We're being hosted at the former US Clark Air Force base, which is now set up as a free trade zone by the Philippine Government.
The former parade field makes a nice park, surrounded by treed walking paths we enjoyed each morning.
Our home for the next few days, with hosts Ron and Gloria Nethercutt. Being a former US base, much of the western influence is apparent.
Control central for the Nethercutt household. Ron is current Chair of ROTI.
Now the Philippine Air Force has a big presence here with tourism and an international airport development underway.
Only in the Philippines . . a street vendor at McDonalds!
A welcome to Angeles City by Rotarian friends and 'PNP' Philippine National Police official.
My escorts for the day . . is my reputation that bad?
Yes, I really am a Colonel in the PNP so you have to do everything I say.
All modes of transportation and quite a contrast.
Heading out into the provinces we see rice fields and primative farm homes.
A simple life with a spectacular view.
One of the larger herds of livesock I've observed here.
Scenery in this area is lush and beautiful but not for long.
A typical Filipino farm tractor.
We're getting near our first stop at a school.
A small village beside the school area.
Here we are . . very basic construction.
The school director welcomes us to see the new pump house and washing area.
A new jet pump system was recently installed by Rotarians.
The children always welcome and greet you warmly.
A short geography lesson on Canada. They only had a small 6“ globe. No world maps here.
Our entourage for the day with a class of students.
I like the girls in the Philippines.
Big ones too! . . We determined that her red and white braid makes her an honourary Canadian.
The children are our reward . . and our future.
Continuing on to more remote parts of this area. This is a taxi in front of us.
This is a large river which was filled in with lava ash when the volcano erupted years ago. The eruption forced the native Aeta people to resettle to a new place because their entire village was buried in the ash.
We're arriving at the Aeta tribal village. I'm excited to be returning here again where we've done water wells, medical clinics and a feeding program with local Rotarians.
The homes are much improved since my last visit.
The children welcome us with some reservation.
Still very primative.
Maybe we need a recycling program here.
Isn't this a picture of simplicity and happiness?
I did not see any water or snow hills, so not sure how this ride works?
A typical street scene.
The main pathway in the village.
Young mothers do their chores with much happiness and joy, seen on their faces.
Another street scene. Foreground is the kitchen area for this home.
Approaching the local 'hang out' centre for the teens.
I'm invited to play pool with the locals. They really enjoy it when you particpate with them.
Now it's time to get to work and repair the water well piping.
I think this guy's had it!
Preparing lunch vegetables for her family.
They teach them young here.
The new Aeta settlement area along the river. Note the ladders to river and garbage.
The new main street in this part of town.
Houses are higher quality, mostly made of concrete blocks with a tin roof.
But this culture always seems to have need for a 'lean to'.
Some business and commerce is always in sight.
I think this face represents a lot of hard toil and rich history.
Wow, even a man doing the laundry?
I reflected on this scene and the meaning of how every part of life depends on simple water for survival.
