loft living, good for two to four, with dedicated dsl line

 

 

 

It is the third. It is called the Aurora Loft.

After creating the first unit (http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2008/06/28/urban-refuge-at-half-the-usual-cost/), and our second (http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2008/09/28/and-then-theres-room-for-more-at-again-half-the-price/), we have come up with another special unit.

This time a bigger place that can accommodate again up to four people. It has a separate kitchen area, and more importantly a dedicated dsl line (not  just wi-fi!).

Just like the other two units, this has a microwave oven (for heating water and take-out food), a dining set, with dining utensils. As there are several eateries just a few steps away, and commercial fast food establishments (Chowking, Jollibee, Mc Donalds), one can just bring food to the unit and chill while at the comforts of your unit.

This unit is at the corner of Roces Avenue, and Quezon Boulevard. Highly commercial and highly accessible, it is near many hotspots in Quezon City, such as the finest dining area and clubs at Timog and Morato Avenues, and comedy bars at Quezon Boulevard. With just one public ride (jeepneys, fx, buses) you can easily go to the poshest malls of SM North, and Trinoma, or get some terrific goodies at great prices from Cubao and Quiapo.

If you are interested in this unit,  please call 0917-9699894, 4180776 or  9368-368.

remnants of time

The whole experience can be hypnotic.

Just saunter through the streets. And peer without rush at your left and at your right.  There are mansions and domiciles, antiquated from an epoch of supposed gracious living. Original Bahay na Bato structures eloquently suggest the era of tasteful everyday life during the Spanish Colonial era. The large arching gates implore you to imagine the masters of the house entering inside, utilizing their horse driven carriage. The upper floor’s capiz shell window shutters, swung open, capture an imagined young lass staring through them at a waiting and hopeful bachelor at the dusty cobblestone street corner. Then there were kids who just played around and finally decided to sit at the floor with their legs hanging from the ventanillas (small windows below the main windows) that functioned originally as an aid to make the whole sala (living space) more airy and well ventilated.

 But of course what you get are the remnants of the time gone by at Vigan’s Mestizo locality, more particularly at the restored and much resurrected Calle Crisologo, just a short distance from the main plaza of Vigan.  The homes have now weather beaten window shades and aging wooden doors. Wall plasters crumble, exposing the original brick and lime method of constructing the edifice. The patina of grime and disintegrating paint from the structures only make the whole scenario overwhelmingly raw and emotional as the whole place seems to be part of the collective cultural memory of the Filipinos.

 Calle Crisologo and its parallel streets are part of what was once an enclave for the Chinese migrant families during the 19^th Century. Many of whom were entrepreneurs who added relevantly to the economic life of Vigan and built illustrious names for themselves.  But through the years, the remaining descendants needed to get out from their ancestral homes, leaving them to caretakers for the maintenance and upkeep. Thus it is not hard to imagine that many of the residences would need so much repair and reconstruction in the later years.

 And according to the National Museum, a Spain based organization was able to provide seed money for the refurbishing of the whole district during the 90s. And of course the local government had to spearhead the project and inject vigor to the preservation of a definite Vigan heritage. Everything had been spruced up but the buildings need to conform with the architecture and design reminiscent of that period. Clutter that took away from the lure and gentility of the early times had to be lessened significantly.  

Now, there is much life along the stretch of Calle Crisologo and its side streets. The clip-clop sound of the horses which pull the karitela (carriage) contribute in essaying the recollection. The roaring sound of the tricycles and some window type airconditioning though are the some anachronisms to the place’s full design. The zaguans (where carriages were placed) of yore are now being rented out to stores that display and sell antique reproductions and mementos, enhancing even more its romanticism . Some of these quarters have now been transformed into hotels and inns which successfully continue the memory and legacy of the old magical existence of Vigan.

two tall

Lapulapu of Luneta Park. David of Davao City.

Two behemoth structures that call attention from their territory’s populace and guests. Two gigantic personas that awed and inspired their respective people at their respective time and place. One is from the pages of Philippine history; the other is  from the books of the Bible.

There is a replica of Michaelangelo’s statue of King David at the beachfront of Davao City. As written in the Old Testament, King David was the one who slung a rock at the forehead of the taller and much heavier Goliath who had been a menace  to Israelites.

And this tall structure made a commotion, a few years back among the politicians and the citizens of this economically progressive city of Davao. As the reproduction has David, nude and looming above the reflecting pool, some quarters wanted it removed; some, as a compromise, just required it to have some pants.

Apparently until now, the statue still depcits David in its naked glory, perhaps, just cooling his heels for the another round of fight, against censorship and prohibition, after the local elections this year.

Another controversial behemoth statue is the one at Rizal Park in Manila. Supposedly, this park should only honor, Jose Rizal, the Philippines’s national hero, and no one else as the park’s name implies, but apparently there is the great bronze figure of Lapu-Lapu, lording it over between the Department of Tourism and Department of Finance Buildings at the then known, Agrifina Circle of Luneta Park.

Some knowledgeable people of history and even landscape architecture raised voices against Lapulapu’s monument inside the national park. Some historians and chroniclers cited that Lapulapu had lead against the foreign invasion of the Spanish conquistadors, when the Philippines as a nation was not even created yet, hence Lapulapu should not be exactly called a Philippine hero yet. 

And some just didn’t like how the sculpture blends in with the aesthetics of the park, itself.  Lapulapu’s figure was too tall, and just did not create the balance and proportion with Rizal’s monument.

Apparently, regionalism deepened the controversy as some Cebuanos have taken the opposition to the marker as an insult to Visayans since Lapulapu had been a datu from Mactan, Cebu.

Whether such monolithic statues of King David or Datu Lapulapu have served well, in terms of beautifying and enhancing their respective places or not, there is no doubt such great people have affected other men and women to be wilfull and assertive against supposed enemies and antagonists.

crimson

 

It was one day before the height of the activities for the fiesta of the Black Nazarene of the Quiapo Church, also known as Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene and St. John the Baptist Church. If you want to avoid the swarming of the crowd and the heightened passion for the reverence of the statue, then you better go there before January 9. 

And true enough, there were less people.  Last January 8, if you are around the vicinity of Quiapo Church, then you could  still feel  the anticipation of the devotees, milling around and inside the church, for the coming festivities. The church was full, during the almost hourly mass. Some had to contently wait outside the church premises. Security men, usually ardent followers of the Nazareno and in dark red shirts, were ready to make things orderly during the occasion.

Vendors were taking advantage of the need for Nazarene shirts, pendants, fans, face towels, hankies, and other chotskies, usually in predominantly maroon which is the color of iconic statue’s robe.

It is said that in 1606, the galleon ship from Mexico carrying the statue of the Nazarene burned (hence the Nazarene’s ebony color) on its way to the Philippines in 1606.   The statue’s survival, and the dramatic color change provided that mystic aura to the relic. Since then, people have sworn about the supernatural occurrences such as healing miracles, and positive changes in their lives  because of the Black Nazarene.  

Although the adoration for the Nazarene has been strong over several generations, it is in the last two decades that the media seems to have picked up the tumultuous, almost overzealous affection for the representation of the pitiable Christ, kneeling haplessly on his way to his Crucifixion.

 There have been several mishaps, even deaths, related to the pushing, shoving and jostling for space near the truck that carries the life-sized statue from the start of the procession at the Luneta Grandstand, to the narrow streets of Manila, and eventually to its home, Quiapo Church .  Yet this obvious, almost fanatic devotion for the Christ’s image is how some Filipinos, clad in crimson shirts and barefooted, manifest willful need to show appreciation, and cleansing of past transgressions.

a journey into stillness

Happy year 2010, my dear readers!

It is a new year for all of us. And perhaps, we may want to start off the year and a new decade, with some introspection on how we have lived our lives for the last 10 years, since year 2000.

You may just want to hie off to bucolic Bukidnon, not only for some rest and relaxaton, but for some prayerful retreat as well.

In Malaybalay, there is a place, run by the Benedictine Monks who can guide people to a spiritual journey. At the sprawling compound of the Monastery of  the Transfiguration, you are greeted with the iconic and yet moderne church, created by National Artist, Architect Leandro Locsin. With the church’s pyramidal rooftop pointing to the skies above, you yourself are set to reach the heavens above, with some contemplation and worship.

With less than a thousand pesos a day, the Monks will take you in as a guest, where you get to have some simple and yet hearty meals, including meriendas, and get to sleep alone, (or share a room, if you’re with your hubby or wife), in a spartan yet comfy room.

With no television and internet to disturb your peace, there is only the beauty of the rugged natural surroundings, and church’s wondrous architecture to help you explore your mind and heart. You are highly encouraged to be still and quiet, and just meditate on guide questions provided by the retreat masters throughout the day. 

And you start and end the day with monastic exultations and prayers. At about 3 in the morning, the church bell peels to signal for you to get ready and partake in worship, with the monks through incantations and songs. And at the evenings, you are invited to a dimly lit church for vespers and more enthralling choir music.

With the hooded monks at your beck and call for direction, the room and board ready for healing the weary soul, and the monastery’s sounds and sights for inspiration, Bukidnon’s Church of the Transfiguration is a highly recommended travel, for a brand new year, a brand new decade, and a brand new you.

a merry and marry month!

 

Christmas season, because of the long school and office break, has been traditionally a family reunion time as well. Many from outside the country, and even from Manila would take time to go back to their roots, particularly to their hometowns. It becomes an occasion for merriment, giftgiving and reacquaintances.

And because, Filipinos from abroad, would travel half the world to see their own respective families in the Philippines, many marrying couples would take the opportunity to walk down the aisles too. The engaged couple would be so appreciative and grateful if many more guests, particularly the Balikbayans (Filipino expatriates) could come and partake in this supposedly once in a lifetime moment of exchanging vows.

The pleasantly crisp and cool weather during this time, the good natured spirit of the people during the Holiday season, and even the deep pockets of relatives and friends, brought about by the Christmas salary bonuses or business sales, should just push the couple to seek out and reserve venues for the wedding and reception during December, such as the very popular Fernwood Garden in Quezon City. ( The place has that forested ambiance, for intimate or grand weddings. And its chapel has that elegant interiors, enhancing the sanctity of the nuptials.)

It is no surprise, that the National Statistics Office would list the month of December, as the month when mates most marry, beating out the supposedly traditional matrimonial month of June  (hence the appellaton, “June Bride”).

In this month, let me greet my Mom and Dad, “Happy Wedding Anniversary,” and to my cousin Arnold and his wife, Sherrie, “Congratulations and Best Wishes.”

And of course, in this month, let me say to you too, dear readers, “Cheers and Happy Holidays!”

the vanguard island: madridejos

(preceding story: http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/the-vanguard-island-bantayan-proper/)

Island gatekeeper. You then haggle with your guide to bring you to your final destination – Madridejos, specifically at the Kota Park. This is where you get to see vestiges of fortifications that had been all around the island during the Spanish Era.

The island during the 17^th century had several mortal and coral watchtowers and two fort settlements which were protecting other neighboring islands such as the whole Cebu Island, Leyte, Masbate and even other islands in Mindanao from seaborne Moros hence the appellation  “Bantayan” (to guard).

But you need to wait for the sunset at its coastal line to appreciate the incredible beauty of the area. There you get to make out silhouettes of people as they pick some crablets for dinner from rockstones where the seawater has receded. It can be a powerful picture of the quintessential coastal life. And the long newly constructed way to its viewdeck just enhances the drama of the beach.

Daing for pasalubong. As you end your travel, with very inexpensive daing na danggit (dried fish) just bought from the market at Bantayan Proper as homecoming treat, and as the sea changes its hue from aquamarine of the shallow waters to blue cobalt of the deep ocean while taking a ferry out of the island, then you realize that Bantayan is only a memory that will linger for many months to come.

faces of the gentle

 

In a four hectare land area in Davao City, at the vicinity near the Pan-Philippine Hiway and just some distance away from, the Gaisano Mall, the city government boasts its relatively new, Davao City People’s Park, a worthy must-see for first-time travellers.

Using the old PTA grounds, Davao City’s Mayor Duterte spearheaded the newest urban attraction that impresses its people with thoughtfully designed landscaping which employs the Philippine bamboo and rainforest trees, from different parts of the world, particularly from Africa and Asia.

Perhaps all throughout the day, the park becomes a haven for joggers and health buff. The old oval track, which used to be all muddy during the rains, is now restored, utilizing bricks and mortar as pavement. Runners should appreciate the greens and foliage surrounding the area, and be pleased with flocks of pigeons, fluttering above.

People will not miss the vignettes of statuettes of cute children, in traditional costumes scattered strategically in the park as part of the garden plan.  These are sculptural representations of Lumad children doing different life activities, such as fishing for meal, harvesting and farming, and balancing on stilts as part of their traditional games.

 The Lumads are the indigenous people of Southern Philippines, and have been descendants of the original inhabitants of the areas in Mindanao. The Lumads such as the T’boli, the Mandaya and other cultural groupings dot the vast Mindanao island, and have contributed to the rich and diverse cultural identity of the Philippines.

Kublai Millan, young Davao based sculptor, ably provided the sculptures of the young native kids having cherubic faces, including their buggy eyes.  Definitely, heart warming and adorable, such depictions illustrate the gentle and tender nature of our ethnic brethren.

 

the vanguard island: bantayan proper

 

(preceding story http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/the-vanguard-island-sta-fe-beach/)

Against the usual tradition.  If you just want to roam around Sta. Fe, then the padyak (foot pedalled cab) will suffice enough. But if you want to visit the two other towns,  like Bantayan Proper, then you need to hop on to a motorbike, and hold on to the driver for an easy ride. In Bantayan Proper, this is where you get extra cash when needed. There is an Allied Bank Branch which dispenses money at its ATM (automated teller machine).  Of course, even in the resort hotels of Sta. Fe, there are credit card facilities as well so pretty much, money may not be a problem in the island once it becomes depleted.

But in Bantayan Island, people don’t run out of being spiritual and being religious. It is manifested in its coral-stone edifice of the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul. At 430 years old, it is the oldest church not only in Cebu but in the whole of Visayas and Mindanao.  It is a magnificent architectural and heritage piece constructed by the Augustinian friars. Inside, stone statues abound which depict saints and their lives. More often, the wood carved statuary are used as decorations in the interiors of other Philippine Churches. There you get to see old ladies sell candles, and young men play basketball at its four quadrant plaza.

 If its church is inspiring, you may a little bewildered by its atypical Holy Week ritual. People of Bantayan Island are exempted to abstain from eating meat. In fact it is said that there is a Papal approval by LeoXII during the 19^th century allowing the people to feast on chicken, beef and even Lechon even on Good Friday. Apparently, people during the Spanish colonial period had to ask the Pope for such immunity from the usual Lenten practice, as the fisherfolk  during Holy Week would skip going out to the seas to catch fish to observe Lenten Season. Although the reason may be a little convoluted, you will be just in awe at how piously people observe Good Friday as life-like statues which illustrate the passion of Christ’s crucifixion parade through the streets.

(continuation – http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2009/12/06/vanguard-island-madridejos/)

 

bianca speaks volumes

(From IQ Magazine, September,2009 Issue, )

 She dashed softly into the set alone.  She would drive by her own, and would need no personal assistants. And she was very well on time for the 1pm photoshoot and interview appointment.

She is Bianca Gonzales, the young, vibrant and well-admired tv personality who has made a name for herself through hosting a series of shows that are geared to the young and the young minded. At the moment, she is seen in “Y-Speak” and “E-live,” a showbiz oriented program every Saturday afternoon.

She was also very much a part of early morning programs like  “Breakfast” in Studio 23, and “Magandang Umaga Bayan” in ABS-CBN 2. In the Cinema One Cable Channel, she was part of “Review Night” where she provided movie reviews on Filipino Films.

With the Youth  In “Y-Speak” Bianca generally talks about issues and concerns of the Filipino youth and the young adults today. She has been moderating the town meeting debate format within the show. And she knew early on, she would be doing fine in a show that delves primarily about matters on politics and society since she was the one who is not bored, reading the newspaper to be aware of what is happening.

 It was in college when she started her blogsite.  The blog has given her that avenue to speak her mind through the writings and the pictures taken by her trusty Canon 400D digital camera.

 Bianca used the blog as a barometer of her early success as a host at “Y Speak.”

“I started out my blog while I was in college. And it had 5 comments or 10 comments. But when I started doing “Y-Speak,” nagiging 30 comments. Dumadami. Parang even if it was not even connected with my post, they would comment that they watched a (certain) episode. And random people come up to me and would ask me on my opinion on certain matters. I felt that was the point na ‘Hey, puwede ako dito.’ That meant a lot.”

 Bianca acknowledged that during her college years, she had been very much into her studies. She took up AB Communication Arts, with a minor in Philosophy at Ateneo de Manila.

 She was not the one who got intimidated with such esoteric courses that she had even chosen the “tougher” instructors. She remembered that she was in awe by Dr. Leo Garcia’s Philosophy 101 subject that by the time she graduated she had taken 6 Philo classes under him.

 If Bianca was quite intense with her college education, in her highschool years at La Salle, Zobel, she had enjoyed her stay much more. While she was in the honors section all through out her stay, she was still able to participate in “cool” activities such as being part of the cheerleading squad. And her joining gave her chance to mingle with other batches despite her being shy and reserved.

She intimated that truly she was quiet and even kinda geeky in highschool. But she was a cheerleader then, and that gained her some popularity points. Still she downplayed the importance of being “popular” particularly during highschool life.

 “I happen to fall in that prototype (of being a nerd). I also remember looking up to the girls na medyo ‘mean girls’  and influential. And you realize na when you get older, how trivial all these things were in highschool. Na ‘Oh my God,’ I want to fit in. That they have to like me. But when you get older, you realize ang liit pala ng bagay na yon. And it is so superficial. Popularity helps but it has to be handled the right way. Popularity is a big responsibility as well.”

 Prod Work And while she was in school, Bianca dabbled much in writing and the different aspects of media work. In La Salle, she wrote scripts, and directed stage plays. In Ateneo, she was part of the yearbook project, and would produce films as part of her college course. She felt strongly that could do production work, particularly behind the cameras after college.

 Consequently, it was no surprise that even by third year college, Bianca applied and was able to work in ABS-CBN. She was one of the brainstormers whose task was to conceptualize new shows and formats for television.

However it had been her brother, JC Gonzales’s stint as host for the morning show “Breakfast,” that actually inspired Bianca to aspire for the same job.  She thought that if Kuya JC could host a morning show, she could hack the same job as well. So she grabbed instantly the opportunity to be on television screen once an offer had been given to her by ABS-CBN.

In 2003, and in her first television emceeing job in “Y-Speak,” together with Karen Davila and Ryan Agoncillo, Bianca needed to be quick in her thoughts.  She recalled that there was a need for her to synthesize ideas brought about by the guests and audience. Then she would give a short summary at the end of the show. And up to this day, she is very grateful to her cohosts for supporting a newbie like her.

 “Kasi there was a wrap up in every episode. And I was so terrified. Of course, people would listen to what Karen Davila and Ryan Agoncillo would say, but who would like to listen to what this college girl would say?”

 Among the prominent tv personalities, it is her talent manager, Boy Abunda whom she considered as one of the best in tv hosting. For her, Boy would be able to talk on a certain topic for several hours and still be stimulating. She remembered a piece of advice from Boy Abunda on hosting.

 “To be interesting, you have to be interested.”

For Bianca, Boy’s piece of advice meant that a host has to be truly fascinated in a variety of things. A host is not to be unaware about a certain topic that he primarily should know about while hosting. In other words, research and reading are key elements of a good anchoring job.

At the moment, she is also enjoying her presence on tv as a host in less serious tv fare, particularly in “E-Live.” Here, she is part of a triumvirate of ladies, already having had the taste of early success in anchoring reality programs such as Pinoy Big Brother  Editions.  Bianca acknowledged that she and her cohosts, Mariel Rodriguez and Toni Gonzaga, have different approaches in their jobs. Toni does her hosting chops with authority. Mariel provides comical bursts and energy.  Bianca dishes out the analytical and serious stuff.

 At Home  Yet even before Bianca was among the hosts of several editions of Pinoy Big Brother, interestingly, she had been one of the 14 housemates of the 1^st Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition (PBBCE) in 2006.

In this show, she had to do backbreaking and sometimes insightful tasks for Big Brother, or “Kuya” with 24/7 cameras all over the house to the relish of every reality television aficionado.

 And since then, Bianca’s name became too popular that people were clamoring for her to act in a film or a teleserye.  But until now, she nixes the idea. She has never aspired to be an actress. And if she is not passionate about it, then she just can’t force herself to be one.

At her own place, she appreciates the downtime. She just lazes around while watching CSI on Fox Crime Channel, or travel documentaries on Discovery Travel and Living Channel for hours.

Every morning, her Mom wakes her up, and she goes right away for a cup of coffee. Then she checks on her emails and blogsite. She does not go to the gym, but instead runs in a treadmill in her home. And by noon, she is off to ABS-CBN.

 She admitted that she would rather stay at home than go out, if she has time to relax. If she does go out, she would go to her favorite nearby mall – Alabang Town Center to walk around or to be at her friends’ houses for quiet dinners.

At her very core, Bianca is the self effacing young woman who wants to enjoy peace and tranquil times. There is almost a calming effect once you get to chat with her. She is never forceful nor loud. But in every chance she talks, there is so much in her being that expresses volumes.