Christmas Wishlist 2014

The second BER month is about to end so I might as well list down what I want for Christmas. Not that I am expecting anyone to give me anything on my list but let's see if the universe will conspire to grant some on it.

Christmas is never for me. I get depressed during the holidays. Must be SAD (seasonal affective disorder). The festive atmosphere is supposed to cheer one up, right? But no, the warm lights on the Christmas tree, the Christmas songs one hears almost everywhere at this time of the year, the sights of mall sale, the sudden increase of people in Metro Manila, the advertisements, they all make me pensive.

And I would always wish I were somewhere quiet, where I can bask in blissful solitude. The mountains would be a most welcome retreat, but who would join me when families are supposed to be together for Christmas?

Also, I dread getting useless stuffs, mostly recycled gifts. I dread the organized exchange gifts in the workplace, though I participate for the sake of pakikisama. And who knows maybe somewhere out there somebody might just pack one awesomely unique gift for me, or something I can use, not something I'll just dump somewhere in our already messy room (thanks to me).

Contrary to what many think, I am actually quite easy to please. I don't want cheap things which you can buy anywhere. I have no need for cute things which I can't even use. I dislike things people give just so they can say they have given gifts. Just imagine how many tons of useless stuff factories produce everyday worldwide and just imagine the the amount of resources used to produce these useless things which usually just end up in the dumpsite. No wonder this world is so sick, it is so drowned in consumerism it forgets life's simple pleasures.

What I want is something more personal, something that truly comes from the heart, something that is exclusively meant for me. And the best part is that you don't have to spend that much when considering a gift for me. Life is simple and simplicity has always been associated with me for as long as I can remember.

Write me a poem and I'd keep it and treasure it as if it were some piece of jewelry. Create a card for me showing your artsy side and it will easily be one of my prized possessions. Write me a long letter, and I'd keep it somewhere safe but easily accessible for when I would miss you, I would just take it out and read it and then my heart shall smile at the sweet memory of you.

The best gifts I have received are not the most expensive nor the most beautiful. But they are the best gifts because the givers really considered what I like and they made sure these gifts are things that I will simply put on the shelves to gather dust. Friends who have given me books know my thirst for literature. Friends who wrote me letters are the best; I think they know me as a sentimental person who takes pleasure in walking down memory lane. Friends who invite me to go someplace new know my love for adventure, the same for those who bring me to restos be they expensive or dirt cheap. In the end, it's always the thought that counts.

I guess that must be one reason why I find it hard to give gifts. I tend to project my tastes unto the recipients and they must be disappointed whenever I end up giving them small cards or colorful letters or whatnot. Still I am happy to have found friends who truly appreciated the small things I give. I was even surprised when two of my male friends told me they keep all the letters I have given them in their wallets. I guess that's what you call friendship.

Anyway, the material things I want for this year:

1. Boxes of dark chocolates (preferably with mint or orange)

2. Old and rare books

3. Yacht cruise (Mediterranean or Caribbean.... Or both)

4. Free movie passes or tickets to concerts and theatrical performances

5. Ride in a helicopter

6. International and domestic trips

7. Europe trip! (perhaps two months will do but I wonder if I could have such long leave)

8. Notebooks and pens

9. Dinner in unusual restaurants

Last and the most important are two things which always go hand in hand. I always wish to have courage to do the things I have to do and to have strength to continue doing what I have to do.

Love Museum, Jeju Island

One of the places we visited in Jeju Island on our first day there was the Love Museum. The name of course is misleading because it's all about sex and erotica, and not necessarily love. For this reason, only those 18 years old and above are allowed to enter.  For this same reason, I am only posting some of the wholesome pictures I took.

The moment you get inside the park, you will see a lot of cement sculptures of phalli. There is also a fountain, the water of which is sprayed from a gigantic male organ. Two mounds are also visible and if you pay close attention, you will see that pink nipples are present on top of the mounds!

Inside the museum are more art revolving on the erotica and on sex organs. The ground floor also serves as souvenir shop for those who wants to buy kinky stuff. The second floor houses dioramas portraying sex in many situations.

Adults are sure to be amused at what the Love Museum has to offer. It reminds me of the Shunga, most especially the ukiyo-e of Japan. The Koreans also had something similar which dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. 

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I'm just starting to read up on Korean history to somehow make sense of my trip.

Buntot Palos Falls, Laguna

Last July, I joined a group of strangers for a waterfalls trek. The night before, I couldn't sleep because thoughts of backing out was on my mind. I suddenly thought, what if the group are smokers? What if no female shows up?

But it was one heck of an experience!

I showed up at 4:30 am which was a bad move. I could have slept a little bit more. Then the organizer showed up and I was introduced to the other members. They were all younger than me! And most belong to JVP, the Jesuit Volunteer of the Philippines which is under ADMU. So that made me relax a little.

I slept in the van on the way to the falls. When we got there, we did a bit of stretching, which is something most groups I joined in the past forget to do. Then we started.

The climb up was not that tiring. In fact, the whole time, I was chatting with the organizer who was two years younger than me. He seemed really friendly. In fact, I was at ease with him. We got to talk a lot because we were leading the group. And also while waiting for the others to catch up, I was able to take lots of photos.

Like the mountains in Batangas, this one doesn't really have anything special. There's the usual mud, the usual rocky features, the big mosquitoes, big ants, and really nothing special. But it's a different story when you get to the falls. Okay, it's not as beautiful as the others I've seen but I love its very fresh waters! Refreshingly cool!

the mud (sometimes mixed with horse dung)

bark mushrooms turning golden under the sun

The challenge was the descent. Because I wore my rubber sandals, I was vulnerable to the invading mud in my footwear. It was such a bad idea. I was only thinking that since were going to a waterfalls, I wouldn't need socks and rubber shoes. While going down, I saw some people from other groups wearing water shoes and they said it's better than rubber shoes. Okay, noted on that. I should have brought those instead so the mud wouldn't make the surface of my sandals slippery. My toes were terribly hurt by the straps soon afterwards that I decided to go barefoot. Never mind the horse dung. It's better than slipping on the rocks and ending up with scrapes and bruises.

The organizer lent me his large slippers which was a great help and relief. When we got to the water source in the middle of the trail, I was able to wash off most of the mud and heading down didn't hurt my toes as much.

We had lunch at Manang's which is pretty much like Bulacan's Namwah. We ordered a lot of food but ended up shelling less than P200 each. I love the fried chicken!!!

Anyway, after that, we headed to Panguil Ecopark but only hang out there until late afternoon before washing up and heading back to Manila. We got there too late and the management was strict in following the time they accept visitors. Still it was a great experience!

I look forward to joining more open trips and gaining new friends in the process. :)

Hong Kong University Museum and Art Gallery

After taking a look around the Hong Kong Museum of Medicinal Sciences, I went on to HKU. Back in college, I was often persuaded by my aunts to go to HKU but my parents cannot send me there due to our financial conditions. Besides, it would mean being away from my family. My parents, being conservatively strict and overprotective, wouldn't want that.

So anyway, stepping inside the campus felt surreal. I had fun going inside the buildings. Good thing classes had not yet started at the time of my visit so I was able to sneak in a ease without worrying if I were caught.

I got in the art gallery and museum but taking pictures is not allowed. The museum has ancient furniture and ceramic wares, not unlike the other museums. And they also exhibit contemporary art.

There is however, one disturbing sight: that of golden lucky cats which mechanically raise their paws while their eyes are fixed on a screen flashing alternately "I LOVE CHINA" and "CHINA LOVES ME" on red background, reminiscent of Communist China. I was disgusted at the sight. Shortly I came home, news of HK protests for democracy were all over. It seems that the exhibit was actually satirical.

view near the library: the main building which I mistook for a church

inside the Main Building

post renaissance style facade

The Last Emperor (1987)

Boarding Korean Airlines has been fun for me. They have a nice albeit few selection of movies both new and classic ones. One of these is the 1987 film The Last Emperor by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci. The movie poster was familiar though I cannot recall where I saw it. I did remember visiting a museum in Xiamen back in 2008 where I first took an interest in Pu Yi. Last night, on our flight back to Manila, I chose that almost three-hour film and it doesn't disappoint.

The Last Emperor is a biographic film on the tragic life of Pu Yi who mostly lived his life in prison. The film opens with a grown Pu Yi being detained by the Russians. He tried to kill himself but was not not successful. Then came flashbacks of his life.

As an infant he was called to the Forbidden Palace after the death of the emperor. Empress Dowager Cixi proclaimed him as new emperor right then and there just before her own death. He was very pampered, with attendants around him ready to do his bidding. The people around him all assured him that he will be emperor forever. He was allowed to do everything he wished except to step outside the palace. The first time he questioned his power was when his brother visited him in the palace and told him that he is not the emperor, that the one who truly rules is the president who rides in a car. From then on, the young Pu Yi has a strong admiration for anything western, more so under the tutelage of a Scotsman named Reginald Johnston who later authored Twilight in the Forbidden City.

His first sorrow is perhaps having lost his wet nurse, his only friend inside a cold huge palace filled with rules. He chased after the carriage where his wet nurse was. When told he was already at an age where he no longer needs a wet nurse, he replied, "She's not a wet nurse. She's my butterfly." This scene is replicated later on in the film when his wife the Empress Wanrong leaves him in a car and he runs after the car but is unsuccessful.

Seemingly obsessed with being an emperor and unable to accept that he is merely a puppet, he agreed to collaborate with the Japanese and for a short period of time, ruled as puppet emperor of Manchuria which was in reality under Japanese control. It was there where his life crumbles away when he ignores his wife Wanrong who then gave birth to an illegitimate child. Her lover was the chauffeur. Her child was killed after birth by the Japanese.

When Japan announced surrender, Wanrong eventually returns a very changed person due to her addiction to opium. She spits at the Japanese, for whom she showed only contempt even before Pu Yi accepted their offer to rule over Manchuria.

Later on, Pu Yi undergoes the reeducation program under Communist rule where he begins to fend for his own. He later learns of the damage wrought by the Japanese especially in Nanking. Driven by guilt and feeling responsible for the sufferings of his country, he desires to just live in peace. He is eventually granted pardon and lives now as a gardener.

One day while in the streets, he witnesses a parade of "traitors" to the Communist cause. He sees the prison commander, his only friend in the reeducation program, and tries to persuade the soldiers that the man is good and does not deserve punishment, but in vain. Years later, he visits the Forbidden Palace as a tourist and climbs up the throne. A boy stops him and he says he used to be the emperor. Unbelieving, the boy asks him to produce an evidence and Pu Yi gets the wooden cricket house from under the throne. He received this as a gift on his coronation day.

The film ends showing tourists flocking to the Forbidden Palace, now no longer the home of the monarchs but an artifact of dynastic Imperial China.

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Watching this movie and seeing Pu Yi's struggles due to his status change from emperor to a commoner, I cannot help but think of the many little emperors in China today what with the sudden increase in number of the nouveau riche. Ill-mannered and self-centered, they will one day be at the helms of Chinese companies. It cannot be denied that China is a global power and its role in global affairs will be of importance. It is however very scary to see that the future leaders are those used to being spoiled and pampered. I wonder where the world is headed to?

九龍城寨 (Kowloon Walled City Park)

While doing a last minute research the night before I left for HK, the Kowloon Walled City Park was put in my priority list. I love parks, more so parks with ruins.

the preserved ruins inside the Walled City

The park is located in New Territories and it used to be a military fort. First constructed in 1847, the place was meant as a defense fortress cum accommodation for civil and military personnel. During the Tai Ping Rebellion in mid 19th century, the walled city was invaded by the rebels. The military officials were forced to evacuate the area. After World War 2, the walled city started to gain its notorious reputation as a dark sin city, becoming a big drug den where illegal activities abound from prostitution to unlicensed medical practitioners. As such, crimes were more than frequent.

Interestingly many people lived normal lives in that enclave with no sewage system and water supply was scarce. Eventually the Chinese and British government decided to demolish the tall buildings that mushroomed there and to relocate the people in order to transform the whole area into a public park.

broken stone tablet with the words 九龍城寨 (Kowloon Walled City)

small falls inside

fragrant juniper trees lining the paved path

restored structure

pagoda where people nowadays practice tai chi and do exercises

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I wish the Manila government would also do something for Tondo, Manila. While the area is not enclosed like the early Kowloon Walled City, the parallelisms lie in that both are infamous for illegal things and for the anarchic (in the widely popular sense of the term, and definitely not the original noble definition it has). We can learn a lot from how the Chinese and British managed the evacuation and relocation of the original residents. It will take greater political will to do so and only a true government, something that really cares for its people, can do this. Unfortunately we all know that government officials are nothing but greedy pigs who seek office to pocket the people's money. Sigh.

Korean Airlines

For someone who's used to travelling on a budget, I cringe whenever I hear about expensive plane tickets when budget carriers are already in existence which allow even ordinary (and poor, like me) people to realize their dreams of travelling to different parts of the world. That has been one big on-going project of mine and I'm taking baby steps towards realizing it. Hopefully I get to travel to at least one new country each year. For the love of travel and of knowing new things, God knows how hard I work! But it would be even greater if I could have someone to sponsor my trips. LOL

Who would have thought that this year I would have the chance to get inside a more posh aircraft aside from that of Cebu Pacific. This year I had second thoughts about joining a tour in Korea because for one, tours do not allow one to really engage in a place in a meaningful way. All one does is hop inside the tour bus, go down, have your pics taken, go home and post pics on FB but there is no real depth to that experience. It is shallow, uninteresting, and definitely not for me who am fond of walking long distances.

Despite that, I said yes. Not out of love for my father whom I think would need my assistance since the last time he went on a trip with his friends he was sent to the hospital. I'm not the world's most dutiful daughter. My reason is more on the selfish side, this is an opportunity to go to Korea. If I were to wait for my friends to I wonder at what age I will be able to go there. At least the tour would be like a survey for me, if I liked the place, if there are places worthy of visit (i.e. Museums, historical places, big temples), then I'd definitely go back. I'm pretty sure there are many historical places like palaces and these are quite popular in their historical dramas.

Very roomy interiors with 9 seats per row instead of the usual 6

Entertainment consisting of music, movies, books, and even games

I had chicken instead of beef bibimbap but used my dad's leftover chili paste

Anyway, the plane craft was really nice. It was the first time I got inside a big one so pardon my post about it. I was awed at how they took into consideration a passenger's need to kill time with their all in one console. They even had classical music!

Excited, I opted to watch a Spanish comedy film entitled Ochos apellidos. It is about a man from Seville who fell in love with a girl from the Basque region. They met in Seville and after a one night stand, the man pursued the girl all the way to the Basque and pretended to be of that region. He had to to get the girl since the Basque is a fiercely separatist region. It's witty and funny and I honestly enjoyed it because of many comedic elements although I'm not really into romcoms. I guess I'm more interested in knowing more about the culture of the Basque region more than anything else. 

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This is the first time I blogged while away on a trip. Will have to do this more often to prevent backlogs. 

Stackers Burger Café

One Sunday in July, my mom and I had a spontaneous Sundate and we had afternoon snacks at Stackers Burger Café. My parents seem to have rediscovered a certain attraction to burgers since the day I brought home those juice burgers from my favorite burger place.

I was impressed with how they styled the small restaurant. It's very hip and looks like it's where tough kids hang out because of the stools designed as wooden boxes complete with metal fastenings. In a way I felt bringing my mom to such a place but nquickly forgot about it when I bit into the chicken.

Jack Burger

Chicken tenders salad

Because I would always end up choosing fried chicken over anything else when eating in a fast food joint, I had the chicken tenders salad. The chicken was something my taste buds weren't prepared for. The first bite feels like an epiphany, that such a wonderful thing existed without my knowledge. It looked like it was fried but it certainly was not oily. After we had eaten, I didn't feel bloated, so no guilty feelings afterwards. (Especially these days when sneaking into the gym has been difficult because I'd rather sleep...)

Will I go back? Without a doubt yes! I'd try their baked chicken with rice the next time I drop by.

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

After staying for almost two hours in Thai Pad, a Thai restaurant along Bonham Road where I took advantage of the free wifi, I went on my way to Hong Kong Maritime Museum. To this day I still treasure the moment I was in the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense in Shau Kei Wan where I thoroughly enjoyed walking around. It was because of that museum that I became determined to go visit each and every one of HK’s museums and I am happy to say that this year I was able to go to five.

Tired from walking around the whole day in HK summer, I almost didn’t make it to Central Ferry Pier 8. The good thing about travelling alone is that when in a desperate situation you will be forced to interact with strangers and place your trust in them. I was lucky because when I kept on asking the bus driver if it was already my stop, a woman in her 40s took care of me. She was headed to TST and was to go there via a ferry. She told me to tag along and I did, grateful for the company. If I went alone I would have missed Pier 8. It was she who pointed it out to me.

Entrance fee was HKD 30 and I had second thoughts because I got there at past 4PM, leaving me with less than two hours to go around. And I can really kill time when inside a museum! And my camera battery was also about to die out.

Visitors will first see vintage posters advertising great ocean liners. As marketing materials they can be considered as artifacts in their own right, giving information on the history of the maritime industry.

Also on display are fine dining ware. The cruise ships are indeed for the rich as even eating utensils, cups, and teapots are given great attention. Clients are really given the best luxuries.

view from within the glass walls

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this artwork

 Aside from ship models, SCUBA equipment, and exhibits on luxury liners, the museum also educates the public on how seamen give signals to each other other. I especially liked that section. Public awareness of water pollution is also ensured as the museum commemorates the Plastic Disaster of 2012 when a ship leaving HK carrying plastic pellets fell victim to Typhoon Vincente. The containers were destroyed and the pellets spilled into the waters. HK residents immediately sprung into action to save the beaches and the seas by recovering the plastic pellets.

As expected, the museum houses a lot of miniature ships, including the Chinese junks. There are also exhibits on pirates and on the history of HK's shipping industry. Interestingly, Wu Delin who set up the Taiship Group in 1951 which remains active to this day, attended the University of the Philippines! Now isn't that awesome?

Booklets were on sale that time so I bought three. One is about pirates since lately I've been engrossed in One Piece again.

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I wish we had a similar museum here in the Philippines, plus archives on our maritime history since we are surrounded by waters and watercrafts are an ancient mode of transportation. BTW, a book I'm excited to read after I finish the ones I have been reading for months now is James Francis Warren's Iranun and Balangingi: Globalization, Maritime Raiding and the Birth of Ethnicity. I bought the book at a discounted price last month during a conference where I presented a paper related to archaeology at UP Diliman. I'd be more than happy to get a book related to the Philippine maritime history. #wishlist LOL

Hong Kong Musuem of Medicinal Sciences

My third day in my 2014 HK trip was spent roaming the streets of Central and Sheung Wan. When I got tired at looking at all those very tall buildings in those areas, I decided to finally look for the Museum of Medicinal Sciences which was included in my draft itinerary.

Walking in the streets located behind the skyscrapers had been a fruitful adventure because I got to see a lot of street art. Some would call them vandalism but I guess it is tolerated in HK as a form of expression. Also, it was a pleasant surprise to find a row of restaurants serving different cuisines ranging from French to Japanese. In fact, I passed by a Japanese restaurant claiming to serve the number one ramen but I didn't get to try the place because I got there too early and it would be a hassle to go back there from HKU which I visited right after the HK Museum of Medicinal Sciences. 

I almost gave up trying to find the museum because even after consulting my maps countless times I couldn't seem to get to the place. Relying on instinct I carried on until I came to an elevated playground where I saw an important-looking building made of red bricks. I practically ran to it happily thinking it could be a heritage building hidden in that not so busy part of HK. Turned out to be the museum built in the Edwardian style.

What greeted me when I passed through the gates was a mini garden where they planted different medicinal plants. It seems that part of the objective is also to educate the visiting public so there are labels indicating the name of the plant and its uses. 

I paid the HKD 10 entrance fee and went on a tour all by myself inside. I was lucky because I was the only one inside at that time. 

The museum puts on exhibit a comprehensive medical history of Hong Kong and this includes the use of Chinese medicine alongside Western tools and equipment. A section is devoted to SARS, one of the deadly diseases in human history for which HK suffered a dip in tourism following numerous cases of SARS. It preserves the memory of an international collaboration to combat this respiratory disease.

What I liked about the museum is the basement where they simulated a Chinese medicine shop. Part of the exhibit inside the Herbalist Room is the portrait of Shen Nong, the god of herbs. This portrait, which originated from a stone carving in Wu Liang Temple dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty, is a reproduction from the Shanghai Medical School Museum. 

After touring around, I bought a book on Chinese herbs, determined to study about medicinal plants and their uses. It makes me remember the late botanist Leonard Co whose untimely demise in the hands of the military is such a big loss to the Philippines. He published a book on medicinal plants though I have yet to see a copy. I'd definitely like to have one, as part of my 2014 Christmas wishlist.

2014 Hong Kong Trip

Warning: This is a very lengthy post … Links to important places will be up soon.

Last year was the first time I was lucky to get a piso fare promo from Cebu Pacific. A highschool friend and I planned to go to Hong Kong and shop during the summer season since discounts are big in summer, she says. She has been to HK countless times, having relatives living there. I, too, have relatives who are HK residents but I’m not close to my relatives in general and besides, I’m quite afraid that visits to relatives will eat up my time which is intended for exploring HK really well this time. The last time I was in HK was just a year ago and the four day trip was just enough for me to learn about the subway system but sadly I grew restless from that trip because I discovered that HK has a lot to offer in terms of nature trips!

This year, my 7D7N trip has been a mix of ups and downs. I don’t think I got the most of this trip because of my relatives who kept on insisting in tagging along with me. Not that I’m complaining, I find it rather sweet of them to want to spend time with me but a solitary wanderer like me needs ample “me- time” most especially when exploring a new place. However theirs is a culture of late risers so my trips with them start at around 11 am onwards. Being an early riser when travelling, that was something that really tried my patience.

As before, the first thing I did upon arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport was to buy an Octopus card. I took few brochures since I brought with me the old maps I got last year which I have studied well prior to my visit this time. Then I waited for Third Aunt who was to pick me up from the airport. It was drizzling on the way to her flat and it was already late at night. So basically my first night is just to ensure I get enough sleep for a week’s activities.

The second day was spent at another aunt’s house. I was instructed on what bus to take and alight at which stop. Problem was, Fourth Aunt left the Philippines when I think I was yet to be born so I really did not know her until that day. It didn’t help that my other aunt told me she looks like a famous Filipino singer and actress so I guess I was expecting that. Who would have thought that the semblance was years ago! Fail!

So I stayed at her house for hours listening to her stories and getting to know her children--- my cousins. In the afternoon, after some three hours of napping, my aunt and one of my cousins (the youngest and is very pretty) took me to Kowloon Walled CityPark. It’s a very big park with the fragrant smell of juniper trees which reminds me of Baguio. I wish we had very big parks in Metro Manila, too. (But the government officials are corrupted to the core and they seem to want to sell the whole PH to private entities. I so hate them but that’s another story.)

I helped Fourth Aunt prepare dinner since I saw that her children cannot be relied upon to do house chores, being too busy with computers and smartphones. She was a terrific cook! She cooked 6 different dishes in just a little over an hour! Simply amazing! And as I blog tonight I cannot help but remember her grilled chicken. It was just the best chicken I have ever tasted! The tender meat, the marinade… it rivals that of RoyalBellagio Hotel's The Filling Station!

The third day was my only me time. I accompanied Third Aunt to her office in Central and then took off from there to walk. There never was a happy walker that time as I. I marvelled at the tall buildings bearing names of famous brands. I took lots of photos of the beautiful modern architecture alongside colonial-styled ones. The streets are clean, unlike in Metro Manila where people throw their garbage just about anywhere and get away with it when supposedly they should be fined.

I was able to visit the HongKong Museum of Medical Sciences, HongKong University Museum and Art Gallery, and the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. One whole day of walking that much was tiring but I got a treat from Third Aunt when we ate at a vegetarian restaurant at North Point. But because I had late lunch I wasn't able to eat a lot that time. We then visited an uncle and his wife who live in separate houses.

Back in my younger years, I remember my uncle who was a big man who often smelled of cigarettes, being a chain smoker. I didn't like him then because I hate cigarettes and he was always smoking the whole time he was at our house talking with my dad for hours on end. That time, he visited PH to attend my godfather’s wedding.

This year I was glad to learn he no longer smokes and suddenly he didn't seem so big to me anymore. He asked me to write down my name and I did, using the traditional writing system since I never liked the simplified version. (Sorry for being elitist, I guess when you’re serious about languages you tend to have a high disregard and intolerance for distortions and vulgar evolutions.) Anyway, he was surprised to find that my handwriting was quite good and told me that I am a courageous and daring individual for still preferring to write the old fashioned way. While his perception of me is quite the same as that of my close circle of friends who see me as a warrior, I do not think that I am worthy to be called courageous. Daring yes, but courage is something far nobler and is one of the values I always pursue but I guess the times are few when I can truly say I have had courage.

At my uncle’s wife house I was served with too many cups of tea and it was already late. My aunt was very warm and welcoming and I wondered why she lived away from my uncle. Anyway, she was surprised to find that I speak Fookien. (Is Chinese education in PH that bad that the Chinese are always surprised to find huaqiao who can speak fluent Chinese???) I also met a niece, the daughter of my cousin who was then in China so I never got to meet him.

The fourth day, Third Aunt and I woke up early and fetched my niece. We went hiking in Shek O County. I had been fantasizing about hiking in Dragon’s Back and I was happy when my aunt agreed to go with me. Unfortunately it wasn't the type of hiking that she prefers, being used to “hiking” (her term) cemented grounds. So I really didn't get to enjoy much because she was complaining about how dangerous it is to hike in such a place etc. when in fact, it’s a fairly easy hike. Felt like a walk in the park. Earlier I told her I love long hikes and that I am accustomed to doing mountain treks and she said she also hikes from time to time. Who would have thought her definition of hiking is actually “walking on paved grounds”! I guess it was also my fault for not clarifying or probing on what kind of “mountains” she had hiked to in the past.

We had to stop midway and go back to the city at noon for lunch. We were to meet Second Cousin’s wife and her kids there and then go to Golden Beach in New Territories afterwards. I was of course very sad since I love the mountains more than the beach. Besides, summer at the beach doesn't appeal to me. The very hot weather makes it hard for me to enjoy. And, beaches in PH are far more beautiful than in HK!!!

We had a wonderful dinner at my uncle’s house. It was a feast and I greatly enjoyed the yellow chicken (ginger chicken) and the fish (fried fish fillet and fish in low sodium say sauce--- simple but I love fish of any kind so just imagine how happy this kid was), the vegetables (squash and leafy veggies which I LOVE)… Oh what a spread they prepared! I was relieved to find that the only pork dish is Chinese style pork chop which is somewhat like asado.

The fifth day was spent with Fourth Aunt again. It was Kowloon walled city park part 2. Fourth Aunt prepared ramen noodles with dumplings for lunch. Awesome! I just love noodles! Then we went to Wong Tai Sin Temple. I wanted to weep with joy. The temple is just so grand and I wanted to explore its every corner but unfortunately there were too many people and I’m afraid my aunt and cousin might be bored with it already. Mental note to go back there on my next HK trip.

At night I was taken to my cousin’s house. This cousin of mine was my playmate when we were small. She was very naughty back then and she would always throw tantrums. My nanny recounts that my brothers would always bully her for being such and I was always the one to defend her from them. I also remember being put in charge of bathing her whenever she comes to visit our house without her nanny. Then one day she went to HK to join her family and it was only last year I think when we got in touch again through Facebook. It was she whom I informed of my intent to visit HK.

Third Aunt also took me to Big Aunt’s place. It was only when we were grown ups when we knew we had another aunt and that she was the eldest so Third Aunt is supposed to be Fourth Aunt and Fourth Aunt Fifth Aunt. But because we have grown accustomed, we never really practice the new calling system. Anyway, Big Aunt is a fragile woman and I like the feel of her very homey home where she lives with her son and grandchildren. I would have loved to spend more time with them but I guess there really isn’t much to talk about. I also found my nieces (her grandkids) lively and cute. I wish they could come over to PH when they’re a bit older and  I’ll show them around, probably to the beaches.

The sixth day was spent in Tsim Sha Tsui. Oh the memories of last year’s visit! TST will always be memorable because there are just so many beautiful attractions there especially near the pier. I was to meet up with my other uncle and his wife so I left Third Aunt’s house early and went to Hong Kong Science Museum. Then I joined my uncle and aunt for lunch where they treated me to a Japanese restaurant in Silvercourt. I AM JUST SOOOOO HAPPY!!!

A bit of shopping and it’s a good thing they brought me there since left alone, I wouldn't have bought anything during this trip. Shopping is not my forte, unless it’s shopping for food hehe. And because of them I knew that I got good value for my money having bought branded clothes at huge discounts. Awesome!

We parted ways shortly after and I was instructed how to go to their house for dinner and where I would stay for the night. They left me to wander in TST alone much to my brimming happiness!!! And so off to the Hong Kong Cultural Center I went with a plan to watch a concert but I promised to be at my uncle’s place before 7pm for dinner and it would be rude to be late and to make them worry. So instead I went to Hong Kong Art Museum which I never got to explore last year because it was closed during the Chinese New Year.

I did find my way to their house and spent the night there. My cousin to whom I was close to in my childhood days was already working and she came in when I was already asleep so we didn't get to talk.

The seventh day, my two cousins who are both girls, went out with me. We went to Lai Chi Kok Park first, also a very beautiful park. HK people are really lucky to have such well maintained parks within the neighborhood, unlike here in PH where you will have to travel far to have a breath of fresh air. Then off to the Hong Kong Space Museum where we watched a short movie about astronomy and space scientists. Next time I’ll be watching other films.

Next we went around Mongkok and Temple Street to shop. I bought only a few things being an inexperienced shopper and a miserly one at that. My cousins took me to a Chinese restaurant where we had yamcha (literally means “to drink tea” but it has come to mean having dimsum and tea). Fourth Aunt’s daughters also joined us. Because there is a Chinese resto of the same name in Manila, I thought at first that I am finally gonna experience the main branch LOL!

That night, I slept with Fourth Aunt’s eldest daughter and we chatted a bit before drifting off to sleep. She says she wants to visit the beaches in PH someday. I told her if ever she comes to visit, she should let me know so I can accompany her and show her around. Of course that means more reasons to travel! And I’m more than eager to spend time with my cousins who showed me what hospitality is and taught me what family and kinship mean.

The following day, Fourth Aunt woke me up very early in the morning. We went to meet with her friend and together we headed to Paktamchung where I got to see the reservoir. Also, it was my second hike and I was glad to take in HK’s natural beauty. It was tiring yet fun. What a day it was! Good thing the wind was refreshingly cool despite the summer heat.

In the afternoon, Fourth Aunt accompanied me to Big Uncle’s house to pick up some foodstuff I was to deliver back home. In the evening, Third Aunt and I had dinner at Fairlane Restaurant where I treated her for the first time in my life. We then went to my dear cousins’ house to deliver mooncakes I bought for them.

The next morning, I stopped by Fourth Aunt’s house for a surprise visit and to give her some mooncakes as my token of gratitude for the warm hospitality they extended to me. Boy was she surprised to see me! I already knew how to commute by bus! Yay!!!

For lunch, I went out with Big Uncle’s granddaughter (that makes her my niece) who treated me to a Japanese restaurant near Third Aunt’s place. She, together with Fourth Aunt, helped me with my bags as I boarded the bus to the airport. I got four huge bags with me and looking back I still couldn’t believe how I was able to survive with all that baggage, being used to just a backpack and a small bag when travelling.

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Note: At the time of writing, internet at home was down so I composed this on Word. This line is already in the fifth page. LOL

Reminders

It's been a looooong time since I wrote something here in my blog. Just that for the last couple of months I had been too busy with a lot of things. Not that I am complaining; we all know getting busy is the best cure to a single heart. But because I was suddenly flooded with chores and there were just too many events I could not say no to (thus most times I would just end up in bed as soon as I arrive home), I have unfortunately neglected writing altogether. In fact even my non-digital diary is suffering from blank pages so I guess I'll have to find a way to spend time alone to rethink the recent past and to put them on paper.

Just why the obsession to accumulate records, you might ask. This is actually a project I have taken, a personal project supposedly, but which I don't mind sharing with strangers on the net. The reason being there is a huge chance that I'll end up a single woman and I hope that if that happens I can look back and see what I've done here on earth. It's just to somehow cushion the harsh blows of reality and see in my old age that at the very least, I tried to live a fruitful life despite the immanent chaos and the lack of meaning. It's a record of struggles and happy times, of different experiences which helped make life bearable, which somehow pushes me to live again tomorrow, and the day after....

In short, this blog is a reminder of things done and of things yet to be done.

For instance, some of the things I should have written about are:
1. My first ever time to join a group of strangers in a trek to a waterfalls in Laguna. At first, I was scared alright but before the day ended, I felt as if I have known some of them for a long time already.

2. My trip to HK where I got to hang out with my cousins whom I haven't seen for soooo long. I think it's been almost 20 years! And I got to know our other relatives there. Big plus includes getting to hike twice in that place known for shopping and Disneyland. And how can I forget the four museums that I visited??? Never mind the fact that my itinerary was ruined because of visits to relatives but oh well, we never see each other that often. I just wished I was able to prepare something really uniquely Filipino like for example cloth from Ilocos and the like as gifts for them.

View of Hong Kong from the Museum of Art in Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsui

3. Chino's violin recital last month where I was left utterly impressed. There just is something in him now that is sooo attractive. Well it helps that he decided to do away with the moustache hehe. I also discovered that he's soft-spoken. (I wonder if he'll be annoyed at me if he were to know me better since I'm too boyish and too well, too unladylike, in a word.)

4. The books I have finished reading but which I did not have time to write reviews. Oh well, it's not as if I was able to read many books these days given my ultra hectic schedule.

5. The conference I attended last month where I presented my paper. On second thought I might not write about it since there really wasn't much to say except that I was extra happy to have received free books for being a presentor. The books are in Filipino and are composed of essays on Philippine literature. Welcome addition to my already gigantic book collection. (reminder to suggest to the parents that I NEED big bookshelves in our room. I hope the sisters do not mind.)

6. The advanced Christmas wishlist. Doesn't matter if year after year I do not get the things I truly wish for but what the heck, making one is fun JUST BECAUSE. (never mind that nobody reads it or takes note of it. LOL!)

So there. Backlogs again so I'm not writing about my recent food trips except of course Ganeeza in Fisher Mall since I think I knew what 'love at first sight'... I mean, BITE. I now know where I can find some comfort when depression kicks in. And oh yeah, I prefer to shop there than say SM. SM is just too damn crowded I'm always eager to get out the moment I enter.

So anyway, this post just ended up with a few reminders (or things my readers can expect in the days to come).

Note: I can't believe I just blogged using my tablet. Maybe I ought to do this more often so I can blog anytime anywhere.