Remembering Rizal

“I die just when I see the dawn break,

Through the gloom of night, to herald the day;

And if color is lacking my blood thou shalt take,

Pour’d out at need for thy dear sake,

To dye with its crimson the waking ray.”

— Jose Rizal, My Last Farewell (1896)

Today, the whole nation marks the 115^th death anniversary of the national hero who dedicated his life to the cause of freedom and sovereignty. To put it in Neville Longbottom’s words in the final installment of the Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows 2, he may have died but his memories will forever lie in our hearts. People die everyday. But remarkable people such as Dr. Jose P. Rizal cannot be forgotten; his idealism and his hopes for his impoverished nation shall live on. He has not died in vain.

Circa Dos Mil Onse

Sa pagpasok ng isang panibagong taon, hayaan n’yo akong magbalik-tanaw sa nakalipas na lampas tatlong daan at higit pa na mga araw ng 2011. Bagong taon na naman ang sasalubungin—taon na siguradong magiging hitik sa bagong kaalaman, pagtuklas at pakikipaglaban tulad ng nagdaang taon.

Magsusulat ako hindi sa wikang banyaga ngayon. Hayaan n’yo na. Dahil tulad ng nagdaang mga buwan, blockbuster kung maituturing ang mga pagbabagong nangyari sa ating mga buhay-buhay. Hayaan n’yo na. At para maging epektibo ang pagbabago, binabalik-tanaw ang mga kajologsan at mga sablay na dapat ayusin. Saka ipri-press release (read: ilalako sa pamamagitan ng pag-tag sa facebook) sa mga kaibigan ang bagong magiging japorms at dating pati na rin ang mga plano sa susunod na tatlong daan at animnapu’t limang mga araw.

Weekend Musings at Davao Oriental

Under a deep blue sky and with the sound of the sea breeze, I found myself in one corner of a beach resort in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. It was a fine afternoon: the sea was gentle and calm, the white sand shimmers as the seawater went ashore and the only thing visible from where I stand are the children enjoying the heat of the sun on their skin and a lonely fisherman navigating through his banca amidst a sea of blue. It’s twenty five minutes past two in the afternoon and I am perfectly lonely.

Davao Oriental speaks of legends and folklore and is brimming with nature's wonder. While many around me enjoyed the beach, here I am standing still on the shore, missing someone from a not-so-distant past. It’s been a while since I last saw the sun kiss the western sky with someone I love, enjoying each time nature paints the sky with yellow and red. This afternoon, I’ll be viewing it alone and with high anticipation someone’s gonna stand beside me someday, hold my hand and cherish the moment that marks the passing of another day. From a distance, I saw couples sweet as lovebirds, flashing those sweet smiles to each other and exhibiting those gentle caresses.

There's no perfect time and there's no perfect place to dream than on the spot where I am standing today. It's fourteen days before Christmas and I know --- more than anybody else --- the true meaning of a Cold Christmas. Soon as the night bites after a very hot day, I'll be shivering in the corner brought by the sweet zephyr. 

The sea is still gentle and calm. The white sand still shimmers each time the seawater go ashore. The kids just quit from swimming and the lonely fisherman is now excited to go home with his catch which will be shared by his family for dinner.

I'm still here. Melancholy strikes. I knew what loneliness meant.

Writing on the Shore,

Monobloc Chair

Danao, You're Really Worth It

There's something in Danao City in Northern Cebu that captured my heart. Its simple yet picturesque scene stole my heart I wanna go back. When high school buddy and our batch's salutatorian Glece Anthony Adlawan told me and Zyzle that Danao is just an hour away from Cebu City, I did not hesitate to decide to explore what's in it.

From Cebu, we found ourselves in an overloaded jeepney heading towards the coastal town of Danao. The moment we arrived there at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the first thing we did is look for some water at Gaisano Capital, just right across the city's terminal. Mineral Water seems to be so elusive and we just found ourselves dropping one peso coin in an ATM Machine in a nearby sari-sari store. Just so you know, ATM stands for Automatic Tubig Machine.

The facade of the city hall conveys modernity and style. Its exterior looks like that of Tagum City Hall. My first impression of the city is that it's too serene and peaceful with only kids and teenagers roaming in this hot Saturday afternoon. I was told that Danao also boasts of its many Rizal statues and many plazas. I found one myself.

But what left me in awe is its old church. It was just awesome. I prayed a little wish there, something I wish could come true.

When it was time to go, my eyes gazed the sea that seems never ending. As I stare on its blue green hue, I hope I could go back and explore its unexplored corners.

Danao, you're really worth it.

Louie.

Danao is located in the northern part of Cebu facing the Camotes Islands. It lies in the eastern coast between Compostela and Carmen and bounded on the west by the municipalities of Balamban, Asturias and Tuburan. It is 8.20 kilometers from Carmen to the North; 97.0 kilometers from Balamban (via Toledo City); 92.14 kilometers from Asturias (via Lugo); 7.80 kilometers from Compostela to the South; and 33.1 kilometers from Cebu City, reckoned from kilometer 00.0 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Building.  Public transport coming in and out of Danao City are mostly passenger jeepney’s plying the Danao-Cebu route. Passenger busses also pass by Danao City on the way to the northern towns like Bogo from Cebu City and vice-versa.

Cebu Weekend Getaway

A sun-kissed Cebu greeted me and my travel buddy when we landed in her soil. From above, the Queen City of the South looks like a threshold of adventures: beautiful landscapes, some towering edifices and lush green. While peeping in the plane's window, I felt jitters as well as excitement in the sense that it would be my first time to step into the Visayas, particularly in the heart of Metropolitan Cebu. This three-day trip was indeed full of firsts: It would be my first time traveling that is not work-related and it's my travel buddy Zyzle's first time to ride an airplane. It's also our first trip together as best friends. We left Tagum City for Davao at around 4:30 in the morning to catch with our 8:20 AM flight.

When our plane landed twenty minutes ahead of time, we immediately went to Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan. There, we were amazed by the sight of the first Filipino Hero's statue facing the shore of Mactan. Wayback April 1521, Lapu-Lapu became the first Filipino to defeat European Agression by killing Ferdinand Magellan.

After this, we immediately proceeded to Cebu City through a hired taxi cab and paid 250 pesos to bring us to our pension house -- Roseatte Pension House in V. Urgello Street. It's located in the stretch of the famous Osmeña Boulevard, just across Crown Regency Suites. From our room, we're amazed by the sight of people who braved the towering heights trying the hotel's Skywalk and Coaster Edge.

I must say that I have a penchant for all things vintage. Thus, the first spot that we visited in downtown Cebu was its City Museum and Public Library. Sad to say, the museum was on its annual inventory which means that all its historical facts are not displayed. We just enjoyed the on-going Art Gallery Exhibition in the second floor. We're grateful for the City Information Officer of Cebu for sharing to me and Zyzle the many museums in the city and even warned us that pickpockets and snatchers are rampant in downtown Cebu. From there, we visited the President Sergio Osmeña Museum along Osmeña Boulevard. We learned that it was indeed the ancestral house of the former president. It feels like the 50's when we viewed the old artifacts on display at the two-storey edifice: old shoes, coats, hats, newspapers, mace, a cadillac vintage car and historical documents owned by President Osmeña.

Our Cebu trip won't be complete without visiting Magellan's Cross and Basilica Minore de Santo Niño. It was great visiting the place because we can feel the strong faith of the Cebuanos. We can say that Cebu City is indeed the stronghold of Catholicism in the country. We also visited the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral which is just adjacent to the Basilica.

SECOND DAY: REUNION NORTHERN STYLE

On our second day, our high school buddy and fellow Tromans Glece (who is living in Cebu for three years now) joined us. It's also the first we saw each other after he left us in Tagum three years ago. He and his partner brought us to the famous Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills, Lahug. From there, we traveled to the northern part of the province of Cebu passing through Mandaue, Compostela, Consolacion, Liloan and Danao City. It was Danao that captured my heart. This simple city facing the sea speaks of elegance and Filipino living. The old-feel of the Danao City church will truly leave you breathless. In Liloan, I just wished to visit their famous lighthouse but just ended up taking a picture of its replica facing their church.

 From our very quick trip up north, we headed back south and spent the remaining hours at SM City Cebu and Ayala Center Cebu. Both malls are amazing.

Taoist Temple, Beverly Hills, Cebu City

The view from the rooftop of our pension house

THIRD DAY: FUNNY ANECDOTES

While gallivanting the other day, we talked about why people would wave at the Sto. Niño at the Basilica. Glece couldn't give an exact answer. In search for an answer, we went back to the Basilica to supposedly hear Mass and to have a closer look of the venerable image of Sto. Niño. We fell in line at the Augustinian Convent to have a seconds-long encounter with Cebu's patron. From there, we went to Plaza Independencia and Malacañang sa Sugbu. It was also the time when Zyzle bought pasalubongs and other burloloys. Looking for  thirst-quenching drinks, we asked a guard where is the nearby ATM. He promptly said it's near the Landbank. We walked without even saying thanks (nyay!) and ten steps had gone and we just realized that the ATM he is referring to is the Automatic Teller Machine and not the so-called Automatic Tubig Machine which is Cebu City's famous thirst-quencher machine. You'll just have to drop a one-peso coin similar to that of a videoke machine and water will spill from it.

I'll always have fond memories of the Queen City of the South. Both Zyzle and I agreed to come back to her next year. This time, together with Jenniper and Exot and we'll go as far as Bogo -- the northernmost part of the province. Glece gave a hunch that we could even go to nearby Bantayan Island if we would want to.

We will. I am looking forward to my second time time in Cebu to make new memories, new moments and new escapades.

Louie.

Manila by Storm

Typhoon Pedring is ravaging Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon when I visited her this September. Our flight to the nation's gateway capital to the world was delayed two hours because of the weather conditions in Metro. It's actually my nth time to visit Manila but it's my first time to fly at night.

When we arrived at 11:30 in the evening at NAIA, strong winds welcomed us. When we traveled to our Hotel in Quezon City, I did not appreciate Manila that time because the power is down (it's dark because of the total blackout from Pasay City down to Quezon City) and the gigantic billboards are off. But I must admit that Manila looks cool without those towering billboards. I swear.


Because we're on official business attending the 2011 National Literacy Conference where Tagum City will be bestowed the much-anticipated Hall of Fame Award in Literacy, we can only roam around when it's free time. We're first billeted at the Great Eastern Hotel across Quezon Avenue but we transferred to the Imperial Palace Suites in Tomas Morato the following day, just across ABS-CBN. During the opening ceremony, we;re very lucky because no less than Mayor Herbert Bautista of QC welcomed us.

For me, the most memorable experience I had during this trip is our trip in the City of Makati, considered to be the country's foremost financial district. With Sir Edwin Lasquite and Madame Grace Terante of Tagum City Economic Enterprise Office, we roamed at Rockwell Powerplant Mall.

But it was our Trip to Makati City Hall that surprised me. It's huge and simply amazing -- with 28 floors! We are also granted permission to go to their helipad, a thing not all employees of the city hall are allowed to do so. From there, the Makati Skyline and the view of Mandaluyong by the Pasig River look so amazing!

Not bad experience for a typhoon-battered Manila.

Louie.

Stranded at Davao International Airport

Traveling at night is cool. You are forced to relax.

Makati Skyline from the Helipad of the Makati City Hall

Office of the City Mayor of Makati

Rockwell. Derek Ramsay is in the house.

It's great to be back in Mall of Asia

EDSA Kamuning with GMA Network Center as the dominant landmark

I took this while our van is traversing the North Luzon Expressway bound to Tarlac City, Tarlac.

Kape na muna.

Tagum City River Cruise

 For so many years, the cool and calm waters of Tancuan in Bincungan, Tagum City seems like to be so elusive from the public. Not until recently when the Local Government of Tagum had embarked on a noble project of establishing a wetland reserve in this progressive southern city known for its best governance practices, palms and grand festivals. The once elusive Tancuan as well as the gentle waters of Nabintad River is now Tagum City's newest attraction, serving like a magnet for people who are looking forward to have a date with nature and rediscover its allure.

The Tagum City River Cruise was formally launched July 30, 2011 with high hopes of revitalizing the people's interest in safeguarding the mangroves as well as showcasing the wonders of nature inside the wetlands of the city. Start your journey at Punong Restaurant which is the official jump-off point for the 8.8-kilometer river cruise that will run for almost two hours. Along the way, be amazed with the wide varieties of mangrove trees as well of its unique roots. As you go along and feel the breeze of the relaxing air, a local guide can tell stories about tales of the mangroves. The sight of fisherfolks and children swimming along the way is also a sight to behold.  Stop by at the Kagan Village, a Muslim community in Barangay Liboganon that is brimming with culture and history. There, you can buy Muslim Handicrafts and taste its yummy delicacies. In Maningo Farm,  one of the stopovers of the 8-kilometer cruise, your group can savor sumptuous lunch with its famous soft-shelled crabs. A floating tiange is the place to look forward to by souvenir-hunters. There, one can buy packed goodies which include tropical fruits in season, tasty delicacies and handicrafts. The River Cruise experience would not be complete without preserving the memory in your digital cameras or in mobile phones which are important so that you can upload it right away in facebook or perhaps print a postcard and encourage your friends to experience the river cruise, Tagumeño style. Under the shades of the century-old mangroves, a boardwalk was constructed for people to have a closer look at those trees and be relaxed by the warmth it gives. This is a perfect spot for picture-taking and if you are very lucky enough, gentle wildlife inhabitants shall join you in your clicking moments.

In the next years, a channel will be constructed to connect the waters of Tancuan and Nabintad River which is located in Barangay Madaum. The proposed 600-meters channel will house the protected area perfect for kayaking and other boating activities.


The Tagum City River Cruise experience depends on whoever tells it. As for me, who have been like cruised the river for three times already, it feels like it's always my first time. Personally, I'd like to remember it as the river once so elusive and now ready to capture the heart of nature-lovers wherever they may be here on Earth. You have to be there and experience the River Cruise that is uniquely Tagumeño.

To try the Tagum City River Cruise, contact the City Information Office of Tagum or the City Tourism Office or visit www.tagumcity.gov.ph for more information. A fee of P 320.00 is charged per head with a minimum of 10 pax. Reserve your group two days ahead of your schedule at the Council of Women Satellite Office at Punong Restaurant.

One Day Adventure in Tagum City

There’s something in the City of Tagum that had remained so foreign to me. Not until recently when I woke up on a sun-kissed morning. I was smiling because I know that day will be a day full of adventure and adrenaline rush. When Sir Edwin Lasquite informed us that the great Jojie Alcantara is coming to town for a shoot, I dropped all scheduled plans just to rub elbows with the famed travel photojournalist and of course, to conquer and see for myself Tagum City’s hidden gems.

 

Turned out it’s a day full of adventure and we’re indeed living the adventurous life. We kicked off our day with a visit to the Barangay New Balamban where the series of home makeovers are being held courtesy of Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy’s Lingap Pinuy-anan Shelter Assistance Program. It’s my first time to set foot in the said barangay and I must say that the rural feel is so alive in the said area. 

Next stop is the Eco Park which is located in the sprawling 50-hectare site in Barangay San Agustin. From the so-called summit, one could be one with nature by seeing the wide array of green trees. From atop, savor the sweet zephyr and experience the wonders of nature. The once rebel-infested site will be considered home to at least 2000 different species of trees coming from different parts of the world thereby projecting a city breathing in vibrant air. The park will be fully-developed come year 2020.

12 kilometers south of San Agustin’s Eco Park awaits our next adventure. For the second time, I was able to traverse in the mighty Tancuan Creek where many picturesque scenes thrive. For one hour and 30 minutes, my eyes were treated to a new world: century-old and newly-planted mangrove trees, kids swimming in its riverside, fish cages sprouting aplenty and fishing folks enjoying the bounty of the creek. One can say that the place is indeed bleeding with so much allure one would always want to go back. This is one side of the city needs to be seen by each adventurous Tagumeño who always want to be one with nature.

Along the coastal area of Barangay Madaum, just inside Banana Beach, awaits a very breathtaking experience. For people with adventure-loving personalities, the amenities offered by the world’s only beach resort inside a banana plantation should be experienced. One could truly be amazed by the towering old trees, the roaming monkeys, monitor lizards, different species of birds and wild boars. Walk your way through the forest through the resort’s 2-kilometer canopy walk which is 15 meters from the ground.

I wish everybody could experience the kind of experience I had on that Saturday and wake up on a sun-kissed morning getting jitters and excitement of experiencing an adventure that is Tagumeño style. Truly, one needs not to go to other places beyond our borders because adventures, just like anywhere in the world, is best enjoyed at home.