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!
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