Travel Guide to Hidden Paradise: Daraitan, Tanay

     

There's nothing more thrilling than spontaneous adventure. It eases the burden of planning, alleviates the stress of packing and it can steer you away from all the mumbo jumbos associated to concocting a strategic game plan for a trip.
     One Thursday morning, my niece and I were randomly discussing some of the coolest places on earth. Then from the recesses of her brilliant mind emerged her own list of 'must-see-places' near the metro. It was indeed a 'eureka' moment, when she blurted out this Masungi Rock Formation located in Tanay, Rizal.

Superhero

Imperfection

Because perfection is overrated

South East Asian Eggs for Breakfast? Why not?

     We are self confessed egg lovers and have said countless times that we could live just eating fried eggs alone for the rest of our lives. Although eggs contain cholesterol, we fear nothing because according to experts it's not that bad. See, we like living on the edge. We like danger. Exaggeration!

     Seriously, little did we know that the love we have for eggs would be tested in our recent trip to Indochina. For 5 consecutive morning we were served eggs. Fried eggs, omelets, and scrambled eggs. Let the Eggventure begins!

The Garden (Part 3)

THE GARDEN

I was aware that every part of my exposed skin would rip apart, that the thorns would cut deep to my flesh, that I would bleed to death.
But that was the price I was willing to pay to be on your side of the garden.
But ultimately, you saw right through me.
You read mt mind. You understood my plan.
You urged me to stay exactly where I was.
You promised you'd stay where you were.
But you were on the wrong side.
You said I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
Where you can see me. Where you can watch over me.
"We should wait," you said softly.
"It was a test," I replied. "The final test that I was willing to pass whether by my life or death."
"But you don't have die for love," you answered.
"Love isn't about fighting and winning, or passing the test. Love doesn't have to be rushed. Love must endure time, hurdles, pain, suffering...
Love isn't always sweet, neither torturous."

The Garden (part 2)

THE GARDEN (part 2)

Your reply was a vague smile. No words, just a smile.

Your lack of words did not deter my courage, though.

Between you and I, I was the aggressive and you were the passive.

It was typical of you to reply with just a smile.

I arrived in the garden at the exact moment I told you I would.

For some reason, I prepared myself to wait for eternity.

For another lifetime.

See, I had my doubts too.

I had my what-ifs.

But you were already there. Wearing that smile.

You were there, waiting for me.

I walked tentatively towards you... knees shaking.

Finally, our own place... our own world.

Until I realized you were on the wrong side of the garden.

The treacherous part.

Once again, there was a hurdle between us.

Thick thorny bushed that would cut deep in our flesh.

I didn't search that hard for this garden to let anything stop us when we finally had our own little world.

I was about to brave the obstacle.

Cross the thick thorny bushes... find a way under...

I would do anything just to be on your side of the garden.

The Garden

THE GARDEN 

(Part I)

"There is a garden between right and wrong, I will meet you there." Rumi

We were victims of our circumstances.

Our love story wasn't tragic, but there was no promise of happy-ever after either.

We were both living in the real world.

A place where every decision has a consequence.

A place where every little thing we do affect our lives and the lives of the people we loved and and cared about.

Why couldn't love ever be simple for us?

Why was it always being tested?

Why couldn't we have the same love story most people do?

Happy, not complicated.

I knew I had to do something if I wanted this relationship to endure the never ending obstacles true love had in store for us.

 I was tired of thinking about what's right and what's wrong.

Finding this garden had become my quest. I searched so long, so hard to find it. But eventually, I did.

The garden... it was beautiful beyond compare.

But it was also mysterious, treacherous even.

Like you. Like me. Like you and me together.

Like our love. 

I told you I found the garden, and I would wait for you there, where for once we would be blissfully happy.

No consequences, no worries, no right and wrong.

Just you, me, our love and the garden.

UNTITLED #1

Someday... somehow

Virtual Tour: Pinto Art Museum

   "Pinto Art Museum, what?" That was my reaction when my three teenage nieces first mentioned this certain art gallery in Antipolo. I was utterly clueless.

     I'm not an art enthusiast, in fact, I hardly know a thing about visual arts. Obviously, I know how to appreciate them. Well, at least I know how to appreciate 'realism', but come to think of it, who does not?

     I guess I'm not that refined. That was probably why I got completely flustered when my girls pestered me, okay, "encouraged" me into going to this apparently uber-cool art museum that everyone they know had been raving about. I was Like, since when did art museums became uber-cool ? Curious! As far as I know, art museums stimulate creativity. They invoke overwhelming passion and they represent the depth of the artists' souls. But, uber-cool? Honestly? Or was it just me who found museums uninteresting as a teen?

SOLDIER

SOLDIER

Your heart is scarred all over, little girl.

Some are raw, some are old.

Some will heal...

But the resrt are permanent reminders of the batlles you had overcome.

You have to soldier on.

The battle for forever has just begun.

The war still rages on.

You are a warrior.

A soldier of love.

Ou are bruised, bent... vulnerable.

But hold on tight to that sword.

Stand up and hold your ground.

Be strong, take charge.

Do not back down.

For someday, somehow, victory is yours to take.

But until then, you have to keep on fighting.

Intramuros: The Walled City

     In my previous blog, I mentioned some of the interesting sights you can see inside Intramuros. I deliberately restrained myself from thoroughly discussing the must-sees in this  Walled City  owing to the fact that I do not want the said post to become one-novel-long. Hence, this article is dedicated to the most compelling district in Manila, which houses several of the most captivating Spanish colonial structures and riveting historic sights this city has to offer.

Intramuros: The Walled City

     In my previous blog, I mentioned some of the interesting sights you can see inside Intramuros. I deliberately restrained myself from thoroughly discussing the must-sees in this  Walled City  owing to the fact that I do not want the said post to become one-novel-long. Hence, this article is dedicated to the most compelling district in Manila, which houses several of the most captivating Spanish colonial structures and riveting historic sights this city has to offer.

FLAWED

FLAWED

We are human beings...
We are flawed, faulty, imperfect.
We are human beiings...
Quick to judge, critical, disapproving.
We are human beings...
Sensual, carnal, lustful.
We are human beings...
Innocent, pure, genuine.
We are human beings...
We are what we are...
We are flawed.

POETRY

 Because you truly are...

Journey to the Heart of Manila

    
    I'm not very fond of taking a trip down memory lane. I mean, I know it's fun to look back at the good old days, when everything was simple, when technology has not yet taken control of our day-to-day existence and you can find joy in the most mundane activities so long as you do it with your near and dear friends. I'm not fond of reminiscing because it makes me miss those days so bad I want to stay in one corner of my room and bawl my eyes out for days gone by.

     Seriously though, if you were to ask my 10-year-old self if she'd read history books for pleasure when she gets older, she'd say there was no way in hell. " It is impossible because history is 'sooo' boring. " I'm pretty sure she'd swear, with hand on her heart, that she would never ever come to a point in her life grown up standing in some heroes' bathroom as if in trance, uttering to herself, 'M y God, this amazing amazing hero  pooped in here. Cool! I'm grown up now, very much different from what I thought I would be. Still learning, outside the confines of school, having the time of my life . 
     Every once in a while I  re-visit some places that held no importance to  me when I was a young girl pretending to be a female version of Tom Sawyer.  Recently, I re-visited some of Manila's historical sights. I took my beloved nieces to join me in the Spanish Colonial Period appreciate, in the heart of the Philippines, Manila.

Quiapo Church (The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene)
     Probably the most televised Church in the Philippines, that is Quiapo Church. The life-size image of the Black Nazarene has tens of thousands of devotees as it is said to be very miraculous. Filipino devotees from all walks of life, male and female, young and old, gather in and out of this church every 9th of May to celebrate the feast of Jesus Nazareno Nuestro. The devout devotees then participate in the procession of the sacred image.

Intramuros

     Known as the oldest district and the heart of Manila. Intramuros, meant "within the walls" in Spanish. Hence it was dubbed as the "Walled City" , founded by the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in June 12, 1571. Prompted by the constant threat of foreign invaders attacking the city, the walls were constructed.

     Intramuros has a lot of interesting sights to offer, and it could take a toll on your itchy feet. If you wanted some comfort and relaxation, ride a pedicab that will take you straight to the sights. Or if you want to experience old-school transportation, take the 'callesa' . The pedicab drivers are knowleadgable and callesa about the place and its history, so it's a real treat. In our case, however, we opted to walk around the walled city, we are wanderers, apparently.

Interesting Sights Inside Intramuros

1.  Baluarte de San Miguel

     Notably the most important fortification facing the north side. It was built to keep the Parian of Binondo and bay.

 2.  Educational Institutions inside Intramuros

     Mapua Institute of Technology: Founded in 1925 by Don Tomas Mapua, the first registered Filipino architect.

     Lyceum of the Philippines University: Founded in 1952 by Jose P. Laurel, the 3rd President of the Philippine Republic.

     

     Colegio de San Juan de Letran: Founded in 1620. The Fourth oldest educational institution in the Philippines that is still in operation.

3. The Manila Cathedral 

         This neo-romanesque cathedral is one of the oldest church in the Philipppines.

4. Palacio del Gobernador

        Here in this spot once stood the residence of the Governor-General of the Philippines.

5. Ayuntanmiento de Manila

         Also known as Casas Consistoriales, the old structure used to function as the Manila City Council. Now it houses the offices of the Bureau of Treasury.

    

6. Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines

     The official organization of the episcopacy of the Philippine Catholic Church-- Wiki

7. Plazuela de Santa Isabel

     In this square stands the monument dedicated to the non-combantant victims of World War II.

8. San Agustin Church and Museum

     The oldest stone church in the Philippines. Declared by UNESCO as World Heritage under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

Antique furniture used by Augustinian priests.

8. Casa Manila

      The museum exhibits the home and lifestyle of the rich and famous during the Spanish colonial era.

9. House Chinese

     The museum documents the history, lives and contribution of the Chinese in the Philippine life and history-- Wiki

10. Fort Santiago

     One of the fortifications in Manila. Built in 1571, on the site of the native settlement of Raja Soliman. First was a palisaded fort structure of logs and earth. Destroyed in the attack Limahong info in 1574--  Info from Intramuros Admin

     The Plaza de Armas is the only green space in Fort Santiago, surrounded by plants and the fort's ruins .-- info from Wiki

     Rizal Shrine is one of the oldest structure in Fort Santiago. Founded as a quarter for Spanish Soldiers-- info from Intramuros Admin

National Museum of the Philippines
     The National Museum of the Philippines is a government institution serving as an educational, scientific and cultural institutions in preserving the various permanent national collections featuring the ethnographic, anthropological, archaelogical and visual artistry in the Philippines .-- info from Wiki
     It was a lucky Sunday for us, the National Museum opened its doors to the public for free. So we fell in line, like everybody else who wanted to take advantage of the no-fee day. I, like everyone else --in my opinion-- was holding my breath for Juan Luna's Smile. I was not an art enthusiast, I actually know very little about visual arts. But since I've learned history from first grade to second year college, seeing the real Smile was a treat . And boy, I was not disappointed. I felt chills going down my spine as I looked at the  422 cm x 767.5 cm masterpiece. It was a magnificent piece of art. A sight to behold.
     National Museum houses lots and lots of equally breath-taking masterpieces like, the works of Hidalgo, Manansala and more. Check it out. Seriously.

The Smile is a painting by Filipino artist Juan Luna.  The painting was submitted by Luna to the Exposition  Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884,  where it garnered the first gold medal.

Rizal Park
     The last stop for our journey was historical Rizal Park Manila, known to locals as the Luneta. My parents used to take me here as a kid, I remember. I had so many fond memories here, but when malls took over Manila, I seem to have forgotten the beauty of  this place.
     Darkness had almost fallen when we arrived here, but we were able to take some photos of the two famous monuments. Then we bought some thing to eat, sat on the grass and enjoyed  the park like the rest of the locals.

     So, here we are, the curious wanderers braving the blazing heat of the sun in an attempt to re-discover our roots.  To re-learn what happened in the olden days and the people who made ​​such tremendous impacts in our lives. We are hungry students of life, commemorating the  historical sights that made ​​the capital city of the Philippines what is it today. 

PS

     Since I have the courage to call myself the dog fairy, it is only proper to post a picture of at least one dog I had the pleasure of meeting along the way.  So, meet tsu-tsu, a sweet little darling, playing with its beloved by their own version of snowboarding, without snow, somewhere in Baluarte de San Gabriel.

REGRET

REGRET

What should have been...
What might have been...
What could have been...
Stop toying with these possibilities, damn it.
Make a move. Swallow that stupid pride.
Put these words into action. Make them happen.
Do it now while you still have the chance.
You will not know the answer 'till you ask the question.
You will not know the result 'till you make the move.
Later might be a little too late.
Tomorrow is never guaranteed.
You wouldn't want to spend the rest of your life with regret keeping you company.
Regret is a bitch and ultimately, a capricious companion.
Regret will consume you alive.

TEARDROPS

TEARDROPS

I remember the pang of hurt that hit my gut.
I remember fighting back the tears that were threatening to escape my eyes.
I also remember when you look pitifully at me.
After all these times, I have not learned to let you go...
...and your memories.
You turned your back.
One by one, tears rolled down my cheeks as I watched you walk away from me... from my life.

INADEQUATE

INADEQUATE

I was with you in your lowest.
I loved you when you hated everything about yourself.
I was your pillar.
I was your strength.
I made sure I was everything you needed... and more.
But all I had, all I did was never enough.
I would always be  inadequate.

OPTIMISM

OPTIMISM

You were broken deep inside but not beyond repair.
In my heart of hearts, I believe I could fix you.

RAIN

RAIN

"Why do you love rain? Is it because of the rainbow after?"
"Not every rain is followed by a rainbow."
"Because it enables beautiful flowers to bloom?"
"Rain can also unroot a fragile flora in bloom."
"Then why?"
"For the same reason I love dogs, books, coffee, angels and you. I just do."

GOSSIP

GOSSIP

Remember, 
My truth is mightier than your lies.
And my pen is sharper than your tongue.

UNDONE

UNDONE

You said you were exhausted.
That fighting your inner-demon had taken all your strength.
You were about to give-up.
I came along.
You said you could beat them if I joined you in your battle.
You seek for my allegiance against your inner-struggle.
Blindfully, I obliged.
I fought them with you.
I fought them for you.
Until I realized I was the only one left fighting.
Because you had given up long before I came.

INNER-CHILD

INNER-CHILD

Someone once told me, "Do not let go of your inner-child. For in that child everything is possible."
It is the best advice someone has evear given me.
The one Ireligiously take heed of.
Once in a while, I invite my inner-child to come out and play.
The possibilities she sees are endless.
She sees wonder, and beauty wherever she looks, whatever she does, whoever she's with.
She feels life and gets excited with every thing.
She gives love, unconditiobnal, pure and with utmost sincerity.
For her, life is an adventure.
For her, love can't be restrained.
She needs to be free to find happiness.
She needs to find peace.
My energetic, naughty and sweet inner-child, I'm glad you never left my side.
You taught me so much.