DreamsofaBrownman

Project 365+1 Flicks 007 - 009

2012-01-20T06:10:00.003+08:00

Flick 0007 (January 16, 2012) Silent Night

Tried my skills with slow shutter shots. Not bad for a newbie in low ligh =)

Flick 008 (January 17, 2012) Hey Mr. DJ! Put the record on!

Remember the time when you would have to listen to the radio and wait for your favorite song so you could record it? The tape on this picture served just like that for me when I was younger.... =)

Flick 008 (January 18, 2012) 3R's

Tried to come up with something fabulous with this picture but failed =) This is a close up of my mom's handbag made from recycled materials. (see not everything goes as you planned all the time!)

Flick 009 (January 18, 2012) 3R's

The picture that I am sharing to you for this day is not something that I took today. I was browsing through my files and saw this picture of a lady bidding goodbye to a child while looking out of the window. I didn't had a chance to share this before, but now I am.

Project 365+1 Flicks 004 - 006 Sunset

2012-01-15T03:06:00.000+08:00

Yeah I know I have not posted my 365+1 Project article yet, so here are my photos for Flicks 4 to 6

Flick 004 (January 13, 2012) Desserts Anyone?

Taken at KFC MOA around 2AM. Me and a friend tasted all of the KFC Streetwise Spoonfuls dessert for my blog FoodForTheBlogs.com. If you want to know how we judged the desserts just visit the site ;P

Flick 005 (January 14, 2012) Find The Cat!

I saw our cat sleeping on top of our clutter corner, I suddenly remember the thing going around where you need t find the cat. We love our cat though she's a bit stubborn and a lot crazy lately.

Flick 006 (January 15, 2012) Pit Senyor!

This on of those days when you wish you don't live in Manila but in Cebu. Why it's Sinulog. Every 3rd sunday during the month of January Cebu celebrates the Sinulog Festival. But of course we also celebrate the feast of the child Jesus in our parish.

This photo was taken with my phone. I stupidly forgot to charge my batteries, I brought them to the church but it wasn't working T_T

Project 365+1 Flick 003 Sunset

2012-01-12T01:32:00.000+08:00

Visited a friend that I have not seen in a while. This was taken at the veranda of his condo in San Juan while the Sun was setting. This is the view of Mandaluyong from his balcony.

Project 365+1 Flick 003 Sunrise

2012-01-11T01:24:00.000+08:00

Its my third day to post something. This was actually taken 6am of the 12th of January when I was about to sleep. Yeah! I was just about to sleep that time. Woke up in the after noon the day before so I guess that would be the reason why my day stretched out to the next.

I just resigned from work which was on a night shift that is why I am still trying to adjust to normal sleeping hours. =)

Project 365+1 Flick 002 Flower

2012-01-10T04:05:00.000+08:00

I have always wanted to feature this but never got a chance well I guess there's a reason now. This is a Gumamela planted around our house. It reminds me of how beautiful God made the world as it never fails to make sure that there's a flower blooming every day.

Project 365+1 Flick 001 Cigs Vendor

2012-01-09T06:05:00.000+08:00

I am starting this new project as influenced by my friend Noel. Just as soon as the new year started he simultaneously began his 365 Project. As I understood I needed to start it at the beginning of the year so that I could fulfill all of the 365 photos. But I was really hesitant and I didn't really think that I could make that commitment (ang tamad ko talaga, I know!) But then again I asked my self when would I do this if not now? So here I am starting this new project which will be a new segment of my blog. I call it Project 365+1.

Why Project 361+1? It's because it's a leap year so there's going to be a plus one on our calendars. I know you are asking how can I fulfill the 365+1 if I am just starting now? well Since I started today January 9, 2012 I will be ending it by January 9, 2013! so that would still be a 365+1 right!? =)

So without further a do, here's my first flick.

This was taken at the procession today during the feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila. A cigarette vendor waiting for someone to buy from him.

This post is part of my Project 365+1 series you can view all of the photos here on my flickr account

Movie Review: The Road

2011-12-06T01:11:00.001+08:00

Last week I visited my friend in Baliuag, Bulacan to catch up on what's going on with our lives. He has a small restaurant that serves sizzling dishes. After serving the last customer that afternoon we decided to go to the nearest cinema and watch a movie.

We decided to watch The Road by Yam Laranas. Let me show you the trailer for the movie that I found inm youtube

The story tackles about the killings that was happening around a certain area in the Philippines spread over the last 20 years. It is more of a psycho movie than a ghost horror story which was what the trailer was implying.

I have to commend the movie's cinematography, specially on how the colors were "post processed" it gave the viewers a good sense of time on where in the time line is the scene happening as the story spans the years 1988, 1998 and 2008.

Though the movie really is great with the cinematorgraphy (though I have some reservations on some shots in some scenes) me and my friend had some questions with hanging in our minds after the movie.

1. Why did they marketed the movie more of a ghost movie and not a trace of a psycho thriller in it? We think that it could have really helped a lot in having movie goers understand the movie more. Both of us feel that we were short changed when we got out of the movie house as we were expecting that we would get scared yet all we got were a bunch of question. Don't get me wrong, because if I went inside the cinema for a psycho movie and is puzzled after watching it, I would be saying wow that was awesome..... they did a good job I was mystified.

2. Loop holes. these are the questions that really mattered to us by the end of the movie.
a. When the two teens died how come they didn't haunt just like the other ghosts.
b. Who killed the teen guy? the last scene that where he was seen is when the ghost on the road was chasing him.
c.What does the meaning of the the butterflies, there's just too many of them there must be a meaning to that right?
d. Were they trying to imply that there was a possession or transfer of spirit among the victims? Lets track what happened, on 1988 Carmina died and was fed with by Marvin with soil, on 1998 Rhian's sister died but it was her ghost that vomited soil implying that she was somewhat experiencing what was done on Carmina's body. But on 2008 only Barbie forteza survived but she got possessed by the spirit of Rhian Ramos actually I'm not sure if she just got posses of was there a total transfer of spirit. It seemed like it was a totally different person and not the original partner that she was playing.

Well in general the movie is okay. But me and my friend was actually saddened because we think that the movie could have been better if the story was well stitched together without the loopholes. For me if I see a good movie all questions in my head should have been answered well unless there is a part two. But even if there would be a part two I would still prefer that the story be told on a much clearer way. Clearer you might ask? yes Clearer not simpler because I actually love the way how the timeline got messed up to tell the story, though each scene could have been established much better.

My rating for this movie is about 2 out of 5. Its cinematography is commendable and I like the Idea of the writer and director on how to tell the story but the output is not that good when it comes to execution of the story.

Brownman Backtracks The Year That Was

2011-12-05T12:27:00.001+08:00

There it goes again, that certain smell in the air that reminds you its that time of the year again. The year is about to end again and here I am thinking what have I accomplished during 2011?

Photography

Finished my basic course in photography. It has been a life long dream for me to venture into visual arts and this is long over due, so I am so glad to have finally done it. I started posting advertisement online and God blessed me with clients so much I have at least one every weekend.

Guardia Sibil at Fort Santiago

Traveling

This year I decided to travel more. Be it a free ride, on a budget or a grand one (though the later didn't happen, lol!). My feet took me from north up to south, as far as Southern Cebu. But my ultimate southern destination is Mindanao. But I have that taken cared of for next year! Yep I'm going to the BIG M next year!

Sacrificial pigs in Baguio

Along with the Big M I also booked several destinations for next year, but then again those are months away still. For now I am thankful to have met the Pinoy Travel Bloggers they have given so much more meaning to my travels and my blogging.

Enjoying the crystal clear waters of Moal-boal

Blogging

During the first quarter of 2011 I was fortunate to become a part of a group of dynamic individuals who are very passionate about traveling and sharing the beauty of nature to the whole world. I travel a lot before but I have never really focused on the destination on my posts. I rather write more about the personal things that happen to me during the tirp.

Together with Pinoy Travel Bloggers in Corregidor

Meeting these people shifted my view from being a tourist to a story teller, an educator and an advocate. I still write about my trips the same way, very personal. But the only difference now maybe the things that I focus on is the whole experience of being out there and not just about me.

Of heartaches and memories

Still trying to recover when it comes to this part...... better than last year though not totally okay. I guess children will forever be a heartbreaker for me.... still hoping to see my kiddo someday...

Ugh! just remember around this time when she was taken away! T_T

Friends

Since I joined PTB I met a lot of people and many of them I consider as friends. Though this year I decided to give up my corporate life (well at least for six months) I have still been in contact with a few friends that I have been with for years. It has not been that often but I am thankful for having them, supporting me in the decisions that I make.

Finally

I would say that this year has been a productive year, even though ironically regular work was the one who hindered further progress. As of the moment I am still contemplating on my next move (economically) for next year.

Hope next year I am able to travel more abroad and establish my photography business even more. These are the things that I know for sure that I like to do.

I thank God for all of these and I pray that 2012 will be more productive! How about you? do you think 2011 was productive for you?

Growing Up

2011-12-03T11:32:00.000+08:00

I have been contemplating long enough if I shouold diversify or centralize my blog so after a few months and the opportunity to buy a new domain and pay for hosting services, I grabbed the opportunity and signed up for the services.

For two weeks I searched far and wide throughout the immeasurable horizon of the internet to find the perfect theme or at least something that would satisfy my needs. Oh yeah did I mention its gonna be running with a wordpress engine? oh yeah! I am that brave! lolz!

I began practicing with wordpress a few months back and I was not really satisfied because it was kind of difficult and I feel a bit restricted with the layout compared to blogger. But friends told me that it is much better than blogger. Anyways my decision to finally go with wordpress was the fact that I wanted to host my own site which I could not do with blogger, however I still lover blogger more than wordpress, at least for now =)

So I now have my domain, signed up for a year's worth hosting service I'm ready to build my site. After about two weeks on working on things including my first post, my new site was born. With that I'd like to introduce to all of you my newest baby, Brownmantrips.com

From now on this will be my blog focusing on my travels. As of now it only has a couple of posts but i can't wait to have it grow into a site where people can share their experiences too.

By the way! Please don't forget to like us on facebook

Romblon: Remembering a traveller's younger years

2011-10-24T11:19:00.004+08:00

On board a ship at the Batangas pier with my childhood friend Margie

After a fun filled afternoon of playing with my friends, darkness was slowly conquering the surroundings that was my cue to go home. As I step inside our house I found my mom discussing with my dad about something. As soon as we finished dinner my mom told me that I coming with her to Romblon!

That night was one of the most difficult night to get some sleep, I couldn't! How could I? It would be the first time for me to ride a big ship!

The following morning my dad drove us to the Pier, I couldn't remember the name of the ship but it was a big one but not as big as a super ferry.

Romblon pier circa 1990's

I was so amazed how it was able to move over water at that time that I had my mom explain to me over and over how is it possible for a big heavy thing able to float over water, that was the time I learned about buoyancy.

The ticket included dinner and it was the first time that I was able to taste chicken curry, I was so into the dish that I asked for another serving. But since it was just a single serving per ticket we had to go to the canteen to buy some more unfortunately they weren't serving it there.

By dawn when we arrived and disembarked at the pier and rode a jeep. The vehicle was packed up to the roof as at that time there were not so many vehicles transporting people in the island. When I got off from the vehicle, I was greeted with a beautiful morning and a great view of a marble boulder (I think it was) protruding at the peak of a mountain.

Playing soft ball with the locals of Tablas Island, Romblon

Thinking about it now, this trip could be considered as a "couch surfing" experience. We stayed in my mom's friend's friend how's that for a relationship!? haha!

I had a great time in the island though there was no electricity back then, yes not even TV. We light the night with I coleman that I remember breaking the mantle cause I didn't knew that it was so fragile.

For dinner I had another first, they serve us Sinaing na Lanka. I could not complain and has been submissive to the hypnotic flavor of the Lanka cooked with coco milk, even if it was our viand everyday!

Pebble beach of Sugod, Tablas Island, Romblon

And for the first time in my life I got to experience the beach. It was a pebble beach so I was kinda disappointed or maybe confused if I can really call it a beach since my idea of a beach is with some fine sand. I even asked my mom if what we were stepping into is sand! lol! Innocence....

Tubing on the beach with mom, Tablas Island, Rombon

Then of course the mandatory "bury the body" was done on me. I kept on asking my mom again if it was really sand becuase they were bigger and a lot more different that what I know they should be. But at the end they all succeeded, and boy that was heavy!

With our hosts at the Sugod beach, Tablas Island, Romblon

Since it was my first time to actually swim in the sea, I was amazed that even if I was so far away from the beach, yes I didn't understand and know all about high tide and low tides.

Mom posing against a rock at sogod beach in Tablas island, Romblon

We also went around the town near the church and market to buy some stuff. Our hosting told us stories about Aswangs and that they know people who are and who admit that they are.

They also took me to the mountains and gave me a piece of sliced ginger on my pocket to drive the bad spirits away.

Too bad our flood prone city has damaged many of our old photos and only a few have survived. When I found our that these photos still existed, I was so glad to have found them! It brought back so many memories that seemed to be vague from quite some time.

I thank my parents for taking me to places that early in my life, it has taught me to be the independent person that they have always wanted me to be.

This will now be a the start of my story telling for my old trip photos that has survived through the years.

The Story of the Seagull

2011-09-23T19:54:00.001+08:00

Just came back from church to hear mass here Baliuag, Bulacan. The priest's homily was knowing who you really are, he told a story about a seagull a bird known of flying so high above the waters of the sea.

the story goes like this. There was this seagull who lived with chickens in a farm near the sea with chickens around him as he was an orphan. Growing up the seagull thought that he is also a chicken and as he look up the sky and look at the birds flying high he was wishing that he could also fly as high as those birds. The seagull died and did not knew how it feels to fly so high thinking that he is also a chicken.

The priest said that to be able to move forward, we need to look into our selves. We need to know who we really are because without knowing it, we just like the seagull could die not fulfilling our dreams and exploiting our potentials.

Then I thought that I am lucky since I know what I want to do in life as there are other people who just do what they need and would just settle for something less than what makes them happy and I thank traveling for that. It has made me understand who I am as a person and what I want to do in life.

I believe that more than understanding the world around you, traveling makes you discover more of your self, you develop the right personality and be emotionally stronger at the same time.

On the other hand I was thinking, yeah I know what I want but I can't do it because of things that matters too. But I realized that I should take these as challenges in my life and that I should over come these challenges to fulfill my God's plan and purpose for me. As I have said to my friend while talking about business and where do we want to take it, "life and death is at the tip of your tongue" what more with business if we say that it will be successful it will!

I believe and I claim that one day sooner that I expect I will become who I should be.

Cabanatuan City: The City That Almost Failed Me

2011-09-03T13:39:00.001+08:00

I was hanging out at my friend's house in Baliuag, Bulacan just doing nothing, "Dulce Far Niente" as the Italians would put it. We have always wondered as the buses in front of their house passes by with signboards going to the City of Cabanatuan of what is to see there.

public market along the road to Cabanatuan

Cabanatuan is 111 kilometers north of Manila and is about 61 Kilometers from where we were at. By noon time we took a bus to the city to kill the curiosity. Travel time from Baliuag to Cabanatuan is about two hours so if you coming from Manila it would approximately be about three to four hours of travel time depending on where your bus will exit from the North Luzon Expressway.

This is where Cabanatuan is situated in the Philippine Island of Luzon

Our journey's map

We hopped into a bus and started our journey. The only thing that comes into my mind when someone mentions Cabanatuan is the building that collapsed during the great earth quake during the 90's. I asked some travel friends of mine of what is it there to do on our destination and the answers that I got were:

1. Mag-saka? (to farm)

2. Mag-gatas ng Kalabaw? (to milk a water buffalo)

3. Go to a Dam (but that requires a permit from the mayor's office that we can't get because it was a weekend)

Kudos! to the local/provincial government
for switching many of the street lights to solar powered ones! Yey!

We got off at Robinsons Cabanatuan as it was the only place that comes up when we search the internet of places to go at the city. We walked around the mall which was a bit small even for a city in a province (well at least to my standards). looked for a place where we could stay and found a coffee shop. While ordering coffee we talked to the staff of the store to ask on what is there to do in their city and what are the points of interest that we should go to.

wandering around the mall

The local's response was heart breaking, imagine a local can't say a good place to go in their city? We asked a couple more strangers and they said the same things, either they don't know or there is none. With the response that we got from the local we just decided to just spend the whole afternoon at the coffee shop surfing the net and talking about well, anything lol!

About to go back to Bulacan, we remembered that it was a Sunday so we thought of going to church first before traveling back as we won't be able to hear mass because there won't be enough time to catch the last mass.

Standing facing the Highway we were contemplating on what to do. Again we asked around for the nearest church and every body was pointing us to the town center which according to them was still far away. We decided to explore more and found a church looking structure. We went inside the compound and found that it is a seminary and the voice we were hearing was reciting the Angelus, we stopped for a while to reflect on the prayer.

The structure that I thought to be a church

We continued walking towards the main building and found out that there was no church inside for the public, there was just a chapel for the seminarians. It was quite disappointing because knowing that it is a religious organization, a seminary most specially, I was expecting that they would have a church for the public just like the seminaries in Manila.

Again we asked where would the nearest church be and we were directed still to the town center and was told that it is the diocese's Cathedral but this time the lady said that it's near enough for us to catch the last mass.

We took a tricycle (40 pesos) to the town center instead of the 7 peso jeepney ride to get to the town center faster. As I get off the vehicle there it was! what we were looking for a point of interest.

This is the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral, the seat of the diocese of Cabanatuan. This is the temporary cathedral while the new and bigger cathedral is being built at the lakeshore village in the same city.

Gen Antonio Luna Monument

On the church patio a monument of a Philippine hero Gen. Antonio Luna stands to remember the place where the hero died.

Unfortunately, as the marker on the building fronting the patio states the fall of this Philippine hero is of the dark side of Philippine History.

The marker states:

"On the plaza in front of this building formerly

the presidential headquarter of the first Philippine Republic, General Antonio Luna and his aide Colonel Francisco Roman were ASSASINATED in the after noon of 5 June 1899; By members of General Emilio Aguinaldo's Presidential Guard"

After catching what is left of the sunlight for my pictures, I went inside to hear mass. The church reminded me much of the chapel in my home town that was built in the 1970's.

Church Altar

The flooring of the church and our chapel looks exactly the same style

and the vaulted ceiling reminds of the works of Leandro Locsin.

Right after the mass, there's this one thing that us Filipinos love doing, EATING! Just outside at the church's patio are stalls vending different Filipino food.

Akap-akap Suman

I ordered bibingka which for most part of the country can only be seen being sold during the Christmas season.

Bibingka and Tea

We decided to walk some more and found our selves at the town's freedom park. But along the way we discovered something yummy. Emong's Malunggay Pandesal!

The bakery is very nice as it features an open kitchen. You can see the workers molding your favorite pandesal through a glass.

They also cook it right on the spot! They will literally give it to you straight right from the oven!

our order being baked

Trays of dough being sit to emulsify

We ate the pandesal along the way it was delicious and has this neutral taste that makes me want to chew on it more that i should. hehehe....

As we reached the park we saw a structure with lights that it was so inviting we walked towards it. As we approached the building we learned that it is the old provincial capitol of Nueva Ecija. I am not an architecture expert but it reminds me of the old Gabaldon schools in the provinces.

Just when I thought that nothing would happen and nothing is there to see in Cabanatuan things started be not so bad at all. Thank God! because if we didn't go and hear mass we wouldn't know the hidden treasures of the city.

I hope that the local government would exert more effort in educating the locals and spread the work more online on what is there to is in Cabanatuan.

My Manila: The City Through A Brownman's Eyes

2011-08-15T15:00:00.007+08:00

There is this place that never fails to inspires me. It is where I run whenever I feel I need to rest my soul.

I call it Manila

This is where the Sun sets perfectly each and every single day,

Sun set at Manila bay

Where a whole country comes together in celebration of their culture,

Aliwan Festival

and where we can turn back the hands of time by walking along its streets

Fort Santiago

This is where we honor our heroes,

Rizal Park

where we strengthen our faith

Quiapo Church

and where we can marvel at its rich architecture

Manila Cathedral

I also get to be entertained specially when I've got no money for a movie (just an excuse... I'm just really lazy to go to movie houses =D )

This is also where you can find someone's mail being routed to its destination halfway across the world.

Most specially Manila is where I dream.

Manila Yatch Club

Manila gives me a certain high that allows me to go into this state where I can dream about its past and how we could bring it back in the future. It inspires me to love beautiful things as I remember its grandeur when it used to be known as the Paris of the east.

Capitol Theater at Escolta Manila

Many backpackers or tourists talks about Manila as a place that you would have just to skip on your trip in the Philippines, however as for me this is a must see. This is my country's soul that makes it unique from the rest of the world and gives it distinctly different from the rest of its south east asian neighbors. It's nothing like its neighbors.

China Town

It's just incomparable, this is where you can truly see the west fusion with the east. not because of its fast development just like advance Asian countries but because it is the way people have learned to live their everyday lives. So go on book that ticket and experience a whole new Asia in Manila!

his is my contribution to the “MANILA IN FOCUS” Blog Carnival hosted by Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero.com for the Pinoy Travel Bloggers.

You can read the past topics by clicking the Blog Carnival logo

Baclayon Church, Bohol

2011-08-10T01:50:00.002+08:00

When you say Bohol the first thing that comes into my mind is, well of course the Chocolate Hills but one more thing that makes me want to go to Bohol is the Baclayon Church.

One of the landmarks of Bohol this church is a must see for every tourist. I really don't know much about the church but the photo below tells as much as I have learned about the church.

The church was closed when we arrived so we decided to see the church's perimeter. We enjoyed taking photos underneath the church's majestic pillars.

Can you see Padre Pio in the photo below?

When we got back to the parking lot we saw that they had open the side entrance of the church.

The Main Altar

Side Altar

After marveling around and inside the beauty of the church we said our prayers at the prayer corner outside the church where we could light some candles.

The Baclayon Church truly is a must see when in Bohol.

Luneta Park

2011-08-03T02:19:00.005+08:00

Note: Original article was posted on this blog on 2007. This article has been re-written for re-posting purposes. (and to minimize the grammatical errors, I'm not saying there's none now ok!? =D )

On Sunday (07-01-07) I accompanied my girlfriend to the Manila Hotel where she will be attending a seminar for operating room nurses. I really had no business that I have to do there so I left immediately right after we found her co-nurses in the venue.

Manila Hotel which is a five star hotel situated in uptown Manila. Originally built to rival the Malacañang Palace in 1909, It lies near the famous Manila Bay where a the largest man made park leads off, the Luneta Park.

I started alighting from the hotel's grand entrance and found my self on the stairs of the lawn fronting the Quirino Grand Stand which were in poor condition.

As I turn my back from the grandstand I saw where every place in the Philippines is measured, The flagpole where kilometer zero is.

As I crossed the well paved streets of this part of uptown Manila I saw something much more significant than where every thing is measured, the cause of why we can call our nation independent, the monument of the national hero of the Philippines.

There were a lot of foreign tourist that I saw being guided around the park, most of which were east Asians. I walked further towards Taft avenue it's nice to see that people are enjoying the park as it should be, however, this walk just strengthen my belief that we should be freeing more space in our city than rather than putting up high-rise buildings.

Just a stone throw away from the Rizal Monument is the La Madre sculpture which was originally a part of a bridge that crosses the Pasig River from the Binondo area to uptown Manila. The bridge was destroyed during the war but was not reconstructed to its original state.

Adjacent to this sculpture is a small subpark that they call freedom park (if I am not mistaken) this is where sculpures or monuments symbolizing freedom stands in celebration of the Philippine Independence Centinnary.

After taking pictures as there were really not much to see inside it I went back to the main park. I walked through this avenue pf flags leading to where busts of heroes lining up the perimeter of a lagoon.

I tried to enjoy the momment since I rarely go this park, so I sat down on a bench and watch families around enjoying their lunch while sitting underneath the slim shades of the trees.

The sun was really not that friendly that time so I decided to continue my journey. Walking back to the avenue of heroes I saw this domed building across the horizon. I then figured out that it was the planetarium

I've never really been to the or even a planetarium so I guess I should write this down on my bucket list.

Further down the park as I walk nearer to my destination sits the Aguinaldo House. This is the house that was used during the Philippine Centinnial celebration to re-enact the declaration of Philippine Independence, where Aguinaldo then unflurred the Philippine National flag to the Hymn of Marcha Nacional that was composed by Julian Felipe.

Next to the Aguinaldo house is one of the most magnificent monuments there is in Luneta Park, The Sultan Kudarat Monument.

Okay, yes I know I said Sultan Kudarat but on my picture it says that it is Lapu-Lapu the Philippines first hero ever, because as far as I could remember when I went up to the statue to verify who it was I was expecting Lapu-Lapu but what I remember seeing was Sultan Kudarat. So I guess you should go to Luneta to see what I mean =)

As I reached the end of the park I found the relief map of the Philippines which was in bad condition at that time. I walked towards the Manila City Hall whose clock tower can be seen from where I was standing.

While I was walking the sidewalk going to the jeepney stop for my ride home, I realized that we keep on concreting every thing in our city. But on what I saw during my walk is the need to free up more spaces.

One thing that I see that the park needs are more trees. I see people trying to fit and enjoy the park on slim shades of trees, yes we do have gardens in the park where people can enjoy more shades, but the main reason why these people are spending their day there is to save money but still enjoy bonding with their families so do you think they would want to pay for some shade. Even the concrete jungle of New York has a decent park full of trees.

Instead of putting up so many statues and monuments in one place why not put more trees. It is much more important to make these parks and spaces usable for the living. With all due respect to our heroes and national figures who have passed away, I think it would be better if we could make other parks for them instead of putting them into one as this park has seemed to become a Parking lot of statues and not a park for people.

How to get to Luneta Park?

Take the LRT and alight from the UN avenue station going towards the north to the direction of the Monumento station. walk on the left side of the road until you see a standing sign name saying RIZAL PARK.

Baguio International Arts Festival Weekend (Part 4 Finale)

2011-07-18T16:40:00.010+08:00

Day 4: February 22, 2011

Waking up to a beautiful weather and the right temperature not to mention the beautiful views would definitely make you fall in love with this city.

Wild flower I spotted while walking

My mind was set already to explore the outskirts of the city and maybe pick my own strawberries . Unfortunately, my sister informed me that they’ll be leaving for Manila after having breakfast.

With all of my plans abandoned I packed up my things and grabbed a cab to the El Cielito Inn. The hotel is just a walking distance to SM City Baguio, I could have walked my way there but my bag was too heavy.

There was an ongoing convention when I got there. I think it was for the doctors of the Department of Health. I went up to their room and was received by her husband. The hotel was fine judging from what I could see but then again I would reserve my comments as I have not really experienced their service.

Pocket garden inside the hotel

Anthony, my sister’s husband received a text message for us to check-out already because we needed to already. Yes, we have been waiting for hours already but how can I complain though I abandoned my plans for the day, I was to hitch a ride with them. She was stuck in a meeting that time trying to close a deal. While waiting I surveyed the surrounding of the hotel and looked for what is the to see. The hotel is situated strategically near the city center and is very near to the basic things that one needs like stores and restaurants.

Staircase going up to the entrance

While waiting for my sister I wandered around the hotel and its surroundings and observe its environment.

Comfy sofa at the lobby

Cab passing in front of the hotel

girl walking underneath the shade of a big tree

My sister arrived after lunch and both me and Anthony were starving. Good thing that all of their stuff has been loaded to the car and we are just really waiting for my sister. So we went straight to the car and journeyed back home.

Anthony couldn’t hold it anymore so we decided to stop by these rows of fruit stands where a carinderia (type of restaurant) is. We ordered fried chicken and I had a cup of rice. I was kind of amazed with the rice as it is not your usual white rice. It was red in color and the taste was much more rich than the usual.

Red/Brown Rice

After the satisfying meal we had we continued our journey home. Along the way we made a “mandatory” stop to feed our driver even thought we knew that he sneaked earlier and ate by him self without inviting any of us.

View from the restaurant

Anyways, this trip to Baguio has seen so many firsts in my life. The first time I partied with a group of strangers, first time to sleep in an accommodation alone, first time to wander at Burnham park alone, immerse in the ukay-ukay culture alone and so much more.

The trip allowed me to have a taste of travelling alone but with safety nets, but I am telling you, I like the feeling of getting lost (okay just the feeling, I just want to make that clear =) ) alone in a city that is not your own. It made me braver and forced me to go out of my shell a bit. It taught me how to interact with people and be more friendly, be more comfortable of how I treat people. I am a people pleaser and I am not comfortable with that, well I guess I shouldn’t.

View from the car while passing NLEX

Travelling makes me a better person, teaches me to take care of my self. I mean, I know how to take care of my self because I have lived by my self for years until recently. But like being out there in the road is different, you would have to be braver and decide quickly when to say “No” and when to beg.

Until the next time I travel, and I have a feeling that it’s going to be a solo one =)

Baguio International Arts Festival Weekend (Part 3)

2011-07-08T17:46:00.007+08:00

Day 3: February 21, 2011

Another chilly morning, I have now realize that no matter how short I sleep as long as I am comfortable I can get through a day already.

Peaceful morning at Burnham Park

It's Choi's free day today he wanted to go around Baguio and relax a bit, he also wanted to show me around of one of his favorite destinations. We enjoyed walking around Burnham Park in the morning before eating breakfast. It was a Monday so the park was almost empty of tourists.

An almost empty park

Taho? Why not?

Choi treated us breakfast at McDonald's I had big breakfast in preparation for long day ahead of us but before that we visited Bien's office first where he does his painting and sketches. Unlike the park session road was teeming, people making their way towards work.

La Peral Building

In front of McDonald's Session Road

After breakfast we went to visit Camp John Hay. It was an american camp that has been turned into a leisure and business facility. We also checked out the commissary where different duty free stores are located.

Choi checking the commissary shops

A horseman passing

Choi with his wife and the hotel at their background

Our next stop was The Mansion, which is the official summer residence of the president of the Republic of the Philippines.

On our way to our next destination, we stopped by the former Marcos vacation house that the government sequestered. Too bad that it has deteriorated now, It could have been a good hotel if it was maintained properly.

Choi posing in front of the former Marcos property

we then headed to Good Shepherds Convent afterwards, which is famous for the jams that they sell. They also have a viewing deck which is an alternative if you want a good view of the mountains. You can find a prayer garden in the compound.

Fresh Flowers

Christ, The Good Shepherd Statue

Butterfly

After buying delicious jams at the convent we headed back to the city center where the cathedral stands. We made a quick look inside the cathedral and said our prayers. Then we went down stairs where the ashes of Bien's friend is who died because of a tragic accident.

I didn't knew that they still had to meet up with somebody, so we left our car at the cathedral and walked our way to the University of Baguio. I was surprised that there actually was a passage going to the University's side from the church. The passage actually cuts right at the middle of the Saint Louis University.

The chapel at the back of the cathedral

A street performer

University of Baguio

We were unlucky and the person that we needed to speak with was unavailable. so we traversed back up to the hill where the cathedral stands. Choi remembered going to the Tam-awan Village and he wanted to show it to me, It is a place where they recreated a traditional igorotte village with authentic traditional houses that you can rent for as low as 500 pesos. I will post an entry about the village soon as it gave me an intense spiritual experience.

A reminder at the entrance of the village

Male restroom signage

Female Restroom

Resting shades roofs

It was lunch time already when we finished touring the village so we decided to head back to downtown Baguio, I got off at session road to eat lunch while Choi and his wife started their journey back to Manila.

I ate lunch and started contacting my sister who arrived that morning. To my surprise my phone got disconnected because I forgot to pay my bill for that month. I needed to contact my sister as soon as possible so I just opted to buy a prepaid SIM card instead of paying my bills that day as it would not get my line reconnected instantly.

I started contacting my sister as soon as I got a hold of my new sim card. I tried calling and texting her but she was not answering. After an hour of attempts, I finally decided to give up and just get a place for my self. I contacted someone who owns an apartment that rents them out to transients. I was able to secure my place for the night for just 300 pesos.

The place was very near and is just walking distance from Burnham Park. The place was of great value and low price, It included hot and cold shower, cable TV nice sized bed and a mini kitchen for those who would like to cook their own meals.

After settling and resting a bit, I decided to go out and eat dinner. I looked for the nearest Chowking that I saw on my way to the apartment. I ordered Chowfan and a glass of Naicha. I specifically like this branch as it has an alfresco dinning section where one can breath the fresh breeze of Baguio, but I enjoyed it most specially as I smoked while finishing my favorite Naicha drink.

As soon as I finish dinner I walked back to the park to check out what are on going events. As I get nearer and nearer I can hear a band playing reggae music.

Daniel Burnharm's Statue

Ska/Reggae Band

Bonfire to warm the night.

A film made by a filipino artist in paris was also shown. It was also said that the film is traveling around the world to spread its message.

Film Director explaining what her film is about

I can feel the energy of the artists surrounding me so, I joined them in dancing. For the first time in my life I joined a group of strangers in partying, but I felt home... maybe because I feel that I am one with them in spirits as I have the same convictions with their crafts.

People watching the film beside the "biodome"

There were people dancing to organic world music fusion with jazz vocals, it was perfect!

Vocalist of UpDharma-down

Imported DJ =)

Party people getting warmed up from the chilly Baguio night

Art Installation during night

The BioDome

Lights beside an art installation

While dancing to the beat of the drums, I suddenly remembered one more thing that Baguio is famous for, Ukay-Ukay! So I walked my self to Session road and looked at the merchandise they have. At night Ukay-ukay products are sold at the streets and the prices are way much lower than when you buy them at stores during day time.

It was my last night already so I really had to see the night market. I don't usually buy second hand clothes because the smell of them together inside an enclosed area triggers my Rhinitis.

You can find almost everything that you can imagine even those that should not be sold second hand. I was able to buy a GAP sweater and pants on the night market.

I went back to the park to continue partying, the number of people have lessened already but the music was still great. So I danced with them once more.

Fire Dancer

Party peeps

I didn't feel tired at all even after dancing for hours, but I had to practice self restrain as I needed to wake up early to meet my sister so I could hitch a ride back to Manila.

But then again my adrenalin was pumping and body refuses to rest, so on my way home i stopped by at 7-11 and bought four bottles of Tanduay Ice. Yes, all four bottles for me =) well I weigh a lot so my alcohol tolerance is really high.

The apartment that I rented for the night was up on a hill so it was a challenge going back. though it is located in an alley I felt safe enough as the streets were well lit and people in the area were all friendly.

Baguio International Arts Festival Weekend (Part 2)

2011-07-05T15:25:00.013+08:00

Day 2: February 20, 2011

View from a connecting bridge inside the hotel.

It was almost eight in the morning and after just almost five hours of sleep I already felt energized, the cold weather and the good mattress gave me quality sleep.

I went out to buy some food at the grocery store beside the hotel for breakfast and after everybody had finished eating they started preparing for their appointments around the city.

We were on our way to their first appointment at Loakan road but they were kind enough to think that I would enjoy more if I explore the city. So they dropped me off at the Rose Garden of Burnham Park and introduced me to Bien. I was told that Bien was a professional basketball player who, together with his wife had fell in love with the city and found their home here.

si pooh ba yun? nasa burnham park?

There were a lot of things going on at Burnharm Park, people from different fields of arts including culinary were there sharing their talents to the public.

A chef preparing Pinikpikan

Pigs for sacrificial rites

Part of a Totem Pole entry for the wood carving entry

A contestant working on his entry

An art installation using scrap rubber materials

Wood carving entry

Bien showed me around the park and introduced me to his friends who were mostly are also from Manila who, like him have decided to settle and retire in Baguio.

Covered skating rink

landscape contest entry

Bien with his friends and debate mates

one of Bien's friend who they call apo.

But there are two people that was really memorable for me. One of them is Ms. Susan Henson. Susan was an actress during the 1980's who's of with the same manager as Rio Locsin. An article that I read online said that Susan and Rio were treated differently from their co-actors by their manager. It was said that they were allowed to act on very few and selected movies. But unlike Rio Locsin, Susan's career wasn't that fortunate. Now on her Fifties Susan still is as beautiful and vibrant as she could be.

Bien with Ms. Susan Henson

Probably the next person that I met during my stay in Baguio would be classified as a master, well he is indeed a master. Let me introduce you to Apo Kidlat Tahimik.

I have high regards for apo, I have been reading and watching documentaries about him ever since I fell in love with multimedia arts.

the master at work

I admire his passion to arts and preserving the Cordilleran culture. He makes videos to document his culture and shares them to the world. As I entered the dome that they made out of pieces of cloths, I saw him, I stood in awe thinking, Finally I have seen him! Someday I hope to get to talk to him some more about his art and lifestyle.

I left Bien for a while to look for a wash room and on my way back I chanced upon a group of youth who performed traditional cordillera dances. It feels good that there are Filipinos who are so proud of their heritage. I my self once said that I envy the Cordillera people because of the richness of their culture.

an Igorotte youth dancing a traditional ritual

It was lunch time already when I met up with my mom near the park to eat lunch. We ordered the usual food fried chicken and some vegtables at an eatery in the park. I was surprised that their regular prices are quite expensive compared to fast food.

Right after eating lunch, it was my turn already to show her around the park. I brought her to the cordilleran youth that were dancing and went ahead to the stage where they were officially lunching the Arts Festival Month.

A nose flute player on stage, joe lad santos at the back and apo Kidlat tahimik recording.

the sacrificial offerings

judging of the Tapuy Wine Making contest

They performed the thousand drums ritual and judged the best Tapuy wine in front of the stage, We weren't really interested on who's going to win Afterwards we headed to the botanical garden where they were selling plants and took pictures of a nice colonial house adjacent to it.

My mom posing in front of a landscaped garden.

mom wandering around the botanical garden

mom's headshot

mom in front of a turn of the century house

Even the pathway to the wash rooms are landscaped.

After enjoying the beautiful flowers at the botanical gardens we visited the Baguio Cathedral. I was frustrated with what they have done with the cathedral. It used to look so clean as you can see the architecture of the structure in its entirety, but now they have attached pvc roofs that block the view. I remember my mom saying that they that she could see the cathedral standing majestically from afar before but now there are a lot of obstructions in front of the cathedral and the sad thing is that these structures were done by the cathedral management them selves.

mom in front of the baguio cathedral

It was nice experiencing Baguio with my mom as we never had done it before but it would be great if we experience it again without the time pressure since it was actually a business trip for them.

By afternoon we decided to go ahead of the guys and went back to the hotel we rested and slept for a couple of hours. Choi and his wife got back already when I woke up and it was dark already. My mom on the other hand had to go back to Manila for a meeting but I decided to stay.

I was chatting with my sister who mentioned online that she was also heading for Baguio the following day for a business meeting as well, so I asked if I could hitch a ride going back to Manila so I could spend a couple more days in Baguio.

Choi enjoying a traditional Fiipino massage and ventosa therapy while I was chatting with my sister online.

The night was still young and I was still full of energy but everybody else were tired from working the whole day. So I just decided to sit in the lobby for a while and watch TV. After a few minutes, the receptionist went back to her post and I tried to start a conversation. I asked about their rates and the history of their hotel. I found out that it was formerly an american missionary home which up to this day is being used by a religious group for their assembly once a week.

It was our last night at the hotel and I really enjoyed my stay there. Though I didn't pay a single cent for the accommodation, I find their rates very affordable even for backpackers as they have dorm type rooms. And how can I forget the warm service that their staff gave us, it really felt like home.

For more information about highland villas you may go to http://highlandvillaphilippines.wordpress.com/

Baguio International Arts Festival Weekend (Part 1)

2011-06-29T08:16:00.007+08:00

It was a blessed morning, I woke up ate breakfast and my mom asked me the best question she ever asked me "I'm leaving for Baguio this afternoon you want to join?" of course I said Yes!

We left our house by lunch to meet up with her friend Choi who generously provided our transportation. They are actually on a business trip to present to prospective client at the city of pines. It was a long drive ahead of us and our car kept on over heating because of some air conditioning or electrical problem so we had to stop several times at gasoline stations.

On the way up to Baguio as the sun sets.

It took us about five hours and I must admire Choi for his stamina in driving such long distance. The sun was already setting and we were still on the road. I can see the beautiful Sun on my left as it prepares to set for the day.

It was dark already when we arrived in Baguio, we were all starving from the trip so we decided to drop by Jollibee which was right across Burnharm Park.

After ordering take out food, we went to look for a hotel. The first hotel that we inquired was fully booked so they decided to just go to the same hotel that they checked in the last time they were in Baguio.

every one was really tired so their plans of going around the city was abandoned. But I needed to charge my phone, unfortunately I accidentally left my charger in Manila. So I decided to take a walk to the nearest convenience store, The night was really cold that day but I didn't feel it at all with the 20 minute hike up hill from our hotel to the convenience store. The store was really near (when it comes to distance) but the uphill climb made it difficult so I had to stop from time to time just to catch my breath.

On my way up hill to a convenience store... the hill looks like it has fireflies on it.

finally I arrived at 7-11 so I charged my phone bought cigs, food and some drinks. Once my phone was fully charged I walked back to our hotel for just about 5-10 minutes, downhill. I stayed a little longer outside the hotel to breath some fresh air. The Hotel was a bit far from session road so the air is much cleaner.

While I was at the garden my friend's mom, Choi went out side too to smoke. We talked about so many things and I found out that he is a widely traveled person. I also discovered that the reason why he navigated the roads to Baguio easily was because of the fact that he usually travels to different provinces by car for his job. At around 3AM we decided to call it a night after chatting.

Paete Artist's Cross

2011-06-09T09:00:00.009+08:00

I was able to visit the town of Paete just this Summer. I was amazed with the number of craft shops that are lined up on the promenade leading to the church.

We went inside on one of the shops which is also a coffee shop and gallery. Inside the gallery I found this golden cross depicting the crucified Christ.

As I look at the cross I felt like it was telling me look at me I am your God, I am grand and powerful. But I am here crucified on the cross because I love you.

Laguna Church Series: Saint James the Apostle Church

2011-06-07T09:00:00.011+08:00

The Artisan's Church: Saint James the Apostle Church
(article was first published on technorati.com)

Located in the town of Paete in Laguna, a town known for its people's talent in carving, the church's facade will welcome you with its intricate desgin carved by the town's locals.

The church was built on 1846 after Fr. Juan de Palesencia established a friary in 1580. However on 1880, the church that was built by Rev. Francisco de la Fuente in 1717 which was known to be much stronger was destroyed by an earthquake on 1880. Church reconstruction was led by Rev. Pedro Galiano where it was filled with Centuries old paintings and wooden images. Then again, on 1937 the church was again destroyed by an earthquake but was rebuilt from then on.

A special point of interest in this church are the San Cristobal paintings of Jose Luciano Dans. There are actually two paintings. The first one that Dans did was a San Cristobal with distinctively Filipino features. However the parish priest was not happy with what have Dans done. He then Instructed Dans to paint another one on wood and was placed on top of the first. All those times the people of Paete knew that there was only one painting until recently when they tried clean the second version's back was when the discovery made.

Artists' Haven

True to its reputation the church houses images of saints made by locals where you can see the exquisiteness of their works.

Santo Entiero

The images are truly works of art. Some of them even has mechanisms that would make the its body parts move. One of the images can even have its eyes suddenly close to dramatize Christ's death on the cross, Joel Aldor of Illuminati Tours tells us

Mater Dolorosa

You can even see lots of craft shops lined along a promenade leading to the church displaying both religious and functional items for homes.

Pieta

Throughout the years, the church and the community has grown together in harmony making each other a part of daily living.

US Trip Series: AIR BORNE Somewhere between March 18, 2006 (2200 hrs Mla) & March 18, 2006 (0800 hrs PST)

2011-06-05T09:00:00.003+08:00

I was thinking of including this portion of the trip on my second post for the series, but what the heck, Its 12 hours of non-stop flying there must be something that I could write! Right?Anyways....

So we were the last ones to board since we were flying economy, plus we were seated second from the last seat at the back. The seat was okay since there's only the two of us traveling and the best thing is that even though we got to check-in late we still managed to get a window seat. How? I begged the check in officer to reserve us the seats because we still need to get our ticket outside the terminal and there's a big chance of somebody taking it, I told the officer "please sir, pa reserve naman po ng window seat first time ko po kase mageroplano sige na po..." (please sir, reserve us the window seat this is my first time to ride a plane).

Since I was the one who begged for the window seat I was the one who got it though Don actually was the one who got the assignment.

As the plane took off, my heart was pounding as hard as it could. It was a mixture of nervousness because I dont know how it would go and excited since it is the first time that I would ever ride a plane.

I can now feel the plane is moving slowly towards the run way from the taxi way as the plane got into the runway and had clearance to take off, it started moving faster and faster and so is my heart as it beats! then suddenly when the plane started to go up nose first and I cant describe the feeling!

Finally we are air borne the first few minutes was like something I could not describe! I saw the lights of manila 10,000 feet above the ground and it was sooooo BEAUTIFUL!

As soon as I got back to the normal me, I realized that it was like riding a patok jeepney in Cubao actually it felt safer than riding the later!

The funny thing is that I got more nervous when we were on mid air. Things got into my mind like are we going to crash yet? because the plane was like not moving inside so I had to look out through the window and actually see that we are moving. But most of the time, looking outside the window was futile since I can see nothing. Just dark clouds, that's all!

The inflight entertainment was terrible they had to repeat Harry Potter The Soccerer Stone!!!! for three times! When it comes to the food well I think it was okay since we were in fiesta (economy) Class. Its a good thing that they have food that does not have any rice : ) . But when they served some food that looked like rice, I asked the stewart what was the food made from. She didn't knew so she had to ask her co-workers first. however when she got back at me, I have finished the whole serving already!!!! From that point on me and Don had an agreement that whenever they would serve food we'll switch, since he likes rice and I dont. :)

wish that I was able to see the break of light and darkness. That was like the event of the year that I was waiting for. Because since we were traveling from the west of the eastern part to the eastern part of the west of the world via a transpacific plane the timezone got a little confusing.

We left Manila at 10:00 PM and was on the skies of California 6 PM the same day!

Thought the trip was terribly long.... it was all worth it! From the plane I can see snow capped mountains as white as it could be. Wide rivers running to the ocean! I can believe it I am in the United States!

P.S. Too bad I cant scream I LOVE NEW YORK! :D

Packing 101

2011-05-31T15:44:00.006+08:00

So you have booked that low fare flight a hotel and your itinerary is all set, all you need to do now is pack your things for that much awaited vacation.

I used to be panicky when it comes to packing things up. I would pack loads of clothes and accessories that are meant for events that could possibly happen.... up there in my head.

Oh yeah I pack like crazy whenever I go out of town, Until I had a life changing experience came to me. I started to be more carefree and adventurous but not to a point of irresponsibility.

Since then I was able to make a formula on how to make my checklist. Let me share them to you.

how to roll clothes when packing from goeurope.about.com

1. Know where you are going

Research on the weather of the place that you are going to whether it is out of the country or domestic. Places may have extreme weather conditions like if you are near a dessert where it gets really hot during the day and extremely cold at night. Domestic destinations isn't an exemption to this, just think of Batanes where you could experience mild winter or the Cagayan region where it gets really hot.

2. Activity list

It would really help you make your checklist if you write down what are the activities that you are scheduled to do during your trip. From this list you can now make your checklist of things to pack by listing down what are the things that you would be needing.

3. Make that checklist

List all essentials first like your tooth brush, deodorant shampoo and soap you wouldn't want to share on someone else's stuff right? And remember the activity list that you made? list down the what clothes you would want to wear on these activities.

4. Extra clothes

I only bring two extra shirt and a pair of pants since I wear shorts most of the time whenever I travel. For footwear if I am travelling via air I wear flip flops or slip-ons. I would refer to my activity list before I'd bring a rubber shoes. If one of my activities would require a lot of running and walking I'd definitely bring one.

Jacket - I always bring a jacket. If you know how to properly use your jacket it can serve you so much more than just warming you up. I use my jacket to protect me also from the sun and rain by putting it over me. But more often, I use it as a blanket when I sleep on long trips in air conditioned buses.

These are are the basic things that I keep in mind whenever I pack my things. I try to make sure that I only bring one backpack for everything that I need.

Packing tip bonus: when packing your clothes don't put them in your bag the same way that you would when you are folding them for your closet. Roll your clothes so that they may take up lesser and more compact space. It will also lessen the possibility of your clothes getting more wrinkles.

Here's an article that I find helpful: http://www.ehow.com/how_4868310_roll-clothing-packing.html

So what is your packing secret?

Diversify or Centralize?

2011-05-24T01:26:00.002+08:00

I have been reading a lot of blogs lately, and I see it something good for me as it encourages me to read and write more.

Here are some of the things that I noticed that makes me keep on reading these articles online.

Teleporting

I really admire writers who take their readers to a roller coaster ride and takes them into where their stories are. I first experienced this kind of writing with John Grisham's "The Lawyer", a lot of people say that it is actually nothing compared to his other works. But the point is, I am not a person who's reading is on his most enjoyed hobbies' list so for a person to put me into a page turning experience is something else.

The blog Transcendental Tourist ( http://ajpoliquit.wordpress.com ) is a good example of this. Every time I read his posts, It feels like I am traveling with him. It lets you experience an array of emotions that you would feel as if you are the one who's experiencing what is written.

Good Visual

One of the bloggers who I really admire most is Marky Ramone Go of www.nomadicexperiences.com when it comes to visuals. I like the way how items are presented to his audience. How everything is organize putting everything that you need to know right at your sight.

from www.nomadicexperiences.com

I remember reading Steve Krug's book "Don't Make Me Think" that discusses how websites should be presented. It says that your audience must not need to think how to use it, they should know where to find what they need and how to use a site with just a single look.

Easy to Digest

I like reading articles that can be easily understood. It is important that you connect to your readers. You can only make them come back and read more if you don't make things complicated for them.

That is my first impression of Aleah Phils of www.SolitaryWanderer.com's style of writing. No Jargons, No old english type of wordings and no need to consult Mr. Webster to understand her posts.

from www.solitarywanderer.com

Stunning Photos
Of course for someone who has ADD like me, an article that has a good photo is a must. This keeps me glued to the screen and focused.

Well aside from keeping us with ADD on finishing reading an article, A good photograph provides readers a visual of what the writer experienced and takes the reader's imagination to another level.

from www.ambot-ah.com

A good example of this is www.Ambot-ah.com a blogger who's photographs I admire as most of the time you only need to look at his photos and you'll feel that you think you already know the story.

Straight to the point and No non-sense
I often read about things that would help me on my travels and I like blogs that offer a lot of information and does not beat-around-the-bush.

from www.pinaytraveljunkie.com

Gay Mitra of www.PinayTravelJunkie.com is a blogger mom that writes just the way I like it when I need helpful information. I like the fact that I can find information like how to get a visa, where not to spend your money without any fuzz.

They are just some of the blogs that I regulary read (click on the Pinoy Travel Bloggers link beside the Home link above for my complete reading list) that I admire and that continually inspires me in so many different ways.

So the question in my mind now is, should I create a dedicated blog so that my site would be more focused? I'm leaning more on maintaining what I have now. I thought that traveling is a part of my life and this blog is journal of my journey through this inexplicably mysterious life. Also, I have difficulty in focusing on things so I can't actually afford to maintain so many blogs because they would just be left unattended and lost in the end.

So maybe my answer for now is Centralize, I'm keeping an open mind though.....

US Trip Series: THE AIRPORT March 18, 2006 (2200 hrs Manila)

2011-05-23T13:06:00.004+08:00

This the day! I'm on my way to the airport, at centennial terminal of the Manila Airport to be specific. we had to be there for at least two hours earlier to make sure that we can board the plane on time.
I'm late.... actually I arrived an hour earlier but this is the first time that I'm gonna ride a plane and I dont actually know how to check in. I saw my companion, Dindo, who is also my manager inside the check in area already.

The terminal is a little small so the guards had to check for my passport to see if I'm the one who's going to board and they won't let any guests come in.

So there we were at the check-in counter, we asked the information desk where do we go so we could get our seats and have our Luguage checked in.

But wait! I think there is something wrong, as i can clearly see the impression on the officers face, then the officer said "do you have your tickets with you?". All along I thought what the US office faxed us was enough for us to get into the plane but instead we needed to go to the ticketing office and secure our electronic tickets!

Thank God that there's a ticketing office inside the airport since the terminal was dedicated for PAL. As we rushed to the office and secure our tickets. The ticketing officer said that we should have secured the ticket days before just to make sure! Thank God the system was up so we had our tickets secured!

Just an hour left before the plane leaves we were able to check-in. At this point I was thinking that my lugauge was much fortunate than me because it doesn't have to get through all of the security checks before getting to the boarding area.

I had to pass through so many body search and everything before I got through and at the end of the procedure, I felt that I was harassed. I even lost my belt during the process. I was right thinking that I should have worn flipflops instead of shoes so I didn't need to take them off.

so there we were at the boarding area I called up my girlfriend because we wont be able to talk that much for about a week or so. It was kind of a mixed emotions I was telling her, "This is the first time that I would ever ride a plane and the worst part is that it is for about more than 12 hours! I don't Understand the way that I am feeling right now" I said.

Then, our flight was called in for boarding.....

Life less interesting May 22, 2011

2011-05-22T22:51:00.001+08:00

It has been a while since I broke free from the corporate chains and focused on my passion in photography. So far I am happy with what I am doing, I am satisfied with my work but still acknowledges that I have so much to improve and to learn.

I love the fact that most of my weekends for the past months were mostly booked, meaning that business is really doing good.

But it has struck me that I have been doing much less to almost nothing during weekdays.

I felt like I wanted to go back to work again, should I? Maybe I should but I dont think that I would want to go back to being on a management position. I just don't think its worth it.

Okay so maybe I'll go back and get a job so I could have more funds traveling.... hmmm.... that ain't such a bad idea ey?

My current status may not be that Interesting but I like it... =)

Taal Church: A Church's Journey To Survival

2011-05-22T01:08:00.007+08:00

The Saint Martin of Tours Parish, more popularly known as the Taal Church is regarded as one of the largest churches in Asia.

Image of Christ in front of the church

The Church managed to survive the fury of the Taal Volcano after relocating along with the town it self.

Locals say that Taal's (the town) location is actually its third. The first location of the town was located at the mouth of the pansipid river. The second location was still by the lake nearer to its name sake volcano. However the town was forced to move when an extremely violent eruption happened during the 1800's when the whole town was devastated by the eruption.

Statue of San Nicolas

Up to this day the ruins of the original church still stands where hundreds of residents of Taal took cover thinking that they are safer inside the church. Unfortunately they were not spared.

A monument now stands on the side of the ruins. Here, Jesus appeared to St. Martin of tours (the one on a horse) as a beggar.

As you get close to the walls of the ruins you can observe the materials used to build it are mainly corals. You can feel and imagine as you go inside the perimeter of the walls how the people could have taken cover and felt safe inside.

Today, a community still exists on the old Taal town which is now known as San Nicolas. The patron saint of the town was also changed to the saint who's the name of the town was named after.

The Obando Town Fiesta: Santa Clara Feast Day

2011-05-20T16:25:00.012+08:00

With all these discussion going on about the controversial RH Bill, we tend to forget about the people who actually are struggling still to have a child.

Of all the Philippine fiestas during the month of May celebrating fertility, Unlike other fiestas that celebrates fertility in harvest, The Obando fertility festival celebrates fertility of humans to bear a child.

Obando Church, San Pascual Baylon Parish with the former convent converted into a school on its side.

Petitions are channeled through Saint Claire for couples to bear child. Couples pray through dance. They join the procession dancing as it goes through the nearby areas of the church.

devotees dance to the music made by a brass band or a bandang bumbong. A bandang bumbong is similar to a brass band only that their instruments are all made of bamboos. Unfortunately no bandang bumbong was at the parade.

The parish is noted of having a the longest feast day in the Philippines having three patron saints.

Santa Clara (Saint Claire)

Saint Claire, the most celebrated patron saint of the parish. To her petitions are channeled by devotees so that they can have a child. Saint Claire is also the patron saint of Broadcasting.

Saint Claire was the first patron to be enshrined by the franciscans who built the church in Catanghalan, the former name of Obando.

San Pascual Baylon (Saint Paschal Baylon)

Saint Paschal Baylon was a spanish friar who is the patron saint of the Eucharistic congregations because of his devotion to the Holy Eucharist. He is also the patron of the school being administered by the parish (formerly administered by the dominican congregation) who's students are called Paschalians.

Nuestra Senora de Salambao (Our Lady of Salambao)

Patron saint of the fishermen. One of the main livelihood of the residents is fishing due to its proximity to the Manila Bay.

According to local people, the image of the lady was found by a fisherman. While fishing the man dipped his Salambao, a type of fishing net into the water and when he pulled the net back the image of the lady was on the net hence, the image of the lady on a Salambao.

People from all walks of life come to dance in Obando. People who pray to have a child, those prayers were answered and the children of whose prayers were answered dance as a from of prayer.

The procession ends inside the church where devotees dance fervently praying for a child or thanking God for their answered prayers.

I had goosebumps when the crowd started dancing more passionately, you can feel how strong their faith is as they dance and shout in prayer.

After the procession we decided to go around the town proper and since I spent a lot of time in this town studying my primary and secondary course, I gave my companion a little tour of the area.

we first went to the fish port more popularly known as "Ponduhan" where they gather fishermen's harvests.

Residents of a nearby Island barangay loading a bangca going to their area.

In the fish port you can ride a banca to the island barangay of Binuwangan which used to be part of Malabon and is where the image of the lady was found.

while in the port we found children swimming on the river trying to escape the heat of the mid-day sun.

After eating lunch at my relative's house, we went back to check the church when the crowd has gone small already.

Main door of the church

We tried to go inside the church through the main door but it was closed already. So we went to the side entrance of the church to get inside.

side entrance of the church

Church Grand Chandelier

Main Altar

The festival was formerly known as Kasilonawan Festival but is now more popularly known as Sayaw sa Obando.

Going back to my opening statement, I hope that legislators and the church could fix this controversial bill as both natural and artificial methods of family planning isn't just about controlling how many child you want to have but it could also help people who are having a hard time having a child..

Here's a video of snippets of events during the street procession.

Laguna Church Series: San Sebastian Church

2011-05-13T23:01:00.007+08:00

The Infirmary Church: San Sebastian Church

The church, situated in Lumban which is one of the oldest town in Laguna and was the primary mission of the friars when evangelizing the southern tagalog area, particularly laguna.

Once the biggest church in all of Laguna, the San Sebatian church was built by franciscans in the 1500's with saint Francis of Assisi as its patron saint. However through the years with the change of administrators of the church the patron saint was also changed to its current.

The most important role of the church probably, is that it was used as a infirmary during the american liberation of the Philippines during the Japanese occupation.

As we go through the rooms I couldn't help but admire the blue doors it has on the convent side of the structure.

Lumban is a fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna.

Note: This post was re-written by the author due to a glitch in blogger.

Minasa: SkaBeche Music Video

2011-05-10T08:16:00.005+08:00

We made this video for Bustos' Minasa Festival Last January. The song was written by Dionisio Sumera and was performed by SkaBeche a ska band from Bulacan. It was incidental that I became part of this music video, I shot the second scene (from the lead vocalist coming down the stairs then giving respects till he leaves the room), the closing scene (where he woke up in a factory and bites a piece of the minasa cookie) and the still pictures used at the closing credits of the video.

The music video aims to promote the town of Bustos Bulacan and its products and tourist spots.

hope you enjoy the video.

US Trip Series: The Miracle

2011-05-09T02:00:00.005+08:00

Years ago I started another blog to tell the story of my trip to the United States. However I got so tied up with work back then so I wasn't able to finish the story.

Now, I will attempt to complete the story that changed my views in life and where I got to own my first camera. So let me begin on how it all started......

The Miracle

It was just another ordinary day. My shift was almost done, suddenly the phone rang. I answered with our company's standard greeting and learned that our client was on the other end of the line.

She was asking for some reports sent to her by the end of our shift but I couldn't resist in asking her something that has been bothering me for quite sometime already. There has been a series of emails from her asking details about the nearest airport from where I was. I was on the thinking that she would be coming over to observe us on how we do our jobs.

So I mustered all the courage that I have and casually asked her "So when are you coming over?". She laughed a bit and answered back with a question, "didn't Mike tell you anything?". At that point I was kind o f confused on the situation since nothing has been said to us by our Client Director, Mike.

After a while, I was able to convince her to tell what was really going on. I could never forget the words that she uttered over the phone that day, in revelation she said "I'm not going there, you are going here". Suddenly there was silence, I couldn't say a single word. In my speechlessness she asked me "Ian, are ok?" I replied with a confused "yes!" she asked me again if I am still able to send the reports that she was asking me and I can only say yes.

The conversation ended and as I put down the phone I couldn't hold my emotions anymore. I was shouting for joy. But the question is how am I suppose to get there if I don't have any visa, which processing takes months to finish.

To process my visa they (our client) sent a letter of invitation/support stating their need for me to get there in California for training. The date? about a week's time! We were all worried that I couldn't get a visa because the normal processing really takes time. Thank God He made it all happen. So here's the time line of how it all happened.

The following events happened in Manila time:

March 11, 2006 Saturday Client called in and was told that I will be flying the following saturday to California
March 13, 2006 Monday Scheduled an interview at US Embassy;
had to renegotiate for emergency purposes
March 15, 2006 Interview at the US Embassy
March 17, 2006 Courier delivered my visa at the office
March 18, 2006 flew to the United States

Amazing how God moved on this event in my life. I never thought that I could get to the US for free. Truly God makes a way when there seems to be no way as the song would say.

Life ain't fair....

2011-05-08T19:18:00.002+08:00

Yes life is not fair. Doing good things to others does not assure you that good things would happen to you as well. Being honest does not assure repentance or loyalty. Life is not fair at all. people will forget about you once they are done with you (well okay maybe not all) once that they don't have any use for you. so why don't you give a damn to what others would say to you. its a dog-eat-dog world. so go ahead and shamelessly reach for your own happiness.

Lumban Municipal Hall

2011-05-06T22:49:00.005+08:00

We were on our way to one of the churches on our visita iglesia list. While we were walking since there were no jeeps en-route to our destination, I noticed this old structure from a far nicely preserved.

As we approached the structure we learned that it is the Lumban Municipal Hall. It felt good that a local government preserved a piece of history instead of altering it.

Lumban is a 4th class Municipality and is one of the oldest town in Laguna.

Villa Tortuga: Back to the time of elegance

2011-05-05T00:49:00.005+08:00

Step back into the 19th century and relive the era where elegance was part of everyone's daily living in the Philippines.

I was invited to Taal, Batangas' first ever El Pasubat Festival and I was so excited to see the town, as I have heard that they have beautiful heritage houses.

I took the Jam bus in Buendia, Makati and arrived at the bus terminal in Lemery, Batangas at about 7PM. The bus usually passes by the Taal town proper but due to the festival, the local government closed the main road. I then negotiated with a tricycle driver for a special trip (50 pesos) to where we will be staying for the night in taal.

The driver thought that I was a local and I on the other hand thought that he knew where I was going. I told him to take me to Marcela Agoncillo's house as the place we will be staying is just three houses from the said landmark.

As we were driving around, it was sad to learn that most of the people that we asked for directions didn't knew where the house actually is.

We drove around a little more and finally we found it. Welcome to Villa Tortuga!

Villa Tortuga is an old Andalusian type house situated beside the Pansipit River. The name of the house came from the Spanish word "Tortuga" which means Turtle in English. This is because it is said that turtles lives on the river beside it, and true enough some of the staff of the house caught a turtle in the river earlier during the day, they then set the turtle back to the river the following day.

I knocked at the door of this completely unassuming house. I started thinking that no one could hear me from where i was, so I decided to go inside the property since the gate was open. I started to call attention again and fortunately Mr. Rogie Reyes was able to hear me. He then told me to go upstairs.

As I enter the main door a grand staircase welcomed me. Filled with big shells on the side this grand stair case leads up to the main floor of the house.

Most, if not all Andalusian houses in the Philippines have their main floors on the second level while the lower floors are used to house the garage and may also house grains from the farm.

Once upstairs I was overwhelmed with the interiors of the house. It felt like I was transported back in time where people really takes time to make their houses beautiful.

As I set my feet on the upper level I was greeted by a beautiful round table in the receiving area. The walls of the hall was adorned with old photographs inside elaborately designed frames which are part of the owner's collection.

The house has antique furnishings and decorations including old statues of saints that adds up that old world charm to the house

The house was lit by beautiful chandeliers and wall lighting fixtures. The lighting of the house really made me feel that I was as if transported back to the time of the Spaniards.

I waited for a while for my friends to come back from the town plaza where they walked around. After a while they arrived. Our gracious host, fashion designer Lito Perez showed us or room. At this point I still can't take the smile out of my face, I was still overwhelmed.

Our host took us to a couple of heritage houses known as "Bahay sa Kanluran" of the Orosa's and "Casa Conchita" of the Alcasid's. After our short tour of the houses we went back and retire for the night.

The following morning was the day of the Festival Parade. We got up early to catch the morning parade on the street. The parade was good since it was the first time that they ever held such event in Taal, but I'm sure that the next one would be great.

Right after the parade we went back to the villa to eat breakfast for energy that we very much need for the Visita de las Casas activity.

They highlight of the day was our colonial lunch. We ate at the main dining room of the villa complete with native and Spanish dishes.

I specially love the cooked tawilis on tomato. The table was so elegant that all of us took pictures of it before we sit on the tables.

The house was also part of the Visita de las Casas activity of the festival. So we dressed up on 19th Century colonial clothing to portray a tableau of a 19th Century gathering and it was a lot of fun playing our roles.

The author seated second from the left (in white)

The villa has a souvenir shop and photo studio which houses dozens of costumes that you can wear while eating to emulate that old world feel or maybe just take a family photo.

As a photographer my self, I couldn't pass the opportunity to shoot a couple of frames, I could not resist, the setting was perfect!

I wandered around the house to admire the classic pieces in the villa. There are pieces that dates back to our ancestors of which I am grateful that they have been preserved.

After the houses' owner's presentation for the Visita de las Casas, we went back to our regular clothes to tour other heritage houses. As I step outside the house I observed that there are still a number of heritage houses lining the street.

Our day ended after touring the old heritage houses and visiting the old tall town just beside the lake.

I had a feeling that the house was too familiar for me so I asked the owner of the villa if the house has been featured in a Sunday night and as expected I was right, the house was indeed featured.

If you want to enjoy and relive a mestizo or maybe an illustrado's life even just for a day, stay at Villa Tortuga.

You may contact Joel Aldor
ILLUMINATI TRAVEL AND TOURS PHILIPPINES
Unit 3, #8225 Vicmar Bldg., Constancia St.,
Brgy., Olympia, Makati City 1207
Mobile +639174797015

But for now, enjoy this episode of UrbanZone where the house was show

My Small Beginnings In Photography

2011-05-03T16:27:00.002+08:00

I was waiting for my mom to finish using the net book that I use to surf (I use a netbook to surf to save on electricity as a desktop computer uses too much energy) when I tried to clear my table from all of the clutter on it so I could edit some photos on my desktop, when I found my old Digicam.

I looked for spare batteries to try it. I laughed a lot thinking that the small 1.5 inch LCD display was enough for me way back.

It is an Olympus digital point and shoot camera that I bought at Best Buy on Victory lane in Burbank on a business trip in California on 2006. It's a 5.1 megapixel camera which I think was not so bad back at those time. I didn't thought that I could ever afford to buy one, as one of the office guys told me that I could save about a couple of thousand pesos only if I buy in the states.

However, to my surprise the camera costs less than $130 which if I converted at that time to Philippine pesos was just a little over 6,000 pesos. When I got back here in Manila I went around and canvas on how much my camera costs here. Again I was surprised with how much I saved! The camera costs 18,000 pesos at that time and I got it at a third of its price.

I feel so blessed that I got the to own one of these. I owe it to this small point-and-shoot camera the start of my photography career. With this small camera I was able to enter the world of light and show everyone how I see the world through my eyes.

I always encourage people who loves to get into photography to start even with just a poin-and-shoot cam as you can learn a lot of things that you can later apply when you have your big cam already.

here are some of the photos I took with this camera.

May be my passion for my art was the driving force for me to create such images even with such basic equipments. I am grateful to this camera for letting me in the world of photography.

So go out today and shoot!

Cheers!

Laguna Church Series: San Juan Bautista Church

2011-04-29T03:45:00.006+08:00

The Neglected Church: San Juan Bautista Church

While most of the old Churches would boast about how old their structures are, this particular church though its age shows its antiquity cannot do the same. No one knows when the church was really built as most of the documents and things in the church were lost.

For over 40 years the church was taken for granted when the parish was transfered to another location. During that time no one took care of the structure and unfortunately the church had to be retrofitted with a new roof because of the damages it sustained from natural calamities, and due to the construction the important parts of the church had to be torn down as well.

Bas relief of saint john baptizing Christ

The patron saint of the parish atop the entrance arch

View of the bell tower from what is left of a convent

Still there are treasures to be found inside the church. slowly they are rebuilding the parish bit by bit, one parishioner at a time.I particularly love this church because it is one of the few churches that faces the Laguna lake. I pray that this beautiful parish recovers and bring back the people back to this church.

For more information about tours for the Laguna Churches you may contact
Joel Aldor
ILLUMINATI TRAVEL AND TOURS PHILIPPINES
Unit 3, #8225 Vicmar Bldg., Constancia St.,
Brgy., Olympia, Makati City 1207
Mobile +639174797015

Infanta, Quezon: Rituals of repentance, April 22, 2011

2011-04-24T01:29:00.007+08:00

The Philippines is full of traditions and customs, one of them is self flagellation of penitents.

Came in ten minutes late at the Raymond Bus Terminal in Manila and missed the 7PM bus, so we had to wait for the next trip. But the next trip is already fully booked as per the reservation officer. but we need to be in Infanta, Quezon by at least 2AM. So we took our chances and rode the 9PM bus. one of us had to sit on the floor near the driver as there really was no seat reserved for us. Luckily the conductor found empty seats as he organized some of the passengers while collecting fare.

We arrived in Infanta, Quezon at about 2:15 AM. Bought some cookies and a chocolate crinkle at a bakeshop and had some coffee at a Big Mak burger stand.

After eating we walked around and looking for penitents until we reached the Infanta Church. We couldn't find any one so we asked around for information and we were directed to a certain street where most of the penitents are coming from.

As we were walking my photography bud saw this lugawan (congee) serving lugaw with kalabaw meat (congee with carabao meet) and since it was still early like the locals said, we decided to eat... again! ( lol )

When we finished our congee we walked around again asking locals some more information about their tradition. They say that the penitents go to the church and then goes to a river or the beach to wash them selves.

At about 3AM right in front of us with our very own eyes, we saw the first few penitents walking from the dark. I was stunned as if I saw a ghost. It was so surreal, I found my self standing unable to think what to do next. Then my friend told me to shoot, I replied "sige ikaw na muna". I was trying to digest the imagery until i finally came to my senses and took my first shot.

A penitent's saya, panyabat and tucarol

What's unique about the penitents in Infanta, Quezon is that they start their rituals before sunrise just before sunrise. The reason to this as one of the penitents say is that it takes time to numb them selves before they scathe their selves to bleed.

A penitent waiting for his back to be cut.

One of the penitents who started early. His back looks like has ex-foliated his top skin already

Just like what the locals that we asked the penitents went in front of the Infanta Church where they prayed for their thanks giving or requests.

Penitents praying in front of the church

After praying they go back to the streets of the poblacion to continue their penitence.

The picture looks blurry but i like it. It seems like the images are moving when you look at them.

A man holds a surgical blade that he uses to cut the backs of the penitents. He says that it is his own devotion to cut penitent's backs during the holy week.

Sunlight has broken and they have not stopped still, I can now see better the extent of the damage they have inflicted to them selves.

a penitent standin on the streets while the sun continous to rise.

After a while they left the poblacion and converged into this place. I asked them where they are heading the penitent just said "sa tulay" (to the bridge). I asked him if they are to wash them selves there after flagellating them selves and he said no.

We decided to follow them and looked at what they would do. While waking we saw other people also headed to the bridge as well.

When we got to the place, we saw them continuing to hit them selves. It was a small barangay road, I asked around and I guess the reason they gather at this place is its proximity to the beach where they will clean them selves.

A foreigner trying to get a picture of the penitent.

A penitent's side that seems to be skinned off already.

Once again they line up the streets while self flagellating.

A penitent catching up with his comrades.

Another person part of this ritual is the one who has the devotion to give lambanog to the penitents. Penitents drink lambanog while self flagellating to make it more tolerable for them.

From time to time they wash their blood drenched panyabats in water, that is why you should keep your distance from them if you don't like your shirts to get bloody like mine.

We decided to leave already and head to another place until we found this small shack where some of the penitents continue to self flagellate.

Penitents actually ask other people to hit their backs for them so that the blood (im just not sure if the blood that has came out or the hemorrhage forming) would look even

Finally we decided to leave

We all have our way of saying sorry or asking for forgiveness. Though this is a culture rich event let us not forget that the true penitence happens in our hearts. After all the physical abuse that we did to our self let us stay silent and listen to God.

You can check the rest of the photos HERE or you can go to my site at www.facebook.com/iandpPhotography thanks!

_____________________________________________________________

Directions going to infanta

You can take a Raymond bus going straight to infanta. The fare is 185 pesos on a regular bus. you can walk around the town center or you may also take a tricycle to the beach which is about half a kilometer from the town center.

You can also check out the beaches of real Quezon while you're at it.

Corregidor: Reliving the battles fought.

2011-04-20T20:01:00.008+08:00

Cradle of Noble Heroes as what this land is known for. A land that has fought so many battles to satisfy its thirst for freedom.

During the World War II one of the most significant battles were fought on a small island guarding the mouth of Manila bay called the island of Corregidor.

Source: zulu.ssc.nasa.gov & Wikipedia

About 48 kilometers (29.82 miles) from Manila this tadpole shaped island is accessible through a 1 hour and 45 minutes ferry ride from the Cultural Center of the Philippines via Sun Cruise

View of Manila from afar on board the MV Sun Cruiser

Our Fast Craft MV SUn Cruiser II Approching the island

Upon reaching Corregidor Port we were taken by a tram around the island. The tram buses really were charming as it is open air that would let you enjoy the breeze from the sea.

View on top of a hill on board the tram

The island served as the headquarters of the Alliance and the Philippine Commonwealth Government during World War II. It was also divided into four divisions the topside, middle side, bottom side and tail side.

Building for Filipino Generals

Although the Americans and Filipinos fought side by side during the war Filipino and American Generals and Soldiers had separate barracks.

After the war there was not a single tree to be found in the island. The military was able to count that the island endured 16,000 bombing from the Japanese during the war until they lost count as the bombing continued.

The island was then reforested, using a helicopter the government spread Ipil seeds. Over the years other trees were added giving visitors of today cool tree shades that makes the island conducive to walking.

Pathway to one of the batteries

Our first stop was Battery Way. there are about four canyons in this battery. They were used to bomb airplanes and ships that attempts to enter Manila by the bay.

Shelter at Battery Way

Battery Way Canyons

The author on one of the canyons

Battery Way

One of the shelters being explored by ivanlakwatsero

Canyon Coil Springs

Monuments are also to be found in the island commemorating the soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom

Standing on the highest part of Corregidor's Topside is the Pacific War Memorial, which was built by the United States Government to honor the Filipino and American soldiers who participated in World War II. It was completed in 1968 at the cost of three million dollars. The major memorial structure is a rotunda with a circular altar directly under the dome's oculusthrough which light falls on the altar during daylight hours. Located behind the Memorial is the Eternal Flame of Freedom, a 40 feet (12 m) Corten steel structure commissioned toAristides Demetrios symbolizing freedom.^{[5] (information from wikipedia)}

Pacific War Memorial

At the far end of the Pacific War Memorial stands the Eternal Flame Monument. The monument overlooks the rest of the island and the Manila Bay

Eternal Flame Monument

A Spanish Lighthouse can also be found in Corregidor. It was used to guide the ships coming in the Manila Bay. The lighthouse is still used up to this day.

Spanish Light House

building ruins

After the tour we ate our lunch at the Corregidor Inn, the Island's only hotel. Lunch was served buffet style and the would not disappoint you. I specially like the carbonara as it brought me to butter haven.

Plateful of carbs =) @ Corregidor Inn

It was specially nice to eat at the veranda of the hotel restaurant while the cool breeze blows at you while looking at the serene ocean.

View of Manila Bay from the restaurant veranda

By 2pm our ship back to Manila arrived. I was full of inspiration and was really proud about our history. We were able to explore and learn the stories behind the ruins of the structures in the island, learn about the hardships that they had to go through in the tunnels to shield them from the bombs and fight the Japanese invaders.

As a Filipino I feel that every one should be able to visit this island and learn about how our brothers both Filipino and Americans have given up their lives and pay them due respects.

Experience Corregidor and travel back in time through Sun Cruise's package tours. I love the fact that you actually don't need to bring that much, just your self and maybe a bottle of water or snack which in case you forget you can still buy in the fast craft that would take you to the Island. To simply put Sun Cruises would take care of you once you step on board the craft till you get back in Manila.

Overnight Packages are also available plus an optional Malinta Tunnel tour for just an additional 150 pesos. That I will definitely try when I go back to the Island.

For more information you can contact Sun Cruises which is located at the Manila Bay

Reservations Office
CCP Terminal A. CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (632) 831-8140,(632) 834-6857 to 58
Fax No. (632) 834-1523
E-mail: suncruises@magsaysay.com.ph

Sales Office
21st Floor Times Plaza Bldg., Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (632) 527-555 local 4511 and 4512
Fax No. (632) 527-5555 local 4513
E-mail: sales@suncruises.com.ph

Corregidor Inn
Corregidor Island, Cavite
Mobile: 0917-5276350
E-mail: corregidor_inn@suncruises.com.ph

Website:http://www.corregidorphilippines.com

My Very First Aliwan Festival April 16, 2011

2011-04-17T02:27:00.015+08:00

It was already past 5PM I was stuck covering a party for a client. Our contract expired about an hour ago but I am lenient with giving my clients with extra time to wrap things up but this time they haven't even sang the birthday song yet. I felt like I wanted to just run away... but then I haven't been payed yet... lol.

At about 5:30 when I had the chance to finally take off. Walked my way out of this very fine village in Quezon City, rode a tricycle then a bus bound to Taft avenue. I got off at Pedro Gil and took the LRT all the way to Vito Cruz. From the train station I walked my self a good 4 to 5 blocks maybe instead of taking the shuttle to the Cultural Center of the Philippines as traffic was really bad because of closed roads.

After walking a few minutes the crowd walking gets thicker. Suddenly I heard drums started beating into rhythm at last I have finally reach my destination! Hello Aliwan 2011!

I am not a festival goer kind of traveler. Why? Well, I live in Valenzuela in a barangay very near to two well attended feasts, The San Roque and The Obando festival. Maybe most of you have not heard of the first one but I'm sure that you know the fertility festival of Obando.

Festival Dancers

The first one celebrates the feast day of the barangay's patron saint, yep just a barangay not the whole town which maybe the reason why not every one is familiar with it. The festival includes a street dance with the devotees and not just those who entered the contest. Anyways I will post something about it after the celebration.

The later celebrates the three patron saints of Obando and yes it is the longest feast in the country. The thing that I don't like about Festivals is the huge crowd the come together all cramped up in one small area. But then again I thought, hey I wanna see what I have been missing hence my journey to the CCP.

This is the first time that I am attending the Aliwan Festival which was popularized as the the Mother of All Festivals as most of the festivals around the Philippines compete of being the best festival in the country by presenting their festival street dances.

I wasn't able to get a good seat because of my situation earlier so I maximized the time that I had and took pictures of the street dancers on their way to the CCP.

Suralla Festival Dancer

I got dissatisfied with the photos that I was getting on the streets as I didn't even had a tripod or a monopad with me so I really couldn't get a shot without using my flash, and I am really bad with night flash photography. So I decided to walk further to the performance area where they present their dances to the judges.

Ibon Ebon Festival Dancer

Maguidanao Float

Just as I expected a thick crowd was there and I couldn't get any closer to the fence as four to five people fronting me.

The Festival Stage and Performance Competition Area

Halamanan Festival Dancers Performing

I really couldn't get a good shot so I just decided to just take videos of it.

Halamanan Festival dancers in action

They installed big LED screens near the performance area so those who can't see it live can just watch it on the screens. I was able to catch the last few seconds of the Dinagyang Festival performance and oh it was so majestic.

Pangbenga Dancers getting ready to take the stage

As I continue to watch the dances with the drums beating in all might as I was just right behind them, I can't help but get teary as I realized that the Philippines is so beautiful and rich in culture. I regret not giving enough effort to travel to watch festivals as I may not have the opportunity to see them sooner. I may have to leave the country for the United States where I don't know what is waiting for me. I don't even know if they have festivals as rich and colorful as ours.

Performers from Mindanao

After seeing the Dancers from Maguindanao (if I am not mistaken) I decided to eat since I have not ate anything since breakfast to make it to my client's party. I went around the fast food chains in the area and they were all jam packed so I just decided to go home and rest.

On my way back walking to Vito Cruz I was still able to catch the Dancers from Mindoro with candles in glasses on their heads as they dance. I took a few pictures and kept on walking. Finally I was able to catch a Jeepney going home.

Lesson learned through this experience is to travel and not limit your self to things that you can while you can. Learn about the culture of your country. I was specially touched by the performances of those coming from Mindanao. It made me realized that the Philippines is so beautiful, so go around and experience it for your self and stop just watching it on an idiot box.

The Man that Can't Be Moved

2011-04-16T00:09:00.002+08:00

Because of a discussion happening somewhere in the internet, I remembered this song. Am not gonna talk much just listen.

Meeting the Philippine Travel Blog Pips

2011-04-14T02:17:00.001+08:00

Yeah I'm writing about it.... well I just wanted to share to you guys how wonderful the Philippine Travel Bloggers are... they are the nicest people that I have ever met... we had a great time in corregidor doing the adventure challenge and the zip line... well I'll be posting an entry soon so you guys would know how nice and fun the PTB pips are...

Ok now i think i can sleep.... good night world.... don't let the surot bite! =)

Bohol Trip March 17 - 20, 2011

2011-04-12T03:29:00.003+08:00

Dear Reader/Viewer,

I have taken down the video of my trip to Bohol to protect the privacy of the people in the video.

My apologies to all who had been affected of this post.

thanks
Ian

Happy People

2011-04-11T02:34:00.001+08:00

It's not that I don't like seeing happy people..... hmmmm or may be I really don't like seeing happy people? because it brings back memories. I don't like seeing fathers with their daughters carried on their arms because I remember my daughter when I use to hug her so tight until someone stole her from me. It never crossed my mind that someone could inflict so much pain and damage in my life like this as I have never hurt anyone in my life like this. I was careful about things because I don't want those things to happen to me. May be the saying that don't do to others what you don't want others do unto you is ain't real. Maybe it really is a dog-eat-dog world.... should I still care if I hurt people? should I pick up the lesson learn from a relationship to fuck everything off, hell do I care if I hurt you! so long as I get what I want? should I pick that up? because if you think about it if I try not to hurt anyone I still get hurt so why not hurt other people too that way we are equal... right?

Vlog

2011-04-10T17:53:00.001+08:00

Hi there!

I am currently trying to finish a vlog for all of you guys so please check really soon when I post it!

Happy Traveling! =)

ian

Boracay, Aklan November 2009

2011-04-06T02:45:00.006+08:00

I have been hearing about Boracay since the late 90's and way back then it was really expensive to get there but as I could see in the pictures of friends and acquaintances that you would not mind about how much you have spent just to get there.

On 2009 I finally got the chance to go to this enchanting island. I planned for me and my friend about two months in advance. I researched a lot before getting anything reserved and made sure that everything that I get was the best deal and here is how our trip costing turned out per head.

Airfare (roundtrip) 2,600
Transfers (from kalibo) 850
Hotel (7 days 6 nights) 2,000
TOTAL BASE COST 5,450

our plane at NAIA T3

Airfare

We booked through CebuPacific for our air travel. We chanced upon a seat sale sale but the dilemma is there's only one seat on sale left and there's two of traveling! So I just booked the last seat available and booked another one on a regular fare rate then I just divided the total amount into two to be fair.

view from our coaster on our way to caticlan from kalibo

Transfers

Our hotel offered airport-jetty port-hotel transfers and since we don't know the place and I don want my companion to get frustrated with getting to the hotel though that could have been a great adventure. Since it costs just 850 round trip for the transfers which is inclusive of everything as in we don't need to shell out anymore cash at all i opted to take the service as well as it sound to be a much cheaper option.

Hotel Accommodation

After searching for hours on the net I finally settled to take Boracay Courtyard which is La Carmela de Boracay's sister hotel, at that time they had a great promo. How good was the promo? Well since it was off peak season the rates were already low but with the promo I don't think that you would think twice anymore

The regular rate for a standard room costs about 1,000.00 pesos only but with the promo that they had at that time we were able to book six days at the cost of three days only! It was because they have this book two nights get one night free! Hence the total cost of 2,000 pesos per head for seven days six nights when split into two!

La Carmela de Boracay main building

The rate also included free buffet breakfast at La Carmela de Boracay so we spend eating almost half of the day at the buffet. My favorite was the scrambled egg which was overflowing! which also caused me gaining weight! lolz! Because it was a buffet breakfast we usually end up eating until the last serving is given at 11 AM, so we don't need to eat lunch any more and we could spend the whole afternoon exploring the beach.

breakfast all you can!

We were lucky enough to get the buffet breakfast because although it was a low season there were lots of people checked in at La Carmela because it was during the american Thanks Giving Holiday, if not we were only to get a plated dish.

our view while eating breakfast

Things we did in the Island

Beach bumming and Coffee.

Me and my companion are certified beach bums... hehehe... so we spent most of our time soaking under the sun during the day.

We are also coffee addicts so it was great to know the island has a Starbucks... =) we were so into having coffee that we searched for it the night we arrived in the island. unfortunately we were so tired that we gave up half way. Tired, we decided to go back to our hotel room and rest

The following day we made it a point to search for our place in the island... the coffee shop. After several minutes of walking we found the coffee shop! Happiness!

we spent more than half of our day playing tongits in the cafe. I think that is what's good when you are in a very long vacation since you don't have to worry about doing everything at a very short period of time.

enjoying the fine sand of boracay

Choriburger!

My friend has been to the island before and I was the virgin... hehe... but since I was the one who is good in bargain hunting I was the one who planned the trip. But one good thing about having someone with you who has been to the place during your trip is that they could share the things that they enjoyed a lot during their stay there.

One thing that they enjoyed was the faous Choriburger! now you might be asking WTF is a Choriburger? Well a choriburger is a burger who's patty has been substituted with a chorizo.... we searched and searched for the choriburger throughout white beach. We were almost giving up again but then a certain smell passed through my nose... I followed it... (hahaha sounded like a dog there) and found it and I can't believe that we didn't see it the first time we passed by that area it was just near our hotel room. You should try it and judge it for your self.

Fruitshakes.

After eating at La Carmela on thing that we love is sipping a fresh fruit shake while soaking under the sun on the beach. My friend also brought me to this famous place for shakes where they put the shakes on recycled plastic bottles. But in general I love the fact that you can buy fruit shakes almost anywhere we go.

Friday's Boracay

We have been meaning to go to Friday's Boracay ever since we got to the island but will power was an issue since all we wanted to do was lay on the beach. But on our last night on the beach we finally decided to go to the other side of the beach and eat our dinner at Friday's.

We walked back to the road at the back of white beach and rode a tricycle to Friday's. The tricycle took us inside the compound. Friday's Boracay is right just beside Discovery Shores, we walked downhill and into the white sand beach of station 1.

The sand on station 1 was the purest that you could see on the island but there was something else that stole my attention and scene stealer! But if you come to think about it who can resist the beauty of a setting sun?

This is the sunset that I was able to catch right in time at Friday's Boracay. Pardon the low quality of videos and pictures since I wasn't able to bring a good camera that time. Also I lost many of my pictures because my external hard drive got corrupted T_T

Island Hopping

Manny pacquiao's resthouse on the side of the island
(as per manong bankero)

This manong who has been following and bugging us about island hopping and snorkeling for a few days already. We asked other people about island hopping and found that he actually has the lowest rate of all of them. we got to island hop for just 1500.00 which includes the snorkeling equipment. The only thing excluded for the fee was the environmental fee that you pay when you snorkel. The person who collects the fee will get to your outrigger once you are at the location. I was actually surprise to find the man collecting the fee and started to wonder where did he came from or was with us since we left the beach and just didn't notice him?

One of the caves at Crystal Cave Island

Church

It was a Sunday and I was at no bargain mode when it comes to going to church, besides the church in the island it self is a tourist attraction. It has this beautiful mosaic on its facade that has this tropical feel.

Boracay Island Church Facade

Holy Water holders

Fuseball

This was at Hey Jude Bar this is the where my friend introduced me to this addictive game.

Fuseball

more of fuseball!!!!

Sand Castles

I recently read on an article that sandcastles may not be seen that often or not at all anymore. The article said that the local government will be implementing the law to prevent the landscape from further changing. They will only allow sandcastles to be built on the beach for special occasions or for promotional purposes only. And they have to apply for a permit for that.... imagine you need a permit to build a sand castle? weird. But don't worry about your children building sandcastles because tourists aren't included in the law unless you intend to make some money out of your castle.

glad I have a picture of me on a sand castle

One thing that you should not forget to do is to walk from station 1 to stations three! plus it would guarantee you to see all of the attractions on the beach like fire dancers, bands, parties! We walked all the way from station 1 to our hotel after we ate dinner at Friday's

My walk along the beach during day light

bought a bag made of net at this store which i use every time
i go swim at rizal memorial. they also sell flipflops

Dinner at Red Coconut

Chose to have dinner here because of the live band that they had which we really enjoyed.

Anyways the trip was awesome like I mentioned we spent most of our time lying on the sand worshiping the sun during the day and watching the stars at night. I think that its a good time to visit the island during Thanks Giving as we experienced the not so crowded island yet get to see it as alive as it could be.

HAHA! sand got into my eyes on this picture! and I was also squinting because the sun was so bright!

I really had a lot of fun at the island. I sure hope that I could go back there but I have another island in mind for my next island trip..... carabao island! yay! but that's for another blog dear friends.... =)

BTW.... when we were going home, we almost missed our flight because of the huge korean crowd that was blocking the airport entrance. we were almost hopeless to get in. good thing we approached the security personnel. what an adventure!

Going home =(

Manila Bay Sunset February 18, 2011

2011-04-03T15:49:00.007+08:00

(note: this is an entry from another blog of mine which i decided to close. I also added the video of the sunset at i have taken a picture of as seen below. Enjoy!)

One gloomy afternoon I decided to walk along the break water walls of Manila Bay along Roxas Blvd.

I could not help but admire the beauty of the bay. And as scientifically proven the most beautiful sunset can only be seen here at Manila bay.

The photo below does not have any retouches. its just the natural beauty of the bay.

Here's the video of that same sunset..

As I stood on top of the wall. I found kids putting clothes on after they have dipped into the waters of the bay. I just hope that the bay was cleaner so that it would be safer for these kids to actually enjoy the beach.

I walked some more toward the Cultural Center of the Philippines and passed by the Manila Yatch Club. The clouds seemed to be begging to be photographed. I could not pass the opportunity so I shoot.

As i processed these photos I cant help but think, these photos would confuse you if its dusk or dawn..... that is the beauty of the photographs that I have taken that day. I love Manila and forever I will.

Do not be afraid to walk along the bay area. Yes, the establishments there may have been removed there by Mayor Alfredo lim which I think is one of his worst moves, as the establishments not just gives entertainment to the people who go there but a sense of security as well.

There are now many beggars and homeless people sleeping around this area and what a shame that a place that has been given new life and has been put into good use has been murdered.

Visit us also @ www.facebook.com/iandpPhotography

Tawiran, Obando, Bulacan

2011-03-31T09:00:00.005+08:00

I was bored and my feet are itching to walk and travel. I also just recently got my driver's license so you know the feeling right? I wanted to take photos and take all these restlessness that I was feeling away.

I left home around 4:00 PM and drove for about 30 to 45 minutes north of my house. My destination is a bridge near the Bulacan-Obando border more popularly known as the Tawiran Bridge.

I remember when we were much younger my parents would bring us to that bridge early in the morning to catch some sunshine vitamins.

It has been a long time since I have been there so on a lazy afternoon I decided to visit it again.

I arrived just before sunset I arrived at the bridge. I saw that the DPWH dredging machine was still there to regularly dredge the river which also serves as a gateway to Manila Bay for fishermen.

DPWH Dredging Machine

I spent sometime reminiscing and feeling the strong wind blowing on my face. The air was fresh and there were other people enjoying the same on the bridge.

My bike on the bridge

Gliding on the wind were birds. I don't know what kind of birds they are but I enjoyed watching at them gliding on the strong winds coming from the east.

Birds flying near the beside the bridge.

As soon as the sun started to descend the fishermen parked below the bridge started departing navigating towards the west where the Manila bay is. My dad said that on a clear cloudless day you could even see the Bataan Death March Monument across the horizon. But it was cloudy on that side of the island so I was of no luck.

On the eastern side of the bridge I could see TV Station transmitters from Quezon city. But I was there to see the light show that God prepared for me that day so I focused more on the west side.

Fishermen navigating westward

As much as I would love to stay longer, I couldn't because my bike's headlights are not of top condition so it would be hard for me to drive home if becomes much darker.

While I was driving I couldn't help but notice the beauty of the sky. I sporadically stopped along the way to take some pictures.

Fishpens on both sides of the road - east side

Fishpen - west side

This is the view I saw as I looked at my side mirror.

I got home by past 6:00 PM and was really tired but I couldn't help my self but look at the photos that I have taken.

Tearjerker....

2011-03-31T02:15:00.002+08:00

I was watching MU Live (formerly Music Uplate Live) and they guested Erik Santos on the show. He sang on the show the theme song of this movie which he also sang.

I love tagalog movies in general specially the Bea-John Loyd tandems but this movie has a special place for me. It was the first movie that I cried at when I watched it in a Cinema around February last year and I don't usually watch movies in movie theaters.,,, hahaha yeah I know its embarassing.... but yeah the movie was really good.

Oh yeah I like the sound track too..... so here you go!

Thats it for now.... i'll post a blog about my trip earlier tomorrow morning....

Baliuag, Bulacan

2011-03-29T19:46:00.004+08:00

This place may not be my favorite place on earth but it is where I often go to unwind. This is where my friend Jr De Guzman lives just right across the University of Baliwag annex building.

You can go to Baliwag you can take buses like 5Star or Baliwag Transit bound to either Baliwag or Cabanatuan and ask the driver where you could get off going to Baliwag. The fare costs about 75 pesos from the Cubao terminal of Baliwag transit.

I got off the bus at the city center where the St. Augustine Parish Church stands I don’t know how old the church is but I think this is a post war church.

There’s also a statue of the virigin Mary inside the church compound It faces the plaza that locals call glorieta.

Beside the glorieta stand the Baliuag clock tower which is the only self-supporting clock tower in Bulacan. Baliuag is also the place where the first ever elections were held in the Far east on 1899

During the holy week you can also catch a more than an hour long procession of images of saints showing the life and passion of Christ.

Convent attached to the church

Baliuag Clock Tower

We rested the whole day eating in their “Carinderia” and lounging in their garden. We didn’t really notice that it was already night time. So right after dinner we decided to stroll around the town.

We found this “lugawan” or “Congee food shop” near the church and what makes it unique is that it is housed inside an old cinema. After eating so much lugaw and talking the night away we decided to retire already and headed home.

The lobby and entrance to the cinema this is where the tables are when we were eating. kinda creepy but its a unique experience

Morning came and we decided to go to the local cemetery. As my friend said you want peace and quite? Okay ill take you to peace and quite hence he took us to the memorial park. Funny as it may seem but yeah it was really peaceful and quiet.

It was odd to find someone selling pizza inside the cemetery so we bought a whole box and ate it there. We were thinking who would buy pizza in a cemetery, and after a few thought I realized hey, we bought one. lolz.

Pizza for only 55 pesos a box

JR Climbing on a tree

I guess it’s really a good thing to go to local cemeteries as it completes your journey as you learn the life of how people live in a certain place by seeing different architectures. It completes the journey.

Cemetery Garden Plaza

The Lawn

Love the rows of trees lining the rows of mausoleums.

Back at home my friend’s mom was making a client’s order of about less than a hundred packs of spaghetti. It looked really fun so we helped some in making the packs

Spaghetti Galore!!!

After making we delivered the orders to the client which we found out that she will be distributing it to street children in the town as a pledge for the Christmas Season.

JR driving his car to their client's house.

after taking lunch I took a little nap that rolled into a few hours of sleep and when I was asleep my two friends decided to roam around town again. So they took off without me!!! grrr!!!

When they came back they told me that they went on a local park (yes at night!) and had some coffee.

JR having coffee

Well sadly my Baliuag Vacation ended by going home the following morning as I needed to run some errands at home.

Birthday Gig

2011-03-28T01:14:00.001+08:00

Like i mentioned on my previous post. I thank God for the work that He gave me on my Birthday. Yeah I was actually happy that I was working on my day. Ironic isn't it? Well this is what I love to do and to actually get hired for something that you really want to do is awesome.

One thing that I really like about kiddie parties is that you get to enjoy it along with the kids since it is their special day and it feels good to play with them.

oh gosh I just wish I had mine with me... anyways here are some of the work that I did on that day.

For more photos click Here

the Celebrant

AJ busy with his spaghetti

Cupcakes for everyone!

Work on a 3/26

2011-03-26T10:02:00.001+08:00

Got up early today. This is the first time that I am going to say this "THANK GOD FOR THE WORK HE GAVE ME FOR TODAY" oh yeah work on my birthday and I am thanking him for this~ =)

Pain Management

2011-03-23T21:42:00.001+08:00

I don't know how to manage this pain anymore.

I have tried for several months to just forget but every time I see a father and daughter together it just strikes me right on the spot.

I cannot contain this anymore. Just when I mustered the courage to call her, i cannot reach her.

how can I ever do this. I just wish some body would just point a gun into my head and pull the trigger.

Right now I'm thinking what on earth have I done to deserve all of these.

I wish it was just as easy as shutting the door out and its done. but hey if someone would just pull the trigger its all done.

So what have I done?

I don't know who ever you are or if there's really anyone out there reading this stupid blog of mine that has been my shock absorber, but i thank you for listening.

i think i need some lorazepam and isoflurane.