Post by rik on Dec 4, 2013 11:18:14 GMT 8
Just got back a few days ago and wishing I was still there. I had made some loose plans but as always when I go to the PI I leave my options open and remain flexible since things always seem to change there. I spent the first week up in San Fabian (next to Dagupan) as we have a small beachfront house there. The second week was the highlight, I traveled to Corregidor and spent a few days with Steve and Marcia who took me trekking around different parts of the island that I would never have seen on my own. For those who have never met them, Steve and Marcia are just awesome people. Steve has an unbelievable passion for The Rock and I learned so much that I never knew about Corregidor from him. I'd say the highlight was the trek up to the top of Malinta Hill, the views from up there are spectacular. It was also nice to sit and chat with them and get to know them a bit. I look forward to my next trip even more now.
After Corregidor I headed to Manila to meet up with Leslie Ann Murray who invited me to the AMCHAM "Kapihan" where I was able to meet several members of the American Chamber of Commerce. Since we were both attending the press screening of "Corregidor: The Road Back" on Friday Leslie invited me to ride with her which another great experience as we rode in with a gentleman named Edgar "Looby" Crohn who lived through the Japanese occupation of Manila. The stories he told on the way to the event had me enraptured.
Lastly was the event itself. The screening of the film was held at University of Santo Tomas and afterwards there was a panel discussion involving Edgar, Steve, Peter Parsons, Paul and a couple others. It was just great to see the film and even better to be able to meet Peter and Paul in person. I just wish I'd had more time to talk with them.
Overall, just a wonderful, wonderful trip loaded with memorable experiences. Now I'm back in Italy where it's freezing cold and I spend my days at work dreaming of my next trip...
After Corregidor I headed to Manila to meet up with Leslie Ann Murray who invited me to the AMCHAM "Kapihan" where I was able to meet several members of the American Chamber of Commerce. Since we were both attending the press screening of "Corregidor: The Road Back" on Friday Leslie invited me to ride with her which another great experience as we rode in with a gentleman named Edgar "Looby" Crohn who lived through the Japanese occupation of Manila. The stories he told on the way to the event had me enraptured.
Lastly was the event itself. The screening of the film was held at University of Santo Tomas and afterwards there was a panel discussion involving Edgar, Steve, Peter Parsons, Paul and a couple others. It was just great to see the film and even better to be able to meet Peter and Paul in person. I just wish I'd had more time to talk with them.
Overall, just a wonderful, wonderful trip loaded with memorable experiences. Now I'm back in Italy where it's freezing cold and I spend my days at work dreaming of my next trip...