A walk in Manila

If you're interested in learning something new (and for your brain to function) and have the money to do so, why not try to take a tour with Carlos Celdran and look at Manila in a whole new light? As long as you're around Metro Manila, then you'll be able to go there fast.

I was blessed to be a part of Carlos' Intramuros walking tour on July 24 that lasted around three hours under the scorching heat of the Manila sun. Wait. What? Three freakin' hours under the sun? But it's hot in Manila! Okay! I get it. I know and understand that most people (balikbayans in particular) who don't (or do) live in Manila know how hot and humid the weather can be, that is why they dislike going there. But this shouldn't be a hindrance, right? I mean, I admit, when I was back there, I was literally sweating like a pig, coming from a cold country up in the North, even though I only spent two and a half years here. But I grew up in Metro Manila, I passed by the streets of Manila, I used to take the LRT in Manila, so I know how it feels like. But the weather wasn't like that before, and I think it's probably due to Global Warming that's affecting tropical countries particularly the Philippines, when this country has contributed like a teaspoon to the world's changing atmosphere (ehem). 

But back to Carlos. You can find his site on the left of this page, where I put the links of some sites that I recommend. Or if you can't find it, here it is. This will lead you directly to his website, particularly the tour dates and rates for each. I was thinking of narrating everything that happened during the tour, but I don't have that good of a memory to think about it all over again. I may remember some, but not everything. I'm only human, you know. But I'm serious though. If you want to learn a new lesson in history, then his tours are for you. It would completely change the way you see Manila, and how this city became a witness (and victim) throughout the centuries. All you have to do is contact them to book a tour depending on your convenience, and they'll reply right away.

I'm not going to narrate everything, because it might lose your interest, and I would really appreciate it (okay, not me, but Carlos) if you would go. So my sister, Aunt and I took the Intramuros Regular Walking Tour from 9am till (almost) noon that started at Manila Cathedral and ended at Plaza San Luis. I'll see if I can describe it briefly. 

The meeting place is at Manila Cathedral, and you get to walk around the cathedral and have a little history lesson. 

After that, a kalesa (or horse carriage, Manila version) will take you around the walls of Intramuros for a short drive, and drop you off at San Agustin church. 

From there, you get a dose of real history that aren't written in the Philippine history books. You are also given the time to explore the church for a bit, and it is worth going there, because this is the only remaining cathedral out of the seven that survived World War II. I'll digress for a moment. I remember when I was in grade school and we had our class field trip at this church, and I was so scared to walk around it because it gives off that eerie vibe. And for the second time that I went here, it still gave off that feeling of goosebumps, but in a good way, because this place does have a cemetery, for the people who died and were buried during the second World War, so that reason is fair enough to consider. That, and my classmate was just pulling my leg, because we were kids, and I was gullible. But back to the tour. For break, we were given Chocnuts (which I really miss) to munch on while we continue the exploration. 

You also get to go inside the church to witness the 'illusion' that Carlos always says throughout the tour. 

After the long walk and history lesson in San Agustin, we were taken to Plaza San Luis, just across the church for a free halo-halo (which was really good, by the way), and some parting messages and acknowledgements. In the Plaza is a little souvenir store where I think most Filipinos would like, because the products and merchandise are crafted and designed with logos that would suit their taste and promote nationalism. And a restaurant which is just around Intramuras named La Cocina De Tita Moning (Aunt Moning's kitchen) where you can have a hearty lunch after filling your brains with the information.

All in all, the tour was pretty good, and it was worth my P900 (US$ 19.97 or CD$20.97, based on today's conversion rates on this site) to spend on. Did I learn a lot? Yes, and if I ever go to Manila again, I would take all his tours, or do the Intramuros one all over again as a refresher. Because I'm pretty sure it would take me years for another homecoming. 

Was Carlos effective and enjoyable as a guide? He sure is, and I'm not saying this because he gave us free Chocnuts, halo-halo and free kalesa ride, because this might change in the future, depending on the audience's demands. It's in him to be one, and you can see how patriotic he is to his own country. How he wants his fellowmen's opinions to change on how they see Manila. You can't loudly complain about the heat, because you can't help but smile when you see him tugging up his modern Barong Tagalog or long-sleeved polo at times and feel ashamed to yourself when he's the one doing all the talking, and you, as the viewer, can use a pamaypay or abaniko (fan) or chug down a bottle of cold water. And he's very funny, making sure that you don't get bored or depressed when you hear some of his stories that happened in the past. The most that I like about him is his subtlety on the flaws of the Philippine culture and values that we have adopted even to this day. He must've been reading Anti-Pinoy a lot. Hehe. I kid. Who knows what the man thinks. All I'm sure is that he notices these flaws, and he's not afraid to tell the Filipinos what they are and include them in his talks, because he wants the audience to think differently and out of the box. Which is pretty much the main point of his tour- to change the way you look at Manila, one step at a time. 

So what the heck are you doing reading this blog? Book your tickets to the Philippines (or text the number if you live around Manila), and include this in one of your visits. You have 7,107 islands to choose from, and The City of Manila in Luzon is one of them. And oh, don't forget to bring a camera with you. And a hat. Or a towel. And your money, of course. And an open mind to absorb all the information he'll give you.

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride

Or in this case, I was the maid of honour. I've been a bridesmaid for two times; and this is the third time that I was made maid of honour. And like they always say (who are they, exactly? I've always heard 'they' many times.), "Always the bridesmaid, never the bride". But this isn't about me who hasn't been married yet, when I should've been by now (but not really). Because right now I have no intentions of marrying, for I find myself too young to embark on that journey, and I need to gain more wisdom and experience in order to be a someone for my someone. And besides, it's the bride's day on her wedding day, so why ruin something that normally happens once in her lifetime? 

Being the maid of honour for the first time has made me realize that it's very exciting to be a bride on her wedding day. I think she must feel like a princess, but at the same time, worried on how everything would work out on her day, without shelling out any or her own assistance. Of course, brides know that the preparation is very nerve-wracking, but on her day, she must feel like she owns everyone, like everything she says are done and no one refutes her when they don't agree to her wishes.

This must be the margarita working, but I only had a few sip, because I wanted to savour the food and the night my only sister will never forget and will always remember (I hope so.). This is exactly the main reason for my homecoming, but on this day, I didn't think of any other persons who are not part of the wedding, nor the reunions and plans that we're having next week. It'll be Sunday in less than 2 hours, and it's the second to the last Sunday that I'll be here. But back to the wedding. 

No one can really just steal the bride on her day. The wedding is her own show, so whatever she wants to happen, will happen. Like a producer or director who has assistants to assist her. Ushers or usherettes who are always there not just for the wedding coordinator but for everyone who has a query, comment, suggestion, or violent reactions. Everything is focused on her, she is the star of her show. So hearing the same phrase over and over again, it sort of makes me think that why focus on yourself too much, when it's not even your wedding. 

There is nothing wrong as a woman to make yourself look attractive on someone else's wedding, but what if one guest overtakes the bride or her makeup? That would be embarrassing, right? But to look even better than the bride, now that's saying something.

I'm hopeless. I really do need to sleep. I've been fighting sleep, which I shouldn't be doing if I want to keep healthy. I apologize for the random post.

Didn't really wanna do this, but here goes

It's funny how when I first started this blog, I had no idea that it would last a year with each post for each month. Okay, I was lying, because I have no post for last month, but that was the first time that I did that when I absolutely have nothing to say or share on this blog. That, or I was too lazy to think type, and my brain wasn't in blog mode. But here I am, doing a post that I shouldn't really be doing, because it's quite common for every blogger to do this, especially when they reach their anniversary. But this point in time is very important for me, because in a few days, I would be having my own homecoming, which is also the reason why this blog is named 'Homecoming'.

Now that I think about it, why exactly did I name my site Homecoming, when most of the topics here are from left to right, completely unrelated to each other? I want to make up some excuses now because to be honest, I had coffee a while ago and if I would say something that's not me, that's just the caffeine in me channeling it's message on my blog. And caffeine just told me to not think about the reason why I named this Homecoming, because she would need to rack her brains, thinking for that reason, when I was the one who named it, and not her (I know. I'm crazy. I just considered caffeine to be female. Hey, don't start thinking about some human rights here, I'm not trying to be feminist.). 

I guess I can just do some updates on what's happening on my blog, and why some posts and recaps are taking longer to be posted (and done). Let's see. Detective conan recaps. It's only up to episode three! What the heck Lora! How can you start on something that you won't even finish? My answer: Did I say that I'll finish the recaps? No. And besides, I don't even know what episode it is now, because I've been into Korean dramas lately. I'm even missing out some Japanese dramas because I wanted to finish a lot of Korean dramas. I will only recap what I want to do, because I'm doing this not just for the readers (which is mainly the reason actually), but for some for myself, especially when I have nothing to say or to post. It's a good diversion too, when I run out of thoughts and have a stack of episodes to watch and recap instead. I get to watch it, write some notes, screen cap it, and then edit it again for the final publishing. The same goes for the movies that are on my list to be recapped. 

I just noticed that my rotating banners are kinda getting on my nerves, when I find that most of them were done last year, when I have nothing to do but to play around picnik. I'll do some tonight, when I really have nothing to do, or when the addict in me is longing for an anime to watch, instead of the usual Korean drama that I never get tired of. And updates for them would (hopefully) be posted this weekend, if laziness would leave me alone. But for now, caffeine is going through my veins, and she's killing me, telling me to hit the sack, which I normally shouldn't, because she would usually tell influence me and tell me to watch two episodes first and when the sun is about to shine, that's when I can get to sleep. But anyway, so I can be done with the banner and get a new one, I'll be signing off. Till next post, which I hope would be before my I go back to my original hometown, the place where it all started.

They call it fate

Paulo Coelho once wrote in The Alchemist that "When you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true.". Some people would think that God pulls up one of his tricks and utter some chants to let this happen, while others believe that they don't need Him to make these things happen, because it's their hardship and perserverance that they are where they are now, and that God has nothing to do with it.

I didn't believe on this quote at first, for maybe because I was too naive and I haven't yet experienced what it feels like. But despite not knowing what it's like to understand the meaning, reading it from this book has given me inspiration that I didn't expect would be kicking back into my life. But this is fate we're talking about, so surely, this would come back and haunt me (or is it?). And haunted me again it did. But this time, I had to combine not just my belief but efforts as well. And it's quite fulfilling and satisfying when something you have longed to happen would eventually and unexpectedly occur, even though you have planned it would work from the start. Did that even made sense? Well, it doesn't matter, because as long as you believe in something, it'll happen. 

These can also be called as blessings in disguise, unless you're an atheist or agnostic. But if you're not, then I could say that you might relate to what I'm saying now. It doesn't matter whether you're a Catholic, Christian, Muslim, Protestant, Born again, or any other religious group that you can think of (and I apologize if I haven't mentioned yours.). I think, that as long as you believe that there is a God, and that He is someone greater than everything else, then you're good to go. I mean, you know what I'm talking about.

Sometimes when you feel like you've been given too much of what you ask, you feel honored that you feel like you don't deserve all these blessings showering upon you. That you don't have the right to receive these gifts, or that you're not worthy enough to be given too much of what you have asked Him. But the first reaction you would have once you receive it? Grateful. You're thankful that He has given you what you need and longed for, and you praise him for all the blessings that He has, has always been, and will soon give you.

But most of the time, we take things for granted. Let's say you live you in a first world country where you can buy everything you want. Okay, not exactly everything, because you still need to earn money to buy whatever it is you want. Let me try to think of mundane situations here. For example, a family is able to go camping whenever it's the long weekend during summer. I guess you can say that they're either grateful that they're able to go out and spend time as a family, and also, enjoy the heat that summer has in store for the rest of the season before the leaves start drying up again and turn red or brown. They may or may not appreciate this moment, but if you think about it, every little thing that we are given are meant to be thankful for.

An aspiring scholar who's entering university for the first time has worked so hard to be accepted at a school he eagerly wishes, that when he receives his Official Letter of Acceptance from this school, he jumps for joy and thanks whoever he can thank, gratified that he received this blessing. That's pretty normal if you ask me, but if this would give him the education he longs for and this is the only way he can help his family, then, it's huge for this student. Is this what they also call fate?

So if you want something to happen and it does, it all depends on your belief on whoever or whatever you think has given you this blessing. It can be God, fate, the cosmos and stars, or just yourself. As long as you're grateful and don't take everyday things for granted, then you deserve even more than just what you wish for.

A rollercoaster ride

Just a quick jot to reflect on the thoughts that have harboured my mind today. Today is the Philippine National Elections (technically, it was yesterday as I'm on the other side of the world) and having gone through the news every hour, I felt different feelings that I haven't had for a long time. 

The May 10 elections also made history as this is the first time in the country that the automatic machines are used to tally the votes. This means that there won't be any more manual counting, no need to count for days (or months) to know who won the most coveted position in the land. There will be less violence, as the ballot boxes are now safe and machines (or cards) will used to record the votes. I thank Senator Richard Gordon (and Presidentiable) who made and defended this bill.

I thought the Filipino voters are wiser now. But it turns out, I was wrong. Waking up this morning and reading the news on the internet has got me on my toes. Initial reaction: I was disappointed. Appalled. Angry that my chosen candidate wasn't elected. Furious that the one I have deemed as incompetent and not worthy of the position was leading. Mad that the people I have known my whole life supported this person who hasn't done anything during the entire 12 years of his position as a Congressman and Senator was first in the tallies. 

A bus ride later, I was still in denial that Noynoy Aquino would even be considered as a President, that if it wasn't for his name or his parents or his infamous sister he wouldn't be known more than the man he is now. And add the fact that second on the poll was former President Joseph Estrada, a convicted plunderer and impeached former actor, what more can I ask for? That was the time when I lost hope, the hope that the Philippines doesn't deserve all the great and worthy leaders that they didn't want to get elected. I lost hope, thinking that for whatever s**t that happens on that country, they deserve it. That they're to blame. A while ago I didn't want to say it out loud, but I was thinking that I'm ashamed of my fellow Filipinos, for they clearly are not ready for change. How can they not see Gilberto Teodoro or Gordon as their beacon of hope? That these men are the change that the people has been longing for?

Venting out my frustrations through the only way possible, I posted my thoughts on my usual hangout, Anti-Pinoy. When I was still feeling down with the results, little did I realize that I was beginning to accept the truth that was soon dawning on to me. I was thankful that there are some people who stiill tried to stay positive, despite the turnout of the election. And they were right. There are also some things that I'm thankful for. I'm thankful that Noynoy is leading, as he was able to prevent another Erap Administration (I shudder at the thought should this happen again.). I'm thankful that the automation flowed smoothly, despite the glitches that were seen in some areas, but they were still able to go through the election. I'm grateful that there weren't many deaths involved, unlike before that lives must be sacrificed again and again just to bag a seat.

Hnaging out at another Filipino forum has given me hope and made me more positive towards the end of the day. Reading the Gordon supporters' comments have made me realize that life should still go on, and we should still help each other for a better Philippines.

This tidbit of news that the third placer in the Presidential race conceded and congratulated the leading also made me smile a bit, even though I consider him corrupt and not fit to be a President. 

At the end of today, I have become more accepting, and realized that I should still support the current administration. I may still be bitter about it, but at least, if anything should still happen in the future (or another People Power *rolls eyes*), I know in my heart that I didn't wish for him to be the President. Yes, that's right. I won't take the blame. I won't feel guilty, because I didn't choose him in the first place. But enough of that. I don't want to resort to this. What's important is that I still have a little hope for my country that this would soon be on the list of the top countries in Asia (and in the world), a nation that I can be proud of not just of its wonders and breathtaking sights, but of the people who can defend their homeland. 

And I can still be proud to call myself a Filipino, even after all of this. But before that, I need to become a better person first. Only then can I be proud of my nationality when I have become a better individual for my nation.

This post was very random, in my opinion, and I thought about it quite fast (and out of the blue too), so pardon some stupidies (if you find some, or if you think there are) and grammatical errors.

Why I became an anti-Pinoy

Nowadays I always visit this blog called Anti-Pinoy where they talk about how the dysfunctional mind of a Filipino works. Or how Filipinos reacted to the Adam Carolla story that made me (and everyone at the site) ashamed of my fellowmen. Oy, if you think I'm being racist, then you better get your act together and read the website. And I'm not saying I'm perfect either, for if everyone was born perfect, then the world wouldn't be like this today. Try to browse through some posts, ponder for a while, do a reflection that would make you aware of your actions. Just do your research and self-discern before making a refutable comment.

So after a few days of stalking, I pulled up my courage and made my first comment on one post that is completely different from the post that I commented on. But everyone (especially the moderators) welcomed me with open arms, because I threatened them and told them that I wanted to make myself feel at home in that place, which they gladly obliged.

Because I've been inspired by their writing and thoughts, I decided to do a personal post on why and what Filipino people have to change, a thought that must have been heard from a million people as well, and taking advantage of their hospitality while in their house.

Why I became an anti-Pinoy

(Or why Agua Bendita is better than The Last Prince)

  Welcome to the world of fantasies and idealism, where most people spend their time watching shows that seem to not run out of cliched plots. I have no intention of inadvertently mentioning the upcoming Philippine elections this May 2010; it just so happened that my views have changed not just because of my exposure to the internet, but mostly because of reality kicking in. The latter applies best I admit, for I was able to recognize my country's flaws and compare it to one of the most livable countries in the world, the place where I am now. As an anti-Anti-Pinoy would say, "You traitors!", that just because I now live in a better country and I'm away from home gives me the right to look down on my fellow Filipinos. But in fact, it's the other way around. I have learned to understand the archipelago's history, culture, and society looking at them from a thousand miles away. And this is why I became an anti-Pinoy.

  When I first stepped on the snow a few years ago, the air had a refreshing feeling to it. At first I thought it was because of the clean and unpolluted surroundings. But then I realized that there was more to it. Not only is this a new and uncharted country for me, but the people, culture, and laws were different as well. A huge step-up from the typical and Filipino lifestyle that I was used to.

  Jetlag was one thing; but homesickness is worse than that. Despite getting used to living here and an Asian market just two blocks from our house, something is still missing. I can't claim this fact on behalf of every Filipinos who live abroad, but this is what most people feel when they grew up and spend many years and would suddenly undergo a change from their home country to a completely diverse place. Because of this, I learned two things: discipline and responsibility. Two traits that all Filipinos must have nowadays. Without these two, a country wouldn't progress to what it is today. South Korea wouldn't be the world's leading manufacturer of major companies if it wasn't for their discipline, perseverance, and nationalism (A typical example, but I'm just stating reality. I mean, can you imagine that they had a war in the 50's and recovered so soon?). Alright, the remaining two are important as well, but here I can say that Filipinos can do this and take action–if necessary and required (ah, I hope no one gets offended.). But sometimes, Filipino pride goes too far–so far that other Filipinos would blame their actions which results into a a more humiliating act.

  There is nothing wrong practicing nationalism and patriotism. I'm all for it. I do it once in a while, if I feel like it (shame on me), and I try not to overdo it. I sort of understand the Filipino society on why they will continue to patronize foreign products because of our history. But I guess, in little (and improving ways), Filipinos are beginning to appreciate what they have. However, to strive harder to achieve a  universal goal is one thing that they lack. And also, we need a major change that will improve ourselves and our society. And this large change involves the impending elections on May 10th (now you know where I'm getting at.). But don't worry, I'm not going to dictate why you should vote for my preferred candidate. Instead, I will tell you to vote for whom you like not because of their popularity, winnability, or lineage, but because of what they have done and what they can do more. A citizen has the right of suffrage so as much as you can. Go  ahead and practice it because this is not for just you, your families, nor your future generations, but for the entire country as well. 

  I learned that a person can change if he initiates the change within himself. However, in order to change oneself and others, there should be conditions and restrictions implemented so that discipline and responsibility will take effect. And who will enforce these "rules"? It can be oneself, a friend, your parents, the company president, or the leader of your county, as long as these laws are for the person's best interests at heart. 

  In a perfect world, there is no perfect leader who tells you what to do because the reality is, they also think about themselves and how they would reap from their position. There is no perfect person who can change overnight and be all saint-like. It takes practice and an effective authority to carry out these rules that would encourage an individual to succeed, which in turn, will make his dwelling place first-class. So, set aside those overactive imaginations (which should be in our dreams, actually) and pointless shows. Time to wake up and smell the garbage. 

A/N: For the record, I have never seen Agua Bendita. I just saw this ad for this show on a Filipino newspaper my mom picked up from the supermarket. The Last Prince I have, when our tv provider offered a 3-month free preview of the network a while ago. When I saw it, I thought it was so bad, that it's hilariously good to watch (just not everyday though, because I might go insane).

There you have it, my friends. One proof that I have changed after living in another country for two years. Two years. It took me two years and a blog to realize these unacceptable truths about myself as a Filipino and the people. It's quite disappointing in a way, that somehow, I've lost my faith to my fellowmen. But I'm not saying that I hate the Philippines, because I still love it, and it will probably never change. I guess the country and its people need a lot of tweaking to run again.


These are my sole opinions only and I did not intend to use AntiPinoy as my basis for this post. It just so happened that we share the same sentiments.

Let us not forget...

I almost forgot that I had these pictures. In December of last year our class had a field trip for our English class at Asper Centre, the Jewish Centre of Western Canada Inc. and met a Holocaust survivor where he talked about his experience in the camps. I regret that I didn't take his picture; it would've been nice for everyone to see.

Here are some of the pictures that I took from the museum; it's not a lot because it's not that huge really. 

Which reminds me, April 12th was the Holocaust Remembrance Day, so posting them made some sense too, for us to commemorate and remember them.