Rain and History

Well, it’s still raining (good thing it’s the dry season!) Want to do some history? Islam ran the country until the 1500’s when Spain took over, except in Mindanao where they are still fighting. The Philipinos revolted against the Spanish in the 1890’s and we helped them during the Spanish-American War of 1898. We got Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines out of it for $25 million. The Philipinos didn’t like us any better than the Spanish so they continued to fight. After a few years of fighting, some atrocities on both sides and the loss of 4000 US soldiers, we claimed victory. Sound familiar? The Japanese took over in 1941 and left in 1945-6. There were a series of presidents until Marcos took office and didn’t want to let go. The people rose up against him and he, Imelda and her shoes were forced to leave. (Imelda is back though sans shoes)

Sign up now for fresh meat!

  We had a large presence here with Clark AFB and Subic Bay Naval base. We paid $150 million/year rent and added a lot to the economy during the Vietnam War. A nearby volcano erupted in 1991 and covered Clark with ash and the Philippines refused to renew the lease so we left. They struggled (and continue) but it is a source of pride to stand alone.  Clark is now home to budget airlines and an Economic Zone

Well the rain quit, the sun came out so we toured again this time with a family from Manila. of course it started to rain again. There are a few old stone houses with thatched roofs still left in town but they are fading fast.  

   the transportation is varied but the most used are the jeepneys and trikes Dinner was flying fish, chicken,veggies and rice. I’ve eaten rice for every single meal since I’ve gotten here except at Burger King