An Epiphany in Anawangin Cove, Iba, Zambales

When I went to Anawangin Cove in Iba, Zambales last weekend, I realized one thing… an epiphany I believe I should have encountered years ago.. but perhaps, it was just the right time for me to realize. Maybe I was just busy doing other things which required me to be stationary. I needed to finish my graduate studies and the ministry at church was just getting started. Now, it seems as if I entered a new season and doors are opening everywhere.

THE WAVES WERE DIVINE. The waves splashing through the mysterious brown rocks along the shore in Anawangin Cove were divine. The wind carries the waters and make them touch your skin, as if whispering something. There is something enigmatic with such a scene… That’s when it hit me. Going to different places is not just for fun. Travelling and experiencing the world in different views and angles, in the eyes of different people help discover you. It was only then I realized the purpose of roads, vehicles, boats and bridges. God created and trained mighty engineers and great inventions for people to bridge territories and see the beauty of His creation. I agree to what He said, “It is good.” I believe God wants us to open gates of this earth and capture the exquisite beauty of His creation. After all, why would God create an earth so vast and astonishing if He doesn’t want it to be to seen?

DISCOVER. Everytime we see and discover a new place, a new community, we discover people and learn life through their eyes.  As we unravel a whole new world that exists beyond the walls of our bedroom and workstation, we uncover the secret chambers of our hearts… our visions extended, our perspectives broadened.

This is the purpose why I travel.

Travelling Around Manila

I spent my childhood and teenage years in just one school. It was approximately 15mins. on foot.  Basically, I was used to travelling within short distances and that was my life for almost 11 years.  But it was a totally different story when I graduated from high school. I received a letter from a certain university in the capital and there it was, my new route was already set.. new life and new adventure.

When I created this blog, I thought  I would fill it with my up and coming trips in and out of the country. But then, another epiphany came just minutes ago. I realized why not share with you guys how I lived and tell you stories of bizarre adventures I had within the metropolis and outside Mega Manila.

I must say, the four years I spent in the university is one of the most unforgettable episodes of my life. It has all the drama and adventure. It was freedom and responsibility at the same time.

I particularly enjoy my travels to and from my university. I enjoy my ride on LRT Line 1.  Eventhough the ride is tough and crowdy, which is understatement, the best thing about it is looking through the window at sunset and see the grandeur of the Manila skyline. It is breathtaking. Seeing the orange-violet-reddish horizon is worth it. I must say I am happy to be living in this country. I appreciate the freedom, which not all countries around the world get to understand and experience. The smoke, the heat and crowd we pass by everyday are meaningful backgrounds of the city life. Every building and street has its own history to tell, and as we walk pass through the pavements and street corners, we make a mark and engrave our footprints on this very land… Manila knows we lived and cherished its streets.





Photo Source:
http://missiontrainingjourney.blogspot.com/2011/08/lrt-forever.html

Makati Skyline in the Philippines

I am a believer. Whenever people ask me if I want to go abroad to work, I would always say “Naah. I’ll stay here.”  Some pessimists wonder why not just go out of the country and earn more in greener pastures?

I just know it in my heart that no matter what we hear and see today around us, the sun will always shine in our nation and will be brighter than ever. I used to work in one of the most beautiful buildings in Makati – the RCBC Tower, and look through the clear glass windows at 4 or 5AM during my break and see the beauty and calmness of the sky above Makati. I thought, Philippines will have more of these. That was about five years ago, and I still believe it. Now, as I travel around Metro Manila, I see towering condominiums and buildings… and smell progress and development.

We can not always depend on what others say. If we know in our hearts we have the will and faith to see through everything, they may not come along and support every endeavor we have screaming within us, we just have to continue running and finish the race. I believe it is God-given. It’s called faith.
Cheers to all Filipino believers.

Thank you, Mang Dolphy

I was at work when I heard the news that Mang Dolphy passed-away. I grew up watching his old films, some were black and white movies. I remember watching and enjoying re-runs of John and Marsha on RPN 9 on weekdays after school. 

What makes him the King of Comedy in the Philippines?

I don't know much about his personal life. I haven't had the chance to see him personally. I just know him through TV commercials, Home Along the Riles, and other TV programs. But what fascinated me about Mang Dolphy is his simplicity. Whenever I watch an interview with him, he always sounded humble and down-to-earth.

Mang Dolphy is one of the few genuine actors who can make us laugh and cry at the same time. I saw some serious scenes he had and was amazed of the fact he can move you in a way and leave a twinge in your heart. That's remarkable. He knew his craft and he changed the lives of Filipinos by just making us smile.

They say doing comedy is more difficult than doing drama. I haven't tried any, but there is something special about comedy. Comedy brings joy to people and not grief. It's one selfless act of playing a role. It's noble for it eases the pain of the one searching for something that would hold and lift the weary heart, even for just one whole film.

I believe Mang Dolphy found his life's purpose in comedy. He was able the help and change the world through his gift of making people happy. Without a doubt, the sound of his name will always make us smile.

We are grateful. Thank you, Mang Dolphy.






Photo Source:
http://helloballoon.com/ 
　

I Wonder About the Kids Chasing Jeepneys in Cubao

I've been working somewhere in Quezon City for almost 4 years now and I have noticed some things don't change. There were homeless kids around. They get on the jeepneys, giving away envelops to passengers. I see them everyday, doing the same old thing, chasing jeepneys and begging for money.

I wonder about their parents and their relatives. If they are orphans, then, I wonder about the government who promised to take care of these kids. They need shelter. They need food. If we could do something more precise, specific and comprehensive. I wonder. I wonder what kind of life they have to face in five to ten years if chasing jeepneys and giving out envelops are the only skills they use to survive.

This morning, my mom was watching a documentary film about the education system in our country. We don't have enough schools, enough books, enough chairs, tables and classroom. The teachers are also looking for greener pastures in other nations. Can we blame them?

This has been a cycle. We have chosen different leaders, and have experimented on their characters, backgrounds as if doing a trial and error solution to an algebra equation.

I am not complaining. I am just wondering... Just another human being hoping that life will be better for everyone.

Max's Chicken Restaurant

My favorite family restaurant is no other than Max's Chicken Restaurant, particularly the one in SM North Edsa, Level 2, SM City North EDSA, North Avenue cor. EDSA Quezon City, Philippines.


THAT SAME CORNER in Max's Restaurant, in SM City North Edsa

Long before yesterday, I made a pact with myself that I’ll treat my family to a lunch or dinner-out once I get my salary. That deal came into being just yesterday night. It even became more special for me, for us, because we ate at the very same place and corner the last time we ate at that same restaurant just months ago. We started in a prayer thanking our Lord Jesus Christ for blessing us unconditionally. Though it is not fair, if we just think deeper into the sense that our Father in Heaven gives so much to us even if were are undeserving little creatures here on earth, He would still provide us with so much. I learned that unconditional love from my God through the parents He blessed me with, although I can really say I may not be perfectly doing it, but through God’s grace I am continuously learning.

That day and all of those more than twenty years I spent with my parents, makes me
realize that God blessed me with a great family. We are a typical Filipino Family, we may not be perfect… of course we disagree… sometimes fight and say some regretful words to each other but after that… when that storm subsides… I believe that we will be all right because I will always go home to them. Nothing can ever change that fact. I have learned through them that it is important to know one’s roots… but they also help me use my wings to fly. I belong to that genre of people who would prefer to stay home than explore the malls and bar around the greater Manila… and I am proud to be a member of "the club." I would much rather hang out with "my friends, my tropa" who stay home with me.

From time to time I wish moments would freeze so that things, situations would stay just the way they are. I maybe selfish if I say that I hope I want us to stay close together and no one ever leaves the house :) … for our family to always be complete every Sunday afternoon at the table talking about politics, religion, economy and the simplest things about the man I saw in Sta. Cruz or Justice Corona's ongoing impeachment… I want all of those things to stay and not ever be stirred… but that’s just me. I’ll leave my family to the all knowing God who gave them to me… And I will forever be grateful for every memory I have spent and will spend with them.

Through this voyage, at times when I am alone or perhaps when those moments come when I feel alone or even when I am peacefully just watching the thick velvet night sky above… I will be pondering about who I am and will remember that same precious special corner I shared and spent with my family.



MAX'S IS GREAT FOR FAMILIES

Max's Chicken Restaurant is not just a place to eat, it's one of my favorite things on earth because the place is where I have great memories with my family. I will always carry in my heart episodes of conversations and bondings with my parents and siblings, over their delicious dishes, most especially the sinigang na hipon, sizzling tofu, crispy pata and of course the timeless and ever beautiful Max's Chicken.



Related Sites:
Foodcards
http://www.inquirer.net/
My Trips and Travels