Awww, Filipino public transport

There are many forms of public transport in the Philippines. The most infamous is the jeepney. Oh look, here’s one now.
Oh, and another…
They look a bit scary, a bit menacing, and at night they glow as they roll down the street. They each tell their own history in their paint job, and they are facinating [...]

Welcome to “Kiva Country”!

“Kiva Country” is what ASKI-MFI (Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc.) staff like to call the Isabella Province, the region where their Kiva borrowers live and work. ASKI MFI is a new Kiva partner in the Philippines. Their headquarters are in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija about 3 hours north of Manila (10 hours, if there is traffic, [...]

Giving CREDIT where it’s due

CREDIT Microfinance Institution, Kiva’s oldest partner in Southeast Asia, and 7th oldest in its portfolio of partners celebrated its third year on Kiva May 3rd, 2009. As one of Kiva’s oldest partners, they have received over $3.1m in loans, making it the most invested MFI in Kiva’s portfolio of MFIs. Through the generosity of over [...]

When in San Fernando, Philippines do as the Romans did

In central Luzon, Philippines Catholicism is considered the local religion, thanks (or un-thanks) to the Spanish who brought it over in 1565. During Holy Week (the week before Easter, beginning with Palm Sunday), you can see numerous processions through the streets and acts of penitents. People walk through the streets performing the Stations of the [...]

Time Flies when One Fries Tilapia

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 [...]

Some travelin’

Before I arrived in the Philippines, I took some time off from my Kiva duties for some travels. I headed into Vietnam, up along the eastern coast, across to Laos, and then to Malaysia. Here are some photos and footage I’d like to share with you.
Hoi An, Vietnam (i.e the tailor town)
Hue, Vietnam (i.e. The [...]

Tarantula, Dog, or Duck Fetus, Po Teresa(“Ms. Teresa” in Tagalog)?

Being a Kiva Fellow in Southeast Asia you meet many small business owners. Some of these business owners sell what I like to call “culinary adventures”. So as not to offend people, you also get a chance to try many of the dishes. Over the course of my seven months, I’ve discovered after a while [...]

In the Philippines

So after 6 months in Cambodia as a Kiva Fellow, and some travels through Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia, I’ve finally arrived in the Philippines for my next Kiva Fellowship stint.
I will be here for the next 3 months with ASKI-MFI. ASKI-MFI is a new Kiva field partners so I’ll be helping them set-up their Kiva [...]

Khnom neung neuk neak Kampuchea (I will miss you, Cambodia).

“Aukun trang bong, srey, po on pro, neung Kampuchea. Khnom joljet na Kampuchea neung khnom ot dau tay. Khnom neung neuk neak.” (Thank you elders, sisters, my brothers, and Cambodia. I feel strongly about each of you and I don’t want to go. I will miss you.”)
“Cambodia is a place that frustrates you to the [...]

Dey Krahorm Evictions: Tears of Frustration

I returned to Dey Krahorm Saturday morning to its destruction. Completely overwhelmed and disgusted by government and private development land grabbing at the expense of the poor and powerless in Cambodia,  I snuck in behind the police guard gates and took pictures of what I could.
Please clicks the link below for articles from the Phnom [...]