02-15-10

Butuan Ramblings!

Greetings All!

Holidays are passed, the world turns and the river flows.

Butuan Ramblings (BR) has restarted and reshaped and refitted its design!  My thanks to all that have wondered where my weekly offerings had disappeared to, and wondered about my health/security. All is now well.

BR is going to ease off the pedal a bit because my honeydo list is rather top heavy at this time.  Freedom is being completely refitted, a construction project at the Marina is commencing, and a book I wrote about my solo horseback ride across the USA in 1996 is in editing phase.

My plan is to spook up an offering twice a month, and I continue to seek guest columnists-so if you want hang your butt out on a limb from this tree, you are most welcome!

We will wait until end of March, early April for the first yard sale of the year.  Current listing is attached.

We are offering a new transport service which features airport pickup, a tour of Butuan and a stop at each hotel to view accommodations.  See attached.

The airport kiosk continues to be well received.  Advertising rate is P500 per month, with the added bonus of free ad space on the www.butuanexpats.com website.

Our property in Sintos Subd. is for sale, with very attractive terms for a qualified buyer.  No bank financing needed!  See attached for a sample mortgage.

Want to live in Butuan for free??!!  See attached ‘2nd floor’ for details.

Congrats to friend Roy in the refitting and recent launching of Rosebud, a 30′ vessel outfitting for fishing.  Shakedown cruises are imminent!

Island Motor Tours is a new venture in our clime.  Wander by the new, well designed, Malvar Circle Commercial Center next to City Hall/Uncle Sam’s and look for the two beautiful motorcycles, and you have found friend Dan welcoming you to chat. www.islandmotortours.com provides info.  Welcome Dan!

Speaking of motorbikes, let’s try for next Sunday morning for our next ride?

In the coming weeks I will explore the following issues;

1. The rolling blackouts in our clime.

2. The current Butuan taxing structure.  For example, a business in San Vicente pays the same tax rate as a downtown biz, yet does receive the same quality of essential services. Can this be changed to reflect fairness?

3. Human trafficking/child prostitution in Butuan.  As some of you know, a consortium of agencies with which I am involved with has successfully encouraged three Expats involved in this crap to vacate these climes in the last year.  This year we ratchet up pressure as convictions are the goal.  Soon posters will be seen in all local ports and participating businesses, increasing the awareness that Butuan’s children are not for sale.  Two Expats residing in Butuan are currently under investigation by an international advocacy group.  The advent of Project Destiny Kids has been the keystone in this advocacy, as it provides a loving shelter in which prostituted children can heal, and more importantly, identify child rapists via photographs.

4. I have been exploring the feasibility of introducing a Hospice chapter in Butuan.  According to a prominent local physician, there is an abnormally high cancer rate in Butuan.

5. I hope to be able to report that Butuan City will be added to the list of Ports of Call in the Philippines before summer.  International cruising yachts are always looking for ports that have available integral services.  Once we have networked effectively so that these needs are available, Butuan can be added to the international list.  In addition, Butuan is perhaps the most effective and accessible typhoon shelter in the country.  The hurdle to overcome is the worldwide perception that Butuan, (as part of Mindanao), is not a safe harbor.  Imagine large cruising yachts laying up at the downtown PPA facility!

6. Riverside Marina has contracted with the gents who built the Balanghai boats to construct framing for two 16′ sailboats.  Friend Toby, who started his sailing career with Neptune, will oversee the ‘modernization’ of these frames and bring them to completion.  The prayer is that via the facilitations of friend Sid Calo, and Datu Andaya of the BAMATA tribal council, that we can collectively design these ‘day sailors’ with uniqueness substantive enough to warrant international classification.

The end product would be a floating piece of furniture whose features celebrate the heritage of the BAMATA Tribal members, whose logo will be on its sail.  The unique wood, design and representative history will be offered to the world via the internet.

7. Prior to the May elections, I hope to be able to explain to this readership exactly how much money enters the Butuan Government and the source of same.  In the interest of transparency, I wonder if the citizenry is able to quantify revenues and audit expenditures.  It seems that current leadership is criticized profusely for mismanagement of public funds, but I have never seen any supporting documentation.  I have always thought that any person serving the public trust would embrace such a review.

8. There is a dearth of community notices of upcoming events among the local media.  Let us find out why.  Cable provider’s interpretation of community access channels seems to be the allowance of advertising by a select few private businesses, as well as utility notices.  ABS-CBN is not much better, though they only have a 30 minute window for their evening news.  In many other climes, local TV Cable providers are mandated to provide such a community channel specifically for upcoming events and notices.  I wonder if that is true here.  This void of information was really evident when most of the citizenry was not informed about the arrival of the Balanghai boat, or its send-off.  These wonderful and uplifting events were missed by 90% of the citizenry.  That is a real shame.

9. Speaking of the Balanghai’s-currently sailing south of CDO-I will keep you updated periodically of their progress.  Construction of a third boat, designed to act as a tender, is scheduled to begin this week.

10. The institution of a Community Action Center.  This is basically a resource for citizens to voice their questions and concerns about issues that arise in both public and private relationships.  A sort of mediation center, but with teeth!  Hopefully a CAC can be absorbed with the Chamber of Commerce, when the Chamber attains viability.

To that end, please consider, (or reconsider), joining, (or rejoining), the Butuan Chamber of Commerce.  Past misdeeds are past.  Let them lie and serve as learning points of the future. There is little chance of growth if a business community is fractured.  A vibrant COC advocates on behalf of the private sector.  Without same, public sector interests can run amok.

Chamber President Alan Silor is a bright, humble and forward thinking gentleman.  Please give the man a chance to succeed on behalf of Butuan.

Thank you,

Greg May

www.butuanexpats.com

The velocity of the Agusan increased to 8 knots during low tide today.  Flood season is warming up for its typical 2 month obsession.  Methinks that some of its vigor has already been spent during the flooding of a few weeks ago, so perhaps we may expect a rather mild flood season.  To this end, we must acknowledge those whose forethought inspired the viaduct system completed 3 years ago, that divert flood waters from central Butuan.  If monitored and managed as designed, downtown Butuan should never be flooded again during normal seasonal increases.  This is not to say that the system is designed to alleviate ‘un’natural occurrences, but rather to ensure that our city systems are protected from normal tropical gully washers.  If one has been paying attention, the effects of pronounced rainfall have been greatly mitigated in the past few years as compared to previous times.  Storm water systems have been installed in the city in a requisite diameter to flush ‘gully washers’ in a timely manner, and the viaduct, (when managed appropriately), assists in the effort.  Many remember 2′ waters at the Gaisano intersection, as well as other locations, but please recognize that these conditions are now short-lived.  Connect the dots folks!  Whether via the City or other entity, the conditions are vastly improved!   Credit given to those responsible.

Under certain conditions, sometimes sea level relative to JC Aquino is less than a 2% grade, so storm systems don’t purge with a great deal of velocity.  At high tide, the outlying villages get swamped.  Next time Butuan experiences a deluge, check the tide chart-that will tell you how deep the ‘pools’ are.  Low tide means the pools are short lived, high tide-not so much!

GTS Auto Accessories is a great new shop located on T.Calo extension.  Drop in and let Gerry show you his wares, and they install stereos, horns, and other accessories.

The new Prince Hotel next to Santos hospital on Montilla is going through its birthing process as we speak.  Located in the old Carl Patrick structure, the new facade greatly enhances the downtown appearance.  I have not had the chance to drop in for a peek, but will do so during holiday week and report my findings.  A large new hotel in Butuan is big stuff, not only for appearance, but understanding that the ownership did due diligence and must have determined that continued growth qualified said investment.  What might they know???

Local and national TV news have aired segments detailing the dangers of fireworks.  Wonderful!  3-4 years ago TV news during the holidays was awash in video of entire neighborhoods burning and people displaced due to irresponsible use of fireworks.  Burning structures generate gobs of smoke and heat, and many don’t realize the nasty effects of a structure fire.  Our village banned aerial fireworks last year.  Can you imagine how many nearby structures would be melted if an unspent rocket landed in the native roof of our 2 story building?  The local fire department does not have a reputation for ‘quick response’, less so in an outlying area.  Here’s hoping that this holiday season does not bring despair to some homes due to some numbskull with a lighter and a bottle rocket!

I’ll be spending holiday week working on the butuanexpat website, hoping to make it more serviceable to visitors.  After the 1st, I would really appreciate comments on both its appearance and content.  The content is an ever-changing critter, and one person holding the strings is not appropriate.  I would also like to invite guest writers or topical writers.  The value of the website can be determined by remembering each of our personal struggles upon our first arrival, that being the acquisition of accurate information about the why’s and wherefores of the Butuan region.  Getting the information kiosk at the arrival terminal this year was a big step toward said goal.  The task next year is to unify the web presence of the public entities in Butuan so our City is presented to the world in a coordinated manner.

Next week we’ll chat about the year in review and prioritize our intents of civic service for 2010.  A community action center, a quantifiable transparent City annual report, and Navigational channel marker installation encouraging international cruising yachts to shelter and visit Butuan are a few items on my list.  Continued vigilance in participating in the protection of children from foreign abusers is a constant.

What is on your list?

I hope your holidays are wonderful!

Peace to all!

g

Greetings All!

Not understanding the difference between ‘partly cloudy’ and ‘partly sunny’, dawn on the glassy Agusan River emerges under a crescent moon, on its way to slumber.  As we approach the holidays, river commerce is almost non-existent.  The large sawmills continue to thrive while the small contract operations merge into the banks of the river-only to be unearthed by some archeologist in a distant time.

One of the highlights of being allowed to hang around the Balanghai crew was to meet a gent who actually took part in the excavation of the remains in Libertad back in the 70’s.  Imagine his thoughts witnessing the rebirth of this vessel!  By the way, the expedition team is looking for an individual, group or company to sponsor the construction or a smaller companion craft, that will be motorized and able to assist the two sailing vessels should the need arise.  What a great advertising opportunity for comparatively low cost!

Before I forget, our last yard sale of the year is next Saturday, and the deals will be outstanding!  We have a solid inventory and really want to clean house, so come early!

As some of you may know, I have been intimately involved for the past few months is a court case involving friend Bob Dupras, he of 80 years young.  While not getting into the particulars of his case, suffice to say that he was kicked out of his house and abandoned with $40 in his pocket, and in frail medical condition.  Over the past few months there have been court cases involving Expats in our region and discussed on the internet.  The knee-jerk reaction among Expats has typically been that Expats never get a fair shake in Philippine courts.  This mindset is often enflamed with the knowledge that the Philippines actively recruits foreigners to visit and reside in this country, but can never achieve basic rights associated with other democracies.

To many Expats, fluctuating immigration policies is just another Filipino scam, which the international travel guides warn all visitors about.  In conjunction with this mindset are the recent upheavals in Mindanao, so much so that I see Butuanons living outside this country are writing to the USA Ambassador asking whether it is safe to visit Butuan!  Do they feel that getting an honest appraisal from local officials is unattainable, or am I reading too much into the situation?   Hmmmm.

Back to Bob; his court process has been a drawn out affair, but that is no different than anywhere.  Bottom line is that he has been treated with respect and honor by both his court appointed attorney, and the presiding judge.  He did not win, nor did he lose-his case was adjudicated in a fair manner, regardless of the nationalities involved.  This should be noted by every Expat in this clime, especially those that spew ignorant verbiage demeaning this country and its people.  In my experience, the greater percentage of those in public service are proud and honest people, who work at insidiously low compensation in the effort to improve the condition for all.

Wishing here that the judiciary had some real ‘teeth’, but that is an issue for another day!

Bob is doing well and would like visits from his old friends, noting that he has resided in Butuan for more than 27 years!

I was pondering this dawn at the low tide-lowest all year!  Last year at this and time we were flooded, and now the boats lay massaged in the muck awaiting a higher tide release.  Such is life!

See you next Saturday beginning at 8am, at the yard sale, and Wednesday at Café Caliente at 11am!

Peace to all!

g

Dawn finds the Agusan peacefully flowing to sea-basking in the quiet mirth a successful weekend surrounded by friends and family.  The Agusan prepared herself gloriously and her conduct in accommodating an ancient relative by suddenly calming her ferocity allowed for a safe receiving of the ancient one.

In some places around the world, the past few days have been the holiday of Thanksgiving.  This holiday celebrates the meeting of cultures symbolized by a feast for all, and the welcoming of family and old friends.

And so it was on Saturday, that a long lost loved one appeared out of the sunlit haze from far asea.  As her brightly colored sunlit sails paralleled the coast, we wondered if she would pass us by in a rebuke for keeping her away from the remains of her forefathers home for so long.  Alas, she tacked to port and headed into the loving and welcoming arms of a people starved for a touch of her most valuable cargo-heroes who brought the message of nationalistic pride borne out of hard work, persistence and faith, with every wave and smile.  As she glided along toward the PPA in the center of town, brightly decorated vessels of every size motored of paddled along side, and those on shore waved flags of wonderment and pride.  Upon approaching the pier, hats were waved, tears flowed and eyes were wide.  Countrymen, who had voyaged to the top of the world, brought a long lost child back to the womb.

The Balanghai will rest and repair for a while in Bading, where a sister ship is under construction.  Today the crew will put her in the dry to inspect and prepare for her next journey.  As you may know, the intent is to sail throughout Asia and eventually the world.  ‘Sail the world’ and ‘climb Mt Everest’-two phrases of three simple words!!

After witnessing the reception in Butuan, and given the current economic/cultural/humanistic climate in this country, I wonder if the significance brought is better served in her circumnavigating this country prior to attempting a global first.  I certainly understand the reasoning, but perhaps the cargo of inspiration has its highest value in the Philippines.

Our next yardsale is Dec. 19 and we are loading up with new stuff.  All is on display inside the restaurant building at Riverside.  The restaurant is closed to the public for the month of December as we transition to a membership clientele while emphasizing charters, marina biz and private gatherings.  We always enjoy and appreciate visitors, but please text prior to entering the facility.  We expect one or two boat launchings next month, floodwaters being the determining factor, so I hope all will come by for those celebrations.

Have you visited the landslides on the Mt. Mayapay road?  This is a road our Expat motorbike club has frequented often.  The Mt. Mayapay environmental watchdog group has been critical of the conduct of some local politicos for allowing operations involving heavy equipment in that clime, and it now seems that the group’s fears are coming to fruition.  One wonders of the happenings there as rain season approaches.

See you at Café Caliente at 11am this Wednesday!

Peace to all!

g

Greetings All!

I have been tracking the Agusan River for 4 years, and today the velocity reached 16 knots!!!!  That is a speed that approaches Class rapids!  In years past during flood season, 12 knots was tops.  My guess is that the viaduct and drainage systems were not prepared for the sudden emergence of floodwaters ‘current’ly flooding the city.  Said mechanical systems are now likely inoperable due to the ‘psi’ of the Agusan.  The river gave little warning, and those responsible for diverting and diminishing said flow are sure to be burning the midnight oil, as it were.

In short folks, Butuan City is flooded and facing a real disaster.  The storm hovering over our clime is now slow moving.  A steady rain has dumped on us for 5 straight days, and might linger for another 3.  My thoughts immediately turn to the residents of Brgy. Agao, who receive the full brunt of the River prior to making a 90 degree turn to meet the tide.  Agao feels the brunt, and off its banks lays the 3^rd deepest hole in the entire river.  Matched against incoming tides, this location is the first fight resulting in substantial whirlpools and undercurrents.  A few years ago I took Joy’s (my wife), family to Agao to show them the underwater geography via sonar and attempted to explain the likely scenario of why their 5 year old brother drowned there some 35 years ago.   It was a solemn occasion, but our ‘Nanay’ never let go of my arm as she sat beside me looking at the sonar, and understanding the currents involved.  As most of us recognize, understanding the reasons why a loved one is lost is a wonderful tool for transitioning from sadness of a loss, to gladness of a life lived.

As to Joy, and if you’ll allow me a bit of license, we had an epiphany of sorts.  I had a full van the other day, and I wanted to show the beautiful statue erected by Dr. Malvar, across from the Balanghai Hotel, which is owned by same.  Without getting into the ‘why’s and wherefore’s’, it suffices to state that ‘Bones Malvar’ is a soul of vision and love for Butuan.  He is creating out of his wallet that which the public sector should have been doing long ago.  As we passed by the newly erected statue, a City dump truck drove past.

My wife, completely on her own, offered aloud the sentiment of how distasteful it was for a politician to print his name on a dump truck that was purchased from public funds-the peoples money-in the view of such a grand gift to the public from a private wallet-and without any personal recognition needed.  Kind of like the old saying, ‘If you have to tell someone how good you are,….you’re not.’

Talk about hitting the nail on the head!!!

Our local politicos-pardon the interruption!

Please note that among Expats and visiting foreigners, this practice of extolling the virtue of procuring the requisite tools for efficiently operating a jurisdiction, is clearly the most ‘guffawed’ at practice witnessed throughout this country.  In my little mind, the practice of plastering a politicos photo and name on a banner or vehicle extolling the perception that without said politicos’ participation, said event or vehicle would not be possible, is a decided sham and insult to the intelligence of very people said politico was ‘hired’ to serve.

It’s the politicos ‘Job’ to procure a service vehicle or to provide the environment to create an event!!!  YEEESH!

Like about 70% of Butuanons that have known suffrage in this dastardly oppressive and cruel environ, my beloved wife spoke up on her own volition.  Me, you, the pronounced local generational families, Datu’s, and the like, we are all the same.  We are equal.  No one is better than another.  The love in your family is no stronger or weaker than the love in another’s.  I wonder if humans, as a specie, will ever realize this fact?

Lets be clear, this practice is not just the local politicos…..perhaps it is habit and the way things have always been done, er, just like the horrible clan whackings/beheadings a bit to our south this week.  Mindanao tourism officials may as well take an extended vacation at this point.

This town is experiencing an activism that to my little brain, has never been seen.  Any sitting politico that considers this ‘rising’ to be a threat is simply not thinking.  Smart politicos work to recognize current conditions in the year 2009.  The internet is flush with awareness.  Butuan is served by Butuanon Yahoo Group and the Butuan Global Forum, as well as other less pronounced websites concerned with local happenings.  Whacking a local journalist or candidate is not effective strategy anymore.  The killings to the south were perpetrated by really stupid people-it ain’t 1966 anymore-they will fry-because even if the Philippine justice system wimps out, the world won’t allow such horror.  Mark it down.

As I have often related, the current 25-40 generation of Butuanons, in my view, is in the process of advancing this clime to unbounded heights.  I have such faith in their efforts.  They are respecting their father’s, (a phrase), but interjecting internationally accepted standards in so many areas so as to participate and compete in a shrinking world.  The most telling virtue is that they volunteer-the truest indicator of goodness.  Bless them. Support them. Encourage them.  The time for Butuan to introduce itself to the world is now.  Let us hope and pray that our upcoming elections are a peaceful and honorable process.

Sorry for the lateness this week, the flood conditions have put us on duty 24/7.  Hope to see you at Café Caliente today at 11am.

Peace to all,

G

05-09-09

Greetings All!

The heat of summer has settled in for the long haul, and takes some acclimating for Expats from Northern climes and of expanding girth-like me!

Our motorbike ride leaves here at 7:30am tomorrow, and we’ll be heading towards Mt. Mayapay—more on this later.

The Wednesday morning brunch bunch has expanded so we’ll try a new venue this week.  We’ll try Goatogeder located behind the new Jetti station.  We solved the Trew Brew parking issue by moving to Pit Stop, and though Pit Stop food is great and parking plentiful, we ran out of space.  So, see you Wednesday at Goatogeder!

It was a fun week at the airport as visitors were greeted by Native dancers and a lively atmosphere!  Butuanons from all over the world are returning home for the mid month festival.  The dancers perform again at the Balanghai Hotel on the 13^th.  While at the Balanghai, take a peek at the History exhibit and pay special attention to the maps from centuries past.  Mt. Mayapay is noted on all, so the Mountain was quite a known quantity to seafarers back in the day.

Mt. Mayapay is also becoming quite a topic of conversation in this region.  The mountain is the source of at least 5 rivers, and is a watershed for many communities.  Human pressure has increased dramatically in the last two years.  Our Expat bike group circles the mountain at least once each year, and the changes are noticeable.  Mining, clear cutting and additional roadways are evident, though apparently without environmental oversight.  Logging ban noise seems to have encouraged some to extract logs from the area, and severe flooding in the Gingoog region last year has been blamed on irresponsible logging in some opinions.  Given the type of unstable soil indigenous to this area, erosion is a very real concern.  Mudslides are a devastating force.  We’ll go take a peek this weekend, talk to the locals and report back!

Developing countries, like the Philippines, are typically the most susceptible to irresponsible/exploitive environmental practices.  Political leadership generally falls into either of two categories; Politicos that are the exploiters, or Politicos without requisite courage to challenge said practices.  The populace is easily controlled because 80% don’t know where their next meal is, and need to expend all efforts to secure same.  No time for political/civic action from this group.  So, dear readers, how do we participate in support of assuring that Mt. Mayapay is being treated with care?

On the waterfront, Freedom has been in dry dock all week fixing some hull patching.  Also installed are more rod holders and lighting, as well as mountings for a magnometer to assist with shipwreck location.  The river festival is next weekend and Freedom will be decked out in her finest!

Tuesday we participated in a body search for a 4 year old boy.  His body was found later that afternoon.  I have participated in a few of these over the years, and it is a grim procedure.  My wife Joy lost her younger brother to the Agusan when she was a child, and the memories for her family came back quick and vivid.  This river is deceptive because of its width, and runs 4-5 knots at normal times.  If the river were much narrower, it would likely glean much more respect for the flow would be more evident to the untrained eye.

I am happy to report that the Gingoog forum has a bunch of new members from our readership.  I again thank the Gingoog group for their invitation, and hope we comport ourselves in reciprocal manner.

We have another big yard sale at the end of this month, so clean out your closets and join the fun!   An (like new) apartment sized fridge, marine generator and a set of Titanium Golf clubs are the featured items so far!

BIZ FAVE of the week…DyTeBan Hardware downtown.  To many Expats, Leo and Cencio Dy are saviors when we are in search of some widget.  Not only are they extremely patient with us as a group, but they generally find what we are looking for.  Tools are different here than what most of us are used to.  As an aside, I introduced Teresa from Project Destiny (save street kids) to Leo this week, as she needed to rent a truck to move her staff offices.  They struck a deal and we departed.  While driving to their new group home Teresa’s cel rang, and I said, ‘I’ll bet that is Leo’.  Sure enough it was Leo ‘instructing’ Teresa that no money would be accepted for the truck and driver.  Not only did the truck show up on the appointed day, but a work crew as well.

This, dear readers, is another exemplary example of civic responsibility.

See you tomorrow for biking, and Wednesday at Goatogeder, 10am.

g

05-04-09

Greetings all!

Monday dawned with a hazy, peaceful on the water.  Yesterday Manny continued to educate the world, Celtics won Game 7, and a few new Expats wandered by.

Old friend Phil Olsen has made an appearance and will be reconnecting for a week, and Richard Rash has repatriated to Butuan!  Welcome back gents!

Before I forget, our next ride is Sunday, and we will make plans at Pit Stop at the Wed. morning brunch bunch meeting.

May is a very busy month for the Butuan community-many activities celebrating local history and culture.  The fluvial festival is a must see mid month, as the river community parades by the downtown PPA facility in full bloom.  Dancers, contests fill the morning activities.  Visit the Butuan website for details, or I can email the monthly schedule to you.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gingoogvacation/ has agreed to be a active forum for Butuan Expat readers.  Butuan and Gingoog share many characteristics besides geography, and I have found the members of this group to be very respectful and intelligent.  Rather than starting yet another group, or maintaining a forum on this website, I felt in independently moderated group was most appropriate.  Mucho thanks to the G! group for permitting this referral!

I am pleased to report that construction of the first golf course in Butuan will begin next month.  The project is privately funded managed which means the likelihood of completion is more than less.  The sports arena project on Montilla has grinded to a halt as funding has dwindled.  Management, or the lack thereof, continues to be a source of frustration for those viewing the public works performance from the outside.  Poorly managed and uncompleted, abandoned capital projects do not provide a positive perception of our City.  The Japanese firm that constructed the impressive suspension Butuan Bridge was a shining example of a well organized project.

Friend Teresa, ye of Project Destiny(PD), the group working with abandoned children, happily reports that a new shelter will be active soon.  Project Destiny is on the front lines of the human trafficking, child abuse front.  The task force combating underage prostitution has been able to successfully glean quantifiable information from the abused, as evidenced by the recent major bust of foreigners in Cagayan.  The PD staff often deals with the remnants of a child after such abuse.  Volunteers and contributions are always welcomed.  Teresa will hopefully join the Brunch Bunch this Wednesday and be available for discussion of the topic.

Our sportfishing, er…rod holding excursion has unearthed quite a response of suggestions and proposals.  As previously stated, I do not know a single thing about the art of fishing, but it appears that many do.  The recommendations have come in fast and furious.  Politics, horse training and religion now have a companion topic-How to fish.  Our next attempt is next week, so if you are so inclined, please let me know.  On a related subject, I understand that Jack has hollowed out a log, stolen some thread from Tessie’s sewing kit, visited the dump for some discarded Styrofoam, picked up a few rocks from the garden, and is making a hook from a sardine can, all in preparation for our next, er….fishing trip!

A couple newbies are relocating here next month and are hoping to move into a recently vacated Expat pad, complete with furnishings.  If you know of a soul who is disappearing, please let me know.

Our BIZ FAVE of the week is……..Fortune Law Offices & Real Estate Brokerage.  Our friend Vincent Fortune continues to impress with the direction and integrity of his practice.  An increasing number of Expats are recognizing the aplomb with which Vince is able to balance cross cultural and differing legal system experiences with those from’away’.  Not an easy task when many of his clients expect the local legal system to function as the ones from their former homes’.  It appears that his new real estate brokerage will emphasize internet access as well as a personalized approach, not yet present in Butuan.  We wish Vince best wishes in this new venture!

Please remember Pit Stop at 10am Wednesday!

Til next week!

g

04-27-09

Greetings all!

A very busy week at Riverside!

But first and foremost some wonderful news!

Otis Mall Shell, in front of  Pit Stop Cafe on JC Aquino,  is now the #1 ranked Shell station in the entire Philippines!

The criteria for earning this recognition was the quality of customer service, cleanliness, management organization and yearly sales increase.  A Butuanon owned business achieving national recognition is very cool!  A hearty congratulations to Alan, Gigi Chan and family.  They represent their family, business and Butuan City with honor!

As a personal aside, I received a text from Alan about 3 weeks ago, asking if I knew an Expat named ‘Barry’.  Seems that in his nightly accounting he noticed that Barry’s card had been mistakenly debited twice during an intermittent brown-out, and Alan wanted to personally refund Barry’s money.  The connection was made and another customers’ business was ‘earned’.

By the way, a new weekly meeting emphasizing Expat participation, (yet all are encouraged to visit), will be every Wednesday at 10am at Pit Stop Cafe.  This new Brunch Bunch had their shakedown cruise last week at Trew Brew, which of course was great, but parking is an issue solved at Pit Stop.  Pit Stop also offers freshly brewed coffee, as well as really good food and service.  There are many newbies in town, so one and all are invited and encouraged to ‘meet and greet’!

Our first bike ride of the season took us through Manobo mining country.  Out of nine riders, my guess is that half of us still have no clue where we were.  Initially we crossed the Agusan river and headed to the mountains following Cliff, he of ice hockey fame.  After 45 minutes, those of us in the back of the group began wondering if Cliff had been a goalie during the time NHL goalies played without headgear.  Alas, Cliff delivered us to our first destination flustered, safe and sound.  We learned that Cliff has been integrated into this village for the past few years, and has quietly provided services to the most needy, without being sycophantic.  He is genuinely liked and respected as a hard working, fair man by the locals.  He is also an exemplary example of the quality of the overwhelming silent majority of Expats residing in our community.  He is currently in the process of constructing a manufacturing facility of some sort having to do with fish,(of which I am completely clueless), and his first structure is appropriately located, on a cliff.  Our own destiny’s child!

We then followed Fred, he of the most powerful bike with mud-spewing knobby tires, as well as a wild eye topping a ’shit-eating grin’.

Where those of us in the back of the group had been concerned about our own wisdom in following Cliff, personal safety was now our primary emotion following Fred-Evil Knevil.  Every rut seemed to reach out to Fred’s inner ‘Freddie’ to see just how much more adrenaline could be pumped into his rut-jumping attempts.  As our knuckles were growing numb with grip squeezing fear, there was Fred, his back tire inches away from a hidden slide, warning the group to the other side of the goat trail…er, road.  Fred is our newest best friend.

The terminus of our venture was the village of Maibi.  Here in this little hamlet nestled in the hills, our Dutch friend Menno has carved out a wonderfully cozy home for his delightful wife and son.  A bunch of white guys, (and Filipino’s), on motorcycles created quite an attraction for the locals as they were leaving church, and they seemed very appreciative that Menno’s friends would travel so far to visit.  I think, and hope, we reciprocated with our friendliness and appreciation for Menno’s hospitality.

Next ride is in two weeks!  Lets have more riders, and more fun exploring this wonderful land we live in!

I am getting a bit winded, so the deep sea fishing excursion details will have to wait for another time.  I will say that we all did learn how to hold a rod.

The poker pals played four nights this week!  The surprise party for Ara, ye of Jay, went off without a hitch last night, and the lantern lighted wharf was particularly peaceful.

Please remember Pit Stop at 10am Wednesday!

Til next week!

04-19-09

Greetings all!

The last couple days have brought short bursts of very heavy rain-I thought it was hail at one point!

Next Sunday is our first motorbike ride of the season, we have 6 confirmed riders so far!  We will take it easy the first week, as we have some newbies.  All welcome!  Meet here at 8am.

Calling all fishermen, or rod holders as the case may be!  Toward the end of this week, we are going to experiment with a bunch of new gear out in the ocean.  We actually have some guys who are more ‘fishermen’ than ‘rod holders’ to impart wisdom of the craft.  We will all share fuel costs, maximum 10 souls.  P500 per ought to cover it-reserve with your P500 deposit and we’ll go from there.

The logging industry has, in effect, come to an abrupt standstill-at least on the river..  This is quite an evolution for a city basically built on the logging boom in the 70’s and 80’s.  The direct effect in our area of the river is that most of the sawmills are inactive, and people are out of work.  Being one of the poorer villages in  Butuan, you can imagine the toll.  The large mills continue to have a workable supply, but the small guys are being squeezed out.  The mill next to us has been quiet for 2 months.  I have aquaintences on all sides of the business- Gov’t agencies, midnight runners, buyers, transporters, sellers…and the like.  In weeding through the litany of opinions as to the reasons for this lull, the consistant claim appears to be the increased involvement of additional Gov’t agencies charged with regulating an aspect of the industry.  Too many palms to grease, and too many regulators in the weeds.  Perhaps this transitional period can lead to a more sustainable and responsible industry in the future.  Maybe quantifiable mining practices will be next!

Relative to mining, there are some very active local people working  hard to insist on transparency in the mining industry.  This is wonderful to see.  Large scale mining can be done in a responsible manner, and witnessing the evolution of the coastal mining in Tubay for the last few years gives one pause.  As a diver, the negative effect of that operation on the underwater environment near that operation is disgusting.  Unrefined/milled material is excavated and directly loaded on large ore ships destined for milling in a distant shore.  One wonders whether the Philippines and its people are getting a fair shake or yet another raw deal.  On one hand, I sure wish the local citizenry and leadership would exhibit a greater degree of bravery, but relative to the citizenry, it is difficult to be brave on an empty stomach.  If foreigners were allowed access to participate in the ’system’, as is common in other democracies, it is unlikely that the seemingly unfettered rape of the country and citizenry would be so rampant.

The Butuan City Library is progressing at an active rate.  The Library of 2009 is a much different critter than that of 2007.  They have a good stock of fiction-organized by author-as well as an increasing volume of research materials.  The staff is very friendly, and there are a lot of programs for kids.  Many Expats find themselves a bit shy of things to do residing in Butuan.  The ideas nesting in the library are plentiful and awaiting discovery.

Starting in May, a weekly meeting of Expats/locals will be on Thursday mornings at around 10am.  The first will either be at True Brew or Margie’s, and the group will decide from there.  All are welcome.  As many of us know, other cities have Expat groups, and usually more than one.  For example, anyone wishing to connect with an Expat group, perhaps for information, in Cebu, can always find a lunch time gathering at The French Baker in the mall.  It would be nice if Butuan had a similar offering to be noted for, in which alcohol is not involved and the setting encourages a more sedate and convivial gathering.

I was approached this week as to whether we are still hosting Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The local  AA chapter seems to be in transition, but they are always welcome.  If anyone has interest in attending, I’ll pass the info along.

On the waterfront, we will be visiting our artificial reef on Tuesday, and then moving on the Goosen, a small fishing village near Carmen.  At Goosen we will be setting a large mooring near their diving reef.  We await delivery of a tow-behind magnometer to assist with shipwreck discovery.  We have four couples scheduled for Tuesday’s trip, and I am happy to coordinate further trips for those who would like to venture asea, but not pay for the entire trip themselves.  I try to coordinate at least one trip a week, in which all share fuel cost.  Its a great way to meet & greet, and have a bunch of fun also.  Let me know if you want to be placed on our list of Gilligan’s.

Our FAVE biz of the week……..Balanghai Hotel.  Been in there lately?  The pool is well maintained now, and they have renovated and installed a nice garden in the back.  It still has the old world smell and feel.  Their convential hall seems to always be busy, and guest can often sit in and learn about the subject at hand.  The informative historical display is still a must visit.

Til next week!

g

04-13-09

Greetings all!

What a week!

Our jaunt to the Agusan Marsh was a real exercise in navigation, cultural negotiation and exploration.

The ecosystem has changed dramatically in the last few weeks since the croc attack and whatever film/capture efforts were muted by same.  Being the first vessel of its class to ever venture to the marsh, brought expressions of welcoming and friendship for our party.  Sleeping on Freedom and listening to the family’s living in the nearby floating houses laughing, singing and life-all without modern comforts-seemed quite surreal.  The organization leading the efforts to offer assistance to these folks is named, ‘Save Mindanao Volunteers’.  They have established a floating school and learning center, as well as various medical missions.  Laying on the boat I wondered if the locals had ever asked to be ’saved’, and if so, ‘what from’.  They seemed entirely satisfied with their way of life.  This is not to say that the volunteer organization does not do wonderful work, it is just the impression I left with.  Gaining permission to access the marsh involved negotiations with various politicians, and tribal leaders, as the are was declared restricted after the attack.  Reaching the marsh was an 8 hour trip.  The most difficult portion of the river to navigate is between Las Nieves and Espiranza, as the river widens and shallows.

On Wednesday we were chartered for an overnight visit to Camiguin.  We first headed to Talisay past Gingoog for a lunchtime break at a seaside restaurant.  In order to disembark, we had to keeltow Freedom and utilize a ladder to access to wharf.  The restaurant is located on a series of small wharfs, and seems to be well known for its seafood delights.  From Talisay it was a 45 minute voyage to Binoni, Camiguin’s main port.  We were able to hail Philippine Navy vessel 393 for assistance in accessing the port.  Binoni port actually has two channel cans installed, but unfortunately they are misplaced as outer markers.  If placed properly, the bouys would be located asea of existing hazards, but they are placed inside the hazards.  Without a depthsounder and the courteous assistance of Navy 393, we would have had a much more difficult entrance.  As an aside, the crew of Navy 393 were courteous, professional and extremely competent, and in my view represented the best the Philippines has to offer.  All aboard Freedom expressed extreme pride in their conduct and service.  The voyage from Camiguin to Riverside took 3 hours, which included a couple dolphin stops and one sailfish stop!  We also stopped for a shoreline visit with some friends building a house near Dave Dower’s place in Ataatahon.  In perfect conditions, Camiguin is a two hour voyage.

Last Saturday was a whole bunch of fun at our yard sale.  It was a beautiful day, and all the sellers sold out of everything, and a large gathering of Expats and locals intermingled and got to know one another in an unformal, non-alcoholic setting.  The expressions of thanks and support I continue to receive from the ‘quiet minority’ of Expats living in Butuan, for my vocal stance of the inapropriateness of negative  public displays by the ‘vocal minority’ Expat bunch, continues to be greatly appreciated .  Yet another incident by a member of this bunch happened Saturday night at Dottie’s place, in which the drunk in question  was very fortunate to avoid being attacked, due to his disgusting behavior.  It continues to baffle me that this bunch seems to think it is okay to conduct themselves in a manner that they would not tolerate in their former locales, and that the ‘fencesitter’  part of this bunch are not smart enough to connect the dots.

In any event, the vast majority of Expats living here will continue to provide a positive, civic-minded  and competing demonstration that the ‘vocal minority’ of Expats, are just that.

Our Biz FAVE of the week is……..Luciena Convention Center and Hotel.  The convention center is located on City Hall drive, just behind the old CAP building.  They are noted for intimate gatherings, seminars, wedding receptions, with a high quality of food choices.  There is also a reasonably priced, clean and comfortable hotel located next to the Almont City hotel downtown.  The staff is genuinely friendly throughout.  Also, their Lotto franchise is perhaps the busiest in town, and will also accept your plays privately and via phone.  Contact me for details.

Til next week!