Re-visiting My Roots - Cantilan

Nostalgic. This is what I exactly felt a week after I left my hometown -Cantilan. The intensity of longingness was the same with what I felt way back when I left my hometown to study here in Manila. I thought I'd get past the loneliness this time because I was with my hubby. But I was wrong...:( So much for the drama...

A lot of my friends here in Manila don't know where Surigao is located. And when I tell them it's in Mindanao, they presumed I am a Muslim. And more often than not, I let them believe I am one! ( as a warning to the bad guys ). So here's a map to give you and idea where my hometown is. Consider this as a short review of Geography 101 . :)

It would take around 2 hours by plane and 36 hours by boat
when travelling from Manila to Butuan/Surigao

For the food, I wasn't able to go food tripping. But I did ate my favorite dishes - Kinilaw na tangigue and adobong pusit. yum...yum... :) I wouldn't trade them for crab and shrimp dishes ! ( unlike most people I know)

Nothing beats Tatay's adobong pusit!
 I was too excited to eat I forgot to take a pic.

Kinilaw (Tangigue) with balibayon

Now let me show you the municipality proper. We live just a few blocks from the center of the municipality. (photos from http://tilangnet.page.tl)

Cannon during the Spanish period

Immaculate Conception Church

Remnants of the Daang Lungsod (Old Town) after  tidal
waves hit  the town in 1856

Cantilan Watch Tower

St. Michael College ( my alma mater)

More than just the food and the place, I went home because I miss my parents. For me, nothing beats spending quality time with family- heart-to-heart talk with my mother & bantering with my father while lightly punching his big belly :) . Meals took longer than usual because of the endless kwento and tsismis. :) Until we meet again, Nay & Tay!

Manong Chicharon

There's this late-60-year-old guy I used to see near Jollibee-De Castro selling chicharon. Unlike the usual street vendor, Manong Chicharon is always dressed in polo shirt, maong pants and rubber shoes. Where it not for the sack of chicharon he carries on his shoulder, you would not think that he is someone who is in dire need of money. It breaks my heart to see him work so hard when supposedly he should be at home sitting on a rocking chair watching TV (just like what I see in movies!). Out of pity, I buy his chicharon even though I find them expensive. It's been months that I haven't seen Manong- probably he is selling his chicharon in another place (I thought).

Now why did I remember Manong today? Hmmm...I was walking along Shaw Boulevard today (as usual, traffic kasi). And lo! I saw Manong Chicharon , dressed in his usual  attire and no longer selling chicharon, begging from the insensitive passersby. He holds a white paper on his other hand and begs the passersby to read it. I was really surprised to see Manong in such a heart-crushing situation. Why did he end up as a beggar? What made him gave up and allowed his life to be dependent upon others? Several months ago, seeing him selling chicharon reminds me of the old cliche- where there's a way, there's a will. Maybe Manong Chicharon has exhausted all his options to live and all there is left is the hope that one of those who walks along shaw boulevard will pay heed to the predicament he is in now. Aja, Manong Chicharon!

When the going gets tough...

♪♪ When the going gets tough, the tough gets going ♪ ♫. True enough, Boyzone! Life is a jungle-only the fittest survives. The struggle may seem like forever, but it will pass...soon...soon. And when the struggle is over, I will be stronger and wiser...and I will be geared up for the next battle! Aja!

Blessings vs Complaints

I attended a Sunday mass in Our Lady of Guadalupe Church ( a.k.a EDSA shrine ). As much as possible, I  would want to have the 3 pm mass because the celebrant would be Fr. Dave Concepcion. His homily never failed to make me laugh. His messages are also profound that it will leave you thinking until you go home. And my pondering led me to this question: Have you ever tried tabulating your complaints versus your blessings? Probably the list under "Complaints" would be endless while, on the other hand, you would still stop and think to complete a 10-item list for "Blessings". I don't mean to make this article sound like a daily reflection pamphlet ( not that I hate it :-)  ). Let me share a part of  Fr. Dave's homily and my opinions about it.

• An 80-year old woman was complaining to Fr. Dave , " Father, ang hirap ng tumatanda. Maraming sumasakit na parte ng katawan ko. Di ba unfair ang Diyos ?" and Fr. Dave wanted to answer her this way, " Lola, otsenta na po kayo. Ano pa po ba ineexpect nyo?"- Come to think of it. Reaching the age of 70 is a big achievement these days considering the kind of lifestyle we have now. Being able to live another year after 70 is already a bonus! (at least for me ü ).

• A man was telling Fr. Dave, " Ang hirap ng trabaho ko, Father. Nakakapagod!" And he simply answered, " Ah ganoon ba. Eh di tatanggalin na lang natin ang trabaho mo?" - Did it ever occur to you that the (false) agony that you are complaining now is a product of the things you desired to have? Be reminded always that WORK is a BLESSING.

• In a family dinner, parents would always tell their children, " Ubusin ninyo ang pagkain ninyo. Maraming nagugutom..." And with a hint of sarcasm the child would answer, " Bakit po? Kapag inubos ko ba iyong pagkain ko, mabubusog din ba sila?"  - Fr. Dave said that in every food wasted from your table, somewhere someone around the world has been deprived of that food; and in every pair of unused shoes you have, somebody is walking barefooted. Hmmm. I once asked myself the same question. Finally, I am enlightened! ü  It's always a blessing to have more than what you ACTUALLY need.

• A cancer patient ask, " Bakit ako pa ang nagkaroon ng cancer of all people?" And Fr. Dave replied, " Masuwerte ka pa rin dahil buhay ka pa. Maraming cancer patients na ngayon ay pumanaw na." - Even in the most adverse situations, there are always things that we should be thankful for.

And Fr. Dave ended his homily with this, " If you envy your neighbor's lawn because their grass is greener than yours, bear in mind that their water bill is also higher than yours."  ü ü ü

A Silent Rusher's Tale

Traffic has been a regular adversity for any commuter here in Manila. We'll just have to deal with it, right? Instead of getting annoyed with the unproductive hours spent every morning on our way to work, most of us opted to listen to our favorite music from our ipads or cellphones using the earphone. But in my case, I tune in to RX 93.1 and listen to The Morning Rush (hosted by Chico Garcia and Delamar Arias) which airs from 6:00 am to 10:00 am on weekdays.

I have been a silent rusher (someone who listens to The Morning Rush program but does not submit entries) for 3 years already. I practically tune in to the program almost everyday but I rarely get to completely listen the four-hour stretch because of crazy days at the office (not that I'm complaining).  Now you may be wondering what gets me hooked up with the program - it's their Daily Top Ten! You will be cracking up most of the time as you listen to the different entries :) Plus you will love the tandem of  Chico and Delamar. They are the most smart and funny DJs I know. Their comments and reactions to the the entries added more spice to the show. I love it when Delamar squeals to Chico's crazy rants. Now going back to the Top Ten...The topics for the daily top ten may either be suggested by the listeners or by the DJs themselves. There will be four batches of top tens every morning. The listeners may send their entries via SMS or Twitter. The DJs will decide which entries will land on the top ten. Prizes like tickets to major concerts will be given to those who grabbed the 1st place (which I consider a major achievement!).

Here's one batch of top 10 aired last Sept. 13, 2011. The DJs chose the topic to keep up with the Miss Universe Pageant aired on the evening of the same day.

Top 10 Answers to the question: Why should you win this pageant?  

logo from http://www.crescentcity.com/pageant/reviews.htm

#10 -Because I was made for the crown and the crown was made for me. I thank you 

#9 - I should win this pageant because I don't need an interpreter. I thank you! 

#8- Because this pageant is governed with criteria that I believed that I have met and best fit among the contestants. I thank you! 

#7 - Dahil hindi ko kailangan ng pera. Ang kailangan ko ang Koron 

#6 - Because I am a woman of substance. And beauty without substance is like a shell without a pearl. I thank you! 

#5 - Because I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky. I think about it every night and day. Spread my wings and fly away. I thank you! 

#4 - Kasi madali akong mapasubo sa hamon at willing akong sumipsip sa judges kung kailangan. 

#3 - Because I believe that the more entries you send, the more chances of winning. I thank you! 

#2 - That is a very good question. Thank you very much! Give me the crown so I can prove to you why I deserve it. I thank you! 

#1 - Hello! Di ba beauty contest to? Eh di ako ang panalo! :) 

For a sheer enjoyment, listen to the podcast at http://www.4shared.com/u/GLclAQHM/Blue_Ritz__httpcdtop10blogspot.html or http://www.4shared.com/audio/AJZ1UGda/20110913-Answers_to_the_questi.html. Happy listening! :)

A Knot to Have and to Forever Keep

I never had a vivid picture of what my dream wedding would be. All I know was that it would be a church wedding and that I will be in white - the details of which I let the future decide. Then that future came and told me that a grand wedding is not meant for me, but rather a simple one witnessed by people we know and dear to us. My hubby and I are very much proud of our wedding for it went well even though we only had barely three months to prepare. Although it was a simple one, the preparation was still physically, emotionally and financially ( to be honest!) exhausting. The  preparation was indeed a test of love, patience and understanding we have for each other. Since we were having the wedding on a tight budget, I would like to share to you how we managed to have a wedding worth to be remembered.

Invitation Cards - We made it ourselves! We both decided on the paper and the motif. I was in-charge of the wedding program and my hubby took charge of the design.

 Bouquet - Two dozens of red and white roses arranged by my hubby (ironically, I know little of flower         arrangements :"> )

Souvenirs - pre-designed souvenirs bought in Divisoria while the tags were designed and printed by my hubby (who else will? ;) )

Food and Reception -  Catered by Buma Seafood and Restaurant in Tiendesitas. The manager and his staffs were accommodating. The manager even gave us a discount! :D We had around 50 guests and they said the food was great.

Click to view more photos

Wedding Gown- I did not go for a custom-made gown for there's not much time left. Good thing we got a ready-to-wear gown in Divisoria that suited my style and size at a good price! It is a white gown with a fitted bodice detailed with beads while the train is accented with mesh and some beads. I had my maid of honor fitted the gown for me. So if you are buying a ready-to-wear gown and yo do believe in superstitions, better bring with you someone who has a similar body frame with you. :)
   

Groom's Attire - My hubby opted for a cream-colored jusi barong with embroidery and paired it with black pants. He would always go for comfort over style when it comes to dressing up. He looked good in barong though. :x

Secondary sponsors - This part I owe to the sponsors themselves. I let the my bridesmaids decide for the design of their dresses as long as the color is aligned with the motiff. While for the groomsmen, I just provided them with the maroon undershirt. Big hugs to all of them for being so considerate. >:D<  >:D< >:D<

 Wedding Cake -A simple two-layered cake for my simple wedding. :) I also liked that the cake was gift-inspired because it was actualy a gift from one of our ninangs. ;)

Church - We did not go far for the choice of church. We got married at Sto. Rosario de Pasig-just a short distance from where I live. With additional fees, the parish took charge of the church decoration, carpet, lights and choir. It's a good idea for couples like us who can not afford hiring a wedding coordinator. :) I really loved the look of the church at that time. The real poinsettias (an indispensable Christmas decor) at the altar was a perfect match with our maroon motif. ;)

The wedding is the first ceremony that has to be undertaken together by two persons who are in love. It marks a new chapter in the couple's lives wherein love and patience is tested all the time. It is a day of union wherein God is your major sponsor and the Indispensable Being in your entourage. No matter how much or how less you prepare for it, be it extravagant or just simple, there will be no assurance of a "happily ever after" ending. Ah! Getting married...the best and worst is yet to come ! :)

Caleruega - A Breath of Fresh Air

               Who would have thought that there's  a beautiful haven a few miles from Tagaytay? My boss told us that Caleruega is a must-see place to visit. She was right about that! It was a three-hour drive from Manila using a private transportation. When we got there, we were so enthralled by the vast expanse of lush greenery. Caleruega is indeed a place for solitude and reflection. It truly depicts its motto " Closer to Nature; Closer to God. " .

Captivated by the wonderful view

                       

Having brunch as soon as we arrived

                                                     

                The compound has tents for rent for P250 (half-day) and P500 (whole day) -perfect place to rest after strolling the huge compound. In our case, we first had our brunch knowing that we are about to tour a vast greenery.

Man-made pond with koi fishes
(Photo by MMU)

                                                             

Iron-made bridges over the pond

                After the pond, we were led to a hanging bridge with wood planks. Though the bridge looks sturdy enough, it sent me a nerve-racking feeling as my friends tried to shook it. It was a good thing that the roadway was all covered with wood planks! Otherwise, clumsy as I am, I would have stepped on the spaces between the planks.

                                                            

                 Our next stop was the Cross which lies on top a hill. It was a long climb on a not-so-steep hill. We were exhausted but it was worth all the effort. The feeling of being closer to God and of being one with His creations is simply priceless!

                 

Way to the top

The Holy Cross is what awaits on the hill top

                                                     

Image of Christ in stained glasses

                                                         
               Our last stop was the famous Caleruega Chapel which is also known as the Transfiguration Chapel. It is also nested on top of the hill. The chapel is made of orange bricks designed to give an aura of oldness. The inside is neither grand nor magnificent; but rather simple and solemn. No wonder the chapel is already fully booked for weddings the whole year! The way up the chapel was also wonderful experience as exquisite flowers and other plants lined up along the way.

Transfiguration Chapel

Inside the Chapel (Photo by MMU)

                      The visit to Calereuga was truly a memorable one. Being close to nature brought out a positive feeling within me. I felt refreshed and revived. Sounds cliché, but we have to stop and smell the roses once in a while and appreciate the beauty that God has bestowed upon us.