Viaje Marinduque | Easter Sunday, Resurrection of the Thursday Madness

Who would not love viewing the sunrise?

As early as 5 in the morning, I was already out in the shores waiting for the rise of the majestic sun. The morning breeze was chilling indeed and the tides had already swallowed my balanced rocks from last night.

My point and shoot however, don't do well in dark shooting. The only remedy for its weakness is a stabilizer, a tripod perhaps. Sadly I don't have one, and my shaky hands can't provide the needed support. Lucky me, I found an empty noodles' cup (made it an improvised tripod). Set my camera facing the east and waited until the sky's color started to change. I was very excited to witness the Poctoy beach sunrise. In 3... 2...1.... the sun has has finally showed up.

Viaje Marinduque | Blacker Black Saturday

April 23, 2011 - Black Saturday

It was still dark outside, probably 5 in the morning, everyone was awakened by a pig's loud cry. The Teodoros were tying the pig's feet, preparing it for it's meaningful and stomach-filling end. We all went outside to witness the slaughter. It was my second time to see a pig being slaughtered, so I was not reallly shocked that much by its strong kicks and cries.

the pig being tied, super ingay niyan, nagising ang buong bahay.

Viaje Marinduque | Being Good on Good Friday

April 22, 2011 - Good Friday

Stiff neck - I woke up with this painful feeling.

I saw the Teodoros busy making suman outside their house. I approached them. They asked me where I want to go on my Friday stay. I told them that watching the Moriones Festival is my priority, then perhaps a waterfalls and caves hopping. Then they said, "mamaya sa bayan meron Moriones at senaculo, pero yung cave at waterfalls hopping mahirap yun gawin kasi patay si Hesus"


A highly religious belief that Jesus' death on Good Friday makes the caves and waterfalls adventure unsafe. So rather than committing a faux pas, I crossed out the caves and waterfalls hopping on my itinerary.

But then again they told me that if I really want to see a waterfalls there is one not too far from their house, the Kawa Kawa Falls.

Viaje Marinduque | Maundy Thursday Madness

It actually all began at the night of 20th of April 2011 (Holy Wednesday) when I headed to JAC Liner's Buendia Terminal. The people were pouring, zigzagging line of passengers covered most of the terminal. I was there at 7:00 PM, and boarded the bus at 8:10 PM. Finally, the bus left for Lucena immediately after 5 minutes. From Buendia to Dalahican, the ticket costs P219.50. I texted my friend on Marinduque that I'm on my way to their house.

Viaje Marinduque | The Heart of the Philippines

Marinduque is an island province, south of Luzon, part of Region IV-B (MIMAROPA). It is famously known as the heart of the Philippines not just because of its strategical location at the center of the country but also the island's shape itself is similar to that of a heart (anatomical).

I spent my holy week vacation on this island, my very first solo travel, and for four days I called it my home. Nervous at first indeed but extremely overwhelmed by excitement and the experience that awaits me. And I'm telling you, a 4 Holy Week days stay at Marinduque is worthwhile.

Last Post Before I Leave for Marinduque

Tomorrow night at 8:00 PM, I will be leaving for the Island of Marinduque, the heart of this beloved archipelago. For 4 days (Apr. 21-24), this island will be my home.

Expectations. Well, I do expect a lot from this trip:

• Moriones Festival
• Cave and water falls hopping
• Jeepney topload ride
• White sand beach of Poctoy
• Old churches of Boac and Sta. Cruz
• Heritage houses of Boac

My budget - P3000 only. 

Oh by the way, this is my very first solo travel, so I am really excited and very much kinakabahan... pero ayon nga sa post ni ms. Chyng, once you overcome this fear- the fear of first time solo travel - you will start to explore more, discover more and travel more. Good luck to me :)

my legendary backpack (been using it for 1 and a half year), my Pilipinas body bag, and my balabal na kakabili ko lang sa divisoria.

my printed Marinduque map and travel guide

for the first time in history, I'll be bringing a sunscreen with me.

Plan B
There is no Plan B, if ever this trip failed, I will follow the bahala-na-system, I will go to wherever my itchy feet will bring me.

*I will share to you my Marinduque trip on my next blog post, probably next week.


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Mabuhay Aliwan Fiesta 2011

The drums were beating and the colors were dancing, the Aliwan Fiesta once again brought to Manila the dazzling performances and incredible beats of different festivities from all over the Philippines. The Aliwan festival showcases the best of Filipino fiestas, hence it known as the "Mother of All Fiestas." It is grand, it is colorful, it is so alive. It was my first time to watch the street dance, so talagang amazed na amazed ako.

Dinner Cruise at Manila Bay

Once again, Mr. Ivan Henares and Mr. Bobby Aquino invited the bloggers to this magnificent dinner cruise experience over Manila Bay. This is again sponsored by Sun Cruises.

Isla Corregidor

(This is the detailed post of the previous entry)

Situated at the opening of Manila Bay, this tadpole-shaped island of Corregidor was the destination of 15 Pinoy Travel Bloggers yesterday (Apr 13). Mr. Ivan Henares arranged this event and was sponsored by the Sun Cruises, the only ferry service that offers great tours at the historic island.

My Firsts

This is my first meet-up with fellow travel bloggers, nervous but excited. (you guys rock)
This island tour is my very first out-of-Luzon-Island trip.
This is my first ferry ride.
This is where I first entered a lighthouse.
Also my first zipline experience.


The Experience

Early morning at 6:30, Chinchan and I met at UST before heading to Sun Cruises Dock Area together. When we got there, we realized that we're the first PTB to arrive. We saw sir Ivan Henares, starstuck mode, we signed in and got our tickets, yahoo!

got my ticket!

So it includes the ferry ride plus a buffet lunch.

I Conquered the Corregidor Adventour Challenge

Sun Cruises now offers the Corregidor Adventour Challenge, a different, a not-the-usual trip in the Island of Corregidor. Adventour because you'll get to know the island while doing the challenging activities that will test your endurance, mental skills and teamwork. Traveling while learning and being challenged at the same time is really awesome. I am one of the few lucky bloggers to give it a try (this is a sponsored trip by Sun Cruises with the help of Mr. Ivan Henares and Mr. Bobby Aquino).

The Terrible Meets The Great

Ivan the Terrible (Ivan Cultura) meets Ivan the Great (Ivan Henares).... Huwat??!! Yup, I just met this great man, my travel-around-the-Philippines idol.

A Walktour in Manila | Intramuros For Free

Medyo nagbabasa ako ng mga tweet kanina, then I saw Carlos Celdran's. "#HelpDOT. Go to Intramuros today. All entrance fees waived! Go to Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, Baluarte San Diego and get horse rides! FREE FREE FREE till 5pm." 

Hoorah, mahilig ako sa mga libre kaya hindi ko ito pinalampas. At dahil ako ay isang hamak na mag-aaral sa Intramuros, proud ako na ipangalandakan ang kagandahang taglay ng lugar na ito. 

The Simple White Tombs in Manila Memorial Park Cemetery

This afternoon, I was at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque, the last cemetery I visited in Metro Manila where a Philippine President rest in peace. Yep, our beloved President Cory was laid here beside her husband (my idol) Sen. Ninoy Aquino.

The last time I cried, up to now, was during Tita Cory's wake. I was really moved by Kris' words, talagang hindi ko napigilan ang umiyak noong time na yun. I wanted to join sana Tita Cory's funeral march, but I was only 17 at that time (hindi pa ako masyadong lakwatsero, slight pa lang).

So now, I finally paid my final respects to these humble great beings.

Getting Ready For Piyestang Obando

On May 17-19, the famous Obando Fertility Rites or simply Obando Festival will again be the center of attention. Obando?! Where exactly in Bulacan? I am not familiar with its exact location really or how to reach it by commute. So before the main event takes place, I did a little familiarization tour.

I asked some fellow bloggers on how to get there, and they really are of great help.

From Manila, I went first to Victory Mall at Monumento, Caloocan via LRT Line1 (P15). At the back of the mall, there's a terminal of jeep bound to Paco, and these jeeps will pass by the Obando Church. It was like a 20 minute ride from Victory Mall to Obando Church (P15).

However, the church is closed when I got there at around 2:30 PM so I was not able to check the inside.

Across the street is the plaza and beside it is the Colegio de San Pascual Baylon. I can't imagine how many visitors will fill the area on the day of the feast.

After eating the banana-q I bought on the food stand at the plaza, I hopped into the jeep (bound to LRT-Victory Mall) going back to Manila. Yey, I'm ready for the fiesta na.☺

Here's my Obando Fiesta (2011) Experience.

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A Walktour in Manila | Manila South Cemetery

Guess what I'm up to....

Batac Marcos Museum
Quezon Memorial Circle
Manila North Cemetery
Libingan ng mga Bayani
Manila South Cemetery
Manila Memorial Park
Aguinaldo Shrine
Tanauan Public Cemetery

If you still can't figure it out, I'll tell it to you now. I am actually hunting the graves of our past presidents who now rest in peace. It is for my Aims 100 Project goal #90.

90.   all the Philippine presidents (in grave, past and present)

1)   Emilio Aguinaldo

2)      Manuel Quezon

3)      Jose Laurel

4)      Sergio Osmeña

5)      Manuel Roxas

6)      Elpidio Quirino

7)      Ramon Magsaysay

8)      Carlos Garcia

9)      Diosdado Macapagal

10)   Ferdinand Marcos

11)   Corazon Aquino

12)   Fidel Ramos

13)   Joseph Estrada

14)   Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

15)   Benigno Aquino III

Now I'll put a strikethrough on President Elpidio Quirino. 6) Elpidio Quirino

No Picking Flowers

We, biologists, do love plants, especially its reproductive part called flower. Who would not love such thing, it's fragrant, it's colorful, and pleasant to the eyes. As if they were singing, "Oh pick me...♪♫," but no, not on public parks please. NO PICKING OF FLOWERS

Oh, pick me...♪♫♪

c'mon over, c'mon over baby..♫♪♫

Months ago, we were assigned to procure fresh specimen of different species of flowers. It's for the plant taxonomy ata, can't remember. It is very fortunate/unfortunate that my beloved Pamantasan is just a stone throw away from a park known as "Rizal Park."

My friends and I did a search for a flower of the plant species, katuray (Sesbania grandiflora) at the park and we found one. Beside it is a shrub filled with blue little flowers, my friend as if enchanted by the blue flower's beauty, picked one. We realized that it was not his day, a guard on patrol caught my friend and took him into their custody.

my friend being escorted to the custody

We were laughing to death when it happened. It was, however, his first offense, so after the 30 minute lecture he regained his freedom. 

The guilty suspect

Lesson learned: Never pick flowers of any public parks.


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Libingan ng mga Bayani

"As mandated by Republic Act 8491, the flag and heraldic code of the Philippines, the Philippine Flag shall be permanently hoisted on this site 24/7 throughout the year and shall be illuminated at night."

My quest in searching for the graves of the great men continues (♪♫Indiana Jones Music♫♪). This time, my wandering feet brought me to the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery) in Taguig City. Buried there are the war veterans, two Philippine Presidents, people with Medal of Valor, AFP Chiefs of Staff, and many more who died nobly.

Takipsilim

 Kailanma'y hindi ako magsasawang pagmasdan ka Haring Araw.

Liwanag na iyong dulot ay sadyang nakagigiliw,

kadilima'y iyong pinupukaw.

Animo'y nagbabagang perlas sa bughaw na kalangitan.

Kulay ng katapanga'y patuloy na bumabalot

sa dako ng Kanluran.

O Pebo, sa karagatan ng Maynila, tunay kang namamayani

Ang sinag mo sa katubiga'y tila mga diyamanteng marilag,

walang hindi mabibighani.

Mapalad kaming sa iyo ngayon ay nakasasaksi

Liwanag na mula sa kalangitan, biyayang hatid

ng isang pintakasi.

Kahit anong tayog mo'y kusa kang bumababa

Lumuluhod, nagpapaalam, sa dilim

ay nagpapakumbaba.

Anu nga ba't sa mabagal na paglisan mo'y panahon ko ay iginugugol

Bakas ang galak sa aking mukha sapagkat alam ko

na sa Silangan ay muli kang sisibol.

-IBC

 

Jollibee ♥ Earth + PNR Rush Hour

Jollibee ♥ Earth

Plastic [n. plas-tik] - any of a group of synthetic or natural organic materials that may be shaped when soft and then hardened, including many types of resins, resinoids, polymers, cellulose derivatives, casein materials, and proteins: used in place of other materials, as glass, wood, and metals, in construction and decoration, for making many articles, as coatings, and, drawn into filaments, for weaving. online dictionary

Plastics are durable and flexible, but they contribute greatly in our community's disturbing garbage, in fact seventy percent of our landfills today are composed of plastics. They don't degrade so they're just there until the end of the world, not unless you burn them which is quite a very bad idea. 

Some businesses, Jollibee for example, support a plastic-free Earth. I just found out that their new style of wrapping foods for take out no longer use plastics. Yup, Jollibee is hopping their way to a better and a much cleaner environment. Great job.

I ♥ Jollibee

Logic applies:

Batang Lakwatsero ♥ Jollibee, but Jollibee ♥ Earth, therefore Batang Lakwatsero ♥ Earth. :)


 

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PNR Rush Hour

I went to Alabang this afternoon to make asikaso of my OJT at Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). Sadly, this doctor who urgently summoned me for something I thought very important, came late. Unpunctuality really sucks, I hate it, coming on time is a show of respect to other people's time. And because of that, I was not able to go to my side trip in Libingan ng mga Bayani. Too bad the doctor arrived at 4:30 PM, the LNMB is open only until 5:00 PM, I ain't The Flash who can run it in the speed of light.

Bus is my usual transport from Manila to Alabang and vice versa, that's 35 pesos one way. However as I was walking towards the loading bay, an idea popped out of my mind to try the PNR train instead. Before I head to Alabang train station, I went first to Jollibee at Star Mall to buy a regular yum. I asked it for take out and to my surprise, they no longer use plastic to wrap my food. Very nice.

The next scheduled train will arrive at 5:05 PM, already rush hour (5 is the start of rush hour in Metro Manila). I quickly bought a ticket to Sta. Mesa, just 15 pesos. I said, wow, that's more than 50% off from the bus fare.

At exactly 5:05 PM, the train arrived. It was not so crowded when I embarked the train, I really thought that my 15 pesos was sulit to the max.

Warning!: PNR during Rush Hour is not for the maarte, and the enochlophobic. Not for the girly girls too.

The first three stations partially filled the train with passengers, medyo dikit tuhod na ang mga tao.

Upon reaching EDSA station, boom, the passengers flocked in. You can barely move your hands or your feet or any part of your body. Chest to chest confrontation (dibdiban ang labanan). I wanted to take a snapshot of the experience but taking my camera out of my pocket is impossible.

The situation got worse when the train reached Buendia Station. This time, it's hard to breath, I can no longer feel the AC's, and the smell - manggagawa scent. Para akong namamanata sa Poong Nazareno.  

I told the man in front of me that it was my first time to ride the train during rush hour, and I was shocked to feel that it was like that. He said that many will unload on Sta. Mesa Station. Whatda?! Hindi ko pala mararanasan ng kahit bahagya lamang ang kaluwagan sa tren. For more than 30 minutes, I was stuck in that sardinas train.

Whew, the train finally arrived at Sta. Mesa. I said to my self, "Finally, semi-fresh air to breath in."

Oh, by the way, unloading the train is another issue, you must be very cautious with your belongings, maraming mapagsamantala sa masikip na sitwasyon.

Before riding the train

After riding the train

Deformed Burger Yum.

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