As a distant land, far removed since childhood, the Philippine Islands seem like an intangible dream of misty mountains, imprinted with the comforts of family. Images of lush gardens and melancholy rainfall are predominant. Yet, the spirit of these islands lie within the remarkable bonds among the people and their families. Although thirty years may have passed, with ties once long lost - when found, they truly are most powerful …in heart and rooted memory.

Photos from holidays and everyday have been shared among the many cousins, now a welcomed support system around the world. Contrast to our cities in heat beleaguered FL and snowed encumbered NJ, the tropical islands of the Philippines seem surreal. There is a balance with nature that is intrinsic. There is a wonder that remains unscathed, even in uncertain and tumultuous times. The hum of guitar strings plucked by a child reverberates past villages, past cities, crossing continents.

From the photos above, you will find:

Tab 1: White Beach, Boracay Island, in the Visayas Region of the Philippines, famous for its powdery white sand
Tab 2: Feeding fish in Boracay. Sheila Rose Abela ‘Jhing’ - “what I enjoyed most about the trip is when we went helmet diving (bikini bottom) we get to wear a very heavy helmet (about 10kilos above water) to prevent us from getting up the surface...and down there it’s so magical...”
Tab 3: Kayangan Lake in Busuanga, in the province of Palawan, famous for wreck diving
Tab 4: Alfa (Abela) Fianza on the pier. Her favorite part of the trip was being in the lagoon (10 minutes from Kayangan Lake) …and trying not to step on the urchins on the way back.
Tab 5: Village Boat on Kayangan Lake
Tab 6: A coconut drink in Busuanga, pricey at 65 pesos as there are no usual coconut trees on the immediate islands.
Tab 7: Tomay, La Trinidad - home of relatives, where there is a spring to wash laundry
Tab 8: Our hometown, Baguio. Marriane Katreena Galvan ‘Tin’ (niece of Sheila Rose). Alfa - “the cat is totally into her music”
Tab 9: Laiya Beach in Batangas. ‘Laiya is easily reached by land, either by hiking through Mt. Daguldol or a 3-hour drive from Manila.’ Alfa - “we ran out of ideas, someone suggested doing karate kid/kung fu panda moves”
Tab 10: Winaca Eco-Cultural Village, near La Trinidad http://www.winacaecoculturalvillage.blogspot.com/ and more photos from https://www.facebook.com/pages/WINACA-Eco-Village/110418295653609

These shared moments are magnificent and much treasured. As the sun sets on the Philippine islands, I bestow warm and happy wishes to my family far away yet close in heart.

by Diane Abela (http://twitter.com/JDianeAbela)