Pens and Faces

Late last year I discovered a new hobby: drawing. It turned out that my father's artistic influence is still alive despite my denial that I can draw (and that I have the patience to turn sketches into someone recognizable). 

I chose to draw portraits as a way of paying tribute to the people who have inspired me in one way or another. In few cases though, I drew people for mockery (as in the case of Manny Pacquiao and Taylor Swift). 

Here are some of my portraits using colored pens (Note: I am an amateur. I don't have any professional training).

From Hollywood:

From first row, L-R: Versatile actor Johnny Depp, Award-winning daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, Talented actress and TV star Viola Davis, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Mayer, Bankable British actor Jude Law, Bankable German-Irish actor Michael Fassbender, Two-time Academy Award-winning Australian actress Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actor and legendary comic Robin Williams, and another Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse

I also have some local personalities:

(From left, counterclockwise) Model and versatile actress Angel Aquino, International boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

Recently, I dabbled into a new technique: the classic black and white.

(From left, counterclockwise) Legendary British stage and screen actor Patrick Stewart (some say Steve Jobs), Pop royalty Taylor Swift, 'Hamilton' creator and Broadway star Lin Manuel-Miranda, and 'Cookie' of hit TV series 'Empire,' Taraji P. Henson

I still have a lot of room to grow but so far, I think I'm on the right path because drawing makes me cope up with boredom, enhances my creativity, and espouses focus and discipline.

You can see more of my attempts at @rossmanicad in Instagram.

Looking (HBO Comedy-Drama Series)

I have rare moments in life when I don't know what I'm feeling at a particular moment.

Looking poster for Season 2

Last July 4, I finished watching "Looking," a two-season comedy-drama series in HBO (2014-2015) that tells the stories of three grown-up gay men living in modern San Francisco. That day I just wanted to hug a lot of people and I didn't think any emoji can capture my emotions.

"Looking" stars Broadway heartthrob Jonathan Groff as Patrick, a 29 y.o. game developer who is your gay buddy longing for a serious relationship and, at the same time, willing to experiment.

As easy as in the pilot episode, Patrick tries his luck in meeting a few men and making his mostly uncalculated moves. He is unable to shut his honest mouth as he opens up to new acquaintances which then lead to failed attempts.

Groff's Patrick is adorable. He's like the younger brother that you wish you can play with, hug when you're happy or sad, punch when you just want to, and talk to when you're feeling bored or overly excited. Patrick is a really nice guy and his vulnerability as a gay guy, as a nerdy gay guy, as a single nerdy gay guy who just wants to love and be loved, would surely keep you wanting more. Episode after episode. Smile after smile.

Agustin, Patrick, and Dom

His softness is balanced with the stronger personalities of his friends Dom (Murray Bartlett), the proud and impulsive aspiring entrepreneur and Agustin (Frankie J. Alvarez), a thriving artist who, like Dom, has a high tendency to jump the gun.

Being best friends, these three are enough compelling reasons to religiously follow the show. Their lives intertwine but the show runners did a good job in highlighting their separate storylines so we can see through their dreams and aspirations.

They are not just gay guys who like to flirt. Sure, they have a lot of steamy sex scenes with different guys, but you can see how they treat their relationships beyond the flesh. They long for something that touches on the emotions--finding what it is that makes them truly happy.

***

#TeamRichie

#TeamKevin

For the main love triangle in the story, Patrick is such a sweet guy that you can't blame him if he can't make his mind up between Richie (Raul Castillo), the loyal and emotional Mexican barber and Kevin (Russel Tovey), his sexy British tech boss who enters his life while still in a relationship.

Is it #TeamKevin or #TeamRichie? Dammit. Just stick to #TeamPatrick

No matter who he ends up with, someone will get hurt and he is bound to lose a great person. Like Patrick, show followers are divided between #TeamRichie and #TeamKevin only to end up miserable in the season 2 finale because they don't know who he finally chooses. If you consider yourself a fan of the show though, know that you should always belong to #TeamPatrick.

The funny and lovable Doris

While the show can come across as a 'gay drama' to some, there are several comic surprises--most of them courtesy of Doris (Lauren Weedman), Dom's best friend and the only female friend in the circle. She's the brutally honest straight friend who is ever caring to her queer folks. Doris speaks the truth without delay but ensures that you're not offended with her satire and sarcasm.

***

With all the commendations I give to Looking, I still summarize it as one big heartbreak. It's so good that 1) it hurts to know that it only ran for two short seasons, 2) most episodes have open endings that compels you to click on the next episode ASAP, and 3) with all the complications of their loves and lives, you can't help but to let the characters stay in your mind for long.

You let them live inside you as if they were your best friends. You want to make sure that they are okay, and that even if they leave your mind, they will be okay out there. Such is the magic of simplistic, realistic storytelling of its creator (writer-director) Andrew Haigh.

"There's more OUT there" says the show's tagline. Pictured here are the adorable cast members of Looking

Every now and then a story is born and it's unlike any other.  For its part, Looking is about LGBT but it present the truths of people who others may easily dismiss as sex-starved individuals. There is heart and art to the ways they tell the stories of the Gs in LGBT. It's comedy is subtle yet effective and it's drama doesn't solicit a boring sobfest.

It's not yet too late to catch Looking. It's TV movie airs this July 23 on HBO. In it, we get to revisit the characters' lives years from when we last saw them in Season 2. 

Lakbay Lokal: Traipsing Tagaytay

My best friend and I had one whole day for free (June 24). After talking about our getaway options for almost an hour, we decided to go to Tagaytay (*surprise!*).

Like most of our out-of-town trips, we knew where we would go but not what we wanted to do. We were just sure of one thing: we wanted to see art (and kaartehan) everywhere we go.

So here is our 16-hour budget itinerary for local tourists who want to escape the city and reignite their creativity as they rediscover Tagaytay:

*All prices good for 1 person only

0845AM

-Ride a DLTB Co. bus going to Tagaytay from Buendia (below LRT station) for only P83.

1045AM

-Arrive at Tagaytay Rotonda where, interestingly, a statue of Ninoy Aquino with a red sculpted steel tree now stands.

-Ride a tricycle to Museo Orlina for only P30. Entrance to the museum is P100.

-Museo Orlina houses the glass sculptures of renowned sculpture architect Ramon Orlina, as well as works of other local and foreign artists. It's a four-storey museum with huge open windows that let the fresh and cool Tagaytay air in, and white walls accented by colorful glass sculptures and recurring red-yellow-blue color patterns inspired by the works of one of Orlina's idols. It's four floors are named after his children (in order): Naesa, Ningning, Anna, and Michael.

 0100PM

-Ride a tricycle going to Dreamland Arts & Crafts Cafe near Cityland Condominium for only P20.

-Go grab your lunch! I tried Chick-A-Dream (Grilled Zesty Chicken with Herbs and Spices, Egg, Summer Salad, Fried Green-e-Rice, Tubasuk Vinegar, and Soup) for P180 and Lychee Smoothie with Yakult for P150. My F&B tasted better than expected :)

-The place is dreamy and artsy but they play loud remixes of OPMs that you would normally hear at pedicabs in the Metro; that is a major turnoff. Luckily they have a more appropriate playlist upon our request.

-For social media whores, sadly Dreamland doesn't have WiFi because it encourages customers to "talk to each other." They have group games (i.e. UNO Stacks, Sungka, Domino) to encourage bonding and books to help you pass the time alone, in another world. They also sell various items from dream catchers, dresses and bags, hand painted portraits, keychains, even hand sewn socks and wallets.

0330PM

-Take a short walk or ride a tricyle (for only P10) back to the Rotonda then ride a jeepney going to Nasugbu for only P10. Ask the driver to drop you off at Puzzle Mansion in Brgy. Asisa. 

Caution: A tricycle driver tried to trick us for P400 for 2 straight to the Puzzle Mansion from Dreamland. That's P380 more than what you really have to spend for!

0345PM

-Ride another tricycle for only P30 going to the Mansion. You have to walk five minutes from the drop off point because it's located in a low land. Entrance to the mansion is P100.

-Puzzle Mansion holds the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Collection of Jigsaw Puzzles of Any Size, Shape or Form."

-The over a 1,028 collection of jigsaw, crystal, and wooden puzzles on the ground floor is overwhelming. They have 2D and 3D puzzles and even puzzle balls. Better to create your route going around it (i.e. left to right, clockwise, zigzag).

-Watch the playback of the owner's TV interviews to learn more about her humble beginnings, success story, and aspirations to contribute to our tourism, one puzzle piece at a time. Or simply search for Georgina Gil-Lacuna.

-The 2nd floor features the world's largest and second largest jigsaw puzzles! You can also buy souvenir and rare puzzles at the shop, and have a snack break at the cafe.

0500PM

-Travel back to Brgy. Asisa tricycle terminal. Ride a jeepney going to Olivarez Terminal for P12.

0555PM

-Ride another tryk going to Java Jazz Cafe for only P25. It's near Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish.

0610PM

-Have your dinner in this quiet and indie-artsy cafe. I tried Pan Fried Fish Fillet in Creamy White Sauce (P119) and Pandan Green Tea with Chips and Fries (P99). Both weren't great and they were served small considering the price :(

0830PM

-Cap off the night with a nice, light massage. We tried the whole body massage at Touchpoint Spa in front of Olivarez Terminal for P450. It was okay, not good nor bad. I still prefer Nuat Thai massage which is P100 cheaper.

1000PM

-Walk shortly to the Rotonda then ride a bus going back to either Buendia or Pasay for about P80 only. 

And voila, welcome home!

In all, you have to allot about P1,500 to enjoy a day trip in Tagaytay. If you want to spend the night, you can find a Bed & Breakfast accommodation for P500. Most of the cafe and restaurants have them, you just have to ask the locals to find the affordable ones :)

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! :)

#TheBookStopProject

In case you don't know yet, there's a pop-up library currently located in front of Manila Cathedral in Plaza de Roma, Intramuros.

It is the brainchild of architectural firm WTA. They aspire to maximize the use of public spaces to promote reading books.

It's stylish as it can get. Truly an inviting centerpiece in Plaza de Roma, Intramuros

The rule in this open-space library is simple: give a book and get one of your liking in return. The 'policy' rests on public trust as it doesn't have a personnel monitoring the supposed barter. A WTA architect informed me that they are assigned to man the library for at least 1 hour a day. Some people give and don't get, while some get and don't give any.

I visited the library earlier today to watch a storytelling session in the park by Adarna Books volunteers. Storytelling is one of many pocket activities that WTA and #TheBookStopProject prepared for the public. 

In the photo below you can see a volunteer lively narrates "Ang Kwento ni Ampalaya" to random children. Seated at far right is Lyn Ching-Pascual, host of GMA's "Unang Hirit" and a reading advocate.

A WTA staff told me that next Saturday afternoon, Words Anonymous will perform live poetry for free!

From a communications and advocacy standpoint, I admire the creativity and passion of WTA in experimenting with the library's concept. It's no secret that reading books is becoming a challenge (and buying them, a luxury) and public spaces are getting hostile to and unprepared for creative ideas and executions. Not to mention that using them for free is likely impossible these days.

A WTA architect, however, expressed their company's confidence in the project. He said, (non-verbatim) "Nung first days may mga kumukuha lang. Pero at the end of the (installation period), mas marami pa rin ang new books. We have about 100 new books and about 500 visitors daily."

If these numbers are any indications to the future of literature, public participation, and more recreational and artistic public spaces, then I think we're heading in the right direction. Thanks to WTA for initiating such feat (I swear I don't know any of them.)

Before the library is in Intramuros, it spent two weeks at the heart of Ayala Triangle in Makati.

Book lovers can visit #TheBookStopProject everyday from 9AM to 10 PM until July 10, 2016. After in Intramuros, it will be transferred to Quezon City.

You can find out more details about it by searching for The Book Stop Project (@TheBookStopPH) on social media.

You can volunteer your time and talent, and donate old and unused books, and even money, to the cause.

Hurry and make a difference before the rainy season threatens the library (regarding this, another staff told me that they're working on it).

Ali

Last Wednesay, my churchmates and I went to Tahanan ng Pagmamahal (Home of Love) to serve as art instructors to almost 30 kids.

I observed and helped some kids while they were drawing 'the thing that makes them happy' but one kid stood out for me. His name is John Ali. 

Ali had a rough time starting his drawing. He couldn't identify a tangible thing that makes him happy so he just made a lettering of his name. This was his first work:

I told him to use the oslo paper and crayons we provided to enhance the quality of his work but he didn't follow. Later, I made a Sans Serif lettering of his name so he could somehow copy the pattern but he wasn't eager either. 

Ali was having a hard time between doing the task and wanting to do it beautifully at first try.

He stopped. I pushed him to try again.

Then he grabbed an oslo paper and made another lettering, this time with just his second name.

This was his second attempt:

He wrote A-L-I and made a free style border intuitively. I was impressed so I asked him to darken the outlines of A-L-I and the border for bolder impact, and he did.

Next thing I knew he was coloring the letters with red, orange, and yellow for a fiery look. He didn't want to finish the letter "I" but I insisted and this was the result:

It was way better than his first attempt. I was so glad for his humble accomplishment!

Ali helped me affirm what "try again" really means. Seeing his progress within only two hours was really worth that volunteer time we rendered. 

"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 :(