tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29295461702653406552024-02-02T06:34:29.729-08:00Sabong, Food and Random MusingsAntipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-45529963772076902542017-03-16T00:29:00.001-07:002017-03-16T17:56:20.123-07:00Rewriting Family History<i>This short article is dedicated to Tito Mirlo Pansacola, who during our first meeting in Cubao probably 20 years ago already intrigued me about the colorful history of our family, Rest in Peace Tito.. Tita Eden Almirez, whose scholarly work amazes me as she pointed out the small bits and pieces I was able to use as a jump-off point for my research.. Brother Guiseppe Magliozzi, OH who was kind enough to share his life's work to us.. "Nanay" (Lola Milagros), whose keeping of family documents and engaging me in stories as a young boy led me to become more inquisitive.. Mama Lynn, who also fueled the fire for me to ask questions and learn.. and my family who listens to my stories and breakthroughs no matter how boring it might have been for them. hehe. :)</i><br />
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<h2>
<b>Re-writing Family History :</b></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzTfuWBxYfw3eaiR13kLD2XT0pvCkDDyCeY5-QOZ5fNLQQXoM5ai2WtLnb6vaX2-ghj-XVzoIUaWu1sw_42I27dsducljsZf3wTuWyYRNQwpfNNhWtxB6r3GvIR3MfrCzn734u7dvLnk/s1600/20170219_173449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzTfuWBxYfw3eaiR13kLD2XT0pvCkDDyCeY5-QOZ5fNLQQXoM5ai2WtLnb6vaX2-ghj-XVzoIUaWu1sw_42I27dsducljsZf3wTuWyYRNQwpfNNhWtxB6r3GvIR3MfrCzn734u7dvLnk/s400/20170219_173449.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Mauban Poblacion in 1920. Photo from the Collection of Tita Eden C. Almirez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As a child, I was told of the same story that all of us in the <span style="font-size: large;">Pansacola</span> family would have heard as well. The History of our family is well-documented because of the purchase of <span style="font-size: large;">Cagbalete Island</span> that has now become one of the top destinations in the province. Our History begins with the 4 Pansacola brothers <span style="font-size: large;">Benedicto, Eustaquio, Jose and </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fr Manuel</span> who was a <span style="font-size: large;">priest</span>. The family was originally from <span style="font-size: large;">San Rafael Bulacan</span>. Father Manuel was appointed to <span style="font-size: large;">Mauban</span> and he saw how beautiful the place was and invited his brothers to live with him there. The 3 other brothers eventually married into the locals and in <span style="font-size: large;">1859 </span>sought to purchase the island of Cagbalete from Spain.<br />
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This same information with varying inconsistencies can be found in a series of short histories per barangay of Mauban that were compiled by the Department of Education in 1954.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPEmnJxacpbAsMRLb65JiiMSNODKj_D58b-URpG2_b4DPkdgCqojxvZ4Kz_dLESm1SQh_FrCb51Q-CrWYAw0qxndFYK6cXW1iodNI-gDzacTUI1dAFHMSh8FivDHK_dy-ZyF4PIXz9JI/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPEmnJxacpbAsMRLb65JiiMSNODKj_D58b-URpG2_b4DPkdgCqojxvZ4Kz_dLESm1SQh_FrCb51Q-CrWYAw0qxndFYK6cXW1iodNI-gDzacTUI1dAFHMSh8FivDHK_dy-ZyF4PIXz9JI/s320/1.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m75dqtDwyzJv-auvW-N_lNJp08v10oObuKQJE5qAcS3d0-mDlj1ofN7Oqy_IE_5wBz5gvFTNvG9Wz2i6bbOonw_6Etje358811TiZEcNRz0_bzF4HWVUm5eE6dLi05k20319K8s2uUs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m75dqtDwyzJv-auvW-N_lNJp08v10oObuKQJE5qAcS3d0-mDlj1ofN7Oqy_IE_5wBz5gvFTNvG9Wz2i6bbOonw_6Etje358811TiZEcNRz0_bzF4HWVUm5eE6dLi05k20319K8s2uUs/s320/2.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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The Cagbalete Primero history by Vicenta F. Pansacola mentions that it was Benedicto and Jose who drew the plans of buying the island and later divulged their plans to the 2 younger brothers Eustaquio and Rev. Manuel Pansacola Pe<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">ña.</span><br />
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">The Cagbalete Segundo history by Ernesto D. Garcia offers a different story that in 1879 the parochial priest Manuel Panzacola, who was a spanish priest that came to love Mauban as his residential home, bought the island from the province of Tayabas. He was benevolent to his 3 brothers and had the property split into 4 so they could all have a share of the island.</span><br />
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Two conflicting histories.. written around the same time.. published in the same compilation. Even then, with some of the original heirs still living, they were already confused.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BhuMo3hrnhyphenhyphenjtZhJkG3CDVR8jkWY4l11-taZBNHkaNfOFP_cxpKVwDdfv8S3jvqJ5myMX-qglA-i-XHRlDvatzTxRUE44OARtYww5bg9H9sCYw3wPintOwpB2u2fXUpK22wUhpxZ3zw/s1600/20170219_171127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BhuMo3hrnhyphenhyphenjtZhJkG3CDVR8jkWY4l11-taZBNHkaNfOFP_cxpKVwDdfv8S3jvqJ5myMX-qglA-i-XHRlDvatzTxRUE44OARtYww5bg9H9sCYw3wPintOwpB2u2fXUpK22wUhpxZ3zw/s400/20170219_171127.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">I was also able to read one of Tito Mirlo's last research papers that was circulated during the 150th year celebration of the island's purchase last year. It details how the Pansacola brothers left Avila, Spain and followed their brother Father Manuel (Pansacola) Pe</span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">ña (who was designated as the Parish Priest of Baliuag, Bulacan) to the Philippines. It also talks about how the Pansacolas were invited to live in Mauban by another Spanish family, the Santayanas.</span><br />
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Seeing another story unfold, reminded me of that little tidbit that I took a mental note of while studying the original deed of sale of the Island..</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">It begins :</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8r7_qpzAXYpo8ubDNWrewhu0JzuLDdhuHV3V-ufkrdVfYAcFWTnKggAr2WEdNsgJUVnDaV6ZEG5snhGiZ4Mo9lI615EV9y7crCVhxMPrL9lLJJ5YoCXpFa9MRi7B_6Cx_iTHXQQ4j88/s1600/20150226_203600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8r7_qpzAXYpo8ubDNWrewhu0JzuLDdhuHV3V-ufkrdVfYAcFWTnKggAr2WEdNsgJUVnDaV6ZEG5snhGiZ4Mo9lI615EV9y7crCVhxMPrL9lLJJ5YoCXpFa9MRi7B_6Cx_iTHXQQ4j88/s400/20150226_203600.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "First" Document executed by the Pansacola Brothers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP" style="font-size: large;">"We, Don Benedicto Panzacola and brothers, natives of Mauban province of Tayabas, spontaneously and of our own free will...."</span></i><br />
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">I remember making a mental note of this line and how the brothers referred to themselves as "Natives of Mauban". The exact words used in the document was "naturales de Mauban, Provincia de Tayabas" and in the Spanish context means "naturally from Mauban" or "native of Mauban" (as the translator preferred). I asked myself if they were indeed directly from Spain, they would have described themselves differently. This became the jump-off point of my research.</span><br />
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Researching about the 3 other brothers hit walls for me. I hope my meeting Ino Manalo of the National Archives in Villa Escudero would bring my research more success, but as of the moment, I have not yet exhausted a trip there yet. That will probably help me in the development of this story.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PmDHQfyu3FjfaMVhINpHwjbAoNdKv33A45L1xSw0DB74-515v0wN-sb29RcG4rUKjzU3Mp6CQ18Xblr6i6nocqpxrH5gmI5cgswFPc4kSYFWL2RAOfLIx3-FUsZ46AhS6ZTk3MBgjGQ/s1600/pena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PmDHQfyu3FjfaMVhINpHwjbAoNdKv33A45L1xSw0DB74-515v0wN-sb29RcG4rUKjzU3Mp6CQ18Xblr6i6nocqpxrH5gmI5cgswFPc4kSYFWL2RAOfLIx3-FUsZ46AhS6ZTk3MBgjGQ/s400/pena.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fra Manuel <span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Pe</span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">ña, from the Iral family of San Rafael Bulacan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">I decided to focus on Fr. Manuel Pe</span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">ña who because of his position promised more hits. Late last year I was able to confirm a family myth and met a branch of the family that was largely unknown to us. Father Manuel, fathered children both in Mauban and in San Rafael, Bulacan. I was privileged to have met Tita Josefina Iral who is a 3rd generation descendant of Fr. Manuel's only daughter in San Rafael, Cosma Irasusta Pansacola who married an Iral. Details on that though would be good for another entry. So driven with the fuel of finding the Irals, I asked more questions and sought more answers.</span><br />
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnGuf9VWjcIiNscOPc3YF8VHx85HVCwDeLISnJFy09peLUFFCbJOEbNc6GxXIRvF6UN-c3_KrDI1Bdpfu-v-zjk2y0PgfC7ZbCYNjyQ1pYndgV3c-s0FIVNJOULj_in_EefIEgSeWtIY/s1600/20160720_213153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnGuf9VWjcIiNscOPc3YF8VHx85HVCwDeLISnJFy09peLUFFCbJOEbNc6GxXIRvF6UN-c3_KrDI1Bdpfu-v-zjk2y0PgfC7ZbCYNjyQ1pYndgV3c-s0FIVNJOULj_in_EefIEgSeWtIY/s400/20160720_213153.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from the History of the Brothers of San Juan de Dios as shown to me by Tita Eden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Also worth noting is that Tita Eden showed me a pamphlet detailing the history of the order of San Juan de Dios in the Philippines that mentioned Manuel Pena as the "Superior" in Cavite by the 1860's, he was recorded to have exchanged correspondence with Saint Benedicto Menni. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilemON3_k11fDA44k1Xz8neFfD0CCDXp7j9bbGD5kAzcDqY6oEIYfQOonGlZxxeyk2VAh-9DiotAaa2R6JS8GZg1SP_zIO6hExhZqjup8_y516I1HFXHksxskPxEZDtZjb-wKskq_haM/s1600/Benedeto-menni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilemON3_k11fDA44k1Xz8neFfD0CCDXp7j9bbGD5kAzcDqY6oEIYfQOonGlZxxeyk2VAh-9DiotAaa2R6JS8GZg1SP_zIO6hExhZqjup8_y516I1HFXHksxskPxEZDtZjb-wKskq_haM/s400/Benedeto-menni.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Benedeto Menni</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Father Manuel who carried the last name</span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"> Pe</span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">ña was a priest of the Order of San Juan de Dios as mentioned in the 2nd deed of sale of the island executed in 1868. I realized that if he was indeed from Spain, as the latest finding of Tito Mirlo proposed, the archives of San Juan de Dios should have details of embarkation from point of origin to destination. I sent emails to the different offices of the Hospitalier brothers of St John of God located in Italy, Avila, Barcelona and all other European chapters asking for details about Fr Manuel who was the Philippine Superior at one time.</span><br />
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">2 weeks later, I received a reply from Bro Guiseppe Magliozzi, OH who was a historian of the San Juan de Dios brothers and was stationed here in Manila. My email was forwarded to him by the Office from Aragon, Spain.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgEAa9b1FOxzMbobwwQCv4n8E7X-pbZjQm4muaUROkOQxVlUrVSEAU5MtFu93mdhiT-tVp2bSN089fEnI7A4j7mAhGdQcA55ZNiLHpDrVJwFFvjpm07eFIuPNBvAzraPAXnZd6uqoucg/s1600/giuseppe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgEAa9b1FOxzMbobwwQCv4n8E7X-pbZjQm4muaUROkOQxVlUrVSEAU5MtFu93mdhiT-tVp2bSN089fEnI7A4j7mAhGdQcA55ZNiLHpDrVJwFFvjpm07eFIuPNBvAzraPAXnZd6uqoucg/s640/giuseppe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bro Giuseppe's Reply to my email</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">I was ecstatic after receiving his reply. It was another breakthrough for our history as a family. So it proves that Fra Manuel was indeed a native of Mauban! I will quote from the article he sent which is in Italian. (Thank God for last year's trip to Rome. See how God works in mysterious ways? But thank you to Google Translate too.)</span><br />
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<![endif]--><span lang="IT" style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">"<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="IT" style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;">l’Infermiere Maggiore
del Reparto Prigionieri, fra </span><span lang="ES" style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Manuel Peña</span><span lang="IT" style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;">, filippino di 44 anni, nativo di Mauban
(Tayabas)"</span><br />
<span lang="IT" style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span lang="IT" style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"> - <i>From the Archives of Granada. A list of all San Juan de Dios Personnel in </i></span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"><i>Intramuros by June 14, 1864 </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"><i>translation :</i></span></span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Chief Nurse, Department of Prisoners, Manuel Peña, Filipino, 44-years-old native of Mauban (Tayabas)</span></i></span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"><br /></span>
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">The article also talks about the massacre of Hermano Pule in November 4, 1841 and how it must have been brave for Manuel to journey to Intramuros to join the Orden knowing that ever since Hermano Pule, the Spaniards did not think too well of people from Tayabas. It also notes that Manuel traveled to Manila with 8 other Maubanins including the oblate Francisco Victorino.</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DM1_zRSQU9JrVKPyersPiTyNsBmEKOpYIg8Lt2IGoQogosl7l6nIzivlJB278x_dLV5OkmpktqNhyphenhyphenU02QwG6qO4RkRx-egh2qIWtEuKbcG8hFzp58RVJbUAvyMYmFJ9Qf79jvYgDMhs/s1600/PULE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DM1_zRSQU9JrVKPyersPiTyNsBmEKOpYIg8Lt2IGoQogosl7l6nIzivlJB278x_dLV5OkmpktqNhyphenhyphenU02QwG6qO4RkRx-egh2qIWtEuKbcG8hFzp58RVJbUAvyMYmFJ9Qf79jvYgDMhs/s400/PULE.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermano Pule outside the Hospital of San Juan de Dios in Intramuros, painted by Eladio Santos, file from Bro Giuseppe Magliozzi, OH</td></tr>
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Other questions I sought answers for :</span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"><br /></span>
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">1.) Was Manuel a priest?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vzq-4I5KgnBF3DiyAH7t0s7o-hf4rS2veE2TQk4CgGVHlLEhwyASGggHsN8JUzRa3ffZ5dh5J8Dq_uICWO0_n-mYaVRQUJ0GFCNQuZ0GkXaDsNx7HX6VgIw0e2zEJ_W9qwUpqsRWELE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vzq-4I5KgnBF3DiyAH7t0s7o-hf4rS2veE2TQk4CgGVHlLEhwyASGggHsN8JUzRa3ffZ5dh5J8Dq_uICWO0_n-mYaVRQUJ0GFCNQuZ0GkXaDsNx7HX6VgIw0e2zEJ_W9qwUpqsRWELE/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The signatures of the Pansacola Brothers on the "2nd" Document</td></tr>
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<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">- Based on the 2nd document where we see his signature as Fr. Manuel Pena, he means Fra which translates to "Brother". The reply I got from the Order of St John of God was that he is registered as Brother Manuel </span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Pe</span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">ña and as a Brother, he uses his talents to build up the Church of God, not necessarily by administering the sacraments but in this case, by being a hospitaller.</span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"><br /></span>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">"as
a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Solemn</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Professed </i>– in Spanish <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Fray”</i>
– with a permanent engagement through a public Solemn Profession of the Vows of
Poverty, Chastity and Obedience (and some other additional Vow, according to the
specific charism of the Order. For example, the Hospitaller Brothers have an
additional Vow of Hospitality, obliging them to the care of the sick and the
poor), bounding the person to observe those Vows until death."</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">-<i>quoted from the article of Bro Giuseppe Magliozzi, OH</i></span></div>
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">2.) Why did he use </span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Pe</span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">ña as his last name and not Pansacola?</span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">-At first I thought he might have been illegitimate but then a friend mentioned that there is such a thing as an RO name, or a name given to you while you're part of the Religious Order. This might be the reason why Manuel used </span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Pe</span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">ña while some of his children still retained the surname "Pansacola". Andang Cosma from San Rafael Bulacan carried the last name Pansacola. Having the last name </span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"></span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Pe</span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">ña, </span>which translates to "Pain" can be an adjective of what Fra Manuel emulates, the suffering of Christ.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwnnuM2-hbyG2jYnHeOoe8J-Y4tbEE0iQRwk4dMGMJTMJkUbfYOTHH6Y6C9OhmAeDeC4le-L7Q0GLKkOdUMGB-t1R7cWH6889DQnMzAdYfgC_wuS5RQuOK4kf5Z_JdIiGulCPtTaIXbQ/s1600/20161223_210330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwnnuM2-hbyG2jYnHeOoe8J-Y4tbEE0iQRwk4dMGMJTMJkUbfYOTHH6Y6C9OhmAeDeC4le-L7Q0GLKkOdUMGB-t1R7cWH6889DQnMzAdYfgC_wuS5RQuOK4kf5Z_JdIiGulCPtTaIXbQ/s640/20161223_210330.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tita Josefina Iral of San Rafael Bulacan holding a photo of Fra Manuel and Andang Cosma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"><br /></span>
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">3.) When was Fra Manuel Born?</span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">- From the data gathered from the Orden, if by 1864 Fra Manuel was already 44 years old, that would mean he was born sometime around 1820 in Mauban and joined the order after Hermano Pule was killed in 1841. He died sometime after his last letter to Saint Menni which was sent on December 23, 1887.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Fra Manuel plays an important role in the History of the brothers of San Juan de Dios here in the Philippines as he is the last Superior of that era and was recorded to have pushed for reinforcements from Spain so that the Orden would be better established. He sent his requests and was in correspondence with a Saint no less. Imagine that. With his death, came the death of the Philippine Chapter.</span><br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBtJYPwXdR7tCm6JbnP_vh4bjEg0-V2jcIspbijbM13JJpo0quuO4GBzj7hlVIfc-E6aiIoSXwiwuoflDkcuoWTw2J6N27xaH8An29wcKarOK58VC6MCmIdPqHH4CcVnrkcTDYt-TiAw/s1600/17309639_10202988331147238_9049140036444826127_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBtJYPwXdR7tCm6JbnP_vh4bjEg0-V2jcIspbijbM13JJpo0quuO4GBzj7hlVIfc-E6aiIoSXwiwuoflDkcuoWTw2J6N27xaH8An29wcKarOK58VC6MCmIdPqHH4CcVnrkcTDYt-TiAw/s400/17309639_10202988331147238_9049140036444826127_n.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catalogo Alfabetico de Apellidos as photographed by Jose Benigno Salvador of Bulacan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP"> From this development, we can then move on to find out more about our family. Who were the parents of the 4 enterprising brothers? From the looks of it, the family was also affected by the Claveria decree of standardizing the Filipino family names from a Catalogo Alfabetico de Apellidos, and that's probably the main reason why our family history begins from the 4 Pansacola brothers. Why? Their parents carried a different last name and thats why we're having a hard time locating them. We have to dig further and turn more rocks to find out. :)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">So it's final. Fra Manuel </span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">Pe</span><span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">ña, born around 1820 at the town of Mauban in the Province of Tayabas was a Filipino who championed the order of the Brothers of San Juan de Dios until his death in 1888. From this we can infer that, Don Benedicto, Jose and Eustaquio were also Filipinos, natives of Mauban, Tayabas.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st" data-hveid="110" data-ved="0ahUKEwjsidWC-9nSAhUJGJQKHVCvA4YQ4EUIbjAP">More Discoveries! :) </span><br />
<span lang="IT" style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span>
<span class="_Tgc"></span>Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-80686313689582799662015-04-21T20:21:00.000-07:002015-04-22T05:20:44.815-07:005 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT CAGBALETE ISLAND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/c8c994a3-280c-417b-b185-9d94233ef34a_zpsmnvlklpm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/c8c994a3-280c-417b-b185-9d94233ef34a_zpsmnvlklpm.jpg" height="252" title="Header" width="484" /></a></div>
<br />
Cagbalete Island has currently been featured amongst the <u><b>Best Unspoiled Beaches in the Philippines </b></u>and here are <span style="font-size: x-large;">5 Reasons</span> why you should consider <i><span style="font-size: large;">Cagbalete Island</span></i> as your <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">next Beach Destination</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>1.) EXCITING BOAT RIDE -</b></h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/d531f7d0-f973-421a-8f84-0056e484bb05_zpshhfucdzy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/d531f7d0-f973-421a-8f84-0056e484bb05_zpshhfucdzy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arriving in Nilandingan Cove via the Chillest Boat Ride Ever!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Getting to Cagbalete Island is by <b>Boat</b>. Yep, the <b>boat</b> with <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bamboo Floaters</b></span> on the side and not Ferries or those fancy speedboats you find in other more well-known islands. So much luxury and ease but where's the fun in that right? The Boatride to Cagbalete is more primitive yet safe as well. I have been traveling to and from the Island ever since the 1980's and I have yet to experience a totally unsafe boatride. <span style="font-size: large;">Riding with the waves is so much fun!</span> A little saltwater sprinkle that will make you and your friends shout for joy is part of the fun. <b>We are after all off to a Beach right?</b> It's nature Cagbalete Island-goers want and its Nature they get. :)<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>2.) EXPLORE THE EXPOSED SEABED DURING LOWTIDE -</b></h3>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/f1374c42-fe73-4cd0-a385-0b3487b91efb_zpsbuy7erwa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/f1374c42-fe73-4cd0-a385-0b3487b91efb_zpsbuy7erwa.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Visit pools that vary in size during lowtide and float around or observe the sealife</i></td></tr>
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What really sets <i>Cagbalete Island</i> apart from other Island beaches in the country is the <b><span style="font-size: large;">evident play of tides</span></b>. When you say low tide, the water recedes to as far as<span style="font-size: large;"><b> 1km </b></span>on some points and leaves the exposed seabed. How low the tide can get is dependent on the type of moon we have. There are times called <span style="font-size: large;"><i>"tag-gilaw"</i></span> when the water does not completely empty but it becomes very peaceful and still. When the moon is full, the water is at its lowest. I enjoy my time in this 4-6 hours everyday by going around and turning some rocks over revealing the different types of marine life left by the sea. Sea cucumbers (<i>ti** ng Kabayo in the local dialect</i>), small fishes, <i>starfishes</i>, <b>brittlestars</b>, <i>small crabs</i>, sea urchins and the occasional <span style="font-size: large;">baby octopuses</span> and small <u><span style="font-size: small;"><b>sting rays</b></span></u> can be seen.<br />
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<b>3.) FEAST ON THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD -</b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/a3ac0824-3ee5-4952-95c2-8bce4a555b8a_zpstpn6w87c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/a3ac0824-3ee5-4952-95c2-8bce4a555b8a_zpstpn6w87c.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Freshly caught Sunno Lapu-Lapu and Squid. Perfect for that Beach Lunch. </i></td></tr>
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With the rich <span style="font-size: x-large;">Lamon Bay</span> as its home, Cagbalete Island is your <i><span style="font-size: large;">seafood lover's paradise</span></i>. Different types of <b>squid</b> and <b>cuttlefish </b>abound as well as <b>fishes</b> and <b>crustaceans</b>. Buy direct from the fishermen with their catch from early morning fishing. <span style="font-size: large;">Crabs</span> as big as <b><span style="font-size: large;">2 kilos</span></b> each are caught in the rocky mangrove areas. <br />
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<h3>
<b>4.) ECO-TOURISM AT ITS BEST -</b></h3>
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With no electricity and not much connection to the mainland, Cagbalete's places to see and visit are all gifts from nature. Here are some of the natural attractions you must visit.<br />
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<b>a.) Yang-In </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/11059473_10205299818553072_2598355065098644988_n_zpsqixvq94m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/11059473_10205299818553072_2598355065098644988_n_zpsqixvq94m.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The vast expanse of exposed white sand during lowtide called Yang-In, courtesy of Villa Pilarosa's facebook page</i></td></tr>
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A large expanse of pure <b>creamy white seabed</b> that becomes a <span style="font-size: large;">sandbar</span> during <i>lowtide</i>. Easily accessible by <b><u><i>Villa Pilarosa</i></u> in Cagbalete Dos.</b><br />
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<b>b.) Rio de San Jose</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/f62242e0-d847-4108-a230-155f7bf8961c_zpsiphusemp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/f62242e0-d847-4108-a230-155f7bf8961c_zpsiphusemp.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entering the Rio de San Jose which is a river bounded by Mangrove Forests on both sides.</i></td></tr>
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The closest thing the island has to a<span style="font-size: large;"> real river</span>. With <b>Mangrove trees</b> to the left and right, this used to be the habitat of the <u>saltwater crocodile</u> that inhabited the island before. Sadly (or happily) the crocodiles were poached to extinction for their leather in the latter part of the century. Some areas in the river form part of the <u><i><b>Nilandingan Cove</b></i></u> property.<br />
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<b>c.) Dasi or "Bonsai Island"</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/09312a45-4e09-48b6-b497-9bdbbf177336_zpsuapkaerw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/09312a45-4e09-48b6-b497-9bdbbf177336_zpsuapkaerw.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></b></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Bonsais of Bonsai Island. Photo courtesy of Discover Villa Cleofas facebook page</i><b><br /></b></td></tr>
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Three <b>Bonsai'd Mangrove Trees</b> in the middle of the ocean. During lowtide though, a mini island <span style="font-size: large;">emerges</span> with nooks and crannies worth exploring. <b>Villa Cleofas</b> is the best jump-off point to this area and is credited to have christened it as the now more well-known name of "<u><i><b>Bonsai Island</b></i></u>".<br />
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<b>d.) Natural lowtide Jacuzzis</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/IMG_111505966045273_zps56ipditf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/IMG_111505966045273_zps56ipditf.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fancy a dip during lowtide and just basking under the sun? Photo courtesy of Pareissa Moini</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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For those who would find it too <span style="font-size: large;">tiring</span> to walk far out to the sea during lowtide. These <span style="font-size: large;">natural pools</span> left as the water receded, are cooling and fun. Lounge around with some <i>small fishes</i> trapped inside and watch them swim around you. A unique feature of <u><i><b>Nilandingan Cove</b></i></u>.<br />
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<b>e.) Paet</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/97738a8a-5fcf-4aba-8635-b6edde2273fc_zpspkt3svwu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/97738a8a-5fcf-4aba-8635-b6edde2273fc_zpspkt3svwu.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Paet. Imagine crossing this during high tide for an adventure.</i> <i>Be careful of the current though.</i> <i>Photo courtesy of Deo Vito uploaded at the MVT Sto Nino facebook page.</i></td></tr>
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<i><b>A saltwater mini-river</b></i> that's one of the island's <u>best swimming spots</u> especially during lowtide. Best accessed through <u><i><b>MVT Sto Nino</b></i></u>.<br />
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<b>f.) The "Magic" Tree</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/39bd6652-d6ce-4c26-bd7f-48c0ac4d6d39_zpstfzcdfrn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/39bd6652-d6ce-4c26-bd7f-48c0ac4d6d39_zpstfzcdfrn.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nilandingan Cove's "Magic Tree". Make a wish?</i></td></tr>
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One of the <i><b>most pictured spots</b></i> in the island, It's a <span style="font-size: large;">lone tree</span> that stands apart from the rest of the Mangrove Forest that separates <i>Nilandingan Cove</i> from the rest of the Eastern long beach. The emptied out center of the tree was said to be an <b>entry</b> point to another <span style="font-size: large;">dimension</span>. The Tree is one of <u><i><b>Nilandingan Cove'</b></i></u>s main destinations.<br />
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<b>g.) Nakahigang Balete </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/IMG_3908995972399_zpsz2qfleni.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/IMG_3908995972399_zpsz2qfleni.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nakahigang Balete Beauty. Photo by Jan Degollado. </i></td></tr>
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Imagine Pocahontas' <i><span style="font-size: large;">Grandmother Willow</span></i> in the flesh. A leaning <b>Balete Tree</b> in the middle of a forest complete with large roots that makes it look like a <i>mini-cathedral</i>. During rainy season, the area around the tree is submerged in knee-high water. Also part of <u><i><b>Nilandingan Cove</b></i></u>.<br />
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<b>h.) Bulas</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/41412178-5ebb-44aa-99c2-12292a19c2fe_zpsjaawghdx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/41412178-5ebb-44aa-99c2-12292a19c2fe_zpsjaawghdx.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bulas emptying out into the sea. Nice place for that cold dip or just floating around.</i></td></tr>
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One of my <span style="font-size: large;"><b>secret spots</b></span> to swim in when its lowtide. The place is so quiet, with the cold rushing stream that you feel like a <i>fairy</i> will come out anytime. This is the area where another mini saltwater river empties out into the ocean. This is also one of the areas you can visit while in <u><i><b>Nilandingan Cove</b></i></u>. Lord of the Rings much?<br />
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<b>i.) "Buntis" or Gabriel's Point</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/acb63436-d0b6-4d49-b5d2-374a5f02fb1b_zpsn4b49evy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/acb63436-d0b6-4d49-b5d2-374a5f02fb1b_zpsn4b49evy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Ridge called "Buntis" on the Northernmost part of the Island. Photo courtesy of Kuya Gusting Cuanan</i></td></tr>
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Cagbalete Island's <span style="font-size: large;"><b>main picnic spot</b></span> before. <i>Buntis</i> is a large rock in the northern part of the island with a ridge-type area that looks like <u><i>tectonic plates</i></u>. When the waves hit the rocks, the water sprays <b>tree-high</b>. I haven't really swam here, but locals say that its a deep drop and they also tell of an <span style="font-size: large;">underwater cave</span> in this area.<br />
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<h3>
<b>5.) CATCH THE MOST AMAZING VIEW OF THE SUNRISE FOR THAT "SUNFIE" (Sun Selfie)</b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/IMG_3757819339577_zpsmbdhk22i.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/IMG_3757819339577_zpsmbdhk22i.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Beautiful Sunrise captured at Nilandingan Cove. Photo by Jan Degollado</i></td></tr>
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Nuff said. Not much words. Just the <i><b>beauty</b></i> of the <u><b><span style="font-size: large;">rising sun</span></b></u>. :)<br />
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<b>Make sure to cover these 5 Reasons to make the most out of your Cagbalete Adventure!</b><br />
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<b>Because Life is DEFINITELY Better at the Beach! See you in Cagbalete!</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.cagbaleteisland.com.ph/" target="_blank">Nilandingan Cove - Cagbalete Island webpage</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo Credits mentioned to Jan Degollado, Deo Vito and the MVT Sto Nino fanpage, Tita Cynthia Almirez and the Villa Pilarosa fanpage, Tito Tonet Reyeg and the Discover Villa Cleofas fanpage, Kuya Gusting Cuanan and Pareissa Moini. Thank you!</i></span></div>
Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-61320295755109842262015-03-26T18:59:00.000-07:002015-03-27T03:23:53.640-07:00CAGBALETE ISLAND - THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE : HISTORY (part 1 of many)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/IMG_30176155169644_zpsh1oid7v1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/IMG_30176155169644_zpsh1oid7v1.jpeg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Aerial View of Cagbalete Island from Nilandingan Cove by JJ Maghirang</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TRAVEL</b></span></span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cagbalete island is a <b>1,640 hectare</b> property inside the vicinity of Lamon Bay. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">....And I'm sure you've already read about this and other facts about the island from various blog posts and Wikipedia. You've also probably heard about Cagbalete Island one way or another. May it be a blog post, an ad you saw on facebook, casual mentions or a friend who has actually been to the island and back. I have been going to the island as a kid and have called it Home for about 3 years straight. Living on the island like a local and exploring what it has to offer made me forget the comforts of urban living. With the influx of tourists to Cagbalete, I've been thinking of making the ultimate guide, the road less traveled, the off-beaten path so to speak. I'll take you on a journey so that you would get to appreciate the Real Cagbalete. It's not just the shift of tides that make it special. The History of the island, the Flora, the Fauna and the People all contribute to the distinct charm that sets Cagbalete apart from the other island destinations in the country<b>.</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/7a290925-fe60-4416-95d6-9f362de476b0_zpsd3j7sbtc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/7a290925-fe60-4416-95d6-9f362de476b0_zpsd3j7sbtc.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Cagbalete Island from a Distance (shot from Cagsiay I)</b></i></td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And so we begin..</b></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/562498c1-780c-4825-965c-cfc191311e3b_zpsjxh2n7bo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/562498c1-780c-4825-965c-cfc191311e3b_zpsjxh2n7bo.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The 1868 document that shows the signatures of Don Benedicto, Don Jose and Father Manuel</i></b></td></tr>
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<h3>
History :</h3>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In <span style="font-size: large;"><b>1859</b></span>, <b>3</b> enterprising brothers, <b>Don Benedicto</b>, <b>Don Jose</b> and <b>Fray Manuel Pena</b> (<i>a priest of San Juan de Dios Hospital, mentioned in the 1868 document</i>) decided to purchase <b>Cagbalete Island</b> from the Spanish Government. Through research by the family Historian, <b>Tito Mirlo Pansacola</b>, it was found out that the Pansacolas were actually descended from the Native American Indians that populated the Northwest Coast of <b>Florida</b> (<i>Ever heard of Pensacola Bay?</i>) and that they found themselves in the Philippines through the <b>Manila-Acapulco Galleon</b> trade route. They were of direct Spanish descent and this was where the special privilege accorded them to be able to purchase land from the "<i><b>la Reyna de Espana</b></i>" came from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A Supreme Court document in the <b>1950's</b> stated that the contract to purchase the island was signed in <b>San Rafael, Bulacan</b> leading some to surmise that the family was indeed from there and settled in Mauban after. But I was able to browse through the documents mentioned and saw that the English Translation of the <b>1859</b> document began with the Brothers stating that they were in fact Natives of <b>Mauban </b>in the <b>Province of Tayabas</b> (<i>the old name of Quezon Province</i>) and that the document was signed before a certain "<b>Don Rafael</b>". This might be where the confusion came from, whether the 3 letters before Rafael were actually <b>Don</b> or <b>San</b>. <br /><br />In <span style="font-size: large;"><b>1868</b></span>, the 3 brothers decided to include as heirs the children of their deceased brother <b>Don Eustaquio</b> who lived in the <b>posh </b>districts of Manila (<i>Ermita/Malate</i>). The island of Cagbalete was divided into <b>4 equal shares</b>. <b>1/4</b> of each share to each brother. For those wondering what happened to the <b>1/4</b> share of <b>Fr. Manuel</b>, who inherited it? Interesting to mention that he actually had <b>heirs</b> (<b>6 in fact with 5 different surnames</b>) and it was discovered that he was their Father. He even had a child that, like <b>Jose Rizal</b>, was <b>exiled</b> by the Spanish to <b>Cagayan de Oro</b> for being an "<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>ereje</b></i></span>". <b>Fr. Manuel</b> was actually a good provider and ensured that his children had a living. Talk about a very colorful family history diba? For the <b>Ateneans</b>, did you know that the great historian <b>Fr. Horacio dela Costa</b> (<i>Yes, the building that houses the Dept. of Social Sciences and the road in Makati</i>) also came from the Pansacola line? He even left a property in <b>Cagbalete Dos</b> to the <b>Jesuit Congregation</b>.<br /><br />The <b>1868</b> document mentioned that the brothers had already paid the price decided upon by the high tribunal in the amount of <span style="font-size: large;"><b>125 Pesos</b></span>. Yes you read that right,<b> P125, </b>which was quite a sum of money at that time. Talk of <b>inflation</b>, what could buy us a <b>Big Mac meal</b> nowadays was enough to purchase an <b>entire island</b> in the <b>1850'</b>s. This also put in the sharing of work by the brothers. <b>Don Benedicto</b> will be in charge of <b>bringing in animals</b> and <b>clearing/cultivating</b> the island, <b>Don Jose</b> will be <b>filing the application</b> of purchasing the island while the nieces and nephews will share in the cost of purchase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Though the intent to buy the island was first expressed in a document executed in <b>1859</b>, the <b>1868</b> document provided a date as to when the Brothers first exercised their possession of the island. The date mentioned was <b>August 11, 1866</b> which makes next year special being the <span style="font-size: large;"><b>150th</b></span> year that the island has been under the <b>Pansacola</b> family. Yeay, looks like a special celebration or a mass must be at least held to honor this special day. Imagine how <b>hard</b> it was for the <b>Pansacolas</b> to journey to <b>Cagbalete</b> without the luxury of motorized boats. <b>Tito Mirlo</b> said that they used large <b>sailboats</b> to go to the island. The trip would normally take weeks as from <b>Mauban</b>, the boat would then be blown towards the town of <b>Perez</b> in the island of <b>Alabat</b> (<i>main reason why the Pansacolas also own tracts of land in Perez</i>), and then the winds would blow again and bring the boat to the area occupied now by the <b>Quezon Power Plant</b> (<b>Barangay Cagsiay I</b>) and lastly the winds would bring them to the area near present day <b>Sabang</b> and/or <b>Daungan</b> (<i>inside the San Jose river</i>) which at that time was teeming with <b>saltwater crocodiles</b>. Now that's the <b>REAL</b> Adventure.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/274f4298-7726-4ab4-bdde-980fd05eabda_zpsh7tbkhk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/274f4298-7726-4ab4-bdde-980fd05eabda_zpsh7tbkhk3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>My Great Grandmother Milagros and her husband, Leonila Villabona's heir, Dr. Bautista del Banco</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/5300d371-6511-48f6-a62b-b5957d25446f_zpswm6wlziy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/5300d371-6511-48f6-a62b-b5957d25446f_zpswm6wlziy.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>My great grandmother, Milagros and my Lola, Lynnette during her debut at the Wack Wack Country Club </b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On our side of the family, <b>Don Benedicto Pansacola</b> had only <span style="font-size: large;"><b>1</b></span> daughter named <b>Atanacia </b>who married a <b>Villabona</b>. Atanacia had 2 daughters,<b> Leonila</b> and <b>Maria</b>. <b>Leonila</b> married <b>Don Remigio del Banco</b> who became one of the first <b>Mayors</b> of <b>Mauban</b> at the turn of the century. (<i>His portrait still hangs in the Mauban Municipal Hall</i>) <b>Leonila</b> is the great great grandmother of my <b>Lola</b>, <b>Lynnette del Banco</b> who owns one of the newest resorts in the island, <span style="font-size: small;"><b>Nilandingan Cove</b></span>. <b>Maria Villabona</b> married <b>Don Silverio Taino</b> (<i>of Pagsanjan, Laguna descent and later also became Mayor of Mauban</i>) and they had <b>7</b> children, some whose names are now immortalized in the names of Resorts, <b>Choleng</b> (<i>Dona Choleng Camping Resort</i>), <b>Noe</b> (<i>Villa Noe</i>), <b>Joven</b> (<i>Joven's Blue Sea</i>) and <b>Cleofas</b> (<i>Villa Cleofas</i>). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span id="goog_2099244414"></span><span id="goog_2099244415"></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, the island has been easily divided into 2 Barangays, <b>Cagbalete Uno</b> and <b>Dos</b>. Cagbalete Uno has the properties of Don Benedicto and Don Eustaquio while Cagbalete Dos has the properties of Don Jose and Fr. Manuel. Most of the resorts are found in Cagbalete Uno though there are also Interesting areas in Cagbalete Dos which I hope to also include in this Guide.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/ba8906a9-cb1b-4e9b-8d35-5dbbc40f66ff_zpsxs8vlckb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/ba8906a9-cb1b-4e9b-8d35-5dbbc40f66ff_zpsxs8vlckb.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>A local, "Jerrick", playing his makeshift toy boat during lowtide in Nilandingan Cove</b></i></span></td></tr>
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<h3>
(Part 2 : Wildlife...to be continued) </h3>
Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-36256706432820352902012-09-16T03:25:00.001-07:002012-09-17T08:28:05.132-07:00RUN FASTER : BATTALIA ROYALE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/3-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Battalia Royale Survival Kit (Sold at the Venue for only P100)</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">RUN. RUN FASTER.</span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Okay, I'm having trouble trying to write this entry because I don't know where to start. There are so many things to say and the hoopla has not yet subsided. I'm on an Artistic High, A Creative Orgasm so to speak. All this because of 2 words, <span style="font-size: small;"><b>Battalia Royale</b>.</span><br /><br />All of us have watched plays i presume. In a regular play, we <i>(the audience) </i>sit down and wait for the curtains to come up. We clap at every dimming of the lights and watch as the actors move around their own world apart from us, and see scenes happening at the play's own time. Some scenes might be happening at the same time but for the sake of presenting a chronological timetable based on importance, we figure that they must be happening right after the other. Imagine all of this go to nill, nada, <span style="font-size: small;"><b>wala</b></span>. Imagine yourself thrust inside a movie, as if you're not just watching but a part of the story. You're a Ghost, a floating persona inside their world but in another dimension. You can see them but they can't see you. <b>Run</b>.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/2-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Lobby. Get your tickets validated here. Walk-ins also bought here</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The story is about a class of 4th year High School students from a fictional school <i>(Our Lady of Guadalupe High School, Manila)</i> who thought they were going on a field trip, but was sedated on the way and was diverted to an arena where they will be forced to kill or be killed in 8 hours. A plot we are all familiar with because of <b>Suzanne Collins'</b> <i>(Hunger Games)</i> toned down version of <b>Koushun Takami's Battle Royale</b>. In these 8 hours, you have the people who decide to take the game seriously and play it, and those who decide to just wait it out. I will not talk much about the plot because I want my readers to go experience it themselves.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />Earlier this year they staged it at the abandoned <b>Victoria School</b> in Cubao and the <b>CCP</b>. This week's production was held at the <b>Museo Pambata</b> and your stage is the whole area. A lot of things are happening at the same time and there are times that you get to choose which story you would like to follow. It's like a choose your own adventure book but it all leads to one ending. <b>Brilliant</b>! <br /><br />In marketing, we have something which we call <b>IMC</b> (<i>Integrated Marketing Communications</i>) wherein all marketing communication tools you have are married to speak a single thought. From tv to posters to new media (<i>website/facebook</i>). I especially liked that the people behind it thought about doing an IMC by bringing these characters to life via facebook. You have to check out the Battalia Royale facebook page, and the School page so you can check out all the characters' individual pages. This will prepare you and give you a backgrounder on the different personalities involved before you even meet them. Genius, just plain Genius.<br /><br />As an actor myself, I know the process that goes through these productions and I am amazed at the talent we have in this particular one. The scenes were all so seamless. Everything was so natural, you see it in how they speak, you see it in their movement, you see it in their eyes. Their soul radiates the character and you can see that at that particular point in time, they aren't actors but the characters themselves. Sometimes the acting space is so limited that you will be forced to have a fight scene inches away from the people sitting down or standing up watching. You have the random jaunts here and there but the actors just keep on going. They are in their zone, their own dimension that you can't take that moment away from them. <b>WOW</b>. I saw noone drop his or her character and that was just amazing. Even if the spotlight wasn't on them, even if there was a particular bigger scene happening somewhere else, when you glance by their direction they are still playing out their role. This just shows how strong their train of thought is, the thread that connects their whole character throughout the entire play is that solid and well-constructed. The show is unbelievable that it's as if there was no script at all, the feeling and the illusion of <b>REALITY</b> was great. The lines were well delivered and were said from the heart. Okay I'm rambling now.<br /><br />One other aspect that I was utterly happy and proud of was that these guys really lived by the #1 rule in Theater. "<span style="font-size: small;"><b>THE SHOW MUST GO ON!</b></span>". The rain was pouring and these guys were all drenched and really wet but that did not change how they played their roles. The dead people were bathing in puddles of water <i>(some for 10 minutes)</i> and the live ones just pulled out some rain coats that blended with the scene. The marshalls were all doing their jobs well, add to that the magnificent scoring by <b>The Radioactive Sago Project</b>. How could anything appear to be going wrong? Even though the weather was obviously not cooperating, the audience didn't feel that. The rain even contributed in the total atmosphere and ambiance of the scenes. It gave Battalia a different feel that night.<br /><br />I just deleted the part where I try to commend the actors playing their parts cause I realized that I couldn't single out just a few. Everyone was Excellent in their portrayal to say the least. From the guys trying to short-circuit their collars, to Jessica and the Band of Girls (and some guys) who grouped together in a shelter, to Basti and his group of bad girls, Rhae and crazy Calibugan guy, The poor girls murdered because of Justin Bieber, The guy the audience killed, Ina and Cai, Cai and Victor. Victor and Kalil. Wow. The list just goes on and on and on. All scenes were great. I seriously enjoyed watching and was really surprised at everything.<br /><br /><b>BRAVO! BRAVA!</b> From the Writers to the Directors, to the Production team, Cast and Crew, This whole production was revolutionary, innovative and refreshing. With this group of people, I can safely say that the Arts (Even if it lacks Governmental support) is going strong. We have to support these productions and individuals because they are the future of Theater in our country. And it looks like we have a BRIGHT FUTURE ahead of us.<br /><br /><b>Congratulations Sipat Lawin Ensemble!</b> <i>Maraming Salamat</i> at muli niyo na namang binuhay ang hilig at dugo ko sa Teatro. In my own humble opinion, your group deserves the ticket prices offered by "The Phantom of the Opera" because as their production has more machineries into it, yours has more <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Heart</b></span>. And every theater play/production always has just one goal.. and that is <b>to tell a story</b>. Whether by musical form or a straight play, a performance is judged by how well you sent the message across. And your play, your script, your acting did the job <b>Extremely Well</b>. <br /><br />To all the people, friends or random blog-hoppers who come across this page, I ask you, No. I <b>implore</b> you to spend time in watching this production of Battalia Royale. This will be the best P350/P450 </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">you wi</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ll ever spend. It is a quorum of the country's youngest and freshest thespians who will give you a show that you will remember. Because this isn't just a show, this is an <b>Experience</b>. I'll see you in the next production because seriously.. I'm now a <b>FAN</b>. Bite me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Please visit these pages to learn more and to get tickets for Battalia Royale :</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/battaliaroyale?ref=ts">Battalia Royale Fanpage</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/OLGHSManila?ref=ts">Our Lady of Guadalupe High School Fanpage</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/sipatlawin.inc?ref=ts">Sipat Lawin Ensemble Fanpage</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tangkilikin natin ang mga Produksyong Filipino. Wag Maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan! (Don't be a stranger in your own Country!)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/1-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting Ready for the Experience. Picture-taking during the play isn't allowed. The production is Underground and they plan to stay there. Post and be Hunted down.</span></span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Francis Ong is a Search for a Star in a Million II Grand-finalist as well as a Pinoy Pop Superstar contender. He owes his love for theater to his High School drama club director Ms Ginny Natividad of La Salle Green Hills' Cue drama club. He has trained under the tutelage of Ms Ginny Natividad, Lionel Guico, Freddie Santos, Soxie Topacio, Tony Espejo and Vince Tanada. He has been nominated twice in the Aliw Awards for Best Stage Actor in a Musical Category for his role as Matsing in "Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing" (2008) and for his role as "Prince Frederick" in "Cinderella-The Musical" (2009). He is now taking a sabbatical from the stage as he pursues a career in Marketing. Francis Ong is currently a Sabungero and a proud member of the audience.</span></i></span></span></span>Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-58693945173624679342012-09-02T06:27:00.001-07:002012-09-02T20:34:14.000-07:00Our Lady of Caysasay : Of Apparitions and Mystical Wells<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1346.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Mystical Well of Santa Lucia. Site where Our Lady was again found in 1611</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="color: red;">TRAVEL </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bicol, Vigan, Polillo are some of the places I was meaning to visit during the last 4-day long weekend. But due to my cursed foot problems, I wasn't able to go to any of those destinations but rather found myself doing a mini tour of nearby Rizal Province. I'm a history geek, so being around so much History and culture excites me. If I can't go to Vigan, I would go to the next best thing.. <b>Taal.</b></span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While researching about where to stay, places to see and what to do in Taal, I saw entries about <b>Our Lady Of Caysasay</b>. What I read immediately got me hooked into it. An old church, a heritage town, a mystical spring in a structure that looks like it came from an Indiana Jones movie, Looks very promising.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I spent that week in <i>Tagaytay</i> for some brand-planning for 2013, but because of my foot problem I had to leave my car in Manila and just ride with my trusty officemate <b>Bonsai</b>. Saturday came and we drove down so I can get my car. Even as I was driving past the last toll gate in the SLEX, I still had no idea where to go. I was thinking of going to <b>Mauban</b> and probably spending a day in my family's island retreat or I was thinking of pursuing the trip to Taal that didn't materialize the weekend before. I was nearing the <i>Sto. Tomas</i> exit, the point of No Return. I had to decide before I reach it because if I take a right turn towards the exit, I would find myself in <b>Quezon</b>, but if I go forward, I would find myself going to <b>Taal</b>. My radio was tuned in to my favorite radio station <b>DZRH</b>, (Yes I'm a PROUD AM radio listener) and the newsbreak came up with a robbery in <b>Lucena City</b> that happened just a few minutes ago. I figured it was God's way of telling me, so I went straight onto the <b>Lipa</b> exit towards the town of <b>Taal</b>.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1292.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Archway to the Town Center of TAAL</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I will talk more about the <b>Taal</b> trip and will go straight into <i><b>Our Lady of Caysasay</b></i>. I'm actually writing this and skipping some other blogs I have to do about Balaw-Balaw (<i>Resto and Art Gallery</i>) because I'd want you guys to consider visiting <b>Caysasay</b> this coming weekend. So after finding myself in <b>Taal</b> and making a short stop at the B<i>iggest Church in Asia</i>, <b>St Martin de Tours</b> or the <b>Taal Basilica</b>, I asked around for some directions on how to go to the <b>Caysasay Church</b>. From the main road that passes in the middle of the town plaza and the ginormous Church, you just drive straight and wait for a sign on the right side of the road that points you to take a right turn to <b>Our Lady of Caysasay</b>. From there, you just drive onwards and find yourself entering the courtyard of a small church. You can park anywhere there and wait for the local kids to swarm your vehicle asking you to purchase candles from one of them.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1325.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A set of candles (<i>3 maroon candles and 1 human shaped candle figure</i>) sells for about <b>P15</b> each but don't hesitate to pay a little extra for the kids. Outside the Church was painted in a very modern yellow hue with a clean flat facade, but inside you'd be surprised to find yourself in a very quaint yet classic edifice. On the left side of the wall you would find a painting of how the image was found by a <i><b>Juan Maningcad</b></i> in the <i><b>Pansipit river</b></i> on the year <b>1603</b>.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1327.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Painting of Juan Maningcad and his finding of the image in 1603</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> In the year <b>1603</b>, <i><b>Juan Maningcad</b></i> went fishing and instead of casting his net on the sea he threw it on a nearby river. When he raised the net he saw a small image caught in it. A small statue of the Immaculate Conception was found and he described it to have a heavenly lustre and its face twinkled like a star. News spread and the parish priest went to <b>Juan Maningcad</b> and requested the image be venerated in <b>Taal</b>. A certain Madam <i><b>Maria Espiritu</b></i> was tasked to take care of the image and she had a special urn built for it. She noticed that at night the urn was empty and in the morning would find the image back. She immediately reported her worries to the parish priest and together tried to get answers. They hid that night in the same room where the urn was and they were surprised to see the urn cover move and out came the image of the <b>Virgin</b>. The parish priest brought the image back to the church and the same occurences continued until one day the image did not come back.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then in <b>1611</b>, two women by the names of <i><b>Maria Bagohin</b></i> and <i><b>Maria Talain</b></i> was collecting firewood in the area where the image was originally found. They saw the image reflected on the spring water. When they looked up, they saw the image atop a sampaga bush with two lighted candles on each side and <i>casay casay</i> birds (<i>Kingfishers which Spaniards at that time pronounced as caysasay</i>) guarding it. The townspeople then decided to erect a chapel for her on the spot where she was found. It was also in <b>1611 </b>that <b>Our Lady of Caysasay </b>appeared to a near blind woman named <i><b>Juana Tangui </b></i>and to about 30 other people. <i><b>Juana Tangui</b></i> was cured of her blindness when she bathed in the waters of the spring where the two women found the image reflected. The image then talked to <i><b>Juana</b></i> and this series of Apparitions was the first documented in the Philippines. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Devotion to the image was heightened then, such that the Galleons which sought refuge in <i>Taal lake</i> from the storms that hit <i>Manila bay</i>, gave canon bursts to honor <b>Our Lady of Caysasay </b>when they would pass in front of Her shrine. On <i>December 8, 1954</i> the image was canonically crowned by <b>Cardinal Quiroga</b> representing <b>Pope Pius XII</b> and she was given the title <i><b>"Queen of the Archdiocese of Lipa"</b></i>.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1326.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">View from the door of the Shrine</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1337.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The "Pulpito" (Where the priest says his "sermon" during the Spanish times)</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1335.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Details of the Domed ceiling.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1338.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Altar (notice the Grills below and the painting of Our Lady atop a Sampaga tree)</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1334.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Close-Up of the Altar with Our Lady of Caysasay in the middle (Viewing Window)</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The Shrine of Our Lady has changed little over the years. A friend from Batangas told me that this is because the locals wanted to keep the devotion to Our Lady as simple as possible. Inside the church, the clean marble floor juxtaposes itself wonderfully against the white walls and the paintings that lend color and depth to the interior. The metal railings that seperate the kneeler from the altar lends a grand old-world feel.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1330.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Back of the Church leading to the "Pahalik"</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1328.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Our Lady behind the Metal Grills. You get to touch her through the two round openings</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Exit at the right side of the altar and find your way to the back of the Church where you will find a flight of stairs leading to the "<b><i>Pahalik</i></b>". At the top you will enter a small room and in the middle of the wall there is a metal gate with two holes that can fit your arms so you can touch Our Lady. Before exiting, buying a small image of Our Lady and some Novenas to share with friends and family back home is possible. The purchase will help the Church build and renovate.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1333.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> After praying, I went down again and was greeted by my "tour guides", the kids who sold me candles when I arrived. They carried my small package of Novenas and led me to where I can light my candle. I heard the lay woman telling the kids to let me pray first before leading me to the Santa Lucia well. The kids then led me to the right side of the Church where I found a long flight of granite steps called the San Lorenzo Ruiz steps. It's best that you let the kids (locals) guide you towards the Well as from the steps you will have to enter a residential area to get to it. There are no signs anywhere to point you to the location of the well, but I do remember a sari-sari store on the left side where we turned and we also passed a house selling spiced vinegar. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1345.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Nearing the "Banal na Pook" (Holy Place)</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While walking on the dirt path, one of the kids "<b>Arman</b>" told me the story of the Well. These kids really do know their history as the story connected to what I read on the internet. The kids were describing to me what the casay casay bird looks like when something flew over us. Two casay casay birds flew and perched on the branch of an old tree nearby. The kids all happily exclaimed that I was lucky that a casay casay bird came and showed itself to us as if welcoming me.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1344.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Sta Lucia Well</span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1340.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Kids and the local Getting Water from the Wells</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1342.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Closer look at one of the Wells, This is the left one for Baptizin</span><span style="font-size: small;">g</span></i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An old rock church facade greets you as the "<i><b>Banal na Pook</b>"</i> (<i>Holy Place</i> as the locals call it) or the <b>Santa Lucia Well</b> comes into view. I lighted another candle on the grotto beside it and went down to the well. A local was there to assist me in getting some water. There were 2 holes, the left side was for baptizing and the right was for relief from aching parts of the body. The local first gave me water from the left side and he left me there to sprinkle some on my head and my face, after doing that he then reached into the right hole and gave me some water to wet the parts of my body that ached. I wasn't able to wet my foot then because I was wearing socks and slacks and probably that was the reason why my left foot did not get the healing properties of that water.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The kids led me to the church where I went inside for a last prayer and left with happy thoughts and a feeling of blessedness.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1336.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">View from the Altar</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Maybe God didn't want my other trips to pursue because he wanted to send me to <b>Our Lady of Caysasay</b>. If I was able to do any of the things I planned, I would't find myself on the internet searching about Taal, Batangas and I wouldn't have come across Caysasay. Most of us Catholics in Luzon have visited <b>Our Lady of Manaoag</b> in <b>Pangasinan</b>, or learned about the colorful fluvial procession of the <b>Penafrancia</b> in <b>Naga</b> and the extravagant <b>Flores de Mayo</b> for the <b>Nuestra Senora la Naval</b> at <b>Quezon City</b>. Maybe its high time that you also visit and pray to <b>Our Lady of Caysasay</b> which is in almost the same gravity as that of <b>Our Lady of Guadalupe</b> in Mexico. The first time Our Holy Mother appeared and made herself known to Filipinos is in this small place almost hidden by obscurity. It would be a pleasure to be one of the tools to increase devotion to Her. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1329.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Inside the "Pahalik" The back of Our Lady of Caysasa</span><span style="font-size: small;">y</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In this small quaint Church lies a rich and colorful History that Filipinos should not miss. Its not too late. The trip to <b>Taal Batangas</b> takes only 2 hours from Central Manila. Next weekend, I hope you bring your family there so that you can experience the richness of our culture and be blessed by Her.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1347.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Further Up the San Lorenzo Ruiz Steps</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Wag maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan! <i>(Don't be a stranger in your own country)</i></span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1332.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The Expert Tour Guides of Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine</span></i></td></tr>
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Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-54777219676080874682012-08-31T09:54:00.002-07:002012-08-31T09:58:03.165-07:00My Cursed foot and the Angono Petroglyphs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1203.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Companions : Mommy, Abby, Kelly (Yes Kelly's a dude)</span></td></tr>
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<h2 style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">TRAVEL</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was prepared to travel and go around Luzon last super long weekend break. <i>Eid 'l Fitr</i> and <i>Ninoy Aquino day</i> fell on a Monday and a Tuesday respectively plus it was a No Work Saturday. Perfect! I spent the whole week before that planning. <i>Should I go and visit Polillo Island?</i> <i>Maybe Our Lady of Penafrancia in Bicol? Baguio perhaps?</i> There were a lot of options and I was really ready to just jump into my car and drive.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But, with all things very promising, My left foot had to act up. Sometimes I feel as if it's my curse. My feet really knows when to attack to make sure I don't enjoy my trips. All my dreams for that weekend suddenly went down the drain and I had to lie down and drowse myself up with meds to prepare for my Wednesday-Saturday Brand Planning trip at Tagaytay. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That Monday afternoon, I suddenly got an urge to go and visit Taal and see <b><i>Our Lady of Caysasay</i></b> so I called up my ever faithful cousin <b>Abby</b>. The day after (Tuesday), we would make the trip with my <b>Mom</b> and<b> Dad</b>. And just like my cursed foot, the weather had to act up. <i><b>Typhoon Igme</b></i> entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and was causing some disturbance with the southwest monsoon. Shucks. Everything was against a trip.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tuesday Morning, I learned that one of my Best buddies in Bacolod figured in a car accident. His car tumbled three times but he was lucky enough to get out with just minor wounds. The TV also announced that the body of <i><b>DILG Sec Jesse Robredo</b></i> had already been found 180ft underwater. I told my mom I had to go to a church and pray and she suggested <i><b>Antipolo</b></i>. I bought the idea and called my cousin <b>Abby</b> and prepared for the trip. I didn't care if my foot still hurt a bit but I just really had to go and offer a prayer for them. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1202_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1202_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Parking Area</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On the way to Antipolo, we suddenly decided to visit the <i><b>Angono Petroglyphs</b></i> which can be found inside the vicinity of <b>Thunderbird Resorts</b> in <b>Binangonan</b>. We passed by my Lola's house in Maia Alta to pick up our trusty guide <b>Kelly</b>. Kelly then showed the easier way to Thunderbird. The last time we went to the Petroglyphs I went down Antipolo to Taytay then drove to Angono and then up that very very steep mountain. That mountain road was scary, as if the climb was never-ending. I felt my engine starting to feel the stress of climbing in 1st gear all throughout that 2km rise. When we got there, we were surprised to find out that the petroglyphs was just a little bit past the Resort. I made a mental note to never pass there again and the easier route through Antipolo was better. Coming from the Sumulong highway, you go straight a bit and past the Ynares Center (Rizal Capitol), and then when you see Shopwise turn right towards Lores. Just drive straight and find your way to Thunderbird. Easier way, no climbs, just a straight drive. Tons better.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1204.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Tunnel Entrance</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Watch out for that small marker on the road that leads you to the tunnel entrance to the petrogylphs, It's very easy to miss. We parked near the bushes and walked towards the cave entrance. The way to the site is easier now as you pass by a man-made cave. You can see on the ground parts of the big blue pipe that winds its way towards the Resort. Before, if you wanted to get to the petroglyphs you had to pass through the mountain route. Might be more scenic and exciting, but dangerous as well. Inside the tunnel/cave, the air was really cool. The wind blowing echoes as you walk towards "the light" at the far end of the tunnel.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1210.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The "Light" at the end of the Tunnel</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1213.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">What Lies Beyond the "Light"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1214.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paradise</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The view at the end of the tunnel is spectacular, as if you're in a tribal settlement waiting for the indigenous Tabon people to jump out. You walk down that path and find yourself in a small structure that serves as a satellite of the National Museum. It was a Holiday that day so the entrance fee was waived, but then the museum was closed. We found only the guard there without the curator. We still gave him the equivalent of the entrance fee "pang-kape" and I just took the helm and toured my cousin and mom. Normally the fee is just P25 per person which includes the curator touring you.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1216.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angono Petroglyphs in Binangonan? Huh?</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1217.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">National Musem Satellite</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1219.jpg" width="400" /> </a></span></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Viewdeck</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1222-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1222-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kelly looking for the Resident Owl pair.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1230.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Must be cool to go inside that small cave</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1223.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Rock Shelter</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1225.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Old Way to the Site. (Pass of Cirith Ungol harhar LOTR Geek)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Angono petroglyphs was discovered by the late <b><i>National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco</i></b>. During the 1950's when he was out with Boy Scouts, they took refuge underneath a rock shelter inside the Angono, Binangonan mountains that was a known shelter for the World War 2 Filipino Guerillas. When he looked up, he saw scratches on the wall and realized that they were humanoid images with stick drawing hands and feet with a primitive quality. He immediately reported it to the authorities and asked around. The old locals knew there were drawings on a rockshelter inside the hills but did not give it any significance. After verification by the National Museum, it was then declared as the earliest form of Art in the Philippines. Dated to 3000bc, it showed lizard-like and frog-like Humanoid figures in some ritual. According to the tour guide, these Prehistoric people lived near the lake and only went there for rituals and offerings to their Gods. There are a total of 127 figures there and sadly some vandals also took advantage of the lack of security. The Angono Petroglyphs is already recognized and listed under the <i><b>World Inventory of Rock Art</b></i> under <b>UNESCO</b> and was declared as a <b>National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines</b>.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1224.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Petroglyphs</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1221.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lizard-Like Humanoid stick figures</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1228.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some visible Vandalisms.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Angono Petroglyphs is proof of the rich History we Filipinos have. The site is just about <b>35km</b> away from Central Manila and is highly accessible through the route i mentioned but it was sad though that we were the only people there on a Holiday when families are known to be outside exploring. The drawings are still exposed to the elements and could anytime be eroded unless the National Museum makes some serious effort to preserve it. Everyone should appreciate and see it while we still can. Before we start visiting other countries, and other islands even, I think it's just right that we get to know what's inside our own backyard.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1233.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Exiting the Viewdeck</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1234.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waiting Sheds on the way out</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> Wag Maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan!</b> (<i>Don't be a Stranger in your own Country!</i>)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_1235.jpg" width="265" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Exiting through the tunnel -slash- cave</span></td></tr>
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<br />Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-83007834972367985822012-08-05T07:07:00.001-07:002012-08-05T07:07:16.715-07:00Ramen Cool : Modern Japanese Cuisine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ramen Cool : Modern Japanese Cuisine</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;">FOOD. </span></h2>
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Yesterday was another work Saturday so lunch time had to be something extra special.</div>
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My constant eating friend, Bonsai, promised me that he'd come with me to the main branch of Michelle's Homemade Putong Ube (which i will write about). On our way out, 3 other officemates, LM (Logistics Master), MA (Master Artist) and SD (Sexy Doc) asked us where we're going. So we mentioned my quest for the Putong Ube and said Lunch after was still "wherever". So they hopped in the car and joined us. </div>
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After buying and munching on the Putong Ube, the daunting task of selecting where to have lunch began. We found ourselves heading towards Greenhills for Balkan Express, and then someone wanted Mexican food so we took a turn somewhere and headed towards Ristra's. The thought of the extreme traffic (Edsa-Ortigas was closed due to the Anti-RH bill rally) had us mentioning Persian food at Persiana, and then someone wanted wings and burgers so we drove towards Charlie's. Anyway, it took us 30 minutes of driving around and around until we finally found ourself at the entrance of Ramen Cool.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Interiors</i></td></tr>
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The place was sleek, obviously minimalist and presented itself as a modern Japanese resto. We took one of the cubicled seats and immediately we were each handed a copy of their menu. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Menu</i></td></tr>
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By default whenever I'd go to a new Japanese restaurant the first thing I will order is something that has to be good. A staple in any Japanese place, my test always falls to a decent order of Katsudon. This rice topped meal sounds simple enough but is actually quite hard to serve to a very discerning patron. The vegetables on top of the deep fried breaded pork should be crisp enough to indicate freshness. The egg should be cleanly placed on top, it should appear to have been cooked there because of the heat from the tonkatsu. The deep fried breaded pork should be crunchy, the soy based sauce should wet it a bit, but not too much for it to come out soggy. The rice should be perfectly cooked, each grain apart from the other, moist but not wet.</div>
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Me and MA both ordered Katsudon, Bonsai got the Gyudon. LM got the chicken teriyaki-don and SD got a Spicy Chicken-don. We also got an order of California Love sushi and Sukiyaki to share.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>California Love Maki (P195)</i></td></tr>
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The California Love first came out. Aside from the regular california maki, I think the "Love" part was the concoction of mango, kani, cucumber and kewpie mayo that they placed on top of each sushi. It was refreshing and put more flavor on the regular maki. Often we are served California Maki that seems to be lacking ingredients and could use a little more Japanese mayo, mango or crabstick. The additional topping eliminates that chance and makes sure that everyone gets a taste of the ingredients inside. </div>
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The sukiyaki came out next. It was surprisingly plenty for its price (P215). The server then placed the raw egg on top. . The sukiyaki tasted okay but then the glass noodles were just so long and we were having a hard time getting it in our bowls. The beef was plenty and tender. All 5 of us shared the sukiyaki and we all felt we got just the right amount. The soup could need a little toning down though. The flavor was so intense that after drinking a few spoonfuls of the soup, I felt I had enough.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Katsudon (P180)</i></td></tr>
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The main dishes came out next and each of us had a bowl of rice and viand to enjoy. I enjoyed my katsudon. It tasted like what I would've wanted it to taste like. It was also nice that each table already had the different sauces and what-have-you that you would need. I usually ask for some chili oil and powder and I was glad to have it right beside me already and not ask the waiter to bring some over.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Convenient Condiments</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I think the bottomline was all 5 of us enjoyed our meals and had nothing bad to say about anything. If you want Japanese food that tastes authentic and not fast-food-ish but with a pricetag that's not as expensive as the restaurants you would find in Makati, I think this Kapitolyo establishment can offer you something that you would like and enjoy. The service was good, I think I had 5 water refills and everytime I asked for it, the server would be back in a jiffy. All in all, eating at Ramen Cool was a good choice. All 5 of us agreed and left the place contented and a few pounds heavier.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ramen Cool can be found in 25 East Capitol Drive, Brgy Kapitolyo Pasig City. When you enter through the Kapitolyo gate that passes in front of Cafe Juanita, just go straight and then make a left turn at the first crossing. It's the corner establishment on the left. ENJOY!</span></span></i>Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-16215108085962392452012-08-01T08:50:00.001-07:002012-08-06T07:47:39.596-07:00Tatay Freddie<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/253203_10151778955540652_1060161754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/253203_10151778955540652_1060161754_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Freddie Yulo - "Gradas" feature</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">SABONG </span></h2>
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The man responsible for the proliferation of Lemons in Bacolod. This short description would always accompany any write-up or tribute to Freddie Yulo. This short sentence though doesn't encapsulate the giant of a man Tatay Freddie was in our world of Philippine Cockfighting.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC04947a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC04947a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>His favorite table at the Araneta (Ray Alexander, Dong Lamoste, Me, Willie Pineda and Tatay Fred)</i></td></tr>
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Early this year, I chanced upon Tatay Freddie at his usual spot at the Araneta Coliseum during the World Slasher's Cup. The first table on your left when you exit from the ruweda would usually have Tatay Freddie on one of the seats. He sat there holding his copy of the schedule and as his routine, he was marking the victor on his sheet and if the fight was in favor of the "llamado" or the "dehado" side. I went to him and tapped him on the shoulder and said "Gandang Gabi Tatay Fred" (Good Evening Sir Fred). He smiled and asked me to sit down beside him. I told him I had my copy of "Gradas" with me and I wanted him to sign it for me. He looked at me with a puzzled look on his face, smiled and said "Alright". I stood up, went to my car and got the book. When I got back, I sat beside him and opened the book to his page. He smiled again, got the pen I was holding and wrote "To my good friend Francis - My Best Wishes" and signed on top of his name. He looked at what he wrote, heaved and gave me back the book. I gave my thanks and said that I had to return to our booth at the red gate. I bade farewell and left. I never thought that would be the last time Tatay Fred will give me that warm smug smile he always had.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC04949a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC04949a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deep Chickentalk with Ray Alexander</i>, <i>Tatay Fred was at a time the best source for local RA blood</i></td></tr>
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I remember the first time Tatay Fred and I shared more than the usual Hi and Hellos. He was the representative for the NFGB during the 1st Thunderbird Challenge we held at Boracay. On the night of the Bikini Open and Fellowship, I was so stressed being the one in charge of ground activations for the event. I took a breather and sat on one of the benches at the beach to calm down and cool off. I saw from the direction of Station 1, the group of Nene Abello, Chito Tinsay and Tatay Fred walking towards the venue. I noticed that Tatay Fred was slowing down and was being left behind. I went to him and he put his hand on my shoulder. "Kapag nagkaka-edad na mabilis ka na talaga napapagod" (When you get older, you easily tire) he said, and we sat down. He asked me about how I was and we started talking about life. Here I was talking about myself to a man who I only used to read about in magazines. I would rather that Tatay Fred talk about his experiences, but he chose to listen to what I have to say and learn more about what I was. We walked with his hand on my arms, and when we got to the door of the venue, he patted me on the arms and said "Thank You".</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_0566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_0566.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Prepping up the Rooster for a photo, at his Hinigaran farm</i></td></tr>
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Late last year, I was able to visit him in Bacolod and he indulged me by inviting me over. We drove to his conditioning area and then went to his cord area. We talked about his bloodlines, his chickens, and everything a very hearty Chickentalk would have. He imparted to me some tips that he has gained throughout the years. I had my camera with me and was snapping away with pictures in between our touring and talking. I asked for a solo picture of him holding a stag. He picked one chicken and professionally held it with care. Here was a man who could make holding a Rooster appear as if it was art. Classy and Professional.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_0544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_0544.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tatay Fred's Ray Alexander Roundhead</i></td></tr>
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During the NFGB President's Cup, I went to his usual spot and didn't see him there. I heard from someone that he was sickly and couldn't make it. I texted him and said "Tatay Fred, Pagaling ka ha, Namiss ka tuloy namin dito!" (Sir Fred, Get well soon! We miss you here). He replied a simple "Ok, Will do. Thanks Francis".</div>
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That was the last text message I ever got from him. The last interaction we had. Now, it's nostalgic to think about that seat in Araneta which will forever be empty because of his passing. Here was a man who was meek and mild-mannered but is one of the reasons why we are so Proud of sabong right now. No matter how we met him, through tv guestings, pictures, stories, featured articles, he touched our lives.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_0531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_0531.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another Ray Alexander Roundhead Cock</i></td></tr>
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He was not only the prime-mover of the Lemons in Bacolod. He was a Legend, He was my Tatay, He was my Friend.</div>
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Rest Well Tatay Freddie.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_0574a-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/DSC_0574a-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Alfredo "Freddie" Yulo, Jr. -- The Legend</i></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-32120260664914296282012-07-29T03:38:00.006-07:002012-07-29T03:41:13.343-07:00Side Trip : travel magazine for random travelers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/sidetrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/sidetrip.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Uncover the Philippines-- one trip at a time</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: red;">TRAVEL </span></h2>
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I like traveling.</div>
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No, no, no.. I <b>LOVE</b> Traveling. For the people who know me personally, they all know what a random type of person I am. I love everything random. I could wake up one morning and decide to just head off somewhere to have my own impromptu adventure. A month ago, I was walking around the Antipolo church area and i suddenly remembered Hinulugang Taktak. This place that used to be the mecca of all "picnics" in luzon, even immortalized in the famous song that goes like <b>*ehem*</b></div>
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<i>Tayo na sa Antipolo</i></div>
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<i>At duo'y maligo tayo</i></div>
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<i>Sa batis na kung tawagin</i></div>
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<i>ay HI (hi) HI (hi) Hinulugang Taktak (Taktak)</i></div>
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I remember my great grandmother singing this song to me when i was still in kindergarten. I saw old grey pictures of her in the pre-war era taken at this place. So I had a sudden urge to go visit <i>Hinulugang Taktak</i>, and after that I found myself driving towards the town of <i>Angono, Rizal</i> to have some exotic food at<b> balaw-balaw</b>, and then a steep climb towards the <b>Angono Petroglyphs</b>.. all in one unplanned, impromptu Sunday afternoon. Random, right?</div>
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Since I have a 6 day work-week half of the month, all the holidays, long weekends, and the "rest" days I have should be utilized. I don't know probably because of the cheap airfares and social networking, a lot of people nowadays travel and explore a lot. What sometimes stops us from going places is the thought of being lost because we don't know how to get there or what to do once we get there. Alas, the search for the perfect travel companion begins.</div>
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One day while searching for my favorite travel magazine "<b>Travel Time by Susan Calo Medina</b>", I came across a small pocketbook type magazine that had a whole feature on Palawan. Since I was about to visit Palawan that time, I bought it and started browsing through the pages.</div>
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That first encounter with <b><i>Side Trip</i></b> magazine, got me hooked ever since. It's a relatively small magazine, but don't let the size fool you.. In terms of content, it is definitely bigger than some travel magazines that are double or triple it's size. It isn't full of those paid advertisements and articles about this new hotel opening here, or this new restaurant with a promo there. It's full of itineraries, tips, useful tidbits and features that would really help random trippers like myself.</div>
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This new issue I just bought, features the province of <b>Rizal</b>. This got me excited as <b>Rizal</b> is very near<b> Metro Manila</b>. All it needs is a day to travel to and back and experience what this province has to offer. True enough, I think this magazine gave me months worth of traveling on those days that just make me want to hop into my car and drive somewhere. It also has an article about <b>Polilio island</b>, one of the places I would definitely like to visit in the near future. The articles are straight to the point, and would teach you how to best experience the destination. It shows you expected expenses, food to try, hotels or the cheaper alternatives in the area and everything you would need to get there and back. <i><b>APRUB!</b></i></div>
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<i>Tara</i>, let's discover our country one trip at a time. Our country is really beautiful with 7,107 different islands to visit. Before we try enjoying and learning about Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok.. I hope we make a conscious effort to get to know our own motherland first. There are seriously a lot of things to see and experience. It's definitely <b>More fun in the Philippines</b>! Just like what <i>Tita Susan Calo Medina</i> says, "<i>Wag Maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan</i>" (<b>Don't be a Stranger in your own Country</b>) </div>
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<b><i>Side Trip</i></b> is available at <i>National Bookstore</i> branches and other established bookstores. It sells for just <i><b>P120</b></i> and would be worth keeping.</div>Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-78616906866789804072012-07-28T07:32:00.002-07:002012-07-28T21:11:41.468-07:00Charlie's Grind and Grill : Reversed Wings and Wagyu Swag<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/charlies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/fongerz/blogpics/charlies2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Charlie's Wagyu Cheeseburger</i></td></tr>
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<h2 style="color: red;">
FOOD</h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have work every 1st and last Saturdays of the month, some people would think this is drabby but what really helps alleviate the pain is that my office is right smack in the middle of one of the food districts of Metro Manila. <i>Kapitolyo Pasig</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My officemate, <i>whom I shall now forever call as Bonsai</i>, asked me if I wanted to eat out a while ago. Where to? Charlie's Grind and Grill.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Buffalo Wings are usually made by deep frying wing sections unbreaded and then coating it with some vinegar-based cayenne pepper sauce. It then comes served with a bleu cheese dip on the side. But what if we strike that and reverse it? Imagine, deep fried wings coated with a Bleu Cheese based sauce and then served with some spicy red sauce on the side. For cheese lovers like myself, HEAVENLY. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is what lured <i>Bonsai</i> and me to Charlie's despite my hesitation. The premise seemed promising and the risk would be worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The only downside to eating in <i>Kapitolyo </i>is the parking. Luckily, we found an empty stretch of space just a few houses away from Charlie's and parked. Tip to those who aren't familiar with <i>Kapitolyo</i> yet, you can park most anywhere except directly outside structural gates. <i>Kapitolyo</i> is a residential area that houses a rising "hole-in-the-wall" type of food district and it's best we avoid getting the ire of the residents. We don't want to come back after a meal and find our tires clamped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We ordered the half dozen reversed buffalo wings (<i>P265 for half a dozen and P495 for a dozen</i>) and a burger for each of us. Charlie's prides itself for its "<i>handcrafted</i>" burgers and not the commercial type patties that you can buy molded already.<i> Bonsai</i> opted for a Mushroom burger (He says he needs to cut down on the carcinogens after having eaten grilled food for 3 weeks straight) and I on the other hand chose a Wagyu cheeseburger (<i>P205</i>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When we got inside, there were still only a few people there as it was still quarter to noon. When the last couple left, I got up and changed the channels. I saw the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremonies featured on an Indian channel and figured I wanted to see it. So I sat down while waiting for our order.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When the Reversed Buffalo Wings came, I immediately got one and tried it. Wow. I relished that moment of the first bite. The deep fried chicken was still crispy and the bleu cheese coating chunky and creamy. Definitely delicious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Wagyu Burger came as a surprise. Seriously one of the best burgers I've had in ages. The beef was just juicy and had every right to claim it was of that famous japanese cow. God Bless the Japanese! The yellow bun and the choice vegetables just blended well with the beef. It took on the role of being good support actors that helped tell the entire story and let the Wagyu beef patty rise up and be the star of the show. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The worst thing that can happen to any eating spree is when you start thinking that you didn't get your money's worth and the price you paid for the meal would've been better spent elsewhere. I didn't get that feeling a while ago. I felt Charlie's gave us value for the buck and even more. The price might be a bit steep for those who frequent the more popular fast food burger joints but the break from the norms is refreshing and definitely worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">That was a perfect lunch right there. I implore my readers to head on over to Charlie's to give this duo a try. Worth the money you will pay for it and more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When we left, the Olympics feature was over and I smiled as I figured that the rest of the crowd that was piling up now, would be forced to watch some foreign channel for the rest of their stay there. A lot would be too shy to switch channels thinking that someone amongst them chose to watch that Indian drama series. The Question is, who would stand up and risk offending someone by changing the channels. hehehehe. Awkward and I like it. =)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Charlie's Reversed Buffalo Wings</i></td></tr>
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<br />Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-41408064130265951652012-07-26T05:27:00.000-07:002012-07-26T07:44:58.425-07:00Si Mang Purding.<h2 style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>SABONG.</b></i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Nagsimula ang infatuation ko sa bayan ng Leyte noong bata pa ako. May mini library kami sa lumang bahay namin sa Cubao at meron ditong isang malaking libro na "Philippines : It's Splendor and Glory". Wow. tuwang tuwa ako kapag binubuksan ko ang libro na ito dahil punong puno ito ng mga litrato na nagpapakita sa lahat ng magagandang lugar sa Pilipinas. Matagal ko ding pinagnasaang makapunta sa Cebu para makita ang Basilica ng Santo Nino at ang "Magellan's Cross". Hindi ako makapaniwala na ang isang krus na 400 years old na ay buhay pa at hindi pa inaanay (or so i thought).<br /><br />Isa sa mga centerfolds ng malaking libro na ito ay ang San Juanico Bridge na nagdudugtong ng dalawang isla ng Samar at Leyte. Ang tinaguriang pinakamahabang tulay sa buong Pilipinas na 2 kilometro ang haba. Grabe. May mga parte pa ng tulay na nakapatong sa mga maliliit na isla. Ibang klase kako, kailangan ko munang makapunta dito bago ako kunin ni Lord. <br /><br />Mataas talaga ang tingin ko sa isla ng Leyte na naging malaking bahagi ng ating Kasaysayan. Ang lugar na pinag-landingan ni General Douglas MacArthur noong World War 2 para bawiin tayo sa mga Hapon, Ang pinagmulan ni Imelda na isa sa mga pinakamakapangyarihang babae nung kanyang panahon at sa mga magagarang istraktura na ginawa ng mga Marcos nung kanilang panahon ng panunungkulan. Leyte, Isla ng Pangarap.<br /><br />Nakakagulat naman na may isa pa palang dahilan kung bakit Isla ng Pangarap ang Leyte. Dito din pala nagtatago ang isa sa mga taong bahagi ng mga mahahalagang kaganapan sa Sabong noong panahon ng kanyang kasagsagan. <br /><br />Papunta kami noon ng aking kasama na si Doc Claire Diaz sa siyudad ng Ormoc nang sumaglit kami sa ilang mga breeder ng manok sa Valencia. Isa sa mga tinigilan namin ay isang tahimik na lalake na kung tawagin ay si Purding. Noong una medyo isang tanong isang sagot lamang siya at napag-usapan namin kung kamusta naman ang kanyang pagmamanok. With any breeder, I figured the way through his heart would be through one hearty chickentalk.<br /><br />I started probing what bloodlines he had, he mentioned Radios, Gilmores, Yellow-legged Hatches. He then mentioned that he used to go to all the big fights abroad during his heyday. I realized, this man was really well travelled and well versed when it came to gamechickens. He mentioned the huge pot at the Worlds Championships and the like. It was then that I knew we had connected. An old soul like his and a young inquisitive boy like myself struck the gold. We found common ground and he happily went on with his stories from then on. The chickentalk seemed endless. <br /><br />Parang hindi na ata matatapos ang aming kwentuhan, dire-diretso. Napansin kong na-excite na din si Doc Claire kaya nagrequest na siya na ikutin muna namin ang manukan. Una naming pinuntahan yung kanyang mga breeding materials na halos lahat ay kuha sa Amerika. I especially liked the Radios and the Gilmore Hatches. Ang yabang ng tindig ng gilmore niya. I actually thought it was a leiper hatch pero I would stand by what they say it was. I also saw some oriental looking chickens there and was surprised to find out that it came from Les Melville. Naregaluhan din pala ni Bobby Boles ng manok itong si Mang Purding noong bumibisita siya dito sa Amerika. May iba nga daw na sumubok bumili ng manok kay Bobby sa halagang $3000 pero hindi napagbigyan, pero siya daw dahil nagustuhan siya ni Bobby ay napagkatiwalaan ng walang kapalit na pera.<br /><br />Nabilib din ako nung tinanong niya ako kung maniniwala daw ba ako na 1960's palang ay may mga Duke Hulsey chickens na dito sa Pilipinas. Naisip ko bigla at naitanong sa kanya kung ito ba ay si "Dr. Javelona ng Pangasinan". Ang sinagot niya ay "Oo, si Raul! Kaibigan ko si Raul and he was one of the first people who imported Duke's chickens. Nabanggit din niya yung panahon na si Biboy daw ay natarian nung nagpapasabong pa ito sa kanyang bahay ay nandoon din siya noong mangyari yun. Apparently dati daw ay mayroong habit ang mga taga Negros na magpalakad pa sa ruweda na tanggal na ang baena bago ibitaw ang mga manok. Ito daw ang ginawa ni Biboy at bigla siyang syinapol ng manok na kanyang bibitawan. Ikinamusta din ni Mang Purding si Boy Jiao at gamit daw nito ang mga manok niya nung nagchampion ito sa World Slasher's noong mid 90's at itanong ko daw kung kamusta ang naging resulta kay Mang Boy nung mga broodfowl na pinadala niya dito. Sabi daw sa kanya ni Mang Boy na isa ito sa mga manok na naging responsable sa pagbalik ng mga BJ Greys sa limelight noong dekada 90.<br /><br />Doc Claire then mentioned that Nene Abello knew Mang Purding and was one of the people who also got chickens from a certain Ray Westall (?) from New Mexico who happened to be another oil tycoon and you had to ride a helicopter to his place and back. <br /><br />Who was this meek old man, who only had a few words to say when he wasn't sure he was talking to a fellow chickenman. He was there when a lot of sabong events were unfolding. Travelled extensively abroad, yet is here in Leyte with his chickens rather than basking in the limelight in the big circuits. <br /><br />He is Prudencio "Purding" Conopio, one of the hidden gems of Sabong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;"><i>..... Pruding Conopio's farm in Leyte</i></span></div>
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<br />Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2929546170265340655.post-75871654141084467222012-07-20T06:10:00.003-07:002012-07-26T07:44:16.937-07:00"Bahala Na Mauban"<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Minsan iniisip ko na hindi ko na kayang magsulat. Tila nakalimutan na ata ng aking kamay sabayan ang tiklada at galaw ng aking utak. Habang sumusubok akong magsulat para isapapel ang aking naiisip ay parang may biglaang "mental block" na laging bumabara sa aking ninanais.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Tila mas madali ata dati nung sapilitan kong kailangang gumawa ng mga akda dahil sa "school requirement". Sana isipin ng aking utak at kamay na ito ay isang school requirement para makisama naman sila. O eto na.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Noong isang linggo lamang ay nakabisita ako sa aking minamahal na bayan ng Mauban. 2007 pa nung huli akong nakapamiyesta. Miss na miss ko na ang "tiangge" na tulad ng aking "mental block" ay bumabara naman sa mga kalsada ng bayan. Para itong ahas ng mga paninda na tuloy tuloy mula doon banda sa lumang Alta na sinehan hanggang sa palengke. Pinggan, itak, damit, boxers (sando), salwal, brip at panty ay nagkalat na tila bagang "hume-hello" sa iyo tuwing ika'y dadaan. Mapapatingin ka tuloy sa iyong suot kung kailangan na ba itong palitan. Kung hindi pa naman ay ang sasabihin mo sa iyong sarili "Minsan lang naman ang pyesta kaya't bahala na, basta ako'y bibili"... Maglalakad ka proud na proud na may supot ka nang dala na ibig sabihin ay nakapamerya ka na. Sosyal ika nga. Tapos ka na sa pyesta. Sa susunod na taon na lang. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Miss ko rin siyempe ang mga "rides" pang-karnabal na dati rati'y makikita mo banda sa may sea-wall pero ngayon ay nasa looban na ng Stella Maris. Napakalayo lakarin. Pagdating mo doon ay bubungad sa iyo ang mga magkatipan na nakapila sa "Ferris Wheel".. Maliit kesa doon sa nakasanayan natin sa Maynila, at lintik naman sa bilis ang pag-ikot. Parang gusto kang patalsikin talaga ng nagkokontrol doon sa baba. Hindi ko alam kung ito ay "ploy" lamang ng mga kabinataan para mapayapus sa kanila ang kanilang mga "chicks". Malay natin, nalagyan na pala si Manong kontroler. Pgkatapos ng ilang larong piso-piso para manalo ng baso, chichirya at tarzan na bubblegum, larga na kami pauwi. Pinagsisisihan namin ng mga kasama ko ang madugong paglalakad pabalik. Sabi na nga ba dapat ay sumakay na ako ng tricycle. Pero malapit na rin naman kaya't Hala, Bahala na. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Bahala na. Isa yan sa mga laging sinasambit doon sa amin. Minsan tuloy iniisip ko kung ito bang dalawang salitang ito na "Bahala na" ang dahilan kung bakit hindi parin magising ang iba naming mga kababayan. "Bahala na" na ang ibig sabihin ay binibigyan natin ng puwang ang "destiny" na siyang humusga sa kalalabasan ng mga bagay-bagay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Tulad na lamang ng dinatnan kong pagpapasinaya sa public bath ng Mauban. Ginawa noong 1725 ng isang Kapitan Luis dela Cruz para dalhin ang tubig ng "Batis na Malinaw" sa bayan. Mayroon itong sinaunang daluyan ng tubig na parang isang maliit na "aqueduct" 200 metro ang layo patungo doon sa Paliguang Bayan na nagmistulang lugar ng pakikipagtalastasan ng mga sinaunang Maubanin. Dito nagkekwentuhan ang mga kababaihan ng Mauban habang sila'y naglalaba at dito din nag-aantay ang mga binata para masilayan ang kanilang mga nililigawang dalaga na akay akay ng kanilang mga ina. Kumbaga naging sentro ito ng kwentuhang bayan. Dito marahil nagsimula ang maraming balita at tsismis na bumalot sa buong kabayanan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sa wakas kinilala narin ng National Historical Commission ang kahalagahan ng Public Bath na ito na siyang kaisa-isang ganong klaseng istruktura noong ika-walong siglo. Ang mga sinaunang Maubanin nga naman ay masinop at malikhain dahil naisip nilang gawin ito gamit ang mga materyal na matatagpuan lamang sa paligid tulad ng bato, corales at kabibe. Maganda sanang proyekto ng Bayan ng Mauban ngunit mayroon lamang akong ilang mga katanungan at napuna.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Una. Magkano ang Ginastos para sa pagsasaayos nito?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ikalawa. Ito ba ay pondo ng Bayan ng Mauban o ng National Historical Commission?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ikatlo. Sino ang nag-research tungkol dito?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ikaapat. Sino ang Contactor na naatasan na gawin ang pagrerepair na ito?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ikalima. Ano ang plano ng ating Bayan sa Public Bath na ito?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yan ang ilan lamang sa mga bagay na pumukaw ng aking pansin noong bisitahin ko ang Public Bath sa araw ng pagpapasinaya nito at ng sumunod na mga araw habang ako ay nasa Mauban. Ang ganitong mga pagrerestore ng mga Historically significant buildings ay mas maganda kung sinasamahan ng maayos na research. Dapat historically accurate ang mga gagawin nating renovation dito. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ako ay isang layas na bata. Kadarating palang namin sa Mauban ay lagi akong nag-aakit papunta sa dulo ng aming kalsada doon sa Public Bath. Nag-iikot ako doon at akala ko pa nga ay nakakapagswimming ang mga tao sa loob noong ipunan ng tubig sa gitna. Pagpasok mo palang ay bubungad na sayo ang ulo ng isang Leon, at kung hindi ako nagkakamali doon sa loob at may mga ulo naman ng tao. Nagtataka lamang ako ngayon kung bakit naging isang Ulo din ng Anghel ang nasa harapan ng istruktura. Hindi pa ganoon ka-polido ang pagkakagawa atsaka kitang kita ang kulay asul na PVC pipe na daluyan na ng tubig. Ang dating lakas ng tubig na lumalabas sa bibig ng leon ay parang "dura" na lamang ng mga naglalarong anghel sa dagat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Kaya ko gusto malaman ang budget na ginamit para sa pagpapaayos nito ay para makumpara ko kung tama nga naman ang inilabas na pera ng kaban ng bayan sa outcome. Kung ang pagrerepair ng Public Bath ay nasa P50 - P100,000 lamang ay maaaring okay na. Pero kung ang dineklara ditong gastusin ay aabot sa kalahati ng isang milyon pataas, aba magtataka ako. At sana'y magtaka din ang lahat ng Maubanin na makakakita dito.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ngayon napasinayaan na natin ang Public Bath. Maganda at may dumagdag na naman tayong Historical Marker sa bayan ng Mauban. Ano na ngayon? Kinabukasan, sa mismong araw ng piyesta dumaan ako doon sa Public Bath at ito'y naka-padlock na at walang tubig na dumadaloy, Bagkus ang tubig lamang na naroon ay ang mga kakaunting naipon sa mga batyang yari sa semento na sumasalo sa mga inilalabas ng anghel. Ang proyekto bang ito ay hanggang sa pagpapasinaya lamang? Gumastos tayo ng ilang libo para sa blessing, tapos ano? Papaano nakatulong ang Pagsasaayos nito sa Bayang Mauban? Maaari bang sumalok dito ng tubig ang mga mamamayan ng libre? Maaari ba ulit maglaba dito ang mga binibini ng Mauban? Ang mga kalalakihan ba ay maaaring magsi-paligo ulit sa malamig nitong tubig pagkatapos ng mga gawa? Paano ngayon babawiin ng Mauban ang inilabas nitong pera? Kumbaga isa itong investment at dapat mayroong "Return" at "Income" sa hinaharap. Lahat ba ito ay napag-isipan na bago pa isakatuparan ang proyekto? Pinag-iisipan palang ba ngayon? O kaya'y "Bahala Na" naman ang naging tugon ng mga namuno sa proyekto. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Dapat sana ang lahat ng pinagkaka-abalahan ng ating Bayan ay tinatawag nating "Sustainable". Dapat lahat ito ay parte ng isang malaking plano para sa Mauban. Hindi basta basta na lamang naisipan at "Bahala Na" kung ano ang kalabasan nito. Maaari po ba naming masilip ang "Marketing Plan", "Short-term" at "Long Range Plan" ng ating mga namumuno para sa Mauban? Ang tubig ba na laman ng Public Bath ay may pinanggagalingang source na sustainable o ito ba ay basta na lamang pinuno ang "reservoir" para lamang may pumatak na tubig sa pagpapasinaya? Ngayong ubos na ang ipong tubig, ano na? Pupunuin ba natin ito ulit para sa pagpapahanga sa bisita? Magkano ang gagastusin natin sa ganitong klaseng pamamaraan? Mas matipid ba in the long-run kung binuhay ko na lamang ulit ang sinaunang linya ng tubig na pinanggagalingan ng tubig? Sana lahat yan ay napag-isipan, kung hindi naman ay mukhang wala tayong patutunguhan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Waw mahaba na. O siya, pagod na ako. teka at Walang Hanggan na. hehehe. Matapos ko pa ba ito? Madami pa naman akong gustong sabihing mga puna. Ah ewan. "Bahala Na." =)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">----imax</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">CEBU 9:15pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">7/20/12</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">ay siya nga pala. Happy Fiesta Mauban!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>..... San Buenaventura patron ng Mauban</i></span></span></div>Antipara ni Fonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17166522843437076687noreply@blogger.com0