Dumaguete 2018

Up to now, me and Joel are still reminiscing about our Dumaguete trip last 2018. We really loved the city vibe there. We planned to stay for only 2 nights but extended to 1 more night.

Dumaguete, nicknamed as the city of gentle people, is the capital of the province of Negros Oriental. It is also referred to as the university city because of the presence of 4 universities and small colleges where students from around the country converge to enroll in tertiary education.

Dumaguete is where I lived for 4 years of my college life. When I look back to those years, its a bit of a blur but I can remember the feeling of having a second home in Dumaguete. I can say I never fully enjoyed the place as I was focused on getting through college and passing the board exam. However, Dumaguete will always be close to my heart.

Some things we did during our short stay.

1. Walk along the Boulevard

 It has always been my dream to stay at Bethel Guest House which is situated near the boulevard and fortunately for us, there was vacancy when we walked in. This gave us a good view of the boulevard in the morning and during the night when the light posts are turned on.

On our first day, I insisted we go out early to walk along the boulevard. Fresh breeze made the walk enjoyable as the rays of the sun started to shine. There was a coconut vendor selling coconuts for 20 PHP (0.38 USD). It was refreshing while seeing all the sights of the early morning.

During the night, the boulevard is the host of programs. We were able to witness the opening night of #Dumagetme - I believe it was a tourism program of the city. Tempura stalls would line up as well adding to the already wide range of food options from the restaurants.

2. Visit Silliman University

My Alma Mater. I don't get tired of visiting and making sure I step foot inside the university that helped shaped what I am today. I am always excited to see what the progress have been made on the grounds/ buildings and to visit my old dormitory. Walking through the halls of Silliman made me remember how I walk to the library almost every night, our gym class on the sprawling grounds, how the guards would always check for identification before letting someone in, and especially the cheese bread from the cafeteria.

3. Eat! Eat! Eat!

The city has stood up to the demand of the growing crowd and it does not disappoint when dealing about food. A lot of restaurants have appeared along with the old favorites like Silvanas, Chin Loong and the likes. We particularly liked Food Net not only because it was affordable but also because it is tasty with good serving size. I gobbled up the food right away, therefore I do not have photos LOL.

4. Lake Balinsasayao

The lake that is on top of a mountain. Hard to get to but pleasing when you get there. You can read all about it here.

5. Tierra Alta

A new resort located on the slopes of Palinpinon, Valencia. It has been a venue for weddings of my friends and I didn't expect that my old friend, Rainer, would take us here for sight seeing. We saw an amazing 360 degree view of the mountains and it also has a restaurant serving delicious food.

There are lots and lots of things to do in Dumaguete which we did not have time to do. Maybe if we visit again soon. For now, I am happy to see people and friends post about being in Dumaguete. It makes me smile knowing that they are having fun at the place where I had an awesome time, too.

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

Half day Trip to Lake Balinsasayao

I've always wanted to visit and see what the famous twin lake of Balinsasayao looks like. I wondered why I did not know about it during the 4 years of my college in Silliman University, Dumaguete City. Nevertheless, eversince I knew about it, I placed it on my bucket list of travel.

From Dumaguete City, me and Joel (my boyfriend) rode a jeep to Amlan. The jeep waits for people before it eventually starts the journey. It is important to tell the driver that you'd like to be dropped off at the junction of La-laan because you'd like to go to the Twin Lakes. The fare per person is 15 PHP (0.29 USD)  and the trip took about 20 minutes 

At the junction, we were immediately swarmed by (habal-habal) motorcycle drivers. As the road was steep and uphill, the driver said it is best to only have one passenger per vehicle. We had to pay a total of 800 PHP (15.36 USD) for the 2 motorcycle drivers. 

The road was mostly cemented but still it was uphill and winding and steep. I observed that there were a lot of dogs sleeping in the middle of the street. They would immediately scamper off when they hear that the vehicles are near. During the trip, I can't help but be amazed with the view of the town below and the many trees surrounding me. The entire ride took about 15-20 minutes until we reached the Visitor Center wherein we had to pay for the parking fee and entrance fees.

Tip: If you have a Government Identification card that details your address, you can get a discount from the Local Resident fee.

Joel is a foreigner so we had to pay 100 PHP (1.92 USD) for his entrance. But looking at the receipt now, I (as a local/ Filipino resident) am paying 90 PHP (1.73 USD) which is not far from his fee. LOL!

The staff of the Visitor Center also controls how many vehicles can go up or down at the same time.  This is good for the safety of the visitors. Joel had to go up first. 

While I was waiting for him, I had the time to look around the visitor center. 

It was then my turn to go up. When I arrived, Joel and I were then guided by the driver to the short down hill trek towards the lake. It was a bit dangerous because of the slippery road but at least there was a hand rail. 

The lake looked so serene and there were a few people ahead of us in there. It looked deep and huge at the same time. However there is not much to do other than stare at the vastness of the lake. There is, however, a row boat that one can hire for 350 pesos an hour to take people to see the other lake named Danao. There is also a trail hike which we did not go to because of the slippery path.

As part of the deal with the motorcycle drivers, they dropped us off at Dumaguete City. Now I can say that I have seen the lake with my own eyes and is now ticked off my bucket list.

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

Duterte vs Catholic Priests in the Philippines

image taken from 4.bp.blogspot.com

I truly agree that President Duterte is committed to the country and he shows this with his war on drugs. Citizens, including me, did not know the severity of this problem until he sat in the office and started reading out his list of narco-politicians. If not with him, the Filipino people would never have known that illegal drugs can freely be taken into prisons and even worse are being cooked and distributed inside. The drug lords who are supposed to be suffering for their sins inside the prisons used these places to hide what their doing, one even had the audacity to have a concert held in a hotel while being an inmate. What other country can have this? OMG Only in the Philippines!

What I truly cannot fathom is the seemingly uncooperation of the Catholic Church. I do agree that killing people is not a sin but not when these drug addicts are also killing innocent people and worse bring people to addiction as well. Instead of helping out our Dear President or even suggesting ways in order to eliminate drugs in the county, I think they are making it worse. These drug problem has been tolerated for too long and previous administrations were not strong enough to stand up and stop it from proliferating further. The President even said to his detractors in jest that if they think that giving these drug addicts a chance to change then they must be the first to do "Adopt an Addict" program. Yes, people can change and I truly believe people can. But how can they change if there is no iron fist that should and could push them to do so? If we always tolerate them and not punishing them, how can they learn their lesson?

This brings me to a realization that tough love is important, to family, friends or even country men. I remember when I was a child, my father even let me kneel down on beans which hurt my knees a lot. For me it was not child abuse but a way of my parent to instill to me that what I did is wrong and doing the same action can give me the same or worst punishment. But persons who are drug addicts or pushers are not simply frightened by simply kneeling down, heck even putting them in prison is not scary for them as they can still continue their business.

President Duterte hits back at these priests whom he says does not seem to grasp the gravity of the drug problem. He further slammed them about their hypocrisy and said that he knows a priest who even has 2 wives. The priest bites and says if the President can prove this correct then he will give him 10 Million Pesos (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net). Father, I did not know that you were rich to amass this money? Amazing. If you had this amount, would it be best to help build rehabilitation centers and participate in programs to help these addicts if you are really afraid that they will die?

Now, stories of Catholic Priests who sired children, squandered offering money, having sexual relationships with parishioners, and more are surfacing the internet. Of course, these are not all of the Priests and I believe there are good ones. But this points out that they are not perfect and as human beings it would have been better for them to help the government rather than oppose it. Because, helping the leaders would mean a better and safer community to all and not a divided one because of selfish interests.

Mybus Experience in Cebu

Being in Thailand for quite a few years, I've known that most of the provinces have airport buses that take people from parts of the town/city to the airport and vice versa. This made travelling to and from the airport easy, convenient and cheap. I'm happy to know that Cebu, Philippines has its own bus like this and it's called Mybus.

image taken from amigongbisaya.blogspot.com

My sister has been raving about how she liked riding this bus as it saves her time, effort and money to drive to the airport. I had the chance to ride the Mybus when I went to Cebu last December 2016. Just a few meters walk from the airport arrival hall and there is a mybus sign. She already had a mybus card that she bought from SM City and so she just told the girl at the counter that there will be 2 passengers to pay for on the card. 

The seats were comfortable and the bus was clean. There were spaces for luggage to be stored and handles in case all seats are taken. Mybus departed the airport right on schedule.

I'm so proud of Cebu's initiative for this kind of bus. I think there will be less traffic in the airport now that this bus can serve the general public.

image taken from sunstar/ cebuchinese.com

I found this very helpful infographic. I hope this helps :)

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog! :)

My Short Cebu Visit

Facebook has led me to be curious about a new attraction in Cebu, specifically located in the highlands of Busay. A lot of people took the time to be there to take photos with some colorful Celosia flowers. I want to see it for myself too so my sister took me there last 27 December during my short visit to Cebu.

First, we traversed through the moderate traffic and steep mountain road to Busay. There are many other flower farms but we sought to find the original Sirao Garden.

Entrance fee was 50 pesos. It must have been only a few days after they have harvested the flowers as the new ones were still short. My sister who has been there before said that when they came around November 2016, the flowers were as tall as people.

The people maintaining the garden has accessorized the place with bikes

benches, and a cute pathway

perfect for added attraction as people nowadays (like me) love to take nice photos.

There was not much flowers but I'm still happy to have seen the place with my own eyes. There were less people and no queues which  made the visit short.

Lining up outside the gardens are stores that sell boiled corn, fried bananas, coconut juice and other kinds of snacks. Hungry visitors can just take their pick. I've missed fried bananas so much!

Our next stop was Temple of Leah. This was constructed by Teodorico Adarna as a symbol of his great love for his late wife - Leah Adarna.  There was a short walk from the entrance to the temple itself but while you are going towards it, you walk in an increasing elevation leading to this enormous edifice. Entrance fee, by the way, is 50 pesos per person.

A lovely fountain in the middle of the enormous court.

Lovely statues and the city lights in the far distance.

Most of the people I knew came in during daylight. But during the evening, a lot of people are still coming in to visit the place. The bright lights of the big city below is mesmerizing.

I know visit during the morning or afternoon would be wonderful for photos as there is natural light but from where I stand, I can still clearly see its beauty. It's like I am not in the Philippines but somewhere in a Greek island. The temple is likened to Taj Mahal because of the story of why it is built.

The insides of this majestic place. I remembered my cousin had their pre-nuptial photos taken here as well as a lot of other couples. In the middle of 2 staircases was an inscription and an effigy of the woman who was loved by her dear husband and inspired for all this to be built.

We stayed for a bit to read the inscriptions as the rooms where the collections of the wife were now closed.

The place is yet to be finished but it already boasts of being grand. Again, maybe I will visit soon during day time and take more photos.

Thank you for reading and 'til next time!

Coming back after my Philippine Holiday

After 2 years of working hard and travelling to a few places, I was finally able to come home to the Philippines to celebrate Christmas and New Year. I was nervous to come home because I have a very limited budget and I would have wanted to give small tokens to my relatives and close friends or maybe treat them with some nice food. With the Grace of God, I was able to come home safely, enjoy my time and share a little bit of my blessings with them. I have not had the time to see everyone because of my tight schedule, I wish to apologize and hope that I'd be able to see them next time. 

Christmas in the Philippines is so warm and different. Even more so with family and friends by my side. I would have wanted to blog about things done by Pinoys during Christmas but it may be too late already. 

I can't wait to share about the new things that I found lovely in the Philippines as well as that of the few nice places I've been to during my visit. This was taken in Sirao Flower Garden in Busay, Cebu City.

And of course, I cannot forget and it is important to our lives, the food! Everything tasted good and I missed them all. I did have a checklist of what food I have to eat when I'm home and I think I have ticked them all!

It was fun and memorable as I made a life changing decision while at home. I hope and pray that 2017 would be as great as 2016 for me and my family. Can't wait to write again and hopefully entertain you all!

Thank you for reading and 'til my next blog!

Hello 2017!

Happy New Year, everyone!

I haven't had much time to update my blog lately as I went home to the Philippines for the holidays. Here's my family in front of our Media Noche. In the middle of the table is what we fondly call lechon (roasted pig). This is usually the star of any occasion. The pig's skin is so crispy and I particularly like eating the meat near the ribs as it is the tastiest part. 

Mum doing the ceremonial stabbing of the pig haha! It was fun to observe some beliefs during the new year like wearing something with polka dots, making noise with coins in the pockets and having different kinds of fruits on the table to hope for a fruitful year ahead. Though I did not jump anymore to be taller (because I have accepted my height lol). 

With the new year, I also had to change my planner/ diary. I've been keeping one since high school but I cannot find them anymore. Here were my planners for the last 3 years and the gold one is for my 2017. Thanks to my sister who bought me one! :)

Before 2016 ended, I revisited my travel goals and found out I achieved fairly well. 

I have to make one for 2017 soon and hope that I can travel as much as I did last 2016 and 2015.

Thank you, Lord for giving us all another year to live the gift of life. I sincerely hope the new year would be prosperous to one and all.

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

My thoughts on the SC Ruling of Marcos' Burial

image taken from kami.com.ph

8 November 2016 -- Today, the Supreme Court of the Philippines with a 9-5 vote and one inhibition, has decided to have the body of former President Ferdinand Marcos to be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery of Heroes). 

Finally 27 years after his death and after 2 Aquino Presidents in the country, this happened.

I am not a Pro nor an Anti Marcos and I truly can feel for those who suffered during his governance. I understand that Martial Law victims and family of victims have been deeply scarred and traumatized with the inhumane deeds that were done to them. There were a lot of horrid stories that I've read and saw on the movies as well. It is easy for me to say but I think it is high time to move on from that. 

The Supreme Court as the highest court of the land must have well studied the case according to the rule of law and the constitution. Since Marcos' death, there were a lot of chances for the previous administrations to have avoided this chaos if they did go over the conditions and who can and should be buried in that cemetery. Instead they must've been making sure that influence and possibly wealth to circulate among them.

The SC just upholded what was in the constitution, specifically Republic Act 289 of which is an Act providing for the construction of a national pantheon for Presidents of the Philippines, National Heroes and Patriots of the country. 

I understand the outcry of some people but we have a law and it must be followed. If only it was revised and studied very well to be more precise by the people whom we trusted or elected then, more or less we could have been satisfied with the outcome of this case.

In the end, it's only a decomposing body that will be buried. EDSA and People Power will always be in our hearts, minds and history books.There is no use crying over spilled milk now because of this ruling. This issue has long divided the nation, as what President Duterte said. Burying him there or wherever will never change the more important issues we have now such as the proliferation of drugs. It is high time to focus on the important and pressing matters which will affect our future and not the past which, I'm sure, we've already learned from. 

Towards A Drug-Free Philippines

It's really interesting to follow the Philippines' local news nowadays. I really did not know that the drug trade is already a big and serious problem until now. I understand there were a few pushers and addicts that the police caught before but did not realize that high ranking officials like Generals and Mayors are allegedly behind  its evil proliferation in the country.

image taken from conceptnewscentral.com

Now that the fierce President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is in office, some (if not most) drug addicts are surrendering to the authorities. This is because they fear of their lives and because they know that sooner or later, their secrets would be out in the open. It was reported that around 4,000 drug users, runners and pushers surrendered in Davao Del Norte last week. I'm happy that they heeded to the warning that our dear President has given. Almost every day, the news is all about a lot of drugs being caught by the police or drug related deaths. 

 image taken from dailystormer.com

According to ABS CBN News Research, there has been 339 deaths related to drugs since 10 May 2016. The Commission of Human Rights is alarmed of this number. I honestly think this department does not do their job well and should get their act together. They fight more towards the human rights of the criminals instead of focusing on the victims. The real victims are the youth who have been badly influenced and the people who were murdered by drug addicts. I believe those pushers and drug addicts and maybe even criminals gave up their human rights when they did their crimes. I understand that the death rates are alarming and people in position are afraid for the safety of the people. However, on the other hand, what if these killings are also done by their fellow drug pushers to silence and cover up their deeds. With their comrades out of the way, who can pinpoint them as guilty? Who can testify that they are very much active with the trade? 

The President also bared the names of retired and active police generals who he said were involved in illegal drugs. Of course and as expected, no general owned up to it. Just like a famous Filipino saying, no thief will admit to stealing. Senator De Lima, who was then Secretary of Justice, challenged the President to bare out the big fishes names. Well, this is just the start. I've read the President will gradually inform the people of the names of the officials that protected and are involved with this serious drug problem.

President Duterte has only been in the office for almost 2 weeks and it seems that he has already done a lot. I am amazed on how these came to be especially that the previous President allegedly has a copy of the list of persons involved. I'm praying for the safety of President Duterte as he has opened this Pandora's box. I think there is still a long way to go before this problem is cleared out as I've read in the news that Chinese and also Mexican drug dealers have been operating in the country already. 

I'm praying this will pave the way for a Drug-Free Philippines and a brighter future for the Filipino youth and the whole nation. I hope we can all be  #partnerforchange.

image taken from www.imgrum.net