My first (unofficial) day on the job started at 8:30 pm on Sunday, May 4th, when I met with two RIMANSI notables: Jun Jay Perez (executive director) and Milo Casals (technical consultant). The welcome dinner was held at a restaurant near the hotel I’m staying at: Florabel. We enjoyed delectable dishes consisting of adobo and kare-kare.
Adobo, the national food of the Philippines
Kare-kare, a dish made of stewed oxtail in peanut sauce and served with sautéed shrimp paste
As we discussed the work that RIMANSI would like me to help them with, I couldn’t wait to start! My first official day, May 5th, would start at 6:30 a.m. when I get picked up at the hotel to travel to Bay (pronounced as Bah-ee) in the province of Laguna. Since my head was still whirling from two days of travel and I was operating with only 2 hours of sleep, I forgot to ask Jun Jay what the visit in Bay was going to be about and kept nodding my head at everything he said. Oh, well. I guess I would find out soon enough. :-l
Gadhi Cruz 
Hi Ghadi, just found out about your blog! I’ll be following you for sure! We have so much in common: lawyers, working for a great company and shopholic! Have a wonderful day, Johane
The food look so delicious! Hope you had a great time in Bay 🙂
Gadhi
I am following your posts with great interest. The Phillipines is a lovely country, and your description of fresh mangoes takes me back…. keep those enthusiastic posts coming…joan baron
I should be there! Just kidding. Great introduction to the country and work Gadhi. Kare kare looks good!
Gadhi, this blog is great. Keep those posts coming!
What an entertaining AND informative blog you are writing!!! Have enjoyed spending time reading through your days so far and intend to keep it up! Have fun making a difference!!!! Thank you!