Ilog Pasig

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown,

for going out, I found what was really going on"

-John Muir

The view of "Ilog (River) Pasig" inside Fort Santiago, Intramuros

A river known for it's greatness and an important transport route during the Spanish Era in the Philippines is nothing but a dead river. All the pronounced character it showcased during it's golden times were mere remnants of the past. Thanks to the industrial development and negligence of the people it served.

Refuge

"Everybody's going through a lot of stress these days,

no matter how well off you are and how many advantages you have,

it's a stressful time in everybody's lives.

-Chris Frantz

Life is indeed full of matters which stresses out not only our physical body but our precious mind. And in those times of trouble, when one seek a refuge, there's no other place I could think of than one which is close to nature. Old yet lavishing, not different but unique. A quiet place to run in search for solitude.

Someday I'll  built a serene space like this and complement it with a Dedon's Orbit or the Daydream to woo calmness and soothe the aching heart.

Mi Ultimo Adios

"He who does not know how to look back where he came from 

will never get to his destination"

-Jose Rizal

One of the main attraction on Jose Rizal's exile place were his literary works inscribed on the walls of Fort Santiago. Remnants of a genius mind used to fought the seemingly endless colonization of foreign lands to our beloved Pearl of the Orient. The man who proved than pen is mightier than the sword. I was wondering if  Rizal would blog if he's still alive.

I remember my college days when I took the subject "Rizal's Works and Writings". If  you live in the Philippines it's impossible for you to finish college without taking this subject. The requirements includes bringing to life the two novel written by our national hero (i.e. "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo") we're also obliged to recite the "Mi Ultimo Adios", the poem written by Rizal on the night before his execution (on the hands of the Spaniards) on December 30, 1896. Those were the days I went gaga over Spanish words. Adios Patria Adorada.

For the Mother of Civilization

Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when prefect, 

is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future

-Albert Camus

The facade leading to Jose Rizal's exile room in Fort Santiago

One thing you should know about me; I'm a sucker for history and culture. I love reading contemporary stories that's why I  wish to travel far to the other side of the world, Europe in particular as well as the rest of Asia. People say only idiot loves history but to me, those idiots are rich in heart for they appreciate the mother of this modern civilization. 

Someday, I'll visit Zeus in his temple, walks in the Great Wall of China, breathe the air of London, feel the love inside Taj Mahal, and admire the heights of the Pyramids of Egypt. Someday we'll see.

Empty seat

He who knows others is wise.

He who knows himself  is enlightened.

-Lao Tzu

Fort Santiago

Happy Hearts Day!

You may find it  weird why the heck I posted this picture when I greeted everyone a happy hearts day (yeah, I know it's a day late, but it's still valid on the other side of the world). Hear me. I dedicate this post to all the single folks out there. February 14th wasn't intended for lovers alone but for everyone who has a loving heart. 

Being single is comparable to that empty seat. It looks boring, dull and lifeless. But people shouldn't worry, because their life itself is special. Special cause God has given them extra time to ponder and do the things they love, walk their feet to places their hearts desire and fly without boundaries to fulfill their dreams. Look at the empty seat on the bright side, that it was saved by God for two single people, who are in depth search for themselves and soon to meet each when they're both prepared and deserve each other.

Agree? Definitely!

For the love of Bricks

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation 

with the bricks others have thrown at him

-David Brinkley

brick wall, Fort Santiago

This photo was taken during my friend's birthday celebration in Intramuros. She wanted to have a unique birthday so we came up with the idea of a road trip to Manila and eat somewhere we've never been before. We invested too much energy, had a good laugh and made fun with everything. It was an LOL day for us. And what made this trip extra special was the opportunity to visit the historical places of Manila including Intramuros. 

Imagine the bricks on the picture were said to have been built using egg white to make them stick together and until today, the infrastructures were standing still. Stronger than before, the manifestation that they stood the test of time. Like those old bricks, may we all take each life's obstacles to strengthen our character . The kind of character that persevere against all odds.

Rock formation of Borawan Island

When life is tough, stand like a rock

-Sey

The rock formation of Borawan Island

Borawan, an island which was once a secret paradise is gaining popularity among wild adventure seekers. Derived it's name from two well known tourists spots destination, it resembles the famous rock formation of Palawan and the white sand beaches of Boracay. 

Campers who are fond of rapelling can opt for this destination. Though not grand as the other rapelling destination, it will suit the purpose, to think that this island will let you experience two leisure/adventure in one destination.

Thank God it's Saturday

There is much in the world to make us afraid.

There is much more in our faith to make us unafraid.

-Frederick W. Cropp

My necklace forged using alloy - sorry for the poor picture quality

Last time I had fun taking photo of my necklace. But since I was lazy to grab the camera which was just 5 steps away (very lazy eh?), I used my phone instead. I took the liberty to edit it using the Photoshop application on my phone which is way too easy to use rather than the one used in desktop. No sweat and look what I got, a blurry vintage look (I guess).

May you all have a wonderful weekend! Even life is full of uncertainties which leads to confusion and in the long run developed into FEAR,  always remember that our FAITH  should always be bigger with the negative things life brings. 

Amid the Stillness

"I am glad that so much movement happens in this stillness."

-Richard Land

Before leaving Borawan Island

See that orange boat? Right!, that was the boat waiting for us to hop aboard because it's time to go home. Again, we had to face the sea with fortitude.

Gazing my sight on the waves brought stillness, because its sound was music to my ears. But who would know that amid that stillness in the ocean is a 5 feet deep water just after 3 to 4 steps away from the shore. Yes, when we get to Borawan Island, the boat crews had to dock the boat near the rocks for us to get down without soaking ourselves. 

Life is really full of surprises some we get to enjoy, some caught us in surprise.