* Typhoon Megi

Some of you are possibly wondering if Typhoon Megi (local name, Juan) affected us here in Manila or any of our contacts.  Megi was a strong storm but passed quite a distance north of Manila.  On Monday night and Tuesday we did have significant rain -- a total of about 5 inches.  But there were no winds here.  We have also heard in a brief note from a contact in Gabaldon, Neuva Ecija that they are all fine up there too.
    

* "Tell Me The Story ...."

The video below is another that we recorded, in addition to the National Anthem (see our previous blog post), when we visited with some of the families at Batasan Hills a few weeks ago.  The three children are siblings from the Adduru family.  Left to Right: Ezekiel Mark, King Caleb, and Roda Mae.  Enjoy!

    

* Philippine National Anthem

A few weeks ago we were invited to the Andres' home in Batasan Hills (about 15 miles, or approximately an hour, from here).  We had a very enjoyable evening with them, which included a delicious Filipino meal, some good fellowship, and also some singing.  First we sang some Psalter numbers.  We were then treated with a few songs from the Santiago children.  After this, Phoebe and Charity Andres, along with Sis. Rosalina Santiago and her five children, sang their Philippine National Anthem.

Now for us to learn it!

For those who know (or might like to learn) Tagalog, here are the words:

Bayang magiliw,
Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso,
Sa Dibdib mo'y buhay.

Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig,
Di ka pasisiil.

Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula,
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim,

Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.