It's almost here!  Our 1 year anniversary and our Filipino wedding!  May 1, 2012 in the Philippines!

I'll try to post some things while I'm there and have good internet!

And THIS is why I never post things anymore....

A few more Philippines pics

As our trip comes to an end and we get ready to head back to the south Pacific, I thought I would take advantage of the fast internet in HI and post a few more photos....

Statue in front of the University of the Philippines Los Banos Open University

Me giving out treats to Christmas carolers, they are so cute!

Ready to dive in Anilao!

Nerisa, about to take the plunge.

Paroles, the star shaped Christmas lanterns made of bamboo and cellophane paper.

Me, Nerisa, Junel, and Scott on our way to Ang Pulo, a mangrove island reserve.

A typical Jeepney.  Apologies for the poor quality, I was Jeepney hunting from our van.

The crew, getting ready to chase some butanding!

Maligayang Pasko po!

Alden and I went to the Philippines for the holidays.  Here are a few pictures from our trip thus far...

Part of the Tagarino clan at Alden's father, Rogelio's retirement/birthday party.

 The food.  There was a LOT of food.

Nerisa (Alden's sister) and their adorable niece and nephew, Zoie and Tristan.

The local market.

The beautiful reception hall for the Philippines wedding, May 1, 2012.

View from the reception hall.

Chapel on the hill; the site for the wedding.  A wedding had just finished, which is what the tents are from.

Wedding 2012 chapel.

Bamboo Christmas tree on UP Los Banos Campus.

Scott's bahay kubo (small house).

Alden in the "moon bar", another open hut on the water.

Sunset from the moon bar.

Alden in Scott's banca.

Alden and I after diving with Scott in his front yard.

Sunrise from Scott's place.

Alden and I heading out from Scott's place.

Harbor entrance to Scott's place.

A Glimpse

With many HUGE thanks to both my bridesmaid Marin Scott and my sister Jessica Battles for their photographic expertise.  Below are a few of their shots, with many, many more to come.

Details, Details

As the time draws short, I thought I would start into the nitty gritty details,  as it takes some extra time to get everything done when you're on island time.  Hopefully y'all have received your invitations by now - and if you haven't given us your address, please send it to KelleyAnd@gmail.com  As  friendly reminder, please do RSVP, and include your meal preference in that. 

Speaking of being on island time, please bear in mind that we do live  far away (see above) on a small island (see scale in map below) and thus can't bring much back with us on our return.

So we ask those who feel moved to bring gifts to please plan on shipping it to us here in American Samoa at Alden's PO box.  In order to do this, you will need to fill out a customs form at the post office, but don't let them bully you - American Samoa, is (as it's name implies) American, and thus subject to domestic rates.  The best way to go is the US Postal Service's Priority Flat Rate Boxes - http://www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-prices.htm and yes, the domestic weight limits apply.  If you ship things that are not priority mail, they will likely get put on a boat and arrive in 2-6 months - so no fruitcakes in those packages please.  We are starting to register, and are trying to stick with places that  ship here directly, so you don't have to deal with shipping if you prefer.  We have registered at REI and Walmart, both of which you can find online or at the stores under either of our names.  We have also registered at Leisure Pro,  but since they don't have an actual "registry" you will have to login to our account using my email, KelleyAnd@gmail.com as the user name and wedding as the password.  Then you can go to "Wish List" and see what's there.  Drop us an email if you have any questions!

*********Ship to address: *********
Alden Tagarino
PO BOX 997977
Pago Pago, AS 96799
USA
******************************
 
That's all for now, signing off from the coconut telegram.