29 August, 2012

45: Three Firsts in One Day

Chocolat
MOA, PH
August 25, 2012
Project: Food and Thoughts No. 45



There were three firsts on this day. One of them is going to Chocolat at the Mall of Asia. It was my first time to dine there. 

Saturday was about to end. Jem, Sugar and I were all starting to get sleepy after a long day but couldn't let the day end just yet despite not getting enough sleep. We all came from a Friday evening shift.We needed coffee and sugar rush.

Photo from Jem.

The second first was our The Mall of Asia Eye ride experience. This was opened to the public late last year. We didn't really plan on giving in. I know I have mentioned wanting to get on this once in the past but we have immediately dismissed it as we thought P150 for a 15-min ride may not be worth it. We found vacant seats outside a restaurant just across. We spent probably an hour talking about all sorts of things while watching the Eye turn and people take their turns...until we finally decided to take our own turn.

It was a short 15-minute fun but with friends like Jem and Sugar? It was worth it!

Photo from Jem.
The third first was very special to me. This day was also the day Jem opened his home to us. Home refers to his family. It was his nephew's first birthday and he invited us to attend it. Jem doesn't do this all the time and I have very high regard for his reasons. Family is private. It is probably the most vulnerable part of everyone, so hearing him invite me for the very first time to see his mom, sisters, nephews and nieces was music to my ears. I felt like he was opening up a very special part of himself.

Without an iota of doubt, I said YES despite not knowing how I will manage my schedule that day. Sugar felt the same way.

We finally got to meet his very accommodating mom who invited us to come see them again. Most of all, I got to meet this very sweet, smart boy named Sean.For a very short time that we were together, we talked about the alphabet; counted 1 to 10; enumerated names of his friends; talked about his new clothes, Tito Jay, his little brother, Khriestan; and reviewed the alphabet sign language.


Photo from Jem.

It was refreshing to see this side of Jem. The same way I felt when I met Sugar's family, Thel's and my other friends' families.

I have always bragged about the fact that anywhere I go, I am always blessed with good friends. I have always believed too that part of making your friends feel like family is letting them in to your own at the right time and for the right reasons. I know Jem might say he is lucky to have me as his friend that's why he introduced me (and Sugar) to his family.

Well, he can say that a million times, but with what he just did, I'd say "I'm the lucky one!"





28 August, 2012

Three Square Meals


We have come to the 5th session of The Yoghurt Brigade last August 19th. We are in a current series entitled The Prayer where we are diving deep into the meaning of the Lord's Prayer. You may check this link, for the previous posts.

We discussed provision: 

Give us today our daily bread.
(NIV)

 Keep us alive with three square meals.
(MSG)

The Lord's prayer teaches us total dependency in God. It teaches us to ask for provision all the time - the prayer says daily. Provision doesn't just mean food or material things. It could mean all sorts. It could refer to healing, peace, favor, contentment, direction, wisdom, enlightenment, or love. 

We mentioned different stories from the Bible that showed God's faithful provision. We talked about the story when Jesus fed the five thousand, the provision of Manna for the Israelites in the book of Exodus, and the provision of ram when Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac. Most of all, the provision of God's only begotten Son to save us from our sins. Moreover, the provision of the Holy Spirit when He rose from the dead and left to be with the Father.

We all shared God's faithful provision in our lives - from the time we were born until the present. There were times when we would catch our breath and realize what an awesome God we have.  

I reflected on my life and saw how God's plan worked to my advantage. How He provided each person, each road in my journey for His will to happen. And I am overwhelmed by His faithfulness. 

"Do not worry ... 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."
Matthew 6: 31-32
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you."
James 1:5





27 August, 2012

Now Playing: Straightjacket Feeling

Photo source here.

Artist: All American Rejects
Album: Move Along



Back me down from backing up
Hold your breath now it's stacking up
Etched with marks, but I can deal
And you're the problem and you can't feel

Try this on, straightjacket feeling
So maybe I won't be alone
Take back now, my life you're stealing

Yesterday was hell
But today, I'm fine without you
Runaway this time without you
And all I ever thought it would be
That face is tearing holes in me again

Trust you is just one defense
Off a list of others, you don't make sense
Beg me time and time again
To take you back now, but you can't win
Take back now, my life you're stealing

Yesterday was hell
But today, I'm fine without you
Runaway this time without you
And all I ever thought it would be
That face is tearing holes in me again

But today, I'm fine without you
Runaway this time without you
And all the things you put me through
I'm holding on by letting go of you

And when that memory slips away
There will be a better view from here
And only lonesome you remain
And just the thought of you I fear
It falls away

Yesterday was hell
But today, I'm fine without you
Runaway this time without you
And all I ever thought you would be
That face is tearing holes in me again

But today, I'm fine without you
Runaway this time without you
And all the things you put me through
I'm holding on by letting go of you




Listen to the song from here

23 August, 2012

44: Connection



Adobo Connection
August 23, 2012
Project: Food and Thoughts No. 44


It's been awhile since Jem and I had breakfast with JB, Kim and Nico so we made sure to meet at least before I leave for the US. 

...or, let me take that back! It has not been awhile really. It just feels like it when we don't get to do this at least twice a month. 
Photo from Jem Aznar.

We went to Adobo Connection for a quick rice breakfast and a dose of sweet at Tsoko Nut Batirol after. We ordered their quick meals which are good for P75 each plate.

Photo from Jem Aznar.

We talked about my leaving and anything that came out of the blue. It was short and sweet but it was everything someone can ever ask for from friends. It was that instant connection that you experience even if you have not seen each other for a while. You still pick up from where you left off and finish each other's sentences. It's a connection you wouldn't want to miss even after you've been gone for a while.


14 August, 2012

Travel Snippets: Whitewater Rafting in CDO


The team I work with share one thing in common - a passion for travel. In 2010, we organized a travel project called LUZVIMINDA (Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao). We went to Ilocos, Bohol and closed the travel deal with a bang through extreme adventures in Cagayan de Oro.One of the adventures we got ourselves into is whitewater rafting.

Whitewater rafting is navigating a river using an inflated raft while passing (or surviving?) different rapids.


Our group signed up for the Beginner's Course. We were required to attend the orientation to ensure we know what we are getting ourselves into (ha!) and to acquaint ourselves with safety tips.

When I saw the river from the Start point, I actually told myself "I could die here".  But I have to be tough. I have 14 rapids ahead of me.


What you are about to see are faces that you don't normally see when you see us around. These are our scared-the-hell-out-of-us faces. 

Yes. You are allowed to make fun of us because we have already made fun of ourselves a million times.




Here's a series of photos showing how difficult and dangerous it is to navigate the scary rapids.There were seconds when we were actually out of sight.Thanks to the tour guides who are extremely good at what they do - navigating the raft, guiding the team, encouraging the participants, delivering stories, describing the rapids and taking photos and videos like they don't see the rapids at all. 



We were scared pitless all throughout the adventure, but it also awakened our adventurous spirits. After the course, we made plans of going one notch up - the Advanced Course 1. At that point, I said Yes but I wasn't really sure if I wanted it. All I knew at that moment was the fact that I made it through 14 rapids alive. And that I was also a little bit scared to do it at first, but I did it!

Fear can be good sometimes. It celebrates us and the courage we innately have. 


E N D


If you are interested to visit Cagayan de Oro and experience the same adventure, please click this link. I hope you enjoy it the way I did.


Feed the Good One

Photo Source here.
Why is it easier to escalate a complaint than to commend a job well done?
Why do negative criticisms sound louder than praises?
Why is it easier to say 'It's your fault! You offended me." than "I am sorry it's my fault."?
Why is it faster to delegate a job than to find ways to show appreciation?
Why is it easier to say "She looks awful" (to someone about another) than say "You look great" to the right person?
Why is it easier to stay in our comfort zone than face our fear of leaving it?
Why is it easier to say to oneself "I am better than him." than to admit "He is better than me."?
Why is it easier to point a finger of blame than to give a tight handshake or a warm hug?

I wonder why it is easier to express negative emotions like anger, disdain, irritation, jealousy, envy, hatred and hurt than to express their counterparts like acceptance, humility, appreciation, love and generosity? We have a bird's eye view in finding fault but have our blinders on in searching for good things.

The world is a good place. We have a good God. As difficult as it is to fight our negative emotions, we should not let go of our humanity and the very things that made it exist and last - love, peace and hope.

Yes, we are humans. We are weak and are easily carried away by what we feel but we should not succumb ourselves to the negative things of the world. We have a capacity to decide, react and think differently. We have the ability to choose to nurture the good feelings rather than the bad. 

Let me share with you one of my favorite parables:
One evening, an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.
One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked hid grandfather, which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

It is difficult. No one said it is easy but we are empowered to decide. Let's embrace and feed the good wolf and leave the bad one behind. 

And with God's grace, it is possible. 




13 August, 2012

Travel Snippets: VigorĂ³n and Cacao


I was working on an office project at home this afternoon when I craved for something that is salty, sweet and sour. I was trying to figure out what to eat until I remembered how VigorĂ³n tasted. Although I couldn't really have one now, I thought maybe blogging about it will suffice for now.

VigorĂ³n is a typical Nicaraguan dish. It is made up of cabbage, yuca (cassava), and chicharon. I got to taste this about four times during my stay in Nicaragua. I noticed that we only go to one place when we crave for this. It's a hole in the wall near Granada church. They must offer the best VigorĂ³n; almost everyone recommends them.

Borrowed this photo from one of my bosses who also had a chance to try this dish.

I found a link that shows how to make  VigorĂ³n. Check this if you wish to try it on your own. If you will and you happen to be here in Manila, please let me have some. 

VigorĂ³n goes well with this Cacao cold drink. I tell you, it was the best one I ever tasted.  


I hope I get another chance not just to eat this tasty combination but to eat it where I will enjoy it the most - in Nicaragua. 

I miss VigorĂ³n and Cacao. 

More importantly, I miss Nicaragua.



10 August, 2012

Travel Snippets: Cemetery of Negativism, Baguio City PH



In April of 2009, I had a chance to stay in Baguio for more than a month for a business trip. It was my third trip to Baguio and I was determined to go to places I have not been. I prepared my list of places to visit and a whole lot of questions for  my friends and colleagues. One of my classes  was so nice to volunteer to tour me in one of the places I wanted to go - Camp John Hay. I have had a quick visit to CJH before but have not really toured it. My class asked if I had a list. Oh dear, I gave them one! They were surprised to see how long my list was. Some places they were not even familiar with, on of which is the Cemetery of Negativism.

The Cemetery of Negativism can be found inside Camp John Hay. This isn't a cemetery for humans. It is a place where you can bury your pessimism, negative thoughts and habits figuratively. It is more famously (or mistakenly) known as a cemetery for pets because of the small animal figures on most tombstones.

According to CJH's website, the Cemetery of Negativism was conceptualized by then Base Commander Major John Hightower. It was said that this was part of his unusual and creative leadership. I have also read somewhere that there were actual sessions of burying the negativism.What caught my attention most is the first epitaph you will find upon entrance.

Negativism is man's greatest self-imposed infliction, his most limiting factor, his heaviest burden.
No more, for here is buried the world's negativism for all time.
Those who rest here have died not in vain - but for you a stern reminder.
- - -  as you leave this hill remember that the rest of your life, Be more positive.
Have a good day! - Treat today like it's your last - though it's the first of the rest...

As you enter you will see more epitaphs that will provoke your thoughts. Let's look at some of them and wish that they all rest in peace:

RIP I.M.N. Only Chile

RIP Boss Wont Lettuce

RIP Doanna Set A. Precedent




RIP Kantou Nuthin Wright


Just Kant Shakit

RIP Blame Mi Will Ya

RIP Eye Forgot


RIP A. Truely Miserableday

RIP Why Didenti?

RIP Knot A Teemplaer

RIP Wont B. Used

RIP Itz Not Possible

RIP Know Dam Way

RIP Will Not Last

RIP Blame Mi Will Ya





RIP Letz Study It


Did you find yourself in any of the epitaphs? You don't have to go there to bury them; you can decide to bury them. But don't let go of a chance to go there for the experience.

This is good grieving. These are deaths that will never be in vain.

Let's free ourselves of what hinders what we can and who we can be.

May negativism rest in peace.








08 August, 2012

Pray With Us


In almost all occasions, I would send a text message to officers and volunteers of The Project Tenfold Circle. We update ourselves of anything and everything through a text brigade. 

Today, as we brave the heavy rains over Luzon, I found myself not knowing how exactly to message our volunteers as I am also thinking about the safety of my family. It was particularly harder when the night struck as we don't know what can happen while it is dark. But I know there is no only One to go to for all these. 

Instead of an update, I sent this prayer to all. Please pray with us by uttering your own prayers. More than anything and anyone else, He will get us through. 

OUR PRAYER: 

Father, we honor You even in the midst of a raging storm. You are powerful than anyone of us can imagine. You can wipe us out or anything on earth with just one word, that's how powerful You are. But You are also a merciful God. You have already saved an entire tribe because of the prayer of Your few people, that's how much You value Your people. We pray for the safety of our families, our pets, our friends and their families, our country, and ourselves. Keep us in Your merciful hands in times like these. Strengthen our faith as we look up to You and no one else. Most of all, give us Your peace and comfort that transcend all human understanding. 
We thank You because You have been keeping us and the people we hold dear, safe. Give us the courage to go through this so we can rise above it and help those in need of our help and Your help. All these we ask, in Your name...

(and everyone said, AMEN)




07 August, 2012

No Need to Argue

image not mine

The 4th session of The Yoghurt Brigade is entitled Your Will be Done. This is the second installment to the 5-part series of diving deep into the Lord's Prayer. (See this link for the first one and this link to see the whole The Yoghurt Brigade series).


Your Kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven

We talked about a few characters in the Bible who, at one point in their lives, were faced in a situation that challenged their decision making - whether to go for God's will no matter how impossible it sounds or settle for one's own will. Here are a few:

1. Mary 

She gladly accepted God's will to bear the savior of the world. Even if she probably doesn't know how she will deal with this or how she will explain her immaculate conception to Joseph. But she gave in to God's will and trusted it.

2. Abraham 

Grateful to God for giving him Isaac despite old age only to be placed in a situation where he had to give him back. It was the most difficult decision but he trusted God's will.

3. Joseph the Dreamer

He has gone through all mishap one can possibly think of - sold by his own brothers because of jealousy, falsely accused of raping Potiphar's wife and a lot more. He could have spent his life rebelling against God and his own family but he did not. He surrendered to what God has planned for him.

4. Jesus

Who else can demonstrate following total surrender to the divine will but Jesus himself? He gave up His glory to be with us to save us from our sins and its result, death.


I have messed up my own life many times because of the crazy decisions I made. Most of the time we think we know what to do until such time we realize we don't have a clue. In those times that I stumbled because of my own will, He was still faithful to turn my mess into a message when I rose up. The same faithfulness graces my every minute until now.

We need God all the time. We need Him not just when we think we need Him. We need Him even when we think we don't. There's no need to argue.







05 August, 2012

The Ride Series- Part 1



The Ride Series will showcase all my favorite ride experiences including (but not limited to) the scary ones, fun and interesting rides and those that reflect the local color of the places I have been. 

Join me. Buckle up and get ready because this is going to be an interesting bumpy ride. 

Here's the first five which are not in any order:

1. Caponera (Nicaragua, Central America)

Caponera 
This caponera otherwise known as a moto-taxi or pedicab has become one of the affordable routine modes of transportation in Nicaragua. I made sure this was on my to-do list in Nicaragua. 

Caponera

2. Motorela or Rela (Cagayan de Oro, Philippines)

Motorela
My country has different versions of the moto-taxi too. Here's CDO's own. It's like a mini-jeepney.

Motorela
It can accommodate 6-8 people.

Motorela

3. Tuguegarao's Motorela (Cagayan Valley, PH)

Tuguegarao's Motorela

This is a little smaller than CDO's and can accommodate 4-6 people (4 inside and 2 on each side of the driver). Check out my travel entry on Cagayan from this link.


4. Surplus Jeepney (Cebu, PH)

Aside from the different versions of tricycles, you will also enjoy our different versions of the famous Pinoy mode of transportation, the Jeepney. 

Here's Cebu's version whose vibrant colors can never be ignored. They are called surplus because these are L300/multi-cab/mini-van bodies that are no longer used in Japan or otherwise known as Filipino ingenuity

Surplus Jeepney of Cebu, Philippines

5. Habal-habal  (Bohol, PH)

Habal-habal is a famous mode of transportation in Bohol. The usual motorcycle that accommodates a maximum of two passengers has been made to carry 4, sometimes 8 (with extended seats to the side), passengers. My experience of habal-habal (with a total of 3 passengers only isn't exactly a habal-habal experience. Nevertheless, it was one scary (especially on steep areas) fun ride.


These are photos I got from the net which will best show you what a habal-habal ride really feels like.












Attraversiamo 2012: 6th Leg - Destination Iloilo City

Traveling is, for a lack of a better term, addicting. You travel to a place hoping to satisfy that need to travel only to find yourself planning another trip to somewhere else even before you go back home. This is true to me and my friends. We booked a flight to Iloilo City in time for Jem's birthday. We planned to go around the city for a day and then spend the rest of our weekend in Guimaras

It had been raining days before our travel so we kept praying for a better weather so we can enjoy the trip and push through with the plans. The rain kept on going but it did not dampen our travel gusto. And by the way, the continuous rain did not mean our prayers weren't answered. Yes! All these trips took place under a gloomy, rainy weather. But as to why the sun shines every time we come out of a restaurant, or get off a jeepney to visit a place, or walk on the road to find directions, or when the plane takes off and lands, is another story.

It almost seemed like the sun comes out so bright when we need it and the rain showers when we rest, eat and sleep. Talk about God's grace!

Iloilo City is a home to so many Catholic churches of aesthetic glory. We have gone to some of them. Here they are: 

1. San Joaquin Church

This church looks a bit simple from afar. But if you look closely at the intricate details of its carves, you'll be amazed at its art and value.


San Joaquin Church

San Joaquin Church

Next time, I'll make sure we pass by San Joaquin Cemetery too. Heard it's a beautiful one. A cemetery is one of my favorite photography subjects. Now, this can be a reason to go back! 


2. Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church of Miag-ao

Even before we came up with the list of places to visit, I already took a mental note that this is one place I want to see. To be honest, I imagined flags and trumpets the first time I saw this. It looks like a castle. 

We entered from the side gate of the church and was already blown away by its beauty. My kit lens couldn't get the whole view of the church. Too bad! 




From the entrance you will read about Miag-ao Church as being one of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The other baroque churches are San Agustin Church in Manila, Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur and San Agustin Church in Paoay. I have been to three of them and realizing this makes me to want to complete the list. Holler, my travel buddies! In for another travel series?

Here's some more you may want to know about this elegant historical church.



3. Jaro Cathedral (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles)

This church captures you at first sight with its architectural style. 

This church is also famous for its resident, The Lady of the Candles who is believed to be miraculous by its devotees. It is said to be growing continuously that it had to be transferred to a bigger space. 

Another amazingly bizarre about this church is its bell tower which is located across the street and not beside it. It was said that the belfry was actually of another (destroyed by earthquake) and not the Cathedral's. 


Here's a view of the bell tower found across the street.


And here's a view we took from the Cathedral overlooking the busy street and the beautiful bell tower.



4. Molo Church or Chuch of St. Anne

Gothic! You'll know from a distance. Am not very good at identifying architectural styles but I always fall in love with it when I travel. This photo cannot justify its real beauty. I was hoping to see this at night all lit up. I am sure it looks fantastic! I later found out that it is the only Gothic church outside Manila. 

We didn't get to see the inside of the church but a local told us that this a house to life-size female saints. 





In front of the church is a plaza where we sat to get a good look of the church. If it wasn't raining, I'd probably see families, children playing, mamang sorbetero, balloon and cotton candy vendors etc. Looks like a scene from a primetime telenovela.



5. Guimbal Church

I hurried to get this shot. It was raining and the moment it stopped to pave way for a little sunshine, I took this shot. It looked like it didn't even rain. Magical? ...nah! 




Aside from the good line up of churches, we also got to tour the City and visited the following:

1. Museo Iloilo

We were here too early so we didn't get a chance to see what's inside. 




2. Iloilo Provincial Capitol





3. A view of the whole city through the Aduana Tower found in Iloilo's Bureau of Customs Building. It took us time to find this tower because we didn't know from which building we can find it. Grateful to the officers-in-charge of the Bureau of Customs who even escorted us in going halfway up. The stairs are too steep that it is dangerous to have too many people up.

By the time we got up, my hands were too dirty, my body all sweat and my hair everywhere. But boy! It was all worth it!

Here are panoramic views from the tower.








4. A view of the Divine Mercy Cross of Garin Farm. 

On our way to San Joaquin Church, a local suggested we drop by Garin Farm. We almost did. But we got a good view of its Divine Mercy cross. You may check their website if you are interested to go through the 456-step pilgrimage or just enjoy the farm can offer.





5. Iloilo's Passad

Another addition to my RIDE series (Wait for another entry showing this series), is an experience with Iloilo's major means of transportation, Passad. See this link for a better look. . It's their version of Manila's jeepney with a sedan-like look. 




We are not leaving Iloilo without trying its cuisine. We went to the following places:

1. Ted's La Paz Oldtimer Batchoy

Read this link for the whole story.



2. Dulgies

Read this link for the whole story. 



3. Perri Todd's

We fought Iloilo's biggest burger! Read more from this link



4. Biscocho House

A stop to buy pasalubong from the Biscocho House. We have a long list of requests from friends and families.



5. Sari-sari Breadstore

You will find them everywhere. They also have their own version of the famous pastries and breads you will find in Biscocho, only more affordable. We had stopped by and experienced their breakfast and got this hot choco  from the coffee vending machine (something also famous in Manila). 

Iloilo seem to be booming with a lot of bakeries that offer a lot of sweet choices. Some are famous like Biscocho, JD, Wewins, Carlo's, Panaderia de Molo, Merci, Tibiao's and a lot more; some are mere holes in the walls but  I bet each has a story to tell and bread to brag about.



6. The first branch of Inasal

We just had to be here for documentation purposes, but don't worry, we didn't eat here. :) Inasal is everywhere in Manila. 



7. Fiesta

The only open restaurant when we dropped by Robinson's for a pre-flight breakfast.



8. Bibingka

A bibingka we bought while walking and looking for a place to have lunch.I regretted that I didn't take a photo of how it is made. 

You can find them being sold in the streets especially near churches.




What a trip?! Right?

If you are expecting to see Guimaras photos, am sorry you won't. We didn't push through Guimaras because of the continuous rain. We decided to tour Iloilo City instead. 

What's amazing about this trip? Not going to Guimaras or not being able to dip ourselves in a beach did not make the trip less exciting even for just a bit. We didn't even feel like we are missing something. It was a complete trip. 

I mentioned in one of our many conversations during this trip how I think trips like this make me a seasoned traveler. You don't stay in a very nice hotel. You move from one place to another the same way as the locals do. 



You mingle with the locals and get their expertise in many things especially directions. You enjoy the food they enjoy. You learn from their ways and their history. 


You set aside your beliefs and open yourself to what they think. 

This photo below is with Tita Belle, a local. We met her in Jaro Cathedral while I was taking a photo of the Jaro street. She couldn't get her eyes off my green bag. She called my attention to talk about my bag. Until she could no longer stop talking about her hometown, Jaro church, her devotion to the saints and her gratefulness that we decided to visit Iloilo. I am not Catholic but I was amazed by the devotion and faith she has. We couldn't let go of each other as she would always come up with a new story just when we are about to say goodbye. She forgot about my bag; and now that I think about it, maybe she really just wanted to talk to us. It was obvious we weren't from there. 

Before we parted, she gave us the warmest Iloilo hugs and kisses.  


I have enjoyed every minute of my stay in Iloilo. Tita Belle is probably going to be my lasting image of the City. No wonder it lies in the Heart of the Philippines. It is not a place. It is a culture. It is a group of warm and loving people who speak in a very distinct, sweet, melodic tone of voice.

How they say 'Lugar lang' (their version of Manila's para po) stayed like a sweet song to our ears even after we left the place.


_ E  N  D  _



If you wish to visit Iloilo and enjoy what it can offer, you may visit my friend's site through this link to get travel tips, suggested itinerary, guides and directions.

Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan!


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