Brother of the Month, February 2013

Dom wins for being the first to visit me in the Philippines.

After surviving Manila on his own for a few days, no mean feat, Dom and I met up with some other volunteers in Donsol and tried to track down the local whale sharks. Unfortunately our efforts were thwarted by poor weather. The picture below is as close as we got.

 We did manage to go one a night cruise up a river to see fireflies in their natural habitat. They were spectacular, like fairy lights in the trees. Dom drank his body weight in mango smoothies, and he also got to enjoy a uniquely Filipino experience, toploading on a jeepney, which made the trip worthwhile. He also got a nice view of the Mt Mayon volcano from the airport as we flew out.

I headed back to work and Dom headed into the mountains to brave a four hour caving expedition in Sagada. Fortunately he survived and was able to return in time for the annual Panagbenga (Sunflower) Festival in my home town, Baguio. Dom was one of 12 guests we hosted over the festival weekend, so it was party central at our small, two bedroom apartment. The neighbours also invited themselves over for some karaoke action on Saturday night, so things got quite cosy.

Dom’s off diving and biking around Palawan this week before we catch up for one last hurrah in Manila. I’m sure you’ll hear more tales from the adventurer himself when he gets home, but I thought I’d share a few photos because it’s been so nice having a visitor in town.