Allow me to catch my breath. Quite a bit has been happening while I'm here on travel.
By the way, I forgot to thank all of you for the prayers and best wishes while I'm on vacation. Your notes/e-mail are an awesome comfort to me!
Praise God.
Here are some short highlights on recent events.
I have soaked in the local culture, caught a cold within the last few days, and learned a few local phrases. I got an opportunity to talk about religion, theology, Christology, Catholic history, ancestor worship, and Catholic dogma with various people.
Although the majority of Filipinos are somehow affiliated with Roman Catholicism, the presence of other Christian denominations are felt. So far, I have seen signs for Episcopal, Baptist, Marantha, AG, and other Pentecostal churches. Like anywhere else, one encounters skeptics, agnostics or atheists.
A growing number of Filipinos in the Mindanao region are Muslim, which causes some domestic conflict for the nation. I have seen a number of Muslims walking in the marketplace or selling their wares, and I even saw an elderly Sikh gentleman riding on a motor scooter after coming back from breakfast.
Like in the US, there is some suspicion with Muslims. Filipinos have been dealing with Muslim radical extremist groups in the South for the last number of years. It became more apparent and much more hostile after 911.
BTW, as an American I was disturbed to see a sign for Saddam Motor Parts. I don't think that business would survive back home. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me. It would definitely be a conversation piece in the DC area.
A number of Asiatic people in this region strongly believe in karmic destination and local superstitions. It appears that this type of world view is intertwined with their Christian belief system.
In my observations, I have seen several signs for churches, missions, and seminaries. Missionaries from various denominations and different countries have been at work in this city and suburbs.
Although many people in the Cordillera area harmonize Eastern karmic thoughts with Catholic dogma, I had an opportunity to hear a testimony from an older woman, who survived breast cancer, who thanked God for pulling her out from this great trial, and I visited a local national brand bookstore where the salesperson tell me that Rick Warren's book "The Purpose Driven Life" is consistently out of stock. A number of books from evangelistic authors were seen. Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, and T.D. Jakes were a few authors displayed on bookshelves.
The weather hasn't been consistent. It will rain for a period of time in the day, then the sun will come out for a duration during the same day. It kinda reminds me of Florida weather, where a flash rainstorm would deluge the area and then it would suddenly stop and the sun will be out without any signs of rain.
I've been told the local citizens that the rainy season is about to start. From what I can tell, in general there are only two seasons: rainy and dry. In the Manila area, the humidity is difficult to adapt and even the rain storms are very hot and humid, while in the Baguio city area boasts of cool temps.
During my stay in the Benguet region, I have heard many locals talk about the disappointment of fewer tree growth in Baguio. Supposedly, the pines at one time were the pride of the locals.
Unfortunately, I have to agree with them about the deforestation areas. Erosion is a consistent problem in the mountain and farming zones. I guess I'm quickly becoming an environmentalist, which is quite surprising.
Like so many areas in the world where the environment has been a lesser priority, urban sprawl has conquered much of this local area. Smog from cars is rampant, and local practice is burning trash, even if the trash is composed of plastic.
This weekend I was drafted to climb Philippines 2nd highest peak, Mount Pulag, in the Bucod region. It is less than 3 hours from Baguio City. Be forewarned! The road to the park is part dirt road and part rocky.
Starting from the base region in the Bucod area, a climber can approach to the summit within 6 to 9 hours. According to Wikipedia, it is over 9,000 ft.
If you are prolific hiker and zealous nature lover, I would strongly recommend that you travel up to the Philippines' Mt Pulag National Park. The word Pulag means "bald" in an Ibaloi dialect. It is called that because the summit area and surrounding areas are covered by grassland vegetation.
Unlike other mountain ranges in the Philippines, the summit is not surrounded by any type temperate forest or tropical flora, although the Benguet pine trees are common in other parts of the Park. Philippine deer are also common sights in the park.
What is quite interesting is the abundance of moss escaping from larger trees. It looks similar to other moss found on trees in the Southeastern states, although it survives or I should say that this species of moss thrives in the cooler climate.
I can tell you that the view at the summit is fantastic! The weather was freezing cold! I would estimate approx from 30 to 40 F. You wouldn't think that it could get that cold, but it does.
On the first day, we stayed at Camp Station 2. This campground has a restroom area, water from the local hot springs, and a great view to look at. (I hope to load pics later.)
While we thought we were going to be alone at the top, we found at least 3 other camps deciding to conquer the mountain too! So, we watched the sunrise @ 5 am with 40 or so other climbers.
I admit that I was a little disappointed due to the crowds. I found out later that people are still excited to hear news about various Filipino teams conquering Mount Everest last week.
When we traveled back down to the base area, I noticed a small Lutheran church located near a ranger station. When I start to think that God is so far away or that His influence is nowhere to be found, He shows that I'm wrong.
While traveling to remote areas in the Philippines, one can find a church or mission somewhere in the vicinity. God is everywhere and His works are most awesome!
He reigns from on HIGH. Even in Sheol, He is there.
5The waters surrounded me, even to my soul;
The deep closed around me;
Weeds were wrapped around my head.
6I went down to the moorings of the mountains;
The earth with its bars closed behind me forever;
Yet You have brought up my life from the pit,
O LORD, my God.
7When my soul fainted within me,
I remembered the LORD;
And my prayer went up to You,
Into Your holy temple.
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