#Guadalupe Bridge

[westvalleyfaultph]

Guadalupe Bridge Set for Major Repairs as Metro Manila Prepares for 'The Big One'

In a significant development aimed at fortifying Metro Manila’s infrastructure against potential seismic threats, the 50-year-old Guadalupe Bridge in Makati City is next in line for extensive repair and retrofitting. This comes on the heels of the successful completion of repair work on the southbound portion of the Kamuning flyover in Quezon City, which reopened to motorists ahead of…

[thorsenmark]

It’s Never Hard to Find Beautiful Things Outside by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: A setting looking to the north while taking in views across the northern New Mexico landscape and Rio Grande River Gorge. I was located on the bridge itself. The Rio Grande is flowing by and through the gorge with ridges and peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range and Taos Mountains off in the distance.

[yougonnahateit]

[simonh]

Graffiti Train Bridge And Skyline, Austin, Texas by Randy von Liski Via Flickr: This view of downtown Austin shows the Graffiti Train Bridge across Lady Bird Lake. The plate girder-style bridge was constructed in 1936, but it sits on the stone piers of a previous bridge. Over the years, multiple layers of artwork and graffiti have been painted on its sides. The graffiti offers a unique and ever-changing perspective, adding a vibrant touch to a view showcasing Austin's ever-evolving skyline.

[housecow]

What are your favorite geographic regions of Texas?

BEST question!!!!!!

1. Hill country. One of the most gorgeous parts of TX—karst topography and amazing caves!!! bats!!! and this area was volcanic during the cretaceous, you can almost imagine the island chain it was back then while driving thru the hills. the guadalupe river snaking between cliff faces?? heaven. AND this part of TX has the best trees, no contest. who cares about coastal live oaks when you have 400 y/o+ bald cypress?? and american sycamores reflecting the water??? giant pecans?? i could spend an eternity here. maybe i will…. idc if my car stalls going up the hills and ppl behind me get mad <33

2. WEST TX. 🎶is the best texas… it’s a beautiful, indescribable place. and the geology???? holy shit. i will admit ive never even been to big bend before or the more mountainous regions, but i’ve driven close enough!!!! and my bestie visited recently so i claim his memories. people forget this version of TX exists and they SHOULD. so we can keep it to ourselves!!! aguja and javelina formations my beloveds ❤️ you’d find yourself lost there and never regret a moment. i love that barren ass drive from TX to new mexico tbh

3. Post Oak Savanna: weird one, i know!!!! but im a bitch for flat land. i may be one of the only ppl that can drive thru the great plains and feel right at home. i like seeing what’s around me!! mountains are scary. plus, god…. soft, rolling hills south of san antonio, seas of golden grass, old oaks standing as monuments, having been there longer than anything colonial-made in the US. absolute fucking behemoths. you wouldn’t understand this until you approach these things—it’s like the moment you enter that massive, widespread canopy, the world is quieter. the trees almost speak to you. yes i’m in love with them. beneath your feet and everywhere you go, fields of petrified wood 🥺

plus. this is one of the most ecologically important areas of TX, surprisingly. its an example of one area that’s supposed to be governed by fire. of course, now that’s no longer occurring, shrubification, tree encroachment… it used to serve as a sort of bridge for wildlife, but now it’s a fence. sad. anyways, you can tell by the trees they were made to withstand fire. hard, aggressive bark on live oaks.

interestingly, the ones south of the hill country are mixes of q. virginiana (coastal live oak) and q. fusiformis (escarpment oak) and should be the TX state tree in my humble opinion. pecans are found literally everywhere, these are found only here!!

[butchreyes]

wip wednesday!

tagged by @carlos-in-glasses @welcometololaland and @sznofthesticks <3

The traffic downtown is unbearable in the mornings and only made worse by the scorching heat, but Carlos bears it twice: Once driving south to drop TK off at the firehouse, then again, north this time, to get to work. He sits in gridlock on the First Street Bridge with the windows up and the air blasting while he works his way through a list of the best rated repairmen in the area. Everyone he speaks to tells him that they won’t have any availability until at least Friday. Five days from now. Carlos keeps calling until he gets down into two-point-five-star territory. (At this point he may as well do it himself. Surely he could manage a two-point-five-star job, couldn’t he?) This guy can come by tomorrow, but Carlos would have to take the afternoon off work, plus he wants a hundred and forty dollars. Carlos tells him that’s ridiculous: the four-point-two-star guy only wanted ninety. He tells the guy that maybe he would have better reviews if he wasn’t such a dick.

The guy tells Carlos to fix it himself then, and calls him a fucking fairy. Then he hangs up.

“FUCK YOU,” Carlos shouts at the dial tone. Ahead of him, traffic sludges forward, rippling in hot clouds of exhaust. He briefly considers hurling his phone out the window before it starts ringing again, lighting up in his white-knuckled grip. He smirks at the thought of Mr. Two-Point-Five-Stars coming crawling back.

It’s not the repairman calling, though. It’s Detective Washington.

“Where are you right now?” She asks, cutting right to the chase.

He’s pulling up to a red light, and he tilts his head underneath the sun visor to get a better look at the street signs.

“Forth and Guadalupe,” he says, “heading north.”

“Turn around,” she tells him. “I’ve got a hostage situation at the Wells Fargo on Brazos. I want you with me.”

sorry i’m late tonight– the horrors persist. tagging maddie @reyesstrand @tailoredshirt & @carlos-tk

[rabbitcruiser]

California was admitted as the thirty-first U.S. state on September 9, 1850.  

California Admission Day

California Admission Day is observed on September 9 each year. It commemorates the day California was admitted into the Union as the 31st state in 1850 after it was ceded to the United States by Mexico in 1848. California became one of the few states to become a state without first being an organized territory. California Admission Day is not a federal holiday. Rather, it’s a local observance in the state, which implies that businesses, schools, and government offices remain open. In times gone by it was celebrated with great pomp and ceremony with parades and pageantry. Though low-key now, the day still marks an important part of Californian history.

History of California Admission Day

The Mexican-American War began in May 1846 when the U.S. declared war on Mexico. American settlers who lived in the territory of California in Mexico revolted against the Mexican government in what is known as the Bear Flag Revolt. The Americans captured Sonoma, hoisted a Bear Flag in the area, and declared it the California Republic. On July 9, 1846, Navy Lieutenant Joseph Warren Revere arrived in Sonoma and replaced the Bear Flag in the territory with a United States flag. Lieutenant Revere officially declared California a possession of the United States. In February 1848, Mexico and the U.S. signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to end the war. This treaty meant that Mexico had to yield a large portion of its Southwest territory — including present-day California — to the U.S.

As of the signing of the treaty, California had a meager population that was not up to the 60,000-inhabitant benchmark a territory needed to achieve statehood. Earlier in January 1848, gold was discovered on the American River near Sacramento, and the territory witnessed a massive influx of immigrants looking for work and good fortune. Thanks to the Gold Rush, a huge increase in population and wealth followed, thus necessitating the need for civil government and local policies.

In 1849, Californians demanded statehood, and California became the 31st state on September 9, 1850. California joined the Union as a free, non-slavery state by the Compromise of 1850 in just about two years of the territory’s incorporation. Its first capital was in San Jose before it was moved to the city of Vallejo for lack of necessary facilities. The capital was later moved to Benicia, a small town, and subsequently to the riverside port of Sacramento in 1854.

California Admission Day timeline

1846

The Bear Flag Revolt

American settlers in California stage a revolt against Mexican authorities.

1848

A Treaty for Peace

The United States and Mexico sign the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to end the war between the countries.

1850

The Compromise of 1850

The Compromise of 1850 is signed and California is admitted as the 31st state to the Union.

1911

Adoption of the California State Flag

The California State Flag, based on the original Bear Flag, is adopted by the state legislature.

California Admission Day FAQs

Is California Admission Day a federal holiday?

California Admission Day is not a federal holiday. It’s a local observance in the state of California. Schools, businesses, and government offices remain open.

What are other names for California?

California is also known as ‘The Golden State, ‘The Land of Milk and Honey,’ ‘The El Dorado State,’ and ‘The Grape State.’

What is California famous for?

California remains one of the most popular destinations throughout North America. The state is especially famous for Hollywood, Disneyland, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Other unique landmarks in California include Coachella, Silicon Valley, the Wine Country, and Surf Culture.

California Admission Day Activities

Visit the Golden StateIf you’re a history buff, today’s the perfect day to visit California. Museums around California offer various resources and artifacts to help you learn more about the state’s rich history. Take a day trip or make a holiday of it and travel to more than one.

Enjoy the special eventsCalifornia Admission Day is observed with special events at schools, museums, and organizations throughout the state. Public officials often grant special addresses about its history and significance.

Take a trip to SonomaCalifornia Admission Day has been observed particularly in the Sonoma area since 1850. It would be nice to visit the area where it all began. Don’t forget to enjoy the state’s beautiful beaches, valleys, and mountains as you celebrate with them!

5 Fun Facts About California

Originally named “the Grizzly Bear State": California has renamed the Golden State from its initial name “the Grizzly Bear State” as the bears went extinct.

The state motto is ‘Eureka!’: The Greek word means “I have found it!” and alludes to the discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada.

Redwood is the official state tree: California’s official state tree is the redwood, as designated in 1937.

It’s called ‘The Grape State’, too: Over 300,000 tons of grapes are grown in California annually, and the state produces more than 17 million gallons of wine each year!

Blue jeans: In 1873 blue jeans were imported for miners from Europe, making San Francisco the first place in the U.S. where jeans were worn.

Why We Love California Admission Day

Becoming a recognized state in the U.S.This event celebrates the day California officially became a state in the U.S. It was a protracted struggle but thanks to the peace treaty that ended the Mexican-American War of 1848, it was a done deal.

A tribute to the war heroesThe struggle to acquire California as a possession of the U.S. was not an easy one. It took a war, diplomacy, protests, and legislation to make it possible. This day celebrates the memories of everyone who fought to make it possible.

The population boost that came with the Gold RushCalifornia’s low population would have hindered its prospects to become a state and admittance to the Union. Thanks to the Gold Rush, the territory was able to have the 60,000 inhabitants it needed to achieve statehood.

[usaigi]

Mexican Matt Murdock Headcannons

Yay my meta was well received thank y'all. Here are some hc as a treat :)

Jacobo "Jack" Murdock is from Monterrey 🤠🇲🇽 Super Norteño, he sounds like a cowboy. Has the thickest accent, it embarrass Matt so much

Jack never went to high school and tells Matt to copy how the people on TV talk. They speak "proper" Spanish.

Dad's great great great... granddad was an Irish soldier in the Saint Patrick's Battalion. Hence "Murdock"

He was boxing in Mexico when he met Roscoe Sweeney. Sweeney promised he'd sponsor Jack's work visa and help him immigrate to the US

Sweeney never followed through with the sponsorship. He'll get around to it, don't worry. But as long as Jack's undocumented, he can't box for other promoters/organizers

He would go back to Mexico but he's making more money here than he could back home. Plus he met someone.

Margarita "Maggie" was training to be a nun until she saw him

Baby Mateo Murdock takes after her. He has her eyes, red hair, and pale skin Maggie worries will burn in the sun.

(TW Intrusive thoughts/Post Partrum Psychosis) Maggie worries a lot. About Matty choking on his blanket, about SIDS, about how she betrayed God, about how her child carries her sin, about how the devil possessed her husband, how maybe she should borrow Mario's car with Matty in the back seat so she can drive them off a bridge so at least one of them gets the change to go to Heaven

She nearly kills him.

Jack calls Father Lantom and their marriage is annulled. Maggie leaves to get help and doesn't come back.

Jack still misses her. Matt never knows.

So many nicknames: Matty, Canelo (Cinnamon), Chiltepin (Small Peper), Rojo (Red), Tomatillo (Tomato), Chapulín Colorado, Diablito (little devil), Irlandés (Irish. Later takes a 23andme and finds out he's only 5% Irish)

Jack doesn't speak a lot of English. Matt becomes his personal translator by 1st grade

After the accident, Matt even has to translate what the nurse says for his dad. There's an interpreter when the doctors need to talk to his dad. It hurt hearing about his diagnosis and treatment from the doctor. It hurts all over hearing the interpreter repeat it to his dad.

Matt feels so guilty he can't help translate documents for his dad anymore.

His dad's funeral is the first time Matt meets his extended family. One of his Tia offers to take him in but that would mean leaving New York/the USA and going to Mexico.

He says no. New York is his home.

Sister Maggie is one of the few nuns who speak Spanish. And the only one who will read him poetry. She reads him Jose Marti, Juana Inés de la Cruz, Miguel de Cervantes. Matt likes her. Even if she's strict and doesn't tolerate his sass.

Nina Rosario from In The Heights Kinnie

Almost cried the first time he heard "Breathe," no song has even spoken to him more

NINA: They are all counting on me to succeed I am the one who made it out The one who always made the grade But maybe I should've just stayed home... When I was a child I stayed wide awake, climbed to the highest place, on every fire escape, restless to climb .... I got every scholarship Saved every dollar The first to go to college

Takes a 3000-level Spanish for Elektra. Should have thought this through, Elektra speaks it with an Ethpañol accent. Cringe.

But the class is interesting. So he takes another. And another. And soon enough he has enough credits for a Spanish language and literature major.

Eavesdrops on a lot of conversations. Both because no one assumes he knows Spanish and because of his senses

Foggy: Do you have health insurance?

Matt: of course *pulls out his Vick's Vaporub*

Can't eat spicy food. This face turns as red as his hair :( The other Defenders/HFH tease him for this

Dislikes Spanglish because text to speech/screenreaders don’t recognize it

Calls La Virgen de Guadalupe Mom

Drinks Corona :D

[ketchupbeard]

Celebrating Mexican Illustration 

I understand it’s been a while since I’ve posted here but there’s no better time than the present to resurface. My purpose for the sudden appearance is due to researching Mexican and Mesoamerican related works then wanting to share my findings along with developing a commissioned illustration in one space. I won’t be posting my work until much later (if I do at all), but wanted a space to write down my musings and notes other than my sketchbook for now as my handwriting is atrocious an printing this off is a lot easier for now. 

I’ll be posting ,the chosen artists separately to this post rather than one big mega thread as it could get confusing. I may not be as eloquent and a little rusty on the artist analysis techniques but these are mainly shorthand notes for me to reference whilst making my work. If you find them interesting or useful then that’s just an added bonus.

To begin I have chosen: 

Jose Guadalupe Posada -

2nd Feb 1852 til 20th Jan 1913

Politically influenced printmaker/etcher and lithographer. influential to many Mexican artists and cartoonists due to the visual content portraying social and political critiques via satirical illustrations/prints involving the dead.

Throughout his life he owned is how printing studio and worked on promotional items such as posters or illustrations in newspapers. Humour was a large part of his satirical commentary on government abuse and daily life.

Reoccurring imagery of snakes or other poisonous animals along with Calaveras/Skeletons, skulls, angels and society were depicted which culminated in a character called ‘La Catrina’ (female skeleton with a large hat), invented to mock the rich who denied their ancestral Mexican heritage.

Octavio Paz

remarks in one article that they believe Jose to be part of the Expressionist movement, considering the content and approach to the work I tend to agree.

Posada lives on due to the influence he gave to Diego Rivera (Frida Kahlo’s husband) and Jose Clemente Orozco,  who became renowned for their Mexican muralist movement as well as cubist and caricature paintings.

I believe the heavy shadows along with negative space in his etching work will be the ideal approach for the textures and lighting I want to achieve in my work. In a similar fashion to my obsession with Bernie Wrightson’s work and approach I believe this will help bridge the gap culturally with appropriate Mexican folk art foundations.

Links -

https://www.openculture.com/2014/11/the-classic-skeleton-art-of-jose-guadalupe-posada.html https://de10.com.mx/top-10/10-datos-poco-conocidos-de-la-vida-y-obra-de-jose-guadalupe-posada

[cancun-airport]

Mexican Holidays: Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival & Traditions

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mexico's Sacred Icon

Celebration day: December 12th. Estimated reading time: 4 minutes The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe begins in December 1531 when Juan Diego, a native Aztec convert to Christianity, encountered a vision of the Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City. According to tradition, the Virgin appeared as a dark-skinned woman speaking Nahuatl, Juan Diego's native language.

The Miraculous Apparition

During four appearances, the Virgin requested a church be built in her honor. When local bishop Juan de Zumarraga demanded proof, the Virgin instructed Juan Diego to gather roses from the typically barren hillside. Upon presenting these unseasonable Castilian roses to the bishop, Juan Diego unfurled his tilma (cloak), revealing the image of the Virgin miraculously imprinted on the fabric.

The Sacred Image

The image shows the Virgin wearing traditional Aztec royal clothing with Christian symbolism: - Her blue-green mantle covered with stars - A black sash indicating pregnancy - Her stance over a crescent moon - Rays of sunlight behind her

Cultural Impact

Our Lady of Guadalupe has become: - The patron saint of Mexico - A powerful symbol of Mexican identity and faith - A unifying force between indigenous and Spanish cultures - The most visited Catholic shrine in the Americas The basilica housing Juan Diego's tilma in Mexico City receives millions of pilgrims annually, particularly around her feast day on December 12th. The image has endured for nearly 500 years, defying scientific explanation for its preservation on simple cactus fiber cloth.

Historical Significance

The apparition occurred during a crucial period in Mexican history, as the Spanish conquest had devastated native populations and cultures. Our Lady of Guadalupe represented a bridge between two worlds, incorporating both Catholic and indigenous symbolic elements. This syncretism helped facilitate the widespread conversion of indigenous peoples to Christianity while preserving aspects of their cultural identity.

Modern Relevance

Today, Our Lady of Guadalupe remains a potent symbol of: - Mexican national identity - Religious devotion - Social justice and dignity for the marginalized - Cultural pride and heritage Her image appears throughout Mexico and Latin America on everything from church altars to street art, demonstrating her enduring significance in both religious and secular contexts. Picture shows the altar of Virgin of GuadalupePilgrims at Guadalupe Sanctuary

Night view of virgin of Guadalupe Basilica

Devotes to Our lady of Guadalupe Pilgrims

Picture of our lady of Guadalupe at the Basilica in Mexico city Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12th in Mexico. While not an official federal holiday, it holds deep cultural and religious significance throughout the country. On this date, banks in Mexico are closed, not specifically for the religious observance, but because it coincides with the Day of the Banking Employee (Día del Empleado Bancario). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjCnk9wpipI Related Content - Day of the Dead in Mexico: Traditions, History, and Celebrations - Mexican Holidays - February 19 - Mexican Army Day - February 5, Mexico Constitution Day. - Mexican Holidays - Mexico Flag Day - February 24 - Passport and Visa Requirements for Entering Mexico - Arquidiocesis de Mexico Read the full article

[spaciousreasoning]

A Stay-at-Home Kind of Day

Saturday’s blood sugar dropped to 140. I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster sometimes. I suppose that’s true in terms of diet and exercise, too.

After the morning coffee and brain games, we enjoyed a breakfast of rice and eggs with cheese and bacon crumbles, and toast and jam on the side. Then we cleaned and put away the dishes and emptied the kitchen trash.

We washed and dried laundry and put away clothes. Then Nancy checked with her granddaughter Kathleen to see if she wanted the new cat bed we bought that the cats don’t seem to be interested in. Later, however, Chica crawled into it and made herself comfortable. Nancy took a picture and sent it to Kathleen.

Wondering about election results in Arizona, I exchanged some texts with my Tucson friend Mark. A couple of races are still up in the air, and it seems to be taking an awfully long time to count the ballots.

I posted a picture of teasels from our Linn County bridge tour on Instagram. We swept up dirt and dusted around the house and we hung a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the bedroom. Then I worked some more on BudZine No. 31.

Nancy and I went for a walk and clocked 2.31 miles in 42 minutes, around 5,600 steps. Then we showered and napped briefly. Nancy got up and did some yoga. After checking for TV access to the Oregon/Maryland football game, we wound up keeping tabs on it via the Internet. The Ducks won 39-18, making them 10-0 on the season.

We enjoyed beef and broccoli stir fry for dinner, made from a package meal we bought this week at Costco.

After dinner we streamed the fourth episode of the third series of “No Offence” and two more episodes of the Canadian series “Coroner.”

Except for the walk, we did not go anywhere today. The car remained in the garage, we stuck around the house and did a number of small tasks. Tomorrow’s another Sunday.

[jollyinfluencersweets]

The Role of the Railroad in Shaping San Jose, California

Introduction

San Jose, California is a urban wealthy in background and method of existence. From its humble beginnings as a small farming community, it has grown right into a bustling town with a diversified population and thriving financial weather. One key ingredient that performed a big objective in shaping the town's creation changed into the railroad. The creation of rail transportation revolutionized the system workers and goods moved throughout the time of the sector, predominant to one-of-a-kind increase and prosperity. In this article, we will explore the history of San Jose, California and delve into the pivotal position that the railroad played in its transformation.

History of San Jose California

San Jose, California has a chronic and storied heritage. It used to be focused in 1777 as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe through Spanish settlers who confirmed a farming region inside the fertile Santa Clara Valley. Over the years, it grew endlessly as more beneficial settlers arrived and widely wide-spread farms and agencies. In 1849, when gold turned into came upon in within attain Sierra Nevada, San Jose became a significant grant hub for gold miners heading to the gold fields.

The Role of the Railroad in Shaping San Jose, California

The role of the railroad in shaping San Jose, California will not be overstated. With its creation in the late nineteenth century, rail transportation remodeled the metropolis and propelled it into a new expertise of amplify and prosperity. The railroad equipped a swift and greater helpful components of transportation for the 2 persons and goods, connecting San Jose to exclusive regularly occurring cities equal to San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Impact on Economy

The arrival of the railroad had a profound impact on San Jose's fiscal method. It spread out new markets for native goods with the help of making it less problematic to transport items to a long way-off locations. Farmers may want to now export their flowers to a long way-off cities, boosting agricultural production and gains. Additionally, industries along with construction and mining flourished as raw components is most likely without a doubt transported to and from San Jose.

Population Growth

The railroad additionally played a needed position in the population boom of San Jose. As tour was faster and additional on hand, employee's from everywhere in the u . s . a . flocked to the city in are seeking for of latest selections. The population boomed, and San Jose promptly grew to turn out to be among the central quickest-growing towns in California. The inflow of recent citizens brought with it a dissimilar combo of cultures and standards, enriching the city's social cloth.

Urban Development

The introduction of rail transportation spurred city construction in San Jose. As the town grew, new neighborhoods sprung up circular railroad stations, growing bright groups. The railroad also facilitated the progression best SEO in San Jose of marvelous infrastructure reminiscent of roads, bridges, and public structures. San Jose's downtown subject flourished as organizations and vulnerable catered to the calls for of a growing to be to be inhabitants.

Connectivity

The railroad converted San Jose right into a correctly-connected hub interior California and past. It introduced handy access to one-of-a-kind most sensible cities and areas, permitting residents to hea

[thorsenmark]

Passing on That Sense of Adventure to Others in Photos by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: While approaching the Rio Grande Gorge with a view to the northeast and bridge crossing. This is in northern New Mexico not far from Taos. The ridges and peaks off in the distance are of the Sangre de Cristo Range and Taos Mountains.

[twatkcox]

[The Keihancarl Diaries: May 18, 2024]

Hi everyone, Keihancarl here. Lovely weather we’re having, huh?

xxxxxxxxxx

The weather app on my smartphone says it’s gonna rain on a Saturday. Not something I look forward to on a mall-hopping trip, but I guess (if that really happens) I’ll just deal with it for now considering that the weather’s been so scorching hot these past few weeks. I just hoped that the air wouldn’t be as humid as hell.

So I’m wearing red and black this time, and something plain too. I need to make the most out of that trip so I was planning on leaving the house around 9:00 AM (I ended up leaving the house just an hour later). In case you’re wondering, it’s Bonifacio Global City this time. And I’m definitely going to have a great time there too, with my first visit to Mitsukoshi BGC, which opened in 2022.

It was still sunny when I left, but I knew it might rain at some point, probably in the afternoon. Traffic along Commonwealth Avenue is mostly light, except in some areas. I reached the MRT at 11:30 AM. The traffic at North Avenue totally killed my mood. It sucks since I always have high expectations for almost everything.

I decided to reload my beep card (I managed to drop my bag while trying to get some coins in my purse) and take the MRT to Guadalupe Station. Along the way, the Kamuning Flyover is being rehabilitated and the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Quezon Avenue Station has commenced. Approaching Shaw Boulevard Station, however, the train came to a sudden halt, and an announcement came shortly after that. Upon reaching the next station, we were told to switch to another train, as the one we were riding had a problem.

Getting off at MRT Guadalupe Station, I immediately took a jeepney to McKinley Hill, where my first destination, Venice Grand Canal Mall, is. It’s been four and a half years since I last visited the area (and the entire Fort area, including BGC, in general) so I had a hard time familiarizing myself with the area once again. If not for Google Maps, then I would’ve gotten lost.

Getting to Venice Grand Canal Mall, I decided to check the space where Fully Booked used to be, which is now occupied by Coffee Bean And Tea Leaf and/or Randy’s Doughnuts (I believe it’s the latter). I then went inside the mall area and had lunch at Takoyadon (Food Hall), but I bought a drink at the nearby Marketplace Supermarket first. It was a gyudon donburi, but it’s strange enough that it is actually made from Angus beef (it was clearly stated in the menu). I had to pay extra for an egg, but I wouldn’t mind. It didn’t took me long enough to finish my food using only chopsticks.

I then took some selfies by the bridge, but the pics didn’t really look great, partly due to my figure. God, I hate how I look, with that ugly double chin and all that. It didn’t help that the pandemic made me look like that.

Besides the supermarket, I didn’t check any of the shops inside the mall. I didn’t get to check the Venice Piazza as well. I ended up spending more than an hour at the mall, mostly taking selfies by the bridge (with the nice view of the canal and the surrounding buildings). I could’ve done that in about fifteen minutes or so if only I looked like my pre-pandemic self and I wasn’t completely stressed out.

Next stop, SM Aura. I only checked a few shops and had a fruit tea drink at Gong Cha. At this rate, I was getting really cranky due to some earlier inconveniences, especially the heavy traffic on North Avenue. Of course, the extreme heat adds up to the crankiness I’m experiencing. Once I sat down and finished my drink, I felt a little okay.

Passing by the Fully Booked branch there, I got a free comic book as part of Free Comic Book Day in all of its stores in Metro Manila and Luzon. It was an excerpt from The Drifting Classroom by Kazuo Umezu.

Both the Food On Four and the cinemas had been renovated for some time. The former appeared to have an artificial skylight, as opposed to the previous one which is actually a skylight. But the entire area was a lot brighter than before.

As for the cinemas, I was quite impressed with the lobby. Not sure if the IMAX is still there, I didn’t bother to check due to time constraints.

Checking the SkyPark, there was a temporary mini golf area and an art installation.

Going back to the upper ground floor, H&M took over Forever 21’s former space. The latter closed its branch there in 2010.

Next stop, Market Market. I only checked the Booksale branch there. As usual, there are fewer manga books, and none of them interest me.

Heading to the biggest Fully Booked branch (the flagship megastore) at the Bonifacio High Street, I decided to check every single floor of this building… except the fourth floor and the basement (both are closed off for some reason). The manga books and light novels were transferred to the second floor, along with comic books and some of the music CDs and vinyls. These used to dominate the entire fourth floor until a few years ago.

There were no more free comic books, as was the case with the other Fully Booked branches I visited later. Luckily, there were a few free comics left at the SM Aura branch when I got there a little earlier.

After that, I took a moment to check some of the shops at BHS, and then went to my next destination: Uptown Bonifacio and of course, Mitsukoshi BGC. It was a kilometer walk from BHS, but I wouldn’t mind.

I passed by The Turf and saw football players practicing there. Later on, just as I was getting closer to my next destination, I managed to sprain my left foot a little, but I could still walk just fine.

And finally, I get to revisit the Uptown Mall for the first time in almost seven years. While I didn’t check any of the shops there, I took a moment to admire its upscale interiors. I also check the alfresco area as well. I even get to see a glimpse of Mitsukoshi BGC from there.

On to the next destination, I noticed a passageway heading to a residential building across the road (but it also says more shops, if I recall correctly). I decided to take the passageway until I reached the basement level of One Uptown Residence, where several wellness and service shops are located. I got out via the basement level access towards 36th Street and took a short walk to Mitsukoshi BGC.

The first Japanese-inspired mall in the Philippines, it features a mix of local and global brands (including renowned Japanese brands), designer labels, cafes, and restaurants. There’s a food hall (Itadaki Food Court), a supermarket (Mitsukoshi Fresh), a bookstore (Fully Booked x Books Kinokuniya), and a furniture and home furnishing shop (Nitori). There were gacha capsule machines too.

I checked some shops, including Fully Booked x Kinokuniya, and later headed to the third level to check Nitori.

I was amazed at some of the items in that store. I then checked the bedding section and the home office section. I didn’t get to check some parts of the shop, though.

It was already 6:00 PM and I was getting hungry so I decided to check out the basement level where the food court and the supermarket are. It took me a while to decide where to eat. I initially considered MOS Burger but after checking some of the other food stalls, I decided to have katsu curry at Nadai Fujisoba instead.

But first, just like earlier, I bought my drinks at Mitsukoshi Fresh (the supermarket). I decided on a bottled water and a grape-flavored vitamin boost drink. The latter was definitely not gentle on the throat, but I chose it anyway since it says anti-stress boost, something that I really need at the moment since I was incredibly stressed during some parts of the trip. I could’ve bought a box of UCC iced creamy coffee mix, the pineapple caramel one, but I hold off for now. Anyway, the katsu curry is great, though there’s a bit too much curry sauce which is more than enough to cover the rice.

Heading out, it was already dark but I managed to enjoy walking back to Bonifacio High Street. Along the way, I saw a full moon in the sky, some interesting shops, a standalone Uniqlo store, and from a good distance, Landmark BGC (I don’t know if it’s only a supermarket or it also includes the department store).

I reached the BHS Central Square within fifteen minutes and immediately checked the Muji branch there. At the cinema level, the Lawson convenience store has taken over the space of FamilyMart. I also get to see one of the 3D billboards from the large window, where I used to take numerous selfies on my previous visits.

I visited the nearby One Bonifacio High Street, but I didn’t check any of the shops.

And finally, Burgos Circle. I managed to take some pictures of the sculpture against an illuminated background and that was that. The area along Forbestown Road looks better at night.

It was quarter to 8:00, and I was debating whether I should visit One Ayala Makati or not. Anyway, I managed to take the BGC Bus to McKinley Exchange and got to the MRT Ayala Station faster than expected. I decided to check the Fully Booked branch at One Ayala Makati and take a short trip to the restroom. I also happened to run across a couple of cosplayers, as FanFes was taking place at The Spaces at One Ayala, at the fifth level, which I thought to be the cinema level on my previous visit a few months ago. I didn’t bother checking the upper floors since I really needed to get home as soon as possible.

I took the MRT and initially planned to get off at either Cubao or Quezon Avenue stations, but I ended up getting off at North Avenue station instead for some reason. I was so busy uploading the photos to my Instagram accounts during the entire MRT ride that I never paid attention to where I was supposed to get off. Man, that turned out to be the worst decision I made, since I had to wait for about 20 minutes before I got to ride the UV Express to SM Fairview from Trinoma. Traffic isn’t that bad along Commonwealth Avenue so I got there in about 30 to 40 minutes. It was already 10:20 PM when I got home from that exhausting trip.

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Sure, the trip was kind of fun, but the traffic along North Avenue and McKinley Parkway (near SM Aura/Market Market) nearly ruined my day (and my mood). Well, at least it didn’t rain throughout the entire mall-hopping trip, but the incredibly hot weather made me feel extremely exhausted and cranky throughout the trip. And yeah, I’m quite terrible with time management these days, just like the previous mall-hopping trip to CAMANAVA (Karuhatan, Valenzuela and Monumento, Caloocan) and Manila (Binondo and Ermita) areas. I wished it wouldn’t end up the same on my subsequent mall-hopping trips.

I might consider the Ortigas and Greenhills areas next. But when this will happen will be completely up to me. Well, I’m either targeting July or August for this trip.

Anyway, that’s all for the third week of #TheFourWeekendPlan. I can’t wait to return to my favorite hangout place for the final week of TFWP and enjoy my frappuccino. And I’m looking forward to my first ever trip to Baguio (as part of the company outing) by the end of the month (it’s only a week away). Until then, sayonara!

All pics are uploaded to my Instagram account, @kcox_105.

[joshcontextualstudies]

Trese 

Trese is a Filipino comic book series created by Budjette Tan and artist Kajo Baldisimo. It is centred around a detective who deals with supernatural beings in Manila. These often consist of mythical creatures and folklore elements from Filipino culture. Trese - the detective - meets all different types of fantastical creatures in Philippine mythology, even the Tikbalang which was previously talked about in my previous post (Davis, 2021). Having not really seen much of Filipino history, and lack of representation outside of stereotypes, in modern shows and series, this really stuck out to me. They have animated the comic series and released it on Netflix, becoming very popular and teaching people about the mythical creatures inspiring my drawings. The creators of the show hope to pave the way for more Filipino animated films and series, to tell more stories just as great from the Philippines. I wanted to add to this by taking these mythical creatures, creating lino prints and retelling the story through a sequence of prints. Even before it was animated, as a comic, it was a great showcasing of Filipinos and the cultural diversity within the Philippines and another reason it became so popular in the western world was due to the mix of influence from Asian mangas and Western comics, which interested many. 

Trese, even being based in Manila and using the names of the mythical creatures, it is an 18+ horror anime, with constant crime happening and thriller scenes. The first episode talks about the Aswang pack, which consists of the mythical creatures fighting Trese. They are depicted as humans. She then goes on to gouge the eye and cast a spell to find where the spirit originated from. In this show, they speak Tagalog and even show the rural areas of Philippines, so I think it is a good representation of the country and the spiritual and cultural beliefs. The only issue with it being a horror anime is that it is targeted to an older and more mature demographic, not many people will watch outside of that age range, older adults and younger people will not see the representation, which is one limitation of this series. My illustrations are meant to be simplistic in nature so that many can view the drawings and see how they belong to Filipino culture. The storyline is simplified in my prints, but they contained enough information to convey the key aspects behind each creature. 

The difference between Trese as a series and my illustrations is that Trese is set in Manila, there are places set in Philippines, the Guadalupe bridge, and more, all show parts of Philippines, presenting the Philippines as a whole with the creatures, whereas mine just details the stories, giving depth and richness to each creature, whereas Trese just depicts all the scary mythic creatures as monsters that she saves the civilians from. 

One of the main villains in the series is the Aswang and the Aswang clan. At first, they are depicted as humanistic creatures, disguising themselves in human clothing but with their facial features. In Filipino mythology, they are known as vampires, ghouls, and transforming human-beast hybrids (Winiarski, 2022), normally their victims are children and unborn foetuses, but they also hunt victims that are alone at night, which is what is shown in Trese. Upon watching it, I found the anime to be very gory and explicit, however, the depiction of the beast is very accurate in this anime. The art style is very simplistic but they drew the aswang very well, showing the ears and main characteristics of the aswang in an evil way to show that they are devilish in nature. In the first episode, three women fell victim to the aswangs in a train, and this perfectly depicts how aswangs attack. 

Ibong adarna’s story:

The story of Ibong Adarna is a folklore tale. The narrative is based on the lives of King Fernando, who falls sick. His three sons, Pedro, Diego, and Juan, set out to capture the Adarna - believing that it would heal their father, King Fernando. The quest does not prove to be easy, the mythic land of the forest contains many challenges, creatures and disputes. Over the course of the journey, the brothers bond and help each other, showing lessons of honour and humility. As Juan captures the Ibong Adarna, the brothers  Pedro and Diego end up beating Juan up, leaving him on the side of the road. They then lie to the King, their father, and claim they do not know of his whereabouts. Juan eventually returns and forgives them despite this.

After this, the king then gives Pedro and Diego the task of watching the Ibong Adarna, but they grow envious of Juan, so they trick him into believing that the Ibong Adarna escaped. Juan sets off to find the bird, but the truth is revealed. The two brothers are set to be banished, but are spared due to Juan’s forgiving nature. My illustration focuses mainly on the Ibong Adarna as a creature rather than the whole tale and the brothers.

I depicted the story in this way:

- The first lino introduces the scene of a grand castle, King X’s, showing the landscape. 

- The second print portrays the king in his bed, unwell, alone and weak.

- The third print introduces the three brothers who set out to seek the Ibong Adarna, believing it would heal their sick father.

- The fourth lino presents the Ibong Adarna, looking majestic in front of the brother with the cage. The brother hopes that it will heal his father from his illness.  

Folklore and general influence:

Folklore is normally seen as something of a culture that has unreal and unserious 

superstitions, even outdated tales to some people. Many people don’t see how various folklore affects everyone universally, passed down from generation to generation to tell a story, which in turn teaches about diverse cultures. A study by Dahal and Bhatta (2021) showed the reflection of folklore on Nepalese students. They found that these folktales often helped younger children find the concepts of what is good and right in the world. In their conclusion, they state the following: “Folktales represent common forms of literature that are used in the classroom as conscience stories to communicate behavioural expectations to youngsters.”. It is common for children to be taught made-up stories and folklore, ranging from Robin Hood to the Ibong Adarna to teach them good deeds, or the Tikbalang to teach them dangerous issues. This is why illustrating the stories of mythical creatures, I hope that people can recognise the drawings and understand the morals they hold, what they represent and the significance they hold towards Filipino culture, conveying how diverse our culture is. 

Reference list:

- Dahal, H., & Bhatta, B. (2021). Folktales: A Moral Message from the Past to the Future Generation. Nepal Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 4(1), 31–43. https://doi.org/10.3126/njmr.v4i1.36618

- Davis, V. (2021, June 10). “Trese” Vividly Brings Mythical Beasts of Filipino Folklore to Life. Animation World Network. https://www.awn.com/animationworld/trese-vividly-brings-mythical-beasts-filipino-folklore-life

- Winiarski, K. (2022, October 6). Inside The Disturbing Legend Of The Aswang, The Bloodsucking, Fetus-Eating Monster Of Filipino Folklore. All That’s Interesting. https://allthatsinteresting.com/aswang#:~:text=It%20goes%20about%20among%20humans

[americanifesto]

free all captives! [ above is a photo of graffiti street art found anno 2023 on the North Broadway Bridge in Chinatown Los Angeles CA that depicts specifically: a mural featuring a shirtless man with his hands shackled behind his back facing away from the viewer with a tattoo on his back depicting la Virgin de Guadalupe ][ americanifesto - 場黑麥 - jpr - urbanartopia - whorphan ]