Intramuros Walkthrough

Rizal Museum

San Agustin Church

       Been living in the City of Manila since I was 4-years old when my mom, brother and I moved from Caloocan City. I am familiar with the places in Manila especially along Taft area. I've been to Intramuros, had a tour of the walled city when I was in kinder and grade school (which I can hardly remember). Growing up I have this love for history because they us of how things and how we came to be. Not really a dedicated historian, just simply love knowing the history of things (it amazes me a lot). A tour in the walled city costs PHP500 for two pax, the sidecar drivers are your tour guide they have this laminated piece of printed paper with the historical places found within the place.

Philippine Presidents

First stop was San Agustin Church, one of the old Churches in the Philippines (indication of such is that it still has the pulpit where the priest during those times are standing and having their homily). Name it all, even where General Douglas McArthur had his office (located near the Lights and Sound Museum). The Manila Cathedral, Pieta, etc. some of which I can't remember, it was a tour of the past. All along I saw Intramuros' buildings as non-historical but most are, it tells us how the City of Manila was during the Spanish Era. 

Fort Santiago

If you are to enter Fort Satiago there is an entrance fee around PHP50 for the maintenance of the place. I loved following Rizal's footsteps on his way to Bagumbayan, saw where he was detained. And even went in the Rizal Museum where they are all the antique and original furniture of the Mercado's. Even the spine of Rizal was there, placed in a clear jar. I hope they don't sell it to anyone as these things are our National Hero's story. It keeps us close to him. The Intramuros tour was splendid! The canyons gave it a blast. Everything gave it a boom. I was like walking through the history, I wish life was like the TV show 'Hiraya Manawari' when I was a young wherein two kids had the opportunity to go back in time, dress up like those in the era they are in, find a certain historical item and get to experience how to live in the past. As the saying goes, "History doesn't repeat itself, but humans do repeat history." Does fate get a hold this? I think partly yes, but choice makes its way to interfere.

(AUGUST 2013)

Snorkeling

Big blue starfish

Beach front

     I've been to Puerto Galera for a couple of times but haven't tried snorkeling. One of my mom's closest friend Tita Chanel Basinillo went home from his (yes, he's a he but has a heart of a woman. NO HATE. RESPECT) work at Dubai and because he missed our mom so much we had a free trip to Puerto Galera with him and his family. We stayed at the Tamaraw Beach Resort, it was just an overnight stay because he's heading back to Dubai in a few days and just wanted to make up for being away and not able to join special occasions.

Snorkeling

We rode the resort's van going to the port where a yacht that would take us to the snorkeling area was waiting for us. All geared up and ready to go and swim with the fishes. The yacht has a clear glass floor where you are able to see ocean with the fishes and corals. Before dipping into the open water, the boatmen demonstrated how to properly use the gears for snorkeling. We didn't have a rope tied to our feet and so we jumped into the ocean and started swimming with the fishes. I was in awe. Life is so much to offer, too many wonders to see, so much to experience. We were even given a "pan de agua" (water bread) to feed the fishes with, I pinched it and place it near my face so the fishes would come and swim near me, and so they did. They came in different colors and types, big and small, they are all cute and the corals and reefs are so much wonderful. I was so busy and caught up with the fishes and found myself heading a deep trench in the open water. It was so dark, there are still fishes swimming with me when I got up in the water I saw that I was kind of far from the yacht and I went back. I wanted to see and discover what secret the trench has, I wasn't scared but I'm so clueless. I don't have the gear to go beneath not even a guide to give me instructions and information. Maybe next time I'd go and dive, I'd love to explore the ocean even though there is more to be known.

(JUNE 2012)

Drop Zone

The Drop Zone

Sophia, Wyeth, Corazon, Darren, and Winona

     Enjoying the long weekend with the whole family. After having dinner at La Mesa Grill, Mall of Asia, Pasay we decided to take a stroll at SM by the Bay and came across the Drop Zone which we thought was not that high enough. Because from below it just looks like a 3-story building, we had the guts to challenge each one of us to go and try it. The Drop Zone: Free-fall experience costs PHP200 (includes gears and jump off twice). As we are heading on our way up, we tried looking down and it's turned out that we were wrong because it is high as it is. We are challengers and we are to face our fears and conquer it. Along with my brother and cousins we did it! HURRAH!

First attempt, you are going to jump facing front second was facing back (facing the deck). You have two options either to let the guide push you or you jump by yourself through pushing your feet off the deck. Next time, don't try concluding. NEVER conclude nor assume because it's not how you think it actually it. Sophia also backed out but we calmed her down and she finally jumped off. There is a signage pointing down that says "WALK OF SHAME", so why bother backing off when you can face them and jump off to freedom. Sometimes the scariest thing to do is actually the greatest experience.

(AUGUST 2013)

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding Buddies

      I tagged along with my childhood friend Paolo Cariño and Alfred Labatos, Zee Herrera, Lea Reyes going to REPUBL1C WAKEPARK at Nuvali (West Diversity Boulevard). This is new to me. Well, for all of us (except Alfred, this is his 3rd time to go wakeboarding). It costs around PHP800 and above but less than PHP1,000 for a one-hour session (includes gears such as life vest and helmet with use of wakeboard). The PHP600+ is refundable. But if you aren't going to rent for the gears and you have your own it costs around PHP300 or less. We were at awe when we saw the wakeboarding park, we arrived at around 3 or 4pm and the park closes at 5:30pm. Supposedly we would go for the 2 or 3-hour session but then we would exceed the closing time.

FACEBOOK ALBUM CAPTION: "Experienced a 3-time wrong turn :)) one was around Magallanes and the two was along SLEX

Wakeboarding is so AWESOME!!! Enjoyed it much more 'coz I was with these cool people ;) but honestly we were on the road home for 3hours 'coz of that epic wrong turn :)) 'til next time wakeboard buddies ;)

Then stop over at Nuvali to grab some yummy pizza ♥

PhP5 for the U-turn that led to a wrong turn LMAO! Kinda bit creepy but because we were all still laughing though the setting was more like a horror film it turned out to be like a "Scary Movie" haha!

Thank you guys ♥"

Rate

First thing to do when you arrive there is to register in their computer and fill-out the form. Below 18 years of age requires an adult supervision. Then you'll pay at the counter. Don't forget to keep that receipt so you'd be able to reimburse the rental fee. Right after paying you can choose a life vest and head gear at the right corner of the counter. Change clothes and you're ready to go.

The beginner's area is quite few steps away from the advance area. Everything is man-made. When we reached the area, we were very lucky there are few people around so we got the chance to enjoy and the one-hour was so "sulit". First try, we all went face down the pond and splash made a way on our faces. We were eyeing to go pass the two big orange ball and make it to the other side. 

Second try, the operator kept on telling us to not force ourselves to get up right away we had to learn the timing and just go with the flow. He kept on shouting, "Don't pull! Don't pull!". Everyone again splashed into the water, when it was my turn I focused and was so eager to learn and enjoy. SUCCESS! I made it to the other side and went pass the two big orange ball. Until I finally got a hold of it, I began loving this water sport in an instant. They also made it to the other side after several tries. "The thing is, if you pull back you'll stop where you are and drown yourself. So, just go where the flow takes you and keep on moving. Keep the balance and enjoy the ride." (nyxziebabe0817)

Just like in life, never look and pull back. Sometimes the most painful way is the greatest choice you have, that would let you go beyond your limits and achieve your goal. Keep your eye in the goal, focus and learn how to go with the flow. Don't let yourself drown all over again.

(NOVEMBER 2014)

Bohol Seminar

SK MANILA BOHOL SEMINAR 2011

Chocolate Hills

     Aside from the fact that our first seminar fell on the exact day of my 18th birthday where in I had few trouble asking for my Dad's permission to allow me to go. I was covered up with so much excitement, Mom instantly allowed me upon knowing that it would fall on my birthday. She said that it is a great opportunity that I shouldn't miss and that it would be a very memorable and a highlighted day of my life. Eighteen (18) the age where a lass would finally turn into fine young lady, the age of maturity in the Philippines, the age where you are officially an adult. God has given me such a great gift, a gift of not only reaching this age but of giving this seminar a perfect timing.

Floating Restaurant

Before I left our house Mom handed me over a box that was wrapped when I opened it I found cupcakes wherein each has a letter that reads "HAPPY BIRTHDAY", and I brought it with me to the airport and shared it with my fellow SKs. Our meeting place was at Liwasang Bonifacio beside the Manila City Hall where the bus that would drop us off at the airport were. When I arrived, everyone was greeting me photo-ups here and there, hugs everywhere. I bet it was going to be a fun-filled day, a very memorable one. My grandfather (mother side) is from Lila, Bohol. I've never been to Bohol, but I heard so much about it how much the place is filled with historical spots and of course the small yet big-eyed creatures known as the tarsiers. Mom went to Bohol with my uncle (her youngest brother) and Papa (my grandfather) years ago to visit our relatives there. I saw photos in the camera (which was operated by a film (the time where digital cameras were still nonexistent)), it was amazing. And so I've been looking forward to coming to Bohol. And finally! This!

Floating Restaurant

From the airport we went straight to tour the city, we had a tour guide. We saw incredible houses, we saw a house that was shaped as a ship (I bet it is also ship-shaped inside) the guide told us that it was owned obviously by a retired seafarer (a captain) who loves his work so much, that he had his house shaped exactly like a ship. We saw the historical statue of the blood compact which was along the highway (unfortunately due to some circumstances the tour bus didn't stop there for us to have our photo taken). First stop was the famous Chocolate Hills which had I guess about a hundred steps before reaching the peak. It was cold and breezy, we don't mind climbing up such a long trail if it's worth it. And indeed it was, maybe there's around a hundred or thousand of these Chocolate Hills which they say changes color whenever it rains. Next stop was the Tarsiers, I expected it to be a bit bigger than it actually it, they're like koalas hanging in the thin branches of the tree. We were asked to turn the flashes of our gadgets off because these creatures are very sensitive with it that they commit suicide. Another thing, they engage in sexual activity for only 3 seconds this is why there are few of them. I love seeing how small they are but they eyes are so big it's like it's bigger than their head. So adorable!

Panglao Island

We then headed out to the Floating Restaurant where we had lunch, it was a buffet style and we had happy tummy and satisfied cravings afterwards. In the middle of the river is a stage made out of bamboo wherein there is a folk dance and performance. The river is, well, has a brown color of a river but you cannot see any trash in it. There are few informal settlers who live beside the river that dives and jumps into it (I wonder if I can try it but unfortunately I can't swim without a life vest). Our last stop was at the Dumaluan Beach Resort where we will be staying for a couple of days. We had a team building wherein our eyes were covered with a bandana and we had to hold on to the shoulder of the one in front of us. It was an activity that would teach us how to trust, and it would determine how much we trust people whom we known and have been with for a while. All we can hear are the voices of our coordinators telling us where to go and what to do, we even went in the ocean which kinda bothered us because it was high tide. But still, trust is trust. We had an Acquaintance Party during the night time where we, the District 5 officers prepared for a dance number (Sarah Joson was our D.I. being a passionate dancer herself, and belonging to a dance group called Posh).

This is the most awesome and unforgettable SK seminar ever. Maybe not because it was our first off-site seminar but because we got the chance to bond and get to know more about each of us.

(AUGUST 2011)

Palawan Seminar

SK MANILA PALAWAN SEMINAR (2012)

Puerto Princesa Airport

   Another much awaited year for our annual SK off-site training and seminar. We were given the great opportunity to go to Puerto Princesa, Palawan and see the Underground River (which is now part of the New 7 Wonders of the World). We stayed at Microtel Inns and Suites. I was not feeling well during the first time because I've been suffering for headache for nearly 3days plus the long road trip made me more dizzy. What I observed in the City wherein Edward Hagedorn is the former Mayor, was that there were hardly any litters and traffic. He turned it into an ecotourism haven. We had a side trip to where dump or trash was made into another form, where plastic straws and plastic wastes are put in a machine and made to be an arm chair used in classrooms.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

   Tourist spots are far from each other; city tour takes lots of hour to be done. In most parts, signal is very poor you need to find a good spot to gather up signal (specifically Globe Telecom). Smart signal is okay but not that excellent. Aside from low signal, which would piss off some techy people (like me) again, the road trip takes hours, very long hours. It's like travelling from the North to South of Manila (but of course, I'm being exaggerated).

Underground River

What killed my boredom and upset was the incredible 'Underground River' plus the very talkative and funny boatman (where I thought he was the only one who was like this until I found out that every boatman is). Before you reach the island where the majestic 'Underground River' is located you would arrive and wait in the "pier" first where a load of pocket-friendly restaurants are located, and oh! They also sell this "eel" that is safe to eat (but I wasn't able to taste it though). Boat ride going to the island takes around 30-40mins then you'd arrive in another "pier" where is it mandatory to sign a contract for safety purposes. The place is like a rain forest (or is it so?). BEWARE there are monkeys lurking here and there, you are not allowed to bring any kind of plastic because these monkeys are attracted to them.

On our way to the port of the 'Underground River'

One of the caretakers told us that during the first batch of SK Manila who were there for the same seminar (I forgot which District), one of the participants who is so "pasaway" wrapped his/her mobile phone in a plastic which he/she carried along with on his/her way to the waiting area and a monkey who was so fond of plastics got the plastic and swung up the branches of the tree, up up from there and they waited for the monkey to come back. Losing hope, they went back in the evening and found the said plastic bag with the mobile phone. Good thing the mobile phone is still working and in good condition.

Microtel Inns and Suites, Puerto Princesa

When you finally reach the end of the wooden trail, you will find those people who are in charge of giving you and helping you out with those safety gears for your 'Underground River' tour (the usual orange vest and a helmet). The tour takes about 30-40mins, inside the cave are different sections (Meat section, The Cathedral, Fruits and vegetable section). Before starting the tour, the boatman would repeat you the guidelines you just read and heard earlier at the port. One of you would be given a flashlight to be able to see inside. It is safe to dip your feet in the water while in the tour (but it is not recommended). There are droplets of water from the top of the cave upon entering and the boatman would address them as "some are holy water those that are coming form the minerals while some are called holy sh*t coming from the bats that are freely roaming around". How incredible these rock formations are, they were given these sections because in those sections you are able to find random meat, fruit and veggies plus Catholic images. In the meat section there are chicken, pig, etc., the vegetable section there are "sitaw", kalabasa, etc. but what caught me into such amazement was the Cathedral. There is a huge rock formation of a candle wherein at the top of it is the Last Supper, no this is not man-made everything you see in the cave are rock formations by combined minerals. You can also see the image of the Holy Family and such, it's indeed incredible and unbelievable at the same time. As you are reading this, you may not believe me for most are like doubting Thomas so I suggest that you come and visit the 'Underground River' and see for yourself how wonderful it is and you'll understand why it deserved a spot in the New 7 Wonder of the World.

Cebu Seminar

SK MANILA CEBU SEMINAR (2013)

This is the last SK Seminar for our batch, this October another youth leaders will be elected and voted for to be roles models of the youth in each Barangay.

Magellan's Cross

I have been so much blessed for being one of them, for being an SK CHAIRPERSON and most of all for being SK Manila's DISTRICT 5 PRESIDENT. I may not have done much as expected from my people, head offices from the City Hall and such, but I am certain that I have been a great leader.

Kawasan Falls

I gave my best to fight for what is just and right. Have practiced my right and spoke on behalf of the children in my area, led my District to unity and built friendship with other Districts as well. Failure was never an option and it never was, but at times we stumble and fall. Yet, I stood up and faced whatever consequences my choices had. Leadership is not a skill but rather a passion.

Philippine Taoist Temple, Beverly Hills

     For our last seminar, we don't have the usual leadership training instead we were invited to listen to a talk about youth leadership held at Beverly Hills Pavilion then right after we were brought to the place where we would be staying for three (3) days which is at Cebu International Golf Course and Resort, Badian Island. They have this swimming pool facing the beach which I find magnificent. And unlike previous seminars that we had, there are no team building this time and no other district with us, just us. District 5 of the City of Manila. We had our city tour (just this time we had no tour guide), good thing I've been to Cebu several times which is why I know what historical place we are currently visiting. We had all the time to enjoy and bond with each other, I felt a bit sad because I know this is good-bye to our SK days, we are getting older and just like a graduating student farewells make me sad. Because we don't have any assurance to keep the friendship and bond going, especially that now we are growing up and entering out early 20's.

Cebu International Golf Course and Resort

People tend to think and assume that SK is were the youngest and earliest form of corruption happens. You know what? It doesn't. If you allow people to dictate you and turn you to someone whom you are not, into someone just like them who are corrupt and tend to corrupt more then that's just when you start being like everyone else in the government, a "trapo" (TRA-ditional PO-litician). But if you stand firm, hold on and fight on what you believe in you'll be different. They may hate you for choosing not to be like them, they may even let you suffer and stain your name in the eyes of those citizens but what matters is that you know in your heart that what you did is right.

It's not called being idealistic, being in the game doesn't necessarily require you to be the player but instead you can create a game of your own. A game of luck, a game of chance, and a game of justice. Politics is not like a rainbow it is more like a dark shadow which has a darker side that no one else could ever see nor know about, no other can even figure out but an only an individual who has a brave heart to fight for what is right (maybe not completely but partly, partly does a lot of changes and things that needs to be discovered before the whole thing ends up in chaotic self-destruction)

I can proudly say that this has been the BEST THREE YEARS of my life.

*Barangay 705, Zone 77, District 5 Manila and SK Manila District 5 President*

(JULY 2013)

First Timer at Boracay

Boracay? That summer-getaway, that dream summer-getaway :) It was a dream come true for me and my brother Wyeth, not only for us but for our mother and cousins as well. It has been long planned (since we were kids), we kept on dreaming of going to Boracay and enjoy its sweet serene scene and the ambiance of that paradise. And finally October 2012 came and HURRAH! We're so excited for BORA! Who else could be so excited as much as we are no other but those first-timers like us. We've only got 4-days and 3-nights to make the most of it, it's sembreak (Semester Break wherein I used to call it Health Break).

Banana Boat

Day 1: Banana Boat

Banana Boat is available in almost every beach resort nowadays (but of course it's such a huge difference when you're in Boracay). Thrilling ride that moves from side-to-side (zigzag), we kept on standing up (since we feel much secure for having life jackets). It was one GREAT RIDE!

Parasailing

PARASAILING (up! up! and away!) Hello Superman! I've always been on the go for adventures and activities. It was my first time to try this Parasailing. It was a totally awesome experience that I would surely love to try and experience once more (even alone). We were so high up in the outskirts of Boracay Island. The wind even blew hard that caused the parachute to move a bit harder in the wings of the wonderful air. I kept on looking down trying to see if I can still catch a glimpse of the boat but I see only a white dot. Yes we were that high. It was so awesome and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Having a clear and beautiful view of the whole Island from up in the sky with just a harness protecting me. I never got scared, I loved the view. How I wish I brought a camera with me too bad I didn't but at least I enjoyed it. Maybe it was meant for me not to bring a camera with me because how can I appreciate it that much if I would be busy taking photos. The next time I try this I would surely bring a camera since the first time was enough for me to love the view I saw.

ATV

ATV (All-terrain Vehicle) another first time for me. I always loved car racing and even motor racing in the arcade but never have I tried controlling a moving vehicle (except for a bicycle if it maybe considered as a vehicle or whatever) and definitely not anything with a motor. I was bit nervous, I was scared that I might turn up the gas so hard that I would go so fast and end up throwing myself on the road. So I just followed instructions and executed it plus followed the tour guide on the way to the peak. When I got a hold of it, I enjoyed swerving the ATV when there are no other ATV drivers around until we reached the peak which was also a perfect spot of having a perfect view of the island.

Zorb Ball

ZORB BALL

No again, I've never tried this ever. I never tried being a human hamster. I was so excited and kept on wondering how it works and how much fun it has and finally when it was our turn... WHOA! EXCITEMENT WRAPS ME. The zorb ball would roll from a hill and down to a swimming pool. I kept on screaming not out of fear but of fun, too bad 'coz it was only for just two tries. There are full of next time anyway.

To sum it all up, my first Boracay experience was load of fun and excitement. A lot of first time was a total blast, memories that would forever love to remember and be reminded of. I still have a long list of Boracay activities that need and waits to be done. 'Til next time Boracay Island :)

NOTE: Sadly, I can't indicate how much each activity costs because I wasn't there when those were paid and he doesn't want me to know.

(OCTOBER 2012)