Adto na 'ta

I was in Quezon Memorial Circle this afternoon and I chanced upon this mini amusement center currently being constructed inside the big Quezon City landmark.  This new attraction at the QCMC showcases thrilling rides like the Wild Wind.  This is actually like the Space Shuttle of Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna.  It is a modified form of the traditional roller-coaster.  There are also rides for the little ones like the usual water bump cars.  And the horror rides which I will dare not ride because I do not have the kind of heart that can withstand intense fear.   While I laud the Quezon City government for this endeavor of providing a small amusement park for the residents of Quezon City so that they do not have to go all the way to Star City or Enchanted Kingdom to be able to experience the different rides, I can't help but feel dismayed over the changes in the scenery inside the memorial.  I frequented the place way, way back whe...

Liliw is one of the towns in Laguna province and it is famous for its footwear industry.  Most of its products can be seen on display at large department stores in malls in big cities such as Metro Manila (but with a different price tag, naturally).   These products have really been a big help to the townsfolk since they bring in lots of income and attract many visitors who come to buy their footwear at cheaper prices compared to the shelves of department stores.  So beginning April 27, 2010 (which was two days ago) the Liliwenos are celebrating the 9th Liliw Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival and it will continue until May 1.   The shoe makers of the town will showcase the products that they are very proud of.   I hope you'll all come, see and celebrate these important dates with them.  I took some impressive and fun looking photos like this big pair of soft clogs, aka bakya .    The Tsinelas Festival is named after Gat Tayaw, the foun...

On weekends, one of the most visited areas in Tagaytay, which is just about an hour drive away from Manila, is the Tagaytay Picnic Grove.  Just like myself, people come here for various reasons.   I particularly appreciate the cool breeze that comes from Taal Lake.  It is one of the things that invite people to come here.  This day, I would see a lot of families enjoying their Saturday together.    Youngsters take advantage of the soft wind and flew kites, while their companions enjoy the food that they brought for their dry picnic.  This weekend, I came to Tagaytay to finally try the one thing that I have wanted always.  The ZIPLINE.  For me, it is the ultimate test of my courage, well, not until I would be able to ride the Edgecoaster in Cebu City.  But I will cross that bridge when I get there.  For now,  my hurdle would be the ZIPLINE. The Zipline in Tagaytay is approximately 200 meters and it is situated above a thick ve...

Pagsanjan River is totally awesome. Covering the municipalities of Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Lumban, a cruise down its waters will provide riders a chance to appreciate nature, both on land and on the waters. For starters, Pagsanjan River is the major source of water, food and income for the three municipalities. The wide expanse of the river allows bangkas to navigate back and forth the world famous Pagsanjan falls. On this day, we would meet over 10 bangkas coming from the falls all boarded by Korean tourists. The 15 feet deep river snakes through a gorge covered by vegetation so rich and unexplored, the view is fantastic. We were told wild monkeys inhabit it, along with an advise to beware of their naughtiness.

For history buffs, this landmark will be interesting. As you exit Sta. Juliana of Capas, Tarlac, you'll pass Capas National Shrine which was constructed to honor the Filipino and American soldiers who died during the infamous Death March which occurred after Bataan fell on the hands of the Japanese. In this exact spot, the soldiers met their death and on the same area of the shrine stands the 70-meter Obelisk. This towering structure has 3 sections representing the Americans, Filipinos and Japanese. Along the marble walls that enclose the Obelisk, are the names of casualties from the American and Filipino troops. The 54-hectare memorial was inaugurated by then President Cory Aquino in 1991 as a reminder of the heroism of Filipino and American troops that bravely fought the Japanese troops which invaded the Philippines during World War 2. Capas National Shrine was the former Capas Concentration Camp where 40,000 Filipino soldiers and 8,000 American soldiers who were captured durin...

Nobody prepared me for the stunning welcome when I finally reached the crater of Mt. Pinatubo one weekend in December 2009. The aquamarine lake water was cool and calm. The surroundings tranquil, but occasionally broken by excited cries of trekkers and mountaineers. The beauty of the lake, mesmerizing. Need I say more? Coming here is not really peanuts. I had to endure an hour-and-a-half ride on a 4 x 4, in addition to the 3 hour ride from Manila and pass through a wet desert where the sand or air dyes my black hair grey and worse, turn the strands into hard wires. The trek to Mount Pinatubo Crater begins at the Visitor Registration Center at Bgy. Santa Juliana in Capas, Tarlac. The registration process is a safety procedure and this is also necessary in order for the town to easily account visitors. After registering and paying for the tour guide and 4 x 4, the long, dusty ride begun. We passed by a bare, lahar-covered area. I learned later on from our guide that we were pass...

Calamba is a peaceful, moderately large city in Laguna, a province in the southern part of Manila which is famous for being the birthplace of our national hero. When newcomers reach the town proper, this giant earthen pot, sitting atop a cave-like structure is what greets them. Some words are scribbled on the body of the pot, these are the names of the barangays in Calamba and unlike other similar markers in Manila, the surrounding areas here do not smell remotely of excreted human fluid. A mythical character named Mariang Makiling in Laguna is fabled to be protecting the dense forest of the mountain in Laguna called Mount Makiling. This is a small statue of the mythical character inside the cave-like structure. To get a better view of the pueblo , the Spanish term for town proper, visitors can come up and walk around (you can memorize the places, while doing this...:-)) or just take in the fresher atmosphere. Adjacent to the town marker is the biggest keepsake of ou...