RetroTravels: Baguio City 1989

ian dela pena

I remember there was someone knocking at our door. It was my grandma talking to my mom. After conversing my mom went back to me and my sister trying to brief us of what is going to happen. Hahaha… yes I did say brief, she tells she talked to us as if we were adults even if we were just itsy bitsy tiny children -which I think had a lot of good effects for us growing up, of course there are minor side effects if I may say. lol.

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My mom started relaying the message to us – geez am I starting to sound like military here or what? – we are to go to Baguio that night along with other clan members that are available and that we are not to nag or beg for anything that would require money as we don’t have such good amount at that time. The trip was taken cared of by my second degree aunt of reasons I don’t know, all I know is that I was lucky that day.

The Trip

We went first to my aunt’s house which was a pedicab away. There I saw some of my cousins who are coming with us. I can’t remember what kind of vehicle it really was but it was comfortable enough specially for us kids.

So off we go along with everybody else but what is weird is that I remember us going to Makati first then through Quezon city first before going up north. I kept  on asking my mom about it but she doesn’t recall anymore. I just can’t be wrong with that memory as it is one of the best days of my life.

It was dark already when we arrived at our aunt’s house in Baguio. We entered this quite empty abode with nothing much for an appliance that you can see. No beds either. Everyone slept on mats on the floor but what was special that night that kept us warm was the fireplace that our elders lit up. It was so magical for a child’s eyes, I was like living a dream.

The day after was just as lovely as the night before. I woke up with hot choco and bread  having breakfast alfresco with fogs embracing the place. The house was situated on a hill and the view was amazing. I just don’t know why there were so many lions around the place and I remember asking my mom if those were the famous lion heads of Baguio, she replied no it was not. But that didn’t kill my curiosity, unfortunately until now I still don’t have the answers.

After breakfast our van (I think it was a van.. still unsure) went rolling to see the city! Our first destination was the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. From the foot to the top me and my sister raced up until we reached the grotto where candles of prayers are lit up for our lady’s intervention. My mom on the other hand since she only has one foot started at the middle of the flight of stairs. Still that is a feat to be accomplished to this day as that half of the stairs proved to be challenging for me -I gained so much weight that’s why lol!

After saying our prayers at the grotto our group went to Burnham Park where we spent most of the day. We had picnic lunch with blankets neatly laid on the grass and a basket full of spaghetti, rice and some viand was in order.

Aside from biking around the park one activity that I know I did really like was boating around the lagoon at Burnham park. I remember that there wasn’t much boats that time, may be just enough, unlike today where the lagoon is over crowded with parked boats on the side.

The temperature was not remarkably cold but it wasn’t really hot as well, I guess I could say that the temperature that day was perfect.

After eating lunch we went to Wright Park, I didn’t ride the horse we couldn’t afford it at that time, that reminds me I have never rode  horse in my entire life. Maybe when I go back to Baguio I should ride a horse ey?

I have been wanting to post this story for a long time now but I hadn’t been able to because these pictures were missing. I was losing hope that I’d ever find them again thinking that they might be gone with the past few floods over the the years. Luckily I found them.

I like going back to these memories and feel the happiness that I felt way back, yeah you do feel the same only this time around with nostalgia.

Hopefully I could unearth more photos that I could share to you guys in the future though it may take long again. But yeah I hope I could post something like this in the future.

How about you? What is your favorite travel memory when you were a child?

Post your answers at the comment section 😉

Video Mondays: HudHud Ifugao’s Musical Story Telling Heritage

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Hudhud is Ifugao’s cultural heritage inscribed at the UNESCO world heritage list of intangible treasures. It tells the story and history of Ifugao culture through communal chanting. These chants could last up to more than a day as it tells epics of the Ifugaos.

Here is how the UNESCO Characterizes Hudhud

Source:http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00067

The Hudhud consists of narrative chants traditionally performed by the Ifugao community, which is well known for its rice terraces extending over the highlands of the northern island of the Philippine archipelago. It is practised during the rice sowing season, at harvest time and at funeral wakes and rituals. Thought to have originated before the seventh century, the Hudhud comprises more than 200 chants, each divided into 40 episodes. A complete recitation may last several days.
Since the Ifugaos culture is matrilineal, the wife generally takes the main part in the chants, and her brother occupies a higher position than her husband. The language of the stories abounds in figurative expressions and repetitions and employs metonymy, metaphor and onomatopoeia, rendering transcription very difficult. Thus, there are very few written expressions of this tradition. The chant tells about ancestral heroes, customary law, religious beliefs and traditional practices, and reflects the importance of rice cultivation. The narrators, mainly elderly women, hold a key position in the community, both as historians and preachers. The Hudhud epic is chanted alternately by the first narrator and a choir, employing a single melody for all the verses.
The conversion of the Ifugao to Catholicism has weakened their traditional culture. Furthermore, the Hudhud is linked to the manual harvesting of rice, which is now mechanized. Although the rice terraces are listed as a World Heritage Site, the number of growers has been in constant decline.The few remaining narrators, who are already very old, need to be supported in their efforts to transmit their knowledge and to raise awareness among young people.

XinBeitou Station 新北投捷運站

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This post is about a MRT station in Taipei yes just a station but it’s worthy to be mentioned on a separate post because of it’s noteworthy architecture, this is the XinBeitou Station.

Hahaha… am I putting so much drama just for a MRT station? Well how can you complain the station’s architecture is a very good example of Chinese Architecture in a modern structure.

The station greets people with its giant trellis like structure typical of Chinese architecture and it is so overwhelming for me to see this on a branch station, yes the XinBeitou station is just a branch and is not part of the main line, extravagant for a station huh!?

The trains that services the station coming from the Beitou Station in the main line are also specially themed for the area with bathtubs and spa like decors inside the train, outside the train looks like its going to Disneyland!

These last two photos are actually taken from the Beitou Station but I have included them to show how good Taiwan’s tourism ministry is. This particular platform that is showing is where you will be waiting for your train to XinBeitou

On this trip I used the Taipei Metro most of the time and it just shows how tourist friendly Taipei is. You don’t need to get a cab or ride and get stuck in traffic while in a bus for most of the attractions as the MRT stations in Taipei are strategically located along the major destinations.

One good tourism model that I have noticed in Taipei that we here in the Philippines should adapt is to make sure that all train stations are clean inside and on its surrounding, safe, efficient and one more important thing is that there are tourist information centers that people can go to.

Here are the tourist spots that you can reach from this station.

Chocolate Hills

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I tell you this is one of the most amazing things that I have ever seen. The minute that we saw a few of the hills inside our car going to the viewing deck me and my friends, without any cue dropped our jaws and sounded in unison with one big Awwww!

We call them chocolate hills though obviously they aren’t made up of your favorite cocoa they are still and eye candy. These hills are made of lime stones who’s origin of which vary depending on who you’d ask for.

The Scientist

As of the moment there had been no in depth study on how the Chocolate came about, but what is only clear is that these are limestone hills and are classified as a kind of Karst Topography similar to the ones found in Slovania, Croatia and Puerto Rico to name a few.  I did say “similar” because if you would compare them the Chocolate hills are much more, way way way -yes I am trying to exaggerate to make a point- more beautiful than the ones mentioned.

The Marker

Upon arriving at the viewing deck area you will find a market that states “The unique land form known as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol was formed ages ago by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rain water and erosion” which some publications as stated above say has no basis at all.

The Legend

Legends in the Philippines could be as many as the islands in the archipelago or maybe more. They (legends) are part of our lives growing up in a country that has so many myths to believe in and the Chocolate hills is no exception to these legends.

I learned this story while I was growing still as a child. It really isn’t clear to me if I learned this in school or at home, but what the heck here it is anyway.

 

It said that the Chocolate hills were formed because of two giants throwing earth at each other in a fight over a woman. The fight went on for days and at the end thousands of hills fomed right next to each other.

I know quite a short story but yeah obviously it has its defects with the giants throwing mud instead of rocks or limestones or maybe corals ey? But still like I said its part of being a Filipino hearing these stories.

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 Anyways these hills are called Chocolate Hills because their colors turn to brown like chocolate consistency during the summer because they dry up and the grass on the hills wither.

Upon arriving at the view point area you would have to pay for parking -I think, not sure- and the tourism or environmental fee don’t worry its actually very cheap compared to the awesomeness of the Chocolate Hills, it’s less than A DOLLAR!

So once you have paid up the compulsory fees you can now head up and walk up the stairs leading to the viewing deck.

There are a few levels going up and you can stop and look at some of the hills like a trailer or a teaser of a movie it gives you sneak peeks to what you can see up ahead.

 

As soon as we reach the top we saw the magnificent horizon dotted with hills almost closely knitted to each other. We can’t get over the beauty of view that we had to consciously and willfully decide that we had to leave the place for our next generation.

Even though I have experienced the chocolate hills already the next time that I am in Bohol I surely will go back here bring some food and maybe have a picnic lunch over looking the hills. I am sure that would be a lot of fun!

How To Go To The Chocolate Hills

Ideally you should arrange a tour with your hotel which will cost you much less and would make your tour more comfortable. We got our tour package for just 1,500 that provided us a tour guide, a Mercedes van and the gas for the van. Divided into three people the tour set us back with just 500 pesos for an entire day of fun.

You can also take a bus from Tagbilaran but you would have to walk from the drop off point up to the observation deck.

MAP

From Tagbilaran Airport.


View Larger Map

Taipei Public Library – Beitou 北投圖書館

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Ahhh…. yes I found love with books in Taiwan! The Taiwanese people are really into books as much they are into coffee.

They give importance to books and in Taiwan libraries are living and breathing with activities and people reading books. One good proof that the Taiwanese people give importance to literature is the Beitou Public Library 北投圖書館

 

The award winning structure that stands near the Beitou Hot Springs Museum is regarded as one of the finest example of green architecture, this means that the building uses lesser carbon emissions than conventional buildings as it uses solar panels and recycles rain water through different uses.

That is why the Beitou Public Library is worth visiting not only to read books but also to be amazed with its architecture and efficiency.

 

How To Get To Beitou Public Library

Take the MRT and get off at Xinbeitou Station (捷運新北投站), from there you can walk to the library which is about 400 meters away from the station through Guangming Rd. (光明路).

MAP


Click here if you can’t see map or you want to view a larger map
 

Taiwan Travel Video Part III The Finale

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This is the last part of my travel video on my trip to Taiwan. This has been truly memorable and I hope that I could do another country again this year. So from the bottom of my heart thank you so much to all of those who watched this series. Continue Reading →

Bus Companies Information

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Knowing that the Philippines is one adventure jam packed archipelago, you have several options on how to get around the country one of them is through the Bus. Though not as fast as a plane or train taking the bus is one of the cheapest way to get around the country (this may be the cheapest option if you were not able to book ahead of time through LCCs but check air travel first) and sometimes the only way to go (if you are going to the mountains)

Here are some helpful information to make your planning easier. Listed below are some of the major Bus Companies found in Manila that would take you to your dream destinations within and around the Luzon Island.

North Of Luzon Bound Buses

Victory Liner

Routes: Northern Luzon
Website: www.victoryliner.com (schedules and fares can be found here)
Contact Numbers:
Cubao: (02) 727-4688, (02) 410-8986, (02) 727-4534
Manila: (02) 559-7735
Caloocan: (02) 361-1506, (02) 361-4665 to 66
Kamias: (02) 920-7396
Pasay: (02) 833-4403, (02) 833-5019 to 20

 

Dagupan Bus Co., Inc

Routes: Northern Luzon
Website: www.facebook.com/pages/Dagupan-Bus-Co-Inc/152564081479111
Contact Numbers:
Cubao: (02) 727 2330, (02) 929 6123, (02) 928 5639, (02) 727 2330, (02) 727 2287

Partas Bus Company

Routes: North of Luzon
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Partas-Transportation-Co-Inc/174185342602974
Contact Numbers:
Pasay (02) 852-8194
Cubao (02) 727-8278
Sampaloc (02) 742-3242
Laoag (77) 771-4898, () 771-1415
Abra (74) 752-8262,
Vigan (74) 722-2933 (74) 722-3369
La Union (72) 242-0465
Baguio (74) 444-8431

 

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South Of Luzon Bound Buses 

Note: (some of these bus companies also serve the Visayas -yes all the way from the Luzon island- and Mindanao.

JAC Liner

Routes: Southern Luzon
Website: www.jacliner.com
Contact Numbers:
Kamias: (02) 927-4745, (02) 928-6140
LRT Buendia: (02) 404-2073
Lucena:  (042) 373-7493

  

Dalin Bus Company

Routes: South of Luzon
Website: www.dalinbus.com
Contact Numbers:
Manila: (02) 785-8566.

 

 

Changing of Guards At Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall 國立國父紀念館

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Every hour the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall changes honor guards on duty and you can witness this elaborate exercise of exiting the shrine.

Changing of Guards: Every hour

Retirement of Guards (on video) 5:00PM

How To Get TO Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

Take the MRT and Get off at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station, walk along Guangfu South Rd. going south for about 220 meters until you see the gate of the Memorial Hall.

See Map Here

See My 2nd Day Itinerary Map Here

Xinyi Public Assembly Hall 信義公民會館

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Just about when the government of Taiwan was to demolish this village a bright idea came up.

The Xinyi Public Assembly hall is a former military housing facility right at the heart of Taipei’s CBD, the Xinyi District where there are lots of good accommodation that you can compare prices and find cheap hotels. Well for the penniless traveler that I was back then (lost all my money while in Taiwan) this place is great for learning and being entertained.

 

My host took me to this village which was just about a five minute’s walk away from his apartment, I like the fact that places like this are so accessible to common people in Taipei that you wont get intimidated walking inside and enjoy the place.

 

the exterior of the village still remains the same yet inside new life has been given to the buildings, something that we call adaptive reuse.

Inside the walls of these houses is a museum an art gallery and a restaurant where they say you can get the best bagels in the whole of Taipei, not to mention the great coffee that they serve there.

 

 

I would have to say that I really like this place, the art and how they transformed this former military village to something that is part of everyday living, like shopping eating, coffee and one that is important a learning place of a nation’s history.

 

My host and I parted ways at the courtyard of the village as I gaze to the towering Taipei 101. The Xinyi Assembly hall is perfect example of how we could save our heritage from the past yet still looking forward to progress.

How To Get To Xinyi Public Assembly Hall

  • You can take buses 32, 46, 202, 277, 612, 621, Blue 10 that stops near the Xinyi District Administration Center

See Map Here

TIPS

  • Make sure to try the different bagels at the restaurant in the village, like I said earlier they are legendarily delicious and famous in Taipei.

 

Article originally published on December 9, 2012

ShiLin CiCheng Temple 士林慈誠宮

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Purposely lost in the middle of Shilin Night Maket 士林夜市 searching for some more adventures for my palate, I suddenly found my self standing in front of a temple. Surprised to find a temple at the midst of Shilin I never thought that I’d be getting my fix of my first temple experience when I was thinking that I would not get to see even one.

It was a weird feeling as I enter a temple the first time. I walked very cautiously trying to look at the surroundings if there are any reminders that I should follow.

The statues and decorations are elaborately royal mixed with modern decorative lights the temple gave an uncertain atmosphere for a first timer like me. I don’t know really know what the temple is for but a lot of people come in to pray. I even tried to get some information about The ShiLin CiCheng Temple but there’s really not much information about it.

Nonetheless I was thankful that I got to have my first temple experience. It was not as grand and majestic as I envisioned it but it was a great experience after all.

I am just concerned about the litter around the temple coming from the market and the people coming to the temple. There were people also smoking at the stairs of the temple, I don’t really know anything about Buddhism or confusion-ism but if it was a church for my God I would want people to smoking or littering around it.

How To Get To The ShiLin CiCheng Temple

From Jiantan Station 劍潭 take a short walk along Wenlin rd. and turn left to Dadong rd., walk for a couple of blocks until you get to the Danan rd. cross road where you will turn left. The temple is just a few meters from that corner and you’ll see it on your right as you walk.

View Shilin CiCheng Temple directions in a  map