At Rizal Park

We brought my cousin (who is from Canada but works in South Korea) to Rizal Park last Monday.  She has never been there and we thought she'd have fun seeing the place and going for a stroll.  We did not want to do the mall thing anymore because it seems as though in Manila, the easiest place to bring friends and family for entertainment are malls.  Since Rizal Park was only a ride away, we thought that it was the perfect place.  And my cousin did have fun. So did the boys.  In the photo, we are standing in front of the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero. 

 

DIPOLOG

A Dipolog sunset. Sunsets in the Philippines are always so dramatic, I think. Sunsets in Yokohama are more subdued but still awe-inspiring...

ZOOBIC PHOTOS

LAST SUNDAY

I forgot to mention our Subic trip last Sunday. It was just my mom, dad, sis, bro and the boys this time. Subic is around 2 hours' north of Manila. We decided to try and visit Zoobic. I've heard a lot about it from media so I thought it wouldn't be bad to check it out.

We hoped that there wouldn't be a lot of people and there wasn't but we didn't expect the heat. Anyway, we all had the tour (P449 for adults and P349 for kids). Before the tour began, we were given a lecture on the Do's and Dont's. We started off at the Zoobic Park and Rodent World. The boys had a lot of fun at the petting area. It was really fun and educational at the same time. Nikki was not at all scared of the animals that followed us around. He was able to pet a reindeer, a goat and he fed all sorts of tame animals. It was nice to see him enjoy himself.

We also got to watch an animal show although I was a bit bothered about those animals being bossed around to do tricks. The dogs were okay because they are trained to learn tricks but the monkey, pot-bellied pig and the weasel was another matter. It just didn't sit well with me. Especially when the trainor would tug at the leash of the animals to (force them to) do the trick commanded. I really pitied those poor animals...

Anyway, after the animal show, we checked out the Serpentarium (which showcased just a few snakes), the Savannah (which was a bit dull), Animal MuZOOeum (which was a bit small), Aeta's trail (which was pretty interesting), the Hip-Hop Bay-a-Walk (which was all right) and the Croco Loco (which houses LOTS of crocs!). We of course, enjoyed the Tiger Safari Ride where a tiger came up close to our closed jeep and gnawed a piece of chicken from the window. No one shrieked or panicked. Even Ethan was fascinated. The only downside is that it lasted for only several minutes. So it was not as exhilarating as I expected it to be. But at least the boys got to see a tiger up close.

After more than 2 hours of touring Zoobic, we were all ready for lunch (this was already around 2pm) and then after that we headed home. Although Zoobic is a lot smaller than the zoos we visited in Japan, it's still a nice place to bring the kids or for family bonding. My mom and dad had loads of fun, and who wouldn't? It was a nice place to be.

NEED PRAYERS

Nikki is feeling much better these days, thank goodness, but his cough hasn't disappeared completely yet. I'm hoping that he'll be improving this coming week so that he could get his appetite back and gain some weight. He's thinner now and that's what usually happens when Nikki is sick, even for just a few days. I hope he'll get heavier before we head back to Manila next month.

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Now that we are in Zamboanga, we are once more surrounded by dogs and pups. My mom has made them her babies after my brother (the youngest) went to Manila for college. So far the boys have met Shiro, Vanilla, Oreo, Chico, Serena and Wamba. I don't know the other dogs, who are kept at the back of the house. And my mom already gave away 2 pups to friends so you can only imagine how many dogs we have here. I supose it's good that our doggies are small because the house would be so crowded! Chico is the cutest as far as I could tell. But he currently has an eye infection on his right eye because a bigger dog fought him I guess. Poor pup. But my mom brought him to the vet already. I told her to have an eyepatch made for him so that he'll look real cute! Anyway Nikki enjoys giving the doggies treats. Ethan is a bit wary and always tells them to go away. Sigh. I guess he takes after my sis. :)

.....

I am feeling sad for my aunt. My mom just told me today that she will be undergoing an operation tomorrow to have her feet and perhaps part of her legs amputated because of infection brought about by diabetes. I feel very sad for my cousins. I know they are suffering right now and maybe are in despair. My aunt has been suffering for several years now and this is an extreme move that will surely break her spirit in half (she is not a strong woman) but I know that with her kids' support, she could still come out of this fighting. I hope that you will help me pray for my aunt and to at least help make this crisis bearable for her. All your prayers will be appreciated. God bless.

FORT SANTIAGO

At Fort Santiago, Intramuros Manila.

REFLECTION

Another sunset photo. I just love the reflection of the clouds on the water.

LONGGANISA

This is a longganisa recipe from pinoycook.net. Keeping it here for easy access. :)

SKINLESS LONGGANISA

Ingredients :

500 g. of ground lean pork
3 tbsps. of finely minced garlic
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tbsps. of tomato paste
2 tbsps. of rice vinegar
2 tbsps. of soy paste
1 tsp. of salt
1 tsp. of pepper
4 tbsps. of dark brown sugar
1 tbsp. of fine unsweetened bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 c. of cooking oil
12-15 pcs. of kitchen wax paper, 6″ x 6″ in size

How to :

Mix together all the ingredients except the cooking oil and the wax paper. Divide into 12 to 15 portions, depending on the size you prefer. Form each portion into a log about 1″ to 1-1/3″ thick. Place on a piece of wax paper and roll firmly and as tightly as you can. Repeat for the remaining portions. Stack on a covered container and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Heat the cooking oil in a wide skillet or wok until it starts to smoke. Fry the longganisa in hot oil until browned. Drain on paper towels. Serve with fried eggs and garlic fried rice.

TUESDAY THOUGHTS

Autumn is just around the corner and I am so excited! I can't wait to see the fall colors once more. This will actually be only my second time to experience autumn and I plan to savor everything about it. Already, the nights are getting colder and pretty soon, I would have to say goodbye to my flip-flops and sandals. I suppose it's well worth it if only to experience my favorite season of all.

.....

The rains have finally gone and we have sunny weather for the rest of the week. Well, at least that's what the forecast says. At least now we won't have to worry about getting caught in a rain shower and getting sick when we're out visiting places. Anyway, I suppose that's one less thing to worry about, which is always a good thing. :)

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Japan is such a lovely country. There's just so much to see and do, the people are so nice and you feel safe all the time. I wish we could live here one day. I think it would be so nice.

.....

Now that it's September Christmas carols will most definitely be heard over the radio back home in the Philippines. For us, Christmas begins in September and ends in January. That's quite a celebration, huh. Long before Halloween became a part of Philippine culture, September would mark the beginning of the Yuletide preparations. However, after Halloween celebrations became popular in Manila and at the malls, people have now resorted to postponing putting up decorations and lights and their Christmas trees until after Halloween, All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day. Preparing for Christmas is always a fun time for me. It's my favorite holiday. I always love making my Christmas list as early as July and just buying the perfect present for loved ones. I love how people start being a little more cheerful and less stressful. I love how people take the time to focus on their own traditions and follow them year after year. I love how colorful and gay the season can be. I love how the story of Baby Jesus is retold to young and old alike. But most especially, I love how Christmas brings families together to celebrate a very special birthday. I am SO looking forward to spending this Christmas with Ruther in Japan. :D

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN (DAY OF VALOR)

Every year on April 9, the captured soldiers are honored on Araw ng Kagitingan ("Day of Valor"), also known as the "Bataan Day", which is a national holiday in the Philippines.

On April 9, 1942, 12,000 American soldiers surrendered to the Japanese at the tip of the Bataan Peninsula, which juts into Manila Bay in the Philippines. For nearly five months, the troops had fought ferociously against overwhelming odds until they ran out of food, medical supplies and ammunition. As prisoners of war (POWs), they and thousands of Filipinos were taken to a camp run by the Japanese army. This grueling series of marches are now known as the Bataan Death March. The 60th anniversary of this tragic event will be commemorated during PBS' 2002 National Memorial Day Concert. Following are some compelling - facts about the March:

During World War II, there were approximately 78,000 Allied soldiers stationed in Bataan including 12,000 Americans and 66,000 Filipinos. The poorly trained Filipinos, most of whom had never fired a weapon, were thrown into frontline combat against highly trained Japanese troops. Americans from non-combatant outfits, such as air corpsmen, and in some instances even civilians, were also formed into provisional infantry units.

Following the surrender, the Japanese army assembled the captive Fil-American soldiers in the various sectors in Bataan, but mainly at Mariveles, the southernmost tip of the Peninsula. Although American trucks were available to transport the prisoners, the Japanese decided to march the soldiers to their destination.

The Death March was really a series of marches, which lasted from five to nine days. The distance a captive had to march was determined by the point at which he started on the trail. The full route was 55 miles long from Mariveles, Bataan, to San Fernando, Pampanga. At San Fernando, the prisoners were placed into cargo trains and transported to Capas, Tarlac, a distance of around 24 miles. They were then marched another six miles to their final destination, Camp O'Donnell.

It is estimated that about 24,000 men died during the March as the tired, sick and starving troops were repeatedly beaten and denied food and water. Many of the soldiers lost their lives to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Those who tried to stop for water or to accept food from the local people were also killed.

Approximately 1,600 Americans died in the first 40 days in Camp O'Donnell. Almost 20,000 Filipinos also lost their lives in their first four months of captivity in the same camp. O'Donnell did not have the sanitation sub-structure or water supply necessary to hold so many men and there was little medicine available to treat the dysentery and beriberi that was common among the POWs. An inadequate diet also contributed to the high death rate.

On June 6, 1942, the Japanese transferred all Americans to Cabanatuan, north of Camp O'Donnell, leaving behind 500 as caretakers and for funeral details. They in turn were sent to Cabanatuan on July 5, 1942. The Filipino prisoners were paroled, beginning in July 1942.

Cabanatuan, for most prisoners, ended up being a temporary POW camp. The Japanese had a policy - in direct violation of the Geneva Convention - that prisoners were to be used as a source of labor. Most were sent to various other camps in the Philippines, China, Japan and Korea, where they were used as slave labor. Some worked in mines, others in farms and factories, while yet more unloaded ships in port areas, for the remainder of the war.

Most Americans did not find out about the atrocities that took place in Bataan until January 28, 1944, when the U.S. government released a joint report from the Army and Navy. This was compiled from the sworn statements of officers who survived the March and POW camps.

Bataan Day is a national holiday in the Philippines when large groups of its citizens solemnly re-walk parts of the death route and pay homage to the victims of the March. The battleground of Bataan is now a national shrine. In the U.S., the Bataan Memorial Death March takes place each year at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. More than 3,000 marchers from across the U.S. and from overseas tackle a 26.2-mile route through high desert terrain in honor of those who served.

HOLY WEEK IN THE PHILS- GOOD FRIDAY

I know some may complain about this ritual we have here in the Philippines but it is still a part of our culture (accepted or not) and I wish to post it here... (WARNING! Some photos may make you squeamish...)


Body of Christ: Ritual Crucifixions in San Fernando
By Susi O'Neill

Christian religious festivals rule daily life in the Philippines, particularly in the countryside. San Fernando is a good example, just 40 miles from the city of Manila on Luzon island, this town is famous for being the site of the crucifixion ceremony that takes place on Good Friday each year. To some the event is a display of piety and to thank God for blessings; to others, they are gruesome displays of outdated religious fervour.

What Happens at San Fernando

As many as ten men each year volunteer to be Jesus and are nailed to the cross with slender silvery spikes. Spectators act out the events of the three days that led up to Christ's crucifixion that shaped the structure of the whole Christian faith. If you're in Manila at this time, it's easy to get to San Fernando early in the morning of the Good Friday. Come prepared for gore and blood, as it is quite an intense and emotional experience. Like the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, Thailand, where people do all sorts of painful things with sharpened knives and hooks (apparently painlessly slipping these sharp objects through cheeks, shoulder blades, and other sensitive areas) more than 1,000 participants in San Fernando beat themselves (flagellations) with sharpened chains that bring forth spurts of blood and exposed skin.

Similar Events

The island of Luzon is not the only place this practice occurs; on the island of Marinduque there is a custom called Moriones, where people perform similar acts of self-flagellation in order to commemorate the Roman centurion who was apparently cured when a drop of Jesus' blood fell into his eye. Participants wear centurions clothes and repeat this every Easter for a whole night.The Catholic Church actually forbids such forms of extreme piety, but it can't stop those who want to show thanks to their God for a healed relative, or for a life saving cure for their child. There has even been talk of local officials bribing people to keep the show alive by pushing up the number of participants, realising the financial gains brought in by curious foreign tourists. This is, of course, denied by these government officials who say it's just another uniquely Filipino tradition.

The festival climaxes with the crucifixion, and several hours after being nailed to their crosses, the men are taken down. Though traveller's may not follow the strongly held religious beliefs of the Filipino people, attending the Easter festival in San Fernando gives a good indication of how deep Christianity runs in this isolated converted country.

http://www.pilotguides.com/destination_guide/asia/philippines/san_fernando.php

HOLY WEEK IN THE PHILS. - THE SINAKULO

The Sinakulo: Past and Present

Passion plays that flourish today in the urban and rural areas project this conflict. The still dominant, traditional sinakulo pictures Christ as a model of meekness and masochism, a lamb accepting death in obedience to authority. In contrast, the new sinakulo spotlights a Christ of reason and resolve, a lion who leads the downtrodden against all oppressors.

The traditional sinakulo is a Lenten play, usually in verse, which narrates a long sequence of episodes from the Old and the New Testaments, with special emphasis on the life, sufferings and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Certain conventions of marching, chanting and magic are usually followed.

Sinakulo scenes are presented on a proscenium-type stage of bamboo-and-wood or cement-and-steel; under light bulbs that cast an unyielding light instead of creating a mood and against painted cloth or paper backdrops, called telon. It takes at least eight nights - from Palm Sunday to Easter - to present the play.

In the cities, the sinakulo ispresented in all kinds of venues - on a traditional stage, on the streets, in a chapel, in a large room. Comedy, courtship, and special effects are popular elements in a sinakulo.

Because of the imperatives of urban life, most modern sinakulos run for only one or two hours. They can also be presented in all kinds of venues: on the traditional stage, on the streets, in a chapel, in a large room, or even in an open-air strike area.

If the traditional sinakulo drew life from the feudal, agricultural order, the modern passion play responds to a very definite need - the need to inform students, professionals, workers about the problems created by unresolved contradictions in Philippine society.

Source: http://www.filipinoheritage.com/religious/sinakulo.htm

HOLY WEEK IN THE PHIL. - PALM SUNDAY

by Elmer Nocheseda

Palm Sunday in the Philippines is most dramatic. To commemorate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, Filipino Catholics bring their palaspas or decorated palm fronds to church to be blessed by the priests. It is always a sight to behold when young fresh coconut leaves called ibus are transformed into intricate forms and shapes. Children hold them liked priced possessions. It is one great spectacle to see the brimming Sunday congregation eagerly wave their palms as the priest passes by to bless them. The event is simply joyful.

Domingo de Ramos or Palm Sunday is one of the most photographed events in the Philippines. Palaspas, which is the most intricate, provides an exciting opening act for the drama of Semana Santa. The sight and smell of fresh palm fronds herald Holy Week in the Philippines. More than this characteristic religiosity, the palaspas showcases the Pinoy’s inherent artistry and creativity. His dexterity is amazing, as to how he could transform the fresh fronds of coconut or buri palms into plaited and decorative patterns and empower it with new meaning. His propensity for bright colors and profuse embellishment is put into maximum use as the palaspas is decorated with crepe paper flowers and banderitas. But no matter how intricate the palaspas is, it has basically just two parts: a decorative handle and the decorated fronds. The decorative handle may be heart-shaped or woven like a mat or folded into overlapping bows. On the other hand, the fronds are from which hang the woven stars, grasshoppers, and other figures from palm leaves or other tiny paper flags. The fronds are cut and woven to enhance various textures and designs. The fronds may be cut or folded or may be plaited to form zigzag patterns called kidlat (lighting ), espada (sword), bola (ball), ibon (bird), hipon (shrimp), and other designs similar to those found in Bali Indonesia. The galilea, an elevated platform decorated with palm leaves and flowers, is built in the church patio for the choir who will sing the chants of the day. Tuklong or temporary altars decorated with palaspas are where the little angles sing their Hosannas at the top of their voices. Once blessed by the passing priest, the palaspas acquires potency that even the Church has no official stand whether to accept, denounce or ignore this folk belief. The blessed palaspas becomes a fixture on top of the doors and windowsills to ward off any evil that would ever pass the household. Even the finest houses in Forbes Park or the humblest barong-barong in Tondo will have the blessed dried palaspas for a year.

EDSA/ PEOPLE POWER DAY

The People Power Revolution (also known as the EDSA Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986) was a series of nonviolent and prayerful mass street demonstrations in the Philippines that occurred in 1986. The protests were the culmination of a long resistance by the people against the 20-year running authoritarian regime of then current president Ferdinand Marcos and made news headlines as "the revolution that surprised the world". The majority of the demonstrations took place at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, known more commonly by its acronym EDSA, in Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila and involved over 200,000 Filipino civilians as well as several political and military figures. The protests, fueled by a resistance and opposition of years of corrupt governance by Marcos, occurred from February 22 to 25 in 1986, when Marcos fled Malacañang Palace to the United States and conceded[4] to Corazon Aquino as President of the Philippines.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_Power_Revolution

SNORKELING

Here's an underwater shot of Ruther snorkeling at Balicasag Island in Bohol. There's actually a lot more color than that on the sea floor but I think the photo studio did a poor job in developing the prints. We're going to have another studio do the reprints.

And here I am feeding the fish with soggy biscuits. Our guide actually suggested feeding them with bread but I didn't have some with me but only had biscuits (meant for our snack). He said that was fine and it was a good thing I had them too or I would not have experienced this. The first time I fed them, the fish all swam to my hand, I was so shocked, I had to move away and surface. One fish was as big as my fist! I thought it was going to bite my finger! But after several feedings, I even tried to "pet" one and it was fun! A Korean guy who was snorkeling nearby was fascinated with the way the fish swarmed around me. I gave him a biscuit to feed the fish and he nodded his thanks. It was really fun and if we go back to Bohol again, this will be one activity I would love doing again.

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

I haven't been updated with the news for a while now. It's not that I don't care (okay, maybe a teeny part of me doesn't) but politics does not interest me at all. I find it very disturbing, boring and utterly chaotic. Besides, I would not want bad news from the politicl arena to ruin my day so I try to stay away from the news as much as possible. I figure, if it's THAT important, I would hear about it anyway. But this morning, when I went to the bakery to buy some hot, yummy pandesal for breakfast I decided to get a paper as well. Well, the only word I could use to describe the headlines was "shocking"! I mean, what is happening to the Philippines? I know there are problems in the government but all this transparency is destroying us all. I mean, isn't there a more subtle (I'm not saying "hushed") way of fixing all these problems? Frankly, I don't even know what all the problems are. I hear things like ZTE, stocks falling, calling GMA's resignation (is this going to be a frequent thing in Philippine history?!?!?), J de Venecia and all that. It's all very disturbing, confusing and irritating. Really, who could take the Philippine government seriously with all these controversies? Really really depressing. I wish all those people would just resign on their own and fresh new people step up. Or, we could always migrate. Now that's an idea...

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

The Dinagyang Festival is celebrated every fourth weekend of January to commemorate the Christianization of the natives and to honor the Holy Child Jesus. It is a very colorful parade coupled with a dramatization in honor of the patron Saint Sto. Niño as the object of dramatized offerings and prayers amidst the cracking of drums and shouts of "Viva Señor Santo Niño." The thundering of "Hala Bira" by the tribe members makes the celebration a lively one. http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru6/dinagyang_festival.htm

People wake up very early in the morning, paint themselves in black, wear very colorful costumes and headress, and dance to the hypnotizing beat of the drums.
Tribes circle the entire city proper of Iloilo, performing in 5 judging areas. The streetdance competition starts at 8 in the morning right after the Holy Mass, and usually ends in the afternoon.
Because of the extreme heat and the physical demands of the streetdance, only few women dare to join as an ati or warrior. http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/roadtrip/96/dinagyang-festival-2

SOLITARY

I love this photo because it's very peaceful. I used to think sunrises were a bit blah compared to sunsets but after an hour at the beach that Saturday morning, I was happy to be mistaken. I think this photo is wonderful. The lonely boat on the right makes it very thoughtful. It's not a really empty beach after all.

Photo taken last January 19.

BOHOL -SATURDAY - LAST PART

When we got back to Alonaland it was a little over 4 p.m. Ruther and I were getting a bit hungry so we decided to head for the beach in search of a new place to eat. The rain stopped but the wind was still chilly. Thankfully, it was only a little breeze. Despite the overcast skies, the beach was still beautiful.

We decided to get some pizza while the boys played in the water nearby. A signboard nearby said: "Hayahay Pizza, the best pizza on Alona Beach. Try it!" It was funny so Ruther and I decided to get a pizza for the both of us. We ordered the Senorita Tati and got some mango juice The waiting took forever and the place seemed understaffed. I don't know if it was because it was still early or if this was the usual thing but I really did not like waiting too long for service. Ten minutes was okay, 15 minutes tolerable but 20 minutes and more is just outrageous. Fortunately, our pizza was yummy (they only served thin crust pizzas) and Ruther and I enjoyed it. Ruther and I were supposed to take a dip in the water but when we tested the water it was cold (REALLY cold for me). The boys were also very tired and so we decided to go back to our rooms for some rest. We showered the boys and they fell asleep almost immediately. Ruther was able to doze off as well but I woke him up at 730 p.m. so we could get some supper. I was getting sleepy myself (I was up at 545 a.m.!) so we really had to eat. We woke the boys up and I was horrified to find out that Ethan had fever!! I suppose the cold dip in the water earlier in the afternoon just took its toll on his body and he was feverish. I was getting worried because I did not bring Tempra with me. I bundled him up and put on his hat.

I carried him all the way to Alona Tropical restaurant. We decided to eat there again because it was conveniently near and there were only a few diners. We got a table and Ruther ordered fried chicken, shanghai rice, camaron rebosado, pineapple shake for him and orange soda for me. While waiting for our dinner, a couple of men with guitars entertained us with songs. Our foreign companions enjoyed them so much they would sing along and once, even danced to a fast song. They were all well-known and loved songs by international artists like the BeeGees, Beatles, Frank Sinatra. They always received applause after every song. I liked that the diners enjoyed the entertainment. It was all very laidback, very informal and very relaxing. During this time, Ethan was on my lap and I said a little prayer that his fever would subside so he could enjoy the rest of our vacation. When our food came, the fried chicken was tender and seasoned just right. The camaron rebosado was a bit on the heavy side (too much batter) but other than that it was another fufilling meal. A few minutes after that we headed back to Alonaland.

When we got back to our room, I checked on Ethan from time to time. He was a bit sleepy so I just lulled him to sleep and then bundled him up. Since Ruther got some zzz's earlier, I decided to sleep early to be fully rested for the next day. We had another full day ahead because in the morning, we were going dolphin-watching and snorkeling and then in the afternoon, we had to check-out from Alonaland and go to the airport because our flight back to Manila was at 2pm. I told Ruther to watch over Nikki and not to sleep late. After brushing my teeth and preparing the stuff for the next day, I dozed of beside Ethan into dreamless sleep.

SEA AND SKY

I took this photo in the plane, a few minutes before we landed. I think it's a nice photo. The sky is all cloudy and messy but when you look at the water, it's all calm and smooth as a glass. Very contradictory, don't you think so?

Photo taken last January 18.