2nd April 2009

Sigh...I just love April Fools day.  Attempting the impossible sometimes involves bashing your head against a wall until either it or your head cracks.  Sometimes that hurts.

On April Fools day though I always walk around with a warm smile on my face and worries of the world fade away...

Every April Fools my good friend Raymund gets taken in hook, line and sinker.  Last year, he actually went so far as to spam his human rights lists.  I felt a little bad about that....

He was determined not to be sucked in this time and suggested we work together on this year's one.  He was the "policeman" who arrested me.

Reactions this year were mixed.  About half the emails I got were of the "Good try Malcolm.  You got me last year, you're not gonna get me this time."

One lovely lady went so far as to send me $25 for my legal fees.  Not sure how far that would have got me, but it's the thought that counts.

Another lad reminded me of a Christian dude called John the Baptist who actually made a difference from a prison cell.  I seem to recall the John the Baptist was also beheaded, so I am not sure what lesson there is to learned there...

Another lass was enquiring Raymund about safety here in the Philippines when she discovered my entry.

Yet another young lady expressed sympathy about my predicament and reminded me that everything happens for a reason and God will ultimately find a way.  I reminded her of the date and she called me a "dickhead" and a "fuckwit" before promptly unsubscribing to my site.  This is the first time anyone has ever abused me over an April Fools joke.  To her credit though, she wrote an apology email not long after.

I am running some risks by being here.  Project Lifecycle is a politically charged project.  If I play it wrong, it is not the end of Project Lifecycle.  It is the end of Meaningful Volunteer in the Philippines.  I don't know why it is, but people get so angry - and sometimes even violent - against issues relating to sex^*. 

I am trying to not be "political" here.  Attending a rally for example, is likely to get me booted from the country.  Not visiting a prisoner of conscience if an example of not being political.

I chose Romblon as a placement area because it is a very safe rural area.  Not 100% safe of course, but about as safe as you can get in a developing country.  I'm never gonna place volunteers in slums, refugee camps of IDP (internally displaced people) camps.  They are just too dangerous.

And let me assure you gentle readers: If I ever do get arrested, it won't be for adultery.  Maybe for getting in people's faces, but not for adultry.