Biking and Bruce Lee Exhibit @ Hong Kong Heritage Museum 08292015

On the morning we planned to bike, it rained hard and I was afraid the plan will not push through. I've always wanted to bike, to feel the grounds while pedaling instead of walking and running, for a change. In my recent trip to Hong Kong I did just that but with rear bike trainers because I'm just a beginner and I'm not yet used to cycling and yet I biked some 20 km though not a traverse.

By the time we exited Sha Tin Wai Station, the rain had not yet stopped. We spent [read: wasted] time waiting for the rains to let up while engaging in conversation with the boys manning the bike rental shop across the MTR station. That plus a few arguments because they misunderstood us. I was already in a foul mood, mirroring the weather. So we all decided to visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum first to check out the exhibits but I was sad to say that we didn't go around to see everything. There was a a temporary exhibit on Bruce Lee's life and we only came in for that. [Sad because there was also an exhibit in Chinese paintings but they were in a hurry to bike when the sun was out. #cries]

Photos were not allowed inside the gallery because it contained Bruce Lee's personal items on loan temporarily. While many of us know Bruce Lee as just one of the greatest kung fu artist in films, it should be noted that this man was also instrumental in making kung fu popular in the West. I have seen his academic records and he is pretty much an average student BUT he has an entrepreneurial mind with a clear vision. What I found interesting is that he is also a very insightful person with very little regards for anything shallow. He hates parties, the things that go with fame which separates him from his beloved wife and children many times, but his is a passion unsurpassed for his chosen field. That passion brought him to achieve the status of a legend for which he is known today.

Needless to say, his life provides much inspiration. Born in San Francisco, USA, he grew up and went to school in Hong Kong. He went back to the US to pursue his college studies and he met his wife Linda Emery there. What endears him to me and what I find common in us is that we both love reading, writing, and reflecting on things. He even wrote a poem "Walking along Lake Wash", incorporating many elements like the moon, the water, merging water and sky... common motifs I also use in my poems. Reading it, I felt like I should really read more about him as I might pick up a thing or two on how to also achieve my dreams. His is a philosophy that merges learnings from martial arts to everyday life. Also of note is his notebook, with clear legible handwriting in cursive form. Here he noted down cha-cha steps in a methodical way. 

After that quick museum visit, we proceeded with biking. Fresh air. I made sure to breathe very deeply because I seldom get a chance to have such fresh air. It also helps that we biked after the rain. And so we were treated to awesome city sights as we pedaled on the bike trail overlooking Shing Mun River.

heart-shaped rock art in Ma On Shan beach

stopover at the beach in Ma On Shan

where we had snacks of siomai and fish cakes

 Many times I would find myself almost falling over and I could feel my cousins being worried about me. I told them that I only bike around in circles in a very small area in UP. LOL. I do that without trainer wheels but well, its more manageable because I don't have to worry about cars and people. Here it was different. We crossed streets. We biked with other bikers. We had to be alert lest some overtaking jerks send us flying to the river. One thing I learned is to focus. Biking may just be the very thing  to help me work on getting a focused mind. Another thing is that a relaxed mind creates wonders. It helps that we passed by many picturesque views.

I LOVE reflection photos :)

one more reflection photo

 On the way back to my aunt's house, I could feel my butt hurting. It was my first time to bike that far. It was an awesome experience and one for the books [in my opinion LOL]. But I know that once I go back to Manila I will crave that pain, that I will certainly miss the tiredness, the sweat, the minor panic attacks, the adrenaline rush...

And my aunt, a very good cook, must knew how tired we were. We were treated to a sumptuous dinner of shrimps and  vegetables. YUM!!!

dinner after a tiring yet fun-filled day

Read: My Hong Kong 2015 in a nutshell
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I will have to thank IB for teaching me the basics of bicycling. And I hope that my other friends who promised to teach me how to bike will keep their promise. Except maybe they lose patience because I can be a scaredy cat sometimes. M invited me once to bike along NLEX and I had to decline her invitation because 1.) I don't have a bike 2.) I don't think I can bike that easily with cars moving on my side. @.@

I am so proud of my cousins for being such courageous bikers. I wish I could be like them... except I was so sheltered when I was young. #cries [This brings a resolve to never do the same to my children... But okay, I need a lover first. #criessomemore]

Cinemalaya 2014 Part 1

Cinemalaya 2014 kicked off on August 1 with a free film showing at CCP. Since going there from work is quite a hassle, I decided not to attend and just try to catch whatever I can at Trinoma. I invited one friend if he'd like to go watch with me the following day and he agreed.

On August 2, I planned to be at CCP at 12:20PM to make sure I get to but tickets, but because I had to cook lunch and lost track of time, I arrived at 12:50, already late for the first film to be shown that day and I had yet to buy tickets. While on the way, I received a message from my buddy saying all tickets were already sold out. Incroyable!

When I got there, I ran straight to the ticket booth and saw that they were still selling tickets. My friend and I decided to see Hari ng Tondo and Asintado. Since I don't read reviews nor summaries when watching movies, I picked those two because they sounded like action flicks. (Asyong Salonga came to mind when I heard about Hari ng Tondo.)

We entered the theater 15 minutes late but we were still lucky to have good seats three rows from the screen and almost center. Carlitos Siguion Reyna's Hari ng Tondo is about an old businessman (Robert Arevalo) whose business is on the brink of bankruptcy and who then wants to live the remainder of his life in Tondo. Ricardo asks his grandchildren Ricky and Anna (Rafael Siguion Reyna and Cris Villonco respectively) to go with him so they can learn more about life and to develop guts ("magkaroon ng bayag"). With the guidance of Boyong (Rez Cortez) who is friends with Ricardo, the two easily blended in with Tondo residents. Blinded by money, Boyong feeds information to Ricardo's son, daughter, and son-in-law who are all against his decision. Subplots include a short romance enjoyed by Anna with a man with cleft palate named Emong (Lorenz Martinez) and Ricky's inconclusive music career as he learns from Aiza Seguerra and company. Boyong reconciles with his friend in the end as he rescues Ricardo from the burning "Alapaap" (name of the building owned by Ricardo which is being rented out to Tondo residents). Ricardo in the end walks around Tondo and seeing the poverty-stricken place he cries, having done nothing to help its development despite his initial success.

For me Hari ng Tondo is better off as a musical. In particular, if ever Emong is made to sing during the scene where he gives testimony to Ciara Sotto's abusive boyfriend, THAT would be the highlight, IMHO. One thing I didn't like about the film is that there seems to be a lot of things going on and yet these things are not well-connected so in a sense, it feels as if there's something missing. Despite the humor and amusing scenes, Hari ng Tondo makes one think about the further corruption of the area famed for notoriety and poverty because those with power, those proclaiming themselves as King of Tondo are not doing anything.

Ironically, I didn't get to eat lunch at home because I was in a hurry to get out of the house. My buddy and I went to Café Alfonso at the ground floor of The Grand Towers to grab some food for my growling stomach. Their spicy tuyo pasta  (P120) was instant LOVE! I love how they shredded the tuyo into tiny bits and how the spiciness blended well with olive oil and the tuyo. Yummy! Just the right food when I am always craving for that favorite of mine when I haven't tried to cook it at home.

The audience of Asintado

 The next movie we saw was Louie Ignacio's Asintado which is set in Brgy. Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. Part of the story relies on the place's Taong Putik Festival (Mud Man Festival) held every 24th of June as part of the barangay's celebration for the feast day of San Juan. Tonio (Jake Vargas) is recruited by the town mayor Carias (Geoff Eigenmann) as messenger to procure drugs in time for the festival. After getting the drugs, Tonio puts them inside his brother's pockets. His mentally challenged brother Etok (Miggs Cuaderno) throws the "stones" away seeing that he cannot use them as stones for his slingshot. The mayor threatens Tonio and his mother Julia (Aiko Melendez) so in the end, the family hatches a plan to bring down the mayor using Etok's skills with his slingshot.

While the film is predictable, allowing the viewer to foresee Carias' death right before the mud festival, though one is left guessing as to who would do the job. Tonio's uncle and mother both showed determination and resolve to end things. Despite being the marksman, the challenge with Etok is that communicating with him is almost impossible and only his mother can get through to him. However early on, in the scene where Julia watches as two women try to catch the pigs, we see that Etok can actually comprehend his mother. The title of the movie is already a giveaway.

What I like most about Asintado is the beautiful imagery throughout the film. Many times I gushed about wanting to take still captures of scenes. That, and Miggs Cuaderno's awesomely realistic performance as Etok. As we were heading out of the theater, I told my buddy I wanted to have my pic taken with Etok (but that didn't happen because I couldn't find him in the crowd).

We went around CCP right after since there was time to do so. My buddy easily recognized actors and actresses he saw whereas I wasn't as quick to see them so he had to point them out to me. LOL! 

The last movie we saw was K'na The Dreamweaver. Set in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, the film is about a tragic love story between a daughter of chief K'na (Mara Lopez) and an ordinary supplier (RK Bagatsing) of abaca fibers used to weave the famed t'nalak cloth of the Tboli. The actors and actresses all spoke the Tboli language all throughout thus lending authenticity to the movie, in addition to their colorful garb.

I cried at the end of the film because of the tragic ending. K'na has to sacrifice her love life to save her people from an impending war as her father (Nonie Buencamino) marries her off to another man. Her lover died shortly after but until his death, he made sure to tie red abaca fiber on the tree next to K'na's window as he always did during their happy days. When K'na visits her town years later, she sees the trees with red abaca fiber tied on the branches, a spectacular sight, and a touching one at that.

While the story is very cliché, this is one good movie mainly because it captures the beauty of the Tboli culture. Viewers are treated to their ways and customs and are introduced to the tnalak, the weaving customs, and its importance to the Tboli. It reminds me a lot of African quilts which hold meanings in colorful patterns.

Nora Aunor as seen from the lobby: max zoom used

We stayed for a while at the CCP lobby, a wise decision indeed as we were able to glimpse Nora Aunor. I almost missed her but thanks to my buddy I was able to catch some photos. Suddenly the crowd roared "Hustisya! Hustisya!" pertaining to both the title of the Cinemalaya entry she stars in and the "injustice" for not being named a National Artist. 

view from CCP: I just LOVE the lights at night

Outside, the festive atmosphere was celebrated with a capella song and dance number led by Soliman Cruz, later to be punctuated by the sudden arrival of rain. My buddy wanted to stay at CCP for a while but I was adamant to go because it was late and I still wanted to continue reading a book which lately interested me a lot because of its political and economic theories. We took the jeep, much to my dismay, I who love walking in the rain. Then again Vito Cruz is easily flooded, something I don't like at all.

June

How ironic that I'm writing about my June 2014 on the last day of July. Tonight as rain falls hard on the roof and as I wait for files to be copied to my external HD, I am blogging again. These days it's hard to sit down and write an article. Maybe I'm still overwhelmed by how fast things seem to be happening.

The first day of June was a Sunday, a day I finally had my violin recital. I thought it was to be done individually but turned out I'd be part of a group. While I initially looked forward to mingling with people my age, the moment I entered the rehearsal hall the day before, I was disappointed to see LOTS of kids. The age gap was sure to be one reason I won't mingle with anyone other than people my age. Not that I don't like kids but I'd find it tiring not to have something serious to talk about.

So anyway, the recital did push through though I must admit I thought things through really hard since I have had only 5 sessions and I wasn't sure if I could do it. But getting the James Bond theme piece from my teacher a week before the recital was of immense help as I tried to practice alone at home. Never mind that my bowing skills were still poor (by my standards... I think I could have done better). At least I survived my first group recital. I had already prepared with a more difficult piece, the opening song "Lilium" of Elfen Lied, but that will have to wait for my solo recital (hopefully in the VERY near future).

Then there was a trip to Baguio with a former office friend. It was fun since we got to try a lot of restaurants, but the afternoon rain did get in the way and we ended up hanging out indoors whether in mall, in restos, or inside the hotel. I was happy to have bought really cheap lettuce which lasted for a little over a week. Because of the lettuce, I was forced to create my own dips. I experimented with honey and sukang kurat (spiced vinegar from Quezon province), garlic mayo (despite the sudden exaggerated increase of garlic price), and spiced mango vinaigrette.

I had my haircut again though this time I wasn't depressed. Just that I needed to shorten my hair because combing suddenly became a chore and besides, I think having shorter hair can help me save on shampoo (lol).

A college friend and I finally found the time to meet up. After work, I rushed to Robinsons Manila where we chatter over dinner at Soi Fine Thai Cuisine. I still can't get over the pad thai I used to eat at MCS and also the Thai resto near UST. We had tom yum, fried spring roll (the best I've had so far, and the dip is super!), and pad thai chicken. It helped a lot that we both love almost the same type of food.

Our talk became serious when our topic shifted to love life (ugh!). Sometimes I don't wanna talk about it but there are times when talking about it can soothe my bleeding heart. (HUH???) Okay I am exaggerating a bit. But she did ask me one question nobody has ever asked me before, do I want to be single for the rest of my life? Ouch! I honestly don't know the answer to that because I am ambivalent about getting married. But I told her that I'm pretty sure I want to have a child of my own and/or adopt a child.

I think what rocked this month was my first ever time to experience a company wide team-building activity. Uber cool! I couldn't believe I was able to stay awake from night until early morning the following day. Live music was just sooooo SUPER COOL!!! I was more than inspired to practice playing the violin so that one day I can also play in front of an audience. I just hope they appreciate the music that I like to play.

It was also nice to have met with my office friends. We had dinner at Café Mediterranean in Greenbelt. I walked from the LRT to the mall so when I arrived I was drenched in sweat and needless to say, extremely hungry. After that, I slept over at my friend's and the following morning was able to get some documents from my previous company. A few days later, we met again for a little chat and a little swim.

Of course, a month doesn't end that easily without a date with my sister. Our choice of restaurant was Shangtsu in Banawe. My sisters and I love the little place for its homey meals but unfortunately the other sister couldn't make it so there was only the two of us. We had a bowl of beef noodles, a platter of dumplings, and oyster omelet. We're not too happy with the omelet because the whole thing disintegrates fast upon contact with chopsticks. The taste is okay though so I will still want to go back in here.

Norte, The End of History 07202014

At the onset of the film, one can immediately feel that Norte, The End of History is not an ordinary film. With dialogues on philosophy centering on morality, revolutions, and the fate of the nation, one will immediately be mentally alert for what is to come in the film's narratives. Spanning four hours in length, the film explores the current state of the Philippines and provides a theory on the unequal wealth distribution, the unreliable judicial system, and social disintegration and eventual decadence.

Fabian (Sid Lucero) quits law school despite constant encouragement from friends and his sister to continue his studies since they believe in his intellectual prowess and in his passion for reforms. Heavily in debt to a moneylender (Mae Paner) whom he sees as capitalism personified for the latter's lack of compassion to people who owe her money and for her manipulative ways to extort more from the poor, Fabian kills her and her teenage daughter one day. The blame is pinned on poor Joaquin, however, when earlier he visits the moneylender and slams DVDs to her face for her refusal to give back his wife's ring.

The film alternates between Fabian's story and Joaquin's family. It captures how Joaquin's wife Eliza (Angeli Bayani) does her best to raise their children when Joaquin was incarcerated for a wrong he did not commit. Being ignorant of the law, Eliza was not able to make an appeal for her husband, and we also see why the judicial system fails due to incomprehensible procedures which the lay person, or in particular, the uneducated masses, cannot make sense of. It doesn't help that those who have the power to save lives, the lawyers, neglect their duties and ignore the lower classes who have the most need of them. 

While in jail, Joaquin retains his innate goodness and humanity as he strives to help his fellow prisoners. This in contrast to the murderer on the loose Fabian who is slowly being driven to insanity. He rapes his sister and kills his pet dog, disturbing scenes though not explicitly graphic as Lav Diaz chose to show these offscreen leaving much to the audience's imagination. 

In the end, we are told of Fabian's family's background. He and his sister were left in the care of househelp while their parents are working abroad. This is again in sharp contrast to Joaquin's family. Both Eliza and Joaquin decided to stay and rear their own children, prioritizing family over a good life with work abroad. In the end though, Eliza dies in a bus accident on her way back to the North after visiting her husband in jail in Manila. 

Indeed, it is the end of history. The pessimism evoked by the film, that no matter what we do, the extremes will come running after us and eventually destroy the social fabric and eventually, the country.

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Watched this with a fellow volunteer in the Wiki Project. I was having thoughts on whether to watch this or not but receiving an invite from him helped me make up my mind. We chatted a lot on many things, from our dreams and aspirations, to things we want to do, over dinner at Gilligan's in Greenbelt. (I found the servings too small and the beef was tough. HMPH!) It was good to be back in Makati. Just more than two months from the time I resigned from work there, I found the place a bit unfamiliar already. 

On the way home, passing by the same route I used to take after work, I snapped a few photos. The rain, the lights from buildings and cars on a busy street, the sound of the train coming and going... somewhat nostalgic.

2013 Ilocos Trip Itinerary

THIS IS A VERY LENGTHY POST...
... so I highlighted important things for my readers.

This is the continuation to my previous post on my first solo travel.

Days before our trip, my friend unexpectedly got sick. For days I was debating within myself if I should forego the trip altogether or pursue it all on my own. It would be my first time to do a solo trip (not counting Palawan since I joined the archaeologists). Also, I thought that it would be a very cool way to welcome my silver year which I will be celebrating soon.

Because I was suddenly thrust into a solo trip with all my romanticism intact as I threw myself to the winds (lol! I love that phrase from Paul Auster's Moon Palace so please forgive me if I tend to use it many times), OUR plans changed at the last minute to MY plans. On the day of my departure, I did one last quick research on how to get the most of my solo trip, with plans to forfeit my return plane ticket and take the southbound bus instead. I even planned to stop by Pangasinan and La Union, but that didn't actually happen because suddenly I found myself buying a lot of pasalubong and moving around became difficult.

So below is my actual itinerary:

Day 1: ETA Laoag airport at 9:20PM (was supposed to arrive at 8PM but there was a typhoon in Manila and zero visibility caused the delay)
Now as what I have learned from my Hong Kong trip early this year, as advised by my uncle when he fetched us at the airport, never leave the airport without getting brochures and maps. I asked for maps at the information desk and registered for the free shuttle ride to Laoag. Cool huh?

I was second to the last passenger to be dropped off at my chosen place--- Texicano Hotel. It was already close to 10PM when I got there and rested for a while. I thought of sleeping on an empty stomach but after some thought I realized this wouldn't work. Texicano Restaurant was already closed at this hour so I had to do a quick exploration of the area within a 100 meter radius. Good thing I found Papa Pau's Diner where I had an order of fish and chips (P100). Couldn't get enough of fried cream dory. The chips were like Shakey's mojos. The umay factor was to be expected but I did finish everything. Of course I also requested a cup of hot water.

While eating alone, I felt lonely. If I did so in Manila, it wouldn't matter since I'm used to solo dates. But somehow a trip wouldn't be that fun without a companion...Went back to the hotel afterwards. Stores were already closed so I didn't get to buy a gallon of water. Washed my clothes and went to sleep before 11 PM.

Day 2: Woke up at 5:50 AM. Couldn't sleep well because my room faces a major road and vehicles passing by caused lots of noise. That, or I'm just not used to sleeping alone. Left my room at 6:30 AM and was befriended by a stranger. I forgot the basic rule: don't talk to strangers. I guess it was my first major blunder. But after our conversation and realizing my mistake, I did the next best thing: inquire about him. I was very much tempted to request for a change of rooms, but I totally forgot about it.

The first thing I did upon leaving the hotel is to look for a store to buy water and breakfast. Since it was still early, I bought 5 pieces of Durong's malunggay pan de sal (P2 apiece so P10). These also were my lunch since I kept on moving around yet didn't have the appetite to enjoy lunch at a restaurant.

Note: I only knew about Roque Ablan during this trip. He was considered a hero of WW2 for forming the Ablan-Madamba guerilla group of Northern Luzon.

With only half a bottle of water left, I explored Laoag city... well half of it anyway. While exploring I was also noting the jeepney routes. So when I was finally able to but a liter of water, I took the jeep to Sarrat to visit Sta. Monica Church and Convent. Fare was P15. Nobody inside the church. Felt creepy but was grateful for the chirping of birds which broke the cold silence. The museum was not yet open.

After touring Sarrat, I was ready to go to Piddig but encountered a problem: there was no jeep to Piddig at that time and I was already waiting for half an hour. I was told I had to go back to Laoag. It dawned on me that I broke another rule: farthest place first and nearest place last. I should have gone first to Piddig since the jeep passing from Piddig to Laoag also passes by Sarrat. DAMN!

Had a quick lunch at a carinderia near the jeepney terminal. I was attracted by the P10 pancit. It's too salty and I thought of our Ilocana secretary immediately because she also cooks pancit like that, too salty but with lots of crushed peppercorns. I had to add spiced vinegar to somehow counter the saltiness.

Walked around again. At this time I was already thinking, how far can I go without turning back? So seeing a  jeepney to Paoay which also passes by Batac and San Nicolas, I boarded it. Learning from my foolishness earlier, I asked which is farther, Paoay or Batac. The driver says Paoay so I asked to be dropped off at Paoay Church where, despite the rain, I marveled at the big buttresses and meditated for a time in the garden where they also kept well known quotes from St. Augustine. I asked around to go to Paoay Lake but a one way tricycle ride costs P200 so I left it for another Ilocos episode since I was more than sure I'd go back there for a complete Ilocos experience.

Off to Batac afterwards where I visited the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, World Peace Center, Batac Church, and Aglipay Shrine. Jeepnety fare from Paoay was P10. I didn't get to eat their famous empanada because I wasn't in the mood to eat anything at that time.

From Batac I took a bus bound for Laoag and got off at San Nicolas , fare was P20.

San Nicolas Church, a pottery monument at the road junction, and the town hall

The jeep I took from San Nicolas to Laoag was from Banna, a town I didn't go to. Hopefully next time I will. After a rainy day of much walking I was delighted to find that the jeep stops very near Texicano Hotel. Yay! Time for bed. I washed my clothes again and slept a while before dinner at Texicano Restaurant. Had chopsuey with shrimp with no rice (P150) and a glass of pineapple juice (P35).

Message from my KJV Bible which I found to be comforting in my solitude:
2 Chronicles 15:2 "(...) The Lord is with you while you seek Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you."

How apt that this solo trip has turned into a Visita Iglesia of some sort with me trying to find spiritual rejuvenation.

Day 3: Got up before 6AM and cancelled by Pagudpud/ Burgos tour because of the weather. I went to Pasuquin instead since I was told the beach there is more serene and waves are calmer. I had my apprehensions but ultimately, I chose the path less traveled. Who knows what stories I will bring when I go back with my unusual Ilocos trip?

I took out a cheeseburger (P80) fron Texicano Restaurant. Tricycle from Texicano to the jeepney terminal was P15. Jeep to Pasuquin was P25. At Pasuquin, I prayed a while at the church there and hired a tricycle to take me to Nalvo where I bought salt worth P20. Stopped by Villa Florentina Resort where I enjoyed the company of nobody but sea, breeze, sunlight, and a cute dog who seemed very friendly.

date with nature and furry friends, and just a cheeseburger

Before leaving Pasuquin, I bought a pack of their famous biscocho (P75). On the way back to Laoag, I dropped by a Chinese temple and offered some incense.

Chinese temple near the border of Laoag and Pasuquin

And finally, to Museo Ilocos Norte, my final stop before I leave Laoag for Vigan. I spent a considerable time in the museum as there are a lot of things to see and learn inside. For instance I noticed that Ilocanos have many different uses for basketry and so they also have various names for these based on functions. The whole museum was modeled as half market, half bahay na bato. The second floor provides a glimpse of usual things to be found inside an elite's house. I took pictures of almost everything so as to familiarize myself on the artifacts one may expect to find if ever I get to join an excavation in Ilocos.

upper right: preserved open trench. lower right: glass floaters (Bulintik)!

Back to the hotel and packed my bags for Vigan. I am so warmed by people's concern for my safety. People I've talked to wished me good luck and repeatedly told me to be very careful. I said goodbye to Laoag with a happy heart and with a vow to come back again. It's a good thing Texicano Hotel was just a few minutes' walk to a bus terminal leaving for Badoc and Vigan. I was having second thoughts about stopping by Badoc for Juan Luna's house since I was already carrying 3 bags but on the other hand, I cannot miss the opportunity to see the Luna Shrine because... because... Antonio Luna is a favorite hero and I think if I were born during his time I could have pursued him... In the end, my curiosity won and I found myself telling the bus conductor to drop me near Juan Luna's house. Non-AC bus fare from Laoag was P50.

Then off to Vigan. Waiting for a bus to Vigan along the major road took long. Bus fare was another P50. When the bus finally entered the famed city of heritage houses, my senses were instantly overwhelmed by the sight of colonial structures. WOW! Better than Intramuros many times over! I took a tricycle to Vigan Hotel (P10). No available single fan room so I took the double room which costs P495.

After cooling down for some 20 minutes, I went out and did my initial exploration. Visited Syquia Mansion since it was still open. And was pleasantly surprised to find Crisologo Museum open, too, so I went inside and had a look. Bought dinner at an eatery near Quezon Ave. cor. Libertad. Grilled bangus with half serving of rice was P155. I ate inside my room because it was already late and I promised my sisters I would be at the hotel before dark. Bad move coz the sauce from the grilled bangus soaked my canvas bag and I had to wash and clean my stuffs. At least I had a fairly decent dinner that night. At that point I was already wondering if my loneliness was the cause of my lack of appetite.

Quick bath, then plans for the morrow and the biggest decision on whether to leave for Manila the following day.

Day 4: Got up early to catch the Sunday mass but I missed the first so I roamed around the plaza and enjoyed the twilight hours. After that I attended Sunday mass. It was conducted in Ilocano so I didn't really understand anything but I did get to see how well-disciplined Ilocanos are compared to the barbarians of Metro Manila.

Vigan at dawn. Gloomy yet beautiful.

After mass, I headed back to my hotel for a quick breakfast of Nesvita. Then hired a tricycle for one hour (P150) to bring me to Bantay Church, Sta. Catalina Church, and St. Vincent Ferrer Church. Had the most fun at Bantay Church since one can climb up to the top of the belfry and have a breathtaking view. Also tried kalamay (P5 apiece). It's made from sticky rice with buko.

I asked to be dropped off at Burgos Museum after my church pilgrimage. I was lucky because October was museum month so all branches of the National Museum have free entrance. Yay!!! There I met Sir Efren Vister who showed me around and even told me jokes.

Back to the plaza and near my hotel, I spied Hap Chan in Vigan Plaza Hotel and realized how much I miss Chinese food. So in I went and ordered salt and pepper spare ribs with rice (P120) and took out Crispy beef with rice (P99) as my packed lunch.

By 11:30AM I had checked out of my hotel and was already outside waiting for a tricycle to take me to Partas bus station. Yes, I decided to go back home. Lo and behold! Kuya Boy, who drove me to the churches earlier in the day, was very timely in passing by the street where I waited for a tricycle. So we met again and he happily sent me to the bus station (fare was P10). I asked a bus scheduler to look after my things while I go to the market to do last-minute shopping because my mom asked me to buy tagalog garlic and my dad requested for a gallon of ilocano vinegar. My fate was secured, no more stopover and I could only go straight home because I definitely couldn't move around with so much things with me.

I got home before 10PM.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my sisters and my parents as well as my officemate Mel for being my textmates the whole time I was in Ilocos. They somehow made me feel less lonely.
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This took me two days to write....

June 2013

How time flies! Half the year is done and yet there are too many things to do and accomplish. It's still a wonder I was able to post entries in my blog last month,but if my dear readers notice, most are just about travels which are way past the deadline. Still, I hope readers get something from reading my posts.

Heavy rains start to visit us and so I see the need to rise up earlier than usual and to report to work early to avoid the rush hour in the afternoon. Our MRT system sucks big time and it doesn't help that we have irresponsible, undisciplined commuters. Buses are not the best choice especially when it rains since major thoroughfares get flooded way too easily and one simply doesn't want to get stuck in bottleneck traffic for hours on end.

Last month, I finished watching Game of Thrones Season 2 and finally got hold of a copy of Season 3. When HBO aired the penultimate episode of Season 3, the internet was abuzz with spoilers the following day. An officemate spilled the beans on the death of two important characters so I was in a dilemma as to watch Season 3 or wait until the year is finished so it won't be long before they release Season 4. Then again, my reading pace of "A Clash of Kings" has been slow thanks to my suddenly hectic schedule. I told myself to finish the book first before proceeding with the third season.

A friend and I attended the showing of Wanko - The Story of Me, My Family and Rock at the Japan Foundation. Before heading to the venue, we had early dinner at Lola's Best which was just across Pacific Star. There really is nothing special about the food and the servings are too small. Anyway, the movie is a touching story on human resilience and animal loyalty. It's an inspiring story about how a family starts a new life following a disaster that wrecked havoc on their beloved island. At times funny and most times touching, it's the sort of movie that one will love to watch over and over again.

In line with a promise to myself to reconnect with people who played an important part in my life, I finally met up with my highschool friends after almost 5 years of no meetups. It's fun to reminisce about highschool life with people with whom you share fond memories.

Add to my hectic schedule is my acceptance to tutor a friend. We would chat online and discuss French grammar and such. It's a somewhat nice way for me to refresh my memory and it forces me to think of efficient ways to teach the language.

On June 24, I went to a friend's house for the San Juan Fiesta. We had so much fun singing karaoke. It's my first time to experience a Pinoy fiesta and I'm relived to find that it's not as crazy as I thought it would be. My friend told me that in the morning of the feast day though, people would throw buckets of water at random people. It's a good thing we went there after office hours.

Last, my proudest achievement this month is that I succeeded in practicing frugality. The last two weeks of June are a testament to how I can spend less, by focusing on important things (like food and transportation) and by resisting the urge to buy books. It helps that one of my projects this year is to read at least 50 books from my collection. The first half of the year has passed and I am nowhere near my target. (Fail!)

Century Park, Shanghai (世紀公園) 04052013

Park entrance: 10 CNY

We took the first train trip from the airport and decided to go some place before we check in at our hotel in Pudong area. We initially planned to go to Oriental Pearl TV Tower but noting the proximity of Century Park   to the subway, I suggested that we go there instead. 

It was drizzling when we stepped out of the subway and the morning chill attacked our frail bodies which were still accustomed to the summer heat at home. And we had our bags with us, thus slowing us down. 

Upper left: explains the colors, fragrance, and form of plum flowers as well as how they are represented in art and the best time to view them. Upper right: bonsai plants

Century Park is said to be the largest park in Shanghai and I have cause to believe that. We roamed the park in less than an hour but never got to see the whole place because of the rain. One of my friends, J, was so cold she just stayed at the front office desk, while V and I explored the area. There was many things one can  do here, provided the weather is good. I see the potential of this park as a nice place for long romantic walks. One can also do boating. Since it was raining, the park looked gloomy and it seems like V and I were the only visitors.

The Bund, Shanghai 04052013

After being enthralled and overwhelmed by the number of beautiful artifacts we saw in Shanghai Museum, we had a quick snack to wait until 6pm or so before we proceeded to The Bund. Before our trip, I had been researching on the place and I was expecting many people there since it's part of most (if not all) travel tours in Shanghai.

Samsung Building. I don't know if this is owned by Samsung or Samsung just put an ad on it...

It had begun to rain again. But at least now we were more prepared, having brought out our umbrellas for protection. Walking along East Zhongshan 1st Road and savoring the radiantly splendid architectural works that greet our eyes and which stretch until the end of the long road was a treat in itself, and for free, too. One cannot help but just bring out a camera and take consecutive shots of these Western-style buildings. Architecture students and enthusiasts will definitely love the place.

Pudong as seen from the Bund; note the many people despite the cold rain

We had our short rest at the end of Zhongshan road, in Huangpu Park. I was even more amazed at how the Chinese incorporate nature in its structures. A wall in Huangpu Park is covered with brightly colored flowers, adding up to the gaiety of the place at night.

colorful flowers on the wall and Customs House (right)

Customs House, considered as one of the most popular buildings in the Bund. And no wonder, since it  stands out  being a clock tower.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower as seen from the Bund on a rainy night

Summer's Here?

Early morning yesterday, mom's voice woke me up. That, while she pounded on our door. We were supposed to jog. I dragged myself from bed, pulled out a couple of essential things, a pair of shorts with pockets and towel from the closet, my water bottle which I put beside my bed, cellphones, and comb. Grudgingly I went down, head aching since I stayed up late watching My Date with a Vampire. 

When I got down, mom announced that jogging was cancelled. It was drizzling outside. And I had ran back to my room to get a jacket. Sigh.

So I went back to sleep.

In the afternoon, I complained about the heat. It's always hot on Sundays. I wonder why. And so every time we attend Sunday Mass, my head hurts and all I want to do is sleep. Yesterday was no exception.

And while I continued watching My Date with a Vampire at grandmother's house, it rained hard. No cool winds, no sweet smell of the earth; just rain. Mom said tomorrow would be the start of summer. I dread it.

Sudden Images of a Beautiful Past

There are days when it is easy to get depressed especially on rainy days when every patter of rain seems like  a batch of daggers aiming for a stab at one's heart.

But then something strange happened today. I suddenly thought of people who I haven't seen in years who have shown me goodness.

For instance, a highschool friend who used to drop me and my sisters at home after school despite the many times I was terribly unkind to her.

Or aunts who used to be buy children's books for me and my siblings.

Or a student younger than me who brings out her hanky to wipe the sweat on my forehead after seeing me run around the school

Or that boy in my elementary class who gave me a sheet of paper when I suddenly realized I had forgotten to bring mine, and despite the fact that I was hated for being too active in class.

Or that sweet girl friend of mine who used to treat me to hotdogs during recess.

Or the funny guy whose name I cannot even recall who danced the "Johnny Bravo Dance" with me when we were in grade school.

Or those people who sincerely wished me good luck everytime I enter a contest.

And I always thought that the past is not so good, that it is full of tragic moments. In my mind, these memories of wonderful people and the seemingly little things which have brought me joy are and will be preserved well.

Problema sa Ulan

Kanina pagkalabas sa trabaho ay kapansin-pansin ang makulimlim na langit. Hindi ko masyadong binigyang-pansin subalit nakisakay ang mood ko sa lagay ng panahon at napaisip na naman muli ng mga bagay-bagay na dapat ay isinasaisantabi na. Naisip ko ang maraming estudyanteng dumaan sa akin na siguradong mamimiss ko. Naisip ko ang dalawang buwan na paghuhukay at iniisip ko kung kakayanin ko ba dahil pagbalik ko ay siguradong balik na naman ako sa paghahanap ng trabaho. Kung sakali mang wala, nariyan naman ang aking pribadong aklatan para tulungan akong magpalipas ng oras. Nariyan din ang isang katerbak na DVDs na hindi ko pa napapanood. 

Pagbaba ng bus ay agad na sumakay ako ng jeep. Tamang tama lang na pagkaupo ko ay biglang bumuhos ang malakas na ulan. Bago pa ito ay umaambon-ambon na. Medyo kakaiba ang pagbagsak ng ulan kanina. Naka-slant ang pagbagsak ng mga 50 degrees mula sa lupa. Minsan lang ako makakita ng ganito.

At wala pang sampung minuto ay nakita ko na ang paligid na puno ng tubig-ulan na may tangay na mga basura. Muli ay napaisip ako kung bakit ganito ang mga tao, walang pakialam sa kapaligiran, kung saan saan nagtatapon ng mga basura. Kahit na ilang beses na tayong nabiktima ng bagyo ay wala pa rin tayong kadala-dala. Laganap pa rin ang kawalan ng disiplina. Bukod pa rito, mukhang obsessed tayo sa paggawa ng sementadong mga kalsada. Naisip ko tuloy, kaya siguro gustong gusto ng mga nasa katungkulan ang pagpapagawa ng mga daan ay para magkaroon ng oportunidad para mangurakot. Tiyak ay malaki ang nakukuha nila sa mga obras publicas. Ang masama lang, ni wala nang tagasipsip ng tubig ulan. Barado ang mga canal dahil sa mga basura at ang lupa ay puro sinementuhan. Malamang magbabaha talaga kahit na sandalian lang ang ulan.

Nang tumawid ako sa overpass ay napaisip muli ako sa isang problema sa mga overpass. Wala man lang kahit maliliit na butas para ma-drain ang tubig-ulan. Baha tuloy sa itaas. Bakit kaya ganun? Parang hindi pinag-iisipan ang mga bagay-bagay bago gawin? Nakakainis na talaga.

Gustong gusto ko talaga kapag umuulan. Ang malamig na hangin ay nakatutulong maagtanggal ng stress lalo na't naghahabol ako ng requirement. Ang amoy ng hangin, na singaw ng lupa, ay isang kakaibang amoy na minahal ko rin. Gusto ko ang amoy lupa na hangin sa tuwing umuulan. Pero kapag nakikita ko ang kapabayaan ng mga tao na lumalabas lamang kapag may ulan, naiinis ako. Minsan ay iniisip kong, kung umulan kaya nang grabe at bahain ang buong Metro Manila? Magtatanda na kaya ang mga tao?