Taal: An Unexpectedly Beautiful Town

Posted on June 26, 2015 by heavenliner

i love taal

Prior to visiting Taal in the province of Batangas I never expected so much about this place. It is actually only 2 hours away from the bustling capital of the Philippines. Because it is so close to Manila the range of my expectations on what this town can offer is so low.

All the while, I thought, Taal would just be another usual town that aspires to become a modernized place near Metro Manila that is vehicle-congested, mall-infested and overly-populated. But my short one-night and one-day glimpse of Taal tutored me otherwise.

a nice sunny weather…

yey!

this is what philippines should be like… i love it!

a dungeon like stairs leading to a church belfry

This place was able to preserve the calmness of a Filipino barrio, the gentleness and courtesy of the Filipino people as well as the elegance and beauty of the 19^th century Philippines.

According to Wikipedia, Taal is classified only as a third class municipality. Yet the feelings and thoughts I experienced during my recent visit in this bucolic Filipino town has surprisingly been first class!

I would definitely be back to further explore the culture and the beauty of this calm, naive and gentle place.

Ang gara! Ang ganda! Ang galing!

Meeting the First King of the Philippines in New York

Posted on May 15, 2015 by heavenliner

Filipinos nowadays have developed the extreme love and proud-ness towards the Philippines. It is so extreme, some would already categorize it as being conceited. Some of the Filipinos are even fed up and would even go nuts when they would see “Proud To Be Pinoy” comments in a social media post that depicts success and triumph of a “kababayan” (fellow Filipino citizen)

But have you ever wondered how does the man whom the Philippines was named after looked like? We proud Pinoys, I guess, never had the interest and curiosity on how King Philip II of Spain looked like.

In the whole duration of my student life – that honed my nationalistic stance – never was there a chance that a teacher, an instructor or a professor showed me the photo of the man whom my country was named after. Considering that the academic world would be the most likely place where to see the image of this man, this regrettably never happened. I never saw a single photo of the guy whom I consider to be the first king of my country.

And while I am on my post-student life, I actually am not familiar about the life of this king and much less I actually have zero idea on how King Phillip II looked like. If he looked like a weakling chap, a skinny dude, a hunky fellow or a lumbersexual guy? I have no idea at all.

patio from the castle of velez blanco inside the met

That is why when I saw the bust sculpture of a man at the Patio from the Castle of Velez Blanco inside the Metropolitan Museum in New York City I did not right away recognize it. When I read the label, indicating that it is the bust sculpture of King Philip II of Spain that was the only time I thought that this could be the same man whom my country was named after.

My inquisitiveness led me to right away google the words “Spain, King Phillip II, and Philippines” from my mobile phone. The image I saw in my mobile was the very same image that was in front of me. When I further read the information indicated in the net, it was the only time I knew how my first king looked like.

king philip ii of spain

a great thanks to this lumbersexual chap!

After recognizing, knowing and finally confirming the image, I stood right in front of the bust sculpture, I smiled and simply uttered “Hi!” Before I left the patio square to visit other galleries within The Met. I walked back to the same sculpture I took a photo and say “Thank you dude!”

Syet nakalimutan ko mag-selfie sa Unang Hari ng Pinas.

Book of Mormons Can Never Be Imported In Pinas

Posted on April 29, 2015 by heavenliner

There have been lots of popular musicals that have been imported and graced my beloved homeland. There were even lots of these musicals in which the West End or Broadway casts were featured. And there were some musicals in which the company of actors were equally talented local Filipino artists trying their very best to sound and enunciate the American and/or English accent.

agree!

a nightly long queue at the theater…

But after seeing The Book of Mormons, I can conclude that this show, though dubbed in America as the “best musical of the century” will never be imported and shown in conservative Philippines. It is because this musical can be stunningly foul-mouthed, incredibly vulgar and breathtakingly offensive.

It pushes the boundaries of a comedic story by talking/singing about child rape, the clitoris, people with AIDS, female circumcision and even the male scrotum (with maggots). There was even a vulgar song entitled “Hasa Diga Eebowai” which features a litany of despair and anguish that culminates in the rousing chorus stating that Hasa Diga Eebowai means “F@ck you god”.

A lot of scenes and dialogues were mockeries of true human stories that transpired and continuously happen in society. There was a song in which the continent of Africa was described as definitely not a “Lion King” of a site that one can behold. And that an Ugandan town (which can represent a lot of places in the planet) is being oppressed and harassed by its leader whose name in the story is General Butt-Fucking Naked.

There was the mockery of innocent people in society which were made to seriously believe on stories that involved putting together snippets of events from the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. And that these people were so innocent, they believe that the true paradise is located in Salt Lake City (the song’s sweet rendition actually made me teary-eyed). There was even a line in one song saying that the Garden of Eden is located in Jackson County, Missouri!

where the hilarious yet smart crudeness happens…

aylavet!!!

winner!!!

But what is so amazing about this musical is that these jokes were so smart, refreshing and extremely funny without really sacrificing the kernels of life’s reality that the viewers can ponder about. And maybe the reason why these jokes and mockeries were so effective is because these were uttered and put across by the sweetest characters that a musical could ever have.

Underneath all these jokes and mockeries, The Book of Mormon is a very moral musical. If truly assessed it has a surprisingly tender core. It tackles about loyalty to friendship. It tackles the hope of discovering utopia. It tackles the beauty of innocence as well as the dangers that comes along with it. It tackles about finding love and happiness. It tackles about experiencing victory in the strangest of situations. And ironic as it may seem, it is about the pureness of the heart.

It is therefore not surprising that this musical won 9 Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2011 and continuous to draw big crowds daily. Too bad, Philippines won’t be able to see, hear and experience the pureness of the heart contained in The Book of Mormon.

Ito ang myusikal kung saan ang huling linyang sinabi kung Tatagalugin ay … “Ang Betlog Ko Pa Rin Ay May Uod!??

The Complete Elements of Junior New System

Posted on April 24, 2015 by heavenliner

What do you call the dance when you put all the elements of modern dancing? Answer: Junior New System!

My goodness! These kids can rock the dancefloor! All dance elements are so present it is considered “unique”. If you love to dance, you should watch their performances. And if you didn’t liked it, then there must be something very wrong with you…

What I love about their choreography and concept is that their dancing could be uniquely genderless. These guys can perform moves from the wide spectrum of gender-role dancing. Their moves can cross over from the rough jagged power motions of a bloke, to the electrifying dancing grace of a dame, to the attitude and flair of the androgynous.

the high heeled shoes that paved the way for them to reach the grand finals (photo taken from jns’ fb page)

I hope these guys win the first edition of Asia’s Got Talent competition. Because if not, then there must be really really be something wrong with Asia.

Na mis ko bigla ang aldeger sisters at wea twins.

Hey British Kids: Don’t Go to Syria, Go to Metro Manila

Posted on March 20, 2015 by heavenliner

It is all over the news that 3 British teens tried to enter Syria for their alleged plan of joining the Islamic State (Isis) militants in Syria. And according to news, prior to these 3 aspiring slaughterers there has been hundreds of young Britons lured, bewildered and mystified has gone to Syria.

These are my thoughts about it. I guess these British kids don’t actually realize how privileged they are for being born and to be living in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. They don’t realize how lucky they are and how easy it is for them to live a life. These homo sapiens basically do not need to be worried about the basics of living a life because their government’s social services are much better if compared to the majority of the countries around the planet. The basic physiological, security and self-esteem needs of living a life are essentially prearranged before their birth and are actually given to them even before they start breathing.

Instead of joining Isis, I recommend these kids to try living for a month (no a week) to some poverty-stricken area here in Metro Manila. I suppose these kids don’t need to join a fatally flawed group of assassins to be able to realize what life is all about. At least here in Metro Manila, they will experience the hell which they seem to aspire and look for but without the need or the requirement of killing another human being.

Here in Metro Manila, they will experience the hell of traffic, the hell of human congestion, the hell of all sorts of pollution, the hell of public service and servants, the hell of riding the metro, the hell of dealing with perverse taxi drivers and a lot lot more. But what is good in experiencing these hells is that they would not entail to kill anyone. Given a month (no a week) here in Metro Manila, I suppose these kids would be able to realize how lucky and fortunate they are as human beings.

But in case these teens would really opt to join Isis and go to Syria, may I further suggest two things. First, these kids when they leave for Syria should be deprived of their British citizenship and should not have the option of returning due to threats in security. Second, the consulate of the United Kingdom here in Metro Manila should award the stripped citizenship of these would-be bandits to those human beings here in Metro Manila who aspire and dreams to live a peaceful and privileged life in UK. I for one would be the first in line when applying. I would love to live a colorful life in UK and have the opportunity to experience what a civilized, cultured and privileged Briton life would be.

Sige palit tayo. Dito kayo, dyan ako. Mga bobong bata ‘to!

Spectacular Sapporo Snow Festival at the Odori Park

Posted on February 17, 2015 by heavenliner

Feeling, seeing and experiencing the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido was the main reason of my family’s comeback visit to adorable Japan. And true enough we were in Sapporo, Hokkaido during the week’s highlights of the snow festival.

breathtaking view from above!

Thanks to the genius talent and cleverness of my three dear nephew and nieces (Denden, Erika and Thatcher) who are all based in Osaka for arranging everything. From domestic air travel arrangements, to accommodation as well as the well-organized itinerary for each day. It was such a worry-free winter adventure.

The Sapporo Snow Festival as I learned during the trip has three main venues. One of which is the Odori Park located right at the heart of Sapporo. This is the site where spectacular and gigantic snow sculptures are aligned along the stretch of the 1.5 kilometer park.

It was my first time to see and watch an actual snowboard and ski jumping exhibitions! It was super scary yet it was happening right in the middle of the park!

super thrill!

that ain’t a bird!

Being a Filipino tourist in a foreign country, it is so remarkable and delightful to see and witness the Philippines’ participation in the festival. My family was very surprised to see the giant sculpture depicting the Manila Cathedral. I initially could not believe that there is a Philippine entry, I was shouting “sNOw WAY!”

i was so stunned, i wanted to enter and hear mass!

me and my dear sister feeling proud

we love sapporo!

But because of its grandiosity, it is actually considered one of the most beautiful feature highlights at the festival and seem to be one of the most revered and photographed sculpture. We were so proud we couldn’t stop taking its photo!

But the ultimately stunning sculpture was the almighty 50-foot tall giant snow sculpture of the Star Wars! No doubt it was the most adored and most popular!

one happy gang! (with my younger sister, niece and nephews)

wow!

may the force be with you…

It was so cool, the Death Star and three Stormtroopers were featured! And since I adore movie villains, this giant sculpture easily became my favourite because there was no Star Wars hero present and instead the iconic yet most villainous Darth Vader snow-statue was mounted!

Super kool ‘di ba?!

Little Fuji by San Maruku

Posted on February 11, 2015 by heavenliner

I know that the popular Japanese-originated St. Marc Café is a freshly minted icon in Manila. But that did not dampen my yearning to try it in the country where it all started. I and my family had it at a branch within the Namba area in Osaka.

the now iconic choco cro by st marc cafe

People go to St. Marc Café because of their signature and sought after Choco Cro (short for chocolate-filled croissant). But for me, I would return to St Marc (pronounced as San Maruku) because of their Little Fuji.

Little Fuji which I guess the name was derived from Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji is composed of warm buttery flaky Danish pastry with soft vanilla ice cream drizzled with addictively light caramel sauce.

little fuji (a delicious piece of heaven)

one happy customer…

As expected Japanese vanilla ice cream is so heavenly. But what is so amazing about this dessert was the savory taste of the Danish pastry. Japanese pastry chefs of St Marc Café would indeed give the Danish people a run for their money. We were so impressed we bought the wicked Danish roll for takeout.

Little Fuji, though uncomplicated in its components, is foolishly delicious. It is so good my soul was screaming “Oishii!”

Kaloka sa sarap!

Mary Jean Lastimosa, Philippines!

Posted on January 24, 2015 by heavenliner

During the preliminary round of the Miss Universe pageant, MJ Lastimosa delivered very well. She was a total stand out in both gown and swimsuit rounds. A lot of fashion and beauty pageant experts say that MJ looks like she is the one to beat.

one class act

But what I was particularly impressed about MJ was the way she introduced herself. She was unlike the other candidates who were looking too nervous or were embarrassingly screaming on the top of their lungs. MJ was so graceful and sophisticated yet she sounded like she was in high spirits and evidently having so much fun.

Her introduction exudes confidence and was uniquely high class! Call it a new form or a fresh technique, MJ’s flair in her introduction was truly something for the books. I’m pretty sure future beauty pageant introductions will be based or patterned towards this elegant style!

May pitik sa dulo! Hahaha!

Shifting the Cheering Gear from Pope of the Universe to the Queen of the Universe

Posted on January 24, 2015 by heavenliner

Now that the Pope is back in his quarters, still feeling the grand euphoria he felt when he was here in the Philippines, it is time for the Filipino people to cheer again. This time it’s for Mary Jean Lastimosa, the Philippines’ candidate to the upcoming Miss Universe pageant.

WOW!
(photos taken from mj lastimosa fb page)

From the clips that I have seen, MJ Lastimosa no doubt is the embodiment of poise, grace, beauty and fun. Her communication skills are formidable. When she speaks, one can’t help but listen. Her positive aura is like sunshine and delight to all those people around her. I particularly love her bubbly spirit. Her megawatt smile, her seductively graceful catwalk and knockout sexy body screams “queen”!

Come pageant day, all Filipinos worldwide will surely be glued on the television and will surely cheer for her. MJ Lastimosa definitely deserves to bring home the crown!

Mabuhay ka aming reyna!

Rebooted by Pope Francis

Posted on January 18, 2015 by heavenliner

A miracle happened in Luneta hours before the Holy Mass was about to be officiated by Pope Francis. It was a miracle that involved me and my elder sister. Both of us did not whine nor whimper about going to and from the people-infested Luneta right in the middle of the storm. In fact, we both actually enjoyed it!

My relatives know that in case I am subjected to any discomfort, I whine and grumble to the highest level. While my elder sister is the most cautious and the least adventurous in the family. So if we are together, nothing really happens and everything seem so dull.

thank you santo padre…

But not today. I would like to claim that I and my sister were rebooted and were recharged by the visit of Pope Francis in Manila. At exactly 12 noon, I, my sister and her son Luis converged at Vito Cruz. In our respective jackets and rain coats, we walked our way heading to Luneta to attend a once in a lifetime Holy Mass in Manila by Pope Francis. Both of us surprisingly did not complain nor felt tired nor whine about the long walk, the drenched feeling, the muddy puddles, the dizzying swarms of people as well as the cold and heavy downpour of typhoon thrashing above us.

And when we were heading back, we were actually caught in a throng of people crammed and tightly squeezed together. People were so compact, it was like a wave of people. You cannot just standstill because the wave of people would thrust you in varying directions.

I actually got nervous for my sister and my nephew for it really takes a lot of energy to survive the shoving force of such surfs of moving people. The three of us got separated along the way after about 25 meters. But when the crowd got a bit loose and no longer too crammed together, I found a concrete planter box and stood up to look for them.

Luckily, in about five minutes my sister saw me high on the planter box and headed towards me and then suddenly my nephew appeared smiling walking towards us. My sister told me that she was pressed towards a group of old ladies while my nephew was prodded towards a group of young foreigners also attending the Pope’s pastoral visit in Manila.

my elder sister enjoying the rain and the pope francis vibe

At an ordinary occasion, I would have wailed, whined and complained. While my sister could have simply passed out. But we kept our composure and actually smiled and congratulated ourselves for surviving such a deadly throng of people. We headed back home happy and feeling accomplished.

Now that I am writing this, only now that I realized that I would definitely will walk that far or get drenched that drenched or brave a smashing typhoon or subject myself to be crushed by hordes of people if it is in the honor of the Holy Vicar of Christ.

This experience is definitely nothing but a miracle.

Maganda din pala kapag iniiwan ang kaartehan sa bahay.

Nengkoy

ruminations & travesties of the favorite yet naughty son of Nengkoy

Tag Archives: philippines