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.

**********************************************

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.

Bulacan Adventures Part 1 07192014

One fine Sunday, my parents and I went to Baliwag to visit distant relatives to inquire about their health and also to inspect the area. I jumped at the opportunity to have a look at what Bulacan has to offer in terms of land. I wanted to see for myself if the soil is suitable for farming since one personal goal in life is to buy a large piece of land to develop as a farm where I would like to retire, away from the bustling metro. Though a city-bred idiot, my training in archaeology exposed me to province life, a life I presume to be ideal after I have witnessed the possibility of living in utmost simplicity.

On the road, I wondered what if I could drive, then maybe I will be able to go on a road trip anytime I want and stop wherever I want to be able to fully explore a place. Commuting limits one's mobility and eats up a substantial portion of one's time so for the first time in my life, I considered saving up for a car with very good engine built for rough roads. Of course, I don't know if that dream is achievable since I have a number of reasons (not excuses, mind you) not to own a vehicle, apart from not having the financial means.

A week later, I woke up some 30 minutes earlier than usual on a Saturday morning and suddenly thought of walking in an unfamiliar place. A couple of years back, whenever I feel this itch to roam on foot, I would always go to Quiapo, Sta. Cruz, and Binondo, never missing Escolta since the area still has remnants of bygone years. This time though, I felt a strange urge to explore Bulacan, something I have been putting off for a long time now. So I did a quick research on the internet on how to commute to Bulacan. My first chosen destination was Malolos.

But whatever small plan I had was ripped into shreds when, waiting for a bus along EDSA, I eyed a bus bound for Baliwag and without second thoughts, hopped inside. The next thing I knew, I was questioning my actions and at the same time, assuring myself that I will be fine. I have roamed Ilocos all on my own last year and I can certainly do the same in Bulacan. Besides it would also allow me to do my part for the Wikipedia Cultural Heritage Mapping Project even though I am already having doubts as to whether I can contribute anything at all given my ultra hectic schedule.

While in the bus, I tried to recall how the roads we passed by a week ago look like, together with commercial establishments as landmarks. Good thing the bus stops in the marketplace which is just a few steps to the church. The moment I set eyes on that massive church, I immediately knew it was Augustinian. For some reason it reminds me of Paoay Church in Ilocos because of the red bricks used. Then I learned its name was actually St. Augustine Parish Church. The side of the church used to be a convent which was described by Fray Joaquin Martinez de Zuniga as having a peerless beauty in all of the Philippines. (He was a historian and the author of "Historia de las islas Filipinas".)

Unfortunately I wasn't able to go inside and check the interiors of the church. They only open the church when there is a mass because according to one caretaker, students from nearby St. Mary's School would make the sacred grounds as dating place. Children nowadays... Sigh!

I did enter the small chapel on the side of the church. It was dimly lit, the place very small and very quiet where one enters only to pray. I said a quick prayer and left.

Since it was close to lunch time, I looked for a nearby restaurant, ready to sample what Bulacan has to offer in terms of food. I picked Lin Mer's Bakeshop and Restaurant where I had a plate of pancit malabon. It doesn't disappoint but I sure could appreciate having a bigger serving, plus chicharon bits since the province is famous for its chicharon with backfat. (YUM!!!)

Off to my journey. I had the option to ride a tricycle to Bustos but I chose to walk, since it involves crossing a bridge. Little did I know that my legs would tremble at the slightest vibrations I felt as I took my first few steps. I remembered how, during my freshman year in college, a classmate had to hold my hand as we crossed a hanging bridge in Tagaytay because I suddenly found myself unable to move. That was kind of him. And then I thought of how my sisters also held my hand when we were in the mangroves in Aklan. So again I contemplated for a while about my nonexistent love life. (yuck! Now is not the time for self-pity. LOL)

In Bustos, I saw Sto. Niño Church which was under renovation. According to a construction worker whose sleep was disturbed by my sudden appearance, the church was set to expand. Wow! Unfortunately I wasn't able to speak to the parish priest and shortly after endured the loooong walk back to Baliwag to take a jeep bound for Plaridel. On the way, I passed by the Old Municipal Building in Baliwag which is now converted into a museum but unfortunately is closed on weekends. (Just what kind of tourists are they expecting if they close on weekends???)

So anyway on the way to Plaridel I saw Sto. Rosario Parish Church which is not really old but I wanted to take a good photo since it looks neat. Again I was met with closed doors and the lady in the parish office told me they only open the church during mass. This surprised me a lot since in all my travels, at least the side entrance to the church is always open. At the back of the church is a cemetery, which i did not enter because the gates were also locked. Sigh.

Off I went on my way, determined to finally visit the famed St. James the Apostle Church (aka Quingua Church) in Plaridel. I failed to drop by in 2012 when I first became familiar with the town for my 3-day visit to the Lumang Bayan archaeological site. The archaeo peeps told me the church was one of a kind and I had made a mental note that time only to act on it this year. (Talk about procrastination. Hohoho!) When I finally saw the mosque-like façade, I felt the same feeling of awe that swept over me when I laid eyes on St. Augustine Church earlier. It was just so unbelievable that a Christian church would incorporate a Muslim architectural design but I really found it really really cool!

The church has its own museum but unfortunately, they only open it when there are special exhibits. Wanting to spend more time with this church complex, I stayed on and bore witness to a wedding. (*bitter mode haha) By the time the wedding ended, it was raining a bit already and the dark skies seemed to tell me to go home since I promised to cook dinner that night. However, I wanted to have one last stop, Malolos, my initial target destination.

Still another wedding greeted me when I entered the magnificent, historical Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, more famously known as Barasoain Church in Malolos. I would learn later on that it was the wedding of an officemate! Since it was getting late that time, I decided to just take a look inside really quickly and then get materials from the office regarding the history of the church though since the church is very famous, mainly because of the Malolos Congress. 

It rained hard when I was about to go home but I still managed to buy a liter of blueberry yoghurt with carabao milk and quesong puti in a small shop near the church. I was already on my way home when I realized I forgot to buy packs of chicharon! Fail!!!

Well, I'm definitely going back.

Baguio 0606072014

Last Christmas, an office friend won an overnight stay for two persons at Azalea Residences in Baguio. The last days of May we talked about a lot of things and she invited me to go with her. (Lucky me!) Because I didn't have to spend on accommodation for this trip, I was able to shell out extra money for food so in a way, our trip to Baguio was somewhat of a food trip.

We met at Victory Liner Cubao on the eve of June 5, which is a Friday, and had a quick dinner at Fry Me, located a few steps from the bus terminal. The food is so-so but what really attracted me to the place was the bright colors and the price of the food. A meal of tofu sisig with rice and [sugary] iced tea cost P57.

We slept in the bus, waking up only when K needed to go to the toilet. I was sitting near the aisle and I had to stand for her to get out of the window seat. Other than that, I could have slept straight the entire time. 

We saw the sun rise as the bus was just entering Baguio. If only we were able to leave Manila an hour earlier... I totally forgot to consider catching the sunrise!!! My bad. :( Other than that, we arrived at 6AM as expected.

Even with our bags, we walked all the way from the terminal to Azalea Residences. We noted restaurants we passed by and took lots of photos. Oh, we got lost a lot but we just laughed it off. Baguio is a bit tricky and difficult to navigate through because it does not form a neat grid. We had a short photo session outside the White Laperal House and in Teacher's Camp. [In my first Baguio trip with my family, we didn't go there because according to my parents, there's nothing special there.]

After depositing our things at Azalea, we hit the road and started with breakfast at Backyard Baguio. I enjoyed their tuyonesca pasta. Just the very thing I want since I've been craving for anything with tuyo in it. Saturday breakfast at home is almost always tuyo with garlic rice, my favorite type of breakfast. And since it was Saturday morning when we arrived, I naturally looked for tuyo.

 

We then took a cab to Bencab Museum. The museum if quite far from the centro but it was all worth it. It houses a lot of bulol statues, as well as artworks by different contemporary artists, aside from Bencab's own works. I especially loved the erotica collection in one gallery. [Not just because of the theme, but also because I love how the curves of the female body is emphasized in art.] We shared an order of Bencab's chicken paprika pasta (P250) for brunch at Café Isabel inside the museum after going around the galleries. And, we got to have our picture take with Bencab!

 We went back to centro by jeep and got off at Burnham Park. K told me she'd teach me how to ride a bicycle but that didn't push through because it rained all afternoon. We stopped by Baguio Museum to have a peek inside. I was surprised to find a coffin with bone remains as part of the exhibit. The upper floor of the museum contains dioramas of city plans. One can see the evolution of the city's history there, as well as the politicians who led the city to what it is today.

It was still raining when we stepped out of the museum so we headed to nearby SM hoping for the rain to stop but we found ourselves spending much time in the mall because the rain wouldn't let up. In the end, we decided to just go and take a jeepney ride to Pink Sisters Convent. We had dinner at Zio Pizzeria later on.

Giddy like teenage girls, K and I had loads of fun inside our hotel room. Needless to say, we took lots of photos. I only get to check in at hotels occasionally so pardon my excitement.

The following day we woke up late and immediately headed to the dining room for our buffet breakfast. (Lucky me again!!!) The fare was not as impressive as  had expected but I love the crispy daing. I also appreciate the courtesy and attentiveness of the waiters. 

We headed to Baguio Cathedral for the Sunday mass. We were a bit late but we did catch the sermon part. The priest talked of the controversies surrounding the church, the corruption and the luxurious lifestyle of the clergy.This in contrast to the poor old man named Dobri Dobrev of Russia who, I had read days ago in PDI, is the church's biggest donor as he begs for the church. Inside me, I commended the priest for admitting and acknowledging that there is indeed corruption in the church. I was expecting him to tell people to donate more to the church to follow Dobri's example but instead, his focus was on how we, including the church, should focus more on spirituality and retaining values instead of on material things. 

After the mass, we hired a cab to take us to Strawberry Farm and we were unfortunate to have a narrow-minded driver who was forcing his beliefs on us. That was a big turn off for me. Religious people often fall in the trap of self-righteousness as they do not see how other beliefs can also be true. He quoted a lot from the Bible, verses which I am thoroughly familiar with having read the Bible many times as a child. But I was silent the whole time, not wanting to engage in a further discussion since I knew it would be pointless anyway. We might end up in an actual fight if I countered his views and I did not want to ruin my trip over a fight on beliefs. It just makes me sad to see how people can think they are way above others because they believe that what they believe in is true. I hope we can one day be united as human beings regardless of faith, beliefs, and ideology. I don't know if that is even possible given that ideology is very powerful.

I bought three bags of lettuce (instead of strawberries)

After buying pasalubong at Strawberry Farm, we went back to the hotel for our lunch. We had leftover pizza from the night before. Then we went to Casa Vallejo to watch free movies at Cinematheque Baguio and also to browse books at Mt Cloud Bookshop. I was able to find a lot of interesting books on Philippine history but in the end I was able to buy only one book, a translated book by Padre Chirino. I find it very useful since it has firsthand accounts of early Spaniards about their observations of the local cultures. It rained the whole afternoon again so we spent time at The Hillstation, a posh restaurant inside Casa Vallejo. I had lamb in balsamic vinegar (P380). Meat was tender and very flavorful. I also love the atchara which has a nice blend of sour and sweet taste. 

yummy lamb adobo (P380)

will note to stay here the next time I'm in Baguio

We hung out at the hotel lobby for some time before heading to the bus terminal to travel back to Manila. Happy to have my first travel with K.

Batanes 05122014 Day 5

Day 5 in Batanes was spent waking up early in the morning to have a nice long morning walk to Shanedel Inn to have breakfast. I picked the place because it is near Basco Cathedral and my target destination, the NCIP, where I was hoping to buy books and/or gather more information about Batanes.

longganisa, sunny side egg, garlic rice, and tomatoes + a cup of Milo (P170) 

Since I came there too early, I decided to stay and just enjoy the nice vew. I watched planes take off, ships coming and going, while eating my simple breakfast. At 7:45AM I walked to NCIP.

Although I failed in my mission to procure materials for the Wiki project, I was still glad to have come to NCIP office. It houses artifacts and cultural items and I think these will be put on display in the National Museum branch they are planning to put up in Batan Island.

Then off to the airport to reunite with my buddy who had already checked in ahead of me. As I stepped out of the tricycle, I heard a couple talking about buying garlic. Without hesitation I asked them to buy an extra bunch for me as well. (Talk about befriending strangers before going home!)

I successfully got my garlic in Manila, happy to have these spices. I was already thinking of things to cook on my way home. Flight was delayed so I was not able to drop by UST to meet a friend and discuss about our respective projects. Was so tired from the heat and from lack of sleep so I napped upon reaching home.

Batanes Day 1
Batanes Day 2
Batanes Day 3
Batanes Day 4

Soba with Bacon Soup

The moment I woke up this morning, I looked for my sister's screwdriver collection for a suitable screwdriver to remove the covering of our electric fan. I have been meaning to clean our fan the past few weeks but I got busy and kept putting it off. After cleaning I went downstairs for a bite but to my disappointment, no breakfast was waiting for me.

So I looked into my food stash and saw a pack of buckwheat noodles which I bought months earlier. Being a ramen lover makes me want to cook different kinds of noodles, too. Since it was raining this morning, I thought it would be the perfect time to have a hot noodle soup.

And because this is an impromptu cooking activity, I had to make do with available ingredients at home. [At least the ones I can touch lest I incur the wrath of my mother.] I remembered I still have bacon strips left.

1. Submerge frozen bacon in hot water. Remove a few strips.

2. Do not throw away the water used. Set aside for use as soup base. The flavor from processed bacon will give your noodle soup a nice taste.

3. Boil soba noodles for 5 minutes.

4. Drain and rinse noodles with cold running water.

5. Pour water used to thaw bacon in pan. Bring to boil then add bacon strips.

6. Add more water as desired.

7. The fun part: Mix in your favorite condiments. In my case, I put a few dashed of McCormick Italian plus a bit of Thai chili sauce (this chili sauce is super hot even in very small quantity!)

Who would have thought that bacon can be fun even when not fried? Happy eating!
Note: I still prefer those sinfully greasy yet crunchy bacon strips...

____________________________

While enjoying this successful experiment, I cannot help but ruminate about how I was able to combine my exposure to Western liberalism and individualism and to Eastern mysticism. I think, having read a lot of Western literature and having experienced the wonders of the East, I was able to become a synthesizer that I am today, an eclectic who can adopt ideas and techniques as situations see fit.

Batanes 05112014 Day 4

May 11 is the second Sunday of the month and is also Mother's Day for this year. I committed a mistake when planning for my travels because I thought Mother's Day falls on the 3rd Sunday. I made a mental note to make sure I send an SMS to mom and greet her a happy mother's day.

We woke up very early to catch the sunrise at Diura, a fishing village in Mahatao town. The beach there was full of boulders and it was there where I scraped my knee when I fell after stepping on a very slippery rock. Ugh!

After watching the sunrise for around two and a half hours, my buddy and I separated ways. We both wanted to explore Batanes the hard way but I don't know how to ride a bicycle on rugged roads so I planned to just walk.

I was dropped off at the foot of the hill where Tayid lighthouse is located so I had to hike up all the way. My first few minutes of being alone made me question what I wanted to achieve after all this. Talk about sudden regrets but the tricycle had already sped away. [And there's also my pride to protect.]

Fortunately the road to Mahatao was gently sloping downwards so it wasn't that difficult. The challenge is dealing with the very fickle weather. One moment it rains and another the sun shines ever so brightly. Good thing I brought my raincoat with me.

I got to Mahatao just in time for the mass to commence. I ran all the way to the church and even was relieved to see the priest and his "staff" were just about to enter. Whew! Needless to say, I was super drenched in sweat and with a bleeding knee on which I poured lots of alcohol to prevent infection.

Because I was all alone, I could visit places of interest to me but which may be weird for others. I went to Mahatao cemetery afterwards, then walked towards Basco, determined to make it in time for lunch [or maybe I'd just collapse and sleep the whole afternoon]. It was already past 9 in the morning and sun's rays were not friendly anymore. Still I tread on, feeling like a 浪人. When I was running out of water and seeing the long stretch of road ahead of me [and also thinking that I must have covered 4 kilometers already], I decided to bring out the magical thumb while on the highway. It was my second time to hitch a ride (the first being on my return to Manila from Vietnam and a fellow plane passenger would also pass by the Makati area where I used to work).

The driver's name was Richard. I was happy because he's a chatty guy. He told me interesting tidbits about the Ivatan culture, like how they raise animals in Goat Island but slaughter the animals for meat there to be transported to the populated islands. They do not transport live animals due to their superstitious beliefs. He also told me that Amboy's is the only place where you can get beef tapa because normally the delicacy is just for household consumption.

Since his destination was Batanes Resort, we had to part ways at that point and I had to go by foot again all the way to Marfel's Homestay in Basco. By that time, I could already feel like collapsing any minute because of the heat. I think I must have walked more than a kilometer just to get to the inn. WHEW! [I'm never doing it again! On second thought, I might if only for the sense of fulfillment...] My buddy had returned some 20 minutes earlier than me.

Ate a quick brunch of leftover pinakbet and fish and went straight to sleep. I tried to go over the materials I got about the history of Batanes but my body was already craving for sleep.

Late in the afternoon, we explored Basco again. We planned to have dinner at the famous Bunker Café near Basco lighthouse. At the same time, we wanted to see the sunset there for the second time. Our dinner consisted of mushroom soup, beef steak, fish with wasabi mayo, upland rice (YUMMY!), turon, and stir-fried veggies. Of these, I loved the fish best!

In short, this day was mainly about getting awed [and burnt] by the magnificent sun. [But this girl is a Moon Goddess...]

Batanes Day 1
Batanes Day 2
Batanes Day 3
Batanes Day 5 

Batanes 05102014 Day 3

Day 3 was spent both in Sabtang Island and Batan Island. Since we slept very late due to the summer heat, we weren't able to catch the sunrise in Sabtang. I myself forgot to set my alarm. When we woke up at 6AM, the sun was already up. THAT. EARLY. hmph.

We hired a tricycle to get us back to Nakabuang beach to fully enjoy the place all by ourselves. It was the best thing we did during the whole trip because it wasn't that hot yet and we took a lot of photos of ourselves. I did get some sexy pose ideas from my buddy. It seems she's an expert in that.

Since I prefer to savor the beach lying on the sands under a shade, I lay down under the arch and just watched the clouds go by. Moments like this, when you don't think about anything and just appreciate the beauty of nature, are far too precious for me because I'm always living on the highway. Cloud-watching has become a sort of stress-reliever as I contemplate on my being a drifter, on adopting the way of the white cloud. (see  bottom of this post)

lunch at Nakabuang Beach part 2

 On the way back to the town, we passed by a construction site. Curious, I went down and asked around about the construction, hoping to gain insights on the Ivatans' modern construction process. I was able to chat with the owner and she said that they're building an inn for tourists. Awesome!

a new inn in Sabtang is already in the works. Can't  wait for this!

 Our last stop before we went back to our host's house was Sabtang lighthouse. The area where it stood is already considered private property so we had to pay P50 to enter. It breaks one's heart to see the walls of the structure vandalized. :(

Sabtang lighthouse

 We did some shopping when we got back to Batan. Prices are shockingly high but this is because it's hard to transport goods to Batanes. We decided to cook dinner for ourselves that night.

little kid got extra excited upon seeing colorful fishes. YUM!

 And we explored more of Batan, ending up near Batan port. We checked out the artsy store below where I bought my only souvenir for this trip: an artist's map rendition of Batanes (P200). Sadly, since the approach is artistic, the map was not scaled. What I liked about it though is that the paper is used is water proof

 I forgot the name of the fish that we bought but I chose it because of its size and color. I'm quite adventurous when it comes to food and colorful ones attract me. (Mental note: stay away from colorful mushrooms since these are most probably poisonous.)

We didn't find any ginger in the house so what I did was to just boil the fish in hot water twice to ensure that there would be less smell. I also rubbed it with salt and pepper. (I really don't know what I was doing but we needed to eat and well, rubbing fish with salt makes me feel like a chef...)

My buddy, on the other hand, cooked pinakbet. We forgot to buy rice but I was able to find uncooked spaghetti in the cupboards. Pinakbet pasta below:

The Way of the White Clouds

-Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

 “Just before Buddha died somebody asked him:

When a Buddha dies where does he go—

does he survive, or simply disappear into nothingness?

Buddha is reported to have said:

‘Just like a white cloud disappearing’.

A white cloud is a mystery—

the coming, the going, the very being of it.

A white cloud exists without any roots—

it is an unrooted phenomenon, grounded nowhere,

or grounded in the nowhere.

But it still exists.

A white cloud really has no way of his own.

It drifts. It has nowhere to reach, no destination,

no destiny to be fulfilled, no end.

You cannot frustrate a white cloud

because wherever it reaches is the goal.

Hence, I call my way The Way of the White Clouds.”

Batanes Day 1
Batanes Day 2
Batanes Day 4
Batanes Day 5