Graduating from Cebuano classes at the Language School in Lanang

June 27 was a big day for the foreign students at the language school of Maryknoll. 

After two months of learning Cebuano, finally their graduation. Here's a peek into what happened that day: Mass, speeches in Cebuano, lunch, dancing, singing. 

Yesterday was the first day of work for many of the students from Congo, Zambia, Peru, Mexico, Korea, Belgium and Germany who are here to do volunteer work among other things. This Saturday I hope to see them again in Bakbak, Torres St. most probably. It's the only time i can really practice my Dutch - and they their Cebuano. Till then. 

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First Photoshop Attempt

That's Aroen, one of my shyest cousins. But when he's comfortable, he can't stop talking. We're thirty-one (31) first cousins. Let's see if i can name them all: Saskia, Jonathan, Bram, Lennert, Jakob, Reuben, Laura, Benjamin, Isabel, Mechtilde, Freija, Edith, Domien, Joost, Jolien, Stein, Sanne, Enno, Yutta, Isis, Aroen, Babbete, Dorothe, Tobias, Ewout, Evert, Dries, Martijn, Naomi, Max, and of course - Bayani and Maya. 

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Seeing Double (pics taken in 2006, 2007 and 2008)

With Bayani just before the interview that didn't get picked by Amazing Race Asia. Oh well, next time again.

With auntie Katelijne, pa's youngest sister. Pa has 19 brothers and sisters. Well, actually 15. In chronological order: Marc, Arnold (Papa), Rita, Ivo, Agnes, Lieva, Bea, Marijke, Veerle, Ludo, Koen, Wim, Katelijne, Bruno, and Raf. I remember Lola saying once that if you compute all the years she's been pregnant, she was probably pregnant for 22 years of her life. And all were born at home except one. 

With Saskia, the eldest cousin who speaks a looot of European languages. She and Timoer, her partner, visited us in Davao. One of the few Belgian relatives to do so. Freija says she's coming next year. I'm looking forward to that.

With Bram, the European champion of karate for the second time around. He was the world champion last year. I remember him and Bayani fighting when we were little. Bayani was defending Lennert, Bram's younger brother. Bayani and I were both into Taekwondo that time.  

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Many things can happen in ONE MONTH:

The first batch of facilitators show what they're made of in Zamboanga City.

Lilli the German-Filipina gymnast in Talikod.

Discussing the Bangsamoro Right to Self-Determination in Jolo, Sulu.

A family traveling to unknown destination in Lamitan, Basilan.

Good friends make the world go round at home on the rooftop.

Celebrating 27 years of existence at Autoshop.

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