Visita Iglesia 2013

Following the Catholic Lenten tradition, we went on visita iglesia - visit seven churches or religious sites. Seven appears to have quite the significance in the Catholic faith like the seven last words of Christ, Seven first Christian holy sites in Israel, Seven ancient basilicas of  Rome,  etc.  So to seven churches we went. 

1. OUR LADY OF THE ABANDONED, Marikina

2. CHURCH OF THE GESU,  Quezon City

3. STA. MARIA DELLA STRADA, Quezon City 

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4 REAL MONASTERIO DE STA. CLARA, Quezon City





5. CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY, Marikina




6. CHRIST THE KING, Quezon City 

7. STA. LUCIA PARISH, Pasig City 

I do not know if there were more people who did it this year but what I did notice is that it was definitely harder to park. It was so hard that it brought out the worst in some people. In fact, more than once, a driver snuck behind us as we were backing into our slot.

It took something more than myself, perhaps the grace of the Almighty, to stop me from getting out of the car and have a row with those as$es. I am not saying that I am a saint, far from it.  It took nothing less than something bigger than me to keep my head cool.  

If a little thing such as parking brought the worst in ourselves during the time when we should reflect the most, then what does it say about us?

taking stock

Nine years ago, right on this very day, I graduated from university. Since then, it has been a journey to self-actualization – which, I have to admit, is still very much a work in progress. In these past years, I got my dream job, lost my mother to cancer, and I suspect, fell in love for the very first time.

Fine Arts Graduates posing with our beloved Ms. Rica. 

Hamming it up with Randy and Jenie.

Glowing with joy, we were all grateful to have graduated.

In the midst of all that, I also found myself on a literal journey to different corners of the world. Which as it turns out, what I’ve always wanted to do. Maricar, a good friend and the block’s bona fide beauty queen, remembered succinctly our conversation one cloudy afternoon.  We were sitting along Ateneo’s SEC upper walkway and throwing our wishes out into the universe. “I want to see the world,” I apparently said.

Muni-muni along SEC upper walkway. 

I honestly don’t know how it came to pass but what I am sure of is that the Almighty had a hand on it. I had this strict rule that trips – may they be local or abroad, are only funded by side jobs. Salary goes to savings and paying bills. Hence - No “Raket”, No Trips.

But I was blessed with a style editor who would dream up of articles that best be shot outside of the city, an editor-in-chief that allowed us such things and who sent me to assignments both here and abroad, and editors from other titles who would give “raket” to a very green editorial assistant.

And of course, there are my friends who also suffer from a severe case of wanderlust. They willingly endure my face and company so much so that we go on holiday together, year after year.   

By the graces of the Almighty, I have stepped on land beyond our shores and these are only but a few highlights:

1.    Looked out into the open sea from the lighthouses of Cape Bojeador and Corregidor Island

2.    Walked along the cobblestone street of Crisologo in Vigan

3.    Saw the Petronas Towers up close.

4.    Waded in the waters of Kuta Beach in Bali

5.    Watched the sunrise at the top of Bali’s Mt. Batur

6.    Explored the hilly town of Ubud on a bike

7.    Dug my toes into the powdery white sands of Boracay

8.    Went spelunking in the mountain town of Sagada

9.    Snowboarded on the slopes of Jisan Forest Resort in Seoul

10.  Climbed the Great Wall of China

11.  Went down from the Great Wall of China on a Toboggan

12.  Enjoyed a bird’s eye view of Shanghai from the top of the Pearl Tower

13.  Climbed the temples of Bagan in Burma

14.  Gone the distance in Cambodia on a tuktuk

15.  Survived the three-hour train ride on Yangon’s circle line

16.  Gone cross-country on train from Paris to Rome

17.  Swam with the whale sharks in Donsol

18.  Paid my respects to Ho Chi Minh’s remains in Hanoi

19.  Slept in a Junk in Ha Long Bay

20.  Set foot inside the Forbidden City

21.  Witnessed F1 cars flash before my very eyes in Singapore

22.  Watched the sun rise at Angkor Wat

23.  Went on the longest zipline in South East Asia in Davao del Sur

24.  Survived a scam by the women of Pat Pong, Bangkok

25.  Almost missed my flights in Kuala Lumpur and Qatar

26.  Got left behind by my plane in Melbourne

27.  Saw the blue mountains of Sydney

28.  Crossed the border to North Korea inside the DMZ

29.  Breathed in ancient history at the Colosseo in Rome

30.  Saw Magellan’s Cross up close

31.  Watched the lights show of Hong Kong Island from Tsim Sha Tshui

32.  Marvelled at the Genius of Gaudi in Barcelona

33.  Got kissed underneath a street lamp along Las Ramblas

34.  Saw Kangaroos and Koalas in the wild

35.  Slipped on ice along the streets of Itaewon and had a wound to prove it

36.  Cooled off with a Gelato in Rome

37.  Stepped inside the Sydney Opera House

38.  Cruised along the Great Ocean Road

39.  Gawked at the sheer grandness of St. Peter’s Basilica

40.  Frolicked in the Mediterranean Sea

41.  Ate a croc in Siem Reap

42.  Saw the Eiffel Tower

43.  Crossed the U Bein Bridge in Mandalay

44.  Gone island hopping in Caramoan

45.  Slept in a traditional hutong in Beijing

46.  Was shouted at “Bella! Bella!” along the streets of Rome

47.  Successfully navigated the labyrinth that is Chatuchak Market

48.  Stepped inside St. Igantius’ tower house in Loyola

49.  Broke fast at The Peninsula Hong Kong

50.  Gorged on Chicken Inasal in Manukan Country

51.  Took in the beauty of Rome from the Giardino Degli Aranci

52.  Walked through the lights and sounds show of Malinta Tunnel

53.  Caught the sunrise along Malacca Strait

54.  Strolled along Marco Polo’s West Lake

55.  Watched the sun set over a glass of halo-halo at Saud Beach

56.  Soaked up the sun at Puerta del Sol

57.  Biked through the flooded streets of Siem Reap

58.  Sat on the serpentine bench in Parc Güell

59.  Ate authentic food at every stop

60.  Met the most interesting people along the way

Whenever I planted my fourteen-year-old-self in front of the telly during nightly episodes of Inntimate Escapes on Discovery Channel, I dreamt of a very proper England, an elegant Paris, and a dramatic Italy.  My dream holidays would always vacillate between the House of Parliament, baguettes, and a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. Back then, Europe was the be all and end all of the ultimate trip.

      

I still dream of London, do not get me wrong, but my country and our Asian neighbours proved to be amazing destinations as well. We, Malays, might all look alike but we each have our very own distinct culture and history. However, more importantly, I learned that travel is equal parts self-discovery, understanding of the Other, and life-affirming adventure.  

SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY: Alternative Class at Biak na Bato, Bulacan

Commencement exercises left and right made me nostalgic. 

So I thought it was just fitting to share this image when I was a university student. This was taken at Biak na Bato, Bulacan where my friends - Cathy, Johann, Dave, and I chose to take our alternative class somewhere out of town. 

You see in my uni, we had this alternative class program each year. It's that one day in the entire school year when a student attends an unusual class - pottery making, tarot card reading, mountain climbing, etc. And lakwatsero kids that we were, we thought of going on a trip to Bulacan. 

Bulacan is just couple of hours away from the city but boy did it offer such a change in scenery. Rice fields flank the roads. People and Animals wade in clean streams.  Rocky hills offer a rather tricky trek. 

This was my first attempt at spelunking, if I may use the term quite loosely. The caves weren't as deep as the ones in Sagada. Rather, they were like cave shelters we see in Hollywood films when the characters get lost in the jungle or stranded on an island. But being that, they didn't make the trek less easy. Which begs the question, why was I wearing cargo pants when the rest of my friends were in shorts? 

Here we are wading in the stream of Biak na Bato. 

HOTEL REVIEW: Hotel Augmar, Madrid

After a week of sleeping sleeping on the floor, taking communal showers, and spending a night in the dusty expanse of cuatro vientos,  I was just too happy to check-in to a proper hotel and be human again.


LOCATION: Standing along Paseo de Reina Cristina, the hotel Augmar is in a quiet gentrified neighborhood and is within walking distance of estacion de atocha, Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte de Reina Sofia, and Parque del Retiro. (2pts)

SECURITY: The hotel may seem old-er but when it comes to security, they are in this century. They use security cards here. (2pts.)

CLEANLINESS: The room we stayed in was pretty clean. The sheets were fresh and the bath was spotless. (2 pts.)

STAFF: I didn't have much interaction with much of the hotel people but the staff at the restaurant was definitely friendly and competent. (1.5 pts.)

CHARACTER: The hotel tries to age gracefully. In the lobby, it has retained it's classic features - chandeliers, wrought-iron staircases, etc. Yet in its rooms, at least in which we stayed in, the interiors features clean contemporary lines. (1.25 pts.)

TOTAL: 8.75 pts.

Twin beds for Sr. Yna and I.

The closet reminds me of super small apartments seen in movies and makeover shows. 

I often wonder if people actually use the desk when they're on holiday.

a toilet, a bidet, and a towel heater/ dryer. 

This stool, with the logo/ coat of arms of the hotel, is my favorite thing in the whole room.

The city of Madrid from our hotel balcony.

Here's the view across our balcony.

 

The restaurant where we had supper and breakfast. 

Some major bling in the lobby. 

SNAPSHOT OF THE DAY: on location at Porto Gualberto, Batangas

One of the perks of working for a glossy is going on location for a photo shoot.

Back in 2007, a couple of us from Real Living Magazine staff drove to Porto Gualberto, Batangas for both a home and decor shoot. We got there around noon and immediately went to work.  Here's a peak on what went on behind the scenes for the decor article of the April 2007 issue.

Former Style editor Gwyn does his magic (center) while Mr. Ocs' assitant kuya Bernie holds the light and diffuser. 

HOTEL REVIEW: NH Constanza, Barcelona

Checking-in at the NH Constanza in Barcelona was a gift to myself. It was my last day in the city where I lost my heart  and so I thought it was fitting to end it sleeping on good sheets. I know that there are more posh hotels in the city but this modern sleek boutique hotel in the business district was just right.


LOCATION: Located in the L'Eixample, the hotel is a bit of walk from Barri Gotic. But if you're fond of walking or in town for business, then the distance is not going to be an issue. (1.75pts.)

SECURITY: They use security cards here. They better do. (2pts.)

CLEANLINESS: I came up to my room just as the cleaning lady was pushing her cart out of the room. And I am happy to report that she did a good job because the room was spotless. (2pts.)

STAFF: The staff, especially the receptionist, was notably so helpful and accommodating. The usual check-in time is 15:00 yet they let me in at 09:00. how (2pts.)

CHARACTER: NH Constanza is sleek, modern, and quietly elegant - something, I think, which is such a novelty in the city of Gaudi. And it seems that I am not the only one to appreciate such a thing since a couple of months after I stayed at the hotel, I saw it in a design book featuring noted Spanish designs. (2pts)

Total: 9.75 pts.

NH Constanza can be characterized as one huge box. 

The interiors echoes the clean lines of the building. 

This staircase dominates the intimate lobby and thus appears to be larger than life.

The mostly glass facade gives the lobby an bright airy atmosphere.  

Designed a big black block, one can hardly miss the front desk. 

The hallways are done in a sleek monochromatic look. 

Here's a look of the room where I stayed at. The muted tones, sleek lines, and mix of textures make for an understated sexiness. 

 To book a room, go to: www.nh-hoteles.es

*Images from the Internet

Nyepi Day in Bali

Today, the island of Bali in Indonesia celebrates Nyepi - the traditional new year in the Saka Hindu calendar. It is the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox. In contrast to how animated we welcome the new year, the entire island instead shuts down. The Balinese believe that on this day,  everything - the world, is clean and starts anew. Man exhibit self-control and control over the forces of the world. Thus Nyepi is considered to be a day of silence so no one can go out to the streets. No one can make any noise. No one can use a fire.

When we visited Bali several years ago, we had the most fortunate luck to be there during Nyepi. We were completely ignorant of the festival when we booked our tickets and so consequently lost an entire day during our stay. So the day before Nyepi, Tawur Kesanga, we started in the wee hours of the morning to catch the sunrise on top of Mt. Batur. After lunch, we hightailed to Mt. Bratan and got to see the lake that is now the image of Balu. Along the way, we saw what we dubbed as Bozanian Beast Fighters since it reminded us of the creatures on anime Voltez V.

The site www.indo.com explains the presence of these creatures more adequately.
"Exactly one day before Nyepi, all villages in Bali hold a large exorcism ceremony at the main village cross road, the meeting place of demons. They usually make Ogoh-ogoh (the fantastic monsters or evil spirits or the Butha Kala made of bamboo) for carnival purposes...." 

On Nyepi day, we were forced to stay in our hotel and swim in the pool instead of the beach. We were fed sandwiches the entire day since they can't turn on the stove and prepare us a proper meal.  That night, we had to get to our rooms and turn off the lights as early as possible. Watching television was frowned upon and when they caught us doing such a thing,  they directed their flashlights at our windows and shouted at us in Balinese. We had no choice but to turn off the telly.

I am still on the fence if one should experience Nyepi. If perhaps you are on holiday for more than a few days, then perhaps you should. But if you can't afford to stay long, then I'd advice you to skip it.

Sunrise from the top of Mt. Batur

Rice fields are everywhere in Bali.

Here's a traditional Balinese compound seen from the road. 

Mt. Bratan is the picture perfect Balinese postcard. 

Kids carry these ogoh-ogoh around main roads. 

They look like creatures from a different realm. 

One of the pools of Masa Inn where most of the guests spent Nyepi day. 

Snapshot of the Day: Camp John Hay Circa 1984

Because summer is just around the corner, I've been looking for the best spot to soak up the rays and waste away the day people watching. But rather than move towards the very near future, I took a few steps back and turned towards memory lane. I found myself flipping through my mother's albums and found this:

Camp John Hay: People Serving People for 80 years, including small people like us! 

Each year as far back as I can remember, my family and our friends would be spending a few much anticipated summer days in the mountains, the sea, or at a private resort in Pansol, Laguna.  No matter where we may be,  there would be much eating, laughing, and sightseeing. They would be the best of days and would pacify me throughout the school year.

This picture, as you can tell, was taken at Camp John Hay in 1984. If my memory serves me right, there were Americans still on the camp, and the city of Baguio was still a city of pines and still smelled of pines.

One thing about this picture puzzles me though. Why was I wearing a "sando" when everyone else was all bundled up?

HOTEL REVIEW: Tryp Barcelona Aeropuerto

After traveling for eight hours on a bus from Madrid, we were just all too happy to arrive at our hotel - Tryp Barcelona Aeropuerto. Check-in was quick and stress-free. Stretching on the bed was such a treat. Though the supper at the hotel's restaurant was just okay - a pasta dish that didn't warrant a bookmark in the pages of my mind.

But this hotel had some redeeming qualities. Read on to find out what they are for me.

LOCATION: This branch of Tryp is located closer to the airport rather than it is to the city. A cab from the hotel to Placa Catalunya can run you up to 20 euros. So if you’re flying out the next day, this hotel is a good choice. But if you’re bent on experiencing the heady coolness of Barcelona, you’re better off checking-in at a hotel downtown. (0.5pt)

SECURITY:  Rooms use keycards, like any international hotel chain. (2pts.)

CLEANLINESS:  The room was spotless and the sheets were fresh. The shower was also clean and dry. Though, there were a few things left wanting. The shower curtain rod was easily dislodged and I couldn’t put it up again. Then, the shampoo and shower gel dispenser weren’t replenished, so we ran out during our stay. (1pt.)

STAFF: The people at the front desk were the epitome of friendliness and competency. Great! On the other hand, the wait staff at the dining room needs lessons on anger/ stress management. On our first night during supper, the stress in the room was palpable that the crew somehow took it on us.  They were curt when serving us dinner. One of the waiters snapped at me when I commented on my dinner. (1pt.)

CHARACTER: It’s a modern contemporary hotel that features clean lines that’s characteristic of most hotel chains. (1.75 pts.) 

TOTAL: 6.25 pts

Is Tryp Barcelona Aeropuerto a four star hotel or are those just decoration? 

Hallways look down to the bright lobby below. 

Two beds become one. 

Perhaps they might want to change this oldie to a flat screen TV? 

The desk also serves as a dresser. 

The shower features the basic necessities.