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Earthquake in Manila

At about 1:30pm as I was sitting at my desk, the chair and table started swaying. Even after 8 months of living in Manila, I’m still not used to these earthquakes (I didn’t grow up with earthquakes). I work in Fort Bonifacio which actually lies right next to a huge fault line that runs up C-5; a bit frightening in some ways. Within seconds the confirmations of a quake came in not from the news but via Twitter: http://twitter.com/#search?q=earthquake%20manila IRead more
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Looking for a condo in Manila – Concrete + space vs green + proximity

As much as we love our glass palace in the sky, we’re considering moving. It’s going to be tough giving up the space – 235 sq meters (2500 sq feet), 4 bedroom / 4 1/2 bath + maid’s quarters, the views from 500 feet up, the floor to ceiling windows… However, we’re willing to sacrifice space for greener living. We’re quite literally in the midst of a concrete jungle. Towering skyscrapers, bustling sidewalks, concerete everywhere – which is great ifRead more

Presenting for Apple as an Apple Distinguished Educator

The past 10 days have been a whirlwind of activity. I presented on behalf of Apple Asia as an “Apple Distinguished Educator” at the Shangri-La to a diverse audience of educators, superintendents, principals, and owners of universities throughout the Philippines. It went very well, and was a fantastic experience for personal growth. I became an ADE in December, 2007 – in the first group in Asia. What is ADE? “The Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) program is a relationship program focusedRead more
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An act of affection in a moment of violence

It’s interesting to see how one culture’s normal activities may seem brutal or cruel in contrast to another. Take, for example, this particular afternoon spent in Banaue, Central Luzon, Philippines. We visited a very remote traditional rice-farming village nestled in the serene valley outside of Banaue, and lived, if for only an afternoon, as they do. For these gentle people, the act of killing a live chicken with your bare hands is just a daily chore – something as naturalRead more