Manila, the Philippines - April 17th

 Manila from the ship in Manila Bay

Despite a very good educational system, the Philippines is poor due to a very large population (105 million), high unemployment, 50% still in subsistance agriculture, high rural poverty, and corrupton dating back to Marcos. The economy is dependant on 10 million Filipinos working or living abroad and sending money home, including more than 50 of the Oceania Insignia crew.

In fact, Joani and friends Jose & Ina and Jeff & Shawn took a private tour with the cousin of one of our favorite Happy Hour bartenders.

 It was 97 degrees so they drove to the mountains above Manila

 And went Zip lining

 And visited a local craft brewery

 And visited the Spanish era Colonial Cathedral, still in general use as 85% of Filipinos are Catholic

And they saw a bride posing for wedding pictures

Tomorrow: Bob's post from Corregidor and the WWII heritage of the Philippines. I shall return.