The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globaization

There was a time after graduating college that I contemplated on taking up foreign service to make better use of my language skills and also because many friends think I am most apt for the job not only because I know many things about people and different cultures aside from their languages as a result of frequent traveling (now ruined by Covid-19 ) and because above all, I handle issues in a very diplomatic way. On the other hand, I know in myself that I know very little about world history and especially about the Balkans, Central Asia, and other not so prominent geographic spaces but which contribute to the unfolding of world history. There were some points in my life that I would buy books on globalization to better understand the concept as a process, a system, and a phenomenon, and supplement it with books on related topics. Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat was very much talked about then and it was this reason that I probably bought every book of his that I could find in Booksale.

Getting TLATOT for only PHP75 is a big bargain!

I started reading this book only last year and finished it last month, but I was reading stuff in between (not to mention doing a mountain of chores and income-generating activities coz a girl's gotta earn her own money and doesn't live off others). I instantly liked Friedman because of his accessible writing style which betrays his playful and witty mind, but then it changed toward the end when it became more apparent that he is a proud American who, although aware of globalization's negative consequences, would rather insist on this US-led system because of the "benefits" that the world will reap from it. As an advocate of free market capitalism, he voices out the importance of competition and the ability to be agile in today's rapidly changing environment. To give him credit, he does raises interesting and some valid points but I still have my reservations.

The book is comprised of 20 chapters, each detailing our journalist's experiences with the globalizing world as he moves around and talks to the rich and powerful shapers of world events, in one way or the other, directly or indirectly since we are all connected more than we realize. So below are some key takeaways/ insights:

1. Globalization is THE new international system, characterized by both clashes and homogenization of civilizations, environmental disasters and rescues, triumphs of liberal free market system and the backlash against it, the durability of nation-states and the rise of enormously powerful non-state actors. And an important thing to remember is the role of CYBERSPACE/INTERNET.

2. The Lexus here is a symbol for modernization, prosperity, privatization of economies; in more concrete terms, the lexus represents material improvements in the form of global markets, financial institutions, computer technologies. Olive trees refer to the abstract things that root us--- sense of belonging, individuality, personal rituals, relationships, sense of confidence and security. 

3. Golden Arches Theory banks on the global popularity of the famous fast food franchise and influenced by liberal IR tradition. It states that no two countries that both have McDonald's have ever fought a war against each other ever since they each got their McDonald's. It's funny how shortly after the first edition was published, NATO bombed Yugoslavia. (Mine is the 2000 edition.) Then again closer to home and considering recent events, we see that GAT is a very weak theory with China being aggressive (or for some scholars, assertive... But maybe its assertiveness is read by outsiders who do not have to contend with direct conflicts with this gluttonous panda) to its southern neighbors with which it shared centuries of relations. I also remember when I was still an employee of a multinational food company around 2014 or 15 and suddenly Russia and Ukraine had a fight over Crimea. I remember that time well because we had a Ukrainian visitor with whom I spoke Russian, realizing later on that Russian and Ukrainian are actually very different. The awkward thing is, at that time, Ukrainian nationalism was seen to be very fierce despite their small size compared to a giant Russia so the visitor would remind me that the two are different languages and indeed they are. I have to add that US played a role in this crisis because as usual it keeps on interfering with others' internal affairs and as usual it succeeded in throwing away then Ukrainian President out of the country. (*rolls eyes)

4. Friedman does acknowledge the ill effects of globalization, the thing he absolutely supports. So in this book he points out the things required to survive and compete and still emerge as successful. His core suggestion is by INTERNET DOCTORING which is essentially helping companies be e-ready. And since we also cannot leave out the nation-states, there is a need that a country has excellent infrastructures, the hardware as Friedman calls it, as well as robust regulations and law enforcement. He emphasizes the role of the Electronic Herd (i.e. technocrats) as primary source of capital. And despite having being the US's ally in this part of the world to contain China, the US has made little to help build this hardware that we need. So now that our President breaks off ties (partially) with US and pivots to China, I sure am more content. Because as Friedman himself says there are freemarket democrats and there are also freemarket kleptocrats and the latter are far more in number in my poor country.

5. Aside from world politics, I also pick up some useful insights for personal development:

- Beat the system at its own game

- The fast eats the slow

- Openness can lead to rapid growth (just look at China since 1979)

- You don't earn a living, you learn a living (page 447 talks about constant upskilling)

- When you are at the top, be generous and benign to keep your position

  The last quotes from Paul Schroeder: "If you look at history, the periods of relative peace are those in which there is a durable, stable and tolerant hegemon who does the adjusting and preserves the minimal necessary norms and rules of the game. And that hegemon always pays a disproportionate share of the collective costs, even foregoes opportunities for conquest or restrains itself in other ways, so as not to build up resentments and to make sure the system stays tolerable for others." (That hegemon is without a question the US. But these days it should also apply to China and China knows it, that's why it is focusing on its soft power's "peaceful rise" alongside hard power, in a move to tap into smart power.)

御前侍卫 [Imperial Bodyguard] (2011)

Mainland China has produced a number of TV series on the Qing Dynasty, with Emperor Qianlong  (乾隆皇帝) as the favorite regime. The most memorable series is not from Mainland but from Taiwan, with its massively popular (还珠格格) which my family would watch every night. Or at least in my memory I would watch with my parents. In graduate school, I found out that it was such a big hit in Southeast Asia. In fact, in one Mainland drama series 翻译官(Les Interprètes), 还珠格格 was used for interpretation practice. At the onset of the lockdown, I came to know that one of my sisters has actually been watching 延禧攻略 (The Story of Yanxi Palace) which I do not watch. She first followed the dubbed version on ABS-CBN, and since the lockdown, have turned to online streaming to continue watching the series. After a quick Google search on 延禧攻略 and discovering it's set during Qianlong's rule, I pointed out to her that she might want revisit 还珠格格 as both figure the same emperor. I also gave her a brief history lecture on the 清 (Qing Dynasty). These days she alternates between the two, which gives a good balance as one is dark and serious, while the other is a light comedy.

The movie is set in the days of Emperor Qianlong when anti-Qing sentiments ran high, especially because of corrupt officials. Qianlong roams outside the palace to investigate the embezzlement of funds by an appointee magistrate named 李满仓 (Li Mancang). The funds are supposed to fix the river bank and to provide for the people as disaster relief. In those days, the popular slogan amongst the people is 反清复明 (Counter the Qing, Revive the Ming). The Ming Dynasty was the predecessor of the Qing and to cut a long story short, the Han people were not happy with barbarian rule. Anyone with basic knowledge of Chinese philosophy knows how strong sino-centrism is and how non-Chinese, or to be more specific non-Han, are thought of as barbarians. So anyway, there were also Japanese pirates already in Chinese society back then who seek to sow discord in order to allow Japanese forces to take control of China. These 倭寇 (wako pirates, literally "dwarf pirates") connive with local officials, and at least in the movie, with Li Mancang.

Now our main character 薛树英 (Xue Shuying) has many friends who are good at fighting. One of these is the cheerful thief 卓飞  (Zhuo Fei), also a ninja who spies on the Japanese and reports to our hero. An old brother, the 江香主 is anti-Qing and heads the 天地会 (Heaven Earth Association) which seeks to drive away the Manchus. All he wants  is to kill the emperor so he can go back to live with his wife and daughter peacefully. Jiang is ready to fight his friend for this mission but changes his mind eventually when Xue tells him the people will suffer more and chaos will ensue if the emperor is killed. That, plus when the Japanese killed his wife. Another is an old time friend 萧易明 (Xiao Yiming) whose wife died when he accidentally shoved her rather too hard while sparring with our hero. He blames his wife's death on Xue but in the end arrives in time to fight the Japanese big boss. There is also another swordsman whose entire family was killed by an imperial edict for writing a poem, thus all he wants is to avenge his family and kill the emperor. Eventually he becomes an ally when he learns that the imperial edict was actually forged and the emperor has already taken care of those involved in the forgery.

 The movie has many good action scenes but unfortunately, the story is too cliché, with the emperor running for his life and when almost cornered, heroes will turn up and sacrifice their lives to allow the emperor to flee. There is one burning question the whole time I was watching this film and that is, WHY ON EARTH DOES A PRINCESS WHO CANNOT FIGHT JOURNEY WITH HER FATHER??? A fat but loyal eunuch is also almost always a must in these types of movies so that's pardonable. But even when left to their own devices, it is the emperor who fights against ninja assassins. All throughout the movie, the princess' role is just to worry about Xue that those who watch this film understand why 春子 (Chunzi, the doctors's daughter) smiles rather too sweetly at the general who led the reinforcement at the end. It might be implied that the princess and Xue have something going on between them although at the start, it would seem that it will be Xue and Chunzi. To think Chunzi's father died for the emperor by pretending to be him so that the assassins will chase him instead of the real emperor. Also, I am curious as to what happened to the Lady Boss owner of  the restaurant. She is revealed to be such an awesome fighter who single-handedly dealt with the assassins while the royal company escape her restaurant, but her demise is implied. Chunzi herself is a courageous woman who offers to go out and bring the emperor's seal to the general for reinforcement, but which came late so the heroes mentioned earlier have mostly been killed already except for the cheerful thief whom I thought would be killed eventually as is common but who turns out to have survived and is bestowed the title of marquis afterwards. Awesome! I just love Robin Hood types because they are a rarity in this world full of sick people who are rude to the poor and the powerless yet treat those with money and influence very well. So disgusting.

Another salient characteristic of this movie which is also very common in Chinese films is its strong anti-Japanese sentiments. The Japanese are portrayed as brutal and bloodthirsty; they really need to slash Chinese people multiple times even though it is clear that the person is dead. They do not think twice about killing innocent people for their goals to destroy a country. And they are made to be foils to the Chinese (i.e. Xue) who fights for morality and justice. Japanese animé always emphasize that being good in the art of fighting is useless if it is employed for random violence. But in Chinese movies, this included, they are made to look evil, mayhaps as an extra effort to counter Japan's soft power. I wonder though why Japanese actors agree to be part of these kinds of movies, but I also am glad that they become part of Chinese film industry especially in atonement and acknowledgement of the Japanese nation's war crimes during World War 2. I hope the US and other Westerners produce films that speak truthfully of how they subjugated other peoples and created hell in this world.

Questioning Our Heroes

A month before my birthday as I was looking for interesting books inside National Bookstore on a lazy Saturday afternoon, I spied Nick Joaquin's A Question of Heroes. Because I was still obsessing over the film Heneral Luna and have been on the lookout for materials about Antonio Luna, I bought the book without a second thought seeing that it tackles the revolutions first against Spaniards then against the Americans. That despite the book costing me PHP350, but I had no regrets because the book was well-written.

A Question of Heroes traces the series of revolutions that took place to where it all started, arguing that it was the creoles who started it all with their campaigns for the appointment of the native clergy. The execution of the GOMBURZA inspired privileged young men, the ilustrados, who obtained education, most of them in Europe, to establish a Propaganda movement which enlisted the sympathies of Spanish politicians. It was the highlight of the whole movement as one after the other these ilustrados made the nascent Filipino community proud by winning competitions and garnering accolades in international settings. And it is precisely because of the ilustrados' achievements later on culminating into a sense of nationhood that Nick Joaquin argues that the entire period from the Propaganda Movement up to the war against the Americans is just a single event aptly named the Revolution of the Ilustrados.

While it is undisputed that the ilustrados fanned the fire to nationalistic tendencies, I have reservations on this since the masses were discredited. I strongly suspect that this is because Nick Joaquin himself came from a privileged family and/or that he is a product of a series of brainwashing and mental colonization done by the Americans when they established the public school system in the Philippines. The book failed to investigate the Dagohoy rebellion and its significance in later revolutions.

What I liked about the book though is that it is very well-written, making it hard to put down. For this, the author really lives up to his title as National Artist for Literature. He writes unapologetically about the heroes we so admire in Philippine history, showing their great blemishes when in highschool all we ever know is their greatness and love for country. Nick Joaquin even goes far as to question that love. Is it really for the Motherland? What is referred to as Motherland? 

The book touches on well-known personalities in the Philippines' pantheon of heroes and delving deep into controversies thus offering more insights into the humanity of these persons whose lives the average Filipino only reads from heavily purged textbooks. It touches on accidental heroes like Jacinto Zamora, on cowardly heroes like Graciano Lopez-Jaena who was unable to act on what he espoused, on arrogant and power-hungry heroes like Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo, on duplicitous and manipulative heroes like Apolinario Mabini, on heroes lost in time like Artemio Ricarte who brought the Japanese into the Philippines to drive out the Americans, and many more interesting stories.

We call them heroes. But how do we really define heroism? What makes a person a hero?

I remember as a college student and keeping an active blog on the now defunct Multiply site, a big figure in the History Department commented on what I wrote (if I remember correctly it was a review of the National Museum).  Curious, I visited his Multiply site and found out that it was Dr. Zeus Salazar, proponent of the Pantayong Pananaw, an intellectual movement that calls for indigenized social science perspective as opposed to the more popular Western positivist stances. In one of his writings, he differentiated between a "hero" and a "bayani". The first, for him, refers to someone with courage, wisdom, and strength. The latter is characterized by his/ her sacrifice and concern for others. Bayani is rooted in the word bagani which means warrior, someone who is ready to lay down his life to protect others. 

In A Question of Heroes, we glimpse the selfish interests these "heroes" had and I think it is interesting and will make for a good debate on whether they are mere heroes or are worthy to be called "bayani".

On second thought, I recall a wonderful conversation I had with a fellow volunteer in the mapping project. He is a Psychology graduate and he points out that we the people at present times must not judge too harshly the people of the past because as the events unfolded before them, they were characters within a story wherein the ending is unknown, unlike us who at present, know well what would transpire. Put in the same shoes in the same historical context, would we know what to choose, how to act, whom to trust?

Rizal Markers in Hong Kong

So the two days I was with fellow Filipinos in Hong Kong, I learned of the Rizal markers. I joined them in their quest and was glad that even though I have only seen them a couple of times before, they welcomed me in their group.

somewhere in D'Aguilar St., Central

the 1913 Fringe Club: I will target that on my next HK trip

at Morrison Hill Skatepark

at Queen Elizabeth Stadium

monorail

beef wanton noodles for lunch: my comfort food :)

Read: My HK Trip in 2015
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We also went to Artland to buy art materials. It's so cool to be with like-minded people who share the same interests. I'm glad to have gone off with them to see the markers. I hope they also enjoyed my company since I became their translator while walking from HKU to Wan Chai. Awesome walking experience. :)

Bohol 2015

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

May they have a blissful married life together

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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? 

2015 Christmas Wishlist

It's October and I have yet to clear my backlogs. Anyhow, at this very moment I am taking a break from playing cheesy Air Supply songs on violin and thinking about how much I would want a new violin, I decided to blog a bit.

None in my wishlist has been realized so far except for the art materials which I wanted a few years ago and which I also put in my wishlist in the office secret Santa gift-giving activity. As if people would go to great lengths to get what I really want. Thinking about what to want for Christmas is very hard for me.

Since lately I have been more focused on music, I would very much want to have music-related stuffs for Christmas. Those and going to theaters, museums, and maybe a long travel to think things through before the year ends.

1. Tickets to concerts and musicals

 Next year, Les Misérables will be staged here in Manila. I'm saving up for that but it would be really reaaly cool to have my ticket for free.

2. Movie dates

  While I am the type who prefers to go solo when watching movies, it would be nice to have someone to watch Le Petit Prince with. It just so happens that it will be in theaters within my birthday week this year. 

3. Food trips

  My sisters and close friends know fully well how much I love food and how adventurous I am when it comes to food. Going on an all expense paid good trip is an excellent way to make a girl happy. Whoever said that diamonds are a girl's best friend is a liar. The best way to a girl's heart is through the stomach. Always.

4. Long walks

  It's a real pity we do not have that many parks here so this poor hyperactive girl finds it hard to release extra energy. While I do walk on roads, I couldn't enjoy as much because of the pollution. Ugh!

And no, walking in malls is not my cup of tea. I easily get bored seeing all the merchandise on sale which we humans really do not have a need for anyay. [*curses consumerism]

5. The Mind Museum

I've been wanting to go. I did get to visit one time in August but only at the lobby to attend a talk on the origins of the universe. However, I can't seem to afford the ticket.

6. CDs

  Of musical giants. For the longest time I have been listening to sax, mostly by Kenny G. It's hard to find violin music so I might as well put that on my list.

7. Musical instruments

  I'd like something to add to my winds collection. Probably a harmonica or a clarinet. Or maybe a sax? But saxophones are way too expensive. Sigh!

8. Travels

  This girl is itching to travel but is on hiatus for now. I'm saving up for sometjing important so I'm holding my money tight. So it would be lovely to get a free trip again before the year ends. Wanna go to the beach to contemplate about life, love, loss, death, and redemption. Or about the origins of the universe. Or how we can achieve world peace...

9. Books

  Ah this girl's best friend. I'd like some intelligent books on history. I like books focused on lesser known heroes and/or intellectuals. Or books on music. Or perhaps books on crazy ideas. Would appreciate books on dating, too. I am seeing the wisdom in a friend's suggestion to read up on dating only now... because that's where I fare poorly.

10. The wisdom to guide me every step of the way, the courage to enable me to do the things I should do, and the strength to carry on doing what I need to do.

Last but not the least, a chance to throw it all to the winds again--- my dreams, my frustrations, my sorrows, my joys. I want to empty myself and start anew.

September 2015 Part 1

September almost always is my busiest month but nowadays it's changing because I had to offload some activities temporarily to give way to new ones which I believe will help enrich my life. One of the things that have to go for now is traveling because not only does it eat up much of my time and keep me away from my family, I have also identified it as my biggest expense-incurring activity, which is bad because since the start of the year I have had very little savings.

So the first week of September I was elated to have spent less than P600. Would you believe that I was even able to buy groceries that week? But I promised myself never to buy lunch for one whole week but it was a success that spilled over to the second week and which I am hoping will continue this week until payday comes hopefully.

Except that this last week I overspent because of certain activities. I received a meeting invite in SM Megamall which was a bad idea scheduling it on that day. It rained hard and I bore witness to the floods in Ortigas and the slow-as-snail pace of vehicles. The other party was late because of this and so I had to buy snacks for myself lest I end up grumpy because of hunger. It was a fruitful meeting and I hope that my pet projects and one big project will push through.

For someone who did not experience having an org in college, being with one right now is not only a blessing but a privilege. Here I learned the importance of passionate volunteerism. Based on observations, people would sign up for just about anything but fail to deliver outputs. This presents a problem for the project organizers and for the org which provides the funding. Can't people be serious and treat volunteer work as something at par with salaried work? Okay people will argue that you don't get paid being a volunteer. My point is, then don't volunteer if you can't deliver. Simple as that. Problem is people are so good at biting more than what they can chew. (Which, forgive me for the digression, is also a big issue in the Philippines because people do not care about wasting food. Just go to any restaurant or food court and you will be indignant at how so much food is wasted while a lot of people are starving. Makes me really angry!!!)

Anyway, I'm learning a lot in the org. Phase 2 of the project is even more exciting because I already volunteered to be part of the measures and documentation team. LOL. Okaaay no more travels until end of the year and I hope that translates to savings. That is, if I succeed in keeping myself away from theaters...

Speaking of theaters, I watched DUP's season opener "#R</3J", a modern retelling of The Bard's classic Romeo and Juliet. I was disappointed with the play, over-all. However, it must be pointed out that the kinesthetics of this pay is well played out, leaving me awed. It's the first time that I left the theater feeling like I was cheated of my P200, to think that I came in late, NO THANKS to the heavy traffic in EDSA and the extra long queue at the jeepney terminal in SM North. I really really really miss having my early morning shift. #cries

After the play, S and I walked all the way to Maginhawa, our food haven because of the many food offerings there. And we promised to meet up more frequently to be able to experience each of the restos there, before they close up without notice. This seems to be the prevailing pattern in the area but I am happy to see that favorites are still there: Ate Fe's Kitchenette, Friuli, Crazy Katsu, Coffee Way... Sigh! Now I am saving up money for more food trips (and possibly explore Marikina's Lilac Street more. YUM!!!) Our choice for the night was IndonYaki and we shared an order of their fried lumpia and pancit canton. Simple but filling, delicious, and affordable!

Just yesterday, I went out to see Heneral Luna with an archaeo boy who's always been nice to me. Anyway, this is the third time we hang out together. The first time was when he was a new student and I had just finished my first year. The second time was some two month ago or so when we both agreed to dine at Likha Diwa and it was funny because there was no electricity but so determined we were to eat there that we didn't mind.

And boy did I enjoy the film despite the gore and violence. You see, Antonio Luna is my favorite hero in Philippine History, that on my first ever solo trip which happened in his province, I made sure to drop by the Luna house in Badoc. His infamous fiery temper must have added some charm to his extraordinary wit, military excellence, courage, and bravery. It's such a shame though that he was to fall in the hands of Filipinos. Shame on traitors and cowards, they don't know the meaning of true independence. Of course not much is known about Luna compared to Rizal which is double shame because for me, Antonio Luna is the best polymath. Would Rizal be involved in war? Let's not forget that he aimed for reformation and not complete independence. We cannot dismiss the fact that revolutionaries were inspired to act for Philippine independence after Rizal's death though.

But but but, did you know that Antonio Luna is not only a god of war incarnate, but also gifted with intellectual prowess? He was a licensed doctor and he won prizes for his research on tropical diseases. He was also an accomplished writer , having contributed to La Solidarid as Taga-Ilog, and later on founding La Independencia. What's more, he's gifted with foresight, like many of us from the moon! It is because of his near-perfect characteristics that he was to meet his demise at the hands of lowly creatures who could not bear to see his brilliance. Highly principled and a strict disciplinarian, he did what he could to set the first Philippine military right earning the ire of high ranking officials whose interests lie elsewhere. It is no wonder that Aguinaldo and his men would rather have him dead than to have the Philippines liberated from the Americans under Luna's military command. Oh the shame, this social disease is still as prevalent in modern times. Just why can't people just focus on the ultimate goal and cooperate???

Antonio Luna is one rare gem, alongside Gerogorio del Pilar. You know what the bonus in the film is? There is a VERY BIG chance that they're creating a movie centered on Gregorio del Pilar!!! Why am I excited? Because Gregorio del Pilar is my second most favorite hero in Philippine history! I never get tired of reading about these two. :)

After the movie, C and I had early dinner at Shi Lin in Trinoma. I had high expectations because I enjoyed my experience at Lucky Chinatown branch but these were not met in this branch, unfortunately. The photos in the menu are misleading when it comes to size and portions. My face fell when I saw the Japanese tofu being served. The congee and noodles were okay but I could have ordered the same someplace and not spend a fortune. the xiaolongbao is still heavenly though so maybe I'll just drop by this place when I have cravings again. As for noodles, there's always Lanzhou Ramen and Shanghai Ramen.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Mexico

Early in the morning of July 19, Sunday, R, C, and I decided to wake up extra early to be able to attend the first mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an important National Shrine due to an alleged appearance of the Virgin Mary in 16th century to an Aztec named Juan Diego to instruct him to build a church at the site.

The lights were the first thing that caught my eye... and I jaw dropped in awe of its beauty.

Find the Philippine flag! :)

According to the story, the then Bishop first doubted the report but when presented with roses in winter and when the image of the Virgin Mary was miraculously imprinted on a cloth, he immediately ordered the construction of the church. This church became one of the most important tool to convert the Aztecs to Christianity. Two centuries later, Our Lady of Guadalupe became the patron saint of Mexico which continues to this day. Veneration of the Lady strengthened in 1921 when a bomb explosion caused parts of the church including the marble steps to be destroyed but the glass case of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe remained intact.

new church where mass is celebrated

Maybe because we went there too early but we didn't get to enter the old church. Would have wanted to see its interiors. With the significance of the church to the Mexicans, I am sure that the interiors would be VERY beautiful. We were also in a hurry because we wanted to catch the breakfast spread at the hotel and attend some sessions since Sunday would be the last day.

old church preserved (the sun was just about to rise)

 Outside the church complex, there is a building that sells religious items. The merchandise are on the pricey side since it's a touristy place. In fact, that's the reason why we went there early, to avoid the crowds that are sure to flood the church. (Except the downside to this was that we were not able to take beautiful photos because of lack of natural light... Ah well I'm a fan of silhouettes anyway so no prob with me. Though if I were to study the details through pics, that wouldn't help.)

religious merchandise being sold outside the church complex grounds

So going back to the hotel we were in luck to still be able to eat decent breakfast and to attend the last day of the conference.

The following day, we went to Teotihuacan. It would be the last day for most of the participants including C. That night also started my solo travel towards Yucatán Peninsula. It was full of misadventures but I put my faith in God and in humanity so I still can say that I had the best adventure of my life... so far. :)

Also read:

Misadventures Part 1

Misadventures Part 2

Tabasco History Museum/ House of Blue Tiles

and more updates in the coming weeks

Note: I am just taking a break from writing two papers for a conference which will be held at the end of this month... WISH ME LUCK and please... PRAY FOR ME.

Santa Cruz, Laguna

If you have read my earlier post on part 1 of my Laguna adventure, you probably are already aware that I went around the province to check out the churches. First stop was Santa Cruz, Laguna. I first came to know about this town for its quesong puti (cheese made from carabao's milk) which I like because it's not heavily salted.

first heritage structure we saw

A friend of my sister also resides in the town so when I got there I asked for her cellphone number from my sister so we could at least meet up there but she replied when J and I were already on our way to Nagcarlan.

We started our Santa Cruz trip asking around for directions to the Aglipayan Church where the famous wooden Marian image is located. On the way we had breakfast and since I was on tight budget (as always) I went for breaded chicken with rice for P50.

budget meal of fried chicken and rice

Off we went around town to see the churches both Catholic and Aglipayan.

facade of the Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church

altar

choir loft

ruins

Aglipayan Church

the Marian image in the wood

famed wooden Marian image adapted to the tainted glass

As we were leaving, we saw a procession with people spraying water at each other. Turns out to be a fiesta celebration! We were lucky people didn't think of spraying us water!

water celebration

Crossing the bridge, we came face to face with this grand mansion!

This constitutes my Laguna Trip Part 1, together with Nagcarlan, Liliw, and Majayjay. 

Museo de la Historia de Tabasco: Casa de los azulejos

After visiting La Venta and the Museum of Natural History in Villahermosa, I took the combi and asked to be dropped off in Plaza Armas but was dropped off the the historic center (centro histórico) which was bustling with commercial activity. It was a hot day and my camera and phone were running out of battery.

It is during these times when I truly appreciate having had to deposit my bag before going around the museum. A kindly lady saw the plastic bag I had with me and offered me a more decent medium-sized shopping bag, the kind promoted by environmentalist grocery stores. I asked to have my gadgets charged and they kindly let me while I went around the museum. It was also a relief to find that they have free wifi so I was able to contact my friend in Constitucion, Campeche. (You may want to read about my misadventures HERE.)

True to its name, I was bowled over when I entered to find the walls and floors all covered with azulejos. I first came to know about azulejos in my last trip to Laguna when my buddy pointed out the painted tiles inside a church there. The museum houses a few artifacts on the history of Tabasco, asserting that Mexico had its beginnings in this Mexican state attributed to the Olmecs and later on to the Mayas. 

While the collection of artifacts dating to preHispanic times pale heavily in comparison to what the Museum of Anthropology has in the Federal District, what is remarkble in this museum is the collection of preserved vintage objects like TV, radio, jukebox, horse carriage, sewing machine, and others.

The museum also has a banner of Tabasco's escudo which was heavily influenced by the Russian Bolsheviks and which shows pride of place for its fertile lands. Despite its few collection, a visit to this museum is worth it if one enjoys studying architectural styles and history. History buffs would be delighted to know that there is a short article here on the history of the television in Tabasco--- this alongside the role this state played during the revolution.

Bani and Agno: Pangasinan Mapping Part 2

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.

Previous: Bolinao: Pangasinan Mapping Part 2
Next: Alaminos and Dagupan: Pangasinan Mapping Part 2

Rockies at Norzagaray, Bulacan

A week after my ten-day Mindoro trip, my first trip by plane this year, I joined the climb to the Rockies in Norzagaray. The two rock formations in the shape of a lioness and of a rhinoceros are becoming more and more popular these days thanks to the social media. I stumbled upon a post by an old climbing buddy late last year and saw that he climbed the Rockies without inviting me. (#bitter though I wouldn't have joined even if he sent me an invitation because I already planned to go to Bicol with a travel buddy, only to end up in Pangasinan and Ilocos.)

before the rock assaults: I chose to be sweeper just to take a photo of this!

awesome view of rocks

Because I got to the meeting place right on time at 4AM, I sorely lacked sleep and was sleeping every time we were in transit. I was frustrated to find that there still are irresponsible and inconsiderate people who join events like this and yet fail to show up on time. We left our meeting place at 5AM and we missed the sunrise because of those annoying people. Probably newbies who do not care nor know the ethics to mountain climbing. Were I the organizer, I would have gone on without them.

the lioness overlooking Norzagaray

small but smelly flower with unpleasant smell

One can finish the climb in less than an hour, but due to the time spent in taking photo after photo, we got down at past 12PM, had lunch and then napped until 1:30PM. The challenging part in climbing the lioness and the rhino is that one really has to be a good rock climber. In fact, being a hiker is of not much use. Every step of the way, I was wondering if I could make it alive. Being acrophobic was no help at all.

the rhino

Abrus precatorius: bead-like seeds which are actually toxic...

buwis-buhay moment as we climbed down the rhino

for ID, anyone?

Part 2 of the trip was spent in Pinagrealan Cave, a historic site for being the encampment site of the revolutionaries led by Sinfrosio dela Cruz against the Spaniards toward the end of the 19th century. Emilio Aguinaldo and Pio del Pilar also lived here. Now more than ever, I want to visit Mt. Manalmon, see Biak-na-Bato, and go caving there. Such trips kill two birds with one stone since I travel for history and also for nature.

our tour guide in Pinagrealan Cave

At some parts of the cave, one has to go through knee-deep and neck-deep waters. The first foray into the waters was not pleasant given the smell and water's dark color. The second was refreshingly cool and clear, perfect for a bath but then one passes by the smelly waters again on the way back. My legs got itchy soon afterwards so I had to take a quick bath lest I develop more skin problems.

co-participant removes his shoes before wading into the waters

Before I went home, I stopped by Fshermall and looked for a place to eat. Dimsum Place has just opened and was offering discounts for their dimsum so I grabbed the chance to have a taste of their xiaolongbao. As in other restos, they have carrot slices at the bottom to support the bun. There's soup in it alright but it's not as tasty as I hoped them to be. I so miss Shi Lin's xiaolongbao at this point. Another thing, I find it weird whenever I dine in Chinese restos without free hot tea. It just disappoints.

xiaolongbao at Dimsum Place, Fishermall (P90)