Today I got to experience Filipino time in the Philippines.  I got up early because we had church at 8:30 am.  Well, I should have known better.  I was ready and waiting by 8:15 but when the time arrived nobody was ready (or even looked like they were in a hurry).  Oh, and by the way, the church was right next door.  I think we all finally ambled over there around 9:30. 

Although the Philippines is predominantly Catholic, my family is not (my Lolo, grandfather, was a Protestant minister) and the service at this church is probably most similar to a Baptist service (a bit of a surprise for me).

The service was over around 11 and at that time we started eating--yet another catered lunch for a sort of church reunion.  Good food, yet again!

Apparently word got out that there was an American in town because while I was eating, an old woman came over to me (and after Tim translated) I realized she was begging for money.  I felt badly because I honestly didn't have a single peso on me so I had to refuse her.  Later I told my uncle about the incident and he gave her a little bit.  He said that she wasn't a member of the church, but from the town of Naujan, and walked all the way out to the church in hopes of money from me.

I sort of understand now how an animal in the zoo feels; I am half Filipina and I thought maybe I could look enough Filipina to get away without being too conspicuous, but I was dead wrong.  Although my hair seems dark, it's not that dark and definitely the same goes for my skin (especially since I don't get to see the sun much these days).  I got kind of used to wearing my sunglasses a lot so I would feel at least a little bit of privacy.  Is this how celebrities feel?

After lunch, the family started going their separate ways (so they could be back for work on Monday) and my mom took me around to show me the different properties our family holds, all along the same street.

Later in the afternoon, my uncle took me and my mom into the town of Naujan for a little tour.  He showed us the school where he works and we stopped at the market.  Also, we stopped to get gas at a portable gas station (see pictures of Coke bottles--that's not Coke in there).