There You'll Be- Valentine's Day 2016

I spent last weekend in Los Banos, Laguna following a sudden invite from a former classmate. We've been planning to meet up since last November but found it hard to sneak the date in our busy schedule. Last Saturday was different. I woke up at 5:30am (instead of the planned 4:30) and left Cubao at 6am. I was lucky to have arrived just as the bus was driving out of the terminal.

We chatted a lot as soon as we saw each other. Four years of just chatting on Facebook was not enough. I cooked curry noodles for her and then we went to UPLB for some yoghurt treat. In the afternoon, we went to Laguna Hotsprings to take a dip in one of Pansol's hotspring resorts. I wanted to submerge my body in the hot waters hoping for the complete healing of my knee which was slightly injured from my last waterfalls hike. But disappointingly, the water was not hot. But we were treated to a surprise fish spa when late in the afternoon, some janitorfish were biting off our dead skin cells. Cute. It was so relaxing I fell asleep. LOL.

While in the waters we talked a lot, catching up on each other's lives. It was comforting to know that I can ask even personal questions and get honest answers. Purely girl talk, plus more. ;)

We had a quick nap before we had dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant and I had their version of tom yum. The shrimps were overcooked but they were in fairly good size so I couldn't compain much. Then off we went to the UP Fair, my first ever. And we both laugh at how I had to travel far to experience UP Fair!

There were lots of people but I didn't mind because being with her is so much fun. Perhaps next year I will try to see for myself what UPD Fair is like. And maybe, just maybe, ask that guy out. (That guy with whom I became close to in Bacolod. He inspires me a lot, and it's pretty rare that guys inspire me this much.)

The following day, my friend and I took a long walk inside UPLB and had breakfast at IRRI canteen. I sneaked a peek at the museum and it's awesome!!! Since I have a bit of grudge at IRRI for not helping the local farmers, I asked that uncomfortable question to her and she clarified that that is PhilRice's job and that IRRI is an international organization. Well that explains things. We really cannot rely on our government to level the playing field and provide a bright future for everyone, which is why I never want to work under it despite the many offers.

It was super hot like the day before and I was afraid I might get dehydrated but we still walked, being pooritas that we are. We had lunch at a Thai resto where I got to eat awesome pad thai. My friend's order of beef noodle soup is also very delicious so I will be ordering that the next time I drop by.

I left Laguna around 2pm, fearing I might get stuck in heavy traffic if I go home late. It's Valentine's Day after all and I would also like to spend the day with my family. Turned out ny sisters went out and so I ended up attending mass with mom and bro.

At night, I finally was able to draw a younger version of my yaya and me as a baby. Hot tears fell but I hope this way I am able to honor her memory on this day of hearts. Because of all the people in the world, she was the one who loved me the most. And this week, falling into contemplation yet again, I thought about how I was able to go through the challenges of life because of her, and how, despite her passing, we seem to be closer than ever. Because I refuse to forget even though it hurts a lot, even though when thoughts of her pop in my mind, I am sure to get teary-eyed and lately it's been hard to control.

So I'm dedicating a drawing and the song "There You'll Be" to the Light of my life. Happy Valentine's Day, yaya. I miss you everyday. 

許士芬地質博物館

Since two days of my recent Hong Kong trip was allotted for a seminar at Hong Kong University, I also took the opportunity to visit the Geological Museum. I came in just in time for the seminar, having run all the way from HKU Station. This is a new MTR station BTW, and the last time I had to take the bus from the Hong Kong Museum of Medicinal Sciences. At least, being familiar with the place helped me a great deal or else I would waste time in trying to find my way around.

busy stores somewhere in Wan Chai

cute kid-friendly double-decked buses

 After the seminar, other Filipino participants and I roamed around the campus and even in Hong Kong side the following day to search for the Jose Rizal markers. We spent some time marveling at the rock collection inside the Stephen Hui Geological Museum. Being fond of rocks, I was overwhelmed and half serious, pleaded to my companions to leave me there to live for sometime so I can study each and every rock and mineral.

the lobby of the museum

some specimens

I wish we had a similar museum here in the Philippines. There could be one in NIGS inside UP Diliman, but I have not yet visited it. Will probably do so VERY soon. :)

Read: My Hong Kong 2015 trip

Biking and Bruce Lee Exhibit @ Hong Kong Heritage Museum 08292015

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

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

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

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

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

heart-shaped rock art in Ma On Shan beach

stopover at the beach in Ma On Shan

where we had snacks of siomai and fish cakes

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

I LOVE reflection photos :)

one more reflection photo

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

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

dinner after a tiring yet fun-filled day

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

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

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.

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.

Jeju Stone Park Museum

To get to Jeju Stone Park Museum, one has to walk through mini forested area where I enjoyed the fresh air and again being with nature.

Inside the museum are scientific discoveries mainly bordering on the geology of the island. Such a museum, with a huge collection of different rock types, is where I can definitely spend an entire day in, being a lover of lithics. Of particular interest is the suiseki, natural rock formations which can be viewed and admired in an aesthetic way. This art was originated in Japan and is again, one aspect which Koreans borrowed.

volcanic rocks of different sizes and forms inside the musem

Because Jeju is a volcanic island, its inhabitants made use of the rocks to fashion stone crafts and implements for use in farming, fishing, stock raising, construction of fortresses, and transportation. Indeed the stone culture is very much prevalent in this part of South Korea, that even stone objects are worshiped by the people as guardians. 

Interplayed with the natural surroundings which has been wonderfully preserved despite the construction of a museum in 2001 is the mythology that tells the beginning of Jeju Island. It tells of how Grandmother Seolmundae created Jeju Island. In fact, many myths portray old women as primary divine beings, which reflect the matriarchal culture where women toil hard and men just relax.

500 Generals expressing love for their mother who sacrificed herself for them, Mt. Halla in the background

Grandma Seolmundae and the 500 Generals lithic monuments

Teddy Bear Museum, Jeju Island, Korea

I will have to say that Korea has borrowed a lot from the Japanese despite the Koreans' hatred towards the Japanese because of what happened during World War 2. Of the Japanese war crimes, perhaps the most famous is the Rape of Nanking and in the Philippines, well known among history aficionados is the Rape of Manila. This borrowing, I suppose, is not out of admiration but due to desire for revenge. At present, Korean telenovelas have replaced J-dramas, K-POP pushed J-POP to the sidelines, and Korean makeup is gaining raves even from Westerners. In short, it is a popular cultural battle, out to defeat Japan.

One of these borrowings is the preference for all things cute and cuddly especially among teenagers. Our group has more young once than young ones but that didn't deter the guide from taking us to Teddy Bear Museum. Upon entering your eyebrows will automatically raise all by itself. All these stuffed toys???

Oh but go upstairs and be mesmerized by the artistry and attention to details. Teddy bears are of course given central focus in this museum and popular scenes from many a fairy tale are reenacted--- but all characters are teddy bears.

Gulliver's Travels

A pleasant surprise is finding a Vitruvian bear, patterned after Da Vinci's Vitruvian man. Now things are definitely getting more witty. 

Vitruvian Man

And in one gallery is where Greek gods and goddesses, all in their teddy bear forms, are found. After this, I left the museum with a smile on my face.

Greek goddess of hunt, Artemis

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.

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

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.

Baguio 0606072014

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I bought three bags of lettuce (instead of strawberries)

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

yummy lamb adobo (P380)

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

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