Quote 41 - Praise

Random Thought 21 - Sunset

Every time I am out of town and on vacation, one of the best relaxing experience I would indulge into is watching the setting of the sun. I cannot recall the time when I had the first liking of sunset but I never grow tired spending some time admiring its beauty.

The best time in watching sunset here in the Philippines would be during summer. It is always a delight when you have this cloudless day and you are in the perfect spot to appreciate the sunset. At times, the clouds may add a certain touch that may further enhance the sunset. In any manner, it is always a delight to have a good one.

When I watch a sunset, literally, my mind is empty. It is free from worries or any troubles. The joy of watching the sunset empties my mind of any burdens. My excitement simply drives all my worries and troubles away. Sunset is my yoga, so to speak.

That's why when I have an opportunity to watch a sunset, I always look forward to it. I can say that I am most at peace watching a beautiful sunset.

Food Trip 20 - Strawberry

Whenever I visit Baguio City, I always look forward to mouth watering strawberries.  Yes, I simply find it hard to resist strawberries even very early in the morning.

If I have my way, I would prefer big ones and a bit overripe. I love to dip it in salt and  I like the feeling of sinking my teeth unto it. By just the thought of this scenario makes me wish for another round of strawberry eating marathon.

Though, even here in Manila, strawberries can also be bought but in its re-packed form. Most of the time, there are only a couple of big ones and the rest are small stuff. And their taste do not match that of freshly picked ones from Baguio.

Maybe, sometime soon, I'll find a way to visit Baguio City again and indulge myself in great tasting strawberries.

Exploring Philippines 20 - Taal, Batangas (Post 5 - Leisure Farms and Barangay Balisong)

After our short stay in Tagaytay, we went back to Batangas. We passed by at Leisure Farms in Lemery and we planned to scout the place. The produce here are organic and some produce here are bigger than what we usually see in the market. 

This place is open from 8am to 4pm with an entrance fee of 100 pesos per head. It is a 13-hectare theme park and offers several activities for visitors. It is best advised to visit early in the morning because of the vastness of the place and for every one to enjoy different activities and demonstrations. If you are fond of gardening and other farming activities, this could be a good avenue for you to enjoy the day. Aside from this, the  theme park  also aims to make farming interesting for students and kids alike. 

Since it was already past 3 in the afternoon, we simply left the place because they will be closed by 4pm. It was no longer practical to roam around and pay the entrance fee of 100 pesos for just a short period of time. We were not able to buy some stuff from their store because no fresh produce was available that afternoon except for tomatoes. 

Batangas is famous for balisong and there is no better place to buy a balisong than in Barangay Balisong. There are so many balisong stores lining the streets of this barangay. It was unfortunate that it was raining that day and we were not able to fully explore the place. Due to the erratic downpour, we dropped by at a particular store and bargain for the best item we could find.

I happened to see also old houses and it could had been my chance to photograph  them. If only we had enough time that day and the weather is cooperating, most likely, I could have had several shots. But  I promised myself that I'll return to this place one day soon.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Randy de Roxas and his parents (they were in Singapore that time) for being hospitable. Likewise, thanks also to Ron Michael Ferrer, Arjay Daluz, and Joey Ignacio for a good company.

more pics at Leisure Farms and Barangay Balisong

Poem 20 - Friend

Hold my hand when you're down and weary
I'll lend you my strength until you're okay
Just like you, I am weak too
But I'll stay strong just for you,

Lean on me when your world becomes heavy
You can have my shoulders in times of dismay
I can set aside my own struggling reality
You can have my support every step of the way.

Cry if you must until your eyes will run dry
I'll be by your side especially when relief is a far cry
I will hide my own tears and let them fall silently
Your concern and welfare come first before me.

These I offer to one good and true friend
Who's been with me when everyone else becomes a fiend
When the world deserts us, we only have each other
And the gift of friendship that binds us to last forever.

Quote 40 - Morning

Moment 20 - Taal Old House

This old house in Taal, Batangas was built during the Spanish time and the woman who lives here proudly claimed that it is already 138 years old. Wow! This one stands out from the rest of its contemporaries. I know it is hard to maintain such a place like this and kudos to the owner of the house for a well-preserved and well-maintained house. It makes this house a pride of this place.

I politely asked her if it is possible for me to have some shots of the house interior but she declined. I respected her part because she wanted her sanctuary to remain as private as possible. But just the same, I simply love this house.