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Nippon Coffee Crawl

As you all know, we are addicted to coffee. I want to share our adventure as we explored the rich culture and modernity of this country, discovering hidden coffee gems in both its serene places and busy streets. Here's our Japan Coffee Crawl:

Lilo Coffee Roasters

This small coffee shop is situated on the bustling street of Nishishinsaibashi in Osaka. Here, you'll notice that Japan has a solid coffee culture, whether to kickstart the day, savor flavors while catching up with friends, or simply enjoy coffee while seated on a bench on the curb side.

Address: 〒542-0086 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 1 Chome−10−28, Shinsaibashi M, １階

Kurasu

This coffee shop's concept is to celebrate the home-brewing experience. I was surprised that the latte I ordered was brewed using a pour-over method. It was so smooth and rich that it tasted like it was extracted from an espresso machine. This haven is for specialty coffee enthusiasts, and like their shop, it's akin to visiting a coffee-nerd friend's house where every sip tells a story.

Side note: Bought a gooseneck kettle, Miyaco, which is Japanese-made. Its design resembles a Japanese teapot but is carefully crafted for hand-dripping.

Address: 552 Higashiaburanokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8235, Japan

Blue Bottle

This is a perfect place to enjoy coffee with family and friends. Aside from the perfectly crafted coffee, the ambiance of the shop is peaceful and Japanese. It's like mindfulness practice in every sip: the aroma, the warmth, and the flavor, of course. They also serve the best-tasting cappuccino.

Address: 〒606-8437 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Nanzenji Kusakawacho, ６４

Verve

Although posh-looking, its concept, like the others, is to showcase every step of the process (i.e., from beans to cup) bringing the wonderful produce of coffee farms to the city.

Address: 5 Chome-16-8 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan

Glitch

During this exploration, Glitch stands out as the specialty of specialties. They only serve single origins, all light roast. They present available beans recommended for your drink for you to smell and examine based on your preference, briefly explaining the beans and their taste notes.

Address: 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 4 Chome, 佐野ビル VORT銀座イーストIII 1階

Fuglen

Another nice place to relax, chat, or simply people-watch while having your coffee. I'm also fascinated with Mid-Century Modern Interiors, and my eyes enjoyed the place so much.

Address: 2-chōme-6-15 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032.

As you noticed, I didn't elaborate much on the coffee because these are all specialty coffee shops, and the coffee they serve are all god-tier. Each offers a wide selection of menu items based on your personal preference. However, as previously stated, Kurasu only offers manually brewed coffee, but based on my experience, you can get the same espresso-machine-tasting latte from them. During this adventure, for better comparison, I tried to order only Gibraltar or latte. Overall, the best-tasting coffee I had (not only during this crawl but by far) was the Columbia Risaralda Milan from Glitch. The very significant taste note was melon, which tasted so good and still lingered up to the last drop."

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Don’t Be Afraid. Share your Passion!

Hi! If you are reading this, know that you are unique, special, a - gifted one. Some of us may have already discovered their passion: it could be singing, dancing, painting or perhaps an interest in cooking, collecting stamps or toys and they are all interesting. 

If you think you don’t have any, I don’t think so! I know you got it in you, so follow that voice within you and don’t be afraid.

Share your passion now!

We are interested and excited to know about it and get to know you more based on what you are passionate about. You’ll be surprised to know your teammates’ passion and who knows - you may share the same interest!

So this Friday, take this chance and don’t. be. afraid. Share your passion now! 

Credits: Graphic design by Tin.

Content: Inspired by the song “Share Your Passion” by Oriflame.

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Mula sa Buwan: A Filipino Musical about unrequited love and defiance.

I watched 'Mula sa Buwan' in 2016 and I felt it really hard and it so so good that I promised to myself right after the show, "I will definitely watch this play again if ever they will have a re-run.

Last night, we watched Mula sa Buwan's very first show and still felt the same amount of excitement and actually, I didn't expect that I will laugh that hard again and that I found myself feeling all the emotions; trully love is sweeter the second time around — sa buwan.

'Mula sa Buwan' is a Filipino Musical adaptation of French poet Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac" directed by Pat Valera and with songs by William Elvin Manzano. A colorful Zarzuela with beautiful scenes in Kundiman and Harana filled with humor, love, and bravery.

The actors were excellent beyond compare! They had successfully given life to the play and able to let their words, songs, and drama flew from their hearts to ours.

The stage, the effects, props, and costumes are superb! Ang sarap bumalik sa buwan!

"Mula sa Buwan is for all the dreamers and fighters – for all those who loved and lost... but still continue to hope."

"Maiingit ang bukang liwayway, ang ganda n'ya'y nawalan ng saysay, sa kulay mong tinataglay sa mundo'y ibinibigay."

Nov. 9, 2018 (Nov. 9-25, 2018)

Hyundai Hall, Arete, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan, Q.C.

Photo credits to: Gargar 🤣

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The Tagabukid went to National Museum

Filipino Art and Culture Appreciation

Many would think that going to a museum is boring and not so very much a millennial thing to do. But as I have experienced visiting the museum, I highly suggest this activity for pleasure and for learning alike and for IG! (Haha!)

[Hagdan, (2018). Lufeeeeet!] Haha!

First Stop: National Museum of Fine Arts

National Museum of Fine Arts houses most of the exquisites and most beautiful masterpieces by famous artists (paint and sculpture) such as that of Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Fernando Amorsolo among others.

We entered the gagartuan room in our most Pinoy pride strut and we were welcomed by the gigantic obra — The Spoliarium. I am surprised knowing that it was that huge, magnificent, and I could say abstruse that I stare in amazement. This is just one of the many incredibly beautiful pieces of arts by great artists in which in their talent expressed the wonderful ideas of their minds into tangible works of art for the pleasure of the eyes, commune of the hearts, and often, to overwhelm the silence of the mind.

[Rape and Massacre in Ermita (1947) by Diosdado M. Lorenzo]

[Grecian Beauty (1920) by Vidal A. Tampinco)

According to Cesar A. Cruz, "Art should comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable." I experienced both.

Second Stop: National Museum of Anthropology

Tried to pull-off an ethnic-artist-like get-up to look like someone-who-knows-art-better and I ended up one-with-the-art-installations (haha!) I could say that my tagabukid self could line up with that of Dong Abay, Kidlat Tahimik, Ben Cab, and then there's me — Enteng Anyong Lupa.

It is very interesting to know how the ancient Filipino society operated and get to know more of who we are today based on what and how we were before: their arts, craftmanship, and way of life. This is the very first time that I was able to see the Bangang Manunggul right in front of my eyes; a functional piece of prime Filipino product showcasing their spiritual beliefs and arts in strong symbolism.

This museum also contains the hall for the Baybayin (Ancient and Traditional Scripts of the Philippines) as well as an exhibition featuring the tattoo artist Whang Od. Aside from that was a hall containing the masterpieces from the National Living Treasure (Manlilikha ng Bayan) artists and also, the exhibit on Hibla ng Lahing Filipino.

This is such an excellent experience and I was so amazed with the beauty and magnifence of the arts. But what I can say is that, the artists are far more perfect and awesome than their arts as they were created by the ultimate, benevolent, and omnipotent God.

Just like you — you are a masterpiece: good, pleasing, perfect! You are beautiful and deserve the right kind of love, like a precious piece of art in a museum.

Thanks to Kai and Jake for this one day of a great adventure.

Watch out as we plan invading next: National Museum of Natural History.

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A Weekend of Everything that Flies: The 21st Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

So, what lesson have I learned from this human experience?

I have learned that in life, success is a lot like a hot air balloon. You got to dream big and high. In the process, you will have to experience extremely hot temperature and battle against strong wind. Your envelope got to be tough and mighty enough cabaple to withstand burning hot temperature — without breaking. And then you will be there, up in the sky, bright, and people will look up on you. Taray! Hahaha!

Lift up, lift high.

Wonderful Sunday evening, folks! - from your breezy boy from the Bukid. Haha.

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The Taga-bukid went to Taal

Linggo ng umaga ng tawirin namin ang lawa. Sa paglalayag na ito, hangad naming makita ng malapitan ang Taal Volcano.

But before that, let me give you some quick facts about Taal.

According to Wikipedia, Taal Volcano is a complex volcano and is the second most active volcano in the Philippines with 33 historical eruptions. Taal Volcano and Lake are wholly located in the province of Batangas. The crater lake on Volcano Island is the largest lake on an island in a lake on an island in the world. Galing no?

Nung malapit na kami sa kabilang isla, sabi ko kay Jake, “Ang daming bangka 'no?” Aba, pinagtawanan ba naman ako, magtaka daw ako kung madaming tricycle. Hahaha! Natawa ako, oo nga naman, ang tanga lang ng tanong ko. (So my main takeaway was, do not state the obvious and the expected! haha.)

As we reached the island, we have to hike for about an hour in order to reach the nearest point to the crater. Along the way, sabi ko sa sarili ko (hala, talking to self? Ilabas and DSM-V haha), parang medyo na perfect namin ang SATA ng nursing interventions for photosensitivty: 1. SPF 70 - check! 2. Long sleeves - check! at ang tunay na nagdala, 3. Wide-brimmed hat! Super check! haha

On our way up, though a little hot and humid and all (haha arti-arti.) You will experience nature at its finest. You will get to see beatiful landscapes, fresh air, and fresh tae ng kabayo. Parang Avocado shake daw sabi ni Grace hahaha!

Kidding aside, it is always, always so – so good to be with nature. Pag-umaakyat ako ng bundok or malapit sa dagat, feeling ko my spirit is able to commune with the nature. And besides, my soul deserves to have the best human experience possible. Aba maigsi lang buhay, life is short. (Ininglish lang? Haha)

So here are some of my observations:

1. May community pala dun. 2. Ang daming kabayo. 3. Ang daming tae ng kabayo. haha.

Iba’t-ibang klase talaga ang bundok, sa Ulap madaming baka at mga puno, sa Lobo mabato at madaming kabayo, at sa Taal mystical ang dating, umuusok! Would you believe that? Yung lupa ng bulkan umuusok? (Malamang!)

To end this story let me share this message, “What this generation needs is to experience nature: a walk through the woods, sitting on top of a hill, feeling the wind on their face, and simply looking at the bright sky. I think our minds have been caged in our excessive use of technology and man’s inventions, that we are already failing to feel the simple goodness of the world and see the beauty of life.” -Apple Jolo.

Good Morning! Talisay, Batangas, Philippines.

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Sugod, mga kapatid! — Mt. Lobo.

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Hike Hike, The Taga-Bukid Went

Nung bata pa ko mahilig na ako maglaro sa bukid, umakyat sa puno, at kumain ng lupa. Kaya kahit saan mo ko kaladkarin, go lang ako lalo na pag-adventure. And, I realized that as we grow older our playground expands. It becomes so wide that it is actually the whole earth; its mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. Sobrang okay.

At dahil may long weekend kami (Memorial Day) at dahil magulo ang utak namin, akyat to Mt. Ulap kami. Then, I Googled it baby, huwaw exciting! Game!

Mt. Ulap is located in Itogon, Benguet. Going to Ampucao, parang familiar ang daan, naalala ko dito yata kami nag school nursing dati and ito din pala ang way going to Philex Mines. I have been to Philex during my college years for one of our clinical rotations at Sto. Nino General Hospital.

We arrived at a covered court near a public elementary school where we signed-up, oriented, prepared, and then hike!

Assault. Sabi ko, hindi yata assault to, murder haha! Going up, bumubilis na tibok ng puso ko (naks! inlove? haha) Sige, DBE kunyari, inhale-exhale. Tapos naalala ko, konti ang oxygen sa taas, tapos malamig pa, panu kung may sickle cell pala ako (hahaha grabe siya.) Pero first rest namin, sobrang tachy na 'ko. I can feel my heartbeat at around 180-200s cpm and literally na feel kong nagskip ako ng beat, dalawang magkasunod sabi ko sa sarili ko “potah, PVCs, bigem.” Natakot ako. Flaring daw nostrils ko. Haha pero bagay ko pag malaki butas ng ilong hahaha!

Parang gusto ko ng bumalik nung time na yun and hintayin na lang sila sa Baguio. Feeling ko di ko talaga kakayanin, baka mahirapan lang sila sa akin. Pero nandito na eh. Naalala ko, sabi nga, sometimes we look at the negatives more than the positives, and to what might go wrong that we reject opportunies. Kaya sabi ko, laban! I will transform to the best version of myself oha! We have that power daw sabi ni F. Mabanta; (How to Survive 2016 Presidential Election, 2016.)

Trail. Ang saya, pine trees, fresh cold air, saaaraaaap! Better than anything! Singhot pa more. Pero there were times that I feel like calling it Mt. Ebak hahaha biro lang, baka ma persona non grata ako sa Mt. Ulap. Madami kasing baka. Pero sa totoo lang, ngyon ko lang nalaman na may mga baka sa bundok? Bakit sa bundok? Kala ko sa kapatagan lang sila hahaha. Cows on a mountain 1,846 m high above sea level? Would you believe that? hahaha

If you know that movie of KC concepcion that she went on an adventure in Cagayan, feeling ko ganun ako, except having cancer. Kaya dahil sa akin para silang may kasamang bata at senior citizen sa paglakad at the same time hahaha churi guys.

Meron din time na nagcramps ka, tapos sobrang hina ng isangside ng paa mo, buti naalala ko ang “Teaching a Patient How to use a Cane.” Hahaha good leg, bad leg with the cane, shift weight to the cane, good leg, bad leg… repeat hahaha!

Summit. Syempre pag dating sa taas, wow heaven. Sabi nga travel when you’re young and able; di ko na kaya ‘to pag nag-gigive up na knees ko at may true functional impairment. haha. We are all blessed with life but not all are blessed to witness God’s wonderful creation, first hand. Sabi ko nga, kanina sa Insta ko lang to nakita, ngayon, face-to-face. And, I felt so good, even felt so good about myself. I am proud of you self, I love you self (Narcisistic? haha) Pero teka, paano ngayon tayo bababa? hahaha

Descend. Syempre mas challenge to boy! Palakasan ng binti haha. Malas lang umuulan pa, mas chinallenge ang muscles ko hahaha.

Insights. I learned a lot! Glad na nakasama ako. Since, I am not prepared for this, so wala talaga. Didn’t even read about things to know pag mag hike.

I have learned that hikers have a great culture and shared good set of etiquette; which I didn’t know about. Yung makakasulubong mo yung mga paababa habang paakyat ka and they will greet you good morning and says ingat. Akala ko ilan lang ung ganun, pero lahat ng nakakasalubong namin ganun. At ganun daw talaga. (Attention to parents, if you want your kids to become magalang, paakyatin nyo sila ng bundok.)

We also had a good young guide, and he’s so concern with the nature that he picks every single wrapper na madadaanan namin. I hope they will rigidly teach in school how to care for the environment. Kasi kung hindi, baka bundok na ng basura ang ihihike ng mga magiging anak natin (Oo anak natin, ayaw mo? hahaha)

Kaya ko pala? Hahaha I survived Mt. Ulap!

I had so much! Thanks to Ward, Grace, and Petah! Looking forward to the next. Sama nyo pa ko? Hahahaha!

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Why don't we just keep the child within us alive — always? Maglaro-laro sa lupa at kumain ng buhangin. Hahaha!

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San Juan, La Union. [Circle Hostel, Surf Whack, El Union Coffee, Tagpuan.]

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The People of my Year 2015

I came back home on New Year’s day of 2015, excited and scared at the same time because I have no idea where to start and as to what that year has in store for me.

I was able to mustered all the bravery and confidence that I have, been courageous enough to leave some of the things that no longer gives me mini heart attacks, with old clothes in my bag, few money on my hand and it was only because of the excessive amount of faith that made me ready for the big leap.

The first quarter of 2015 was quite on the down low, I feel devalued and worthless and learned how to walk on the sides of the red carpet, sneaking. Nevertheless, I learned to be more humble, got to know myself more, and the lessons of being positive and hopeful. I remember the cliche that goes “It is not over until it is over.” I learned from my own lessons and thank God not the hard way. We cannot really tell if something is a good thing or a bad thing but I learned to always look on the bright side.

Little did I know, that there was something special waiting for me in 2015, something that means so much to me, and I was surprised how God knows when I am ready for that success, and the timing was —perfect.

[BTW, I made a lot of new friends in 2015!!!]

As we start with this brand new year, 2016, and turn its pages, allow me to share and give recognition to these people who made significant impact in my year 2015.

1. Fr. Rey Reyes, Chaplain, San Pedro Calungsod Chapel.

Don’t know him personally but I attended Sunday Masses officiated by him and of course heard and learned from his homilies. I am always blessed on how he shared the gospel and its practical application on one’s daily life. How he injects witty humour in his speeches which are good week starters.

2. The Wonderful People of Nurse Academy

It was really a great learning experience with this set of beautiful people. Though, with many differences, we were united because of a shared goal and for having to experience the same feelings most especially during the times when our anxiety was bigger than ourselves. Everyday during that preparation period, I was motivated beause of them (which was very much needed) and how I was reminded by them that “I can do it!” Love you guys! MONA!!! DEVALM!!! hahaha!

3. Jake, Grace, Agnes, Peter, and Ernesto Bacani, Jr. haha!

I guess we have to give our small group a label! Sistema? (Gusto mo yan, Jake!) hahaha. More than half of the reason why I made it is beacuse of you guys! (Huhuhu, teary eyed, sa left inner canthus lang! lol) You gave me inspiration, you encouraged me and pushed me to bring out my very best! During the times that I was so afraid and weak because there were seems to be a lot that I have not read yet. For setting a strict schedule on our daily study plan hahaha and on how you helped me to learn more about the secrets of La Charity (Naks! Parang Mystical Novel lang si La Charity! Hahaha) Thank you so much! Clostridium difficile!-Harry Patah!

4. My Roommates

(Silence.) hahaha

5. Kristina Daniel Nacario, Mi Mamuy! haha

Congratulations for making it again this year. Two years in a row (Wow, just wow!) but this time, the spot is awarded to you, solely (Clap clap!) Haha! Well, up until now, you are still that crazy as ever; making my 2015, hmm— crazy! haha. Even though you are remotely somewhere out there in the universe (gusto mo yan, referring to yourself as a “speck of dust” haha!) I can still feel your motherly presence haha. I am still learning from you about people and about life and about non-sense stuff that make us laugh our gallbladders out. haha! I was also so happy that you are one of those people who were pleased for my success. Naks! Mi proud mama! haha.

6. Ms. Apple Jolo

I also do not know this person personally but happened to be a Facebook friend after her remarkable APEC post. Aside from HONY, it is her posts that I enjoyed reading. They were meaningful, eye opening, and you will always get something from her writings which is very much helpful in all aspects of human life. Thanks for her generosity in sharing her valuable thoughts.

Well, of course, my family and old friends have a huge part in my 2015 and I would not have survived that year without their support. Thank you, thank you for the love! Haha

As I end this post, let me share this: What we have right now or the situation that we are currently in will not stay the same, there are only FEW things in life that will stay the way they are now. Life goes on and on, it is a continous flow, tide comes in and tide comes out.

May God bless 2016!

[vincabinvincible]

Sa paglabas ko, makulimlim ang langit at malamig ang simoy ng hangin. Kaya't sabi ko, ayos lang naman pala ang panahon kahit na may bagyo. Sumakay ako ng jeep at bumaba sa may stoplight. Habang ako'y naglalakad, bumuhos ang malakas na ulan at hampas ng hangin na nagpabaligkwas sa dala kong payong; kumaripas ako ng takbo. Lumalagitik ang mga piraso ng kahoy na bumabagsak sa bubong ng mga kotseng nakahinto sa gilid ng kalsada. Wala na akong nagawa at tumigil sa gilid ng isang malaking gusali; basa, nanlalamig, nakahalukipkip. Hanggang sa napukaw ang mata ko ng isang lugar. Ang dinding nito ay salamin at tunay na mapang-akit; kaya't pumasok ako upang magpatila ng ulan at magpatuyo. Naupo sa komportableng upuan na may isang lamisita sa harapan. Nakilala ko ang isang 'babae' sa loob, at maganda ang hubog ng kanyang katawan. Ako'y nakipagkamay; dama ko ang init nya na dumaloy sa aking mga kamay. Matagal ko itong pinagmasdan at ikinulong sa aking mga palad at inilapit sa aking muka na tila ba'y nagpapalitan kami ng hininga at tunay na kay bango ng aromang taglay nya. Hinalikan ko ang mga labi nya at nalasahan ang bibig nya. Pinag-init nito ang nanlalamig kong kalamnan, bumilis ang pagtibok ng aking puso at aking naramdaman ang mabilis ng pagdaloy ng dugo sa aking mga ugat. Hanggang sa maubos ko sya at pinasalamatan. Tumigil sandali, ako'y nagpaalam at kinuha ang kanyang pangalan, and her name was "Hot Vanilla Latte." Gaaahahahah! [Credits to the artist of the street art used in this photo, BGC] (at Seattle's Best Coffee)

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The Chapel on the top of a Mall

So the boy from the bukid has been staying to this big city for quite awhile now and trying to be familiar and get accustomed to the in and outs of the place.

As a newbie here, I got to know all the important places that I will be needing for my survival like the nearest healthcare facility, groceries, pharmacy, foodshops, and of course the most accessible and nearest church that I could go. Believe it or not, I have discovered a chapel on the top of a mall and that is —The Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod, SM Aura, BGC.

Just as a mall, or a grocery, or a foodshop is important to a man’s day-to-day living, a church is as equally important and that it gives nourishment to the human soul.

The Chapel is located on the rooftop of the mall, over looking the entirety of the city and standing side-by-side with other high rising buildings nearby.

The mass is celebrated everyday in different time schedules. (See the schedule of mass posted as picture.)

Aside from the very solemn mass and good voices from the choir, what I liked the most is that the priest gives time for anyone to recieve blessings individually.

The place is very quite and peaceful (as expected) which is accented by plants in beautiful landscape which gives everyone the perfect ambiance as they encounter God in prayer and in celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

If you happen to be in this mall or you are living nearby, go, check, and visit the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod.

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First Time in Tagaytay

Finally after several months, we were able to go for an out-of-town adventure to breathe some fresh air and see some greens, and the best place for that —Tagaytay!

Before heading to Tagaytay, we first stopped to the beautiful abode of one of our friends in Cavite, were we had our sumptous seafood lunch! Yummmy! It was indeed a blast!

It was my first time to visit Tagaytay and I could say that I fell in love in the beauty of this place right at my very first sight. The cool breeze, the trees, and the place is very peaceful and quite. We decided to stay and have coffee in their Starbucks where we had the most wonderful view, overlooking Taal volcano. How nice is that to sip your coffee looking at a horizon which is that beautiful! Heaven!

And of course the trip would not been this great without the company of crazy-awesome friends.

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A Day at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

It has been three months already since I moved from the bukid to this new big city, and since then, this is the first weekend that I decided not to go home (in the province) and to take a walk and look around and explore this new place.

Because of the effects brought by Egay, this is the first day in the whole week that we experience just a little rain showers and a glimpse of the sun. Aside from that, I decided to give myself a break from a rigid mental preparation (naks!) Because I got mentally raped almost everyday since my day 1 here. LOL

So, here it goes.

I remember, one time, someone told me that cemeteries are the most sincere places on earth. I couldn’t agree more; it’s tranquil, serene, and it listens (So, if you want to vent out something, go and find a cemetery.)

And so, I decided to visit first the famous Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. According to my research, this is the largest American Military Cemetery among the 24 cemeteries operated by the American Battle Monuments Commission which operates in various parts of the world.

Before heading in, I registered first in the entrance, the pass is free by the way, the security officer asked for my ID for verification and for the registration. Funny thing is, I was asked by the guard if I am a Filipino (Gaaahaha!) Really? Do I look like a foreigner in my own home country? In what way? Haha! And Tagalog naman sana kami nag-usap. Won’t blame the guard, I had been mistaken as Chinese 90% of the time by Thais. (Hindi ko din alam kung bakit.)

Anyhow, as one would expect, the place is very peaceful. There were lots of trees, well manicured green lawn, and maya birds; it was very calming. Absolutely relaxed which gives the same effect to the soul.

Among the crosses were few stars which symbolizes Jewish religion. There were also names marked distinctively in gold which signifies a Medal of Honor recipient.

The Memorial Plaza contains the names of the soldiers listed as Missing in Action. There were also numerous Filipino soldiers included. Moreover, there were mosaics of the maps that give illustrations of the battles. On the floor of the plaza engraved were the seals of the different US States and Territories. In the middle is the chapel. I entered there, prayed, and offered a respect for the souls of all those soldiers.

If you happen to be near the area, I would recommend that you pay a visit to the cemetery. It’s a very humbling experience.

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Mga dapat tandaan ngayong tag-ulan: 1. Mag-ingat sa paglakad sa "puddles" (Naks! Sosyal) dahil baka mapasok nito ang iyong sapatos at ikaw ay magkaalipunga (Patay tayo dyan.) 2. Magdala ng payong panangga sa ulan para di dumating sa opisan na mukang basang isda. Gaaahaha! 3. At kung ikaw ay may sipon dahil sa pagbago-bago ng panahon, itu na yon! Isabay ang malakas na pagsinga with feelings sa pagbuhos ng ulan para medyo hindi halata. Waahahah! At sabihin mo, "Lakas ng ulan no? Basang-basa mukha ko oh!" Keep safe everyone! (Shot taken at Doi Inthanon)