Moment 94 - Funeral

Perhaps, there is no greatest sadness and grief when a loved one passed away.  And it is also hard for us to understand and feel the pain when we have not experience the same situation.

It was several years ago when I tagged along during the internment of a distant relative.  It is already a given fact that tears and emotions will burst especially during the last minutes of the internment.  And that time, I was one of the many who witnessed one of the most heart breaking moment ever.

When the coffin was opened for the last time, the family of the deceased gathered around and offered their final respect.  It was a moment where even a cold heart could not bear.  Tears kept on falling and the sorrow was simply overwhelming.  But that was not the height of the scene.

One of the daughters of the deceased suddenly burst into tears and began embracing the coffin.  Along with her wailing was her asking for forgiveness from the deceased.  They have some unsettled issues and through the years, a wall of misunderstanding grows taller and divided them apart.  She was not able to do her part to reconcile with her mother.  And seeing her that moment was the most heart-breaking moment one has to witness.

Quote 187 - Happiness

Random Thought 94 - Chances and Risks

Life is like playing cards.  You have to learn how to take chances.  You have to learn how to gamble.  You have to learn how to take risks.  You have to learn how to bluff.  And you have to learn how to count your winnings over your losses.

In life, there are so many uncertainties.  Even if we have already envisioned our life towards a "perfect" existence, still, so many uncertain things may happen along the way.  And when these unfortunate things happen, the way we see life also changes.

At some point in our existence, we will take chances and do risky things.  In doing so, even with all the uncertainties, we will be able to know what's in store for us.  We may win some and lose some.  This is the nature of life.  The important thing is, we played our cards to the best way we can.

Learn to take chances and don't be afraid to take risks.  Who knows you'll end up a big winner.  And when you fail?  Stand up, take chances and risk again.  But this time around, you'll be wiser and be able to pull some tricks out of your sleeve.

Food Trip 93 - Mabolo

I was still in my elementary days when I had my first taste of mabolo.  During that time, mabolo were scarce already.

Recently, when I cruise the busy streets of Quiapo, I happened to pass by at the only fruit stand that sells mabolo.  Wow!  After several decades of not even seeing mabolo in flesh, here I was, trying to reminisce those good old days while staring at the fruit stand and wearing a childish smile.

The vendor asked me how many kilos I wanted to buy but I prefer only a medium sized one, just to have a recollection of its taste.  I asked the vendor to peel its skin for me because the tiny sponges will cause itchiness and irritation when it comes in contact with our skin.  The texture of the fruit is close to that of an apple and its taste is somehow similar also to an apple. But after awhile, you'll disassociate its taste to an apple which makes its taste unique.

I am happy because I was able to experience again eating a mabolo.

Exploring Philippines 93 - Montalban, Rizal (Post 1 - Wawa Dam)

It was July 2008 when I first set foot in Montalban, Rizal.  A friend accompanied me to explore Wawa dam because he happened to know the way and a bit of the place as well.  

We met at the town of Marikina and boarded a jeepney bound to the terminal in Montalban near the dam itself.  The trip was pleasant because it was a weekend and the weather was perfect for an outdoor activity.

By 9am, we arrived at the jeepney terminal in Montalban.  To our left, I noticed right away the river that is full of white large boulders of rocks.  And after a few minutes of walking, the famous Montalban landscape comes into a full view. 

During my elementary days, I used to read different folklores and one of them was the tale of Bernardo Carpio.  It never occurred in my mind that one day I will set foot in the setting of his story.  And there it is, the two mountains separated by a river in the middle which Bernardo Carpio tried to push them apart.

Aside from the folklore of Bernardo Carpio, I learned that there are so many real things about this place. This place is a favorite destination of excursionists during summer.  The abandoned dam was built in the early 1900’s by the Americans.  The caves on the side of the mountain were used by the Japanese as their hiding place during World War II and can now be explored by spelunkers.  The mountain itself is used as a training ground of people who love to climb the mountain and rappel.  And the upstream is used as a faster means of transportation and for transporting their goods as well.

There are several stalls on the foot of the mountain.  This place turned into a good commercial spot because both locals and tourists will pass this area either going up or coming down from the mountain.  Since it was July when we came here, there were only few visitors to this place.

Even if you are new to this place, you will not get lost.  There is only one trail that leads to the dam.  As we followed the trail, there are shanties on both sides of the path.  Along with the presence of shanties near the river come some concerns about sanitation and cleanliness.  Let us hope that the people who are living here will take good care of their place and the nearby environment because they are the ones who will benefit from the influx of tourists.  

Anyway, as we followed the path that leads to the dam, there are so many huge boulders within the river.  I guess these rocks were part of the mountains.  It is also a wonder that these rocks exhibit gray and white colors in contrast with the green environment.

On the other hand, the path that we were tracing was etched from the side of the mountain.  Large protruding rock formation can be seen along the way.  The trail is good enough for two persons with not much baggage with them.  But if someone is carrying a heavy load, like the one we saw earlier who carried three sacks of charcoal on his head and back, the other party must lean against the side of the mountain in order to let him pass first.  And the moment we reached the upper part of the trail, I could feel the rapid beating of my heart because we were several meters high and right down below us is the river.  What made me cautious and somewhat nervous was the open side of the path because one will readily fall to the cliff once pushed or lost his footing.

Aside from being open and dangerous, the path was wet also because of the dripping water coming from the mountain.  If there are appropriate signs for this place, they could be slippery when wet, dangerous curves, and high cliff below your feet.  I really took my sweet time walking on the side of the mountain and praying that it will be over soon.  Then we reached the bridge made of metal sheets  and my fear was intensified.  

Upon reaching the bridge, it was a funny move on my part because for a couple of steps I tried to test if the bridge is sturdy. My fear of heights got into me first without first realizing that the bridge is the only access of the people in and out of this place.  Somehow, with each careful step, I managed to cross the bridge and the full view of the dam greeted me afterwards.

It was unfortunate, though, that our exploration of the place was cut short due to some pressing matter. An old woman had lost her way and her mental condition was not right.  My friend, Christian, felt obliged to accompany her to the proper authorities in order to ensure her safety.  Since the barangay hall was closed that time, the police station is located in the town proper and it would take more than a couple of hours traveling back and forth. 

Well, there is always a next time.

Poem 93 - Rain For Me

My baby steps out of the door
She brings my heart with her
It is difficult seeing her go
I feel helpless standing here.

My tears slowly begin to fall
I let them go just like you
My heartache is beyond compare
I just don't know what to do.

Outside, there's a sudden downpour
It seems like a heaven's cry
The rain makes your traces fade away
While I remain here, ready to die.

Rain, just rain some more
Ease my grieving and weary soul
Wash away the pain in my heart
While I remain your loving fool.

Baby, my world starts to crumble
The moment you walk out the door
I can't think of better things
Now that everything is over.

In this life, you're all I have
You're the one that completes me
But now that you're gone away
Baby, I don't see a life in me.

Outside, the rain just wont stop
So does my aching and wailing heart
My world becomes flooded with pain
And surviving would be a skillful art.

Rain, just continue on raining
Wash away this pain ever hurtful
Drench my thirst of trying to accept
That our love is not a fairy tale after all.

Quote 186 - Beautiful Day

Moment 93 - Banana Vendor

The moment I saw this kid selling boiled bananas, a flashback of my childhood days right away played in my memory.  

I grew up in a poor family and during those days, money was scarce.  At an early age, I often accompanied my mother selling pandesal, banana cue, and other stuff.  Modesty aside, even before entering grade one and learning how to write, I already knew how to add and subtract.  And that was because of the hands on experience I had in selling.

The kid approached me and tried to persuade me to buy his stuff.  He was selling three bananas for 10 pesos and according to him, he regularly do this one during the week ends.  He is doing his usual rounds in the Binondo area and since he is going to school, the profit he will gain would serve his allowance for the week.

I asked him for a couple of shots which he readily obliged.  Afterwards, I handed him an amount supposedly for some bananas.  But since I was preoccupied in taking pictures, I did not take his stuff anymore.

Quote 185 - Simple Moments

Random Thought 93 - Blows and Rage

In facing life's battles, we must learn how to accept all the blows first and give our all when our turn comes.

At first, it would be an absurd state of mind to simply accept all the blows when the battle is at hand.  One will definitely object to the idea of just allowing the opponent to strike all the blows to his heart's content without giving our own blows to even the playing ground.  But there are some fights that we simply can't keep up with the pace of blows.

It is unfortunate that we have to endure all the blows while our opponent is trying to knock us down.  Likewise, it is also hard for us to tell how long we can remain standing with all the blows that will land on us.  But as long as we commit ourselves to never give up the fight no matter what the odds are, then, it is just a matter of time when our turn will come.

And when our rightful turn comes, they'll better prepare to experience the rage and fury about to break loose.

Food Trip 92 - Fish Egg

I don't know if you'll consider fish egg as an exotic food.  Others say that this stuff is an aphrodisiac food.

I am no stranger to fish eggs.  Actually, we used to scramble over fish eggs every time they were part of our dish.  Those were the days when my siblings and I were still young.

The taste of fish eggs is different from its meat.  Well, almost all different body parts of a big fish taste different.  And if you have not yet tasted a fish egg, either with broth or fried, I suggest that you give it a try.  I'm sure you'll enjoy it.  Just keep an open mind and an open mouth about this stuff.  Hehe

Exploring Philippines 92 - Norzagaray, Bulacan (Post 7 - Bakas Resort)

The tricycle driver then took us to Bakas, a resort along the river of Norzagaray.  Ron was delighted upon seeing the river which was populated by excursionists.  It was good that we were able to find an available cottage and it was for free.  Actually, we don't have any plans for a swim.  Since we were there and already wet, Ron suggested that we should go for a swim.

With no hesitation, we walked towards the river.  The river bed is filled with stones of different sizes and shapes.  Though the river looked clear, it becomes murky the moment our feet touched the stones, scraping away the algae on them.  Since it was summer, it is always a given fact that algae are growing on the untouched part of the river where there are stones and rocks.  But come rainy season, they will eventually disappear.

The long lines of cottages on both sides of the river were literally occupied with excursionists, mostly not from this town.  Since there is no entrance fee, not even a rent to the cottages (no one bothered to charge us), Bakas is a welcome resort for friends and families alike that want to enjoy a good free swim.  Plus the fact that the river is wide, there is always a room for everyone.

That time, the deepest part of the river that we saw was a little above our navel.  The current was not strong, thus, anyone can enjoy a good swim on the mid part of the river.  Actually, there were also jeeps and dump trunks that were being cleaned that time.  It seemed that almost anyone and anything can freely dip on this river.

How time flies when you're having fun.  It was already past 1pm when we left the place.  We asked John to take us to the nearest eatery for our lunch.  The three of us enjoyed a good lunch even though it was already late.  After eating, John took us to the jeepney terminal, still at Norzagaray, for our ride towards the Del Carmen bus station at Sta. Maria.

Poem 92 - Born To Love You

How come it is you that I love
Among those girls I come to know
A question that always come to mind
Every time I am with you.

Some says you're just ordinary
Not the type that makes someone crazy
I cannot explain what's with you
All I know, you make me very happy.

Girl, I was born to love you
I don't have to say the reasons why
Having you is all I care for
Without you, I will surely die.

Day and night, I think of you
Because you are my precious treasure
It is hard to live a day without you
You are my one, my only forever.

Even with a life that is uncertain
You direct a good path for me
This life is never been better
You make it beautiful in every way.

Girl, I was born to love you
For so many reasons I can't say
You need not ask why it is you
Just allow me to love you all the way.

Years may pass, seasons may change
But one thing I can promise you
Whatever the course of this life
My love is only meant for you.

Quote 184 - Child

Moment 92 - Kids Along Pasig River

We were cruising the Binondo area during a photo walk when we came across some settlers near the Pasig river.  It was already midday and the place was buzzing with life.  Everyone was on his feet doing his own thing.

In one particular group, the kids were enjoying and having fun in the Pasig river.  Actually, the Pasig river is their pool, their paradise.

Actually, I envy them.  At their age, they are already expert in swimming and diving.  Swimming in the Pasig river is no joke.  The river is deep, water lilies are floating most of the time, barges are passing through and fro, and the water is not ideal for swimming.  But despite the given situations, still, the kids embrace this place as their own haven.

When we arrived there, they were just having fun along the concrete gutter. The moment they saw us, some of the kids went for a show off.  They climbed a concrete post several meters high and went for a dive.  Likewise, they also climbed the roof as high as the concrete post and showed their diving stunts much to our delight.  

All of us were entertained and delighted with the diving skills of those kids.  But since there were so many of us, it was hard to get a clean shot.  I patiently waited for the group to leave and asked the kids afterwards to do some stunts.  And I was thankful because they were cooperative until I got a good shot.

Quote 183 - Happiness

Random Thought 92 - I Call Them My Friends

How can you be my friend when I am down and suffering, you have so many excuses while keeping your distance away from me?

Time and again, situations offer me different perspective in order for me to know the kind of associations I have.  For each of these situations, the people around me always have some great part to play.  That is, those who are brave enough to stay with me and help me all throughout the challenge.

I thought I have plenty of them whom I can count on during the time of dire need.  I thought I have a support system that could help and rescue me especially when the worst moment is at hand.  I thought that we have this unspoken pledge of support and care that whatever happens, we will stick with each other until the end.  Alas!  I thought wrong.

But I don't want to dwell and mourn over to the self-serving behavior of those people.  At least, the situations made them reveal their true colors.  And not all of them wear the same skin.

When situations throw the worst moment on us, some simple and unassuming souls will step up and help us make a stand.  At times, those whom we have little expectations deliver something great when the occasion calls for it.  And I am extremely thankful and grateful that I happened to know several of them.

At this point in my life, I don't want to argue and question the existence of people around me.  But the moment they'll offer a part of them when I am slowly turning into pieces, then, each piece of me I'll offer back to them in return.  For I am no longer just me.  They are already a part of me.  And I call them my friends.

Food Trip 91 - Pritong Isda

During my growing up years, I prefer red meat over a white meat.  But nowadays, I appreciate white meat most especially if it is fresh.

Every time I have an opportunity to go to the market, I am always on the lookout for a fresh fish.  Of course, I prefer fishes with less and minimal tiny bones.  The same thing is true whenever I am in the province.

Aside from sinabawang isda, depending on the type of fish, I also prefer a fried or pritong isda.  I cannot explain what's with the pritong isda that I like.  Though I am not fond of any condiments that would make a perfect partner for a pritong isda, still, I just love it as it is.  And even with just a good size of pritong isda, I can go as much as a plate full of rice. Hmmm.  Sarap. 

Exploring Philippines 91 - Norzagaray, Bulacan (Post 6 - Pinagrealan Cave)

The next chapter of the trail is narrow and most of the time flooded.  Just like the previous ones, there were occasions where we need to walk in the water instead of clinging in the catwalk.  We also need to watch  the ceiling because of the sharp stone formations that are hanging around.  As we progress, we perspire heavily due to our effort since we are actually not used to this kind of activity plus the fact that the oxygen inside is getting thinner.

After a while, we came upon another chamber with a large opening and if you are going to make your imagination work, it looks like a mouth of a dragon with those sharp hanging walls as its teeth.  After a few meters, we approached a rock formation where we need to insert ourselves in its hollow part in order to proceed further.  I guess this part of the cave had been carved by the water that passes through it for decades.  And with manageable obstacles to hurdle, we stopped at a point where it seems that it is the end of the cave.  But actually it is not.

On the right side of the cave, there is a small opening that will lead to another part of the cave.  One needs to squeeze himself by crawling to the ground in order to get through it.  Some of our colleagues dared to pass that channel but we urged them not to proceed because we were not ready to leave our bags and my camera behind.  Aside from this, we don't have enough flashlight to light our path and I was not sure how long will my flashlight last.  And lastly, there was an apparent growing of smoke or haze.  I noticed that as we speak, there was some kind of traces of our breath in the air.  Though I am not that so sure, I was alarmed because we might ran out of oxygen if we still hang around or further continue our spelunking.  At this part of the cave where it looked like a dead end, we could not feel even just a breeze entering this part.  All that we could feel was the cold water and in its quiet moment, the gentle rush of the running water.

Since there was no opposition, we began to trace our way out of the cave.  There was an instance when we turned off the lights and it was really scary.  With the treacherous formation of the cave and under the pitch black environment, it would be hard for someone to find his way out if there's no light.  We found little problems on our way out since we were almost familiar with each turn and challenges of the cave.  The high wall which we climbed with full effort before no longer challenged us because we went under a small passage to its left and we were able to successfully squeezed our way out.  It was good that we don't had a companion that is bigger than us because he'll definitely won't fit on that small opening.  There were bats flying above our head but knowing them, they will not fly straight towards us.

It took us almost 30 minutes from the opening of the cave towards the last chamber where we made our final stop.  Aside from having hardships along the way towards the inside the cave, we need to spare some time because we had to take some pictures.  On our way out, we spent almost 15 minutes.

While inside the cave, we noticed several walls that were vandalized.  Some of the undisciplined spelunkers wrote on the walls of the cave.  At first, the idea of leaving your name on the walls of a cave is cool but after contemplating, you're actually ruining it.  The people who came before us did not even bother to do such things because of their respect to that place.  I guess with the privilege of exploring a cave is already enough where we can say that we are part of that place already.  There's no need to write or leave any markings anymore.  And we wanted to have a good remembrance of the cave and for others to see, we can always take lots of pictures to show around.

Once we got out, without any hesitation, I talked to the lady who was instrumental in allowing us to get inside the cave.  I voiced out my suggestions in order to help protect and preserve the cave.  I told her that NCHAT can further provide caving rules such as: 1) A group of 5 to 6 spelunkers will be allowed inside the cave at a time.  2) Each group should be accompanied by a local tour guide in order to ensure that spelunkers will not do nasty things such as vandalism or ruining the cave.  By doing this, they can add more local tour guides and could provide additional income to the local community.  3) They should require the spelunkers to wear protective head gears.  In this case, NCHAT can finance a set of helmets and flashlights to be used by each group which should be rented at a minimal fee.

She had an open mind about my suggestions and I hope NCHAT can draw strict caving rules in order to preserve and protect this natural heritage site.

When we returned to the holding area, there were several spelunkers on a standby.  I don't know if they will be allowed to enter the cave after us.  We thanked the one who allowed us to go inside the cave as well as the group that allowed us to tag along.  Afterwards, we went our separate ways.