Travelling Manila: First stop is Intramuros

Here's the Map of Intramuros

My friend Anton and I decided to roam around the metro. I already thought that travelling Metro Manila in a broad day light because summer heat could reach up to 37 degrees Celsius. So, I already set my mind that it wouldn’t be that much fun.

We decided to explore the said city of Manila because I don’t want to be ignorant in the nearby cities where I worked. I know I wanted to explore the said city because this is the very first city to be developed way back Spanish Era in the Philippine History.

Anton told me that it would be best to visit the famous Intramuros because there are a lot historical spots. Intramuros is a Spanish term which means inside a wall. This was built by the Spaniards to basically to protect them from their detractors like British and Chinese pirates.

Photo taken in google images.

This is the Baluarte de San Diego
Photo taken in google images.

Inside Intramuros is Manila’s oldest churches or schools built during the Spanish Regime in the country. In my opinion this place was built not only for protection but also to separate the middle class Filipinos and the dignitaries and the Spanish Aritocrats.


So to start our travel we first visited The Manila Cathedral. When we went there it is under repair. It is formally known as Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica or Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception but it is locally known as Manila Cathedral.

It was my first time to visit the said place and honestly I am amazed because some of the buildings are still in their old Spanish Era architectural design.

I am basically amazed by the structure of the church. It was beautifully and artistically built. Preserving this kind of structure in its original color and architectural design is not that easy but it is worthy and priceless because the color and the façade of the church tell a story of a rich cultural heritage of the Filipinos. Looking at it somehow tells me the story of the old Manila.

After visiting the Manila Cathedral we stop by another famous church. It is the San Agustin Church. It is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. The exterior is amazingly beautiful. This church also has a museum to have a better understanding as to what the church has gone through and its most important dignitaries. This church is very popular as a wedding venue and I am not surprised because it captures a

Inside the San Agustin Church in Intramuros.
This photo was taken from google image

This is the facade of San Agustin Church
Photo taken from google image.

I would say that this magnificent church is something that we could compare from basilicas and churches abroad. I feel blessed that I was able to see this church. I was mesmerized and enthralled with such excitement when I see the ceiling of this majestic church.


Transportation Option:


By taxi


The easiest way to get into Intramuros is by Taxi. Taxi drivers are anywhere the metro is very much familiar with Intramuros as they are well versed on this location as they are used in bringing tourist in this place. This type of transportation is highly recommended for those visitors who don’t mind shelling out a little extra of their budget more so when you are caught on a heavy so called rush hour traffic jam. Currently the flagdown rate is PHP 40.00 and fare goes up every Php 3.50 for every 300 meters.


By train


Visitors who would like to experience how it is like to work and live in Manila, I would advise you to take the train. So, you should go to an LRT station and then buy a ticket up to Central Terminal. Central Terminal Station is the nearest to the eastern wall of Intramuros it’s a pretty long walk to the most tourist destination within Intramuros so I would advise to take their Kalesa that can tour you around. Of course nothing beats walking in getting around the place.

Kalesa: the earliest land transportation during the Spanish Era
Photo taken at google images

Of course our trip would never be successful if we don't pose infront of our camera. Here's our pictorials from our Intramuros Trip.


Below is my friends pictures in Intramuros and Manila Cathedral:

Inside a man-made tunnel in Intramuros

This is the door of the Manila Cathedral.

Here are some of my pictures:

A Mother’s Day Message

It is hard to understand of being a parent if you were never been a parent. It is also difficult to understand a mother if you are not yet a mother. People would say it is difficult to become a parent as well as difficult to become a mother. There are a lot of heroic stories of being a mother.



My friend once told me as she remembers his Lola Tonia gave up her meal for him in times where there’s no food on the table or not enough for all of them. Sometimes, she would separate a bowl of soup just for him. When she is telling me this story I suddenly remember my childhood and my college days.

It is somehow similar, because my lola would cook our favorite boiled ripe camote (sweet potato) or cook a glutinous rice with peanut and corn and my lolo would butcher his chicken or duck or turkey when we arrive from school during summer breaks or semestral break.



During my elementary days as well, I remember my mom hiking mountain ridges, crossing rivers and hitching on a truck loaded with sand and gravel, hollow blocks, or vegetable just for her and her co-teachers reach their destination. I also see her doing hair cut not only for us but also for her students in the barrio. Being a mother of three or four is already difficult I suppose but being a mother to most of her student would be a challenge.

This time I would like to extend my deepest and sincerest greeting to my Mom who had sacrificed in order for us (her children) to go to school. To my Lola for her unending love and care and to my aunts and cousins who were supportive enough for my endeavor. To Lola Tonia as well for being such a great grandma to anyone who knocks on her door. To all of you Happy Mother’s Day!



Being a mother is such an inspiration. It inspires their children to do good deeds. They are teachers of love and affection to other people. They are teachers who teach their children to become a better individual. They are inspiration and a mirror to look up on. If they fail, for sure the children will and that’s a huge responsibility they have that on this special day a simple message from their message is worth everything.

A Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Another time has come to commemorate on the greatness of our mother. Over the week, I am fascinated by my friends who were thinking of how they could at least or somehow give something to their beloved mothers.


Here are some of my tips on what to give to your mom this special day.

Flowers: Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into. ~Henry Beecher, Life Thoughts, 1858. I think most mothers would prefer to receive a flower from their loved ones. So why not give them a bunch of flowers. Photo taken in this site:

Also, I am fascinated in the paper products of Papemelroti. They have wide variety of gift items that we could select from various occasions.


I think a hand craft greeting card is more attractive and gives more impact. If you have more time I think that you would be a better option. However though, Papemelrotti has this simple yet very attractive Mother’s Day Greeting Card. Photo taken in this site:

Aside from that I also spotted a beautiful scrap book. It is a gift for your mom to be more creative. It could be a stress relieving activity. Photo taken in this site:

Another option is a Photo Frame from Kultura Filipino. It is beautiful made from capiz shells. It gives a cultural feel yet extravagantly beautiful. Photo taken in this site:

A wall clock as well for her bedroom can be another option this mother’s day. The design, the look and feel makes this wall clock more attractive. Photo taken in this site:

To top it all, an inexpensive clutch bag and or a hand bag wraps it all.
Photo taken in this site:

MY Zalora Wish List

Five years ago, I made a big leap of my career from being a teacher/ online teacher and tutor to corporate jobs. I came from a beautiful and cold place of Baguio City to busy and very warm streets of Metro Manila. Of course, I still have the fashion statement that I carried from my far away hometown. It’s hard to discard from what you are used for.

I got the hard time actually adopting to the fashion statements here in Manila. I would say there has something to do with my cultural background and training way back home. That is why when I choose something else for myself its either over the top or something just below from what is expected.

Few months ago, I got the need to change my wardrobe and fashion style and or statement. I felt I was out of fashion. I also got the need to have proper corporate attire for me to at least be presentable. I am not saying that I am not presentable though but I decided to step up the level of my fashion statement.

While I was deciding as to what kind of fashion genre I wanted to adopt, Kessa encourage me to join the My Zalora Wish List contest. While I was browsing Zalora’s website I listed or should I say downloaded many pictures of my desired products. To my surprise I was able to pick more or less 50 items from men’s clothing to accessories. I later then streamed down to 25 then to 5.

Here’s what I like even more about Zalora that made me sign up with them.

• Very wide range of products to choose from. I can basically shop in one sitting and not need to jump from one store to the other or worst from one mall to the next.
• Shipping fee is waived anywhere in the Philippines. What are best here are online shoppers within the Metro Manila area can get their orders the same day or should I say 3 hours upon ordering.
• Customer support availability is also a good one. It gives security to shoppers. At least there’s someone whom they could run to if they have questions regarding their order.
• The website also provides the intensive information for shoppers.
• Their payment method as well is so convenient. They accept credit card (Visa/Mastercard), PayPal, G-Cash, online banking (BDO/BPI/ChinaBank) and to top it all it shoppers who doesn’t have credit card could still purchase because they offer COD (Cash On Delivery) my favorite method I feel more secured on that mode of payment.

My Zalora Corporate Look:

My Zalora Casual Look:

So guys what are you waiting for start shopping now… they currently have ongoing sales on selected items.

As for me I am now looking forward to start buying my top 50 items on my list one at a time.

My Wish List for Zalora!:

101 New York 3/4 chekered dress shirt:

101 New York Chinos with striped waistband:

Wade Semi square toe slip on Dress Shoes:

Wade Men's round toe lace espadrilles with garter:

Europak Berlin Laptop BP:

ZALORA Philippines surely is committed in giving their customer the best possible online shopping experience.

Same Sex Marriage on the Go!

Why can’t same-sex couples get married? I can’t seem to find an answer to this question. For me, why don’t we just allow them to get married and be happy? I think there should not be a problem at all. I think it is about time for the aristocrats, the righteous and the intelligent to give this type of people to enjoy the freedom to choose their partners so they could be happy as well as the male-female couple counterparts.


I adore the President of America Barack Obama in coming out and pouring what he thought and his stand about this issue despite the fact that the election period is fast approaching. It may make or break his political career but to be man enough to stand and face his critiques.

He is the first ever President of a powerful country to make a stand not against the same-sex marriage. He will be forever loved by the LGBTF Community for sure.


This has been a long standing and painful battle, with Barack Obama coming out and finally announcing his stand to the public agreeing to the fact this people should be allowed to be married is gives hope to the LGBTF community, a chance for their relationship to be recognize legally.


Many may oppose and criticize but many will be delighted for the fact that equality and fairness is indeed taking its toll, that this issue may be put to an end.

More stories about Mr. Obama’s stand about same-sex marriage at Reuters.com

The Bosay Resort in Review:

Last wave of summer heat, last few Summer Days me and my friends finally gathered together and went ahead to hit one of the most summer destinations near Metro Manila… Antipolo is a city in the Philippines located in the province of Rizal it is approximately about 25 kilometers east of Metro Manila. It is the largest city in the Calabarzon Region in terms of population.

According to the Bosay Resort website their name originated from a waray term "Bosay” meaning waterfalls. A swimming pool, just like any waterfall chills the body which enables an individual to loosen up uncertainties for a while. Anyone can fully enjoy swimming at Bosay Resort since it is built with one of a kind landscape setting with nature and the living trees carry out fresh air as you breathe. The fascinating sound of the bird as they flew will stimulate your senses for tranquility of a seventh heaven while the Videoke compromises the need for entertainment during celebrations.

Pros:

• Swimming Pools - Wide range and different types of swimming pool. They have the 9 different swimming pools specially design depending on the needs of their clients.
• Cottages – It is indeed very important to have a lot of choices of cottages. It is an important factor to have this as accessible as possible. The Resort has a very wide range of cottages depending on the needs of the client.
• Comfort Room and wash room is also a plus for Bosay resort. Aside from the number of wash rooms they have it is also tiled making it clean and comfortable to use.
• Life guard is also awesome because they have at least 2 or 3 that I spotted in their pools.
• The entrance fee is so affordable. For Php180.00 you can swim to all of their swimming pool with no extra cost.

Cons:

• Due to the fact that Bosay Resort gained popularity, the water on its pools has quite a distinctive smell. Their kiddie pool to all pools lower than 5 ft has this either unusual distinct smell. Also, due to the popularity this resort is gaining and even though they have a number of pools some of its pool as well is congested.
• Security is also lacking. 2 thumbs up for this resort for having a lifeguard in their pools but then this resort has a wide space. Cottages are scattered everywhere but there’s no single security guard roaming around to ensure the safety of its client. Of course this clients wants to go there and have a relaxing moment and they want everyone to be swimming all together sadly they have to have at least one left on their cottages to ensure the safety of their belongings.
• The garbage bins near the cottages is not covered. I don’t personally like it.
• They dont fix their aminities immediately. I over heard that the wave pool didnt work all night(that's what they wanted to see).

To view their rates you can check out their website by simply clicking here.

The Early Morning Chat: The Race to the Finish Line

The Early Morning Chat: The Race to the Finish Line

The Race to the Finish Line

"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it." -Oprah Winfrey

Indeed running is worth doing. From the past years, running is my only cardio-vascular activities thinking that this is my only way to do away with this deadly cholesterol stored in our body.

Just a few days ago a colleague of mine sent me a link to join a contest. The Bull Runner A contest that was sponsored by The Bull Runner. Price is pretty amazing. Something that a runner would wish to have. So I told myself, might as well join as I dont have the running shoes. Crossing my finger to be the winner.

Along the process of joining the contest i realized that running played a major part of my life. During my childhood, I was the weakling. I am just a wishful thinker. I always think and i believe that I am stronger, stronger than the mightiest man.

Through the years, I jogged and i sweat. This is however my way to sweat away the frustration I have. It is my only way to sweat away the bad energy being circulated in my system. I put all my efforts in painting the image of being strong.

Running did not only "turn me on". Running made me alive all this years. I may have been the "suki" of cardiologist as i am always present in their clinics till this days but I would say running turn me alive!

I will not be running from the difficulties of life but I will be running for life. I may not be a hard runner but I will keep jogging, enjoying the beauty of life, nature and the people around you or running for you. There may be people who will stop me from running, I will not run away but rather ask them to join me in my quest for running for life.



Click here for my other articles: My Other Blog

Restoring Banawe Rice Terraces

When we say South of the Philippine Archipelago, there's de alot. Tourist would definitely think of Boracay, Palawan and the like.
However when we say Up North, we have Pagudpod, Sagada, and of course the world renounce Batad Banawe Rice Terraces. But what happens if this world famous heritage reach its destruction? That's what has been going on for the past years, to restore the Banawe Rice Terraces.

The famous Batad Banaue Rice Terraces also known by most Filipinos as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Be it a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE or not, the said Rice Teraces is still holds so much of the Igorot’s early architectural skills.
The rice terrace withstands the challenges of nature. The people of Ifugao plays a very important role in preserving and saving this cultural heritage. They had been practicing organic farming, a key in maintaining a very productive soil. The terraces are carved along the steep side of the mountain like a very big amphitheater. This magnificent and marvelous terrace is wonderful enough to withstand the challenges through the years. One would definitely feel that they are the king of the world standing at the big dome scrape at the side of the mountain. What is more magnificent is the color it produces it looks like a chocolate twirled along the side of the mountain during tilling season or like a swaying captivating touch of green during the growing season and a mountain of gold during harvesting season.

The green gold has been the Ifugao’s folk a bread and butter plus the number of tourist coming in and out of the many terraces adds up another income to the members of BETGA (Batad Environmental Tourist Guide Association) plus the Ifugao’s weaving industry is also a way of living.
This breathtaking and bravura view of the Batad Rice Terraces is starting to deteriorate as natural calamities or even human indulgence is summing up. Private, Non-governement organization and even the Government Organization is interfering on the possible fall of this famous cultural landscape. The Department of Agriculture – Cordillera Administrative Region takes its action in saving the majestic face of the Banaue Rice Terraces.
Under Restoration:

After all the hard works, we would still be looking forward to the day where we keep it unharmed. We would still be seeing the vast mossy and pine forest and hearing the song of the river accompanied by the splashing sound of the waterfalls.

Baguio City: The Summer Capital of the Philippines?

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
Trees -- Joyce Kilmer

When you say Baguio City in the Philippines every if not all Filipinos would say “The Summer Capital of the Philippines” but will it still be the same after a few years from now? Can we, the Igorots – collective term of the people of the highlands, the real residents and owner of the place, still maintain the cold weather of the city? Are we still going to hear music from the trees adorned with the chanting of the birds? Or will all these be just part of wonderful memories?

I still remember when I and my family visited this wonderful city during my childhood days. We normally wear thick jackets, jogging pants or thick pants and rosy cheeks during summer. Pine trees are everywhere. One would know if you are near the city of Baguio because of the pine scents when you’re in Marcos Highway. Today, I would say this were the days.

Today, I would know that I am near Baguio City aside from the terrain and zigzag but because I would see a mountain of houses. Houses that mushrooms along the sides of the mountain. Today, it is still cold up there comparing it to the temperature of the lowlands but I think it is cold there because of the elevation not because we have a lot of trees that makes it even colder. During my college days, I no longer don’t hear the hissing sound of the trees rather I hear car’s horn. I no longer cant hear bird singing but I now hear a lot of people chatting and a screeching sound of tires.

Establishments are good and industries in deed gives option to a livelihood to the people of north. However will it also meant to degrade the environment where most tourist really love? For Example, SM BAGUIO gives livelihood to more than a hundred Igorot’s, Ilocano’s and other nearby Tribes but will it also meant to sacrifice this 30 years old trees that give more uniqueness to this mall? Malls are scattered all across the Philippine Archipelago and that people visit Baguio City not to go to the malls but because they would like to do away with the hassle and bustle of the big cities. They wanted to see things they can’t see in their point of origin or different temperature for that matter. We don’t need to earth ball the trees beside the SM BAGUIO we need to plant more trees on our mountains and not houses and buildings. In fact we don’t know if these trees will really survive after we earth balled them.

All the other tourist destination in the Philippines are stepping up and they are using the beauty of nature to market their place. I think Baguio City has the huge edge in this, plus Baguio is the drop off point of tourist going to other places in the north.

I think it is about time to bring back the beauty of the old Baguio. The one tourist loved and not expanding buildings. I think the only way to go back to the old Baguio is to strengthening our vegetable industry, finding innovations of strawberry products and other agricultural product and developing more Tourist attraction like zip line and the like and not uprooting trees and transplanting them somewhere else. Instead of transplanting NGO’s and GO’s and those business establishments advertising their willingness to join those Earth Day activity should help in planting trees instead.

This is just my opinion towards the heating issue of the underlying the beautiful city that I am most proud off and the city that gave me hope.