Here, I'm sharing an excerpt from an email sent to me by an American friend who recently traveled to the Philippines. There are so many truths to what he observed and experienced. Read on.
"For me, this was a trip unlike any other I had taken. It did not feel like a vacation, as much as an experience for me; I didn't go there for "fun in the sun". I really went on a discovery mission...
And it was almost all I imagined. The only thing lacking was the heat and sunshine I always hear about. It was rather cool and overcast more than I would have liked. But, many of the sunsets were spectacular. Here's a list of the other things I learned.....
Despite the poverty, Filipinos are the most kind and hospitable people I have met anywhere. People who have nothing were still singing and wishing me "Happy New Year" as I walked past them sitting homeless in the street. It was so humbling, and reminded me how damn lucky I am to have what I have. Most people in the US should be ashamed of themsleves for the complaining they do about how "bad" they have it.
Your homeland's government is to blame for the plight of the poor. Talking with the local people, nearly everyone agrees that the Philippines would have a much stronger social system if not for the corruption in government.
Filipinos can be pushy. LOL....it was not uncommon for people to "cut" me in a line, or to NOT wait their turn for anything. Boarding planes is like a race. When they announce "boarding rows 20-30"...shit...EVERYONE runs for the gate!!! LOL...
I LOVE riding the Jeepneys and Tricycles!!! Near the end of the trip, I stopped using taxis all together!
EVERYONE has a cellphone, and is texting all the time. But I noticed very few "smart" phones. I assume that the cost and lack of telecommunication infrastructure makes smart phones prohibitive.
A 30 min. foot massage costs less than $3. A full hour cost less than 5.
Despite the poverty outside, the shopping malls are glorious! Much nicer than our malls in the US..And obvioulsy, they are the place to "hang out".
I was glad I stayed in Malate; it brought me closer to the "real" Manila. When we visited Makati, it was obviously a "jaded" view because of all the money in that area. I noticed how the tricycles and jeepneys seemed to disappear in Makati.
In the province, the bats are the size of a goose. That really freaked me out the first time one flew close to me.
ALWAYS insist on using a meter in a taxi. The drivers nearly always inflate the price if you dont..
From what I saw in Rizal Park, families play together more than in the US. Maybe it was because it was holiday, but it was nice to see so many families in the park.
I miss the children. I loved seeing them smile when I gave them candy. Next time, I will give more.
Driving in the Phils is best left for the Filipinos. I'm glad I didnt drive anywhere. The lack of rules results in a "near death" experience every time you wind through traffic. What amazes me is......I didnt see even ONE accident.
And there was more....but I can tell you more stories later."
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Diving, snorkeling and kayaking in Batangas
We rented a van to take us to our dive resort in Anilao, Batangas, about 110 km south of Manila. The resort, Portulano Dive Resort (http://www.portulano.com/), sits on the side of a steep rocky mountain facing the Balayan Bay. Upon arriving at the rural village of Balete, an outrigger boat took us to our destination in 5 minutes.
Our room faced the ocean. And the reef teeming with fish was just a stone throw away from our veranda. There weren't too many guests. In fact, when we arrived there were two other couples, one of which was leaving the next morning. However, the next day, another diver checked in. So aside from us, there were three diver guests. Ofcourse, I let them know that I'm a beginner diver. If I'm diving with them, I wanted them to have realistic expectations of me. Well, as it turned out, the next morning when I scheduled my dive, no one wanted to go out and dive. So I ended up diving by myself, which was actually perfect, because I had the divemaster all to myself and I went diving according to my skill and comfort level. At the same time, I didn't have to spoil someone else's dive who might want to opt to do a more difficult dive.
I went diving as deep as 70 feet below surface -- the deepest I've dived so far. Visibility was clear upto 30 feet. Aside from the many species of fish, I saw some giant clams, eels, lobsters and a sea turtle.
When I got back up, I joined my brother and my kids snorkeling. There were fish galore -- clown fish, pipefish, parrotfish, angelfish, bassets, groupers, even a lion fish. My 10 year old had the most fun and knew every fish specie he found. Even my little one, at 7 years old, who was reluctant to snorkel at first, enjoyed himself and impressed me with his swimming and snorkeling skills.
For a short trip outside Manila, a trip with kids and non-divers, this was just perfect! Maybe next time, I'd be more brave and venture out even further.
Our room faced the ocean. And the reef teeming with fish was just a stone throw away from our veranda. There weren't too many guests. In fact, when we arrived there were two other couples, one of which was leaving the next morning. However, the next day, another diver checked in. So aside from us, there were three diver guests. Ofcourse, I let them know that I'm a beginner diver. If I'm diving with them, I wanted them to have realistic expectations of me. Well, as it turned out, the next morning when I scheduled my dive, no one wanted to go out and dive. So I ended up diving by myself, which was actually perfect, because I had the divemaster all to myself and I went diving according to my skill and comfort level. At the same time, I didn't have to spoil someone else's dive who might want to opt to do a more difficult dive.
I went diving as deep as 70 feet below surface -- the deepest I've dived so far. Visibility was clear upto 30 feet. Aside from the many species of fish, I saw some giant clams, eels, lobsters and a sea turtle.
When I got back up, I joined my brother and my kids snorkeling. There were fish galore -- clown fish, pipefish, parrotfish, angelfish, bassets, groupers, even a lion fish. My 10 year old had the most fun and knew every fish specie he found. Even my little one, at 7 years old, who was reluctant to snorkel at first, enjoyed himself and impressed me with his swimming and snorkeling skills.
For a short trip outside Manila, a trip with kids and non-divers, this was just perfect! Maybe next time, I'd be more brave and venture out even further.
The beautiful sunset.
Gearing up for my dive.
Giving snorkeling a thumb up.
My son spotted this lion fish.
The reef was teeming with fish.
My brother, kayaking.
Monday, January 3, 2011
A homecoming to remember
For the first time after long 10 years, there are nine of us together again. Spread around the world, four of my siblings still in Manila, two brothers in Los Angeles, California, a sister in Virginia, a brother in Vancouver , and I, based in Michigan -- all making our own lives with our own little families, have come back to reminisce our childhood and reconnect that special bond that only brothers and sisters, who grew up so close amidst many trials and challenges in life, share. It is in these special moments that I realize how blessed I am to have them.
Some of my nieces and nephews are no longer little toddlers and children. In fact, the two oldest are soon graduating from college, both with nursing degrees. While they are much older now, it seem like I have been with them the whole time and there's no lapse in time as we picked up from where we left off from the last time I came home.
My homecoming is also a chance to see my extended family -- cousins we grew up with, and aunts and uncles; and my cousins' children too who are now mostly taller than me, and who reminded me of my "age" every time they give me the respect of "pagmamano" where they touch their forehead with my hand and say "mano po" akin to asking for an elder's blessing. It is a chance for me to show my children Filipino traditions and values -- family first before anything or anyone else, the value of "bayanihan," of helping each other in a spirit of communal unity, and respect for the elderly.
I visited my Aunt Pacing (my mom's sister) and Uncle Vet and went back to the street where I grew up in San Juan. It looked both familiar and new. The roads looked narrower and shorter, and there are now more houses around. My aunt, although now 80 years old, is still feisty and mentally sharp. We feasted on delicious "lengua," "caldereta" and "kare-kare" which she cooked for us.
Speaking of foods, I'm eating like there is no tomorrow. Who knows when I get to indulge again on sweet ripe Philippine mangos, fresh coconut juice, ube cake, halo-halo, crispy pata, pork liempo, pata tim, baby bangus?
In my next few days, I plan on seeing old friends, old co-workers and old classmates from elementary and high school. Indeed, this will be a homecoming to remember.
The Mariano Siblings
The Salac Clan
Some of my nieces and nephews are no longer little toddlers and children. In fact, the two oldest are soon graduating from college, both with nursing degrees. While they are much older now, it seem like I have been with them the whole time and there's no lapse in time as we picked up from where we left off from the last time I came home.
My homecoming is also a chance to see my extended family -- cousins we grew up with, and aunts and uncles; and my cousins' children too who are now mostly taller than me, and who reminded me of my "age" every time they give me the respect of "pagmamano" where they touch their forehead with my hand and say "mano po" akin to asking for an elder's blessing. It is a chance for me to show my children Filipino traditions and values -- family first before anything or anyone else, the value of "bayanihan," of helping each other in a spirit of communal unity, and respect for the elderly.
I visited my Aunt Pacing (my mom's sister) and Uncle Vet and went back to the street where I grew up in San Juan. It looked both familiar and new. The roads looked narrower and shorter, and there are now more houses around. My aunt, although now 80 years old, is still feisty and mentally sharp. We feasted on delicious "lengua," "caldereta" and "kare-kare" which she cooked for us.
Joshua gets a big hug from Lola Pacing
Speaking of foods, I'm eating like there is no tomorrow. Who knows when I get to indulge again on sweet ripe Philippine mangos, fresh coconut juice, ube cake, halo-halo, crispy pata, pork liempo, pata tim, baby bangus?
In my next few days, I plan on seeing old friends, old co-workers and old classmates from elementary and high school. Indeed, this will be a homecoming to remember.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Is it Christmas yet?
I'm back! After a long sabbatical leave from blogging, I'm back to writing again. It's not like I got into a blogger's rot (well, maybe), but after a couple of blogs that got me into trouble, I thought I needed a break and a breath of fresh air. What was meant to be a "critique" of iPad (which I received as a birthday present) offended my friends who gave it to me and my blog came off as a complaint from an ungrateful spoiled-rotten individual. Another blog expressing my side of the story in a whirl wind chaos with a friend (or ex-friend) was construed as an attack on my part and is now being used to further put blame on me in addition to what I have been accused of doing.
Well, maybe by staying quiet for some weeks would put everything behind me now. At least, I'm hoping. Christmas is in the air. I can feel it with the soft snow flakes falling, smell it in the fragrance of pine trees, see it in the excitement of my kids for the presents Santa would bring. The Christmas tree is up with silver trimmings, the season's greetings are mailed out, the kids have been to Santa's workshop and have given him their lists, and the presents are wrapped under the tree.
Maybe it's going to be a peaceful holiday after all. Enough of the drama! I'm counting the days before Christmas, ready to celebrate, sit back and savor the memories of this year. More importantly, I am looking forward to our homecoming to the Philippines. Nothing beats a grand celebration with the whole family and kin. Okay, now I'm really excited!
Well, maybe by staying quiet for some weeks would put everything behind me now. At least, I'm hoping. Christmas is in the air. I can feel it with the soft snow flakes falling, smell it in the fragrance of pine trees, see it in the excitement of my kids for the presents Santa would bring. The Christmas tree is up with silver trimmings, the season's greetings are mailed out, the kids have been to Santa's workshop and have given him their lists, and the presents are wrapped under the tree.
 |
| "I've been a good boy, Santa". |
 |
| The boys can't help but get excited after they saw Santa. |
 |
Maybe it's going to be a peaceful holiday after all. Enough of the drama! I'm counting the days before Christmas, ready to celebrate, sit back and savor the memories of this year. More importantly, I am looking forward to our homecoming to the Philippines. Nothing beats a grand celebration with the whole family and kin. Okay, now I'm really excited!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
It takes someone special to care for a special needs child
People don't realize how hard it is to be a parent of special needs children unless they themselves have special needs kids.
From the moment that you realize your kids have special needs, there are these mixed feelings and reactions. There's anger, questioning God "Why you"; there's the denial when you try your best to believe there's nothing wrong with the child; there's the day-to-day frustrations because your child, no matter how much help you give him, still presents with problems; there's jealousy towards other families especially those with high-achieving kids; there's the guilt, that maybe you caused it, or maybe you haven't done enough, and for mothers especially, the guilt of working outside the home instead of making your child's life your life 24/7; there's the financial woes to cover expensive treatment and various therapies; there's the strain in your marriage, and the resentment the siblings feel towards the special child for the special treatment he gets; there's the many criticisms from friends and family about how you do your job as a parent; and yet when the need arises, none of them are willing to watch your kids even for just an hour.
It's hard enough to get babysitters for regular children, imagine getting babysitters willing to watch your special child - a child they don't understand, a child who throws tantrums, cries a lot, who spits at everything, punches himself, bangs his head on the wall, bounces off the wall, fidgets and never listens, constantly twirls around and never settles down, trapped in his own world of trains and dinosaurs, constantly asks you the same questions over and over, who couldn't talk or wouldn't shut up, or has grown up to be a big teen and deemed dangerous to others.
But everyday, we have parents and grandparents and other care-givers who bravely take on this task. It takes a lot of patience, perseverance, and just purest of all pure love for the special need children. They make sacrifices everyday. Here's a plea to be accepting of all individuals and to lend a hand to our special families.
If you're a parent to a special needs child, give yourself a pat on the back. Still asking "why you?". How about "why not you?" It takes a special person to care for a special needs child. You're special, too!
From the moment that you realize your kids have special needs, there are these mixed feelings and reactions. There's anger, questioning God "Why you"; there's the denial when you try your best to believe there's nothing wrong with the child; there's the day-to-day frustrations because your child, no matter how much help you give him, still presents with problems; there's jealousy towards other families especially those with high-achieving kids; there's the guilt, that maybe you caused it, or maybe you haven't done enough, and for mothers especially, the guilt of working outside the home instead of making your child's life your life 24/7; there's the financial woes to cover expensive treatment and various therapies; there's the strain in your marriage, and the resentment the siblings feel towards the special child for the special treatment he gets; there's the many criticisms from friends and family about how you do your job as a parent; and yet when the need arises, none of them are willing to watch your kids even for just an hour.
It's hard enough to get babysitters for regular children, imagine getting babysitters willing to watch your special child - a child they don't understand, a child who throws tantrums, cries a lot, who spits at everything, punches himself, bangs his head on the wall, bounces off the wall, fidgets and never listens, constantly twirls around and never settles down, trapped in his own world of trains and dinosaurs, constantly asks you the same questions over and over, who couldn't talk or wouldn't shut up, or has grown up to be a big teen and deemed dangerous to others.
But everyday, we have parents and grandparents and other care-givers who bravely take on this task. It takes a lot of patience, perseverance, and just purest of all pure love for the special need children. They make sacrifices everyday. Here's a plea to be accepting of all individuals and to lend a hand to our special families.
If you're a parent to a special needs child, give yourself a pat on the back. Still asking "why you?". How about "why not you?" It takes a special person to care for a special needs child. You're special, too!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Turning 40
Ah, forty! These past months, I've been dreading this day. Now that the celebration is over, how do I really feel about turning 40?
Well, my arms are getting flabby; creases are beginning to show on my forehead; I can't seem to loose that bulge in my belly; I use eye drops to treat glaucoma; and I have other ailments that are too embarrassing to divulge. My body is definitely telling me that "hey, you've lived half of your life already, and it's just downhill from here on".
But I want to look at it as having another half of my life to live and realize the importance of living it now.
It dawned on me suddenly that at this age, there are some things that are important, others might be nice, but many that I don't need at all. I don't have to climb mountains. I have a new attitude - the "I don't care" attitude. There are little things that used to eat up a lot of my time with worry - now, those don't really matter any more. So what if my house never looked like those in the magazines? It's not simply a house, but a home, lived in, with plenty of messes and everyday clutter. Do i really have to sign up my children in every sports and after-school activities? No, I'd rather that we all get our down-time after a hard day at work and school, and enjoy dinner at the table every evening as a family. Yes, it's nice to have the newest, coolest gadgets and toys. But I'm not slaving myself and working too many hours just to keep up with the Joneses.
My joys are simple: holding hands with my husband, sharing a cookie with my boys, giving them good night kisses, joking and laughing with my friends, swapping stories with my siblings, snuggling with a good book.
Yes, I'm forty. And it's not just a number. It is a rite of passage, of being wiser and possessing wisdom. It's not by accident, but a result of maturity and experience, that in turn gives a sense of humility, resilience, patience, altruism and compassion. Why would I want to turn back the clock? I've never been as comfortable with myself and as content with my life. Forty. I love it! And I have a feeling that the best has yet to come.
Well, my arms are getting flabby; creases are beginning to show on my forehead; I can't seem to loose that bulge in my belly; I use eye drops to treat glaucoma; and I have other ailments that are too embarrassing to divulge. My body is definitely telling me that "hey, you've lived half of your life already, and it's just downhill from here on".
But I want to look at it as having another half of my life to live and realize the importance of living it now.
It dawned on me suddenly that at this age, there are some things that are important, others might be nice, but many that I don't need at all. I don't have to climb mountains. I have a new attitude - the "I don't care" attitude. There are little things that used to eat up a lot of my time with worry - now, those don't really matter any more. So what if my house never looked like those in the magazines? It's not simply a house, but a home, lived in, with plenty of messes and everyday clutter. Do i really have to sign up my children in every sports and after-school activities? No, I'd rather that we all get our down-time after a hard day at work and school, and enjoy dinner at the table every evening as a family. Yes, it's nice to have the newest, coolest gadgets and toys. But I'm not slaving myself and working too many hours just to keep up with the Joneses.
My joys are simple: holding hands with my husband, sharing a cookie with my boys, giving them good night kisses, joking and laughing with my friends, swapping stories with my siblings, snuggling with a good book.
Yes, I'm forty. And it's not just a number. It is a rite of passage, of being wiser and possessing wisdom. It's not by accident, but a result of maturity and experience, that in turn gives a sense of humility, resilience, patience, altruism and compassion. Why would I want to turn back the clock? I've never been as comfortable with myself and as content with my life. Forty. I love it! And I have a feeling that the best has yet to come.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Forget the battle with the bulge
The cooler months are here, and with it comes my lack of enthusiasm to go out and stay active. Beginning spring this year, I have been good about going for a run at least twice a week and working out in our basement using our bowflex machine for strength training. My family managed to stay active all summer long with fishing and swimming at the lake as well as trips to the beach, playground, and various festivals. But now that fall season is here, it seems I just want to tuck myself under the blanket and nap all day. Exercise? Forget about it.
What's worse? Fall season is harvest time for apples, pumpkins and sweet corn, among other things. That means plenty of apple pies, pumpkin pies and corn on the cob. Soon there will be Halloween parties and our house will be full of sweet treats and goodies. There's also St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. It doesn't end there. It goes on until Valentines Day and Easter. And all these holidays are celebrated with foods galore that are hard to resist.
There is no way I can continue to wage my battle with the bulge. Fall and winter seasons mean extra calories and pounds. I'm not getting any younger and my metabolism is much slower. So I'm throwing in the towel.
Unless, of course, if I change my goal. Instead of losing weight and taking inches off my waist, I should just strive to stay fit.
Acceptance to the fact that I'm not in my 20's anymore is the key. Nothing I could do would turn back the clock. Heck, there is no way that I could look like in my 20's anymore, unless I go for drastic measures such as botox injections, liposuction and tummy tuck. Even then, I would look unnatural. Just look at Hollywood celebrities looking so fake.
So, starting today, I am embracing every wrinkle and every flab that comes my way. I don't have to look ten or twenty years younger than my age. I am comfortable with just looking good for my age. That said, I'm devoted to continue running and exercising as much as I can, for as much as I can motivate myself. Even if I don't lose weight and that bulge on my belly stays there, I will still savor that good feeling from endorphin rush after a good workout. At the same time, I will enjoy my apple pie.
What's worse? Fall season is harvest time for apples, pumpkins and sweet corn, among other things. That means plenty of apple pies, pumpkin pies and corn on the cob. Soon there will be Halloween parties and our house will be full of sweet treats and goodies. There's also St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. It doesn't end there. It goes on until Valentines Day and Easter. And all these holidays are celebrated with foods galore that are hard to resist.
There is no way I can continue to wage my battle with the bulge. Fall and winter seasons mean extra calories and pounds. I'm not getting any younger and my metabolism is much slower. So I'm throwing in the towel.
Unless, of course, if I change my goal. Instead of losing weight and taking inches off my waist, I should just strive to stay fit.
Acceptance to the fact that I'm not in my 20's anymore is the key. Nothing I could do would turn back the clock. Heck, there is no way that I could look like in my 20's anymore, unless I go for drastic measures such as botox injections, liposuction and tummy tuck. Even then, I would look unnatural. Just look at Hollywood celebrities looking so fake.
So, starting today, I am embracing every wrinkle and every flab that comes my way. I don't have to look ten or twenty years younger than my age. I am comfortable with just looking good for my age. That said, I'm devoted to continue running and exercising as much as I can, for as much as I can motivate myself. Even if I don't lose weight and that bulge on my belly stays there, I will still savor that good feeling from endorphin rush after a good workout. At the same time, I will enjoy my apple pie.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)