Last year for Ryan's b-day we went to the school and used the oven to make cornbread (we didn't have our toaster oven then), and to celebrate both our birthdays we went to the next town over to visit the Hindang caves. We went through some very smelly (from the bat guano) caves, as well as saw tons of monkeys. We had a great time. 

The Filipinos have a tradition that the birthday celebrant brings food, sweets, etc for everyone to share. Sometimes this is a VERY expensive tradition, so Ryan and I were trying to think what we could contribute without spending lots of dough. So for Ryan's b-day he bought some ice cream for his co-workers to share. They loved it! It was a hot day and everyone enjoyed a nice cool treat. For my birthday I decided to use a cake/icing that were sent to us from home. (Thanks Beth Pape) It was a German Chocolate Cake. The teachers and Ryan's co-workers LOVED it. They couldn't figure out how I made the cake so moist and how the frosting was so delicious. I tried to explain to them it was made from a box, but they didn't really understand. Anyways they really enjoyed it! 

So this year we wanted to do something different. For Ryan's birthday we went to one of our favorite islands; Canigao Island. We got there early in the morning and found us a spot on the  other side of the island where we were a little more secluded. This island is very small and you can walk all the way around the island in about 30 mins. Usually everyone gathers on one side of island, but it tends to get very loud. So Ryan and I walked to another part and camped out there. We had a very relaxing time.

Then the next weekend to celebrate my birthday, we went to the big city of Cebu City on the island of Cebu. We were able to meet up with two other volunteers, hang out and spend some time together. So from our town we take a night boat (with a/c, beds, blankets, and pillows; it's pretty sweet) and then arrive around 2AM in Cebu City, but the boat allows us to stay on the boat until 6AM. 

So once we arrived we headed to McDonalds (MacDo as they say here) to have breakfast. While we were eating it started raining, it was a heavy downpour, and this family of three (mom, daughter, and son) showed up outside and took a bath. It was funny b/c the little girl was having a blast, but you could tell the brother didn't want to be there and kept trying to hide behind a post. This is not an uncommon scene for us anymore, people bathing outside. Usually the older persons have clothes on, but the children usually are naked, although sometimes the older women are naked too. 

After this we headed over to one of the malls. It was great; we walked around window shopping in the A/C so we stayed nice and cold. We had Starbucks, Red Mango (frozen yogurt), and some amazing food. 

It was a great time and we really enjoyed our "last" birthdays in the Philippines! :)