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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

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.

Mabini Shrine: Tour in the house of the Brain of Philippine Revolution

I'm a proud graduate of a state run and premiere public university famous for student activism, Polytechnic University of the Philippines(PUP). Graduated 3 years ago, but still I got chances to visit my beloved ALMA MATER since it's just a trolley(a wooden improvised buggy running through the railways) away from our place. Also, I want to be updated and see what is current in the university. 

This time, I visited the Campus for GWA cetificate (Grade weighted Average) as part of requirement to my Master's Degree application. I came at 11 AM, expecting that I would just claim it and I have not to fall in line anymore, but PUP system as it was acronym-ed Pila Ulit Pila still  remain. Sadly, lunch break reached me and they closed the line. Yes, that was disappointing but I know I have something to do with it. If only i have come earlier. My supposedly half day absence at work became a whole day. 

And to ease my dismay, I relieve my self with food and went around the campus to see what is new and to kill time until the line open. My feet brought me in a shrine. It is the house of Apolinario Mabini here in Manila. A local of Talaga, Tanawan in province of Batangas, the young Mabini studied his Law education in University of Sto. Tomas in 1894, and the house served his shelter on time of his stay in the city. The house was owned by named Cecilio Del Rosario and Maxima CastaƱeda. 


In collaboration, of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines(NHCP) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) the shrine was established into its final place. 


Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery and Bunga Falls Sidetrip

May 26, 2013, Sunday

My first travel alone!

NAGCARLAN, Laguna -- From the gimik last night, I got  home at almost 2AM (that  was so late!!) eventhough I know that I have to wake up early for my weekend escape. Weeks before, I set up my mind and my self to my trip going to Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in the Province of Laguna. I supposed to be with Dewi (an outdoor buddy) but unfortunately she wasn't able to proceed because she's not feeling well. However, that doesn't stopped me from pursuing this travel. I know in my part, I was also considering to cancel it because I'm not used to travel all by my self. Parang  ang boring lang kasi and I feel pity  to my self!!! 

I woke  up as early as 6 AM,  to prepare everything (camera, chicha, and water to drink) and leave at 7 AM. 

I was at the Jacliner bus terminal at 8 AM and departed at exact 9 AM. Hindi ganun kadami ang pasahero that's why I had a convenient travel  going in San Pablo City, Laguna (the city of seven lakes). The bus fare is P125. (still affordable)

San Pablo City Church. It is under  renovation that time. The dome of the church quite resembles the dome of Saint Paul's Cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren. 

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Not My Ordinary Weekend, Full Packed!!!

May 4, 2013 Saturday, Company Outreach Activity!!!

I started my weekend by waking up early 5:00 o'clock in the morning preparing for my company's outreach program. Lead by the Marketing Department, we did the community interaction in Payatas at Quezon City. The activity has allot 50 slots only for volunteers among the thousand employees. On the first day  of announcement, I immediately posted my  name to include on the list  and then invited my department office-mate to join also.

The meet up place was in our main office. We departed at 7:30 AM, a bit late because we have waited the other participants. We took  the trip  for 1  1/2 hour, the location was a former  dump site and near to current dump site. The project was part of Habitat for Humanity a non-government organization  known for helping the urban poor with cooperation of Quezon City local government.


 

Friday, April 12, 2013

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. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

"Eternidad Segunda"

Photo credit to stuffpoimt.com

"Eternidad Segunda" 

Angel Crespo(Ciudad Real, 1926, Barcelona, 1996)

Lingua EspaƱol

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.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Parrot's Peak: My Birth Mountain

It was year 2011 when I officially climbed a mountain and that was Pico de Loro in Ternate Cavite



Friday, April 5, 2013

Buruwisan Multi-Falls | A Place to go to chase Waterfalls


"Just Follow the Footprints"....this rule had helped my adventure together with my college friends in Mt. Romelo in Siniloan, Laguna. 
In the past few months, I've been seeing my college classmate/friend frequently. We jogged at Ayala Triangle and did some chitchat. This meeting allowed us to share and talk a lot of what we have been doing, our activities and what makes us busy, our sidelines and of course love life.(Hehe..ciempre hndi mawawala yun!) Eventhough social media become an easy access nowadays, it wouldn't beat the feeling of personal gathering. As an active  social media user, they knew what were my trips. My photos would show that. And that started a talk of my travels and invited them. We end up planning our backpacking as part of Ken's birthday celebration (one of my college friend). That was scheduled February in Island of Cagbalete,Mauban Quezon.


View of Lowland area of Siniloan, Laguna (photos courtesy of Alvin Torzar)

Unfortunately, Cagbalete Island was disregarded due to bad weather. Just to push the gala, 2 days before the date, I searched for an alternative place to go. Since my friends were looking for an adventure with water feature, chasing waterfalls would be ok. My first option is in Majajay but I read a blog that the falls there is a little crowded that you will not enjoy the area because of a massive flocks of people. I continued searching and there Mt. Romelo appeared on the list.  Bloggers would say that it was the best place for combined adventure of trekking and enjoying plentiful of water feature. Also, I considered that my companions were new to this type of activity. I want them to enjoy the place and introduce them to outdoors by starting in an easy yet adventurous one.

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

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Nostalgic Side trip in Town of Sariaya: Marinduque Holy Week Getaway Day 4

The last night of our stay on the island has been so long. I remembered that I fell asleep at 3 AM  because my cousins have to leave and go back in our barangay (Alobo, 45 minutes away from Maniwaya by motorboat). Just like us, ending up a chill moment  (when we don't have to think of our daily routine, A Escape!!) made them bit sad.

I woke up as early as 6 AM. I have a shallow sleep that night because I was thinking of our logistics going back in Manila. We heard and I read blogs that there is back door trip from the Island wherein the Poso (a big version of banca) has a daily trip  on Gen Luna, Quezon. The Poso will depart from the island at 6:00 AM and 10 AM. Whenever I have a situation like this that I must wake up early, my body alarm clock works automatically. 

I was the one who woke up first, then my brother and Jann. We ate first our breakfast on the nearby Sari -sari Store. We ate a light meal of bread and liver spread and a cup of coffee!!! Afterwards, we break our camp area and put things on our backpack. We took shower at Manang's House and cleaned everything in the camp site. We have remaining time before the Poso arrived so we got few minutes of nap.  


Leaving this piece of paradise did really upset me. But this is the reality, we have to go back to our norms. Living again in the city of hustle and bustle, thank God though for allowing us this opportunity of letting everything go. 



Maniwaya Island: Marinduque Holy Week Getaway Day 3

Maniwaya Island

Visiting Marinduque shall include your IT of island hopping. Surrounded by bodies of water, the province is blessed with number of islands with powdery and white sand beaches and clear blue water. One of these, is Maniwaya Island. Located in town of Santa Cruz, you reach it through 30-45 minutes boat ride from Buyaod Port. Actually, there are 2 other islands namely Polo, Mongpong but Maniwaya has the best to offer for beach experience. 




Moriones Festival 2013: Marinduque Holy Week Getaway Day 2

Experienced wearing a wood carved mask. 
When you say Marinduque, one thing that comes first on a Filipino mind is Moriones Festival. It is an annual celebration of Lenten season in Southern Luzon. Bright and colorful costumes of Roman soldiers, painted helmets, mask and ornaments is displayed on the streets. During my stay in our province, it has been a tradition that we have to witnessed this celebration every holy week. Numbers of people flocked in the town proper to attend Good Friday mass and join the procession after. My father used to become a Morion that is why I appreciated much this feast. In this festival also, creativity and the art side of MarinduqueƱos was showcased. Carving the masks and helmets took month to finish. Tourism was also benefited by this festival. It attracted tourists all over the country both local and foreign.

Luzon Datum+Boac Town: Marinduque Holy Week Getaway Day 1

It has been three years since the last time I visited my home town, Marinduque (Alobo, Santa Cruz to be specific). This trip was planned during our coffee session together with my mountaineering and outdoor buddies(Ma'am Riz, Ma'am Odhie, Arisse, Jann and Rex)....

December 25, 2012 at CCP Complex Harbor Square (mga tumatakas sa mga namamasko...haha...)
"That night really went chaotic and wild! Wahaha! Won't discuss the detail but really had fun." 

It was really just for a coffee session plus bunch of chitchat. Then again, traveler instinct arised and ended up planning out of places to go.We did suggestions of place and date of the travel. We look for the long weekends or holidays of course para di affected work schedules. I suggested that Marinduque must be included in backpacking gala. Ma'am Odhie suggested Mindoro to be also included and among other destinations. In 3 months of planning and browsing of our possible IT's, the group decided that the travel shall be on Holy week and Marinduque is the right place to be because of Moriones Festival and Lenten Season there is somewhat festive compare to other parts of the country. Mindoro is not included anymore since the upcoming S.M.I.L.E. (SMB In Live Experience, out group's outreach activity) will be held there.

Sadly, weeks before the day of departure, some weren't able to go.  It is only Me, Jann and my younger  brother Paul who pushed through.

March 27, 2013 Date of Departure....Eto yung mga oras na ayaw ko na talaga mgtrabaho, naghahabol ng trip ng PNR at dahil di pa rin ako ngpapack...hihihi! Very Good!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

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....

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