Another georgeous panoramic shot taken from one of the islands we went island-hopping on!

This is a beautiful panorama shot taken on General Island - a quick stop on our island-hopping trip. The Emerald took us on its virgin trip!

My last post - returning back to Germany!

Dear friends,

I am writing this Martin’s Philippines Update on my flight from Manila to Bangkok, on my way back to Germany. The last few weeks have been spent saying teary-eyed goodbyes, packing, handing over my job to my successor and getting through farewell-parties (“despididas”). It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for almost eight months, and I go from “it’s like I arrived yesterday” to “it seems like I’ve been here ages” cyclically within seconds.

As you can imagine, the last few weeks were very busy, with additional delays caused by a government raid on illegal software. This proved an additional, adventurous challenge, because all internet cafes in the area preemptively shut down due to lack of licenses, and before I knew it, even dozens of official government PCs were being hand-carried out of the municipal hall. Needless to say, emailing proposals and other communication proved challenging. Adding to that, power outages have come back with a vengeance. It’s surprising how fast you become accustomed to electricity again, and how frustrating it is when it goes out unexpectedly. Overall, I’ve gotten used to it, though, and except for showering in a room dimly lit by a Kerosene lamp, which is still a bit freaky, it’s not all that bad, really. It also still seems weird to be working on a laptop, listening to mp3s, by candlelight.

The last few weeks saw us winning more of our proposals, including funding for community education, natural resource management, and biodiversity-management. We’ve also been very busy completing and submitting funding requests to foundations (tourism-development), embassies (organic farming) and other institutions (natural resource restoration and economic development). Overall, I am leaving the country with the proposal pipeline filled to the rim, and with the satisfying feeling that as a team we truly accomplished a lot, and genuinely impacted the lives and livelihoods of individuals.

The government alliance I was working for and with gave me a great farewell, and even made me honorary citizen of all of the seven municipalities! As you can imagine, I am truly touched and honored by their symbol of gratitude.

Considering this is my last Martin’s Philippines Update, I’ve compiled my personal 10 rules for living in the Philippines:
1. No matter where you put it – the ants will find it.
2. Make it a habit to always question “who is really underdeveloped here”. The results will amaze you!
3. There’s always space for one more on the Jeepney.
4. Rice goes with every meal – especially breakfast and snacks! Sometimes, it’s a complete meal by itself.
5. There’s always a reason to smile – if you can’t see it immediately, ask anyone. They’ll know.
6. If you buy it, you get it in a plastic (non-biodegradable) bag. It doesn’t matter if it’s small enough to put in your pocket or if it comes with a handle. You get a bag.
7. It is better to surprise a cockroach than to be surprised by it.
8. There is no real limit to the number of people who will fit on a motorcycle. Seven is a good number. (Yes, I’ve seen it)
9. Adopt a new definition of ‘clean’ as soon as possible; that adjustment alone will do wonders for your mental health.
10. There is no agreed-upon, universal time in the Philippines. It’s not unusual to compare watches of two random people and find a difference of 45 minutes or more.

Overall, you can tell that my stay here has been fantastic. Although there were some rough spots (cockroaches and constant blackouts come to mind), overall this experience has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve made new, close friends, truly helped communities, and learned at least as much as I have taught. And I am truly grateful to Accenture, VSO and my local employer that have made this experience possible. To me, my visit to the Philippines doesn’t mean "Been there, done that.". It has meant witnessing the exciting changes taking place, truly 'being there', and 'being part of it'.

In that spirit, I look forward to seeing you again soon after my return.

Martin

On my way back to Germany, I went by way of Manila, so of course I had another farewell-party there.

Jollibee is the leading fastfood-company in the Philippines. So of course Holger and I couldn't resist. This is at the Cebu airport.

Of course Holger and I went diving - this is right before we went underwater.

This is Holger and me on our way to a short vacation we took before we both left back to Germany.

The infamous Karaoke (at my farewell-party)!

A particularly nice shot Holger took during our island-hopping tour.

This is the evening before my farewell-day. Of course we went for some Karaoke. From left to right, you can see Anna (sitting), Eve (singing!), me, Harry and Pam.