Latest News from Inday Vinas

From Inday: Happy New Year from the Philippines!

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:47:00 EST

We had a nice Undas party, even if I couldn't be in province to visit my grandmother in the semetario.

From Inday: Happy New Year from the Philippines

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:38:49 EST

It is many weeks since the time I posted at my blog, kasi I was very lazy to write I looked at my blogstats and I see that the number of visitors is reduced because I have not been writing. Yay, so it is time for more stories! Thanks to everyone who enjoys my blog [...]

Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) and Floods Hit the Philippines

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EDT

There are more than 20 typhoons each year in the Philippines, on average. But Ondoy broke all records for the amount of rainfall in a short period of time. Hundreds of people were killed, hundreds of thousands made homeless, and millions directly affected. I was lucky that Typhoon Ondoy did not affect my apartment. We are out in Pampanga two hours from Manila but we did not have a flood in my little neighborhood.

Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) Hits the Philippines (Part 2)

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:15:00 EDT

We have many typhoons in the Philippines, and they always cause trouble. Thank-you for your help with this one. I want to let everyone know again that this is not the only time that we have trouble in the Philippines. We have so many typhoons every year. Many people die each time we have a bad typhoon. Houses fall into the rivers. Children and old people drown. Little boats sink in the ocean. This happens so many times each year in the Philippines talaga. You can see in my blog here that I wrote a story about Typhoon Feria back in June. There are some pictures too.

Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) and Floods Hit the Philippines

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:03:00 EDT

I was lucky that Typhoon Ondoy did not affect my apartment. We are out in Pampanga two hours from Manila but we did not have a flood in my little neighborhood. But so many people died in this typhoon, and now the world knows what can happen in the Philippines. We get more than 20 typhoons [...]

My Bahay Kubo Hut (Part 2)

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:28:44 EDT

Maybe you want to have a vacation in the Philippines. Well, that is a different life than most people have there!

My Bahay Kubo Hut (Part 2)

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:19:43 EDT

Helo everyone! Kumusta ka? I am happy to see that my first post about my bahay kubo hut was very popular. I think many people found it because they were looking for a story about a vacation. But my little nepa house was real hehe. My readers are very important to me. I hope I don’t [...]

Child Abuse (Abuso) in the Philippines

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:47:57 EDT

I will never forgive my uncle for how he treated me when I was nine years old.

Child Abuse in the Philippines

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:25:32 EDT

Let me tell you my story about my uncle when I lived in his house when I was nine years old. A long time ago I wrote about how he was very mean to me. Now I will tell how the story. When I was nine, my father became very sick with tuberculosis. He had to [...]

Stay in School! Not Easy in the Philippines

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:32:42 EDT

The Philippines is not like the US. It is much harder to stay in school than most Americans know.

Stay in School! Not Easy in the Philippines

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:14:20 EDT

Sometimes I hear Kano say, “Stay in school!” They say these words with a smile on their faces because they know that education is very important. Well of course, we know that in the Philippines too. But really this is not easy for so many of us. Here is a picture of the “main street” of [...]

Tita Cory Aquino

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:40:33 EDT

I did not know about Corazon Aquino until she died. Life is hard here in the Philippines so there are many things that we do not know because we need to worry about paying for food and bills.

Tita Cory Aquino

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:36:56 EDT

The TV stations here in the Philippines talked about Tita Cory for many days after she died. It was beautiful to see so many people who loved her. I watched TV without a break for almost three days because this was so interesting to me. I was not born when Ninoy Aquino was killed. I was [...]

Michael Jackson and Babatngon, Leyte, Philippines

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:45:50 EDT

Here is my story about how I heard about Michael Jackson dying.

Michael Jackson and Babatngon, Leyte, Philippines

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:37:59 EDT

Michael Jackson was very famous in the Philippines and the world you know. Maybe you have seen on YouTube all the prisoners in Cebu dancing their Thriller dance. I will tell you my story about when I heard that he died. I hope you read my story before about Typhoon Feria in my home in Samar [...]

Typhoon Feria in Samar Province, Philippines

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:46:38 EDT

A nice sunny day turned into a scary afternoon when a typhoon blew into Samar Province, Philippines. There are more than 20 of these each year in the region.

Typhoon in Samar Province, Philippines

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:34:41 EDT

We have many typhoons in Samar Province where I grew up. I read there are more than 20 each year, and I believe it. I had experience with one a few weeks ago when I visiting home for the Fiesta San Juan. It was a very bad one and it scared everybody. We were just relaxing [...]

Sailing the Sea of Samar, Philippines

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:00:31 EDT

Here are some pictures from a visit I made to my home village in Samar province. I flew to Tacloban, Leyte, then took a private boat home.

Sailing the Sea of Samar, Philippines

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:53:28 EDT

I traveled to my home village in the province of Samar to celebrate the Fiesta San Juan. I was lucky to fly from Manila to Tacloban, Leyte. The next day I took a private boat with friends and family. The trip takes four hours and goes under the famous San Jacinto bridge into the Sea [...]

Many Stories Here in Pampanga, Philippines

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:13:29 EDT

I don't write as much as I should. So here are some stories. I hope you like them!

Many Stories Here in Pampanga, Philippines

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:58:01 EDT

Helo everyone! I do not write as much as I should alam ko (I know). So today I will give you little pictures from things that happened to me recently, OK? * My kuya (older) bro Dik Dik and coz Dodong are going back to province today with my little bro. They all stayed with me [...]

My Bahay Kubo Nepa Hut in Samar, Philippines

Sun, 31 May 2009 11:35:26 EDT

I lived in a tiny nepa hut on the mountain when I was in first grade. My two bros took care of me, even though we were all about the same age.

My Bahay Kubo Nepa Hut in Samar, Philippines

Sun, 31 May 2009 11:27:24 EDT

When I was in first grade I lived on the bundok (mountain) for a year. My two bros took care of me. We are all about the same age. We lived in a little bahay kubo nepa hut that our father bought. We lived on the mountain because our father was sick and we could not [...]

Fiesta of San Juan in Samar, Philippines

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:07:17 EDT

The Fiesta of San Juan is coming in June. This celebrates the man who first knew that Jesus was the son of God. It is a lot of fun there in province during this festival.

Fiesta of San Juan in Samar, Philippines

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:00:57 EDT

The Fiesta of San Juan is coming June 22 back in my province. I will be attending this year. This is a wild fiesta for three days and you will get very wet if you attend! The Fiesta of San Juan celebrates the man who was the first one to know that Jesus is the Son [...]

Visiting Grandmother in Biliran, Leyte, Philippines

Thu, 28 May 2009 12:34:07 EDT

My grandmother took care of me when I was a young child, and my life changed forever when she died when I was 14 years old. Today, I pay my respect to her whenever I visit her in the sementario in Biliran.

Visiting Grandmother in Biliran, Leyte, Philippines

Sat, 16 May 2009 13:46:06 EDT

Hi everyone. I have been back in Province for a long time. No electricity there, so I cannot write until I get back to my place in the Manila area. So now I am back and I have a story to tell you. You know I have written before about the long bus trip of 20 [...]

It's Barangay Fiesta Time in Samar, Philippines!

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:04:21 EDT

We love parties in the Philippines. Some of the best parties are at the Barangay Fiestas. I just went to one in Bakhaw, Samar.

It’s Barangay Fiesta Time in Samar, Philippines!

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:31:59 EDT

We love parties in the Philippines. We get together with family and friends and throw a big party. Even if life is hard, we will find a way to get money for a great celebration. We have our holidays, of course, and every family has parties for birthdays, weddings, and other special days, even funerals. Some of [...]

Boang Kano at Matnog Ferry, Luzon, Philippines

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:41:37 EDT

Many Americans like the Philippines. But if they stay too long, they can go crazy, because life is very hard here.

Boang Kano at Matnog Ferry, Luzon, Philippines

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:30:17 EDT

I took the long bus trip of 20 hours back to Samar Province this week. I traveled with my sister so that I had someone to talk to. It’s a long trip if you are alone. First we take a bus into Manila, then another bus for the long trip home. After many hours, we arrive [...]

Wealth Disparity in the Philippines

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:19:00 EDT

I visited the Glorietta Mall in Makati the other day. People there are doing great, and are careless with their money! So many others in the Philippines struggle to have even one peso.

Wealth Disparity in the Philippines

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:42:34 EDT

I know people use the words “wealth disparity” to describe the difference beween rich and poor in the Philippines. This is something I know about. Back in the province, many people have no money at all, not even one peso. Now I live in Pampanga, close to Manila, and things are different. Life is not easy [...]

The Roosters in Pampanga, Philippines

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:26:42 EDT

Visitors to the Philippines notice things that go unnoticed by the people who live there. It's all part of travel, finding things that seem unusual to you but are perfectly normal for your hosts.

The Roosters in Pampanga, Philippines

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:05:40 EDT

I think it is napakatawa (funny) when Kanos talk about the roosters here. I have heard a rooster every day of my life, so really I don’t hear them anymore. But Kamo friends say the roosters “are a sign” that they are in the Philippines. It has been so very maimit (hot) here the last week. [...]

The Ferry Boat to Catbalogan Samar Philippines

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:11:53 EST

Good morning everyone! I took a picture of the ferry boat in Catbalogan. You can see a little amusement center and store in this picture too. This is how we travel to many places in the Philippines you know. People travel on the boat when they need to leave their village and go to a bigger [...]

To Much SOA Stress? Come to Samar-Leyte and Relax!

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:23:07 EST

Send email to my bro at ajvinas@samarpacific.com if you want to know more! Maupay na aga everybody! These are local Waray Waray words to say Good Morning to you. Where I am from in Samar province Tagalog is not the first language, but we learn to speak it just as well as anyone else. Some of [...]

Too Much SOA Stress? Haha Then Come to Samar-Leyte and Relax!

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:37:29 EST

Readers of my blog are learning more about the province where I grew up in the Philippines and the stress caused there by poverty. Now I am learning more about technology and I understand the stress you feel too. So stop worrying about SOA and come to Samar-Leyte to relax!

Too Much SOA for You? Come to Samar-Leyte and Relax!

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:19:07 EST

Tourism in the Philippines is low compared to other southeast Asian countries, but there are many great places to relax. Life remains hard for the people who live there, but they remain warm to visitors.

By Sail and Ferryboat to Catbalogan, Samar, Philippines

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:27:41 EST

I wake up at 2am to prepare myself for a day trip to Catbalogan. It's a hard journey, but is needed because there are things I need at the little store there.

By Sail and Ferryboat to Catbalogan, Samar, Philippines

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:34:19 EST

Hi everyone! Kumusta ka? Let me tell you my story about taking the ferry boat in Samar Province from my parents’ village to Catbalogan. I did this three times during my recent visit of two weeks back home! I wake up very early in the morning at 2 am. I have to take my coffee and [...]

Travel in the Philippines: The Bus to Samar

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:20:12 EST

Hi to all people who want to read my story about traveling home to province! Last month I decided to visit with my family there in Samar to relax myself more. I am back here in Pampanga now to work again, coz I feel better now. It is hard to travel on the bus for two days, [...]

Ulan (Rain) in the Philippines

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:32:57 EST

I was trying to get the boat to Catbalogan for three days, but the heavy ulan (rain) means I couldn’t do it. I wake up at 2am to prepare myself, leave at 4am, and get to Catbalogan at 8am. Then I have to be on the boat again at 11 to return back to home in [...]

How to Understand the Philippines

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:29:54 EST

My Kano (American) friend says to me that I understand the Philippines. He says he never will. Well I hope I understand my country, it’s the only place I’ve ever been! I do understand what he means, but really, you have to live here to understand. My friend tells me has learned many things about the [...]

Kurikong is Gone and I am in Province

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:50:16 EST

The kurikong finally left my skin. I had it for three or four weeks. Eoww! Nasty. But now I’m better, so I decided to visit my family back in Samar Province. I left at 4am to take a bus to central Manila. Then it was a bus ride for 20 hours, no sleeping, I was very [...]

Just an Allergy

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:10:49 EST

I went to a local doctor, and he thinks a tree near my apartment is causing me a skin allergy. Someone else in my building has the same trouble. So the doctor gave me herbal medicine. I don’t know, I went into the bundok every day when I was a child and I had no problems [...]

The Albolaryo

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:33:55 EST

This tigdas is making my head crazy. I don’t think it is tigdas really, it is more like a kurikong (note: bad skin condition). I told my Kano friend I will see the doctor tomorrow. I think I will see the albolaryo too. No Kanos believe in this, I know. (Note from friend: we call this [...]

No Bills Back in Province :-)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:10:54 EST

I live in a nice apartment with cousins, sis, and bro for 3,000 pesos a month here in Pampanga. Tile floors, shower, nice terrace. No aircon, but talaga (really) aircon makes me too cold. It is always hot in the Philippines, we don’t mind. I need the Internet for my writing and data entry business, but [...]

School in the Province

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:02:56 EST

I was born in a place without school, but children can go to school in the other barangay nearby, grade one to grade six. Children walk to school, and take a boat. Many children would have an accident with a “dagat maalon” (dagat = sea, maalon = wave) and die because of a big wave. My [...]

Tigdas :-(

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:41:51 EST

So I have tigdas, or measles. Not chicken pox. My US friend says there are two kinds, rubella and “hard” measles. He says they are not similar. In the Philippines, we just say “tigdas.” I think I have the more serious kind. I have been sick for a week. My skin feels so dirty, but my [...]