as I still put together my learning experience from Cambodia and worry about my future as I search for a job. I also keep comparing my current circumstance to other places I’ve been, and need to realize that each place simply is.
Cabanatuan City so far is a place in between Manila (4 hours north) and the famous rice terraces of the Sierra Madre mountains (about 7 hours south). It is a city of 260,000 people, and I seem to be the only foreigner. Because of this people love to stare at me, and I’m trying to adjust to it, but it is difficult most of the time. I’ve been warned that the Philippines can be dangerous and women usually do not go out by themselves. This keeps me from experiencing the city most days. I wish this wasn’t the case. It is hot and somewhat humid. And even though it is currently the dry season, it rains once in awhile. People blame global climate change. The air is quite polluted due to the numerous jeepneys (extended jeeps used as local buses) and tricycles (a motorbike with a modified side-car) here. Cabanatuan City is called the tricycle capital of the Philippines with about 30,000 registered. I am getting used to the food, and have come to find that I do not like bitter melon, but find the mangoes amazing. I’ve been cooking most of my own meals. People are super friendly and love to joke around. They also love karaoke, and when I say “love” I mean nearly every house has a karaoke machine and they are not afraid to use it, be it 5pm or 5am, and Air Supply seems to the band of chose.
So these are some first impressions so far. I feel lucky to be here, but I also find myself finally getting homesick a bit.
I’ve included some footage from my first tilapia dinner. Welcome to my new world.
