Cebu, Philippines (2005)

Back in 2005, I decided to step aside from my teaching routine in Osaka and take a small holiday to the sandy beaches of Cebu, Philippines.

Upon arrival, I was quite shocked to see the level of poverty on the island.  

The hotel my girlfriend and I stayed on was very secluded and gated  from the rest of the city.

We weren't planning on staying on the resort the whole week and chose to use our days exploring.

The first day we stepped out of the gate of the hotel, we were greeted by Arney.  He ended up being our guide and good friend for the remainder of our trip. Arney lived pretty much right beside the hotel, so it was very convenient for us.

Arney hooked us up nicely.   He took us on a private boat off to the Boracay Islands which were home to serene white sandy beaches with crystal clear blue water.  We snorkelled and swam with some of the most amazing tropical fish.  I was fortunate enough to see my first ever Nemo too!

Our trip was very localized as Arney guided us through the city's alleys and markets.  He also brought us to the local fair which we had the pleasure of doing a little gambling.

The night before departing, Arney brought me aside to express a sincere confession.  His wife had stomache cancer and he had expressed how hard it was to provide for his family.  He even brought me to his home to see his daughter and wife who was very ill.

They were very welcoming and warm hearted.  My girlfriend and I had the pleasure of eating Adobo (I believe it was called) with Arney, his wife, and daughter.

It had hit me quite deeply, as I bared witness to a reality that I was never exposed to prior to leaving Canada.  The poverty, the struggle, and the fight to survive was felt throughout the people of Cebu.

I left Arney with all the money I had left over from the trip.  We exchanged mailing addresses and departed the following day.

Two years later, my girlfriend received a letter in the mail from Arney.  Unfortunately his wife had died because the cancer was left untreated.

My girlfriend, Arney, and I.  The night before departure.