Miag-ao Church | A UNESCO World Heritage Site

MIAG-AO, Iloilo -- It never crosses my mind that I could see Sto.Tomas de Villanueva Church or the Miao-ao Church the soonest as this. This is the remaining among UNESCO Heritage Churches in the country that I haven't seen yet. So when I booked my flight to Iloilo City to watch Dinagyang Festival at first hand, I surely included  this heritage site in my itineraries. (To be continued...)

Janiuay Cemetery | Ilongos' Value for the Departed and Artistry

Just like San Joaquin Cemetery and among other historical sites of Iloilo, Janiuay Cemetery can also be found along the main road. For numbers Ilonggos, the town of Janiuay is connoted with its grand Filipino-Hispano cemetery. This cemetery became part of the diverse Spanish colonial sites of this history-rich province.

Cabatuan Cemetery | Striving the Modern Times

My fascination on colonial cemeteries grows out more when I had my tour in Iloilo. Cabatuan was the last town I visited during my stay there and its aged cemetery was my last stop. The daylight  was starting to hide and darkness is prevailing fast when we reached this heritage marvel. 

Cabatuan cemetery was built with the leadership of Fr. Juan Porras and was inaugurated on February 4, 1894. It is the only cemetery in the Philippines that has perfect square and is enclosed on all four sides with intricately-designed steel railing.

San Joaquin Cemetery | Grandeur and Beyond

  

Heritage tour in the Province of Iloilo shall not only include churches and ancestral houses but also colonial cemeteries dated back in Spanish occupation. And one of these is San Joaquin Cemetery. 

Built in 1892, the Campo Santo of Town of San Joaquin, one of the Iloilo's farthest town, have catered deads of the province for more than a century.

Molo Church

I only heard Molo as the popular noodle dish in Panay Island but my trip in Iloilo has allowed to set my feet on its land and see right before my eyes its beautiful church.

Molo Church is popular as the feminist Church dedicated to St. Anne, is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Molo District of Iloilo City in the Philippines. The church is one of the most familiar landmarks and tourist attractions in the city.

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.

Chocolate De Batirol | A Taste of Back to Traditional Tsokolate

"A Picture worth a thousand Words."

 For the mean time, pictures would be the only content of this post. Right after my architectural tasks I'll switch back on my blogger duty and relate about this traditional Tsokolate and the rest of December 2013 Baguio Trip! Happy viewing!



Alibijaban Series [Post 1] : Journey of Uncertainty

Now, I believe that bests were really saved for last....

Never thought that my supposedly Mt. Batulao climb would turned into spontaneous trip 10 hours ride from the Metro, a place not so popular to everyone and yet a paradise island that needs to be discovered. My fears and worries in traveling alone was eased by the warmest people I've met in this travel escape.

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.

National Museum of the Philippines [New Galleries]

To be able to have brief knowledge of such country, city, town or any place, a visit in the museum 

.........must include in travelers' destination. It gives a quick glimpse of history and cultural background 

Above was the Old Legislative Building and now serve as the "The National Art Gallery".

In celebration of "Museum and Gallery Month", the National Museum of the Philippines has opened its door for free. This will be free in the entire month of October including all the provincial branches. In Manila, there were two neo-classical government building was now converted into main museum. One is the Old Legislative Building which is now "The National Art Gallery". All the artworks like paintings, mural and sculptures made by our notable art genius (by Luna, Amorsolo, Hidalgo, Tolentino and among others) were well kept and preserved there.  The second one is the former Finance Building that now serves as the "Museum of the Filipino People". It houses cultural artifacts and collections unearthed by both foreign and local anthropologist.  

Paco Park and Cemetery | Serving Life's Two Destinations

Among the historical sites in Manila, Paco Cemetery/Park must be the most accessible in our house. It's just one jeepney ride away from home. In about 15 minutes, I could be in the park already. Although it is very much accessible in my place,  I just reached it last June of this year and the second time was this month of September. 

Barasoain Church Revisited

"Find the Cat." That was we're larking about when we still have the old 10 Peso bill made from paper. And please don't tell me you never did it or ever heard about it? That moment, we were eager to locate it and see if the animal was really there. Man, I honestly did that. But the truth is, there was no cat in the picture but a part of the church's façade mouldings. It just happened that it looks like a cat.

For the second time, I got the chance to take a peek again on the historical landmark after fifteen years. I was in the 3rd grade when the last time that I saw it with my bare eyes. It was part of the itineraries of our educational trip. We all know that in history record this edifice served significant roles not just in the Province of Bulacan but in the entire country.

The church was our first destination when we have our Malolos' Singkaban Festival.  Over the years, the church remain beautiful. Unlike any other old structure that went through rehabilitation, the rustic looks of the façade was preserved though modern times has reached it.

Caratig | Jeepney's Little Brother

A certain place become a distinct destination by its tourist spots, delicacies, culture and tradition. Hence, what makes a locality also unique is their mode of transportation.

 

If some locations of Visayas and Mindanao, have their habal habal, while Zamboanga has vintas and in the old city of Intramuros are roaming Calesas, the City of Malolos has their Jeepney! Yes a jeepney but not the ordinary one. It is a smaller version of the regular jeepey -- A Caratig.

 

 

This 10-seater (5 on both side) local bus has route going to Barasoain Church proper and to the town center. It served as our main conveying vehicle when we had our tour around the City of Malolos.  

 

Minimun fare is same as the regular jeepney--P8.00

So when you visit Malolos, surely you'll get the chance to ride on it.

 

St. Joseph the Worker Parish | SJDM, Bulacan

The fact that Bulacan has shared a significant role in our country most especially on colonial time. Perhaps, as one of the earliest province in Central Luzon, concentration of historic site is indeed diverse. Just like its neighboring provinces, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and among others, the province houses numbers of old structures. Churches must be the best example.

Aside from Barasaoin, the infamous Church which was once placed in an old version 10 peso bill, Bulacan has more old worship building. And one is located in San Jose Del Monte.-- The Saint Joseph the worker Parish.

 

Bulacan Food Munch and Pasalubong

Traveling must always include food munching galore. It is a way to treat ourselves after an exhausting trip and to try the local delicacies. It is also a way to discover the best restaurant in the place and recommend it to other travellers.

In our Bulacan escapade, we never missed to try the local menus that is offered in popular eateries, might as well the pocket and taste buds friendly eat destination.

Kubo sa Bayan, a Restaurant and Catering Service

One has to begin in SJDM, Bulacan. Found in the town proper is the "Kubo sa Bayan". It is across the street which is adjacent to church, beside the poblacion market. For assurance, you may ask the local where it is.

Said that it was featured in the travel show, "Biyahe ni Drew".  



Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto | Fruit of Great Faith and Healing

"If faith can move a mountain, let the mountain moves."....

The above line is just one of the few lyrics from  the Christian Song "Waiting here for you" which signifies huge amount of faith. And that was  what I witnessed when I had my Bulacan tour last Saturday with some of new found blogger friends.

 

It is like I was in a European Scene.

Singkaban Festival of Bulacan

The Province of Bulacan have shared a great role in our country's rich history. According to our history record, the first constitutional democracy was born there and held the First Philippine Republic in Malolos. Among all these are the long list contributions of the province  that are too many to mention.
 

Now, in the modern times, the province seems bit forgotten as prominent provinces in the country in terms of tourism. And in order to promote the provinces again and call tourists, both local or foreign, the Bulakenyos are working out to revive their tourism magnet and also to promote the local skills and Festivities.
 

And one of the annual festival held in Bulacan is the Singkaban Festival.

Singkaban stands for "Sining at Kalinangan ng Bulacan". It is a festival of arts and culture in honor of the capitols patron saint "Our Lady of Victory". The festival is celebrated every second week of September in which also aligned in celebration of "Linggo ng Bulakan".

The Bulakenyos are showcasing their traditional arts like "Balagtasan", and folk dance under the Singkaban Arches. Sigkaban arches are made of bamboo designed with slightly peeled top layer that made look fluffy and flowery like. The festival is also the emergence of various festivals in the province that took part on the street dance competition.



Official Logo of Singkaban Festival 2013. Photo credit to Provincial Government website of Bulacan



Sumilon Light House

The Philippines is consider as one of the largest archipelago in the world that is composed of 7,107 islands (said to be more during low tide). And due to archipelagic location, sea navigation is the major transport system in the country to transfer its citizen from island to island. Thus, it houses numerous harbours to cater the local and foreign mariners.

Aside from harbours and ports, our country has numbers of lighthouses that served as navigation aid for maritime pilots and its sea farer most likely during the early times. But due to modernization and high expense to its maintenance, the operation of lighthouses has declined and started to become a dilapidated stone and historical landmark.

Our trip in Cebu gave me the chance to visit one of the province's light house. And for farola enthusiast out there, Cebu must be a drop by in your trip and be awed by its lighthouses.

Lies on the southern Cebu is the town of Oslob. It houses the verdant island of Sumilon. Not known to travellers and backpackers, aside  from Blue Water Resort, Sumilon has its well kept secret attraction--the lighthouse and Baluarte.

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! ;-)

My Cebu Survival Food and Food Trip

I am no food expert and not even a gastronomic enthusiast maybe because I am not picky when it comes to food. I would eat all the food that will be offered to me as long as my taste buds liked it. And sharing to you guys my food imbibed when we're in Cebu is something fun to relate. So here we go.  

1. Dimsum Break in Gov. Cuenco Ave., Banilad Town Center, Cebu City.

Originated in Cebu but now has its branch in Metro Manila at SM North EDSA. The restaurant is on a fast food set up that offers variety of Chinese cuisines but I saw it in Pinoy way. Have to visit their branch here in Metro Manila.

Sacred Well of Caysasay

 Lies on the hidden area of the Caysasay Church vicinity is the well also known as the miraculous well of Sta. Lucia. This 16th century old altar/retablo look structure was still on the sturdy condition over the hundred years of its existence. The bass relief on its uppermost  façade would definitely amaze its visitors. It resembles in some part the Indian Hindu architecture because of it relief. If not with Mary figure, you will really find it like an ancient temple.

The well was believed to be the place where the carved image of Mary from the church was found when it was lost. That is why spring that flowing to it was said to be sacred. Pilgrims flocked in the place to receive healing.

2Go Travels on the go

Featuring our mode of transportation, I think is the best way to begin relating to you guys our Boracay trip last June 2013.

 

Pink  (fuscia, magenta whatever) is the colour that usually connotes to feminism or anything that is associated to it.

But who would have think that it would fit to the flagship colour or the motif of a Shipping line, 2Go Travels.

Dared and determined to redefine the usual trend of water transport system, this ship line has launched a very improved water transport dominated by girly ambience. The passenger ship line is manage by Negros Navigation who consider the leading and largest ferry company in the Philippines with its main hub located in Eva Macapagal Super Terminal in Pier 15 in the Manila South Harbor.

On the first time I heard about 2Go, I thought it was only a logistic company. But on the days before our Boracay trip, when we are fixing our company outing, I learned that they are now operating trips and one of these is the route to paradise Island of Boracay. It’s been a long way before we end up to an organised excursion and we opted 2Go ships to be our first mode of transfer heading to the island. (Aside from having limited budget for transportation, some of our officemates want to experience sailing and ride on a ship)

Here, get a peek of the ship St. Augustine of Hippo from the following photos.

Batangas International Port, is one of the port of call where 2Go ships are docking. There are two fleets in the port one is going to Romblon Island and the other is the Caticlan route. We left the Batangas Port at 9PM and thanks God that He gave us a smooth sail. The waves were slapping the ship's wall but it is tolerable.

Alta Vista de Boracay: Island Luxury Experience on the Heights

Continuation of my June 2013 Boracay getaway blog series....

After almost 10 hours of sea travel, which seems like a glimpse, we finally reached Caticlan Port. 



The first moment that I set my foot on one of Visayas' largest island, Panay, on Caticlan Jetty Port.

Sumilon Island | Delving Cebu Day 3 Random Shots

Traversing Osmena Peak To Kawasan Falls | The Zombiefying Trek, Delving Cebu Day 2

My first climb in Cebu has not gave us a perfect view because of the foggy surroundings that almost covered the entire scene. Lucky us, that in quite moment, these rugged peaks of Cebu, the highest probably, showed up. If not, we'll left the place with little disappoinment.

After more than an hour of stay at the peak and some photo shoots, our leg-breaking adventure, a Kawasan Falls traverse has started. We descended on foggy trails and passed through the vegetable farms of Mantalongon.

The fog almost blinded us that we couldn't see the trail and far back drop but only the few diameters of our sight.

Mt. Tagapo Day Hike: Gauging the Peak of Bamboo Island

 I spent my sunday on mountain again since the last climb in Osmena Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu. This time, I climbed not with my mountaineering group SMB Mountaineers but with the new crowd. Organized by Ivan Cultura, a.k.a Batang Lakwatsero (name of his blog site featuring mountains here in the Philippines) we explored the mountain located in the verdant Island of Talim, Binangonan, Rizal Province, known as Mt. Tagapo.

Dated on 14th of July, we met up at 5AM in Chowking Restaurant nestled in a Shopping Mall along EDSA corner Shaw Boulevard. The group were composed of 16 mountaineers. Others were freelance outdoor enthusiast and some have their own group also like me. It feels good to meet new people with same passion as mine, thus, my network would extend and got new circle of outdoor buddies. (sigurado dadami na naman lakwatsa ko nito!!)

When everyone has arrived and confirmed the number of attendees, at 6AM we immediately rode jeepney routing to Binangonan Port (P39 for jeepney fare)  and arrived there at about 8AM.

Osmena Peak: Delving Cebu Day 2

If Bohol has its "Chocolate hills"- scattered conical thousand mounds that turn brown during dry season, hence the name, Cebu has also  its jaw dropping geological formation-- The "Osmena Peak". 

Strategically located in Mantalongon, Dalaquete, (pronounce as da-la-get)  one of southern town of Cebu, this must visit natural wonder is consider the highest in the province. 1040 MASL according to my watch altimeter. The town itself signifies the role as the vegetable basket of Cebu.