THE PHILIPPINES

Before launching into the Philippines, a few stories of the day.

• How much is this Iran War costing U.S. taxpayers?
• White House says around $30 billion.
• New data suggests a price up to $100 billion! 
• 
  Todd Blanche faced the Senate Judiciary Committee today for his nomination as Attorney General.
• Nothing unusual transpired.
• There are now 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats on the committee.  That is because Lindsey Graham is no longer there.  Will his sister be placed on this committee?

• 
  John Cornyn (R-Tex) is a member, but not today in the sphere of President Trump.  Yet he most likely will vote to pass on the nomination to the floor.  But what will he do when the final confirmation vote on the floor occurs?
• A tie vote would mean that Blanche would NOT be passed.
• However, the Senate has a mechanism for the party in power to bring a nominee to the floor through a discharge motion.
• Wait and see what happens, for the hearings continue for a second day tomorrow, and the Committee vote will not occur until next week.
• 
  The House easily passed legislation, 308-117, to make daylight savings time (DST) permanent.  Fate in the Senate is uncertain.  Exceptions today.
• Hawaii opted out in 1967 because we really don't need it.
• U.S. territories also don't change their time.
• Arizona also ended DST in 1967.

• 
  The second semi-final FIFA World Cup match today features England vs Argentina.
• Winner plays Spain on Sunday for the championship.
• There are exaggerations reporting that England and Argentina have been contending in this sport for 200 years.  Not really true.
• Their first official match was in England in 1951, won by the home country.

• 
  Lot of World Cup history between these two teams, with the most notable being in 1986 featuring Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal, when Agentina prevailed, 2-1.

For many months now, I've been mentioning that we have a journey planned to Iceland for the Total Eclipse of the Sun on an Azamara cruise in August.  In the meantime one of us, my travel partner, has gone to the Philippines, and has been sending me highlights.  So today, I introduce you to the Philippines, a place only a very few you you have experienced, for, at most, 3%, and probable fewer, of Americans have been there.  I've visited twice, but that was a long time ago. 

• 
  Officially, the Republic of the Philippines.
• Consists of 7,461 islands with a total area of 115,831 square miles, just about the size of Arizona.
• Population of 114 million.  Note that the U.S.'s largest state is California, with 40 million people.
• Manila Metro has a population of nearly 14 million.
• The metro population of London, Shanghai and Istanbul all sit at around 14 million.

• 
  Tokyo also has 14 million, with the Greater Tokyo Area at 37 million
• Within the metropolitan area, Quezon City has 3 million people, while the city of Manila has 1.9 million.
• Quezon City is known as the City of Stars, a major center for entertainment, education and government.  The Big Dome, called the Smart Araneta Coliseum, was once the largest indoor stadium when it opened in 1960 and was the site of the 1975 "Thrilla in Manila," the boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
• 
  Three geographical divisions, with Luzon in the north, Visayas in the middle and Mindanao in the south.
• Ferdinand Magellan first arrived in the Philippines in 1521, sailing a Spanish flag.
• Catholicism became the dominant religion.
• The Philippine Revolution began in 1896, becoming entwined with the 1898 Spanish-American War, when Spain ceded the Philippines to the U.S.
• Japan invaded in World War 2, retaken by the USA, followed by Philippine independence in 1946.

• 
  There was a period of martial law from 1972 to 1981 under the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, who was overthrown by the People Power Revolution in 1986.  So back to a democracy.
• Marcos and family were exiled to Honolulu, where he passed away in 1989. 
• Today, there are at least six direct descendants and close family members in prominent political positions.

• 
  Son Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, is currently the 17th president of the country.
• Daughter Immee Marcos is a Senator.
• Grandson Ferdinand "Sandro Marcos III is House Majority leader of Ilocos Norte First District.

• 
  Mathew Marcos Manotoc, son of Senator Imee Marcos is Vice Governor of Ilocos Norte.
• Eugenio Angelo Marcos Barba, first cousin of President Bongbong Marcos is a Representative for Ilocos Norte's Second District.
• Cecilia Araneta Marcos, wife of the current president's uncle, is Governor of Ilocos Norte.
• 
  Former First Lady Imelda Marcos lives on, now 97 years old.  
• And yes, the popular press estimates she owned 3000 pairs of shoes.
• However, Time magazine said the official count was closer to 1,060 pairs.
• You can view many of them at the Marikina Shoe Museum in Metro Manila, plus hundreds of gowns and handbags.

About the tour of the Philippines.  

• Called the VERY IMPORTANT PINOY (VIP) TOUR 2026.
• Itinerary.

1. Metropolitan Manila

Arrival and Ceremonies: Participants began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument.
Manila Environs: Participants were able to choose day tours to nearby scenic spots, including Tagaytay, Pagsanjan Falls, or the Hidden Valley resort. [1]

2. Dumaguete (Negros Oriental)

Heritage and Nature: The tour highlighted the coastal and natural wonders of the region.
Siquijor Island: Participants took exciting day trips from Dumaguete to explore the nearby island province of Siquijor. [1, 2]

3. Cebu

Historical and Cultural Hub: The delegation explored the historical core of Cebu, including cultural sites, shopping, and local culinary experiences.
Bohol: Day excursions were included to the neighboring island of Bohol, famous for the Chocolate Hills and pristine beaches. [1, 2]

First night, a consulate dinner.

When this roast pig is served, called Lechon, you know this was a major celebration. 

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