minteemwah

[minteemwah]

ROAD TRIP TO THE NORTH

It was during my semestral break which was the last week of November when my family decided to go on a road trip to the northern part of Luzon. We rented a van and started very early in the morning to avoid traffic jams. We slept inside the van and just woke up during stop overs for toilet breaks and of course, restaurant hopping. Our driver, who also owns the van, served as our tour guide as well. I still remember that after these breaks, we were so active and talkative, then after an hour or so, we would be very tired and we would sleep even more, always leaving the driver the only one awake. But we were always eating sandwiches or munching chips and chocolates or drinking water and sodas inside the van which made our trip very light and exciting! Our first stop was in Clark, Pampangga since my eldest brother was there, training to be a pilot in Philippine Airlines. After treating us to a hearty breakfast there, he toured us around PAL Aviation School. The place was so big and so many little airplanes were used in their training. I got to ride in one of those airplanes. Thanks to my Kuya! Too bad, he can’t join us in our road trip. The scenery we saw on the way to Ilocos looks so amazing. Because during that time we were already surrounded by green fields. The first stop we had was Ilocos Norte. We ate at Herencia Restaurant and the windows there show the beautiful sites of Paoay Church. We only had our day tour so we had to try eat the famous pinakbet pizza. Which tasted so weird but I kind of like it too, plus it’s a healthy flavored that everyone must eat. After eating then we then looked for the much talked about dragon ice cream. Hmmm yummy but still… the after taste was a little bit weird as well. It was like eating this candy called pop rocks but it didn’t really pop as much it’s only a little bit. But the overall taste is very much a much to try ice cream flavor. Our next stop was Malacanang of the North which is a presidential museum in Paoay. It was the residence of the family of the late Ferdinand Marcos when he was still the President of the Philippines. I saw the some of the stuff of the family and saw how and where it was used. The space was big and has a view by the bay. That’s why the vibe there looked so peaceful. During that time we decided to go there in the day time which was perfect lighting for a pictorial session. I somehow felt I was Ferdinard Marcos for a moment5ge since I had a chance to enter where his office is. On the road to Ilocos Sur, we passed by a very long and clean bridge called Quirino Bridge. It is a tourist attraction so we stopped by there to get a picture of it. The view there was amazing so it’s hard to say no to not take a picture there. In fact the whole place is all to yourself which is extra nice, or maybe because we went there at a perfect time. You won’t hear as much noise so it’s very calming. It’s a type of place that you would go to just to have peace. It was already night time when we finally arrived Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It was so well-lit which made it more attractive. We were all delighted when we saw the street named Crisologo. It is one of the historical places there and that’s where the Spaniards stayed and the place was very preserved especially the cobblestone streets, rustic mansions and not to mention the horse drawn carriages which we call “karitela”. The architecture of houses there look different compared to our houses today. It is somewhat light and looks like we can breathe more natural air when we are inside their houses.  Then, we went to see the Vigan cathedral by night and Plaza Salcedo. But too bad we didn’t get to see its famous fountain light shows. Then we ate at Plaza Burgos which is known for its street food stalls. The road that we took says “Welcome Plaza Salcedo” which is where we looked for a place to stay. We chose Grandpa’s Inn since we found it very historical too and it looks so cozy and very warm. It was so nice there and the staff were very much accommodating to us. Once we dropped all our luggage, we then looked for a place to eat dinner. Again, we decided to stroll in Calle Crisologo where there are plenty of restaurants and bars. The people there never failed to have a smile on their faces. We went to the stores there to buy some pasalubong. And the last thing we did before we retired after a long and happy day was to ride a karitela and had a night tour along Calle Crisologo. The next morning, we went Crisologo museum and found many interesting facts about Ilocos and Crisologo family and their collections.

The next place we went is Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. It’s a long stretch of beaches. We stayed at Hannah’s resort which is so big and had plenty of rooms with different theme for every part of the resort. We stayed there overnight to enjoy its swimming pools and the front beach. Then, we went to see the many towering Bangui windmills on the way out of Pagudpud. There were so many of them and as soon as we got out of the car to take some pictures, we were so surprised that many small children came running to us out of nowhere. We couldn’t control them until we promised that we will buy the souvenirs they were selling just so they will keep their distance from us. Whew, child psychology 101! After that, we went to Baguio which is a cool place to see. We went to see the Camp John Hay, Manor House, Burnham Park, Baguio Cathedral and of course, Session Road with so many shops, restaurants and entertainment places. It is the commercial center of Baguio City. Chill! On the way down to Manila, we decided to pass by Manaoag, Pangasinan. We visited the basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag. It is the place where Mother Mary once appeared that’s why a basilica was build there to venerate Mother Mary. There we prayed for the success of our trip and thank the Lord for keeping us safe as we enjoy His creations in the north part of Luzon. Overall during my fun and chill tour of the north it is for sure a never forget experience that I’m thankful that our family decided to do. I learned a lot during my trip which I will add to my notes of knowledge. While I was in my trip I realized how Philippines is rich with minerals which not all countries have the same thing. But I felt sad because slowly some countries want to take over our minerals and leaving us with nothing. But with all that put aside I do  recommend everyone to please do the same things that we did because everyone will for sure enjoy.

My Journey to the Road Less Taken

Warm Welcome

[minteemwah]

Warm Welcome

I enrolled in Mother of Divine Providence School back in 2018 and just like any new kid in a new school, I felt lost and uncertain on things, like where I should go and who to go with. Until one person, friendly enough to stick by my side, made me feel at ease. Her name is Trisha Herrera. She had a smiling face that I cannot help but smile back. I immediately felt like we connected easily at that very moment. She would talk to me endlessly about anything and everything and she didn’t even mind if I was not talking that much as her and if anyone around is looking at her. Well, I did not mind listening to her even if it takes forever because she is so funny. She wasn’t the type of person who is hard to approach nor relate with. She is just full of enthusiasm in knowing me more. I cannot possibly think of any dull moment with her every time we would hang with each other. She also did the same with the other new students, in which I saw how these people also felt the same way I did around her. She belongs to a good family that is why her goodness radiates to other people especially to me. Trisha who is the third child and the youngest, was born in the Philippines but also lives in Guam which is a U.S territory in Micronesia, in the Western Pacific. She has a dream of curing other people and is a pet lover of a dog named Amber. Just the way she loves her loved ones she feels the same with Amber. There is a point she spoils her too much like buying her a number of treats as if she doesn’t have at home. And there is a saying that if you love dogs then you are good person. I recalled that Trisha became my first friend in school. We would always be together both inside and outside of school. Became the person I could rely on at all times, laugh like there is no tomorrow. Just being silly with one another. To simply put it, she was everyone’s friend. In school, I would be seating on the different side of the classroom while she would be seated somewhere. Even if we do not sit together I could still be influenced by her positivity. In the cafeteria, she would continue on spreading happiness to other people, making sure everyone has a smile on their faces and is feeling okay. Her laughter is just loud and infectious. I remember one time, I was feeling down and out of the blue, she approached me and she said “Tara Alliyah bes”. That made my day! We went to her house and just hanged out. Till both of us didn’t realize how much time we have been talking. It’s as if we won’t see each other the next day. We can just talk endlessly and won’t care if our stories to one another have a sense. As long as we enjoy each other’s time and company then we are fine. Never did I ever had a dull moment with Trisha to be honest. Although we do not normally get together every day, I can feel that I have a soft spot in her heart like unexpectedly, she gave me something from her trip and she made me feel special. I hope someday I can also do the same thing to her. I rarely hug people but with her, I just feel like hugging is just a normal thing to do. This happened when I watched a concert with my parents and Trisha was also there. When we saw each other, we hugged several times and I felt the warmth of her hugs and sincere friendship.  I also remember we took pictures together in this place called Timezone which is in Ayala Mall. We still both have that same picture in our wallets to remember our friendship and just to see how happy we are in one picture. For all these memories, I thank the Lord for the warm welcome that Trisha gave me back then and I will never forget it since it was a good start for me in the new chapter of my life. Without her welcoming me with open arms I would have probably be a dead kid and would always just be seen in one corner. And my entire school year won’t be as fun and exciting.

My Journey to the Road Less Taken

Road Trip to the North

[minteemwah]

My Journey to the Road Less Taken

I am lucky enough to be born into a Catholic family. My parents always made sure to attend mass every Sunday or Saturday, depending if I have to serve since I’m part of the church choir. My parents take us to church three times a week, have our family devotions, pray before every meal, and make sure that all of their 3 children did all those things even without them.

           My mum and I wanted to become closer to God so we both decided to become a Catechist not knowing what the steps were. Initially, we attended the first step which was attending BBS 1 which stands for Basic Bible Study 1. It took 2 days for us to complete it since there is also BBS 2 Sept 21-22, 2019. It was held at the Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish which was located in Marikina City together with other people from different churches.

While having those seminars, as being a Catholic became stronger and made me realize what God has done to us during His time. Also during that time, we got the chance to be acknowledged by the parishioners as well as our parish priest.

           Last April 22. 2019 in Antipolo City we had another step to go through which was called BOC which stands for Basic Orientation Course. Our speaker that time was a priest which made the experience more religious. I was with the same people during the BBS 1 and BBS 2. They actually became my friends which is why we would all seat together and share our insights about the topic of the priest. Once we already wrapped up with our BOC we had to graduate from it and that was April 26, 2019. All of us wore white and I even got a chance to sing together with the choir.

           It’s sad because that was the last time I was able to see my new found friends but all is good since we are able to chat through social media. So my mum and I kept moving forward and made another step which is now called PREX which means Parish Renewal Experience. For this one, it’s a different kind of approach since it now talks about our parish with its works or services done for its parishioners. Of course, it’s all about knowing more about God and lessons to becoming a better person.

                                               It really was an experience worth to be remembered since I really had to reflect on myself and the others around me. More people should be exposed to such event since it’s really helpful.  As a matter of fact, I’m still young and it already made an impact so how much more for the people who are much older than me.

  I did end up finishing all the seminars needed in order to be a Catechist but my current situation as a student with a hectic schedule made it difficult for me to multi-task. With that, I can’t fully commit to become a full time Catechist. So instead I’m a non-teaching catechist while my mum is a teaching one.  It was last June 2019 when we had our picture taken at Antipolo City. Apparently, the ID is needed for being a Catechist whether for teaching or non-teaching.

That was the end of our journey together. Now my mum is on her own doing things as a Catechist but since she can’t make it on her own, she decided to tag me along with her. I remember that every time I’m free from my class schedules she never fails to invite me to come with her to the seminars she had to attend to for the day.  

I continued to accompany her not knowing that because of that it would lead me to take a road less travelled by all which is to become a nun. I inquired with the Carmelite sisters way back in August 2019 and then I started to stay with them observing what they do inside their convent. It didn’t end there, they also invited me to see their special events. It was the first and last profession which came to my mind.  I even remembered that I had to be absent in my class just to be able to witness the final profession of one of the sisters. My classmates even saw me in St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish where the event took place. The first profession which I saw was not that convincing to me so I went to inquire with different congregations to fulfill my curiosities.

It was the Passionist Sisters of St.Paul which I went to last September 15, 2019 that answered my questions. But at that time I wasn’t so sure if I was really meant to be there so I stopped for a while because I had to go back to school for my studies.  

One thing’s for sure, I still want to enter that convent one day in the near future, who knows. I want to be able to  pray more often for all the needy and the affected ones, from illness or other emotional cases. With my continuous joining in the religious organizations I’m able to meet either new religious people or not which  I have never met before till now.

Warm Welcome

Road Trip to the North