Emmanuel ‘Manny the PACMAN’ Pacquiao has been the the 'real-life' hero in the Philippines and in the professional boxing nowadays. His stardom was donned by the seven (7) world titles in seven (7) different weight categories or divisions. Most importantly, ‘The PACMAN’ has been the reason why the city of General Santos in Mindanao, Philippines has resurfaced in the limelight.
I love tuna! I remember when my siblings and I were just a bunch of kids concern only with their toys, my mom usually described foods or meals she had to serve in order for us to eat them. When she cooked a certain kind of dish (it was tuna), I remembered her getting a piece of our toy fish and giving us some description of our dish. It was effective, and since then I love eating tuna.
I then realized that my mom’s description was a bit 'short' when I started my formal schooling. Based on the pictures and images I saw in my books, tunas are caught and were carried by fishermen over their shoulders. That means they were usually colossal in terms of size! I immediately confronted my mom about it, and she just laughed. Actually we both had a good laugh.
We had a sort of team building planned by one of our superior at the office. I remembered him saying that it would be held somewhere in Mindanao. We were all excited and since Manny Pacquiao had been hitting the headlines, I thought his hometown: General Santos City. The day before our flight to Mindanao, my superior gave us a sort of documentation regarding his plans for the team building and lo and behold, we were on our way to General Santos City. When we arrived at the place; we were surprised to see and encounter our ‘big bosses’ offshore and gave us warm welcome. These guys were the ones we usually encounter through video phone or live chatting for meeting. It was good to know they were very accommodating. One of them actually admitted that he funded the team building at GenSan (another moniker of the city) because of the number one (1) pound-for-pound boxer in the world today: Manny Pacquiao. He advised us to enjoy and relax for us to be prepared of his culminating activity for the team building.
After a hefty lunch, we went to the Kalaja Eco-Tourism Destination. Kalaja Karsts Land was one of the best sights I was able to see in my entire life. Karsts are terrain formation molded by the dissolution of layers of soluble rock layer. It was called as 'Kalaha' after the name given by the natives because it resembles a cooking ware, particularly of a frying pot. The place was very relaxing because of scenery.
We continued our tour at GenSan and before we arrived in a fish port, one of the big bosses stood up and shouted, 'are you ready for the challenge?' Clueless of what we were about to do, in unison, we just replied 'Yes!' and the boss quipped 'you better be ready guys!' and laughed, since he was the boss we laughed with him as well.
When we entered the post vicinity, we were pleased to see a banner welcoming us. What made us wonder was the settings of the place seemed to suggest a sort of an activity. The host greeted us and gave us instructions of what would be happening after we change clothes and put on some gears. We were geared up for a game involving tunas, not just tunas, they were big tunas! We have had a relay game of transferring of tuna from one station to another. Tunas’ weight was no joke considering the fact that we had to carry them from one point to another. It was a fun-filled and very memorable experience for us. To be exact, it was a humbling experience. As for me, it made me more respectful of the fishermen who would do the activity over and over again to earn for a living. It made me realized as well the value of my present job.
General Santo City or GenSan had been blessed with tons and tons of tuna production the whole year long. This industry made them competitive in terms of economic growth amongst progressive cities in the Philippines. As a sort of thanksgiving, the locals celebrate the 'Kalilangan Festival' to showcase their talents and efforts as a sense of gratitude for an abundant harvest. For me, GenSan is one of the most memorable places in terms of natural resources.
If a tourist, by chance would be wandering around and see the beauty of the Philippines, he or she should see and experience the wonders of Butuan City. It has been asserted that, 'in the beginning, there was no Philippines but there was Butuan', and this assertion makes this place a symbol of civilization for the Philippines. The real question is: 'what can I expect in Butuan City?'
A tourist or visitor should never miss these places if he or she would have a chance staying in Butuan City. The following places are landmarks that define the identity of this wonderful city.
Ever seen a majestic view? Then this place would be the best offering Butuan would give. Located at the southwest part of Agusan Valley, a haven of grandiose mountain plateau awaits visiting tourists. This mountain highland rises 2,214 feet above sea level and its name was derived for ancient Madjapahit Empire. Butuan’s archaeological unearthing and prehistoric discoveries were tied up significantly to Sri-Vishaya era.
This museum serves as Butuan’s bulwark of rich cultural heritage and prehistoric existence or survival. There are two (2) galleries of exhibit one is the Archeological Hall which caters varieties of burial coffins, goldsmith, potteries, wood, metal and stone crafts and the exhibits also includes archaeological diggings. The Ethnological Hall (the other exhibit) showcases current cultural materials the locals of Butuan or Butuanon or every 'Pinoy' (Filipino) used for a living.
The Balangay Shrine Museum is situated at Balanghay, Libertad, Butuan City. This graveyard of Balangay One (1) was dated 320 A.D. or has already been 1688 years old. This 'balangay' is a built of wooden plank and edge-pegged vessels that have an average measurement of three (3) meters in width and fifteen (15) meters in height. As of now, there are already nine (9) balangays discoverded in Ambangan, Libertad spots. In Situ, however, there were three balangays (3) that have been excavated.
Agusan River is considered the longest, the deepest and the widest traversable river in Mindanao. The people, arts, culture and history of Butuan could be realized or seen if a tourist journey along the river barangays. They usually held their fluvial parade to honor and pay tribute to the Patroness of the river Señora Santa Ana. This has been the Abayan Festival a whole day celebration of fluvial convoy and baroto races at the Agusan River
Butuan City could be considered as the 'Cradle of Civilization' in the Philippines. The influence of the 'Balangays' are still prevalent even in this contemporary times. Municipalities are usually divided into units considered as ‘Barangays’ and the etymology of this word could be traced to those ancient vessels: 'the Balangays' meaning 'the sailboats'.
'Let us be ready for Kankabatok!' What? Then my cousin repeated it, 'yup, let us explore Kankabatok! As soon I started my assignment there.' These were my cousin's statements before we went to 'Kankabatok'. Nonetheless, I was asking myself then, 'where or what is Kankabatok?' In the last two (2) decades of my life I had not heard that word even once and that was the first time I encountered it. After some research back then, before we went to the place, all the while, I had already encountered 'it' numerous times. It was the City of Tacloban that my cousin was referring to.
'Kankabatok' was the first known name of Tacloban. It was a citation from the first settlers of the place-the 'Kabatok'. The place was once a preferred site for fishing and the natives used a certain piece of equipment made of bamboo called 'Taklub' to catch fish, shrimps and crabs. Thus the word 'Tarakluban' was born, a place where fishermen use 'taklub' as their tool. In time, the word 'Tacloban' took distinction. 'Waray' is the common dialect of this place and it has been officially considered or called as 'Lineyte-Samarnon'. Some noted landmarks of Tacloban City are San Juanico Bridge, Tacloban City Convention Center, Sto. Niño Church of Tacloban, Palo Cathedral, Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, 'Crucified Christ' and Madonna of Japan. Christian or Catholic religious influences left significant dent throughout the history of Tacloban City obviously through some of these landmarks.
The logo of Tacloban City has been the summary or more so, a footnote of the city’s significant history and distinct heritage. The ship or the galleon signifies the discovery of the island of Limasawa by the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan. Limasawa had been referred to as the place in the Philippines where the first celebration of the Holy Eucharist happened. The right side or part of the logo connotes the Leyte side, where Tacloban City is situated. The San Juanico Strait and its scenic beauty had been visualized in the middle or center of the logo. The province of Samar, which is the main provider of marine and agricultural products or commodities to the city, is illustrated at the left portion of the logo. For this reason, Samar greatly contributes the stabilization of trade and business.
As soon as we arrived at Tacloban City, I was able to feel a sense of being 'at home' for some unknown reasons. All of a sudden, I just said 'Kamusta Kankabatok?', (an inflexion of 'how are you doing Kankabatok?', then I observed some faces staring at me with a soft grin on their faces. My cousin and I had to laugh it off. I had indeed a time in my life in my short stay in Tacloban City. My short visit to Tacloban City had been indeed very memorable. Well, as for my cousin, his three(3)-month short assignment had already become a three-year stay and counting because he had found his 'significant' other during his stay and they had decided to tie the knot for good. Right now, I am really looking forward seeing my 'mga inaanak' (godchildren) at Tacloban City.
I was once browsing over some recent pictures of our trip to Dipolog City when my 'Tita' (aunt) asked me how to get to Dipolog City so that she could also enjoy the lovely places and landmarks Diplolog City has to offer. As a gesture of respect, it seemed that I just acted as a travel agent who helped and assisted me getting informed before I experienced
From the port of Pulauan in the city of Dapitan, Dipolog City is very reachable. The distance between the Paulauan Port to Dipolog City is more or less twelve (12) kilometers. There are daily trips (ferry trips) that cater tourists from the cities of Cebu and Dumaguete. A weekly trip is available for tourists and visitors alike that would come from the busy Metro Manila going to Dipolog City. The creation of a ‘RoRo’ facility (Roll-on, Roll-off) located at Barangay Galas would allow for the ultimate relocation of the service to Dipolog while maintaining inter-island functions at Pulauan, that is right now a base pier.
I really enjoyed sea travel but my aunt was a bit ‘freaky’ about it and I was aware of it. My aunt and dad had their worst accident in the sea when they were still young. My dad, to overcome his fear, he chose and entered into sea farer’s career. My poor aunt never got over with it to the point that she almost even compromised her wedding because she kept it a secret to her ex-boyfriend (now her husband) when the proposal happened near the beach shore. It was definitely crazy but it was true. Nonetheless, my aunt was used to long hours of driving and she really enjoyed land travel. That was her major strength and unfortunately, that was my waterloo on my part. Dipolog City, from any point in the Philippines, can easily be reached through the Strong Republic Nautical Highway or RoRo system. Provincial buses around the Philippines are very comfortable and they are air conditioned. However, not for long, my aunt remembered sea travel again and she needed another option.
Since the idea of sea travel made my aunt 'seasick', I suggested another way of getting to the 'Orchid City of the Philippines'. I told her that flights from Metro Manila to Dipolog City were available thrice (3x) a week. From Manila, the plane would land at Dipolog City Airport. With that note, my aunt smiled advised me within a day or two, I should be ready because she needed a tour guide for her to enjoy the wonders of Dipolog City. I knew then that Lady Luck smiled at me.
The beauty of the Orchid City of the Philippines is definitely accessible for tourists and visitors alike. Whether it would be through sea travel, land access or air voyage, transport services could provide safe and world-class quality.
I had been assigned to a lot of places around the Philippines (mostly around Luzon) and my almost two (2) year assignment in Zamboanga City, had been one of the challenging (at first-since I had set some unlikely expectations-which is my bad) and at the same time most memorable.
The officer-in-charge at the Zamboanga site had to be replaced due to some work related conflicts. I was the lucky one ('unlucky' at first as I had said) to be deployed and be assigned for the next eighteen months. Personally, I did not find any conflict since I do not have had my own family to leave behind. The only family that worried the most was my mom (as always). I pretended that I was okay to ease the tension my mom was dealing with. Nonetheless, I was in a way worried since I was hearing and seeing a lot of not-so good news through media then.
I started my search some historical background of Zamboanga City to make me relaxed in a way. I was confused of what I was reading when it was described as the City of Flowers, 'El Orgullo de Mindanao' (The Pride of Mindanao) and 'Zamboanga Hermosa' (Beautiful Zamboanga). At the back of my head I said then, 'this is interesting!' Zamboanga had been regarded at tourism as the Asia's Latin City.
At the moment I arrived at Zamboanga, I felt a spine-tingling sensation and I know everything was going to be fine. In Zamboanga, for the next couple of months, saw and witnessed how dissimilar cultures of Muslims and Christians jived to come up with colorful festivities and holidays. The 'Dia de Zamboanga' had been a commemoration of the place when it was declared a chartered city during the Commonwealth Government times. It was usually in February that it was commemorated. Usual Christian or Catholic Holy Days like Christmas, Fiesta de Barangay or Fonda de Barangay (feasts in honor of their patron saints), Fiesta se La Immaculada Conception (feast of the Immaculate Conception), Fiesta Pilar or Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the Santacruzan, the colorful Flores de Mayo and of course, the Holy Week are faithfully observed by Christians, Catholics and devotees alike in a very creative manner. For the first time in my life as well, I experienced some noted Muslim Holy Days such as the Festival of Sacrifice (Eis al-Adha) or 'Greater Eid'-which observed the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God and this had been commemorated worldwide as well. Another Muslim commemoration was the Eid al-Fitr or Hari Ray Puasa which marked the end of fasting period and the Isra Wal Miraj; an event observing the nocturnal journey and ascension of Muhammad.
These festivities or commemorations had really changed my attitude regarding my impression of Mindanao, specifically of Zamboanga City. It had been a home for me for almost two (2) years and the place had welcomed me as one of their natives. I realized after my assignment the first (1st) impressions of the foreign navigators who discovered the place, how they were mesmerized and fascinated by the beauty of now the City of Flowers in the Philippines.
More than 7000 fertile islands composed the country of the Philippines and the island of Samar is the third (3rd) biggest or largest one which is connected to Leyte which is an island on the southwestern part and flanking on the Pacific Ocean at the eastern part. The island of Samar has been defined by remarkable Natural Park, hot springs and stunning beaches. The Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in Samar is located at the southern part of the island was established to conserve and protect thriving rainforest and mystifying caves. Another noted natural beauty of this island is the Blanca Aurora Waterfalls. It is a must for tourists or visitors to see and experience this natural landmark of Samar.
The beauty of Samar is still hidden in Catarman. Tourist spots in this location have yet to be discovered. For those who have had discover its wonder, the local government provided some tourist amenity and basic services. To accommodate tourists, pension houses are common in the place. Though the place is categorically rural, but its market and shopping center are significantly okay.
Catarman had been my place of refuge when I was in college. Especially during those times I was really burned out by thesis making. My thesis moderator encouraged me to submit every week at least, two (2) pages of my work for me to finish my thesis earlier than the usual so that I could relax. Honestly, it was really a good discipline; nonetheless, I had to admit it was very tough. I had to make ends meet during that two (2) month journey to Calvary as I tried giving him report every week. However, it was worth it, I finished my thesis before the first (1st) semester ended and it was such an achievement for me but my energy had been totally drained. My moderator asked me if I were okay and I frankly said I was not. I told him with due respect that it had taken the best of me I really needed a break. He just laughed and said that my efforts had been paid off because he would be giving us a total relaxation. He told me to be ready in two (2) days because we were set to Catarman-his hometown. I felt a rush of cold water showered upon me giving and ecstatic feeling! For the next few days my classmates and I enjoyed a wonderful distressing vacation in Catarman.
The Catarman getaway was definitely one of the most memorable experiences for me. It was the best place for me to relax because it had defined the real meaning of the phrase 'getting away from it all’. It was such a 'retreat' for me and maybe for some other classmates because unlike other tourist spots, it seemed that when we stayed there, it was as if it was our 'own place'. The people were so warm and hospitable that I made a pact to the place that I would be returning to the place if stress had taken a big part of me. O failed with that pact, simply because I used to go to Catarman, not to do away with stress, but to answer the call of its irresistible beauty.
I remember during my primary and secondary education years in school, whenever somebody would be asking me what would be the best beach resort for me, I always replied, 'Rizal Beach!' Then, everybody around me would gave me their straight faces with the usual question, 'Rizal Beach?' Almost everybody in the classroom did not have any idea what or where Rizal Beach was located; except of course to some of my fellow ‘kababayan’ (native of the same province or region) who knew of the place. Honestly, I felt a bit of disappointment and regret to know that only a few had an idea where or what is Rizal Beach. Nonetheless, I was never embarrassed every time it happened because Rizal Beach was certainly one of the best getaways especially during summer days.
My father was born and lived his first years of his childhood in Gubat, Sorsogon. Some of his siblings as well were born and raised in the same town until our grandparents took risk to have a better life in the concrete jungle of Metro Manila. Since my papa is a Bicolano, as always, whenever we planned to stay in Bicol for quite sometime, we would be staying at Legazpi City (on one of my father's ancestral homes) for a day or two to prepare ourselves as we go to Gubat, Sorsogon. I really love the place because, as we always claim, we have a good 'swimming spot' at the back of our home! There is seashore waiting for us to swim and enjoy. Not to mention the best delicacies our relatives would be giving us.
Whenever my father would be telling us to prepare ourselves to go to Rizal Beach, It would always be a mixed feeling of excitement and lonely anticipation. The 'Rizal Beach Trip' was the signal that our Bicol escapades would soon be over. It was always like that. Nevertheless, the thought of being in this cool place always made me awake the whole night because of exhilaration. After taking out hearty breakfast, we would now be headed to Rizal Beach for the next almost half-a-day of fun. Even the scorching heat of the sun could not tone down our enthusiasm a bit. Since it was our clan's place, we would just stay on one of the best and biggest cottage or cottages available by the shore to secure our things. Cottages during that time were for rent and it was always a 'first come-first serve' policy. We were definitely exempted of this rule since it is 'our place'. Just a short phone call and our relatives would be preparing the place for us. After a long and fun-filled day, we knew that within a day or two we would be going back to Manila.
After finishing college and receiving my diploma, I decided to have a trip to Gubat, Sorsogon after almost ten (10) long years. The accommodation was still the same and certainly it was very special. For years that I had not been here, the local government boosted their efforts in fostering the Eco-Tourism. What I liked best was the ‘Butanding’ or Whale Shark interaction. I was lucky that I was there at one of their peak months (February until May) that I was able to swim with these gentle giants. I never failed to visit my favorite place which was the Rizal Beach and it had surpassed my expectations. Ten (10) years ago, the place was not that developed until my last visit that there were now accommodations along the shore! I was surprised to see some of the famous movie stars relaxing with me as well enjoying my 'favorite' beach.
Sorsogon nowadays is one of the best places to be here in the Philippines. The accommodating and hospitable natives of this wonderful place this feat possible. I am definitely one of the proud Bicolanos to have had witnessed the place's development throughout the years. As our relatives would greet us, 'Dagos Tabi!' which means 'hop in or come in, you are very welcome!'
My family decided to live independently (it is popular in the Filipino culture to have this kind of 'extended family' ties) after two (2) or three (3) years since I was born. As far as I could remember, we settled in an apartment in Blue Ridge in Quezon City. My father was a resident doctor then at the adjacent hospital known as the Labor Hospital (nowadays, it is the Quirino Memorial Medical Center) and for years, he had practiced his medical expertise as a general surgeon. Then my papa decided to render his service as a government doctor and he chose to be assigned at the Bicol Region since he is a Bicolano. Since then, it was a privilege for us to be with our papa in three occasions in a month.
The first time we accompanied my father at the bus terminal headed to Bicol, I really cried a lot. I was aware that my father would be away for a long period of time and that really broke my young spirit at that time. This instance happened two (2) or three (3) times more the moment we sent papa to the terminal. Nonetheless, I realized that my tears went futile when it happened and it was the reason I stopped being a crybaby. Well, my father also talked to me heart to heart why he needed to be away.
On one instance, I woke up seeing my mama, papa and our nanny packed a lot of baggage and they were all in a hurry. I even remembered my mama reprimanding me for asking too much questions about what was going on. After packing our things, we headed again to the terminal and all I had in mind that my father would be again, leaving us. As we boarded the bus, my other siblings were comfortably seated and seemed to be happy. The co-driver of the bus then signaled it was time to go and I found myself trying to go out of the bus, then my papa said, 'sit tight' then he smiled. At that moment I knew we were going with my papa. I thought that time I was going to enjoy it.
After a 'gruesome' 8 hours of trip, my siblings and I were surprised, but pleased with what we were seeing in the background. Everything was literally 'green'. What we were seeing were coconut trees, hills and mountains-these things we do not usually see in the concrete jungle of Quezon City. All of a sudden, what we saw next gave us mixed feeling of admiration and at the same time fear. In my mind that time, I was asking myself, 'am I only dreaming?'. 'That is the Mayon Volcano' my father was giving us a heads up. Nonetheless, my brothers and I could not even fathom what we were seeing. It was definitely exciting and I remember overhearing my brother, 'can we climb it?'. Our curiosity stopped after a group of clouds block our wonderful view.
We stayed at one of our papa's ancestral home (yes, they do have a lot of ancestral homes scattered around the Bicol Region). The sun was setting and the clouds were still persistent in blocking our object of admiration. After a hefty meal and some mingling with our relatives, we called it a day.
As soon as I woke up, it seemed like a beautiful lady was peeking on me as I again saw the majestic Mayon Volcano! True to its legend and description, Mayon Volcano is world-famous because of its ‘perfect cone’ shape. It was named by the locals after the mythical heroine 'Daragang Magayon' or Lady Beautiful. My brothers and I talked about it, and I remembered my cousins, who were locals of Legazpi, just simply laughed at us, but that did not stop our curious awe of the famous volcano. Since it was our first time at Legazpi City, our relatives with our parents decided to give us a trip at one of the scenic and tourist spots around Mayon Volcano: the Cagsawa Ruins.
Being at the Cagsawa Ruins, it felt a bit strange as for my experience. All the while, I thought that once you saw the famous belfry, you were, literally, set at the foot of the Mayon Volcano. Well, it did not work that way. The bell tower or the belfry was a mute eyewitness to the terrible outburst of Mother Nature through the volcano. I was even imagining survivors trying to help their way up to the tower for refuge as they saw the raging lava. Well, that was the past and we were here to be fascinated by the beauty of the Mayon Volcano!
Seeing Mayon Volcano and knowing a bit of its past make me proud being a Bicolano. As always, I convinced my friends to go and visit Bicol, particularly Legazpi City and see the wonders the place it can give. It is definitely a must for all tourists and visitors alike to experience one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces. Mayon Volcano is considered to be one of active volcanoes in the Philippines and the local government never fails to give ample reminders of safety measures to guarantee a well-spent vacation. Mayon Volcano: 'Magayon ini' (it is beautiful)!
Going back to ones memory lane may not be pleasing for so many people. Nonetheless, as for me, I do really take pleasure in it. Not that I am a sadistic individual trying to torture my psyche, but going back through the past has been a concoction of bitter-sweet sensation: a real-time 'spiritual wine' for me. One of the 'best', is should say, 'intoxicating' experience of my childhood days happened way back when I was at my second (2nd) grade during my primary education years.
My aunt was once a 'domestic helper' based in Singapore almost twenty (20) years ago. Nonetheless, it was just a brief stint and decided to go home and stay here at the Philippines for good. After getting a secure job, she got married and had her own family. Not long after, she and her husband was blessed with twins-an instant son and daughter. I was six (6) then, when I first had my twin cousins. They were so cute that time. It was actually a meeting of 'first and last' because since then, as a family, they decided to settle at Baguio for good.
Since then, I have not seen them, especially my cousins personally. I was updated by their 'looks' through pictures (and by the way, digital cameras and handy phones with cameras were not available during those times) and by how relatives described their physical attributes. However, the long wait was over when my aunt and her family opted to spend their summer vacation here at Manila. After two (2) long years, finally I have had a glimpse of my twin cousins since they were born. Both of them have grown a lot! Nonetheless, the excitement proved to be short-lived. They planned to stay outside the Philippines for good because my 'Tito' (uncle) had a break for a better job-a chance to be assigned in a greener pasture; an opportunity to stay at the land of milk and honey.
As a last note, they would like to spend their last moments being here in the Philippines by visiting the National Museum of the Philippines. I was wondering if the visit would be for my cousins or for their parents. Honestly, I was more excited than my cousins since that time they were chanting 'Jobee! Jobee!' (most likely an inflection of the popular food chain in the Philippines which is Jollibee). Nonetheless, we pushed through National Museum of the Philippines. I was in my second (2nd) grade then, and as I recall in our History class, we were discussing the Galleons, historical trade routes and other facts that can only be read through history books. My anticipation fell short after my we verified that the museum was closed for some renovation. Again, my two cousins chanted 'Jobee! Jobee!' After having a hearty lunch, my aunt never gave up visiting some historical places. Since where at the vicinity of Manila, I happened to ask her, what the 'wall' was all about. She grinned and answered me, 'that is Intramuros'. It was an 'A-ha' or 'Eureka' experience for my young mind during that time. Then I glanced at my aunt saying some instruction in Ilocano dialect for our 'Manong' (an address of respect) driver. To my thrill, we found ourselves within the 'walls' I was asking about. We headed to what was called Fort Santiago.
Fort Santiago (Fuerza de Santiago in Spanish) was the foremost defense stronghold of the Spanish Government in the Philippines. After the two World Wars, the government tried to restore and preserve it as a historical heritage of the Philippines. What gave me goose bumps as we enter Fort Santiago is the fact that the Philippines’ National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last moments in this said citadel before being executed.
It seems that as we walked through the Rizal Shrine, a feeling of nostalgia entered my very being. It seemed that through the memorabilia of Rizal was trying to tell me something. The replica of the dungeon where Rizal spent his last night gave us a sense of nationality and pride. To see a 'piece' of our national hero, literally, was the most memorable experience I had with this visit. It was a piece of Jose Rizal's 'vertebra' preserved and displayed for tourists and visitors alike to see.
I was really a very informative (I hate saying the term 'educational' because it does not really justify the real essence of the word) and memorable trip for me indeed. At that time, I thought of visiting the Rizal Shrine again with my own camera.
After taking our 'merienda' or snacks, again, at Jollibee (as per request of my cute cousins), my aunt decided to hear mass at Manila Cathedral. My aunt was a frustrated nun actually and since she was educated and trained in a religious convent (Dominican Order), she gave me some background of the cathedral. Manila Cathedral or to be exact the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the Manila. Based on etymology itself 'cathedra' means 'seat' or in religious sense 'seat of the bishop'. As we waited for the priest for the celebration of the mass, we tried to read upon some information embossed through golden or brassy tablets. The historical cathedral itself had been reconstructed and renovated after natural calamities and the World Wars throughout the history. I remember being in shocked after we heard (for me it was the first time) the enchanting sound of the pipe organ signaling the Mass was about to start. I was glad to see that at a young age, my cousins were behaving well as my uncle and aunt solemnly pray during the mass. It was a memorable experience again for me, when I saw my aunt smile and all of a sudden shed a tear silently as my uncle tried to embrace her assuring her silently that everything would be good.
After few days since our visit at Intramuros, my parents and I found ourselves at the airport. It was 'bye-bye' moment for my aunt and her family and my parents told me that it would take a long time before they would be here again. As for my twin cousins, they were excited with the thought they would be boarding a plane and flying. As for me, I could not speak that time. I did not want to speak because it would just trigger my eyes to let go of the tears I try to hide that time. Yes, the tears rolled by. The thought of losing a part of my life was definitely a painful experience for me. She was my favorite aunt, and she would be gone for so long. I even recalled my mom telling me that my aunt offered to care for me after graduation, at least for a year, as an act of gratitude for my parents for supporting her studies. As she tried to consult me, she said 'Kuya, tahan na po' (Big brother, please calm down) in a very comforting manner. She continued, 'you are the reason we went to those places, because I know you love history. It was my way of showing you that you are very dear to me, almost like a son for me'. My uncle also tried to consoled my and asserted that my aunt always talked about me all the time. I tried embracing both of them as hard as I could to let them feel I do not want them to go, but it was time to say 'goodbye'.
Ten years after, back then I was in my second (2nd) year in college, going back on these places was always memorable. It was the time I had a chance to visit the Rizal Shrine for the second (2nd) time around and it seemed always the same old good feeling. Nonetheless, I visited the place with a new outlook and a different stance-but the feeling remained the same: I really missed my aunt. In order to help myself with my yearning, I decided to go to Manila Cathedral to hear Mass and pray. I tried to sit at the same spot we were together ten (10) years ago but unfortunately it was occupied. However, it was coincidental to see myself as a young kid sitting on the same spot ten (10) years ago. Since I had my own camera that time, I was able to take pictures of the places we had been years ago with different perspective. As soon as I processed them, I sent them soft copies (thanks for internet) of my photographs. As I recall, our phone rang around two in the morning (still dark here in the Philippines) and I was surprised that it was my aunt very thankful of the pictures. It really brought back the old memories, she said.
Manila is truly the heart of the Philippines. History books would definitely agree in its historical values and unparalleled heritage from other noted cities of the Philippines. Manila is a place where 'promdis' (a slang for native 'from the province') try their best to improve their lives surviving in the concrete jungle of Manila.
I am certainly not from Makati City. I reside at one of the highly-developed cities around the Metropolitan Manila and it has been always that way for the past twenty-one (21) years with my family. However, I could easily say and express that my conscious being or my awareness has been formed by the city of Makati. If by chance, I would be a tour guide and I would be given options whether to tour visitors in my city or to guide tourists to Makati City, without a doubt, I would pick the latter. I maybe exaggerating to say this, but I would easily find my way back home anywhere from Makati City than to give directions how to roam around the city where I live.
With great pride and honor, I could definitely say that I am a 'Makateño' (a local resident of Makati)! I had stayed at Makati for always eight (8) formative years of my life. After finishing my primary education, I decided to take my secondary education in an all-boys institution at Guadalupe, Makati City. As the saying goes, high school life is the most memorable part of being a student. I do strongly agree with whoever asserted that phrase.
As a student, I am a bit sentimental about the places I have been in a way or the other. It started during high school. We were trained to look up or use a dictionary whenever we were unsure of the meaning of the words we encountered through our readings. The beauty of this discipline is that, students would be given a chance to encounter other 'words', enriching their vocabulary in the process. Using a 'bigger' dictionary than thesaurus may give students an edge regarding etymologies and from what place these words originated. A bit of a history could be sense because of the 'circas' indicated on the note. Since then I was given a sense of sentimentality about almost everything.
Makati City is far from what it was the time it was discovered by the Spaniards. It was a useless swampy area and due to language barrier it was baptized as 'Makati'-'ebbing tide'. The tides of progress started to favor Makati when Catholic Churches were built and since then, it was visited by devotees all over the country. Flocking people in certain place; even today 'spells' a possible good business venue. Since then, Makati has been evolved as the Philippines' premium city in terms of business and economy
Makati City, through the years has become the capital of commerce in the Philippines. It has become a 'symbol' of economic, financial and commercial status of the Philippines. It is said to be the 'Pinoy' (Filipino) version of the Wall Street because it has been the home of the prominent Makati Business Club and the venue of Philippine Stock Exchange. It is also because of the offices of multinational companies situated at Makati City made it a financial capital. As for me, Makati is a city that never sleeps because of the malls where my friends and I have fun to ease some tension from school demands.
Makati City is also defined by malls trying to allure you all kinds of materiality the corporate world could give. The definition my sound sarcastic but, nonetheless, strolling in the mall has been a favorite past time. Philippines is a tropical country and you do not expect people walking around the park most often than not because of the weather (with exemption to Philippines' Summer Capital-Baguio, which is one of the places I also love). I remember when we were still students; we made sure that we 'save' some from our allowance to spend on our gathering at one of Makati's famous mall, Glorietta. Though we have save a little, the point of 'being there' with your friends was a priceless moment. Makati will always be remembered because of those times.
After we graduated, since school was over, we stayed on our own hometowns to rest a bit. Nonetheless, after few months of unwinding, we found ourselves again at Makati City not as students, but rather as aspiring 'young professionals' trying to survive the corporate tide. We should be still spending more time at malls because of our salaries, but certainly, things have changed. Everything is in a constant flux and what is only constant in this world is change. Yes, we do have our own money to spend but time for ourselves has become an essence. Money can buy us whatever food we want to eat but it cannot definitely buy time. We tried other venues other than the malls of Makati to accommodate our other classmates but still, we would end up at Hard Rock Café boozing all the way.
Since graduating at one of the prestigious institution at Makati, we see to it that every Monday, my fellow alumni and I would be playing basketball at our school. Cherished memories will always be there to make us smile as we remember how we developed our own personalities.
Makati started out as a piece of 'worthless swamp'. Nonetheless, that imagery has become just a mere shadow of the past. Dubbed as the Philippines' 'Wall Street', Makati City is the representation of economic struggle on the way to financial progress and stability. Makati City's development throughout the history has been a representation of my own corporate career path. I started at Makati as a student; a nobody trying to learn the 'ways of life' and surprisingly, I went back to Makati to prove what I have learnt and right now I am still at Makati making ends meet as a 'young professional'. I am aware that after some time, I would be somewhere outside this great city, but definitely; Makati would always be a cherished part of my life.