April 9 is Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor; commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War 2... As we are talking about the supposedly joint forces of Filipino and American soldiers against the Japanese forces, I cannot help but be angered at how the Americans made a mess of our history to portray themselves as allies when it fact they were, and still are, colonizers and imperialists!). I chose not to work so that I can join my new friends in mapping Pila, a historic and heritage town in Laguna.
Pila Church: San Antonio de Padua Church, taken late in the afternoon after raining. Lovely effects.
It was a good decision since Pila was also where the 2014 fieldschool took place, except I wasn't part of it although I would have wanted to. We discovered an old bridge, a Gabaldon inside the school, an old church and convent currently being renovated, ruins of an old church, and of course have my picture taken finally at Pagsanjan Arch. We capped the day with a lovely dinner at Calle Arco. It's got sizzling tofu which is a great fave of mine. C ordered that and I had chicken burrito. YUM!!!
Too bad we didn't get inside the museum. It was closed on weekends. HMPH!
monument
Pila Church retablo and altar
Pila Church choir loft
Pila Church marker
Pagalangan Ruins: an church used to stand in the site but was relocated because of flooding; the site was near a lake
my two companions are lucky to have this pic taken from under the Puente Sta. Clara-Norte: I descended to further inspect what's under the bridge
marker of an old Spanish-era well
an old Spanish well inside a private property: the waters are allegedly so clean in the morning that it is fit for drinking
where I had fake bulalo without knowing it because I was so hungry: Instead of beef, they used pork. Ugh!
Formation House
antique collection of a heritage house owner: I'm always lucky to be invited inside to see antique stuff :)
Pila Municipal Hall
a heritage house in Art Deco style which appeared in one of the Nissin wafers TVC
So finally I can relax and spend more time with my books.
It feels as if I were a student again this year as I managed several things at once. January to April, four months in all, were spent traveling on weekends to different provinces for heritage documentation. As an Iska, this is my way of offering my skills and services to my country without sacrificing my happiness. I almost resigned from my current job but quickly retracted at the last minute after achieving enlightenment. That stint in the US was very tempting, especially since it involved historical documents, but I had to let it go. My life is too full of regrets to add another bad decision.
I was also able to participate in an excavation in February. It was one of my dream sites and I would love to explore every place in Mindoro. I finally visited Singapore and got to stay at Four Seasons Hotel for three nights thanks to my cousin. I returned to Bohol this time as a volunteer in a mapping workshop. It was my first time to be a workshop facilitator.
(Many of my friends are pushing me to work in the public sector seeing how my skills can be put to good use. Then again, I would refuse without second thought. I don't trust the government and I don't want to be put in a situation wherein it would seem like I were working under the government when in fact I am working FOR the government. Ugh! If ever, there is only one project I'd like to be part of but I think I have to level up fast first.)
This year also marks the start of my active participation in the volunteering community. I signed up to distribute goods to schoolchildren in the Mountain Province and participated in painting a school in Botolan, Zambales. For the first, I am thankful to my team mates who donated milk for the kids.
In June, the Light of my life disappeared, leaving me hurting everytime I think of her. (Just earlier today while at mass in UP, I thought of her and uncontrollable tears rolled down ny cheeks. It must be because the day after my birthday, my sisters asked me if I dreamed of her and I told them I have been dreamless for a long time and they wouldn't believe me yet unfortunately, it's true.)
Another childhood dream was achieved when I went to Mexico this year to attend a conference. Even though it was just for 10 days, it will remain as my most unforgettable trip. I never thought I had that courage to go that far on my own. After that, I felt like I could go anywhere in the world. (Okay I exaggerate. I will certainly have second thoughts about going to India on my own.)
A trip to HongKong was just what I needed in August to give in to wanderlust without killing the wallet that much. It was good to be with my cousins again and I will very fondly cherish my first bike adventure because they were with me. Also, I am surprised to find myself booking a flight just to attend a seminar abroad. While in HK, I made sure to finish my powerpoint presentations and scripts for my paper reader since the trip coincided with a conference where I was to present two papers, both on heritage documentation, a big leap from my 2014 paper which was on archaeology and animé.
September to November passed by with me too focused on work. Those months were uneventful except I finally found the time to attend concerts and plays. The whole month of November, I participated in the Asian Month and I submitted a few articles, mainly writing about extraordinary Thais who contributed to positive changes in Thailand. It was also during this time that I went out with friends again since prior to this, it was always hard to ask me out. I also assisted a friend archaeologist in touring his class around Binondo for two days and one day in the National Museum where I gave a short lecture on glass artifacts.
Today marks the end of a personal project. Plus I attended a seminar. It coincided with our company Christmas party in Pampanga but I chose to attend the seminar seeing it as more important. Walking inside UP Campus on a drizzling night, I took in the smell of wet earth, mushrooms, and frogs which I so miss. UP has been and will always be my sanctuary.
The remaining days this month will see me reading history books and writing papers in preparation for next year.
Rushing to Sto. Domingo Church yesterday to meet up with a fellow volunteer-turned close friend after a quick lunch with new friends, I found myself asking why on earth I let myself be invited to attend the Cosplay Meet in Intramuros. Oh well, that in itself is justification enough. It's highly unusual to have such an event take place within the historic walled city and it's enough to pique my curiosity.
But then it's raining. Somewhere in the north and in parts of Southern Luzon, typhoon Lando must be unleashing terror, bringing rains to Metro Manila in the process. And on a weekend. Could have been a perfect time to stay at home and read since JM just lent me a copy of the coffee table book Pasig: River of Life and also a dear professor lent me a book authored by Noam Chomsky, that intellectual giant who's famous for his anti-US policies.
"Hakune Miku" applying makeup on "Light Yagami"
But oh well, I already said yes to R. And I also would like to see the potential of Intramuros to hold such an event. We all know the place to be historic and maybe, just maybe, the event will be an added boost to make it more attractive to the younger generation. And it's been a loooong time since my last cosplay event and that last time, I exited in less than an hour after entering.
It was raining when we got there. R and I were targeting to leave at around 6PM but the event dragged on until 10PM. I should have known. I badly wanted to go home to read books and I'm worried about getting the coffee table book in bad condition in case it gets wet.
Magic Knight Rayearth cosplayers
And there wasn't much food choices around. People get free yakisoba and Mr. Chips and that's it. We had to go to nearby Cioccolata Churros Café at Bayleaf Hotel for some coffee. Not that I am a coffee drinker but I needed the extra energy boost to last me until 10PM. While there we discussed about the usual stuffs--- volunteer projects, government projects, financial problems (yes, this is a recurring issue LOL), and also academic work. I often tell him how frustrated I am that I can't seem to get a decent scholarship that will take care of my expenses so I can focus on my acads and social work/ volunteer work.
I thought they were going to win...
cuties at the event: Fuu was nowhere to be found though :(
Around 7PM we went back to Baluarte de Dilao. There were band performances and they were really good. I did a recording of some of them. I especially love Zenshin Aru Nomi. Yes they cuss and curse while onstage but in a funny way because there's a problem with the sound system. Nevertheless, they were a joy to watch as they rocked the night with songs from Beck.
I couldn't resist, pardon my love for cannons!
Natsuyasumi rocked the night with a favorite song from Hunter X Hunter: Ohayou. Now something that someone from my generation can relate to. LOL Deep inside I was wishing so hard for some band to play Do You Feel Like I Feel, also from HXH.
Observations:
1. The organizers were not able to fully take advantage of Baluarte de Dilao. It was a very good place for open concerts and they should have jumped on that to hold singing contests and/or battle of the bands.
2. Weather forecasts have been very accurate in saying that it will rain almost the whole day. Tents were set up not for the attendees but for the sound system and various booths. Not all attendees are okay with getting wet... and sick later on. And the chairs were all wet so we were all reluctant to sit on them. [In short, organizers failed to consider what attendees need to have an enjoyable time.]
3. Only junk food is served inside. Free Mr. Chips, yet no free drinks. [Maybe I''m a little bit too demanding but normally free drinks are in tandem with free food, right?]
4. The event didn't seem to be marketed enough as I only heard about it a few days ago. There were very few people, and methinks the event is a flop because of the meager attendance. I should be happy with that because it made moving around so much easier but then there were also very few cosplayers. Take note, as Asia Cosplay Meet 2015, this is supposedly a big event.
5. Setting the time fro 2PM to 10PM is not a good idea. We arrived at 3PM and stayed until the end but there was not much going on because of the rain. Methinks four hours would have been sufficient. And I could have gone off around Intramuros and visit my favorite places there.
6. The sound system sucked. It's sad to see such talented bands and singers having had to endure performing with such bad sound system. This got fixed only in the end.
awarding
7. One cosplayer stormed out in rage, claiming that the whole cosplay thing is a big joke. I don't know if there is truth to what he says about the winner being close with the organizers but then again, such attitude should not be tolerated in a public event as it definitely puts people in an awkward situation and ruins the night. [It's my first time to witness something like that and I was shocked beyond words.]
8. Questioning the criteria and asking for an explanation on the judging process, which one cosplayer did, is I think the more sensible move. (In relation to #7.)
Early this year I was invited to be part of a cultural mapping workshop in Tagbilaran, Bohol. I was with a group of architects and historians. Yes, I felt a bit out of place since most of them were not as friendly no matter how much I tried to strike conversations with them so the whole trip I was stressed out. I would always wake up very early and sleep very late. Just so I can have my me-time and have my whatever-am-I-doing-in-here moment. It helps that we're near the sea which for me is perfect for such moments. And I brought along my mini ocarina and played a few songs for relaxation. That, and constantly playing David Garret's "Air" gave me such comfort in not so good times.
my comfort in my morning solitude
As this was my second time in Bohol, it was easy for me to talk to the locals about their culture and heritage. I learned a great deal, I made friends with a local teacher and his students, I got friendly with a local pianist Ms. Lilet Sarabien and who prodded me to play but unfortunately I couldn't because all she had are difficult classical pieces. (But she sure inspired me to play again.)
Bored with the workshop on the first day, I declared that I wanted to go mapping with the boys on the second day. I love the outdoors, even though the summer heat in Bohol can be unbearable at times. It's so unfair to confine women indoors while they have all the fun being outside observing the daily life of common people and taking pictures of heritage structures which are scattered all over town. So in the end I got the best of both worlds, Casa Boholana in hand as we explore Antequerra, Alburquerque and Baclayon. I got to see the churches again. This time I was able to see the different heritage houses and public markets.
I love simple rural scenes like this
rice field
While I learned to know more about the cultural assets of Tagbilaran during the very informative workshop, that knowledge is largely complemented by what I saw while doing field work. At that point in time, I thought, what if I were a researcher? I can do both archival and field research, being quite adept at communicating with locals, not to mention my language capabilities. It is, however, a sad thing, to be in a country that does not put a premium on historical research. Just to get to the point, I need a patron and research funding. That and a team of like-minded passionate and highly skilled individuals. But it's hard to gather such a team, right?
bahay kubo
Discovering a Gabaldon building inside Cecilio Putong High School on the day we mapped, I made a mental note to go back there to sketch the building. But alas, I didn't bring a pencil with me and sketching with a ballpen is quite messy but I did it anyway. There's just a certain elegance in those arches that I find quite appealing.
Gabaldon building
On our last day, I roamed Tagbilaran on my own. I amused myself inside the Bohol Museum even though I've been there before and they didn't have anything new to offer. But it's refreshing to observe with another set of eyes the architecture of this building which is currently under renovation.
eaves details of Bohol museum
That, and I bore witness to yet another wedding in Tagbilaran Church. When they played Canon in D, I couldn't resist and recorded it. File's too big to be uploaded though. There's always this warm fuzzy feeling whenever I hear it being played. And church weddings! How they force me to think about marriage, something I am ambivalent about. T.T
On marriage: Just yesterday I hung out with JM and his colleagues and one of his friends asked me if I have any plans of getting married. @.@ I couldn't answer. In the first place, should every woman enter a married life? Anyway at this point, I still do not know. Yeah, and time is running out.
Also, having been questioned about commitments lately, I just do not understand what we mean by commitment. If one decides to marry, does that mean that that person has a resolve to be committed? If so, why do married people still cheat? Are humans that weak to fall into temptations? Are humans too selfish and insecure to want to have everything even with the knowledge that they hurt other people?
Before the mapping project ended in April this year, I was able to forge alliance with two other active volunteers who had already exceeded the required outputs early on. One is from Calamba, Laguna and the other from Bulacan. The three of us have previously mapped Pila, Laguna last April 9, taking advantage of the holiday Araw ng Kagitingan to do volunteer work.
J who hails from Bulacan was my buddy for the day. Plan was that we would meet up with C somewhere in Laguna but since C suddenly had lots of deadlines to meet that day, he only joined us for dinner in SM Calamba, his treat at Max's Restaurant remembering how fond I was of sizzling tofu.
J and I met up in Cubao to take a bus going to Santa Cruz, Laguna. From there on, we visited Nagcarlan, Liliw, Majayjay for their churches and snapped photos of heritage houses, most of them already dilapidated. We also paid a visit to the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery which is really a small one but the fine architecture of the chapel there with some ceiling paintings intact makes it one important cultural property.
It was a tiring day. I got home at close to 12MN. because when the three of us gather we talk endlessly about plans, dreams, frustrations, and the future of the project. It's amazing how fate brings together three persons from different disciplines but who share the same passions and who have almost similar experiences of not being understood by our respective families.
On Sunday, second day of our second time to map Pangasinan, buddy and I left our host's residence in Bolinao early. As agreed, we donned our costumes to at least look good in our photos. The househelp prodded us to at least eat breakfast before we leave. Such heartwarming gesture of hospitality extended to us by our hosts! Needless to say, I am deeply moved.
After breakfast, I ran to the side of St. James the Great Parish Church to buy binungey, a kakanin which resembles suman except this is cooked inside a bamboo. We would eat it later in Alaminos.
Immaculate Concepcion of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Church (credit: Wikicommons)
Our first stop for the day was Bani, a small town but with around 20 heritage structures. Their church has a rather irregular shape and was being renovated when we visited.
retablo of Bani Church (credit: Wikicommons)
Gabaldon Building (credit: Wikicommons)
Pangasinan State University (credit: Wikicommons)
In the park across Bani Church we saw a historical marker erected on March 18, 1979 in memory of the 13 martyrs who died fighting against the Spanish soldiers on March 7, 1898. Now, who were these 13 martyrs? What were their background? What motivated them to fight?
After Bani, we headed to Agno where I was able to climb up the belfry. The view from the top of the church is always breathtaking and one imagines as if it were the olden times, how the belfry can also function as watchtower to see if there were advancing armies about to attack. Oh well, I am also into military stuff so pardon my wild imagination. :P
Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church (credit: Wikicommons)
view from Agno Church choir loft (credit: Wikicommons)
As in Bani, Agno also has a Gabaldon Building. We were also lucky to have found an old Spanish bridge except all that's left are the pillars. Locals say that on top of these were wooden boards. Anyway, a modern one runs parallel to this old bridge.
Gabaldon Building (credit: Wikicommons)
Don Angel Sison Bridge (credit: Wikicommons)
Since these two towns are fairly small, we only spent a short time here. We then proceeded to Alaminos for lunch. Needless to say, I slept while in transit despite getting 5 hours of sleep the night before. We were still lucky because the weather in Western Pangasinan was not that hot.
Note: All the pics I took were uploaded to Wikicommons but am reusing them here anyway.
In April, I went back to Pangasinan with the same buddy I was with in my first mapping of the province. The second time around we experienced the same difficulty in getting bus tickets as we did the first time.
Our first stop this time was Bolinao, known to travelers for its lighthouse. Of course we included that in our itinerary as well as a visit to the beach.
It's funny how the world seemed so small. While having breakfast at a canteen, I saw the last name of a former officemate and I remembered that she had relatives in Bolinao. So I messaged her and asked if her uncle could provide assistance to us. The town was celebrating a festival so we almost never got the help we needed but her uncle was really a generous person who even provided us with a tricycle, instructing the driver to take us to Bolinao's Enchanted and Wonderful Caves, Patar beach, and Bolinao lighthouse. Plus, we got free accommodation and dinner at their house. I'm so touched at how people can be so kind despite the prevalence of cruelty in this cold dark world.
we didn't know there was a fiesta! Beautiful surprise :)
Go Bolinao!!!
A sea of busy people greeted us when we arrived at Bolinao. Turned out they were having a festival! Cool surprise! We stopped by for some time to see their street performance then resumed mapping the town.
binungey, suman-like treat in bamboo
Old Spanish Well
the imposing St. James the Great Parish Church
Gabaldon Building
old church bells in Bolinao Church (yes we climbed up the belfry!)
In the afternoon, there was only the lighthouse left to map. We were in for another pleasant surprise when my officemate's uncle arranged a tricycle tour for us. We were taken to Enchanted Cave first where we marveled at the giant fossilized clam shells. Later on we took a dip in the cave's cool waters. Wanting more, we transferred to another cave named Wonderful Cave. I liked waters here more than in the previous one. Also, it's got less people so buddy and I were able to talk a lot about love, friendship, and human relations in general.
giant fossilized shells in Enchanted Cave
And then the lighthouse!!! We spent some time taking pictures there since the sun was already setting with extra wonderful colors. It would be a waste if we were to leave without beautiful silhouette photos!
Bolinao Lighthouse against an electrifyingly clear blue sky
And until the time the sun had fully disappeared down the horizon we stayed at Patar Beach. I love how the brown yet light sands felt against my skin. My buddy and I buried ourselves in the sand for a while before fnally leaving the place with smiles on our faces.
sunset at Patar Beach
We had dinner at our gracious host's house and after that, a cousin of my officemate accompanied me and my buddy to the town feria. I'm not a big fan of fairs but it's nice to once in a while see for myself what goes in there.
town fair (photo credit: Hannah D.)
darts (photo credit: Hannah D.)
The fair hosted a lot of rides and I do not even know nor recall the names. I only went for the ferris wheel which got me a headache afterwards. I did got 4 out of 5 shots in the darts, winning a pack of cheap chips for it. Then I took advantage of the karaoke machine and sang two songs: Join the Club's Nobela and F4's Meteor Rain. What is nice about singing here is that people do not know your ugly voice and so will not remember you if ever you go back. LOL
After a quick mapping of Binmaley, we went to Dagupan for a quick lunch at a carinderia in the transportation hub. It's got my favorite adobong pusit and the free bulalo soup was one of the best I've had.
We hopped on a van to Manaoag which is known for its church Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag. I've been there when I was a high school student when I was still a super devout Catholic. My mom and her Catholic friends had a sort of field trip then and she took me with her. She told me amazing stories about how photos of the image of the Virgin Mary would appear blank. At that time, I didn't own any camera so poor me couldn't try it out.
The moment we saw the church, we were overwhelmed to see a big crowd. It felt like visiting Antipolo Church in May! And the immediate surroundings of the church! How commerce seemed to fluorish as one sees many products being sold: woven stuffs, fans, oils, religious articles, candles... I was baffled at how people can consider doing business in a sacred place.
Church of Manaoag
The past few weeks prior, I had also been busy looking for a travel buddy to go to Manaoag with me since I have been so desperately in need of miracles at this time in my life while the Light is slowly fading and I felt helpless. This was the perfect chance to participate in mass and I asked my buddy if she could map on her own while I stayed inside the church. We were to meet after an hour.
choir loft
She said yes and so I was able to hear Sunday mass. I always consider it important to visit churches when I travel and to hear mass as much as possible. In Manaoag, I offered a fervent prayer, hoping for a big miracle.
altar
I don't know if the Heavens will grant my prayers but I have decided early on that whatever happens, it is the Will of the Heavens and I dare not contest it. I have put my faith in the Supreme Being knowing His immense goodness.
exposed bricks at the Parish Office
As we leave Manaoag, I remember a favorite Bible verse: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
