Potipot Island

When I thought I would finally cap it, my solo trip didn’t end at the last town of Zambales. Circumstances had been so generous for giving me a no hassle trip and allowing me to complete my travel itinerary ahead of time. Had it not for the blistering heat, I would have stayed a little longer in Sta. Cruz. I couldn’t stand it. Besides, I still had another island in my mind so I rode a bus going back to north for me not to miss Potipot in Candeleria.

Gleaming waters of the island

I was surprised upon seeing resorts paraded on the highway of Uacon in Candelaria offering a boat trip going to Potipot Island. It’s just a 10-minute boat ride from bordering resorts along the area. I tried booking at one of the famous beach houses in town but failed due to heavy influx of tourists. Just to compensate myself, I accepted the offer of a boatman with optimism that I could get a cottage or tent when I reach the island. It was another failed attempt. Cottages were full and reserved, so my choice was to keep myself shaded under a tree.

White sand

Potipot is located in the wealthy mainland of Candelaria, Zambales. It’s a very small island which can be toured in 20 minutes. It has fine white sands that do not hurt one’s feet with a beach suitable for swimming.

I did enjoy my stay on this spot. Breezy

It was my second time in the island and nothing has changed ever since I visited it two years ago. The place still looked untouched. There was no major development in the area except for several comfort rooms erected in the middle of the island. The only setback I noticed was the increase of entrance fee compared to my previous visit.

Middle portion of the island

The beach was cleaner since sea grasses were removed for visitors to have wider space to swim. Powdery white sand and turquoise-like water were still impressive and glowing. Surely, one would love to spend more time swimming. However, long weekend wasn’t the perfect time to visit this place. The prominence of the island combined with its accessibility from the neighboring resorts lured vacationers to troop here. But given such case, one could still find a good spot by bringing tents.

Back part of the island from resorts in Uacon

Tree house

This open area does not harbor trees

Cottages in the island look like this

Stories behind the island

My eagerness to capture things through my lenses almost brought me misfortune. I was wandering around the island for already 20 minutes when I found out that I dropped my Iphone somewhere. Where to start searching in this crowded island? I was alone and was sure that nobody would even care about my problem.

Right before things turn odder, I headed to the entrance and borrowed a phone from the caretaker so I could call my number and the person (whoever-he/she-is-with-a-kind-heart) that possibly have it. (Thanks to the good man who lent me his phone and assisted me to look for my phone.)

Things turned worst as we searched for it because my phone was in silent mode. I was forlorn after 10 minutes of not seeing it while convincing myself that whoever finds it and has no interest of returning might be in dire need. I was sort of consoling myself to lessen the impact of my negligence.

I dropped my phone somewhere here

As I was saying the not-to-spoil-moment to myself, a person approached me and asked what I was looking for. After telling him the whole thing, he handed the phone to me while saying: “I saw you weary looking for something a while ago, here’s your phone.” My face immediately glowed when I got reunited with my phone.

(To the person who returned my phone, in case you’re reading this blog, my sincerest thanks. You are one worth emulating.)

After this incident, I joyfully roamed around Potipot island. This time, with caution. This experience keeps reminding me that there are good people out there; that a stranger can be kind to another stranger.

Declaring my admiration to the place

TIPS

Make sure you bring enough food when you visit Potipot. There is only one store in the island located at its entrance. The store only sells water, other canned beverages and junk food. Better bring tent if you would stay overnight. No tents for rent in the island. No electricity, too. Cell signal is not a problem.

If you want a more comfortable accommodation, I suggest that you stay at a resort in Uacon, then do a day trip in Potipot island.

FEES/RENTALS

Boat- P400/boat roundtrip. Boat can accommodate 4 persons.

Cottages- P1000/small. There are big cottages for the whole family or big group. I did not get the price of the big ones though. There is a tree house for rent for P5000. (see the picture above)

Entrance- P100/ day tour

P300/ overnight

How to get to Potipot Island through public transport

1-      Ride a Victory Liner bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Terminals are located in Caloocan (near monument LRT station), Cubao and Pasay. It’s a 6-hour drive. Fare is around 300-400.

2-      Get off at  Brgy. Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales. Candelaria is the 13^th town of Zambales from Olongapo.

3-      You can walk or ride a tricycle to the nearest resort. From the resort, rent a boat that will bring you to Potipot island. It’s just 10 minutes away.

Magalawa Island in Solo

I was sitting on a bench, browsing a travel magazine, and watching people enjoy their time on the beach while their boisterous laughter filled the humid air. There were times I eavesdropped on interesting conversations of groups not too far away from my back which in turn made me smile and quip unheeded words.

Tourists. Yes, they were. They came from other provinces and cities to experience what my province has in store for them.

While most of them were hustling things, I preferred to stay in one corner relishing my seclusion and the placid world I just discovered. The afternoon atmosphere didn’t bother my mood as I continued doing nothing and not minding anyone or anything. For the first time in my life, all I had to do that fleeting moment was to think of myself. And it really felt liberating.

After a couple of minutes, I became envious and tired of watching them do it. I quickly ran to the shaded part of the island as fast as I could, placed my backpack under a Camachile  tree, took my shoes and shirt off, prepared my camera’s shutter, and dipped into the waters.

It was my first taste of Magalawa island. And my first solo travel.

First solo trip

I could still vividly recall that the idea of traveling solo just crossed my mind when I read a post from a Facebook page of a group of Filipino travel bloggers encouraging its members to join the group’s monthly blog carnival which would tackle solo traveling. Since I am part of it, I was invited to write my own piece. Being a novice traveler, I really haven’t tried doing it. Thus, I shrugged the idea off since I have nothing to contribute.

White sand

Holy Week was just around the corner when thoughts about solo traveling elicited excitement on me. I knew I would be going to spend it in Zambales with my family and friends for a small get together which we usually do every year. Coincidentally, the release of collated travel stories of Filipino travelers would be after Holy Week. Maybe this was the chance I was looking for to finally go somewhere just by myself.

I did take the opportunity.

Trees in the island

This solo travel allowed me to savor liberty to its fullest. No one is really in control of your will to do things. Freedom isn’t bequeathed; it is something you have already acquired the moment you get to recognize your capacity to do a thing and to act on it. But your freedom could sometimes be restrained by your values or by people you choose to be with.  In a group trip for instance, although you have the power to exercise it, you hold it back sometimes because there is such a thing as consensus everyone should abide. If the rule of majority has to prevail, your freedom to differ from the decision of many has to be waived as well. Presuming that it isn’t inhumane, you have to follow what the group wants. If it’s about itinerary, you have to follow what’s in it.

Lunch time. Sweet and Sour Tuna and Shrimp Halabos

This is one thing I treasure about solo traveling. I get to enjoy my liberty without taking into consideration other people when it comes to choices of destination, activity, and even food to eat. All I have to do is to think of the best way of maximizing my time and the most rewarding experience I could give to myself. And if you have this pristine island to exercise this liberty, what else could go wrong?

Dinner: Ginataang tuna, sinigang na tuna and veggies

Dining area

This also gave me time to get to know myself better. When you are alone and run out of things to do, all the more you would have reasons to take a slice of solitude from this big world. Since you have all night to stare blank at the distant universe, thoughts would naturally permeate your peaceful mind. Believe me when I say that it is the best time to think of your future goals, find courage to transform dreams into reality, assess the decisions you’ve made in the past, and welcome vast possibilities and opportunities that would come your way.

Campers shaded by trees

While solitude acquires the ability to bring back memories of unwanted endings and beginnings, it also helps you deal with it, move forward to forget it, and reconcile with the many regrets which haunted you before. If at some point you realize that you’re faulty in some aspects of life, this private time would help reevaluate your values and succumb yourself to the process of change.

Blugreen waters of island

Since I am already in the island, I took advantage of its consoling powers, because solitude is best relished when you are consorted by a portion of galaxy occupying the dim skies above with waves rushing towards the fine shore just beneath your feet.

I spent most of my time here

Sometimes, along with your prejudices on the dangers of exploring the world alone, you also entertain the likelihood that it could be treacherous. However, in spite of the prevailing negative thoughts, you still prefer to go and take the first pace of being a solo traveler. Yes, you are aware of the dangers it could bring, but you know you can get away with it. This is what solo travel teaches— to trust yourself more.

When you are out there, it becomes you between the worlds; you between strangers; you between unknown possibilities. With all these uncertainties surrounding you, the only certain thing is that you are there ready to take whatever it is that life might possibly throw in that precise moment. Because you know you can handle anything.

Raft

Starfish. You can see many of them in the island

The execution of my plan to travel solo came into fruition at five in the morning with the goal of traversing the entirety of Zambales by hopping from one town to another to visit Catholic churches. Shortly before noon, I already boarded an ordinary bus that would bring me to Palauig where I could ride a boat to Magalawa island. My initial plan was to stay here for only 5 hours so I could still visit the remaining three towns of Zambales early morning next day and make it to Pangasinan before noon. However, upon setting foot on the white sand of the beach, all my plans got twisted.

Disparate to other beaches which are only good in pictures, this island is more beautiful in bare. And me, being here solo, made every moment perfect.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

I stayed at Armada’s resort.

RENTALS

Boat- P500 round trip for 5 pax. The island is only 10 minutes from the coast of Barangay Luan. If you arrange a special trip, you’d shoulder the whole amount. You could bargain with the owner.

Tent- P400 for 4 pax

Entrance fee- P300/overnight

I wasn’t able to get their room rates. I think it would be best if you contact them through their fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Magalawa-Island/204336016808?sk=notes

How to get to Magalawa island through a public transport:

1-      Ride a Victory Liner bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. It’s a 5-hour trip. Fare is around 300-400.

2-      Get off at  Brgy. Pangolinan, Paluig, Zambales. Palauig is the 11^th town of Zambales from Olongapo. You would see a Pangolinan sign at the right side of the highway.

3-      From Pangolinan, ride a tricycle to Brgy. Luan. Fare is P150 if you rent the whole tricycle. They usually allow maximum of two passengers per tricycle because of the rough roads going there. It would take you around 20-25 minutes before you reach Bgry. Luan.

4-      From Brgy. Luan, ride a boat to Magalawa island. It would take you only 10 minutes.

Contact person:

GRACE ARMADA (09209483303)

Exploring Corregidor through Adventure

According to an adage, “change is the only constant thing in this world.” Nothing could be truer than this whenever I step out of my door and see how everything has been evolving and burgeoning every time the clock  moves. The volatility of change has the capacity to transmute the totality of our environment day by day.

It is a subject susceptible of different interpretations and wide array of meanings, but it doesn’t need another Einstein to see how run-of-the-mill change would affect our daily lives. Technology is being developed to adapt with the globally competitive world. We change our lifestyles to get rid of boredom and break our daily routines; to live and cope up with present realities prevailing in our society.

Tourism has to undergo changes as well to cater the needs of travelers nationwide even the locals of a community sans sacrificing the historical value of a place. In our country, aside from improvements in transportation, infrastructure and security, what else could be done to make a tour here worthwhile, whether he is a Filipino or not?

Our service going to Corregidor

Two weeks ago, I discovered that change and innovation have smoothly permeated the ecosphere of tourism. It was when Sun Cruises introduced its Adventour Challenge—  an adventure while touring the Corregidor Island which revolutionized classical tour to contemporary.

Tadpole-shaped Island

Corregidor Island has served as the domicile and headquarters of our heroes seven decades ago at the height of the World War II. Perfect for its location—at the entrance of the Manila Bay—this tadpole-shaped island had been the battleground of Filipino and American soldiers when they defended us against the invasion of the Japanese forces in the 1940s. The wrecked ammunition and missiles, remnants of buildings, and barracks in ruins are some of the lucid marks how our soldiers in the past fought hard to protect this land and their people.

One of the ruined buildings

I did not let the opportunity pass when an invitation to tour Corregidor island was sent to our group. And it was because of two reasons: first, I haven’t been to Corregidor island. Second, I wanted to meet my fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers (PTBs). Whether or not to pick the adventure challenge was one of the options given to us. Classical tour is repetitive to me, one reason why I chose the more challenging kind. Besides, it was the first time I heard  of touring a historical site through an adventure. We all gave it a go!

Pinoy Travel Bloggers (PTBs). Red Team and Orange Team

It was awkward that most new members of PTBs among the 12 who joined started our first meet and greet with a competition—healthy and friendly competition. Since the adventour is the new innovation of Sun Cruises to tourists, I knew it would be worthy to give it a try. We were divided into two groups— Red Team a.k.a. Horse Team and Orange Team a.k.a. Jumpshot Team. I was part of the Red team.

Lending a hand to his fellow

Upon the release of the green light, we all hurriedly braved the way to the Battery Hearn, Battery Smith and Battery Grubbs to find the three parts of the map. The map would help us finish our expedition. Aside from the map, we also looked for the clues placed inside the small bamboos scattered at the ruins. With the given clues, we then tried to solve the puzzle one at a time. But wait! It was never easy. We had to run fast to get to another area. If you think running was easy, hey! Think again. We ran while bearing the scorching heat of the sun. And just after the heat strike us, we found ourselves traversing the tunnels, the darkness, and the uninhabited place while dealing with bats most of the time.

Red and Orange teams would have to run past each other. Knowing whether or not you are ahead of your nemesis added thrills to the trail. When we reached the Red Cross Hospital, my expectation that this adventure offers only pure physical activity had gone wrong, because I had to squeeze my brain out to solve mind-boggling puzzles on the green boards. Rephrase: This adventure doesn’t only require strength and alertness; it also necessitates intelligence and common sense.

Corregidor Lighthouse

The last challenge was shooting of several balls in a basket by allowing them to trundle on bamboos of different sizes. After finishing it, Orange team declared as winner. Though we didn’t bag the title, we, from the Red team, were still happy because despite of what we’ve been through, we all emerged triumphant in the end after conquering the 3-hour adventour.

Eternal Flame Monument

Corregidor Beach

Field

One of the lovely trees in the island

Exhausting? I’ll be frank, yes it was. But this doesn’t defy the “in-between-times” we had on the whole duration of the adventure. We may have ran out of water, strength and breath, but we did not run out of stories and experiences to share while trailing the historic sites of the island.

Now, Corregidor Island has made another history. It harnessed friendship among the group of passionate Filipino travelers which for me is the greatest prize of this adventour apart from discovering Corregidor.

Special thanks to Sun Cruises, Sir Ivan Henares and Sir Bambi Aquino for making this trip possible.

Hot Air Balloon Festival 2011

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) marked its 16^th year celebration on February 10, 2011. The event started to draw tourists around the globe since it was first held in 1994. Hot air balloon aficionados and spectators once again made a spot on the history after it delivered most number of participants and observers locally and internationally during its 16^th year.

With overwhelming support and publications from various media outlets such as the print, broadcast and social media, this event has forcefully hit its way as the most  sought after during the first quarter of the year. It was held at Clark Field in Angeles City, Pampanga—one of the country’s widest aviation grounds.

This was another random plan. The two of us would be coming from Manila and a friend from Pampanga would wait for us. It looked like a perfect plan. Transportation from Mexico, Pampanga to Clark, food and accommodation would all be given for gratis by a friend.

On Friday night, we arrived safe at our friend’s house. Food for dinner were served while our room was being prepared. Outside our room was a pool where we could spend our whole night. It was a simple get together after two years so we almost forgot to sleep because we splurged ourselves to death on these frills while taking advantage of our brief time together.

Having only 2 hours of sleep, we woke up late for the festival and found ourselves rushing everything for us not to miss the takeoff of giant balloons.  The initial plan was to be at Clark’s field at around 5:30am to secure a good spot for photo taking. Unfortunately, we left home late so we arrived an hour late of the original plan.

Since it was our first time to attend the event, we thought it would be stress-free as long as we have a private transport. But I was stunned the moment our car entered Clark’s vicinity. As early as 6am, traffic was already bad; vehicles going North and South were slow-moving, and the whole ground was nurtured by bushes which turned into cars. First problem: parking area.

After a couple of minutes, hot air balloons started to takeoff while we were inside the car. Gester was still looking for a parking space. I asked him to stop the car in the middle of the highway. I got off hurriedly and ran fast the moment it stopped. Mary Ann did the same while screaming at me to slow down so she could catch up. But I was very relentless because I wanted to take good photos of the designed balloons. There were instances where I took pauses on the road to take glimpse at the balloon flying above (my mindset: there are still balloons on the ground, I can still make it).

When I reached the entrance to the aviation ground, I was received by three long lines of visitors. This was what I get right after dealing with the problem on parking space. Like other tourists who were  taking the burden of lining up for 20 minutes before entering the vicinity, I got content on watching the balloons parading in the sky. At least, even if I viewed it from afar, I still get mesmerized by the way they blended with the blue skies and swayed with the forceful wind. That was my only consolation, to enjoy the moment of being there.

Despite of being late for an hour, we still chose to go. Fortunately, three hot air balloons were being prepared for a flight when we came in. We got the chance to get closer and have our souvenir pictures. Apart from it, we also availed the opportunity to watch the paragliding exhibition, ultralight aircraft formation flying, aerobatic flight display and kite flying exhibition.

My hilarious PIHABF experience still rings a bell every time I see balloons. Things, sometimes, get twisted in a way we didn’t plan, but turn out to be awesome.

Lesson learned: I have to run faster upon getting off the car next time. Kidding. Seriously, always come on time or ahead of time. But in case you came late, don’t torture yourself; just enjoy what’s left for you.

Manila Ocean Park: An Under the Sea Experience

What would you do if something did not go as planned?

In most instances—especially in making travel plans—I usually don’t have back-up plans or “plan B.” I make it a point to stick to the original because it is always better. Thus, tendency is, when the original plan did not push through, I am left with no choice but to start from scratch again. I know every traveler experiences the same thing. Sometimes, due to unforeseen events, we entirely alter our plans because more pressing situation demands urgent attention.

After learning that the yearly celebration of Dinamulag Festival in Zambales will fall on April 7-10 this summer, I immediately marked my calendar as occupied on these dates. Unfortunately, due to some crucial matters I had to attend to in Manila coupled with the time constraint, I knew ahead I couldn’t make  it to Zambales.

This botched travel plan led me to a gloomy Saturday afternoon. Since Rio was just showing on big screen, I decided to watch it to make up with myself. With the initial plan of watching Rio, my mind made a sudden swerve by choosing to go to Manila Ocean Park instead. There, in just a jiffy, I found myself at the main entrance of the park lining up for a ticket package.

This explains how this trip was born out.

Our house’s proximity to the beach in the province during my childhood days made me a warm-hearted individual to fishes and other living sea creatures. This personal affinity was the reason why I became willing to dole out P600 to see four major attractions of Manila Ocean Park—Sea Lion Show, Oceanarium, Fish Spa, and Dancing Jellies.  I took advantage of the package to spare my pocket from further harm since availing it one by one without a package would cost me P820.

 Heads-up: there are several packages you can pick from depending on which you prefer. Availing a package entails saving. 

Sea Lion Show

Since it is scheduled at 2 and 4 in the afternoon  only, I tried this attraction first for I would be losing track of time once I entered the dome of fishes and possibly  miss this. It was entertaining for a twenty-ish like me. After 11 years, I’ve gotta chance to see sea lion show again.

Icy and Yeny dancing with their trainers

Ocean Park is taking care of six sea lions. When I was there, Icy and Yeny were among those who performed. They showed us how they contort their bodies and mimic the movements of their trainers. These lovely creatures brought nothing but bliss to me as I joined the kids clapping and yelling numerous times.

The show lasted for 20 minutes and it ended with a grain of salt that we humans should live by every day. Icy and Yeny demonstrated the proper disposal of wastes and trashes and how wounded they would become if these are dumped directly into their home. This was a good example to the children watching. However,  a tough smash to us since it took animals to remind us how abusive we have been to our seas. What the sea lions did was to impose a challenge on us.

Heads-up: For me, 2pm is not the best time to watch the show. Since it is an open area, there are no adequate shades for the visitors.

Oceanarium

Before pursuing this jaunt, I was already anticipating the crowd since it was done on a weekend. This was why I had to wait for 15 minutes in the queue before I could finally enter Oceanarium. Waiting didn’t annoy me at all for once you’re inside the dome, you would instantly be charmed by the sea creatures. It was full of treasures indeed.

The pathway to other attractions is composed of colossal aquariums harboring different species of fishes. Of them all, I only remembered the Reef Stone fish. I am really bad with names, but I don’t forget the moments. Oceanairum is my favorite. It made the tour more fun and enjoyable. No wonder I stayed here the longest.

Fish Spa

Who says only human can perform a spa treatment? Fishes can do the same. They are called the “Doctor Fish.”

Fishes doing spa is new and enticing. Isn’t it? When I  heard it the first time, I knew someday I would experience it. Come to my surprise, Ocean Park offers such. So I immediately grabbed the chance.

Upon dipping my tired feet in the mini-pool, fishes started to circle over and bit them. I  almost backed out because it didn’t feel like a spa at first. It seemed like my feet were being scratched since I got tickled a lot of times or doctor fish looked at my feet as two giant preys or pieces of bread. But later on, I enjoyed the moment like all other. It lasted for only 10 minutes.

Dancing Jellies

Beach bummers certainly hate jellyfishes. They secrete liquids that cause itchiness and irritation to our skin. Hence, when we see their kind in the sea, we tend  to get away from them or leave the beach. Unless, they are non-stinging like the ones at Sohoton lagoon in Siargao. In Ocean Park, I began adoring them. They looked enchanting as they danced with the music and sparkling lights.

Those who want to experience our wealthy marine and aquatic resources but are aquaphobic, Manila Ocean Park is the right place to cope up with what you’re missing for being not too adventurous enough  in exploring our seas. Although it’s not exactly as rich as the marine life, at least, you would be acquainted with them and be cognizant of their existence. Later on, you might be encouraged too in joining the list of enthusiasts who protect the lives of  defenseless creatures from the fierce hands of humans.

Feeding the Koi Fish

This under the sea experience has superseded my supposedly frustrated day to something precious, which could have been different if I had pursued my first plan. Though born out of frustration, I consider this visit as the best thing happened in my entire week. What I had previously planned didn’t work the way I perceived it, but I learned to transport my energy to something valuable. Visiting Manila Ocean Park was no another ordinary day; it was the day I discerned that I shall protect our marine and aquatic resources from harm. And I am starting it through this post.

Mundane Things Turn Extraordinary in Baguio

Erratic weather and inflating population are not surprising occurrences in all places in the Philippines. As the global warming continues to take its toll, numbers of Filipinos are also ballooning uncontrollably. Imagine a world with growing crowd and irrepressible effects of climate change combined. If this looks worst, how does summer would be like in a tropical country like us? A country mutated into a giant sauna place? This is beyond unimaginable, but possible.

As the country’s summer capital, Baguio is the most ideal place to visit when one wants to experience a cold weather. But what’s happening nowadays is even Baguio isn’t spared from the heat during summer. This is the reason why many say that it has changed a lot. As of last year, Baguio’s population has reached more than three hundred thousand compared to its city-plan ideal population which is only twenty five thousand. This is distressing.

Now, do we spare this city from the list of must-visit in the Philippine map?

Despite of these unpleasant real world scenarios, I still find Baguio appealing. Aside from getting mesmerized by the parade of flowers for the first time, I also enjoyed the mundane things such as coffee, food, and nightlife that turned extraordinary in Baguio.

Panagbenga Festival

The highlight of Panagbenga Festival is the float parade which usually falls on the last weekend of February. Considered as one of the most jovial festivals in the Philippines, this celebration gathers local government, Department of Tourism, Filipinos and some other nationalities worldwide together. In fact, I saw DOT Secretary Alberto Lim spearheading the event.

Pictures below are part of the month-long celebration of Panagbenga Festival. I only posted my favorite floats for the float competition and landscapes for the landscape designing competition.

The whole area of Session Road looked like a raging crowd of tourists on early morning of Sunday wanting to witness the presentation of various majestic moving floats engulfed with different kinds of flowers. As they emerged one by one from the road’s corner, people were becoming excited and agitated while picking up their favorites. The boundless cheers were unstoppable especially when floats carrying prominent local artists  surfaced.

Coffee

I usually start my ordinary day with a cup of coffee, but if felt wholly different when I tried this morning ritual in Baguio. Due to its breezy atmosphere, a cup for me wasn’t enough. Maybe the cold weather and coffee just blended impeccably for a coffeeholic like me.

Food

One of the best things I love and would always look forward to in Baguio is its great food. Here, it’s easier to find food chains and restaurants with good quality food. Plus, you’ll see the worth of your money since most of them serve at a cheaper cost. Of course, one must make a good pick. My favorites are 50’s Diner and Café by the Ruins.

I also enjoyed eating vegetables in Baguio because they taste so fresh and always come free as a side dish (haha). Seriously, the foodie in me revealed after partaking in in too much food tripping during my visit.

Night life

What crosses my mind whenever I hear the word night life are bars, disco clubs, drinking sessions, and all-night parties; that night life is not the term for people who would prefer to go for movies or long conversations over coffee. Most of the time, it has been associated with flamboyant, loud and liberated individuals who would celebrate sprightly nights almost every day. In short, it’s not the term for boring people. I’m not fond of going to night bars. Invite me to a movie date, dinner, sit for a cup of coffee, or sing at a karaoke house, I would probably entertain.

At last, when I was in Baguio, I found the word night life suited for me. When we went to a bar, I did not expect that I would enjoy spending my night with the crowd. My friends and I were just seated at one corner trying to make amends of the years that passed. Our stories were laid bare on the table while sipping our latte. Then a band downstairs was playing beautiful songs. After a while, people started filling in the empty chairs at the bar as the night went farther. The crowd would then turn loud singing with the band’s vocalists interrupting our conversation. Later, we joined them in singing too.

This moment was well appreciated by us. I also realized that Baguio is home of great singers.

Coffee, food and night life are just mundane things I can experience everyday albeit I am not in Baguio. Weather just makes these things extraordinary. In fact, it is the one that draws people to Baguio as we find it consoling to the mind and body. If climate change is the adversary of this distinct feature of the city, we must find ways to counter its harmful effects. Because if we do nothing, Baguio would suffer decay and be just like any other humid and polluted cities in the Philippines in the generation’s next.

How to protect Baguio? Let’s start first from the basic: Do not cut trees.

Manila Photo-walk: Unveiling the Faces of Quiapo

Once something is captured, it has already acquired meaning and story depending on the eyes looking at it.

Get a picture. Ask five people to interpret it. Do you get the same interpretation from each person?

See? A picture could tell countless stories. And these stories we see tell us how we view the world and our journey in this lifetime as each day passes.

On the first week of January this year, I did a photo walk in Quiapo. I just captured what for me appeared interesting. Upon going home, I took glances at my captured images and examined them one by one. I had to scroll some pictures back for they were telling me things I didn’t see before.

What was Quiapo then for me?

Back in college, I was almost stabbed in a holdup twice in Quiapo. While the memory of this tragic event is still fresh, a phone, which I just borrowed from my brother was snatched also in the same place. No one can blame me if I consider it as a constant reminder that Manila is chaotic and a hopeless case.

Horrible encounters. This is what always comes into my mind when there is a mention of Quiapo. But why did this simple photo walk seem to be changing my perception about Quiapo? I knew my heart was clouded by animosity toward it. But what do these photos reveal which I haven’t seen before?

Quiapo church is one of the famous churches in the Philippines and the most populated in Metro Manila. Its prominence could be attributed to the Black Nazarene or Poon Nazareno. Every 9^th of January, devotees of Black Nazarene gather along the streets of Manila to express their perpetual faith and  fulfill their yearly vows which would last for more than 12 hours of procession. The “Maroon Day,” as I label it, is one of the most renowned feasts in the world. Devotees would walk barefoot and crawl at the bodies of sea of people just to get to the replica and have their handkerchiefs wiped and touched it. Many believe that Black Nazarene is miraculous.

Black Nazarene

A permit has to be secured first at the administrator’s office before anyone could take photographs inside the church. I was very careful not to disturb people showing their adulation; so I took photos in the most modest way I could.

This person was the first to capture my gaze. It seemed to me that he was sincerely sharing his new experiences to our Almighty Father; how he was coping up from day to day and how life has been treating him good. If most who were inside the church asked for alleviation of their worries, healing of their sorrows and adversities, I found him different. He was there to share good news.

Just beside the grateful man was this person who was in deep pain. I observed atonement while begging for forgiveness in his gestures. He circled around the replica of this life-sized Black Nazarene statue and touched all four corners of the glass that separates him and the replica. It looked like this man was trying to renew his faith to our Creator.

If the first two pictures showed joy and pain, this picture displayed hope. The man carrying a wooden box learned to surrender everything to Him with hopes that someday, he would be able to find a good paying job while the man next to him asked for God’s continuous guidance in order for him to provide his family a decent living.

Outside the church, lives were blaring. People were busy taking each moment worth to earn. They were grappling hard enough to put food into their stomachs.

This man, with his Ipod on, fell asleep while waiting for parishioners to buy cigarettes and candies from him. Maybe he was there all night or maybe he was just waiting to make enough money so he could go home.

I wandered across Plaza Miranda until I got propelled and stirred by this old man. After seeing him sat unaffected by the excruciating heat and positioned himself where church goers usually pass by, I was swiftly jolted by the urge to help him. I tried assisting him to sit, but he refused. So I just dropped a few coins on his plastic bottle. His life would depend on that small plastic bottle with hopes to end his day with his bottle full. Then I suddenly found myself murmuring that old people should be spared from this cruel situation.

When I took a few paces away from the old man, I noticed how some vendors managed to smile despite of their current plights. I was reminded again that Filipinos are really happy people. We learn to laugh off anything bad happening to us.

This old lady shall serve as an inspiration of those who think they are too old to work hard or too young to look for work. Though she was shaded by umbrella and supported by chair, she still would prefer to sell Sampaguita at her age. One good thing about her was she never stopped smiling at people passing her way, thus, making it easy for her to deliver her sales pitch.

If the old lady was situated in front of the Quiapo church, this vendor would roam around the vicinity to sell Sampaguita. Her alacrity later caught me so I ended up buying a bundle and offered it to the Black Nazarene.

Aside from candles, replicas of Christ, Sto. Nino and scapulars, other merchants in Quiapo also offer treatments for illness, which some believe, brought by witch and gnome. Quack doctors and faith healers are pervaded around the area too.

When I was done checking my photos, I began removing the clouds of anger inside and searched for answers to this question: why are these photos speak volumes to me?

Because my photos revealed the concealed realities in Quiapo; that it is more than just a bunch of vindictive individuals. It is also home of dreamers, hopefuls, repenters and grateful. The products of my lenses didn’t lie. People who choose to fight the odds in Quiapo would do everything to make their lives better. Their disposition on perseverance in spite of misfortune is so strong that it couldn’t be broken.

This simple photo walk has taught me  lot. New year has just started but I already learned to transform hate into love and to see hope in despair.