Sunday, January 23, 2011

Current Media Projects

Colin and I are keeping our skills sharp while we wait for our service with Monsoon Communications. I've been especially into photography lately while Colin has been doing a bit of Illustration while experimenting with photography, and making some music videos for a local band.  I thought I would share some of what we're working on. If you want to see more check out Colin's Art Blog (senicolin.og/blog )and My Tumblr. (rachelskye.tumblr.com)

Monday, January 10, 2011

Metro Manila

Metro Manila is the area of the Philippines we will be moving to in July. We have started to do some research about this area, and would like to share it with you.

There are 16 different cities that compose this region, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasay, Pasig, Parañaque, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela. It is the political, economic, social, cultural, and educational center of the Philippines.

This area is a region of economic extremes however. There are gated communities and extremely nice westernized homes and business districts, and then there are slums and illegal homes scattered through out other areas. Many vacant properties have illegal settlements on them.




 English is spoken by most people however they also speak a language called Tagalog, pronounced (Tah-Gal-Og). We are looking to pick up some Tagalog before we get there.


This is a sample of some Tagalog Characters


The Philippines have been occupied by many different countries at one time or another. The Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, British, and Americans have all at one time or another occupied this area. As a result there is a real melting pot of culture there. In fact some left over jeeps from World War II have actually been re purposed into what they call Jeepenes.  And they use them for transportation.
 We will Share more with you as we learn as well!

Blessings,
Colin & Rachel