Reunion with high-school friends last Christmas 2022

One of the things I looked forward to last Christmas was catching up with my old friends and reliving moments from the past. I was really grateful that they made an effort to come together in spite of the bad weather and of their hectic schedule. The timing was also perfect as I got to see some friends I hadn’t seen in a long time since they are currently based abroad. 

At D’Bukid

Undoubtedly, high school friends offer one of the best reunions because, each time we get together, it feels like high school again, as it always feels like nothing has ever changed, and they offer me a place to return to no matter how much time or distance separates us. So, it’s always home each time we see each other.

What fascinated me was that no activities were ever planned, but we ended up having several short and last-minute get-togethers. They were short getaways, but they were just right for feeding our souls with how much we miss each other and the memories we had before while making new ones. Another thing that amazed me was that we have become more conscious and aware of our time. We arrived on time, and when one of us said, “I have an appointment at this time, so I can only stay for an hour or two,” we became more understanding towards everyone’s needs and responsibilities. I liked it that way.

Here’s a short recap of all the fun we had together last Christmas:

Liam’s Bar and Grill – After I completed all the necessary administrative paperwork, I messaged my friend, Nanay of our group, to let her know I was in town and would love to meet up with whoever was available. We agreed to meet at Liam’s Cafe at 6 p.m. the following day since I hadn’t been there before. When we arrived, the restaurant was full, but we managed to get a table for ourselves. We had dinner with three other friends. We had salad, steak, and other foods. The place was small, but the food and service were good, and the prices were reasonable. I was glad to see them, and they were happy to see me. We checked on each other, laughed, and talked about random things—just the way it used to be.

Tandag Town Plaza – Then, we thought of strolling from the restaurant to Tandag Town Plaza to enjoy the colorful and joyful Christmas lights and decorations. Later, two more friends joined us. We screamed, hugged, and talked a lot the moment we saw each other. We asked a young stranger to take a good photo of us and eventually opted to go to Uptown Cafe for coffee and tea at eight o’clock in the evening.

Uptown Cafe – It was my first time at Uptown Cafe. It’s small but nice, and the staff were accommodating and friendly. Then, another friend came. I had hot tea, while others had coffee, juice and smoothie. We talked about a variety of things, but at one point, our conversation focused on work and on the benefits of slowing down, while also sharing what we do in our me-time. As usual, we enjoyed talking and laughing. What a lovely and fun evening it was!

Wine stop over at Grace’s place – It was nine o’clock in the evening when Dez drove us home while Dan drove the other group home. We dropped Grace off first, and we decided to stop for wine and also to see her new cozy place since Rayah and I weren’t there during the house blessing or house warming. We chit-chatted a little more, hahaha. It was fun, and we went home a little bit drunk!

Christmas Get-together – On December 24, we had a small Christmas get-together at Nanay’s house. We didn’t have everyone there, only a few, but we understood why. Our theme was black and white, and everyone brought a dish to nibble on. There was a cake, some puto and other local delicacies, a lechon manok, and a pasta dish. I prepared beef stroganoff cooked with mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, fresh cream, and beer. It was tricky, though, to find good, fresh ingredients in Tandag; for example, no fresh white button mushrooms were available. I managed to pull it off, and I used tin mushrooms instead. Also, to our great surprise, our friend, who is currently based in the USA, brought us a huge lechon. Lechon is a whole pig roasted over an open fire on a spit. It tastes really good as the meat has been seasoned with a variety of spices. The skin is crunchy, while the meat is soft and easily crumbles into pieces when chewed. No Filipino party is complete without a lechon (though it is not our national dish). We were supposed to exchange gifts, but it slipped our minds because we were too busy eating, drinking, talking, dancing, and singing karaoke. We had so much fun, and we were dancing on the ceiling!

D’Bukid Escapade – After the party, we decided to visit our friends at their farm house. Some of my friends had been there before, but for the three of us, it was the first time. While there, we took a quick tour of the farm. Their farm is lovely, large and well-kept. The location is perfect. It feels like you are far away from the city, but it’s actually within the town. Living on a farm is peaceful and enjoyable because there are no car horns, sirens, the odor of exhaust fumes, traffic jams, and too many lights in the evening. It’s amazing to see the animals born, the first sprouts of a newly planted field, the first blooms, and to pluck the first ripe tomato or eggplant or cucumber and eat them while walking the rows. Watching nature around you and seeing nature at work is wonderful, even if it is less glorified or glamorous.

Lechon Belly ni Kuya Matos

D’Bukid escapade

D’Bukid escapade

After the tour, our friends, brother Dan and Sheng, treated us to a home-cooked meal prepared by themselves: tilapia piaparan. It is prepared with home-raised organic tilapia fish cooked in coconut milk, desiccated coconut, chillies, shallots, turmeric powder, and homemade palapa. This local delicacy brought back happy memories and reminded me of our wonderful time in uni at MSU Main. Also, Rayah brought a homemade lechon belly, and Feb brought a homemade lechon manok. My opinion might be biased because they are my friends, but they have the best lechon belly and lechon manok in Tandag. I tried it at least three times on different occasions during my stay and bought some to give to friends, family, and relatives to try, and they all said that the lechon belly and lechon manok were both delicious—fresh, juicy, and tasty! Thanks Sheng and Brother Danny! We loved our sweet escape at the farm; it was laid-back, and certainly we had a whale of a party!

D’Bukid escapade

D’Bukid escapade

Laswitan Lagoon Adventure – December 26, when the weather was bad. It was pouring hard, and the wind was howling. So, we opted to go on a little adventure at Laswitan Lagoon because the best time to visit is during the Amihan season (October to March), when the waves are bigger. What makes Laswitan attract tourists is that it is a 20-foot rock formation with three lagoons. The name derives from the word “laswit” which means splash. When the water level is high, it creates huge waves that splash against the rocks, creating a waterfall effect. It’s stunning to watch, but not so safe when you swim (especially if you don’t know the safety rules).

Six of us braved the bad weather in search of thrills. So, we hit the road and made memories. While there, we met one of our friends, Junnie. We took a group photo together and a few video clips with big waves as the backdrop. We brought some snacks (mostly leftovers from the party). I did not swim because I forgot my water shoes, along with Grace, but the rest of the group did. We stood in our picnic hut and watched them swim and play in the waves. When the two gigantic waves arrived, they were rolled over under the water, but luckily they were safe. Oh boy, those were the biggest waves I’ve ever seen by far! It was absolutely an experience of a lifetime! 

Many thanks to our dear friend, Froucan, for driving us along! Indeed, nothing beats a road trip with old friends, and the journey was definitely as much fun as the destination, and the entire trip was truly epic. 

Cagwait White Beach – It was December 29th when we finally had nice weather! My friends picked me up at home for a quick afternoon getaway to Cagwait Beach! This time, we were nine! My friends brought some snacks such as turon and coffee, and along the way, we made a quick stop in Tago to buy buchi, etc. We took the new road (Lapaz Road) connecting Tago and Cagwait, making the trip shorter and more comfortable. It was my first time taking that route, and I enjoyed the road trip a lot because it was green, I could see the open sea on the left side, and there was a beautiful sun going down the horizon in front of us.

We stayed at LGU Beach Resort because it was more natural, chill, and tranquil than the other resorts. I spread a towel on the sand, and I lay down to sunbathe, even though it was only for a few minutes (maybe five minutes) as the sun began to set, and it felt good. Some of my friends were having a good time with their Tiktok dance moves while others were swimming. Later, I joined some friends swimming in the sea, and we talked about random stuff such as life, family, relationships, work, travel plans, and so on. As everyone was caught up in the grind of work, it was the best time to relax, enjoy, and let our hair down!

New Year Get-together – On December 30, we gathered once more at Grace’s place, and we made a toast to a prosperous new year and a fond farewell to the past; to the things that are yet to come and the memories we have made; to good will for all and a toast to lifelong friendships, as well as a toast to our friends near and far!

We had a lovely dinner with good food and wine. I had a great time singing and talking with them for an hour and a half before saying my goodbyes. Then, I had to rush back home because some cousins and relatives were staying with us for the night. It was right up our alley, and we had so much fun!

Reuniting and catching up with my old friends after four years was an amazing treat, and really belly laughing with them has been therapeutic! 

Holidays, Christmas, New Year and Family Reunions

The pandemic years have taught me to appreciate the good things in life and how much I miss my family. At that time, I think everyone’s emotions were on a roller coaster, with our own highs and lows. That is why, my son and I were overjoyed to be spending the holidays with our families in Tandag, our hometown, in December 2022, because the last time that we were there was in December 2018. My sister and brother, as well as their families, joined us for the holidays. My parents were on cloud nine because we (all their four children) were all there. We were almost complete, and we missed three family members, who couldn’t make it this time. I was grateful that our small family was growing, and I finally got to meet my niece and two nephews for the first time.

Our growing family

Papa and Mama

with my parents and my three siblings

with my siblings

During our fifteen-day vacation, we stayed indoors most of the time. It was very tricky to plan a family getaway to other places in the Philippines that we haven’t been to yet because it rained cats and dogs with strong winds almost every day and some places got flooded. In spite of the unfavorable weather, we were grateful because we were okay and safe, and we had plenty of time to catch up and enjoy the little things in life.

It rained almost every day.

My son and I attended masses at church with papa and mama, my siblings, and my nephews and nieces. We reflected on the events of the previous year, gave thanks for all that we have, and prayed together for a fun-filled, healthy, and prosperous year for all. After the mass, I had a mini-reunion with some relatives, cousins, aunts and uncles, old friends, neighbors, and fellow former members of a youth organization. The chapel also brought back memories of my active participation in church with my fellow youth. It felt like a homecoming for me because it was where my strong faith in God and my values were molded and shaped. We also went to St. Pio’s Chapel in Cag-inid one afternoon when the weather was not so rainy. We spent some time in silence there, meditating and saying our individual prayers.

At Sta. Cruz Chapel with Fr Phillip and former fellow youth members

with my family at St. Pio Chapel

Another thing I really enjoyed was spending time with Mama. We cooked together, and one of the dishes we made was 100% pure chocolate from fresh cacao seeds by candlelight, as heavy rains frequently caused power and water outages. My son helped us in removing the shells of dried cacao seeds, and my cousin and niece assisted us in molding the melted cacao into round shapes. My siblings and I brought some pure chocolate (tableya in our dialect) and homemade papaya pickles by Mama when we returned to our respective places.

Mama and I making chocolate from cacao seeds

Mama and I also had a good time at Luha Market as we hopped from stall to stall picking out fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat. It was also nice to run into some relatives, family friends, a former coworker, and high school classmates at the market. While Mama and I were doing our thing, my son and Papa were also having a great time. They went to the barbershop and swam in the sea early in the morning.

Papa and my son having a great time.

In the morning, Mama and I strolled through their garden, where she delighted in showing me all of her plants and flowers, while Papa showed us their fruit trees, such as grapefruits, small lime, and their animals. The best part was when the four of us slept together and crammed into a small room. Mama and I had our own conversations while Papa and my son chatted about random topics. We just kept talking about anything and everything until we all drifted off to sleep. It was sweet and lovely, and we appreciated it because we miss each other so much.

On December 27th, we gathered at my aunt’s house with my uncles, aunties, and cousins from my mother’s side. On New Year’s Day, we gathered everyone back at our house, including relatives from both sides (mom’s and dad’s). We had a large feast for both occasions, exchanged gifts, danced, sang karaoke, played parlor games, and had a lot of fun. We sang songs from previous generations. My son got to see and play with some of his cousins. It was wonderful to see everyone, especially those we hadn’t seen in a long time. Our family gatherings were especially meaningful to us because they helped strengthen our bonds and relationships and told us who we are as a family and as individuals. It also contributed to stability and allowed the younger generation to understand our large family, values, and culture. It was, indeed, a celebration of love and connection.

In spite of the bad weather, we managed to visit our maternal and paternal grandparents’ graves in the other town. We’re thankful to my brother-in-law, who drove us on that day, making our visit convenient and fuss-free. Personally, I am very close to my grandparents, so they hold a very special place in my heart, which is why my holidays in the Philippines won’t be complete if I can’t visit them. I remember, with my maternal grandma, all the travel adventures we had together, even when I was still a small kid. I learned from her how to do business and how to deal with people, and she taught me that it’s important to get involved in the community. Both of my grandparents, along with my parents, attended every moving-up ceremony at the end of the school year when I was still in elementary school. When my name was called and they saw me climbing up the stage, their faces were beaming with pride and joy as I received all my awards. And when I returned home from university, they always treated me to their homecooked meals and delicacies—my maternal grandparents always cooked tinolang manok, a Filipino chicken soup, with their home-raised native chickens, while my paternal grandparents prepared a very lovely bibingka, a Filipino cake made with rice flour. I always reminisce about all the fond memories we had together.

Due to the inclement weather, we were only able to visit a portion of our farm. We visited Cabangahan Farm, where I was born, where my sister fell into a well but was rescued, and where my father was illegally detained during Martial Law. It was a brief visit, but it brought back so many memories.

And when the sun came up the day before New Year’s, we took advantage of the pleasant weather and enjoyed a beautiful breakfast on the beach with family. We relished each other and everything—the peace and quiet, the morning ocean breeze, the sea, the sand, the sun, and my brother’s hearty breakfast in a stunning tropical paradise. Mabua Beach is special to us because it is where we grew up, and we have so many memories here, such as playing in the moonlight with our childhood neighbor friends, the New Year’s Eve countdown on the beach, when my siblings and I collected the picnic hut rentals from picknickers back then, and so many more.

Every day, most of us are preoccupied with our hectic daily routines at work and school. So, we tried to make the most of the holidays by spending as much time as possible with each other. It was wonderful to spend the holidays with my family, relatives, neighbors, and friends. My son and I were elated to see how content and healthy everyone appeared to be. Indeed, reconnecting face-to-face with our loved ones has never been more important, as it strengthens our bonds and creates more memories that will be passed down through the generations.

Philippines: Catching-up with high-school friends in Tandag

I am very lucky to have some really amazing and crazy bunch of friends around, who bring so much positivity and make my life wonderful and lively.

It’s been a while since we saw each other last; I’m grateful that they were able to squeeze in a little time off their busy schedules to make my short break in the Philippines worthwhile and I’m so glad I had the chance to catch-up with them.

…with my high-school friends through the years!

How did we catch-up?

• I invited them to my sister’s wedding and to the house blessing of our new home.
• Chaperoned our children (who happened to be classmates and friends) to their own catch-up time at VML Hotel.
• Went for a sunset walk at the Riverside in Telaje.
• Played badminton at ELG Badminton Center.
• A coffee group date at Brew Central

…with my high-school friends at my sister’s wedding.

What did we talk about?

We talked about life in general – memories (loads of them and we laughed at them), work, family, food, fitness, travels, friends we have in common, etc – just a bit of everything. It was just pure fun and laughter. Everybody was cool, calm and casual, so there was a natural flow to conversation as if we were just talking a few weeks ago. And when one was talking, we were all ears!

…with my high-school friends through the years!

They were still the same guys then, even though I didn’t get to see many of high-school friends since it was December/Christmas break – in the Philippines, it’s a time of the year for so many family gatherings. I really missed them. It was so great to catch up with them after all these years! And I hope to see them again soon.

when we chaperoned our children…

Personally, I think when I met my high-school friends, emotions speak more than words. And when we met, we thought we were still in high-school and we wished to go back to those good old days when we were carefree and relaxed from the stresses of life. It’s like all that mattered was that we were together again.

…with Daryl.

…with Grace and Eowyn, her daughter.

Certainly, I reckon meeting up with a friend you haven’t seen in years and being able to chat for hours is one of the most special experiences I’ve ever had. Cheers to 25 years of friendship and counting!

in the wilderness?

sunset walk at the Riverside.

…with Daryl and her love of her life.

How about you – how often do you meet your old friends?

 

 

Philippines: Breakfast at the beach in Tandag

Amongst the many things I love about my hometown is a wonderful beach breakfast or brunch at Mabua Beach in Tandag, where we only live 5 meters away from the sea.

Breakfast with family at Mabua Beach in Tandag

Mabua Beach in Tandag

It was a beautiful day after Christmas, all of the big events in the family (my sister’s wedding, Christmas Eve celebration and house blessing of our new home) were over, so we decided to have breakfast at the beach.

Mabua Beach in Tandag

We brought all the leftovers from Christmas, plus mom’s cooked fresh tinolang isda (fish soup) with freshly harvested vegetables from her garden.

Everybody had good appetite. Everybody was delighted. Everybody savored the moment.

• Got thrilled out by the unlimited karaoke on the beach. Don’t you know that it is part of the Filipino passions?

Mabua Beach in Tandag

• Had fun with the big waves – swim through, dive under or ride over them.

Mabua Beach in Tandag

• Luxuriate in with one of my favorite books.

Mabua Beach in Tandag

• Got a kick out of a tranquil walk on the seashore.

Mabua Beach in Tandag

Mabua Beach in Tandag

• Dug on the beach and buried up to your neck in the sand.

Mabua Beach in Tandag

Mabua Beach in Tandag

• Wallowed in the luxury of tranquility and togetherness.

Mabua Beach in Tandag

Mabua Beach in Tandag

Certainly fun!

Mabua Beach in Tandag

How I love to smell and hear the warm early morning sea breeze, listen to the sound of the crashing waves, watch the sun glorious rising hues, and bask in the stunning view of the sea. It was so warm, relaxed and breathtaking!

Family Fun in Manila Ocean Park

The Philippines is one of the coral-rich countries in the world. In fact, in the Philippines, you can find Apo Reef in Mindoro Strait, which is known as the second largest contiguous coral reef system in the world and the largest coral reef system in the country. You can also find there the Tubataha Reefs Natural Park in Sulu Sea, which was designated as a World Heritage Site in December 1993 as it contains a very high density of different extremely gorgeous marine species.

Oceanarium

Oceanarium

On top of this, we were lucky enough to witness these stunning and extraterrestrial coral gardens and sea creatures, even though my parents and son do not know how to snorkel or scuba dive, because Manila Ocean Park has a good facility that enables people to have a glimpse of the reefs and ocean inhabitants without getting their feet wet.

Oceanarium

Oceanarium

Oceanarium

So, on our 2^nd day in Manila, I brought my family to this place which features aquariums and exhibits of about 14,000 sea animals from 277 indigenous species in the Philippines and in the Southeast Asia. I bought a package for Php 580 per person that includes 6 attractions: Oceanarium, Back of the House, Jellies Exhibit, Sharks and Rays Encounter, and Sea Lion Show.

Oceanarium

Oceanarium

We first went to the Oceanarium and we adored all the collection of marine creatures and corals displayed there. They were all beautiful – from a series of tanks filled with a ton of colorful fishes to the Plexiglas filled with small sharks, small mantas, skates, moray eels and a lot more.

Papa and Mama having fun in the Oceanarium. 🙂

My son exploring the Oceanarium

Oceanarium

Oceanarium

Oceanarium

The Jellies Exhibit was quite exciting and very pretty. We were mesmerized by all the various species of jellyfish dancing to mellow music, the changing colors in their water tanks, all the mirrors which makes it appear like there is an endless number of jellyfish tanks, and the cool display of multi-media effects.

The Jellies Exhibit

The Jellies Exhibit

Furthermore, my son was also fascinated by an up close and personal encounter of sharks and stingrays. Plus, we were able to touch the stingrays which had velvet-y feel and the shark which had a sandpaper feel.

Shark and Stingrays Encounter

The Manila Ocean Park

The last activity we enjoyed was the sea lion show. It was a fantastic show and we enjoyed every minute of it. There, we met the Sea Lions from South America that were adorably trained to do some tricks like balancing and kissing.  The audience had the chance to participate and get a chance to kiss with a souvenir photo. We were also impressed as the trainers gave us informative talk – what sea lions are, its special skills and unique characteristics, what they are capable of, and valuable information on environmental conservation. We were all smiling the whole time.

Sea Lion Show

Undeniably, Manila Ocean Park offers a good day out for family or a group of friends or for lovers of the sea to get a good overview of the marine biodiversity.

Little Lilly travel tip:

• The best time to go there is during the week day as it is not crowded and the queue at the ticket counter is shorter than on the weekend.

What did you enjoy the most in Manila Ocean Park? Do share your experience.

 

 

Glimpse from the Philippines Past in Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is part of the walled city in Intramuros, Manila that took us back in time of the Spanish Colonization, American Colonial Period, World War II and memorabilia of the Philippines’ National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It still stands strong as a faithful reminder to the Filipinos of the dark past and bright future. It is one of the few structures left of the past since Manila was the 2^nd most devastated city during World War II.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago

Inside Fort Santiago, we saw footsteps of Rizal from Fort Santiago to Rizal Park (Luneta), where he was shot by the Spaniards. We also visited the Rizal Museum, where we learned more about the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal. He became the national hero of the Philippines simply because he fought for reforms and freedom in a more humble and peaceful but strong and effective way through his writings (novels: El Felibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere; and essays) rather than through the use of force or revolution or aggression while he was studying medicine in Spain. Also, through his writings, he exposed the immorality of the Spanish colonial rule. Because of this, he was then arrested, exiled, tried, convicted and executed by public firing squad on December 30, 1896 when he came home; and about 2 years after his execution, the Philippines were liberated from the Spanish Regime.

Footsteps of Dr Jose Rizal

Rizal Museum

Rizal Museum

Rizal Museum

While strolling around the place, I have learned that:

• Fort Santiago was built by the Spaniards in 1571. This place is one of the most important sites during the Spanish colonial times as it served several functions such as a fortress, a place for incarcerations, torture, and death to some Filipinos especially those who dared to oppose the Spaniards during their 333 years of rule in the Philippines.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago

• Dr Jose P. Rizal, was detained there before he was executed by firing squad on the 30^th of December 1896.

A group photo with the statue of Rizal.

When Rizal was executed by the Spaniards.

• When America took us from Spain during the Spanish-American War, the fort was used as headquarters for the US-Army. They first raised the American flag there to mark the start of the American rule that lasted for about 48 years.

Fort Santiago

• During World War II and after the attack on the Pearl Harbor, Japanese captured the fort and invaded the Philippines for about 4 years. They used the fort as prison and torture sites where thousands of Filipinos and Americans men, women and children were tortured and killed.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago

• Today, the fort is part of the historical park of the country. Several arts and music festivals are being held throughout the years by some non-profit organization. It is now managed by the Intramuros Administration, an agency attached to the Department of Tourism.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago

As we walked further up, we saw dungeons which served as execution chambers. This dungeons are just above sea level and when the tide rises the prisoners get flooded and drowned to death.

The dungeon

My family and I really loved the place – beautiful architecture, so much history here between different countries, beautiful artifacts, stunning view, and cool breeze. To me, it was such a privilege to show the place to my family as it’s so nice to look back at our history and to appreciate and honor those who fought for the freedom of our country. Certainly, Fort Santiago is definitely worth a visit.

with my sisters inside Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago

Little Lilly travel tips:

• Small children can roam around, explore and see for themselves an important part of our (the Philippines’) history.
• Picnic is allowed in the area.
• It is open daily from 8AM till 6PM with a reasonable entrance fees – Php 75 ($0.75) for an adult and Php 50 ($0.50) for a child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revisiting Philippines History in Intramuros, Manila

Last July, my family and I revisited the history of the Philippines in Intramuros, Manila – the oldest historic place in Manila that takes you back in time by hundreds of years. Intramuros is a Latin word which means “within the walls” because of the thick defensive walls built around the area to protect it from foreign invaders. In 1951, it was reconstructed after being heavily destroyed during the World War II. Even though Manila is fast changing and the old splendid colonial past is vanishing, Intramuros still has charm and history because of its beautifully preserved architecture and artefacts dating from the Spanish and American colonial era.

Welcome to Intramuros

A building in front of the gate in Fort Santiago

We spent about 4 hours there just walking and enjoying the past. Inside the Walled City, we saw many heritage structures – history, architecture, culture, and food. We were so interested in how it’s made; the stones looked very old and are cut precisely. Personally, I would certainly have loved to see the place a few hundred years ago.

Kalesa fun

We started our Intramuros walking-back-in-time tour in Plaza de Roma, a public square during the Spanish years and the center of Intramuros.  A long time ago, public events were held there, but in 1797 it was converted into a garden. We saw a statue of King Charles IV of Spain, which was built in his honor for sending the first batch of smallpox vaccine to the Philippines.

The Plaza de Roma and the Manila Cathedral

Then we walked to the south of Plaza de Roma to visit the Manila Cathedral, which was first built in 1581. I have learned that the cathedral has been damaged and rebuilt several times. Former prelates and former Archdiocese of Manila, Jaime L. Cardinal Sin were buried inside the cathedral.

Me and my family outside the Manila Cathedral

Inside Manila Cathedral

Few steps away from the Cathedral is the Palacio del Gobernador, a residence of the Governor-General during the Spanish Regime. At present, it is a government building that presently accommodates a number of offices of the Government of the Philippines such as the Intramuros Administration, the Commission on Elections and the NCR office of the Home Development Mutual Fund.

Palacio del Gobernador

Then, we headed to the Fort Santiago, a defense fortress built by Spaniards in 1851.  It is one of the oldest forts in the Philippines and it is where the Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in 1896.

Inside Fort Santiago

with my sisters

From there, we took a trisikad (cycle rickshaw, powered by human pedaling) to visit the San Agustin Church. On our way, we passed by the Memorare Manila, a monument built in the memory of more than a hundred thousand innocents killed and of all those who died during the Battle for the Liberation of Manila (one of the most brutal episodes of World War II) between February 3 and March 3 of 1945.

Memorare – Manila 1945

The Baroque style San Agustin Church is one of the Philippine churches recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1976, it was named as a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine Government.

San Agustin Church

Then we explored the Plaza San Luis Complex, which is composed of several houses such as Casa Manila, Casa Urdaneta, Casa Blanca, Los Hidalgos and El Hogar Filipino that represents different eras of Filipino-Spanish architecture and represents the lifestyle of the Illustrados (the privileged citizen) during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries in the Philippines. This cultural and commercial complex houses a hotel, museum, souvenir shops, cafe and restaurants.

Plaza San Luis Complex

One of the buildings in Plaza de San Luis Complex

And to complete our walk-back-in-time experience, we walked through the cobblestone streets in General Luna Street (in between San Agustin Church and Plaza San Luis).

Plaza San Luis Complex

One of the buildings in Intramuros

We ended our tour with a nice lunch at Ristorante delle Mitre. I love the ambiance of the restaurant – it’s unique and depicts how Filipinos were during the Spanish era. The food there is definitely good and the staff is friendly.

Ristorante delle Mitre

My parents were so pleased to visit the place as it was their first time there. Indeed, our family’s trip down memory lane in Intramuros was such a great one. If you are keen to know about the old Spanish Manila and its way of life, Intramuros is the place for you and is well worth all your time.

What did you like best in Intramuros? What other place could you recommend in Intramuros?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Time in Hidden Island Resort in Socorro, Philippines

When the day’s fun and excitement fades away, Hidden Island Resort is the perfect place to unwind. It was our home away from home for 2 nights and 3 days with my family while we were exploring the whole island of Bucas Grande in Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

Hidden Island Resort

Hidden Island Resort

We definitely had a great stay there and it was a great island family getaway.

Here are the reasons why I love this place:

1. It exudes charm, warmth and tranquility.

Hidden Island Resort

2. The location is great and the view is perfect.

Hidden Island Resort

Hidden Island Resort

3. The breathtaking endless sea of blue.

Hidden Island Resort

Hidden Island Resort

4. The water is so clean and clear.

Hidden Island Resort

5. Surrounded by small islands.

Hidden Island Resort

6. Beautifully designed with simple conveniences to ensure a comfortable stay.

Hidden Island Resort

Hidden Island Resort

7. Love that relaxing walk on the long footbridges: go for an early walk in the morning and take a romantic evening stroll.

Hidden Island Resort

8. Lovely aquariums placed in between each room – get hooked, be in total awe and enjoy taking photos when you see many different kinds of marine life – baby sharks, turtles, starfish, several species of fish, sea snake, and a lot more.

Hidden Island Resort

10. The staff is friendly, accommodating and welcome you warmly – making your stay so much fun and enjoyable.

Hidden Island Resort

Little Lilly travel tip:

• There is no beach line in front of the resort, but there’s an area at the back where you can swim.
• Go there on a slow season. We had the whole resort only for us as there was no other guests when we arrived there – that was fantastic!
• It offers transfers via boat and sea plane.
• You can bring your own food and you can also cook there. You just need to pay for the corkage.

Have you been to the Hidden Island Resort? What did you like best there?

Lovin’ the mesmerizing colors of Surigao del Sur, Philippines

You might not have heard of Surigao del Sur but not for much longer. It is situated in the eastern coast of Mindanao that faces the Philippine Sea. It is blessed with magnificent and pristine natural wonders. Personally, I love its stunning and mesmerizing colors – my dream holiday get-away.

Enjoying the scenery 🙂

Tinuy-an Falls

Tinuy-an Falls

The Tinuy-an Falls in Burboanan, Bislig is known as the water flowing curtains of Surigao del Sur and it is dubbed as the Little Niagara Falls of the Philippines. My family and I enjoyed the falls by riding the bamboo raft, experiencing the one-of-a-kind waterfall back massage, and by climbing up a steep stairway up to the top to witness the magnificence of the falls. The panoramic view is breathtaking. I love this place – the natural charm is maintained, cool and the water is clean.

Enchanted River

Enchanted River

Our family’s experience with the Enchanted River in Hinatuan was great. I love the majestic and enchanting view with its emerald bluish water and I enjoyed the enchanting swim.

Britannia Group of Islands

The Naked Island in the Britania Group of Islands

The island hopping in Britania group of islands (a group of 24 islands and islets) was fun and exciting. The breathtaking views, the awesome white fine sand, the lovely sunny day, plus we almost had the islands to ourselves as we visited on a slow day – all these made a wonderful experience and was just so perfect for photographs! Definitely, one of the best island hopping adventures we’ve ever had.

Cagwait White Beach

Cagwait White Beach

Cagwait White Beach is a C-shaped long stretch white sand beach in the laid-back town of Cagwait. Some travelers named it as a Little Waikiki Beach of the Philippines. It was a beautiful sunny day when I went there and the water was crystal clear but I noticed that the sand was not that white, it was something like reddish brown and very fine. Indeed, it was such a relaxing day out.

Mabua Beach

Beautiful sunrise at Mabua Beach

The Mabua Beach in Tandag is a very special place to me because this is where I grew up and spent my childhood. Mabua Beach has fine black sand, clean and blue water, easy to walk around, and the gentle whisper of the wind will surely enthrall you. I love the environment there as it is lengthy enough to find your own space to be alone, read a book, laze throughout the day, sunbath, and just simply enjoy the beautiful nature.

Green Falls

Green Falls

The 30 minutes-drive from Tandag City to the Green Falls in Cagpangi, Tago was worth a trip. It is a 7-tiered falls, wide and deep especially in the center. The falls are fantastic and beautiful to see. Indeed, it was such a great day out with my family as we really felt at awe when we saw this wonderful creation!

Villa Azarcon Mountain Resort

Cagpangi Falls in Villa Azarcon Mountain Resort

Villa Azarcon Mountain Resort is a good place for family getaway. It has great ambiance, refreshing falls that are surrounded by green trees, swimming pools looking over a beautiful garden and offers some activities to do. I had a relaxing time there – read a book, took a nap, and strolled around the place.

Laswitan Lagoon

Laswitan Lagoon

The Laswitan Lagoon in Barangay Uba, Cortes is simply beautiful especially with the gushing of surfs of the pacific sea that vigorously fall into the incredible rock formation creating a waterfall-like effect. Even though it was not the best time when I went there in July as I could not see any belching of waves from the ocean but I was still fascinated with its beautiful ebony rock formations, enjoyed the tranquil breezy views and bewitched by its rich in nature – shrubs, ferns, trees while going along the unpaved winding roads. I was told that the best time to visit there is between October to February.

Lanuza Marine Park and Fish Sanctuary

Lanuza Marine Park and Fish Sanctuary

The Lanuza Marine Park and Fish Sanctuary is a protected area in Lanuza that hosts various aquatic species. It also serves as the spawning ground for fish within Lanuza Bay. We stayed there for a while before we went to Magkawas Falls. We really enjoyed collecting sea shells at the shore and of course the breeze and the breathtaking the views.

Magkawas Falls

Magkawas Falls

My family and I have always been captivated about nature and its unfolding scenery. To us, Magkawas Falls in Lanuza is certainly a place of relaxation and mind freshening. We enjoyed swimming there from the fresh and cold water flowing from the heart of the jungle. We were also fascinated by just cheerfully gazing the falls because it keeps our mind relaxed and it has a soothing quality of silence.

Blue Lagoon

The diving platform in Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is an astonishing charm and a hidden paradise gem in Libtong, Cantillan. It’s so pristine. I love the place – the rock formations, the green trees, the blue skies, the clean water, and the variety of colorful species underwater. Certainly, we were thrilled to see the beauty of Blue Lagoon especially since we were the only visitors in this wonderland when we went there.

Have you explored the Province of Surigao del Sur? What did you like best in Surigao del Sur?

 

 

Enjoying the laid-back town of Tandag, Philippines

Tandag is a magnetic little town,

which pulls in travelers,

who are looking to take things slowly.

Do not worry though if you’re the active sort;

there’s plenty to keep you occupied in and around the town as well.

This year, I spent 14 days

for holidays,

indulging in idleness some days

and out exploring on others.

One morning,

the sleepy sea seduced me.

So I took a morning walk along Mabua Beach,

had some fresh fruit juice and beers

and listened to the different tunes of karaoke there.

Thank you to Dr Grace for taking this picture.

The next day, I wanted to try a new sport,

but the time left in Tandag was too short.

Glad I managed to learn the basic

and I realized that skim boarding is fantastic.

Later,

I jogged along the boulevard with High School friends.

Then we headed off to Jollibee

for breakfast and coffee.

Chillin’ with friends. – Photo by my friends Rodrigo Paganpan and Dr Grace Cacho de Jesus

When in Tandag,

I spent great time with friends,

tried good coffee at VML,

and had loads of fun with them.

Chums you’re the sweetest bunch of all.

Another beautiful day had come.

I decided to go to the farm.

Walked through the rice paddies with my son,

and enjoyed birds’ sweetest melodies.

During my stay,

my family and friends

pampered me a lot with plenty of seafood,

grilled Gangis, kinilaw na Malasugi,

crabs, Tinola na Katambak, and a lot more.

Not to forget other Filipino foods too

like roasted pig, dinogoan, ginataang langka

papaya pickles, laing (pangat) to name a few.

Many days have passed,

I realized I haven’t done much.

I visited Saint Pio’s Shrine with my family in the morning,

hiked up Tandag Grotto in the afternoon,

and spent the rest of the day

lazying at the beach.

I stayed one more night,

and took one more sunrise swim.

In Tandag, it’s so easy

to laze through one day

and the next to sneakily begin.

Suddenly, I remembered all the activities

I said I would do but I didn’t do. Such as –

Bicycle trip in the surrounding countryside.

Island trip in Mangcagangi Island.

Camping at the beach.

Fishing and sunset watch at Lapaz bridge.

Enjoy the breathtaking Green Falls in Cagpangi.

Swim in the jungle at Villa Azarcon.

Caving in Danakit’s Cave.

Visit the sweetness of Laswitan Lagoon.

Spend a day trip in Magkawas Falls.

And chillin’ in Cagwait Beach.

With further reflection, I recalled.

I haven’t done much at all.

It’s not my fault.

The town’s easy rhythm

and quiet charms,

lured me into its laze,

looked like I will just have

to stay one more day.