First full weekend here, and a trike, bus and ferry bring me to Bantayan Island and Santa Fe for the weekend. I stayed in a cabana (Amihan Cabanas) on Saturday night, making full use of their wifi and sun loungers on Saturday and Sunday. The town is quiet small (didn't take too long to wander round, although I did pass 3 churches!!). Went for a swim in the sea, the water is like bath water - it's warm too! It's quite shallow here so you have to walk out quite far...

First week over already! Been a varied and busy week, getting the feel of the place and how things work. Met so many people, especially at health office and out in the Barungays (districts), everyone welcoming. This week I've helped cook at an elementary school, and come up with a couple of recipes for the vegetable mix they have to use. Ive been out to various districts. Spent time in La Paz district helping health workers with screening. Worked in the City He...

Arrived safe and well in the Philippines - it's hot here! My host family live a little way out of the town (but the charity office has good wifi). I've had my induction, got my local SIM card, sorted out laundry etc. my host mum will wash a weeks worth of clothes for 150 pesos (less than £3). I've experienced a trike (think motorbike with rickshaw combo) only 8pesos per journey. Need to sort out weekend plans next - where to visit, how etc. working with 2 o...