There it was on the screens at Hong Kong airport. Not just keep an eye on the situation. Avoid ALL travel to the Philippines. The poor old Philippines. Earlier this year, a number of Hong Kong tourists were killed during a hostage taking in Manila and the Chinese said the Philippines police bungled the job. Now the Chinese tend to regard the Philippines as something of a 'no go' zone.
As for me, I boarded a Christmas Eve plane crammed with Filipino workers returning from overseas and flew to Cebu, the Philippines' second city.
This is the only country I’ve visited that has ads, including a 10% discount for liposuction, on its landing card. A government with the money problems of the Philippines can’t be choosey about how it raises funds.
Not even a bed on Air Canada from Toronto and decent overnight in Hong Kong to break the journey cured an uncooperative body clock. Christmas in Cebu dawned through one of my bedroom's screened windows and the day was seen through something of a haze.
Here are some decorations just down the street of our gated enclave.
Thousands were at Cebu's 18th century basilica for continuous masses - all very colourful and jolly.
As is customary in the Philippines, Christmas had largely been celebrated the day before. So, Gord, my host and friend of many years, Lauren, his daughter and over for a short visit from a Canadian university, his partner Rowena and I headed to a cool restaurant for a light Christmas lunch.
You know how I feel about Christmas. Anything that avoids the issue is appreciated. However, we did inspect some of the decorations on display near Fort San Pedro, the 16th century Spanish outpost near the harbour.
The lighted decorations probably look better at night, but here they are in the day as some children look at a nativity.
This is a ship, appropriate in one of the Philippines’ major ports.
Coming up, New Year’s Eve and Day. In the Philippines, if you value your life, it’s time to head for cover. Just click on ‘Newer post’.
