Return to Luzon Island
Tuesday, March 8
In the Verde Straits we boarded the bancas for the smooth ride back to Batangas City and our luncheon with Governor Leviste. In an effort to persuade the people to use alternate sources of energy for fossil fuel the Energy Center near the capitol was established. The exhibit has a solar water heater, a water wheel, a windmill, a bio-digester producing methane gas for cooking, and a treadmill for irrigation.
Governor Leviste was waiting for us in Cuenca, a village north of the capital, which was celebrating its centennial. Thirty-four mayors of Batangas province villages were also there to greet us in the shadow of Mt. Macalad. This is the historic mountain of World War II where the Japanese were so entrenched in caves that a reputed million dollars worth of bombs did not dislodge them.
We were escorted by the mayors and photographers to the home of Quenca’s mayor, Geronimo Cuevas where our gourmet meal was served on fine china. While our group dined at tables the other guests juggled their plates on their knees.
Back in Manila had dinner that evening at the Sulo Restaurant in Makati Commercial Center with Mrs. Lourdes Echauz, president of the Manila Altrusa Club and her friend, Cleotilde Protomaitir–sister Altrusans.