Carry on

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather,

always bring your own sunshine"

-Anthony J. D'Angelo

Fort Santiago

No matter how long, I may stumble, I may fall but I will carry on.

Rainy Days

"Anyone who says  sunshine brings happiness

has never danced in the rain"

-unknown

At Fort Santiago during a friend's birthday celebration

It's ironic how I love rainy season but I'm a weakling at cold temperature. Anyways, I believe we're in the transition period and meaning to say rainy season is on it's way, hooray for the raindrops lover like me.  But the truth is, rainy days makes me nostalgic about my childhood. It reminds me of cancelled school days where I spent the time home sitting near the window writing, reading or sleeping. Well, need I say more?

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.

Memory of the Past

It's not good because it's old

it's old because it's good

-Anonymous

The photo was taken at Fort Santiago in Intramuros during the birthday celebration of my friend. I felt a different kind of bliss because it's in this stage of my life that I come to appreciate the beauty of the place and of my heritage.