We Conquered Walung!

A boat trip from Utwa Harbor to Walung, as indicated by the curve line below. As told by locals, there are three possible routes going to Walung, the other two is a boat trip from Okatt, Tafansak and an offroad from Utwe to Walung.

Getting ready for the trip, Benjie, our navigator checks the the weather and the tides before our take off.

Captain Totong instructed "full throttle" from the starboard side.

Leo and William are smiling at them knowing that they probably don't know what they are doing!

While the boat is running at about 10 knots, Pat decided to set the line for trolling hoping that he might be lucky to catch some tuna.

Lucky indeed, were able to get 2 yellow fins and 2 skip jacks.

Riding with the waves, our boat immediately catch the first boat which left about 20 mins early than us. Bunny, Lina, Toto, George and Melchor were in this boat.

This is the view right after making a right turn, this is already Walung side. From this side, you can already see the airport which only appears like a thin-line floating in the water.

Since it was low tide when we arrived, we walked from the shallowest part of the beach where the boat can be safely secured. Walked. Leo bringing with him the tuna and 6 pack beer;
and walked. Melchor with a case of beer and some food...

It was very tiring, but very good walking exercise. Totong is probably asking William why we were not informed about the walking part of the trip...

George and Melchor were relieved. They know that they can relax this time.

Lina and George too.

And finally, Bunny as well being the best in Walkaton!

William was able to get fresh coconuts for refreshment.

The beer was being chilled with the very cold water coming from the mountain side.

Leo prepared "sashimi" from the fresh tuna catch!

Pat improvised a BBQ Grill for the tuna!

Junie is looking for more fish! Hoping that he can catch tuna on the beach!

The hospitality of locals from the place offered us a pig for roasting... They will be doing the "Om" local word for baking the pig. We said yes! and thanked them. We were really happy until we learned that its not for free... :(

Other stills....

Junie again casted the fishing line to get more!

Totong, Benjie, Leo, George, Lina, Bunny (seated in blue) and Melchor (walking) .... It is indeed a wonderful and challenging experience!

BackPost: The FILASKO Oath Taking Ceremony

The Filipino Association in Kosrae - a non-profit organization registered and incorporated with the Kosrae State Laws was formally established on during 2005.

The FY 2009-2011 set of officers has been elected and sworn their oaths during this occasion held on November 12, 2009 atBlack Micro Corporation Hall.

Above: (left to right: Governor Robert J. Weilbacher; First Lady Josefa Weilbacher; Lt. Gov. William Tosie; Joel N. Navarra, President; Elmer Mercader, VP; Ursula A. Abalos, Secretary; Rolando Q. Mallari, Treasurer; Robert Gillana, Auditor; Richard Zantua, Susana Protacio and Zaila Zoleta, Public Relation Officers; Quirico Ganon, Alberto Martinez and Leodigario Asiatico, Sgt. at Arms; Sharon Grace Dizon, Muse (not in the photo).

Mr. Gerry Protacio and Mrs. Rose Bueno served as the masters of ceremonies during the occasion.

Silence and solemnity have been observed by the audience during the opening prayer.

Dr. Rolando Mallari, in behalf of the former President of the Organization and the outgoing officers gave the opening remarks and welcome to the new set of officers
Honorable Gov. Robert J. Weilbacher, being one of the Guest Speakers gave his inspirational message to the officers and to the Filipino's in Kosrae.
Again, Dr. Mallari on the microphone, a surprise song to entertain the guests and the audience as well.
Guests, the audience and even the masters of ceremonies, Gerry and Rose enjoyed the wonderful song.

The Lt. Governor, William O. Tosie administered the Oath of the new set of officers.

He gave his inspiring words of wisdom right after the oath taking.

Dr. Zaila appeared to be complaining with his Oath of Office Certificate; as Richard tells Totong are talking with each other pointing Dr. Zai's; Bong and Leo smiled at them.

Richard smiled back as being congratulated by the inducting officer.

The officers with their Oath of Office Certificate:

Leandro, the technical gent, in-charge for the Audio and Video of the occasion.

Dinner time: Lt. Governor, the First Lady and the Governor.

Kadio (in red from left), Robert, Elmer, Bam & Mel and Elsa carefully selected their meal preferences.

Rosie, Edna, Bel, Anne, Mitc, Eddie and Bunny as well.

Doc Zai and Glenice posed a while right before dinner.

wh Caloy, Leo and Dario are still outside, they are really confident that the food served are more than enough.

Last post after the program: left to right 3rd row, Joel Navarra, Manny De Guzman, Leo Asiatico and Elmer Mercader. 2nd row, Dr. Mallari, Betty De Guzman, Dr. Zoleta, Evelyn Damayon, Susan Protacio, Lina, Glenice De Guzman, Edna & Bong Martinez. front row, Elenor Borromeo, Rhoda Velasquez, Rose Bueno, Anne & Chito Soriano and Mike Salinas.