Visita La Residencia de Aguinaldo

Albeit two decades of living here in Luzon, it was only recently - 19 September 2018. Wednesday - when I finally visited Kawit, Cavite. Still, better late than never.

At first I thought I wouldn't be able to make it because I left Makati around noon. The Aguinaldo Shrine is only open until 4PM. Thanks to Cavitex, going to the province of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo is faster than going anywhere in Metro Manila.

It is not difficult to spot the residence of the First Republic's residence. Amidst the houses in Kawit, the Aguinaldo Shrine stands proud in white paint. I easily hopped out the bus and walked a little into the compound.

I love the architecture. Well, I always appreciate colonial architecture in the country. The guide inside the shrine mentioned that the residence didn't start as what it looks like today. The General made extensions on the right side of the house for his children. If I remember correctly, there were three additional rooms on the second level, for the daughters of the general. There's a room leading to the tower but it was off limits. Too bad. I would've loved to explore the place.

It rained some minutes before the shrine was to be closed for the day. Having no umbrella, I had to stay. It's interesting that I had to take shelter from a very old and historical house, one that has contributed a number of times for the country. God bless this house.

Because of the rain, I haven't explored the compound. I headed straight inside the residence when I came. Thinking about it, I have to go back. A friend of mine was also inviting.

Hanging out inside, I learned some interesting information about the country's first dictator and his house. I dare say Mr. Emilio Aguinaldo was one particular and meticulous person.

It was also relaxing to watch the rainfall from his residence, whether from the window beside his bedroom or through the windows at the receiving area and even when you do so at The Sinner's Balcony, which is overlooking a river not so obvious anymore. Too bad. I was told the river used to play important role in transportation and trade back in the old days.

I would've gone to the irasan but it was getting late and I had work the following day. I ended up not sleeping. I was too preoccupied with President Emilio Aguinaldo. Visiting his house was one thing, watching GOYO: Ang Batang Heneral  was another. That was double dose.

Crazy

I got lost, distracted. I've already prepared in my head what to write for this entry, for now as there are a lot to write, but everything got swept into the sea. Crazy. Well, I spent quite a time watching YouTube vids of CRA casts appearances. That's why.

It reminded me though of something I've been thinking a lot before, for some years. Well, I still think about it from time to time. For now I am committed to what I have. But somehow things don't seem to fit and you get to have an urge to do something unusual. I wanted to say "crazy" but I've always been one so that would just be "normal" me.

Few of these past days without work were spent somewhere, particularly in Cavite and Batangas, respectively. Having gone so I realized I should've done that before. Both provinces are in the same region. I live in the same region, for goodness' sake!

Kawit, Cavite was an obvious first choice because it's the closest to Metro Manila, and for the reason that at the time I was quite preoccupied with the Philippines' first dictator and president, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy.

The quick trip was a revelation, not just of Pres. Aguinaldo but also of Kawit. I was particularly intrigued with architecture and trade during his youth and early adult years. So I left Kawit with a lot of curiosity and considerations. Knowing there would be a whole lot of them, I decided to pursue an another crazy plan: watch GOYO: Ang Batang Heneral again, only after a week's interval.

The memories and curiosities from my Kawit trip still haunt me so I thought I should push for the Tanauan trip. And I just did that, in a crazy manner I must admit. I'm simply sweet lemon-ing it, thinking that it's for the town now city that has given and produced a son who has done a tremendous thing for our country, for our nation.

Unfortunately, I forgot that it was Monday when I would be having the visit to Apolinario Mabini's shrine. National museum and/or shrines are closed on Mondays. Heck. Thankfully, Tanauan has other things to offer. I will talk about it another time. It deserves a separate entry, so does my Kawit trip.


Now Playing: Kina Grannis - Issues (Julia Michaels)

Ancient Philippines

If what I found* is true, I pray it is, then my people would be in a great surprise for the contribution of our nation even back in the ancient times. No wonder foreign nations were drank with greed to devour our land, to the point of erasing and manipulating our history.

If such* is true, what a pity that my people look down upon themselves wishing they had a blood of this and that foreign nation, wishing to live in another land of paradise, another Eden.

Moreso, such* would probably cause us to make protecting our environment a top priority. If Filipinos only know what they have offered and have to offer the world...

156 years

Kaarawan ni Pepe! It's been 156 years since the famous kid from Calamba was born.

Blessed is the Philippines for having a son like him.

Jose Rizal is one of those people I admire because he was a real "Renaissance Man" during his time. Most of the time I would wish I could accomplish as much as he did. Well, we'd have to skip his medical achievements. I'm not a licensed doctor like he was.

Pepe and friends (Juan Luna and Valentin Ventura). These guys and their other friends are the real squad goals.

Manila Cathedral

It's been more than a decade when I had the chance to visit Intramuros for the second time. For the third time, it's been almost two decades since the first. I've loved Intramuros since I first came during my fifth grade in primary school.

On January 25, I got the chance to go to Intramuros again and was spared with a couple of minutes to walk around. As I passed by the Manila Cathedral, I thought it had some European feel, which was no surprise. If only I could stare at its dome for hours, I would. I just sufficed myself with a couple of photos but this one is the better shot I had.

While walking along the streets of Intramuros I thought to myself if our national heroes also walked the same path. It feels nice to be in the same place where they used to be.

I will never get tired coming back to Intramuros. Well, the travel is not that convenient but it's always worth it once you get inside the walled city.

Now Playing: Joey Ayala and Bayang Barrios - Walang Hanggang Paalam

RT and US

RT

Since discovering Russia Today last year, I've never been interested to mainstream media anymore. Not that I stopped watching or listening to some. It's just that my standards were raised as the news I read from RT are relevant but usually unreported by most media outlets. I also appreciate the perspective.

Of course there will be an obvious difference of perspective. RT is state-owned, by Russia obviously. As a person who likes or prefers to listen to both or all parties involved, it's good to know a different point of view albeit the source is linked to a state that's quite controversial. Thinking about it, Russia deserves the benefit of the doubt. At the same time, we can't just take what the West says on face value.

US

As a Filipino, I think it's given if I give Uncle Sam more benefit of the doubt. But there's just a lot of conspiracy theories things that have happened, are happening, and will happen that feed doubts and concerns on our supposed ally, not just for issues concerning the Philippines but about their foreign policy in general. 

It's heart breaking. You can't help but question their motives and sincerity. I understand that they have to think of their personal interest before us, and that's how things should be, but not through abuse and deceit and what have you. No wonder our current president hates Uncle Sam.

I don't hate Uncle Sam. Not anymore. Not since I started rooting for the New York Yankees and got reminded of John 3:16. Because yes, God loves the Americans too. The Lord Jesus also died for them. Ergo, I have to love them. Based on 1 Corinthians 13. But don't expect me to be so fond of them the way most of my countrymen do because I still remember why the child in me didn't like the Americans. Let's just say I've forgiven them for what they did to the Filipinos back in history.

Yeah, I've never been fond of the Americans since I was a kid, even before I graduated from primary school.

I think I have to be proud of my little self because even at young age, I've had an independent and non-mainstream mentality. Silly as it may sound but I think I want to meet my little self and give her a pat on the back, tell her that she's doing fine. And that she's cool.

Now Playing: Susie Suh - Lucille

On people blaming Ferdinand Marcos

Post below was my comment to a friend's post in Facebook last week. I thought I'd keep a copy here in my blog.

It's annoying that a lot of people are blaming former President Ferdinand Marcos for all the troubles during the Martial Law. Although I firmly believe that Marcos should still be accountable of his term and administration, it doesn't mean salo niya ang lahat.

People, and whoever has the legal means, should prove in the court of law all their accusations and not just with stories. Para matapos na. I'm not saying the killings and rape stories are not true. Ang daming pamilya ang nag-suffer dahil may kaanak silang na-torture, rape, at napatay. Legit 'yun. Pero sino ba talaga ang totoo at dapat managot?

What if hindi pala lahat ng bintang nila kay FM ay totoo? What if hindi pala talaga kasalanan ni FM 'yun? Pero si FM at ang Marcos family sinisisi nila. Nasaan ang hustisya r'on? Magdusa man ang mga Marcos kung hindi naman sila ang totoong may kasalanan, wala rin ang akala nilang hustisya. Malaya pa rin ang sino man dapat managot. Hindi 'yun makatarungan.

Kung si FM naman talaga ang dapat na managot sa lahat, tapusin na ang kaso. Isara na at ibigay na ang hustisya sa mga biktima. 'Wag na patagalin dahil ang daming tao ang nagdurusa at umaasa ng hustisya.

Now Playing: Susie Suh - Here With Me

Random comment #1

It's my comment on a friend's Facebook post against the alleged tactics of the "yellow army" or Liberal Party supporters with the recent appearance of Matobato as a witness on the Senate Hearing against alleged extra-judicial killings during the administration's anti-illegal drugs campaign.

It's annoying that a lot of people are blaming former President Ferdinand Marcos for all the troubles during the Martial Law. Although I firmly believe that Marcos should still be accountable of his term and administration, it doesn't mean salo niya ang lahat.

People, and whoever has the legal means, should prove in the court of law all their accusations and not just with stories. Para matapos na. I'm not saying the killings and rape stories are not true. Ang daming pamilya ang nag-suffer dahil may kaanak silang na-torture, rape, at napatay. Legit 'yun. Pero sino ba talaga ang totoo at dapat managot?

What if hindi pala lahat ng bintang nila kay FM ay totoo? What if hindi pala talaga kasalanan ni FM 'yun? Pero si FM at ang Marcos family sinisisi nila. Nasaan ang hustisya r'on? Magdusa man ang mga Marcos kung hindi naman sila ang totoong may kasalanan, wala rin ang akala nilang hustisya. Malaya pa rin ang sino man dapat managot. Hindi 'yun makatarungan.

Kung si FM naman talaga ang dapat na managot sa lahat, tapusin na ang kaso. Isara na at ibigay na ang hustisya sa mga biktima. 'Wag na patagalin dahil ang daming tao ang nagdurusa at umaasa ng hustisya.

I'm posting it here kasi ang haba. Hahaha.

And for the record, I find it sad that people see the Liberal Party supporters in general as if everyone thinks, says, and acts the same way. I have a friend who is a strong supporter of the Liberal Party yet he thinks on his own, logically and sensibly. We need more people like him, not just among the LP supporters but also among other politicians' or parties' supporters.

Now Playing: Up Dharma Down - Tadhana

Kinaumagahan

Maaga ako ngayon sa trabaho. Salamat sa Diyos. Subalit dala't pasan ko pa rin ang mga damdaming kumirot at nanuot sa aking puso't isipan ng nagdaang gabi. Hindi pa rin nawawala. Sa halip, bumabalik maya't maya dala ang banta ng pagtulo ng mga luha.

Dalawang bagay ang pinaghuhugutan ng damdaming pasan sa kasalukuyan. Ang huli ang pinakamabigat sapagkat mga alaala'y nagbalik simula ng kabataan hinggil sa mga pangyayaring kasintanda ng mga akda ni Laong Laan.

Mahirap at masakit subalit kailangang pasanin. Sa kabilang banda, ako ay nagagalak malaman na ang aking kaisipan ay hindi nauna sa akin. Ganoon din si Taga-Ilog. Kung ako man ay nabuhay o mabuhay nang kasabay niya, hindi nakapagtataka kung ako'y susunod sa kanya nang walang alinlangan.

Salamat sa aking nakasama at nakilala nang higit pa nitong nagdaang gabi. Pinakita at pinaramdam niya sa akin na ako ay hindi nag-iisa sa landas na nais marating. Hindi para sa sarili.

12 Years a Slave

I was in Power Books at Greenbelt when I thought of buying a classic work. Instead of a typical novel, I decided to go for 12 Years a Slave, an autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free but coloured man who was abducted and sold into slavery. He was born free but suffered the unfortunate fate of some of his fellows. Thankfully, and praise God for that, Northup did not die a slave. He was able to reclaim his freedom and be united with his family albeit after 12 years.

What made me buy this book was my now interest in biographies. I've already bought a few at least a year ago but I haven't really made it a personal interest to collect some, not even a few. I went for 12 Years a Slave because it's an actual account of someone who was made a slave. He was not just a slave, though only for a period of time, but he was an outsider who experienced slavery. His view of the system was obviously different because he was not born into it but was fully treated as if he was.

I remember crying hard, not just once nor twice, when I read Solomon's story. 12 Years a Slave is heart-breaking. I can only imagine what it was really like. We should thank the great men and women who did their part to put a stop into this wicked practice.

I could say Northup bore the experience of slavery "for us." In our time and generation, I believe we can't appreciate the system. We may, and will definitely, raise a brow seeing men brutally hurt by their masters nowadays. But what was it like for the masters back then? How on earth could they dare and stand to hurt a human being to the point of almost death? Why would they treat and consider another human a mere property no less than a farm animal? And for what? Because they were born black? A negro? Who started that wicked thought?

Back then, slavery was a norm. It was legal and perceived as natural as purchasing anything. But how the masters treated their slaves was another story. Having servants may have been mentioned in the Bible more than a dozen times but some seemed to have forgotten that God also cares for the slaves, basically anyone who is maltreated and oppressed by their masters and the society. We were taught or told that rampant sexual immorality caused God to fire sulfur at Sodom and Gomorrah, but only few realized that it was not the only reason. Too much wickedness abound in both cities. Cries of oppression reached the heavens. There was too much injustice in Sodom and Gomorrah.

There was a day, while I was still reading this book, when I got so upset with our driver that I wanted to call him and tell him words that were not nice. I was so upset because he did something wrong and cost me. Then I remembered 12 Years a Slave and those wicked masters mentioned by Northup. What makes me different then? Of course I couldn't and wouldn't whip our driver but my words, those I intended to lash him with, would probably have had the same effect. I grieved that such wicked intent came into me.

"A man with a particle of mercy in his soul would have not beaten even a dog so cruelly." This is my favourite quote from the book. Today, we grieve the death of an animal but back then a slave beaten to death would be justified because of the slave's disobedience. It's hard to grasp. Perhaps.

I looked into today's, our time's, society. How do we treat people with lower economic status or lower social rank than us. The latter, I dare say, is absurd. But yes, how do we treat our house helpers if we have one? How about our drivers? And those utility workers in our company?

How Solomon recalled his story was very impressive. He was obviously an educated man. His accounts also showed that he was not discriminate for he did not withhold the good characters of his master William Ford. He even understood why some people even young ones were indifferent to the slavery system. And yet, Samuel Bass was spot on when he asked, "Is everything right because the law allows it?"

I quote in chapter 18, when Solomon was referring to his master's son of ten or twelve years of age. "The child is father to the man," and with such training, whatever may be his natural disposition, it cannot well be otherwise than that, on arriving at maturity, the sufferings and miseries of the slave will be looked upon with entire indifference. The influence of the iniquitous system necessarily fosters an unfeeling and cruel spirit, even in the bosoms of those who, among their equals, are regarded as humane and generous." And I totally agree to that. They thought and believed that slavery was ok and that they could do whatever they want to their slave, whom they considered a property. And yet they have forgotten mercy. Showing none will grant them none.

We should all remember that the day will come for the prayers of the slaves to be answered. A time will come for justice and judgment. It will be "a terrible day of vengeance when the master in his turn will cry in vain for mercy."

Inside the Revolution effect

I haven't finished reading Inside the Revolution by Joel C. Rosenberg but it gives me a picture of what had happened, so vivid that I couldn't help being moved. Like today. There I was on MRT Araneta-Cubao Station wiping the tears welling in my eyes as I read about the Tragedy at Desert One.

It breaks my heart knowing that hundreds of thousands of Muslims were  and are brainwashed by the radicals. They're not on a suicide bombing mission on the way to paradise. It's genocide bombing on the way to hell. This is a new form of pagan practice done way back before Christ was born, causing God to condemn how people sacrificed their children on fire.

May this come to an end.

Now Playing: Hagit Yaso - Standing at the Gate

Kennon: Road to Global Peace and Unity [musical play]

I got to watch Kennon: Road to Global Peace and Unity, a three-act musical play, twice. Hehe.. If only I could, I would've probably watched it thrice. Oh well. I had fun on both times. I had a happy Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning.

As mentioned in my previous blog entry, I only found out about the musical play by accident. Or perhaps by heavens' decree? It's good that I got to watch the play twice because I was able to observe some things. It was interesting.

Before I get started, I'd like to note the main difference on how I watched the same play on different times/days. Day 1: With heart and spirit; Day 2: With heart and brain. Of course I was able to notice things that need improvement on day 1 but I dismissed them as I was so engrossed to the message of the play.

So here I go. I hope I can make this short and quick. Reminder though, I am not a professional in the performing arts. Written below were merely thoughts and observations.

Plot

The story is about how Kennon Road was built. For two years, about 4000 people all around the world worked together to carve the mountains of Benguet. Wow. But more than its history, the play also talked about its future, for it is indeed a heritage of our people (I'm not excluding the rest of the country here) and even of the world.

By the way, to the Japanese people.. doumo arigatou gozaimashita! We may have been conquered by the Imperial Army of Japan, but the story of Kennon Road reminds us that without selfish ambitions we can all work together, in peace and unity.

I would definitely recommend this musical play to all students, not just to the people of Baguio but also to all Filipinos. The story of Kennon Road is not just a story of the people of Baguio or of Benguet but also a story of the Filipinos. Yeah, it's the story of the people of God.

Acting

My favourite actor would be the Japanese grandfather. When he cried, "Revive! Revive!" my eyes were welling with tears. I felt what he felt though his was worse because I haven't seen Baguio when it was still young and yet I've already had a lot of dismay for this supposed beautiful city (the first time I came here).

If I were to choose a favourite singer, I'd choose the obaasan, the Japanese grandmother. When she sang, I felt the emotions, the grief. She reminded me of Yakenogahara (Burnt Field) by Cocco, a Japanese singer. I actually had Memories as LSS.

There's also one actor who, albeit playing no major role, still gave an impressive performance. Of course there were also others who did the same. I appreciate it because I'm quite critical on actors. I expect them to do their best, to give their all. And as I've watched the play twice, I also noticed that there was a subtle but reasonable and better change of facial expression on "Catherine." It was good because I was quite bothered that on day 1 I could hardly find the right facial expressions.

Costume

The yukata or kimono! I only noticed it on day 2 because the two actresses portraying as Japanese stood side by side. One of them wore it wrong because depending on how you "wrap" yourself indicates if you're alive or dead. I didn't know then which one got it wrong but as I checked, wrapping the kimono right over left is only for the dead.

Being an alien in this city got me a little awkward when I saw men in tribal costume marching below the stage. Yes, they passed before me because I was seated on front. But I only felt a little awkward because that's what I usually feel for people who are in awkward situations. It was interesting also, which got me really curious, because they were not afraid to move around with just that loin cloth. I've always wondered where they got such confidence. Then on day 2 I noticed someone's modern undergarment. That explained it all and I was finally relieved.

Music

I love the score. Some reminded me of Mulan's I'll Make a Man Out of You while others reminded me of those typical in a musical play where the notes go... I can't describe it as I'm not a musical person but I think it's like pressing the same low note. I love that in musicals.

I'm not really familiar, though I've already seen a few (on TV/documentaries), with the musical culture of the Igorots and Ibaloys but there are similarities with those of the other indigenous people of the Philippines. I love the flute performances, both solo and as an accompaniment for the guy who sang in native language. I love it because, although I understood nothing, it reminded me of Mindanao. They're quite the same! I actually almost got lost in nostalgia.

Now Playing: Anna Tsuchiya - Stand By Me

My first musical play in Baguio

I think it's the first time that I got to watch a (live) musical play. And it was for free. Lucky me!

It all started with my following the traffic rule at Igorot Park, which was the "No Loading and Unloading." Thus I decided to get off a bit farther because I thought the jeepney driver was also following the traffic rule. I thought wrong. So before I get "lost," I decided to get off before the next corner. As soon as I did there I saw a tarpaulin inviting people to watch a 3-act musical play about the story of Kennon. At first I thought it was about the man, Maj. Lyman Lennon. I was quite in a hurry so I didn't read everything on the tarp. But I did read global peace, history (or something about that), and the most important of all: free. I've already walked past the tarpaulin but as those key words began to sink in I thought it'd be nice to get to know the history of the City of Baguio.

Going to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) and in a computer shop were my original agenda last Wednesday. It was Matteo's birthday! I still went to BGHMC but also decided to drop by the Baguio Convention Center to watch the musical play. Thank goodness I did so.

I rarely believe in coincidence. I prefer to believe what King Solomon said, that everything has a purpose. A lot of the lines in the dialogues and songs just hit home as they remind me of what shall become of the City of Baguio, which is one of the key cities in the Philippines. If you've been attending the NPG for these past couple of years, you know what I mean.

I was seated in front on the right side close to the videographer. I'm glad it was dark, and that most people were behind me, as my eyes turned into a faucet. I just couldn't stop shedding tears. From the line of the Japanese grandfather, "Revive! Revive!" to the final act. I'm glad I had a bottle of water to keep me from being dehydrated.

I've only seen Kennon Road when we had a family vacation in Baguio while I was still in college. I was awestruck by its beauty. It was so beautiful that I got lost in words to describe it. It's been years and I don't know how Kennon Road looks today. But based on the musical play, I wouldn't be surprised if words escape me again if I pass by Kennon Road once more, but this time because of disappointment.

The musical play was so poignant in message that I decided to approach the director (too bad I can't remember his name) and thank him for the wonderful play. He told me that the story had been in his dreams around 2005-2006. Sounds familiar? "Old men will dream dreams." Joel chapter 2. No wonder the play didn't just reach my ears and soul but also my spirit.

From what I've watched and learned, I do believe on what the musical play claims Benguet Road to be. Kennon: Road to Global Peace and Unity


Now Playing: One Rock - The Beginning