Malapascua means "Bad Christmas", so named by the Spanish when they first landed here.

The Islands of the Philippines:  hands of the Spanish, English, US and the Japanese have shaped them.

Malapascua - today a diver’s paradise. Divers from around the world come to see the famed Thresher Sharks. Most of the dive shops are owned by Foreigners.

The locals are very friendly. 
It seems to be a smaller Thai like Island –
                     snorkeling, diving, restaurants on the beach, cocktails and parties.

White beaches, coral forests, a sunken Island, Thresher Sharks – the main attractions.

Majority of the 4000 or so Islanders derive their livelihood from tourism and the crystal clear waters that surround the 8km across stretch of land.

Electricity from 6 pm to midnight ,only. No running water in their houses.  They gather water from wells filled with mangrove purified saltwater.

Two roosters to enter the ring. 
Their owners,  holding them.
Betting.

Once the betting is finalized, fighting begins. 
The bets and odds blasting from the mouths of hundreds of people at the same time.
Start.
The end…   The loser long dead, lying in the dirt.

The innocence. The big smiles.  The happy playing.  The laughter.

The absence of game boys, TV’s, DVD’s, excessive homework and the presence of manners, kindness, loyalty to everyone and the sense of pure fun.

Today. Same as yesterday. Same as long ago.  Within. Pure.