Lisa Macuja's 'Tutu' Cents

I had the pleasure of listening to Philippines' Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde when she shared her success story to college students last month.

As expected, her journey to the center of the stage was not smooth-sailing. At 14, she knew she wanted to pursue ballet (contrary to her parents desires.) She convinced them to give her two years to complete ballet training in communist Russia. If that didn't work out, she promised to return here and attend formal school.

"Like starting in arithmetic and getting thrown to calculus," was how she recalled her beginnings in ballet. Being the only neophyte among advanced European students, she said that her teacher cried in frustration, "they gave me a monkey from the Philippines."

When she returned home at 16, Lisa said she wasn't casted in her first production but she knew better than to cry. Looking back, she said that situation made her "work even harder." 

Fast forward to 2017 when Lisa has officially retired from ballet but still actively runs Ballet Manila.

Through all those years, here is how Lisa sums up her journey:

• Follow your heart, it will never leave you astray
• Ask yourself, "What am I willing to sacrifice?" Be willing to pay the price of your dreams
• When you wake up in the morning and you don't look forward to what you're doing that day, it's time to quit
• Sustain and maintain even after you have achieved so much
• Writers leave behind books; singers, songs; composers, score; artists, paintings; photographers, photographs. Dancers leave behind a memory--that moment when they are on stage. They perfect a moment without even saying a word
• There was a time when I wanted to give up the performance but there was never a time that I felt I wanted to give up ballet
• Follow Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000 hour rule. You need to dedicate at least 10,000 hours of your life to achieve mastery in a field.

Aside from being a world renowned performer, Lisa is also a generous life coach. With her toes on point and numb from pain, she is willing to share life lessons that she picked up along the way. This 'storyteller on toes' knows that pain will cease and will give way to a perfect performance.

Lakbay Lokal: My 2016 in Travel

While I'm glad that 2016 will soon end (and take away the negative stories that plagued it,) it will leave me with some good moments to cherish.

It brought me to new places and allowed me to revisit familiar ones.

APRIL: Holy Week tour in Bataan and Corregidor
My high school friends stayed in Abucay, Bataan to observe the Holy Week celebrations on that part of the province.

We also took the time to visit the historical Corregidor Island (and its War Museum), Balanga Cathedral, Abucay Church, Balanga WWII Museum, and of course, Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan.

Read more about our Bataan and Corregidor trip HERE.

Facade of Balanga Church

Facade of Bataan WWII Museum inside an elementary school compound

Abucay Church glows on the eve of Easter Sunday

MAY: Trek to Mt. Pamitinan, Rodriguez, Rizal
Few days before my 25th birthday, I thought that I wanted to hike a mountain to literally "thank the heavens" for my life thus far. I invited my closest friends to a trek to Mt. Pamitinan and enjoyed my prelude to #QuarterLifeNoCrisis. 

JUNE: Day trip in Tagaytay
On my day off from work, my best friend and I roamed around Tagaytay City where we visited Museo Orlina which houses the glass sculpture masterpieces of celebrated Filipino artist Ramon Orlina. We had a filling lunch at Dreamland Arts & Crafts Cafe. In the afternoon, we visited the Guiness World Record-holder Puzzle Mansion with its confusing alleyways of local and international puzzles owned by the late Gina Gil Lacuna. We had dinner at the cozy Java Jazz Coffee Shop then capped off the night with a whole body massage! 


Read more about our Tagaytay trip HERE.

at Dreamland

at Java Jazz

SEPTEMBER: Day trips in Puerto Princesa, and El Nido, Palawan
Because I did not have an international trip this year, I thought that I would maximize our 3-day company outing as it was also my first time to visit the majestic province of Palawan! Straight from the airport and after having breakfast at Haim Chicken Inato, selected officemates and I headed on to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park for a guided tour inside one of the New7Wonders of Nature--the Underground River! On the way back to Aziza Hotel, we made a detour to Karst Mountain Elephant Cave, a 2-time pit stop in The Amazing Race. 

the view to the river's entrance

We were up early on Day 2 for a 6-hour road trip to the pristine beaches of El Nido. We paid for an island hopping tour and visited 7 Commando Beach, Small Lagoon at Minilok Island, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and finally the Big Lagoon.

at 7 Commando Beach. Look at that hues of blue, green, and brown!

inside the Small Lagoon

still at the Small Lagoon

It was my first time to: 1) kayak, 2) drive a large motor boat, and 3) free dive in saltwater so I would say, it was well worth the trip (and the cost!)

NOVEMBER: Day trip in Cebu City, Cebu
Third time's the charm. For my third consecutive business trip in Cebu this year, I finally squeezed in enough time to visit at least two known tourist attractions in the city--the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino (including the museum adjacent to it) and Magellan's Cross. 

I had enough energy to burn as I feasted on Garlic Shrimp, Pineapple Rice, and Fresh Coconut while dining al fresco at Shaka Hawaiian Restaurant in the middle of Cebu IT Park.

Facade of Sto. Nino de Cebu Basilica

at Shake Hawaiian Restaurant

DECEMBER: Barkada (+Solo) trip in Baguio City, Mountain Province
My best friend had the similar idea for her birthday so she invited us to hike Mt. Ulap in Itogon, Benguet. Sadly I wasn't able to join them because I just recovered from a viral exanthem.

We enjoyed a weekend eating at Pizza Volante and Good Taste Restaurant, biking at Burnham Park, playing inside its amusement park, and stopping by Baguio Cathedral. After that I had two days by myself so I visited Baguio Museum, and ate at Cafe by the Ruins and Oh My Gulay!

I also revisited my go-to places like Mt. Cloud Bookshop, Glen 50s Diner (in its new location,) and the Pink Sisters Convent and Chapel. 

"Ole Nick's Open Face Tuna:" Nick Joaquin's instructions to the cook: butter the bread, spread flaked tuna evenly over the buttered surface, dip in beaten egg and fry in even MORE butter"

"Bandilang Pula" - mountain rice, vegetables in season, mongolian sauce, tofu, and omelette

Facade of Baguio Museum where a mummy inside a wooden coffin is in permanent display

Facade of Baguio Cathedral along Session Road

Do We Deserve November 8?

Every four years we experience Leap Year and add February 29 on our calendars because the Earth revolves around the sun slower than normal.

A Reverse Leap Year hasn’t been proposed yet wherein instead of add, we omit one day from the calendar. If that ever comes true, perhaps most Filipinos and Americans would vote for the removal of November 8.

If you belong in the minority of these populations who weren’t informed by the recent breaking news, here are they:

Our Supreme Court ruled 9-5-1 in favor of allowing formerPresident Ferdinand Marcos to be buried in Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’Cemetery)—the final resting place for our country’s presidents, heroes, patriots, and national artists and scientists. For almost three decades, human rights lawyers, activists, and martial law victims have opposed this move because while he is technically qualified to be buried there as a former president; National Defense secretary; Medal of Valor awardee; and WWII veteran; the atrocities committed under his declared Martial Law counters the essence of the cemetery’s foundation.

For obvious reasons, social media exploded with furious netizens. While majority of people (at least on my feed) could not accept the decision, others said that life must still go on.

“Move On!” said those who have had too much of this ‘Martial Law thingy.’ For them, the burial might actually signal our national unity—an ideal path to progress with our past behind us where there is no sinner and everyone is a saint.

“It’s a soldier’s and a President’s burial, not a hero’s burial,” others said in an effort to calm down the opposition. Point taken: soldiers and presidents are qualified to be buried in the cemetery; however, whether Pres. Marcos was a war veteran and a decorated soldier remains contestable (read up on articles about his allegedly fake medals and hard fought war victories).

On another note, the AFP Regulations G 161-375 states that the cemetery prohibits a burial for people “who have been dishonourably discharged from service or personnel convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude.” Pres. Marcos was ousted from Malacanang in a dishonourably manner. If you’re lazy to read the news or browse online videos, ask your parents and grandparents about it. The recurring image of People Power revolution that shows military officers accepting flowers from rosary-decorated nuns is the culmination of a bloody struggle. While it painted a peaceful resolution, the path to achieve it was not. Others contend that while Pres. Marcos was charged with several offenses, he was never convicted—he died as an innocent man. Then we hear a new rebuttal and the argument just went, and still goes, on and on.

The following day our strongest ally (probably a debatable issue), the United States of America, held their elections to determine, above all, who will be their 45^th president. Whichever was the result, it was a historical night because they would have either elected their first female president or their first president who hasn’t held public office in his entire privileged life.

Popular vote favored Hillary Clinton but their election, validated by the Electoral College System, placed Donald Trump on the lead. If only to prove that America is first at anything, they trumped United Kingdom’s#Brexit from EU earlier this year and claimed the most embarrassing national move title.

“Why are you affected, you’re not even a US citizen?” asked clueless netizens to their friends who hate Trump or are appalled by the results overseas. For your information, USA is among the country’s top foreign investors (meaning they put up businesses here), trading partners (we can sell them our products and vice versa), and military partners (we can buy equipment from them and have access to their advanced training so our soldiers are better equipped to protect us).

Our current president is vocally not a fan of the United States but (surprise!) the feeling is mutual for Mr. Trump. In his race to the White House, Mr. Trump once cited the Philippines among “terrorist nations” whose immigrants should be barred from the US. Mr. Trump’s hostility will likely affect us, especially the more than 3 million Filipinos currently living in the US and millions more who aspire to visit or reside there.

Don’t blame Filipinos who are concerned with economics, diplomacy, foreign trade, and generally our security in the international scene. If you’re a Filipino who insists on taking care of your own business in your native land, then don’t bet on your favorite NBA team during the finals; stop binge-watching with your Netflix; don’t drink a tall, grande, or venti; don’t line up for the latest Marvel movie; and stop filling your sentences with “ahm,” “like,” or “you know,” because uhm...you know, all these and more are so like...American.

November 8 was 2016’s biggest irony yet. We were haunted by our past and left with uncertain prospects.

Now that the table has been turned by the highest court in the land, we ask ourselves: do we create another revolution by going to the streets, angrily typing at our keyboards, or shutting down everything so we can simply live free from politics? Now that Mr. Trump will soon be Pres. Trump, we have to observe and assess the impacts of his “America for Americans” plan. If it will be as aggressive as he promised it to be, his “wall” won’t just be for Mexicans.

November 8 begged the question if both our countries have been taking democracy for granted. It also challenged us to think if we can keep it longer.

Do we deserve November 8? It depends on your belief in your people, your government, your leaders and yourself. Even if it’s ideal to have a Yes or No for an answer, it only matters if you care enough. You don’t shrug off these issues and easily move on. It’s not as easy as when you click that like or share button but didn’t even read that damn political news.

Whang Od's trademark

My portrait

In Buscalan, Kalinga province, 98 year old Whang-od Oggay or simply "Whang Od" lives and thrives with her art called "pambabatok" or traditional tattooing. She is the oldest and the last of her generation of Kalinga mambabatoks. 

Whang Od is highly regarded for her work in the preservation of their tribal identity since World War II. It is no secret, however, that due to old age, cultural advocates are anxious about the influx of tourists in Kalinga who want to see 'the,' and be tattooed by, Whang Od, herself.

Critics dismiss this trend as anything from exploiting the rich Kalinga art form, to immersing in pop culture (where people are more into the 'pop' aspect of the visit than in knowing their 'culture'), to subjecting the almost centenarian to intensive labor than her frail body and eyesight can manage.

I won't deny my aspiration of meeting Whang Od in person because to me, she's a living museum. I think it would be a memorable opportunity to sit with her and ask her about the art form, her reasons for keeping it alive, and the inevitable day when she has to wash down the ink and clean her container for good.

Plenty of videos have previously surfaced on the net about these topics but until I hear from her, then I can gauge whether I will get a tattoo or just witness her leave her mark on someone else's body—turning it into enviable historical artifact while I settle on being a reliable witness.

For me, there are three obvious courses of action when one meets Whang Od:

1) The Fan. Greet, smile, and ask for a picture with the 'living legend.' Tell her where you're from and what brings you to their remote village. Post on Instagram with #blessed. If you can afford to bring a Polaroid camera, ask her for a signature and perhaps request for the same ink that she uses when tattooing. When Whang Od's relatives ask if you will get a tattoo, say you'll think about it or you'll get permission from your parents, first. 

2) The Culture Vulture. Come early morning in the village and approach her assistant so you can get in line first. Bring a draft of your preferred tattoo design and ask help from translators so Whang Od can get your rationale. If applicable, show her your other tattoos to prove that you're legit and you're not just there for the 'likes.' Make sure you can get through the pain of the 'pambabatok' process because as you know, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a true cultural advocate and a tattoo aficionado, you know that having a Whang Od tattoo over your dead body equates to bringing another portrait to decorate heaven with.

3) Journalist/Blogger. Yes, you go through days of travelling the Cordillera highlands to finally see Whang Od in action. You document her every move and imply deeper meaning to her simplest nuance like, maybe moving her eyes, taking deep sighs, stretching her worn out arms, and washing her tattoo equipment. You narrate how she reacts alone and within the community, and how her tribesmen and neighbors respond to her celebrity. You end your journey with a question if Whang Od is indeed a national living cultural treasure or if the government and our people take her for granted just like other tourist attractions.

To fit in any of these categories is not at all unfortunate. Whang Od's legacy has been primed once locals and foreign nationals realize that she could be gone soon. She has been doing this since the post-World War but we only see her now. Whang Od's body and eye sight may be frail but we are the ones trying to catch up with her and her trademark.

Think about it, we have invented the emojis, hashtags, memes, and chat acronyms to decorate our communication and self expression but we are also the ones willing to travel for days and line up for hours to get that painful, long-lasting ink in our bodies. We are so busy making a mark as a generation and in order to do that, we seek the help from older ones like Whang Od. We cannot erase that fact; it's like our collective tattoo.

Let's Talk About Melodrama

Last week, I attended the talk "Iyakan at Sampalan: Melodrama in Philippine Cinema" by film historian and professor Nick Deocampo.

It was a 2-hour entertaining and informative talk made more engaging by the generous sharing and animated movements of Prof. Nick. 

Here are some of the most salient points from the lecture:

DEFINITION

Melodrama comes from the Greek Melos (song) and it denoted a stage play accompanied by music. It evolved to "drama with music (melos)," although in modern melodramas, music ceased to be an integral part.

Melodramas have stock characters (heroes, villains). Characters that are simply drawn, 1-dimensional or stereotyped.

Melodrama came to signify "a form of drama characterized by sensationalism, emotional intensity, hyperbole, strong action, violence, rhetorical excesses, moral polarities, brutal villainy, and its ultimate elimination, and the triumph of good." (Dissanayake)

POPULAR CHARACTERISTICS
-Woman's film
-Iyakan, Pang-aapi, Sampalan, Sabunutan, Tarayan, Higanti, Patayan, Ubusan ng lahi, Patawaran
-Pejoratively called tear-jerker
-Low form of entertainment drama

THREE ASPECTS TO FILM AND MELODRAMA

1. Melodrama gives prominence to the experiences, emotions, and activities of women. It provides a platform for women's voice.

2. Melodrama gives attention to fundamental issues of representation, role of ideology, and cultural construction.

3. Melodrama provides ways to illuminate the deeper structures of diverse cultures.

POPULAR EXAMPLES OF MELODRAMATIC FILMS
-Himala
-Bituing Walang Ningning
-Atsay
-Anak
-Brutal
-Hellow Soldier (Political Melodrama)
-Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon
-Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa
-The Flor Contemplacion Story
-Burlesque Queen
and a lot more (esp.from the 80s and 90s)

Visit this LINK to learn more about the upcoming talk of Prof. Nick in Ayala Museum. Trust me, listening to him is worth your while! :)

"Of God and Men"

Memoir
Raymond Alikpala
2012, Maverick House Publishing

If you're a homophobic person, this book is not for you (or maybe in time, it will be). If you're a transitioning homophobic or you don't give a big deal out of homosexuality, then by all means, read this book.

Of God and Men is a memoir that can be read beginning with the Epilogue. It might seem to be a long read since it began with the author's childhood (he finished recounting his story when he was 40 years old) but Raymond Alikpala tried his best to walk you through a childhood that was strangely unique than what most of us experienced--a childhood that was relatable only to a minority of the population.

Alikpala grew up feeling and thinking that he was gay but acting like the opposite. Not everyone will be able to relate to him but I'm sure each of us has had a childhood that was confusing as well--forcing us to act what we thought was appropriate and accepted by the society we were growing up in--only to realize years later that we didn't exactly make all the right choices anyway.

Raymond, being gay, is no stranger to this tale. His story was, however, told with so much honesty that one would think he knows the author all his life.

Various chapters in Alikpala's memoir revealed his long desire to have a true best friend and lover, and his several failed attempts at that. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the book is long, transparent, and detailed--so one can relate to him, understand him, and offer a friendship and care that this good son, ex-devout Catholic, overachiever student so deserves.

Alikpala's bravery in sharing his coming out story (read: to "come out" is a big deal and to "share" it is another) is admirable. While he remains a barely recognizable author (like most LGBT writers), the local literary scene needs more fearless souls like him so it could offer a broader range of stories for modern readers.

Of God and Men is the first book I read that highlighted the unlikely connection between faith and homosexuality. It was written in a controlled prose (meaning, the writer chose his words carefully) that it would pass for conservative readers but it also offered a bit of nasty storytelling that it would surely attract liberated ones.

Whether you're a member of the LGBT community or you just want to know more about it and about them, go ahead and grab this book.

It's just like talking to a friend over coffee: expect a conversation that is light, easy to follow, and can get serious and funny all throughout. Unfortunately, it doesn't end after you finish a cup because it's 447-page long.

My rating: 3.5/5 rainbow-colored stars

GRABbed

I had an interesting conversation with my GrabCar driver last April 7 on my way home from NAIA.

First, he shared that he is an on-call Grab driver of Rocco Nacino. He often calls him for a city tour, a maximum of eight hours traveling within the metro for either business or leisure.

In Rocco's case, it's always going to various locations to pick-up costumes and to attend tapings. He praised Rocco as "mabait and sobrang accommodating."

When I asked if Rocco and Lovi are still together, he said he's not sure. Well, I assume Rocco won't let Lovi ride in just a GrabCar, right? It makes me wonder though if Rocco has a car and if yes, who uses it then?

Second, aside from being a driver, he is also a Fire Volunteer and a licensed help saver. "Marami nang nawalan ng buhay sa kamay ko," he said, referring to casualties in emergency situations.

He blamed the heavy traffic in the metro as the real cause behind some of these deaths. "Ang biyahe na 5 minutes lang to the hospital, nagiging 10-15 minutes dahil sa traffic. E ang golden time for survival is 10 minutes lang."

Next, he admitted that he was a former drunkard. "Gym instructor pa ako nun pero ang lakas ko uminom." Good thing is that he stopped drinking heavily recently.

Fourth, he said that he's health conscious. Ironically, he sleeps for a short amount of time each day because he juggles his regular driving job and volunteer work seven days a week.

Fifth, he shared that Grab has an incentive program for drivers wherein if they finished a total of five (5) rides within 5PM to 10PM regardless of distance, the fare for each booking will be converted to a minimum of PHP300 (making their incentive bigger).

This, however, is hard to achieve since it is considered rush hour and they are often left optionless but to spend 1-1.5 hours for just one ride.

***

Despite my lack of rest from a 3-day, 3-city business tour, this driver still managed to grab my attention because of his simple yet colorful life.

I don't get much of similar stories these days because sadly, what everyone talks are politics and traffic.

Battle of the Planes

Let's face it...travelling is not cheap. Behind every Instagram-worthy photo (and ten hashtags) is a number of considerations: airfare, accommodation, food, allowance, tour fees, and cost for souvenirs.

While it's true that travelling is costly, you can make it less burdensome by choosing the cheapest flights available (most of which you can book at 2AM!)

I've been to a number of economy flights both in Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CEB) and I can't help but cite some differences:

PLAY. Cebu Pacific has an in-flight game where they give away up to three simple prizes (the first and only item I won was a lunch bag). The cabin crew either asks you to raise something (seated 'Bring Me' game) or answer easy questions. If you're in PAL, just entertain yourself with apps on your mobile phone because they don't have in-flight games.

EAT. Philippine Airlines gives passengers a complimentary cup of water, coffee, or tea, and bread. If you're riding CEB, better fill up before the flight so you won't starve 2,000 feet above sea level.

REST. PAL is more considerate because the leg room in their air bus is way more comfortable than in CEB. It's like riding JoyBus (the bus line going to Northern provinces where passengers can recline their seat for almost 180°) compared to riding a public bus.

READ. CEB still provides complimentary copies of Smile Magazine in every flight which I highly appreciate. In my last two flights in PAL, I didn't see a single copy of Mabuhay, their in-flight magazine. It's not surprising though, considering their recent retrenchment efforts.

VIEW. PAL air buses are installed with small screens that show the current location of the plane relative to the destination. This is helpful in case you wonder which part of the world you are currently in.

LEARN. CEB pre-flight safety instructions are acted out by the cabin crew wherein PAL just projects them on screen. I think that most people learn from demonstration than mere projection.

EARN. PAL has Mabuhay Miles while CEB has GetGo Points for loyal passengers. Miles/Points earned can be used for future travels, discounts, and other freebies.

Admittedly, this list does not include who has the widest network of local and international destinations.

In summary, if you're looking for comfortable and relaxing flight (without the fun fare), it's best to go with PAL. If you're eager to take home flight mementos like CEB merchandise and their magazine for your future travels, then by all means choose CEB.

Nice-to-know: It's not a secret that CEB flights can be uber cheap because of their frequent Piso (PHP1) Fare promotions (which, thankfully, has brought me to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia). When you're in Piso Fare flights though, don't expect for food unless you're willing to shell out PHP300 for a sandwich.

Whether you're a loyal PAL or CEB flyer, it's important that you genuinely look forward to the exciting journey and destination that will make everything worthwhile. It's best to be a smart traveler—someone who spends less but experiences more.

Happy travels!

*Photo not mine

Fast thrills in Cebu!

I was on a 20-hour business trip in Cebu last Thursday.

I stayed at Crown Regency Hotel and Towers where an extreme adventure facility called Sky Experience Adventure is installed atop it.

I thought it would be a thrilling experience so I paid for any two (2) rides costing PHP750.

First, I rode the Edge Coaster, the first-of-its-kind in the country, wherein I sat on a tractor-like equipment that went around the 38th floor of the tower. Riders can tilt their seats up to a little less than 90°.

I met Kaye (not sure about the spelling), whose husband didn't want to go with her. We were the first two riders of the day.

The scare begun when our cart approached the first corner because it automatically tilted. After that we had full control of the situation, but because we didn't know it then, we were on a 90° tilt up to halfway through the second corner!

The ride was approximately three minutes only.

Me and Kaye attempt to be brave but only managed this much of a tilt

Next stop is the Tower Zip located at the 40th floor (accessible by steel ladders). It is a two-way, eight second each zipline that transports riders from the CRHT tower to a rooftop of another building.

I had the option to sit or hang myself upside down during the rides but I just sat because it was my first time in a city zipline.

It was less scary than the Edge Coaster.

That awkward smile shows both my excitement and nervousness

Other activities you can try in Sky Experience Adventure are the Sky Walk, Wall Climb, and Tower Climb.

You can opt to try any one ride for PHP550 or any three rides for PHP1,000. For more details about this adventure, you can visit this LINK.

TIPS: Have some spare cash because you would need a PHP100 deposit for the baller and PHP200 deposit for the locker (gadgets and otger valuables are prohibited within the activity premises).

They have official photographers to document your adventure (but at costly rates). You can get one 6R photo for PHP150. If you can't choose among the shots, you can get at least seven (7) of them with a 2GB USB starting at PHP600.

Anyone can go straight to Sky Experience Adventure even if you're not staying at Crown Regency. It opens daily starting 2PM.

Lakbay Lokal: Bataan and Corregidor

I had a meaningful Holy Week retreat and travel with my high school buddies Khaye, Lei, and Derick last March 23-27.

We stayed at Lei's house in Bgy. Ombon, Abucay, Bataan, the municipality before Balanga (the capital). Bataan is a historical province in Central Luzon, having been home to the Filipino and American-Japanese War during World War II. (You can review the rest of the province's history on this link)

Here is a sample D-I-Y itinerary for those who want to backpack and revisit historical sites around the province.


March 23 (Day 0)

Evening:

• Three to four-hour travel from Manila to Bataan via Bataan Transit. The Manila terminal is located at Doroteo Jose. You can easily reach it via LRT Line 1. Fare is PHP200 only.

March 24 (Day 1)

Morning:

• From Abucay, we took a tricycle (jeepneys are also widely accessible for PHP10 only) to Balanga then rode a bus going to Mariveles (fare is about PHP40 only). 
• Before reaching Mariveles, we got off at Bgy. Cabcaben then hired a tricycle (PHP10 each) to bring us to Cabcaben Port--the departure area for boats heading to Corregidor.
• Tip: The boat can accommodate up to 8 pax for PHP3,500. The rate doesn't change whether your group is below 8 pax. It would be nice to join another group to save money. The boat will be on standby until 4PM in the island.
• Nice-to-know: The locals and the Coast Guard have a good working relationship and they look after the safety of tourists. CG officers inspected our boat and life vests before they allowed us to sail.

All aboard!

High Noon to Early Afternoon: "Corregidor Tour"

• Entrance to Corregidor is PHP200 per pax while the tour fee is PHP800 for one open jeepney.

"Welcome to Corregidor Island"

Our tour jeepney

• Tip: If you're lucky, your driver will serve as your tour guide and you can just give him a tip (in our case, a humble PHP100). If you're looking for a professional tour guide though, better be prepared to pay more, of course.
• We visited the following sites for two hours: Middleside Barracks; Battery Way; Mile Long Barracks; Battery Hearn; Pacific War Memorial; Pacific War Museum; Spanish Light House; Japanese Memorial Garden; Filipino War Heroes Memorial ("Dedicated to the Filipino who knows how to die for love of freedom and liberty"); Cine Corregidor; Bachelor Officers' Quarters; Eternal Flame of Freedom; San Jose Church; and Malinta Tunnel (fortunately, we were allowed to enter the tunnel). 

Middleside Barracks

Cannons in Battery Way

Mile-long Barracks

The Memorial.
Fun Fact: On May 6 (Fall of Corregidor) each year, the sun aligns with the hole on the circular ceiling, casting direct light on the marble marker beneath it. (see photo below)

The marble marker

Rear view of the Memorial

Another marker to commemorate the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers during the war

Posing before a tile mosaic in the War Museum

A lot "Oh..." and "So..." moments during our museum tour 

The Spanish light house

On the staircase going to the light house balcony

At the Filipino Heroes Memorial Park

The gorgeous Cine Corregidor

Eternal Flame of Freedom steel sculpture overlooking the sea

The plain San Jose Church

The obligatory tourist shot in front of Malinta Tunnel (I bet almost everyone who's been there has a similar shot)

Malinta Tunnel is like an administrative building during the war. This passageway was once an infirmary

• Visiting the island for the first time in ten years (and with more mature bearing) was worth my while!
• Fact: Corregidor Island now belongs to Cavite, not Bataan. "Baka wala sila (Cavite) masyadong tourist attractions kaya kinuha. Sana sa 'min na lang uli," said a local when I asked for her reaction.
• Tip: We had lunch at a carinderia within the island (one of only four, I think). If you have plenty of budget, you can get a nice meal for PHP150 but we preferred to be thrifty so we just shared two big cans of Century Tuna, two scrambled eggs, and one cup of rice, and halu-halo each. Good company with simple food for PHP115 each only! Sulit! Sarap! Tipid!
• Tip: If you want to have some siesta in the island, you can rent a tent for PHP500 only (no time limit).

Afternoon

• We headed back to Cabcaben Port and proceeded to Sisiman, a town in Mariveles, via tricycle (PHP60 each). If you're picky, you can ride the public bus (PHP70) or private bus (about PHP100).
• We searched for the lightless light house which has a breathtaking reputation (based on some bloggers who were there years prior) but is now a disappointing victim of careless local tourism operations and industrialization activities on the side of the bay.

Expectations:

Photos grabbed from The Filipina Explorer blog

Reality:

Apparently, the saying "looks can be deceiving" also applies to blog photos now

•  The treck approaching the light house is now filled with make shift huts rented by families who go there for swimming. A lot of trash are scattered in the area, too!

Evening

• Simple dinner back at Abucay courtesy of Lei's cousin, Ate Che, who cooked all our delicious seafood meals for the entire trip!

March 25 (Day 2)

Morning to High Noon

• We watched "Senakulo," (Passion Play) which depicts the passion of Christ. The Senakulo went around the various "kubol" (roughly translated as temporary shelter. In this case, shelter for the station of the cross and venue for Pabasa during Holy Week) around Bgy. Omboy.
• The heat was exhausting so we weren't able to finish the Senakulo. Unlike us, the devotees had such admirable faith for bearing the heat, and their thirst and hunger.

One of the many devotees who play Jesus Christ during Senakulo

The role playing continues but the actors playing Jesus Christ alternate. Notice the change in fabric, style of crown, and the appearance of the slippers?

Afternoon: "Mt. Samat trip" 

• 4 PM. We rushed to Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan, via tricycle (PHP75 each) because it closes by 5 PM. We arrived 30 minutes earlier than the crunch time.
• Nice-to-know: Some visitors walk from the foot of the mountain to the Shrine of Valor ("Dambana ng Kagitingan") but it eats up a lot of time and energy. The best way is to hire a tricycle to bring you to and from the base of the Shrine for PHP200 each per pax.   
• Entrance to the shrine is PHP20 only.

Just another obligatory tourist shot

• Tip: You have to climb about 500 steps to reach the foot of the Shrine (that popular 60-feet White Cross). I'm proud to say that we made it for 8 minutes only! Indeed, stretching is the best preparation for any hike.

Private road for vehicles going to the foot of the mountain where Shrine of Valor stands

• Nice-to-know: The base of the Shrine is adorned with stone sculptures of national heroes and different times in Philippine history. It is semi-challenging to identify who is who and what is what so better review your history lessons first!

Do you see Jose Rizal, Antonion Luna, and Andres Bonifacio?

Behind us is the Memorial Plaza where most political and historical functions are held annually

• Tip: The elevator going up the horizontal part of the cross overlooking Manila Bay and South China Sea is under construction this year so we didn't get the chance to revisit it (and for Derick, walk through it the first time). It's better to visit instead in 2017 when SMDC has already installed a new and improved lift service.

Evening

• Dinner at Ima's Pamangan Restaurant. I had Tilapia with Rice for PHP95 only. It's best to have it with Ima's bagoong! Their rice, however, was not good because it's not that hot and soft. Also, their customer service is underwhelming.

Late Evening

• We engaged in lengthy conversations about our love for travel and how it widens one's perspective about culture and life.

March 25 (Day 3)

Morning

• We spent the day playing with Lei's nephews Andrew (5 y.o.), Olsen (3 y.o.), and Matthew (3 y.o.). We also sang along to OPM hits with Lei's cousin Pungay.

Afternoon

• We went back to Balanga Terminal to send Derick off (back to Manila!) because he had church duties.
• We visited Balanga plaza and the Balanga Church adjacent to it.

Balanga Church on a Saturday afternoon

A Death March marker in Balanga town plaza

• We headed to Balanga Elementary School which houses the Balanga World War II Museum. Retired school teachers now serve as museum guides. Entrance fee is PHP50 only per head.

Museum facade

The official surrender site of the Americans to the Japanese

Long shot of the museum and the surrender site

• Disclaimer: It's not the typical war museum filled with artifacts and photos and accounts of war casualties. It's mostly filled with tarpaulins and dioramas chronicling the war. Clearly they need more funding and support.
• Nevertheless, it's a good supplement to the tours that we previously had in Corregidor and Mt. Samat (and the museum below it). Now I'm more aware of the roles Bataan, Corregidor, Pampanga, and Tarlac played during the war (the last two being significant during Death March). I guess it's time to see the War Museum in Tarlac where thousands of prisoners of war were tortured and executed. 

Evening

• We pampered in a Swedish massage and pedicure (yes, travel kasi e!) at a local spa back in Bgy. Omboy.
• We had dinner at Juan Kainan, an eatery near the municipal plaza. We had filling omelettes for PHP50 only and the three of us shared in one huge bowl of Lomi for PHP120 only!

The filling Lomi soup 

• After dinner, we headed to Parokya ng Santo Domingo de Guzman (Abucay Church) and waited for the Black Saturday procession to start.

Glowing exterior of Abucay Church

Church interior

Santa Maria Jacobe

San Jose de Arimatea

Midnight: Salubong sa Pasko ng Pagkabuhay (Easter Sunday)

• Still at Parokya ng Santo Domingo de Guzman. The Abucay way of celebrating Easter Sunday is different from what I know from Tondo Church. 
• About 50 cute female angels composed the choir and sang Filipino worship songs prior and during the reunion of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.
• A female kerubin (angel) was lowered from the steel set-up to sing the main worship song and get Mary's black veil--signaling the rebirth of Jesus Christ. 

The structure where the angel was lowered from to get Mary's veil

Jesus is back on the altar after the Salubong

• What impressed me was that the celebration was well-organized. No one was irrationally cutting lines or squeezing themselves into other people's spaces. 

March 26 (Day 4)

Afternoon

• Before heading back home, we went to Bataan Tourism Center, the sole authorized seller of souvenirs and delicacies from the province.

• We had several tourist maps (which, honestly, should be made available in every tourist attraction!) and we also visited their small contemporary gallery with more Death March dioramas and paintings from young Bataan artists.

Death March dioramas at Bataan Tourism Center gallery. On the right side is a diorama depicting POWs carried by a box car (originally used for transporting sugar) to Tarlac. Hundreds of them were squeezed in like sardines, all standing. Unfortunately, some of them didn't make it and they died during the transport.

Still at Bataan Tourism Center gallery

Holy Week sightings

• "Nagpapadugo" - literally translated as "forces blood out." These are men who whip their back until it bleeds while walking through long distances with their face usually covered.

Just few of the many "nagpapadugo" men in Abucay

• "Kubol" in every corner, of different styles and themes, featuring different state of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.
• "Ang Pagdakip kay Hesus" (The Capture of Jesus Christ) - a role play depicting the arrest of Jesus Christ when Judas betrayed him. It is a dramatic play where actors dressed as Judas and the Jews ask locals where Jesus is. Some would shout and look beyond the gates as a sign of suspicion that the townfolks are hiding Him.

Bataan is a good place to travel to weekend getaways. It's accessible, cheap, and has a lot of offerings--places, food, traditions, and history.

Aside from knowing it's rich war history, it was also nice to witness the way locals commemorate Holy Week so they can pass on their faith and traditions to the next generation. 

I've been to Bataan and Corregidor twice now and I'm sure I'll be back again!

Note: All photos grabbed from Khaye and Derick's albums. My phone was stolen when we were on the way to Bataan from Manila :(