Rubber Plantation in Basilan

On our third day in Zamboanga, we woke up with anticipation to finally soak our tired selves in the inviting shores of Dakak.  However, the cheapest round trip shuttle service amounted to at least P10,000 and the road trip would consume about 9 hours, if I remember it right.  Taking the bus would cost waaay cheaper but the bus stops and waiting time would take longer, making it not advisable for tourists who have a return flight from Zamboanga City the following day. We can’t afford it, money- and time-wise.

So Kuya Mars, our tour guide, brought up Basilan. Again.  So our party of five had to choose between our own safety (the province of Basilan is known for atrocities and all) and an itinerary that calls for a ferry ride that runs for 1.5 hours and amounts to P150 (one-way). Where to go in Basilan? The tourism officers there will take care of us. I think we reached our unanimous decision in about 5 minutes.

In the tourism office in Isabela City, we were told that the news about cold-blooded killings in Basilan were mostly untrue. Yes, they happen, just like the bombing of the town plaza years ago, but such occurs only in crowded places. The town proper would still be safer, compared to the remote areas. During our walking tour in the town proper, everything looked like a typical small town. Except for the ubiquity of uniformed men with rifles. Their sight made me swallow hard and start a short prayer each time.

Welcome to Isabela City, Basilan!

Our newfound friends from the tourism office were not prepared for us, but they managed to give us a half-day tour. Basilan is where Americans first planted rubber and it holds the distinction as the top producer of rubber in the country. They said rubber is one of the island’s top exports, aside from lobsters and others. The 20-minute ride (possibly) to the plantation was smooth; there were no heavy traffic nor muddy roads to dampen our mood.

What a sight for a tree hugger like me!

Beyond beautiful!

Beautiful line-up!

The parade of bending trees reminded me of the man-made mahogany forest in BIlar, Bohol. Beautiful and calming! When you get there, I bet you’ll also get impressed how the rubber trees were neatly lined up! The trunk of the trees get cut diagonally to produce the sap (they looked like glue) which drips to the plastic cup positioned below the cut.  Apparently these cups are being monitored regularly to ensure each drop doesn’t go to waste. Also, the workers must shield these collected rubber from rain.

Rubber dripping from the tree

As a kid, I imagined tires as something people can easily pluck from rubber trees. Now I know better. Hahaha!

Photos from Phyllis Miram and Abegael Mayuga.

Sole Searching in Liliw

In April 2007, Joyce, my classmate in graduate school, invited our all-girl group to a quick sembreak getaway in her hometown in Pagsanjan. This weekend trip involves shooting the rapids en route to Pagsanjan Falls, enjoying a festive lunch in their farm in Cavinti, touring Caliraya and sole searching in Liliw.

Guess which one excites me the most? Of course, it’s the encounter with the wild water to Pagsanjan Falls! Were you thinking the shoe shopping segment? Well, it ranks second. I guess I’m not imeldific or kikay enough. And I can already imagine you arguing “There’s Imelda in everyone!” I guess that’s true if I could afford to spoil my flat feet and give in to every craving for shoes. In this side trip to Liliw, I realized it’s possible.

Let the sole searching begin!

The Liliw Festival was ongoing during our visit so we can’t haggle much. But then again, they were selling their beautiful footwear for incredibly low amount already. It would probably be too much to ask for discounts!

Size 10, please!

Which color looks better? Or should I get both?

With so many options to choose from, we had trouble deciding which color to get. In my case, I had to ask everyone if I should go for kick-ass mahogany or classic black pumps (upper left photo) and which pair of swirly sandals compliment my morena skin (middle left photo). I was even supposed to get the wedges with floral design in Steprite (lower right photo) but I eventually changed my mind.

We were a team…until Chiqui’s Amazing Race mindset kicked in!

As if indecision were not torture enough, Chiqui suddenly thought we should crown the one who takes home the most number of shoes! I can’t remember if everyone agreed, but a part of me wanted to win.

Unfortunately, I didn’t. Chiqui bagged home 7 pairs for less than phP1,000! Can you believe it? Some girls really find it effortless to shop away. I think her shoe size is a good factor, too. I remember clamoring for Ayi’s cute wedges, but they don’t have size 10. How heartbreaking, right?

And I took home black pumps, swirly sandals & green wedges!

Call me nuts, but I went for the ever safe and boring black pumps over adventurous mahogany pumps (PhP570). I also took home the orange-yellow-brown sandals (PhP230) and light green wedges (PhP220). Not bad, right?

I just re-read the past paragraphs and I can’t help but look down pitifully at my abused purple flats. This probably means I must retrace my steps back to Liliw soon.

PASALUBONG: Handwoven Phone Sleeve from Tagulwanen Tribe in Bukidnon

When we parted ways from our getaway in Camiguin in 2011, Lorie and I felt sure we will see each other again in the future. If it won’t be in the succeeding Talaandig Festival celebration, we knew we will catch up on each other’s lives in Manila.

When she arrived in Quezon City in November last year, I was delighted to know that I was just a few blocks away from her brother’s home. This calls for a meet-up! Through her posts on Facebook, I learned about her new advocacy: helping women weavers of Tagulwanen Tribe in the trade. I was greatly impressed with their apparently tedious handiwork in each photo she uploaded. And I expected to be more love-struck the moment I see the precious mats in person.

Lorie narrated how she got involved in this project. How her eyes sparkled with pride when she recounted finding her purchased mat after typhoon Sendong! Sure, it had faded a little, but it was strong enough to survive such a disaster. That was all it took for her to decide to be the coordinator of the mat weavers and provide linkages to other municipalities and, now, other countries.

Intricate designs!

Meet Lorie and the amazing artworks!

According to Lorie, the materials used in these mats are called sodsod which are endemic in Bukidnon. Manglala, as women weavers are called, only create or weave whenever it is cool (night time and rainy season) to prevent the materials from breaking. For a moment, I got interested how they determine warm weather as I recall shaking the entire time in Bukidnon. It’s probably your idea of “bed” weather.

Aside from being a profit-generating activity, mat-making is their prized way of keeping their tradition alive. The intricate designs in the mat (Magbabaya) mirrors their tribal beliefs. Unfortunately, not everyone in the family can be weavers as this practice requires persistence, focus and mental stability. What great pressure for this art form to get passed on to the next generation!

More beautiful designs!

Closer look

How much, you ask? Rectangular mats range from P600 (single), P800 (double) and P900 (family). Center piece amounts to P1,000. You can also have yours customized. In fact, there’s this one yogini who requested for mat as huge as her yoga studio. And I thought I was the first one to imagine a handwoven yoga mat!

Here’s how other buyers use their handwoven mats

Sadly, I can’t afford my own at the time. But I’m sure I’ll have my own center piece and yoga mat in the near future.

Then, Lorie showed me some kayumpidi (more like phone sleeves) that teenagers had handwoven in their spare time. While teens in the metro spend most of their time toying with their gadgets anywhere, the Tagulwanen teens create gadget-related artwork at home! Impressive!

To my surprise, Lorie asked me to choose a design. I initially can’t make up my mind since I adore the neon green and blue-and-orange designs. Thankfully, Lorie was being generous that day and gave both away! I was quick to realize I only have one phone at the moment so I might as well share the other one. I gave the other one to Waldo as our first anniversary was fast approaching. Pang-birthday na, pang-anniversary pa! Thanks, Lorie!

Torn between these 2 designs! Thanks, Lorie!

Photos by Gerald Rago

Kayumpidi photo by Elaine Elquiero

EDIT: If you’d like to purchase these handwoven banigs, please visit the Bukidnon Arts & Crafts fanpage or add Lorie on Facebook.

Postal Heritage & Nature Trail Walking Tour

Thanks to Couchsurfing Manila, I get to hear about interesting events like the Silent Film Festival, Meditation Session in Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple and the FREE Postal Heritage & Nature Trail Walking Tour.

Every third Sunday of the month, the Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club holds a walking tour within Manila area to rediscover most of the city’s well-loved establishments. To my surprise, it’s been happening for more than a decade now. At the same time, their club holds meetings and auctions for stamps at this time of the month.

During our tour in September 2010, Lawrence Chan took us inside the Metropolitan Theatre (a dream come true for me!), Arroceros Forest Park and the Manila Post Office. We’re supposed to cover the Intramuros area but our group (comprised of Architecture, Tourism & HRM students, photographers, etc) probably lost momentum or got pooped after the much-awaited merienda time and short talk about philately. After this tour, Kat and I expressed our desire for time travel back to Manila. Our ancestors must be very lucky.

The exteriors of Metropolitan Theatre (also known as Met)

Since I laid my eyes on this abandoned building in college, I felt the urge to come inside and surprise myself with proof of restoration efforts. Lawrence Chan says there’s an ongoing attempt to do so but, as usual, arts & culture always take the back seat. I doubt it’s the administration’s priority either.

The creepy interiors of Met.

I was disappointed to see modern-type seats with cup holders instead of the wooden-type ones the prior generations were accustomed to. According to Lawrence Chan, restoration in the Philippines does NOT involve finding the original materials to attain the old look. Methinks it’s about bending to the meager budget alloted by the government and/or acquired from donations. Speaking of, the donors’ name appeared at the back of each seat. It was pretty dark to check each one of them but I noticed Rep. Manny Pacquiao was very generous and possibly serious in keeping this old theatre alive.

There was one painting from a local artist that, upon closer scrutiny, proves to be a tarpaulin that made use of low-resolution image. The old dressing room with its cluttered costumes and props  and the hallway never failed to give me the chills; I was truly relieved I have no developed third eye.

Shattered stained glass and the view outside

In spite of the moldings, dust and broken stained glass, among others, it does not take an architect to appreciate the building. It was a showcase of European, Asian and even local materials like bamboo and capiz. We ascended to the top of the building for that rare view of the apathetic world outside and  the much-deserved fresh air that humid afternoon. If you’d get the same opportunity, you’d linger, too, for the colorful design on tiles.

Ascending the building…

L-R: The colorful tiles, myself and Kat

Needless to say, I felt depressed afterwards. How did Asia’s erstwhile cradle of arts and monument of the Filipino talent die like this? If it were true that there’s a little Imelda in all of us, what is our action plan to revive this building?

A walk along the Arroceros Forest Park leads to this view of the Pasig River

After the forest park, our group retraced our steps back to the Post Office. It served as our refuge after a long walk under the punishing heat. For a frequent letter and postcard sender, it was my first time to appreciate Architect Juan Arellano’s ionic pillars, door details and the building’s neoclassical entirety up close.

Manila Central Post Office in Lawton

Up close

There was an ongoing exhibit of Jose Rizal’s letters and poetry inside. I also took my time to read some of the students’ writings posted on the board.

Exhibit of Jose Rizal’s letters and poetry

The emptiness of its interiors (it was a Sunday afternoon) made me imagine the unresting souls of World War II casualties who hid in this building. Turns out there are walking tours for paranormal experts to communicate with them or simply to pray for them. It’s NOT for the faint-hearted like me, obviously.

We attended an informal talk about stamp collecting. Sadly, it’s a dying art as most people would prefer to take advantage of the technology than line up in queue in front of the post office. What’s worse: the passionate philatelists are…well…dying, too. They’re looking for younger people to continue the appreciation and investment of these miniature artworks.

Silencio! Auction of stamps ongoing!

Upon learning that rare collections, especially erroneous ones, can equate to huge bucks, I nearly went on purchasing spree of the new Philippine stamp with wrong scientific name for beetle (the same stamp a huge number of Japanese stamp collectors went gaga over recently) and inspect all the stamps on my postcard collection.

It was great to hear that this walking tour rekindled Kat‘s interest in stamp collecting. As for me, I’d continue supporting the local post offices by sending numerous posctards to different local and international towns and/or cities. Which reminds me, I need to get busy on Postcrossing again!

It’s been almost 3 years since we went on this tour and I imagine Lawrence Chan and the rest of their organization are still passionately spread the love of stamps. I can’t believe  we still haven’t made our comeback to this area for more learnings.  If you’d like to join us, here are the contact details:

Ms. Josie Tiongson – Cura ( 0917-9800708 ) Landline 735-5001 / 881-1432 Monday to Saturday 1pm to 5pm only!
Ms. Nena De Guzman ( 527-00 -96) Postal Museum and Library. Call her between 8AM to 5PM ( Monday to Friday) for parking instruction
Lawrence Chan ( 0919-3901671)
Email: L_rence_2003@yahoo.com

Lawrence Chan, our tour guide

All photos were taken by Kat Sales.

This is an updated version of this entry on ScorpionSyrup.

Talaandig Wedding

As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day today, I would like to recall a very romantic gathering I was truly blessed to witness. Back in October 2011, my friends and I were invited to attend the Talaandig Festival in Songco, Bukidnon. Talaandigs are one of the indigenous groups in the mentioned province.

We were truly fortunate to have met datus and baylans who helped us understand and appreciate their heritage (blogged about it here). Aside from that, we got to witness a tribal wedding. Our hosts Datu Anilaw and his wife Lorie tied the knot during last year’s Talaandig Festival. This time, we got to witness Datu Anilaw’s nephew marry his girlfriend who happens to be from a different tribe in Bukidnon. And the hopeless romantic in me clasps my hands together and sigh.

Red and ready for the festivities!

We were told that being garbed in red and/or ethnic accessories is a great demonstration of partaking in the Talaandig festivities. And you know how much I love red and how I’m easily drawn to ethnic designs. Outfit back story here.

Our hosts Datu Muilaw-ilaw (aka Datu Anilaw) and Senyora Magawgaw Bai Manduhin-e (aka Lorie)

The hosts and the guests

Handa…awit! *

The wedding march! ~

I found it really amusing to see this parade of loved ones kick-off the wedding. (I assume it was the start of the wedding rites even if the bride did not appear at the end). Their  costumes seemed to be painstakingly designed and their auras display great joy and love for the couple.

Upon entrance to the Hall of Peace, the groom’s family faced the bride’s to initiate the negotiation for dowry. I assumed this typically takes place before the bride’s parents agreed to give her hand. I noticed the bride was not present while this was going on.

While the negotiation for dowry is ongoing, the bride is hidden from public view

And then the groom sees his bride for the first time…*

Prayers for the newlyweds*

Happy witnesses surrounded the couple*

Enjoying their first meal as extended family

Although I could not comprehend the exchanges among the elders, the couple and their families, I could feel how joyful everyone was. Especially when it was time for reception. We always have to conclude such gathering, dialogue about great beginnings and make new friends in the presence of food. How Pinoy! My best friend Lakapati was still on her 30-day juice feast at the time, her husband Alvin and I no longer consume red meat. The sight of lechon may not be appealing to us, but we enjoyed the fruits one of the guests brought and the vegetables they prepared specially for us. We were so thankful.

In the reception area

Getting media attention ~

The tribal wedding cake!

Fifth wheel? With the newlyweds Sagyawan and Charlyn Saway and recently married Mikey Bustos este Alvin and Lakapati Basa ~

The best part? The party extended until the wee hours! Bukidnon is home to great musicians like Waway Saway, his son RJ Saway (he plays the guitar as if he were playing the piano) and – my favorite discovery – the reggae band The Mo (I have a copy of their CD).

 

The newlyweds get the party started!

Now that I’ve mentioned this reggae band, I recall how Datu Anilaw played Cupid that evening. The things in-a-relationship people do to single people! Haha! I’m tempted to tell you how his attempt went, but you’ll just have to wait…until it’s my turn to deliver a bride’s speech.

Acknowledgements:

* – photos by Gerald Rago

~ – photos by Lakapati

Burning Wish Papers & Chasing Dragons in Binondo

For some unknown reason, my at-work-and-play friends always find our way to Binondo during Chinese New Years. When we parted ways in 2005, we made it a point to reunite every Chinese New Year to catch up on each other’s eventful lives. In 2007, we decided to break our “tradition” and welcome the arrival of the new year and spend the wee hours all together instead. Luckily, Shiela’s former employer, Hubert, and his mother were happy to take us to their temples and experience this festive event, the Chinese way.

Hubert took us to three temples (whose names I can’t sadly recall). We can’t help but marvel at the astonishing artworks that surround the deities. I took too many photos from many vantage points, hoping I can somehow give you a glimpse of those beautiful artifacts.

Kneeling before the deities

A closer look

L-R: Ama, Hubert, my friends Shiela & Cleo

Offers

Another closer look

Top view of the throng of people waiting for their turn to get closer

Abundant offers for the deities

More deities

Candles that can light for 4 months

Ceiling art

Another beautiful altar

Elaborate door art

When we got our chance to be near the altar, we noticed the Chinese were burning incense. I love how incense easily masks unpleasant odors and how it makes me feel more relaxed. I typically use it in the privacy of my own bedroom as my own brand of lullaby.

Incense as sacrificial offerings

Burning joss sticks

Shiela and Cleo give it a try

That’s me in action

All of a sudden, Hubert approached me to correct my gestures. Turned out I was bowing my head and my joss sticks in a hurried fashion. Worse, the sticks were not planted firmly into the sand and the burning end of the sticks were not of the same height with the rest. I apologized and quickly adjusted everything, hoping I didn’t offend them for my mishaps.

Take 2!

Aside from this, we had a chance to meet a monk. He laid his hand on our heads to bless us. After his prayer, he painted a red dot in the center of our forehead. It reminded me of bindi, the Indian forehead decoration that signify marital status. In my research here, the area between the eyebrows is where sixth chakra can be found. This mark was for protection against demons and for concentration.

The red dot on our foreheads

If I remember it right, the monk asked us to write down our prayers or wishes in a wish paper that we burned inside the temple. Unfortunately, I can hardly recall what my intentions were at the time. But I imagine asking for wisdom and strength to finish my graduate studies and prosperity, among others. And world peace.

Burning our wish papers

Leaving the temple

Hubert happens to celebrate his birthday every Chinese New Year (no fixed date) so he gifted us with citrus fruits and tikoy before we went our separate ways in the early morning. And as if our miswa marathons in each temple were not enough, our party of three had a hearty brunch (read: clam soup, king fish, buttered fried chicken, among others).

For me, the dragon or lion dance would probably be the most exciting treat. It’s not everyday that we see this kind of performance, after all. We were fortunate to have seen a couple of dragon dances before we left Chinatown. I find it appealing that the people behind these performances were actually Pinoys.

Here we go!

Dances outside an establishment

Fearless dancing with the firecrackers!

Firecrackers are believed to ward off evil spirits

Check this out!

And somewhere in Binondo, I spotted young kids re-enacting the lion dance. It was like a promise that they will study martial arts soon and train and prepare harder for their turn to do the impressive lion or dragon dance.

The next generation of dragon dancers!

Needless to say, it was the most memorable Chinese New Year to date. The company of my friends was already more than enough to celebrate. This chance to know more about the Chinese culture was such an unexpected reward. Truly, I feel blessed. With or without lucky charms.

It was also this year when I learned from this blog entry that “Kung Hei Fat Choi” is the Cantonese version of that greeting, but almost all Chinese residing here in the Philippines are Fujianese. Hence, the proper way to say it is “Kiong Hee Huat Chai!”. Thank you, Ivan Henares.

Welcome to the Enchanted Farm! / Unilab Ideas Positive’s Social Marketing Bootcamp: Day 2 of 3

Imagine my delight upon hearing about Unilab Ideas Positive‘s generous offer to include 5 Facebook fans in their 3-day social marketing bootcamp that includes an immersion in a Gawad Kalinga farm. I was initially hesitant, knowing I can’t go on leaves in the office during the typically toxic quarter-end and I already said yes to attend the sportsfest aftermath in our Church’s youth ministry that Saturday evening. In spite of this resignation that I won’t make it anyway, I still posted a comment. Guess what I found out during Day 1 of this bootcamp while I’m slaving away in the office?

Who’s that lucky girl?

Kuya Billy of GK’s Center for Social Innovation explains what GK is all about

The following day happens to be the immersion day in Enchanted Farm in Bulacan. As a Human Heart Nature dealer myself who’s always unavailable when they offer visits to the farm, I was immensely grateful for this chance. It happens to be the first, soon there’ll be Enchanted Farms in Bacolod, Palawan, Camarines Sur, Samar and Butuan.

Kuya Billy (I know I’m older than him, but everyone’s calling him Kuya eh!) from GK’s Center for Social Innovation (CSI) told us that they envision to make poverty in the Philippines end in 2024. To be specific, this involves businesses with strong ethics (fair to the employees, suppliers and customers). GK is renowned for building homes for our less fortunate fellowmen. Now that their beneficiaries had earned their dignity, GK is currently on phase 2 of their vision: providing them sources of income by farming and other forms of involvement in the social enterprises they support. After all, it’s never enough to supply a man with fish; they have to teach them how to fish. GK is all about sustainable living.

The most disturbing part of his talk? When he divulged that we have 12 million hectares of unproductive land. “Kalokohan lang na mahirap ang Pilipinas!” he added. It’s sad that most of our farmers are tired of tilling our land, that they dream of white-collar jobs. What will happen to us in the near future?

Also, I learned that they host GK CSI Nights where aspiring social entrepreneurs may meet up and discuss their plans weekly. They are very eager to hear our thoughts. You may follow @GKcsiNight for announcements. Perhaps sitting in with the most brilliant young minds in the nation can light up my own bulb.

Meet Kuya Miggy!

Kuya Miggy (again, younger than I am) gave up the corporate world after a year of satisfactory salary yet disheartening role of breaking the bad news to employees (lay-offs, reduced benefits and compensation, etc). With his talent in training people, he created modules for GK and never looked back eversince. He was our group’s tour guide.

Meet Cherrie Atilano who postponed her Fulbright scholarship for GK

When Kuya Miggy took us to the organic and astoundingly silent piggery, we got to meet Cherrie Atilano, an agriculturist and one of the Ten Oustanding Students of the Philippines 2007 awardee. She was a portrait of pride for how behaved her vegetarian pigs were, then a portrait of sadness in recounting that morning’s slaughtering episode. She can get too attached, she disclosed. That possibly explains why she had no second thoughts in postponing her Fulbright scholarship for the sake of the people in the farm. Converting former construction workers, former NPA and other residents and their children in GK into farmers, according to her, is already the hands-on education that she needed, something worthy of postgraduate studies in itself.

Enchanted Farm’s elaborate plan includes vegetable farm, goat and duck farms, cabanas, bed and breakfast (renting a 2-floor, airconditioned hut amounts to P4,000/per night for 16 people), softball field, floating restaurant, lemongrass maze for kids and others. I’m truly grateful to set my foot in this promising earth even before it all comes into fruition. Let me show you how green, lovely and amazing this place is!

Greens here, there and everywhere!

More greens!

Chillaxing inside the cabana*

Class picture ouside the bed and breakfast*

Bamboo Palace!

On top of the Bamboo Palace!

You guessed it right. This future event venue is made of multitude of mighty bamboos! Being on second floor provided us 360 degree view of the 14-hectare “dreamland”. The wind was so soothing that all insomniacs like me need is a hammock to call it siesta time. Kuya Miggy kept on asking who has plans to tie the knot this year as the Bamboo Place is expected to be completed by fourth quarter. Since most bootcampers are college students, the organizers themselves threw one another a knowing look. I got my fair share of “Uuuy, AteLorna!” from a fellow Facebook winner and, well, I must admit that this looks a romantic place to unite lovers and introduce families and friends.

With the other Facebook winners: Jamie, Argee, Earl and Jaypee

Heart-shaped pool for the kids

Proud dealer of Human Heart Nature

Aaaand speaking of heart, I’ve been a believer of their all-natural products since 2009. Aside from getting my money’s worth for their high-quality products, I know that I’m helping our own farmers prosper. For their huge heart for nature, for our poor fellowmen and our loved ones, Human Heart Nature has my support and loyalty for the years to come.

By the way, HHN’s main office in Commonwealth stands next to the Enchanted Farm Cafe that carries other all-natural goodies like Golden Eggs (salted duck eggs dyed with turmeric instead of the carcinogenic red paint we’re accustomed to), Enchantea (my favorite lemongrass-based brewed drink that was initially available in HHN-Cavite only), Cafe de Sug, Theo and Philo artisan chocolates (try the dark chocolate with siling labuyo!), among others.  GK’s restaurant, where we all huddled to listen to  our hosts and speakers, also served as a showroom for their chemical-free products.

Fresh lettuce kayo dyan!

Papaya kayo dyan!

Golden Eggs. Not from golden ducks (Jamie’s joke)

Cafe de Sug

And the main event (at least for me) was the very inspiring message from the passionate founder himself, Tito Tony Meloto. According to Kuya Miggy earlier that day, Tito Tony immersed himself in the poor, notorious communities in Manila to dialogue with them about his vision for our rich country. He never faltered until he managed to convert them into God-fearing, patriotic citizens. Now he’s been catching flights to accept accolades left and right and I felt – and I still feel – so blessed to be sharing the oxygen with him that afternoon.

Pinoys are mere jobseekers abroad but not wealth-makers back home, he started. So who else can create wealth for this nation? He pointed out that, according to recent researches, we’ve obtained highest economic growth in Asia, next to China. The entire world is aware of the West’s downfall and, yes, we ARE one of the tiger economies in the near future. The problem is, while these foreigners are going HERE to anticipate the economic turnaround, we Pinoys are still dreaming of greener pastures ELSEWHERE. Let’s not be the last to realize we can augment our lives. Any excuses won’t do because TitoTony himself came from a poverty-stricken past. According to him, we must take advantage of the honest government that we currently have. The entire world is aware of it and they’e willing to join us because of it.

Tito Tony Meloto: “If you are true leaders, ‘wag utak alipin!” *

It didn’t take the entire speech for me to realize that he was speaking to me. I know I’ve mentioned in so many old blog entries before that I have no plans of leaving but the recent family issues had been making me rethink. That probably deserves a separate blog entry.

Sometimes, it really takes a complete stranger and/or new scenery for us to realize where we’re supposed to be headed. Thank you, Unilab, for this unbelievable chance to experience all this.

Kodak moment with Tito Tony Meloto

Before I conclude this entry, allow me to share this Enchanted Farm map lifted from this article so you could imagine how this 14-hectare haven will look like in the future. I know I’m too scatterbrained to describe it all. Sorry naman.

Ta-da!

Photos from Jamie Ann del Mundo.

* photos lifted from Anne Apostol.

Congratulations! photo lifted from Ideas Positive’s fanpage, highlight effect by Winifred Layug.

This entry was originally posted here. Also, you can read Day 3 of 3 here.

PASALUBONG: Hopia Malitboganon

Where’s Waldo during the first two weeks in December? He finally took that long overdue return flight to his hometown in Southern Leyte to attend the fiesta and spend more time with his family and longtime friends. Come hell or Typhoon Bopha (locally known as Typhoon Pablo), nothing else can stop him from this homecoming. It’s been ten years since he left, you know.

Being a typical Pinoy that I am, I was quick to “suggest” what I’d like to get as pasalubong from his trip. My father hailed from Southern Leyte, too, and I remember enjoying their homegrown bananas with seeds that resemble black pepper. They were sweeter and the seeds made me take it slow and revel at every bite.  I have fond memories of their langka (jackfruit) and how it can transform my monster mum into a mute muse. (According to Waldo, jackfruits are not allowed in air travel.) I’ve tried their bahalina, but I’ve embraced sobriety for the past years already.

What tops my list? Their own hopia! I first about its novelty when our grandparents from Southern Leyte gifted us with such during Tita Ines’s wedding last year. Now I want you to imagine how hopia looks like before you scroll down. Ready? Scroll down, dolls!

Hopia Malitboganon, you had me at muscovado!

Not one, but two hopia(s)!

Flat and BIG!

Seriously, it’s as long as Waldo’s forearm!

Sweet tooth

A closer look!

In case you’re wondering, this hopia doesn’t come in other variants.  No monggo, no ube, no pork (a relief for an aspiring vegetarian like me). It’s muscovado par-tey all the way! Truly recommended as a take-home for your family and friends with sweet tooth.

How To Panic During Your Banana Boat Ride and How To Break A Snorkeling Mask

Looking back, this trip to Puerto Galera, Mindoro in February 2005 was the beginning of my commitment to see the big world out there. I am scared of open water and unknown sea creatures that could harm me, but this sheltered soul only welcomed happy thoughts during the trip. I heard it’s the nearest sanctuary for desk jockeys like myself and I should let the beautiful backdrop do its magic on me.

A place for lovers

Sun, sand and strings!

Of course, the plan to enjoy the island is not limited to sight-seeing. With my friends’ encouragement, I said yes to banana boat and snorkeling. That time,. the banana boat rental was for P200/head for 20 minutes. Jet ski is for P2,500 per hour.

Ready for the adventure that lies ahead!

But if you were as cunning as Vannie, you’d get the banana boat and jetski at the price and duration of the former. She hopped off to the jetski before our 20 minutes were up. Scratch that, she ‘accidentally’ slipped off from the rear, boarded the front seat of the banana boat before we went for the third round then hopped off to the jetski before our 20 minutes were up. With my squinting eyes battling the sun and seawater, it was easy to imagine the jet skier (?)’s devilish grin as he splits off the rope connecting the jet ski and the banana boat and take her home. Luckily, he didn’t. With Vannie as the pilot, the final glide across the azure waters was as fast and smooth as a kalesa. How climactic.

Anyway, since it was my first time to try banana boat, let me assume you don’t know it either. Banana boat works this way: the man behind the jet ski (or boat) pulls the five-seater inflated boat to random points of the sea at a top speed until the passengers cry their go signal to be tossed out to the water. Unfortunately, the jet skier (Uhm, let’s call him Manong, shall we?) is not trained to decipher a yell of enjoyment from a shriek of self-made dread for sharks. When the boat tips over, the passengers should mount back to the boat on their own for another tour. Of course, it didn’t work that way for me. 1.) It took me 5 seconds to let go from the handle on round 1 out of panic; and 2.) Mitch, Maxi and Manong joined forces to tug me aboard on round 2.

Let me explain. My promising ascend for round 2 was cut short when Vannie made a bionic leap from my behind. It turns out we were pining for the same spot. The impact pushed me afar from the boat. I swear I struggled to reunite with that plastic perch. The next thing I knew, Mitch and Maxi were pulling me until my bossoms were pressed against the boat in a manner that no owner of XX chromosome would allow. No ouch escaped. I self-indignantly maneuvered for a climb but halted midway. With all respect for rhetoric, I announced, “Ang sakit ng ano ko, ng toes kooooooooo!”

***

On to the next water adventure! Snorkeling rates amount to P750 for 3 hours then P50/head for the equipment. If they offer it for P500, it’s likely they won’t take you to the Long Beach. Again, this rate is as of February 2005.

Due to some conflicts I do not wish to elaborate, snorkeling was reduced to cool down. Fewer slices, bigger sum. So Mitch, Maxi, Cleo and I took the P500-package. As soon as the boat engine stopped, I realized three hours of snorkeling are way too long. Or to be more accurate, 2 hours and 58 minutes. I might get bored stiff. This usually happens when one’s mind is hyped to something tremendously ecstatic. Based on Maxi’s calculation, it would take us 25 minutes to get to the Long Beach. I swallowed, thinking how that P250 would have extended the cinematic sensation of the sea breeze making my black mane soar away from my pallor.

Brushing bitterness aside, I geared up for the ultimate plunge. Life vest. Check. Snorkeling mask. Check. Flippers. Forget it. Cleo supplied me the details I need to know. How to breathe, how to wear the mask, the works. “Kagatin mo ‘to,” she instructed, pointing to the protruding pair from the mouthpiece.

The first fifty minutes, I guess, were awkward. I re-adjusted my mask for umpteen times, looked after my comrades but they’re too submerged to model for me, then realized the bread I was supposed to feed the fish were ten times enjoying the swim than I do. Subsequently, I feigned disturbance from the passing motorboats. If only they could see my eyes turning into tiny slits, they would definitely eat a humble pie. I attempted to appreciate what’s beneath, holding my breath. 1, 2, 3. My head would rise. Heavy panting ensued. Then I’d duck again, come up coughing since I let the air in through my nose. I suddenly missed yoga.

Cleo’s concerned voice interrupted my thoughts. I haven’t missed anyone in my life like that before! Inching closer in a speed you’d consider a breakthrough for the first time that afternoon, I admitted in a decibel equivalent to a negative integer that my mask has turned into a pacifier. I opened my palm for her to see the right pair is already detached. The other one is still holding on. I could only explain, “Sabi mo kagatin ko eh,”

Snorkeling with Mitch, Maxi and Cleo

Maxi was the first to go back. His alcohol exposure made him forgivable. Cleo decided to head back, too; she can no longer tolerate the shivers and the poor lighting down under. I panicked: what’s my excuse? There’s no way I can outlast someone in Marina complex. I joined Cleo, hoping a sea urchin bite would have made my snorkeling experience more eventful. Next to worrying if Manong would discover the damaged snorkeling mask during the boat ride back to White Island, of course.

Water(loo)

This is an amended version of this entry.

Finding Christ in Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain

Last weekend, I joined Bread of Life Ministries celebrate their 30th anniversary and I was again reminded of how this Church became instrumental to my experential knowledge of Christ. Today, I would like to recall how I sought His presence earlier this year.

One of my goals this year is to go on a solitary sojourn into Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain in Antipolo City. Upon learning that our small group will spend the Holy Week in this mentioned retreat venue for prayer and fasting, I was possessed with great amount of delight and excitement. Never mind that I have the company of my friends, I am convinced that I will have umpteen opportunities to cry my broken heart out and hear His loving, reassuring voice. In preparation for this, I went on a 3-day juice feast and prayed for resilience. I’m so willing to trade this life-long practice of indulgence for a 5-day all-liquid fast in hopes to experience complete dependence on Him and the ensuing clarity of mind.

What’s for lunch? Water!

 The prayer and fasting was set from Maundy Thursday morning until Black Saturday noon, with 2 sets of worship and preachings in its first 2 days. As a corporate slave, I only managed to reach the highlands by Thursday evening, just in time for the evening service. To my disappointment, I missed Coach Ella’s preaching on confidence in prayer that morning. See, I’ve read this book in hopes to improve the pattern and delivery of my prayers but my insides don’t fully resonate with the insights the authored imparted. Worse, I had an uncomfortable last-minute lead-the-prayer moment during my aunt’s wedding reception recently. In spite of being accustomed to the Christian way, I began with the sign of the cross and slightly downplayed my grateful message as most family members and guests are Roman Catholic. A part of me still feels bad for doing so.

My ticket to Prayer Mountain

Like I mentioned above, I came with a heavy heart and exhausted mind. I’ve been occupied with self-improvement and pay-it-forward efforts in hopes to be a good example and to be an instrument of peace and love to a fraction of mankind. As a response from above, Coach Ina made us reflect on the love story between Jacob and God (Genesis 32). We all tend to make our own plans and then meet Him in prayer when things don’t go our way. However, we don’t really need to plan as He has laid out everything for us. It’s best to submit to His will and trust in His goodness. But we humans can’t help but panic when something we aspire for badly is far from coming into fruition. Coach Ina reminded us that, when we come in prayer, we must come with a neutral heart. Any biases will make us misread “signs”. If I would take Coach Ina’s preaching as a sign to this major concern as of late, then the answer would be “70 years” (Jeremiah 29:10 and Daniel 9:2). And it never ceases to bring a smile to my face.

To complement Coach Ina’s message, Coach Ronald brought us Friday evening to Jesus’s walk to the Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Jesus was fully aware of His Father’s will, but He can’t help but call out to Him and ask to take away the cup filled with His wrath. He who was prophesized to fulfill the greatest act of love, sacrifice and forgiveness actually prayed to have it reversed? What’s going on? Prayer, says Coach Ronald, isn’t always about altering our poor circumstances and finding solutions to our predicaments. It’s about laying hold of God. Yes, we all carry our own crux every day, but we must realize we’ve got help from God and the people who matter to us. I was again reminded of my old resolve to tell Him everything, no matter how shallow or otherwise, before divulging it to anyone. It will be my next step take my prayer life to the next level.

We were asked to find a total stranger amidst the crowd and exchange our prayer intentions. My prayer partner, Jo-ann, is in her patient pursuit for her purpose in life. As if to agree with the abovementioned plans, Jo-ann asked me to pray for her to remain prayerful. And so I did.

What makes such aim difficult to achieve? Looking back, I am guilty of seeking for signs and determining the leading option among the friends I’ve surveyed about my ordeal. After the back-to-back preachings, I am again reminded that I must learn to throw out my ceaseless control issues and walk by faith, not by sight. Of course, going all the way up to Antipolo made me feel positive that He’d make His presence felt more commanding than the usual (in Sunday services, company of loving friends and others). But He chose to play a mute role througout the duration of my stay. And I don’t feel any disappointment or resentment inside my hungry heart. Silence is still an answer; He possibly wants me to chill out and let Him do his elaborate and timely work. Also, “no” is still an answer. In due time, we will comprehend why. Because He lives, it is pointless to get anxious about the future.

In due time, we will realize it’s all for the best. For now, I shall imbibe the learnings I’ve had and watch my ties with the people I met in this experience blossom. It’s great to know that I’m not alone in this spiritual journey. It’s great to have a support group like my small group.

Class Picture with Coach Charlie!

***

Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain may owe its existence from the pioneering Christians in South Korea, but people from all religions and all races are welcome to visit. We were informed that this niche will soon undergo renovation for its envisioned direction as a prayer resort. I am blessed to have walked its earth before it made its rich transformation and I look forward to bring my grateful energy again when it’s ready to accommodate people. The succeeding paragraphs would be my humble attempt to give you a virtual tour of what to expect inside. Please forgive the poor quality of my photos.

The entrance to Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain

The Prayer Mountain, I assume, is teeming with people during the Holy Week, hence the CLOSED sign. Guests may actually stay over and sleep, but I’m not sure which day/s they close for maintenance. Our small group had to take refuge in the nearby hotel and head back to Prayer Mountain for prayer and fasting.

Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain

Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain

Signifying the friendship between Korea and the Philippines

Right across the entrance stands the building where we held our worship and where we listened to the preachings. There’s a stage for the worship team and the band to perform and projector for audio-visual presentations the pastors may wish to show us. Behind it is the cafeteria.

Alternative place for reflection and/or prayer

Quiet time

The distance between the building and the cafeteria also serves as an alternate place for reflection and/or prayer. A great number of trees stands nearby, providing shade and hypnotic breeze in your solitary moment.

Prayer cells

My prayer cell

Prayer Mountain holds many prayer cells where guests can set themselves apart for intense prayer. People are advised to leave their footwear behind and turn the lights off when they’re inside.

Outside the prayer cells

Moooooore prayer cells!

The greenery beyond the prayer cells downstairs

The surrounding greens, as always, make it easy to feel close to His presence. There were instances of slight rains prior to my arrival so I didn’t make a daunting descend beyond the prayer cells. I vow to pack hiking sandals the next time I visit. I heard a portion of the Prayer Mountain is closed to accommodate the Angat Lahi trainees. It would have been a great sight to see them in action.

Fish pond!

And to my surprise, there’s a fish pond to soothe the eyes of a beach bum like myself. Such an amazing view!

As early as now, I am intrigued to see how the new Prayer Mountain would look and feel like. It will be an improved sanctuary that would promote reclusion and time for worship and pensive thoughts. And I pray for its charm to capture more weary and grateful souls alike. At the same time, I wish this local niche would somehow mirror our roots to our visiting brothers and sisters from faraway lands.

This entry was originally posted here.