Urban Sketchers | Caught Again By My First Love

(c) Urban Sketchers Philippines

 MANILA, Philippines -- Again, I was back in by beloved Manila City for my involvement  to Urban Sketchers Philippines for the first time. Hahaha! Another network and something to engage with whenever boredom hit me. 

SHUTTER SNAPS : Night Scenes Within the Wall

Chasing Sunset | A Poem

Chasing Sunset
by Galaero 

Under the Moon Bow [Moon Rainbow]

Seen on the headlines of  news in TV tonight, I hurriedly went in our roof top to personally see this phenomenon -- Moon Ring, Moon Halo or the Moon Bow.

The ring around the moon was caused by the refraction of the moonlight on million of ice crystals on the sky tonight. The shape of the ice crystals results in focusing the light into the ring.

Certified Batang 90's [90's Kids]

I was born in the late 80's (1988 to be exact) but my childhood days was spent during the 90's. Definitely, it was the most memorable part of my existence. It was the decade of my life when I was freely playing around with my young peers and not minding what my tomorrow will be as an adult me does.

And just this last Sunday of September, I coincidentally witnessed the memoirs of my juvenile age. It was thru 90's << Naalala Mo Pa Ba? Exhibit in part of the "Intramuros Pasyal Sunday" with the effort of Philippine Art 164 Class from UP Manila.

If you really are 90's kid what must be the 90's things that stored in your memory? Let me give you some of these and refresh all our 90's days.

Intramuros Pasyal Sunday

Imagine the city or a busy street without cars passing by. Unusual isn't it? But this was made possible on a street of the Walled City of Intramuros -- Gen. Luna Street which is adjacent to the Oldest Baroque Church in the Philippines -- San Agustine Church.

That car-less street was conjuncted in celebration of "International Car-Free Day, Intramuros Pasyal Sunday was brought by Intramuros Administration, Manila Bulletin, and the Manila Collectibles.

Simple Joys

It was 8th day of August 2013, the day before the holiday in celebration of Eid'l Fitr (our muslim brothers' celebration), 'was 5 PM then and I hurriedly left the office. I was excited for that day to end because of the long weekend. My excitement has nothing to do with another travel escape but for me to enjoy being at home for at least that weekend (homebody mode!!!...hehehe).

 

 As I was about to pay my ticket, I saw a post placed on top of the ticketing counter at Philippine National Railways (PNR) Magallanes station. Written on it was the quote "Smile ka rin. Konti lang". Upon seeing it, a smile flashed on my face and it suddenly reminded me of the fast food restaurant commercial using that lines. The one with siblings (an older brother with down syndrome and his younger brother) talking about their crush while eating. That really made my day!

 

 

Just Saying: When Greed Strikes!

(c) The Manila Times

Year 2010, a turning point, a new president was elected and the stage of leadership was again passed to the lineage of Aquinos. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino as we call him PNoy (President Noy). If not of his parents who have been so love by Filipinos, probably he wouldn't be in the position. His campaign slogan has put marked and prevailed promising a "Tuwid na Daan".

Now, three years in the seat, and to be fair to him, we've really seen his effort to make effect his promises. I personally felt and seen it the "Daang Matuwid" but not in it full blown. Naahh! As usual politics!

On his term, our economy have grown dramatically and just recently declared as the fastest in the region. Laws and rules have been implemented and somehow put into action. From the "anti-wangwang" policy for the government officials up to the protection of our sovereignty, the president is truly on the move. He is even trying hard to extract the remaining crocs and dissiminate dirty transactions on government offices.

Just recently on his SONA, he has been tactless while saying his words of disappointment to certain bureau where in culture of corruption is still prevalent and even fired some officials of it. (I would like to commend the president on this).

Now, rolling out on the news is the PDAF issue or the 10B Php pork barrel scam. Expose' and witnesses are coming out against the allegedly scam queen Janet Napoles that involved several lawmakers from the senatorial position up to the congress. The pork barrel scam supposedly for Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) was diverted into fake NGOs.

The fund that must be allocated in agricultural sector to distribute to our local farmers was shared by few. And this Napoleses were said now hiding due to issuance of warrant of arrest filed for illegal detention of main whistle blower, Benhur Lui.

It saddens and made me almost into tears knowing that there are people as greedy as them and seems so callous regardless of others stature. Poverty rate in the country remain escalating. And that multi-billion amount of money if used in the right allocation, could help our millions of countrymen who are on and below poverty line. Grrrr...Nakakagigil!

Besides, my sympathy also goes to the tax payers like me and you. That money could have created many project for social and national development than in the pocket of our corrupt officials. We know that it isn't the lone case that corruption has been exposed. We heard and have seen a lot of it. What fear me is that this issue might be overwrite and be set aside again. Politician that was involved to it may not be track because of "padrino" system prevailing in our government. The sacrifice and effort made by witnesses will again be wasted.

Until the greed strikes and remain in our culture particularly those in the position, our long time desire of full transformation will be like a scene in foggy mountain. The view was perfect on distant low lying area but is being block by the thick clouds. What we badly needed is the sun rays that will wipe out the cloud. We are one of the rays that will bring the heat. May pakialam tayo dahil kahit papaano apektado tayo dito. We may not felt it individually but we feel it as a citizen of this nation.

The battle for corruption has never been easy and it will never be. But as long as we believe for a true change and let ourselves be aware of our state, in the end, the price we pay is worth it and let us remain holding on our dignity.

Change starts from us.

Just Saying!  

Just Saying: Where did demoracy brought us?!

(c) The Manila Times 

It's been 30 years since the late Ninoy Aquino has been assassinated. He who also the reason that ended the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and put into presidency our first woman president, Cory Aquino.

But after that so many years which I believe that we as free nation have gain maturity and learned from all these, did we really attained the definite fruit of liberation from a regime which we consider  the dark days of our nation's post colonial government? Or have we interpreted it into a different understanding? Have we been overwhelmed by the overflowing democracy brought by "People Power " movement and made undisciplined citizen? Or has it worsen more the corruption and can't get rid off the crocs in our government?
 

An English writer Peter Ustinov once savid that "Corruption is our nature's way of restoring our faith in democracy."

Yes, it did restored our hopes on democracy and promised that our nation will soon overcome its dire situation. However, it seems that things are not falling into the right place. Greed has never been eased thus became a culture. We have changed at least 3 presidents, the military man in Tobacco, the action star which has been ousted and the little woman who is also the daughter of 9th president of the republic, and today Aquino is on the seat, but still we're in the brim of poverty. The crocs has even became a professional corrupt.

Sad, but its true. But let's still hold on. We'll over come this!

Just saying! ;-)

I-Witness Documentaries

Really, I am an avid viewer of documentaries. In here I got lot of information about our country that serve as a wake up call. Also, it give me a thorough view of our deeper situation as a nation. Whether it  is dire or good, it encourages me to be a better citizen and explore more of our culture and practice our very own tradition. I know gradually, we are reaching the new phase of changes. I believe the said "Sick Man of Asia" is now on its recovery and we have to be part of it. It may not be felt as the moment but years from now, I know we will. How lucky the coming generations are. Our children, grandchildren and great great grand children, for they will experience a new Philippines. 

Thanks to these dokomentaristas who did a very well job. Informative and yet so moving!!! I strongly recommend this to watch rather watching movies and series. Steal some time for this and you will really like this. For my fellow travel enthusiast out there, this is a must watch!!! They feature travel sites. 

Photo credits to Philippine Star

Here are some of the Episodes that I already watched:

Ankla(Tambobo Bay) ni Sandra Aguinaldo
Kubling Yaman ng Cam Juan ni Sandra Aguinaldo
Lapu Lapu 
Lihim ng Bundok Kamhantik ni Kara David
Maculot ni Jay Taruc
Misteryo ng Bundok Manalmon ni Jay Taruc
Laki sa Lawa ni Howie Severino
Promdi City ni Kara David
Ang mga Dalagita ng Sapang Kawayan ni Kara David
Kinder na si Lola ni Kara David
Ambulansyang de Paa ni Kara David
Namimingwit sa Langit
And Huling Mambabatok (The Last Kalinga Tattoo Artist) ni Kara David
Batch 2012 ni Sandra Aguinaldo
Ang Kuwago ng Pahiyas ni Howie Severino
Mga Lihim ng Pamilya ni Rizal ni Howie Severino
Anino ng Cubao ni Cheche Lazaro
Hiram na mga Anghel (Hunter Syndrome) ni Sandra Aguinaldo
Lolo Lambanog ni Kara David
Muton (cable cart) ni Jay Taruc
Silong ni Kara David
Saplot ni Howie Severino
Mailap na Mangyan ni Kara David
Ang Buwaya ng Rio Tuba ni Kara David
Ang Tagong Boracay ni Howie Severino
Biyaheng EDSA ni Howie Severino
Itinaga sa Bato ni Howie Severino
Kamandag ng Palayan ni Kara David (story of Philippine cobra)
Ang Lihim ng Lumang Tulay (Featuring Philippine Colonial Bridges) ni Kara David

From Womb to Tomb: Hospicio de San Jose's Legacy, Service and Commitment

May 29, 2013, Wednesday.

I and my bosses (Sir RCS (our SVP) and Sir Gerry (my manager) were scheduled to do a field meeting in one of the property we are interested in. I arrived in the office today before 8:00 and to my surprise Sir Gerry met me in the lobby and told me that we are about to leave and RCS is coming near in office. I want to leave my bag in my cubicle but since we are in hurry I opted to bring it with me though it is a bit heavy. 

We  went to  Hospicio de San Jose, an orphanage located in an island at Pasig River. Also along Ayala bridge of Manila City . To give you background of Hospicio here are some by Coylee Gamboa,

 

"Cradled on a verdant island in the middle of the Pasig River is Hospicio de San Jose, home to babies, children, adults and elderly persons who have no other home in this world.

For 200 years, this charitable institution has accepted the poorest of the poor and families in crisis, and has sheltered them, fed them, clothed them, educated them, cared for them when they were sick or wounded, and helped them go on in this world. For infants and the children, able and not so able, they found families or restored them to their own whenever possible, and when neither was possible, harbored them for life and buried them when they passed away.

The Daughters of Charity, who have faithfully managed this institution for 145 years, have, in keeping with their Vincentian vows, loved Christ in the needy, for Christ said, "Whatever you do for the least of my brethren, you do unto me."

Within the walls of Hospicio, a.k.a. the House of St. Joseph, the Daughters of Charity and all who serve alongside them have found not only enough challenges to keep them busy, but also fulfillment in their calling, joy in service and gratitude for the amazing opportunity to see the hand of God at work daily for they live by His Providence."

Facade of Main Building wherein guests were catered.

The Value of Age 20's

Photo credit to planetromero.com

"Past is past" just one of the infamous quotes we heard when something went wrong. Or when realize such things we hve missed to do. In some, it is a sort of relief and excuse.

Last night, after two months of being pasaway(stubborn), I got chance to meet my spiritual family. I decided to go because I do really miss them and also to get updates about them. This gathering was set by our net leader, Kuya Dawen. I admire this effort of him. I knew in  the first place that there is something he wants to tell us. Perhaps, I assumed, this was due to frequent absences I made during Sunday Service but, the other reason, I just knew it there. I must admit, I'm guilty 'bout it.

For the past two months, I habitually went to gala (traveled almost every week) and sometimes preferred not to attend Sunday Service and just stayed at home. 

"Eternidad Segunda"

Photo credit to stuffpoimt.com

"Eternidad Segunda" 
Angel Crespo(Ciudad Real, 1926, Barcelona, 1996)

Lingua Español

Metis las manos en el agua.

Para pacerne a las islas.

Por mos dedos pasaba el mar.

Como el aire por las rendijas.

Por de bajo de mis palabras

las sirenas se perseguian.

Cuando quise volver a tierra 

yo no estaba la orilla.

My Bucket List

Career Plans...

To teach in my Alma Mater
Give up the corporate career(self-employed)
Travel Photographer (need to buy first pro camera)
Travel Blogger

Why am i doing this?

                                                                                                 Reasons Why I Travel...

...I travel to read each and every pages of this world we are living in
...I travel to experience various cultures and traditions
...I travel to eat local delicacies
...I travel for learning
...I travel because of my curiosity
...I travel to divert my usual activities
...I travel to relax
...I travel to escape


Reasons Why I Climb Mountains....